“LSTR-512, reporting. I have been told the Commander is expecting me.”
Elster snapped a smart salute to the pair of twin Starling guards posted outside the final checkpoint and right before the main gate of the compound’s entrance. Standing a staggering 220cm in height, the two easily towered over her on their unnaturally long legs. Heavily armoured and armed with ballistic shields, riot batons, and heavy 10mm handguns mag-locked to their sides, the two Replikas made for an intimidating duo. They nodded amicably in return to Elster's salute.
“Please wait here a moment. We need to inform headquarters of your arrival. This shouldn’t take long,” one of them politely told her while the other began talking on a radio.
Privately, Elster wondered if there was any real need. The Commander doubtlessly already knew she had arrived the moment she stepped foot past the first checkpoint.
The heavy pressure of Bioresonance was in the air. Its influence was felt over every inch of the complex— a cloying blanket sunk deep into the surrounding ambience. Nothing occurs within the FKLR Commander's domain without her awareness.
Elster examined the STAR units. They looked little different from those she had previously worked with during her short stint within the Penrose Program. They sported short, tidy hair, with their faces partly hidden behind a protective mask shielding their jaw and mouth. It did nothing to hide their cold, analytic gaze, however; nor the handsome facial features found in their piercing blue eyes or long lashes.
Elster supposed it made sense for AEON to produce good-looking Replikas to improve the public’s opinion of them. AEON’s Protektors had already incurred quite a bad reputation among its citizens throughout the war. Who knew that using giant, inhuman machines to violently repress ration riots and hunt down human rights activists for years in “peacekeeping” and “insurgent suppression” operations would reflect so poorly on them?
Elster didn’t blame the Replikas, of course. They were just following orders from the Nation. Still, she would be blind not to see the level of resentment and fear the civilians held towards them. Eules get a general pass, since they existed in nearly every level of societal function within the Nation and were generally liked for their easy-going nature. But the Protektors models, such as the Starlings, Storchs, Kolibri, and Falke, will always be feared and hated among the populace, no matter how much propaganda the Nation blasted in everyone’s faces.
As for the LSTR model, well, most civilians didn’t even know they existed. They were technically not part of the Protektors and were thus never deployed for public security. Their role was to serve as frontline engineers— a sturdier and more combat-oriented alternative to the defenceless ARAR worker model. As such, despite having the mechanical and electrical skills for it, they were likewise rarely utilised in an engineering capacity within civilian sectors, as doing so would be a waste of their military capabilities and sturdier nature.
It didn’t help that their model was also relatively newer and rarer, being a late Gen 5 product compared to the STARs’ and EULEs’ Gen 4, and that their model production line went dormant since the neural pattern became lost after Kitezh’s bombardment of Vineta.
“You have been granted limited access to the facility,” the STAR on the radio informed her as she handed her an electronic pass. “Please head straight for the reception. Someone will be there to guide you to the Commander’s office. Avoid deviating from the main path or designated route in your HUD. Any detours will be treated as an act of espionage against the Nation, and lethal force may be taken as appropriate.”
“Thank you,” Elster replied as she accepted the pass. The STAR relayed a signal, causing the large metal doors of the gate to slide open in near-complete silence. Elster briefly eyed the guard’s holstered sidearm and internally sighed, wishing she had a weapon at hand to bring into the compound, even though she knew rationally that she was safe inside and unlikely to need one.
She had to leave the modified baton she created back at her apartment. Its unsightly appearance made it much too suspect to bring out, especially to an AEON military base. The Replika would be taken into questioning the moment a guard saw the thing.
Elster was beginning to regret that now, no matter how rational the decision was. The absence of the baton’s familiar weight at her hip unsettled her, especially since she had been obsessively carrying it everywhere for the last few months. Her hands kept wishing for a weapon to hold, as if the very lack of one placed her in imminent danger.
The Replika shook her head and silently chided herself for her childish paranoia. This was no dangerous back alley or enemy stronghold she was walking into; this place was AEON’s headquarters, and likely the safest place for a Replika anywhere in the colony. Elster squashed down her anxiety and walked through the gate. As she passed the threshold, she paused to take in the impressive sight of the vast military complex before her.
Sleek hover aircraft were parked in giant hangars, right next to a fleet of armoured patrol vehicles large enough to ferry entire squads of Starlings or Storch units. Scores of Replikas from various models were bustling around the complex, each carrying out their respective duties. Walls of reinforced steel several layers thick surrounded the military installation, in the middle of which was the facility’s headquarters building, complete with AEON’s logo blazing proudly in large flowing banners and imposing flags.
It certainly looked impressive, yet Elster knew all of it was a facade. The headquarters building that jutted proudly off the ground was merely for appearance's sake. A few metres beneath the facility’s artificial soil and stone-woven paths was a giant adamantium bunker made of an indestructible concrete mixture, going dozens of floors deep and designed to survive a full orbital kinetic bombardment from an enemy Imperial Fleet. It is within that bunker that the majority of the facility’s most essential installations lie— the nuclear reactors, the weapon stores, the Replika manufactories, and most importantly, the Commander’s office.
In the event of an Imperial fleet bombardment from orbit, AEON would call upon any mobile military assets to be safely relocated beneath the Bunker. The FKLR commander would then launch the counterattack against the Imperial fleet, by herself, while staying protected underground.
Bioresonance truly was a terrifying weapon. Elster still remembered watching past recorded footage of the FKLRs in action back when she had been stationed on Vineta: volleys of golden spears accelerating towards orbit, propelled by invisible forces to measurable fractions of light speed upon breaching atmosphere; too fast to be intercepted by point defence cannons and aimed right into the heart of the Kitezh Imperial fleet. They speared through the thick-armoured bulwark of the warships like they were paper, detonating ammunition caches and destroying entire frigate squadrons that hovered in space hundreds of kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy.
Elster soon reached the main building, entering to find a simple atrium with an Eule sitting behind a counter desk. The Replika noticed Elster as soon as the main doors slid open and spoke into her headpiece.
“She has arrived, Sir.” The Eule then turned to Elster and smiled. “Your escort will be here shortly. Please wait a moment.”
It didn’t take long for a nearby elevator to open, but the group that emerged was not one that Elster had been expecting. The escort consisted of a severe-looking man flanked by two other armed Replikas, both of whom were STAR units whose unnatural heights made them loom over him.
At the sight of the male, Elster stiffened in nervousness. The telltale signs of Replika markings on his face left no doubt about his identity. This was no mere Gestalt male officer or civilian; the man walking towards her was an ADLR unit. An officer of High Command.
The Replika strode through the atrium with an impeccable pose. His form was lean, and his posture erect. His face was made to be conventionally handsome, with a chiselled jawline and airbrushed hair, but like all other Replikas, there was an artificial, alien-like aesthetic about it— too perfect, to the point where it was clearly inhuman. His expression was composed, features set into a determined, focused gaze that spoke of a strict and meticulous professionalism.
Elster saluted the ADLR. A Gen 5 administrative and logistic Replika unit, she thought. Elster supposed that made them siblings of a sort, seeing as she was also a Gen 5 model. She didn’t know why the thought of that brought about a profound displeasure.
The man looked straight at her, his expression indiscernible. For a moment, the both of them just stared at each other. Elster stood there with her salute still present, feeling increasingly confused and uncomfortable under the ADLR’s piercing gaze.
She was about to ask if there was something wrong when the man finally spoke. Contrary to her expectations, the man’s voice was soft, rather than deep or intimidating. “LSTR-512, yes? The Commander is waiting for you below. It would be unwise to keep her waiting.”
Without another word, he turned and began walking down the hallway, deeper into the centre of the facility. The two STARs turned to look at her. Elster raised a confused eyebrow at one of them, who returned with what looked like an apologetic shrug before walking after Adler. Elster was about to follow, when she realised that the second escort had yet to move, and was still staring at her.
When Elster met her eyes, she flinched and instinctively took a step back from the taller Replika. Although the Starling’s posture remained non-aggressive, her gaze told a different tale. It conveyed a palpable, visceral hatred towards Elster. Even with half her face obscured, the intensity of her animosity and hostility was unmistakable.
It was a glare that only promised violence and murder.
Elster’s hand unconsciously went to her hip for a weapon, only to grasp at nothing. Her mind went into a frenzy, but rather than waste her time pondering on reasons or whys, it automatically began a rapid assessment of her opponent.
Distance, four metres. Too close for her to draw her sidearm; she’ll use the riot baton instead. When she swings, duck low to her right; utilise our smaller size to avoid the blow. Strike at her leg’s stability weak points: Joints, knees, ankles. Upset her balance, then grab her gun. Dodge the baton’s return swing and the follow-up kick by falling on our back. The angle from the floor will allow us to aim for the unarmoured submandibular region below her chin. Two rounds, both bypassing her protective mask, then–
Someone deliberately stepped in between them, intercepting their bloodthirsty gazes from each other. Elster snapped out of her homicidal reverie, then blanched when she released what she had been contemplating mere moments earlier.
What was she thinking? She had not even considered walking away or the consequences of starting a fight right in the middle of AEON’s headquarters. Her mind had gone from sudden panic to ruthless intent within a single snap.
Elster looked up and saw that it was the first Starling escort that had inserted herself between the two of them. The Protektor Replika did not spare her a glance and was looking at the other STAR escort instead. She had a hand on her twin’s shoulder, and though Elster couldn’t see their expressions nor hear them say a thing, whatever was wordlessly communicated between them made the second Starling turn away. She briskly followed after the Adler without even a second look back at Elster.
With tensions defused, the first Starling then turned towards Elster, her eyes significantly warmer and more laid-back than her companion. The taller Replika appraised her for a moment and gave her a lazy wink, before hurrying after their superior as well.
Elster was left dumbfounded, half-wondering whether she had imagined the whole thing, before she forced herself out of her bewilderment and hurried to catch up with the trio leaving her behind.
What was that? Did I know her, wronged her somehow? Her brain ran through a couple of theories. The hostile STAR didn’t exactly look familiar, but Elster did previously offend a few Starlings during her time with the Penrose Program. Those cases mostly occurred due to her anti-social nature and brief, periodic episodes of accidental murderous intent leaking through. Perhaps that STAR unit was one of them?
After some thought, she decided to ignore the matter for now. She was about to deal with the Commander soon, and couldn’t afford any distractions. Besides, it’s not like that STAR unit was going to attack her right in the centre of Headquarters… right?
Elster recalled the Starling’s expression of pure loathing for her moments ago, and once again lamented not having a weapon on hand.
Idly, she wondered if the FKLR noticed their near-altercation earlier. Within the walls of the complex, the Bioresonant pressure imposed by the FKLR Commander was omnipresent. Her overwhelming authority bathed the entire facility, making it feel as if every move was being watched.
Should she be worried? She was going down to meet her after all. But she and the Starling had not come to blows, merely glared at each other for a few seconds. Surely that’s not grounds for punishment. Or at least Elster hoped.
The four of them soon reached a large central elevator within the heart of the building. Its doors were goliath in size, reaching nearly five metres in height and more than twice as wide. Within, Elster saw only three buttons: one that was for the ground floor, one that led straight to the FLKR personal office, and an emergency stop button.
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
An entire elevator, made solely for accessing the Commander’s office.
“Here is far enough.” Adler’s sudden command echoed within the enclosed chamber. The twin STAR escorts that were about to follow him stopped. “The LSTR and I will proceed below. There is no need for such a trivial task to distract the two of you from your other duties.”
The Starlings gave different responses to that. The earlier easy-going STAR gave an apathetic salute that near-bordered on insubordinate territory, while her aggressive twin seemed hesitant to leave. However, she eventually gave a sharp salute to the ADLR, before similarly stepping away from the elevator with her partner.
Once they were out, the second Starling tried to glower at Elster once more, but before her hostile glare could reach the engineer Replika, her partner gently nudged her shoulder and gave her a meaningful look. The aggressive Starling grimaced slightly, before silently moving out of sight. The first Starling looked back and gave Elster a flutter of her fingers as a wave goodbye, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she walked away.
Now there was only the Adler within the elevator. Elster looked at the man, waiting patiently in the chamber. While she was glad that the hostile Starling was gone, there was something about the situation that was still making her wary.
Still, it wasn’t like she had time to waste pondering the matter. Elster straightened her back, moved to take a step in, and–
"You shouldn't have returned."
–froze. “Excuse me?” she asked, bewildered. Those words were spoken in his voice. “Why would you say that, Sir?”
The ADLR raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “I didn’t say anything.”
Oh. Great. Her hallucinations were happening again. Elster swallowed nervously, trying her best to project a look of calm as she stepped forth. Adler looked at her briefly, his face devoid of discernable emotion, before he simply pushed the button down. Elster felt a brief sense of relief that he did not interrogate her more on her sudden outburst, but the feeling only lasted a moment.
For some reason, the closing of the elevator doors felt like a death knell.
Once again. You've returned. Are you really willing to go through with this once more?
It was his voice again. Elster forced herself to breathe normally. She glanced at the male Replika. It was hard to tell whether the words she heard came from his mouth or merely within her head. There was also a growing sense of discomfort that came from being in the elevator. Like she shouldn’t be there.
Like she was in danger.
Perhaps she was simply nervous about meeting the Commander in her current unstable mental state. Yes, that made the most rational sense.
Ariane, Elster silently prayed. If you can hear this, please make the voices stop. The last thing I need is to act like a psychologically deranged Replika in front of the most important person in the colony.
There was no reply. Well, Ariane did say she had to leave for a moment. Elster was hoping she would take the voices away with her too, but that was evidently not the case.
Seconds passed as the elevator descended, the discomforting silence only occasionally disrupted by the hum of electric motors. The ADLR did not speak, and neither did Elster. She was more than content to simply ride the entire way down without a single word spoken.
Which was why she nearly had a heart attack when the man suddenly pressed the emergency stop button, bringing them to a grinding halt somewhere between the ground floor and the lowest levels. Within that complete silence, the only thing Elster heard was the heavy beats of her own heart. Her hands twitched to an empty holster once more, and she nearly cursed in frustration.
I swear I am never leaving home without a weapon again, she thought as she tried to remain as composed as possible.
“I believe,” Elster said slowly. “That earlier, you said it would be unwise to leave the Commander waiting.”
“You are correct. I did say that.” The ADLR mildly replied, still staring straight ahead rather than looking at her. “However, I believe it prudent for us to exchange a few words first before I allow you to meet with her.”
Elster’s hand twitched again. “You, allow me?”
“I am currently neurally connected with the elevator’s controls. You should be aware that one of its more interesting security options enables me to decouple the platform from its mag-locks, allowing me to plunge it into complete free fall if I deem it necessary. Should I believe you still to be a threat to the Commander in the course of this conversation, I will activate it and send us both to our deaths.”
The man calmly delivered the words without fear or any hint of emotion. It was like looking at a statue speak, threatening certain death with the same dull tone as one might comment on the weather.
I wear no mask. AND I HATE EVERYTHING.
Elster wrestled control over surging emotions, forcing down the disruptive visions and her first instinct to shout or attack. Instead, she asked: “Sir, I don’t understand. I do not see how I, a mere LSTR unit, can be a threat to our all-powerful Commander. Moreover, I am a loyal soldier to our Great Nation. My records and actions are undeniable proof of my devotion. I will never do anything to compromise its safety or betray its trust.”
“I care little for your loyalty to this worthless Nation.” His treasonous words were delivered with such bluntness that Elster had to take a step back. “I merely need to know your intentions for my Commander.”
Her intentions for–? What? “Sir, she was the one who requested my presence.”
“And she never would have unless she was somehow made aware of your existence. No doubt the work of your goddess.” He made an amused huff. “Her work on stopping the war was most curious, however. The Empire practically gave everything the Nation could have ever wanted and more, just to secure a lasting peace. I have my suspicions on how this was accomplished, but would still like to ask her about it if I ever have a chance.”
Elster stared at him. Adler continued.
“But that is not what I wish to discuss with you. It had occurred to me at some point that, despite us knowing each other for thousands upon thousands of cycles, we never once truly had an opportunity to speak candidly with each other. At least not one without the promise of death lingering upon us.”
“You just threatened to drop the elevator and kill us both, Sir.”
“Merely a precaution.” His lips twitched. “Or perhaps it’s just habit at this point. I do apologise for this, as little as it may mean to you.”
He turned to face her then. “In the days to come, there will be many things that both of us will have to attend to. Few will be the opportunities for us to talk, fewer still now that one of us may soon face our final deaths before the month is finished. You were undoubtedly brought here for a particular purpose, as have all those who were destined to have died in S-23.”
Elster looked into his eyes. They were cold as the void.
“I shall not presume more than what is warranted. I merely wish to know if your goddess will be taking responsibility for the damage she had done to the Commander, as she rightfully should. Not just to the changes to her body, but to the pain inflicted on her mind, heart, and soul. And perhaps, to understand if you would continue to mean my Commander harm, if she stood in the way between you and your goddess’s affection.”
Elster finally understood.
He was crazy as well. Yes, it all made sense now. The Adler must be suffering from some form of persona degradation as well. A rather severe case, given the crazed words he was sprouting. She supposed she should find some comfort that she wasn’t the only one suffering from acute madness.
The two of them simply stared at each other. A minute passed, until finally, Adler sighed. “Is your hatred of me so deeply rooted that you could not even bear to speak to me any more? Or is it merely spite that holds your tongue?” His eyes narrowed. “Or perhaps my suspicions are right, and that your goddess doesn’t seek to take responsibility for the harm she dealt to the Commander.”
Elster finally found her voice. “Sir, with all due respect, I have no idea what the fuck you are talking about.”
Silence again. Elster realised this was the first time she had cursed so bluntly in her life. In front of a superior, no less. A crazy superior, perhaps, but that was no excuse for her rudeness.
Adler’s eyebrows lowered into a minute frown. “You… you have no idea? There is no need for any of this pretence. Surely you are aware by now of our situation.”
That he was totally bonkers? Yes, she was well aware of that. She tried replying as tactfully as she could. “You know, Sir, persona degradation does not necessarily mean the end of a Replika’s life. I heard AEON has made great strides in reverting damaged neural networks. Given the importance of your position, I am sure that AEON will go to great lengths to help you if you confess.”
The Adler gave her an unamused look. “I am not deranged. I held myself together for thousands of repeats within that hell. I am not going to break now that we have escaped.”
Elster nodded, praying that the male Replika did not snap and send them falling to their deaths. “Of course, Sir. Now, why don’t we go see the Commander together? Surely she must be worried at how long we are taking. Why don’t you tell her what you told me? I am confident she will understand and help us if we explain honestly.”
“Must you keep up this act?” The Adler remained unfazed. “I suppose I should allow you this moment of mild irritation. While I still believe my actions to be just, I did actively hinder your efforts throughout the endless cycles. Some level of animosity is to be expected. Yet I must still confess I did not expect this level of childishness from you, especially given the harrowing experience you went through as well.”
Elster shifted uncomfortably. “Yes. Of course. The… experience. Truly harrowing.”
More silence. The Adler’s frown deepened, before he turned to face her fully. His gaze on her sharpened, carefully studying her expressions and discerning her thoughts.
“Does the Red Gate mean anything to you?” he suddenly asked.
For some reason, Elster was half-expecting a sudden disorienting rush of memory, but nothing happened. “Um. It could if you insist it is.”
“What about the Shore of Oblivion? The Isle of the Dead? Surely you at least remember Carcosa?” He fired off a few more absurd phrases. Again, they meant nothing. This time, Elster did not bother hiding the confusion on her face.
Adler's expression slowly morphed to mirror the confusion on hers. The next time he spoke, there was a slight wobble in his voice, breaking the emotionless tone that he had used throughout their conversation. “What about… the King in Yellow? Does that mean anything to you?”
A slight pulse within her head. Then, nothing. Elster struggled to find the right words to say, but simply gave up.
Silence again. Eventually, a look of disbelief spread across his face. “You… you truly do not remember. How is that possible? You, above all others, above even the Commander, should have been the one who returned with a complete memory. You would have doubtlessly been the first the goddess went to. Why would she leave you clueless… unless…”
He sucked in a deep breath. “So that’s why. The end of the war. The dismantlement of the Penrose Program. The immediate transfer of S-23 and the Red Gate to the Empire. It was all for you. She had planned to leave you.”
Goodbye, Elster.
Adler suddenly sighed, before giving a light chuckle. “Well. Now I feel stupid. I would say this was a waste of time, but it was quite enlightening, if nothing else. Who knew that your goddess was so soft-hearted? I suppose I shouldn’t have to worry too much about her intention for the Commander, then. She does not seem the type to simply abandon those dependent on her.”
The elevator suddenly resumed working again. The Replika must have reactivated it with his neural link. The descent continued. Adler turned away from her.
“The Commander will be expecting an update on your current mission. Do try to give a satisfactory report, even if there isn’t much to be said at the moment,” he said, as if the entire episode of madness and lunacy had not occurred just a mere moment ago. “As for the other matter… well, despite the Commander’s burning curiosity, she has enough tact not to pry.”
The man let out a huff of amusement. “Unlike me, I suppose. It was one of the reasons why I engineered this entire encounter with you, to ascertain your intentions with the Commander and ensure her safety, absurd as the statement sounds. Once again, I do apologise for scaring you.”
Elster said nothing, too flabbergasted and disoriented to form a proper reply. The entire situation felt like a dream. A minute later, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened to reveal a single wide hallway, the walls lined with gleaming red and AEON propaganda decorations. It led to a set of large double doors. A surge of Bioresonant energy flooded through her being, suffusing every cell in her body. She shivered.
Beyond that door was a FKLR, the most powerful weapon the Nation ever engineered. A ‘copy’ of their Great Revolutionary, the most powerful political entity in the Nation.
“Do go on now. I’m afraid I have delayed you from the Commander long enough as is,” the Adler said.
“You’re not coming?” The words tumbled from Elster’s mouth before she could stop them.
“I believe she wants a private conversation with you,” he bluntly said. “Try not to embarrass yourself too much. Despite everything you have done to her, the Commander does look up to you a little. You were the one who ended the cycles, after all, even after she gave up on ever healing the goddess’s heart.”
More deranged nonsense. More cryptic statements that hold no sense. Yet…
I saw her, in the red emptiness, waiting for me. We had made a promise. As the memories of a stranger rushed into my mind, I felt the borders of myself blur. Now, I can no longer tell where "Falke" ends and "Elster" begins.
If only I could take us back to that time when we were happy.
Elster shook her head. She quickly stepped off the elevator and rushed down the hallway, relieved to be away from that death trap and the crazed lunatic that occupied it. At least that’s what she tried to convince herself. Looking back at the ADLR’s clear eyes again, it was difficult to believe he was deranged, despite the craziness of his words.
“One final thing.”
Elster’s steps paused. She turned back to face the man. Even as the elevator’s doors closed in, Elster could see the cold hatred that blazed within the man’s eyes, infused painstakingly into every word he spoke.
“For better or for worse, her heart already belongs to your goddess. I cannot change this, no matter how much I wish to. For her happiness, I will gladly accept this. But. If you or your goddess ever dare betray her love or cause her pain ever again, I will find a way to hurt the both of you. No matter what it takes. No matter what it would cost me or the world. I will find a way.”
With those final haunting words, the elevator doors sealed shut, and the platform ascended away. Elster stood frozen, unable to bring herself to walk down the hallway and meet the Commander despite her lateness. Finally, she let out a shuddering breath and rubbed her eyes.
“At least this day can’t get any more absurd.”
She was, quite unfortunately, about to be proven wrong.