Cyber’s citadel lay still in the heart of the Bogan capital. The morning fog vanished, bringing the city to life. Citizens commuted to their work at factories or stores, riding the intricate metro system that spanned multiple levels and many miles throughout Cytora. One of the many stops on such a vast spanning system was the citadel, although few ventured there.

As the train screeched to a halt, a hulking mechanical figure emerged. A diamond with an ankh inlaid within, the royal crest of Cyber’s family, was etched into either of its shoulders. The figure lumbered forward, metal footsteps echoing as it entered the front gates. The figure was taller than any Bogan by a few feet at minimum, but believe it or not he was one of them.

Jericho used to be a normal Bogan, until he answered the Prophet’s call. A horrible accident left him with nothing except a life forever bedridden. He seeked an escape from that life, and Cyber gave it to him. Although he still had some of his organs, such as his brain, the rest was turned into metal enhancements, creating a Bogan-like shape that stood high above any he would face in battle. These enhancements made him worthy of becoming one of Cyber’s closest allies, and his second in command.

His steps were heavy, clanking with an unaltered rhythm as they hit the floor like a hydraulic press. As he made his way through the maze-like confines of the building, flashing images popped up in his eyes, acting like computer screens as they displayed the many security camera’s feeds throughout the building. Jericho’s main self-given purpose besides his command role that Cyber had given him was protecting the Prophet, at all costs. He took his duty seriously, even when away, as Cyber gave him a second chance at life.

As Jericho entered the throne room, Malcolm lay waiting, leaning against one of the pillars that dot the outskirts of most of the rooms within the mighty fortress.

“I’m assuming you’ve heard, then? You wouldn’t be here otherwise. Funny, I was worried you’d be mad because I didn’t tell you, must have slipped my mind.” His tone was one of sarcasm as his focus was on a small object he was rolling through his right hand.

A slight whirring sound came from Jericho as his robot form turned towards the man. “Radio scans indicate a distress signal… which was soon lost. Presumed KIA.” Jericho’s voice was hollow compared to what once was, replaced with one as robotic as the body he now lived as. “All forces present during the altercation under my command. All resources lost, including a soul shard wielder.” His head flicked back to his front as he referenced the Alpha. “The bounty that has been placed… I fear may be insufficient for the Spencerson’s capture.”

Malcolm’s item fidgeting came to a halt as his gaze finally turned to his ‘superior’. “You need not worry, for Cyber himself has seen to it that… professionals are also amidst the hunt. It seems he didn’t trust me enough to solve this issue on my own.” He formed a fake frown as he mocked the Prophet. Jericho lay unmoving as he processed the information. Malcolm clutched the item closer as his eyes met the floor. “Now there’ll be bounty hunters, mercenaries and a Visionary after her. Poor dear.” His sarcastic worrying earned no response from the giant before him, and so he brought up the point as to why Cyber had him waiting there.

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“Lord Cyber feels that it should be your responsibility to make sure they finish their job.” Malcolm extended the arm containing the item. It was a Small item resembling a USB stick. He tossed it in the brute’s direction. As swift as a bird, Jericho’s arm shot upward in a robotic manner, catching the device. His arm was the only thing that had moved, the rest of his body remaining motionless. It seemed to act out of reflex rather than out of concern for it breaking.

“I am aware of Lord Cyber’s indulgences.” Jericho had watched a majority of it from the cameras while he was stationed in North Sindelva, mitigating the Sindelvan resistance leader’s threats if she didn’t get Bogan reinforcements. He’d have to return soon.

“Always watching.” Malcolm sighed before explaining the device. “All the mercenaries that he hired are on that device. Soul spells, background for most of them, and their current location and status, which they’ve been instructed to update every 3 hours.” Malcolm seemed unimpressed as he kicked off the pillar, now standing straight shoving his arm back into his long cloak. He took out his other arm and extended it in a gesture like that of someone showing off a new room as he directed it to a doorway. “Cyber awaits you in the map room. He’s currently surveying the area surrounding Merla…”

Jericho’s arm rose to his head, the mechanical sounds echoing through the room. As a small latch opened on where his temple would be, he inserted the stick before it closed shut. A large string of boxes full of words flooded his computer screen like eyes as he began walking towards the map room. The faces of those who he’d now be watching like a hawk became burned in his mind, along with the latest updates from each. Some were on the move, some were in a resting spot, one smartass had updated that he was ‘taking a mad shit’.

As Jericho marched towards Cyber’s lingering presence that could be felt through walls, Malcolm turned and began walking the opposite direction, fiddling with an item inside his pocket to make sure it was still there. The second USB was still there as he smiled to himself. With it he’d be able to communicate and watch the mercs far more intricately than the first one could muster, just as he had had it set up.

Jericho continued his robotic stride as a few thoughts entered his still living brain. Through the security cameras installed within the citadel, which he watched with his left eye as the right continued to spit information at him, he saw Malcolm’s smile. As he reached the door to the map room, he allowed his thoughts to roam free.

‘The Icara is planning something’ he thought to himself, as it seemed quite obvious for anyone with an IQ over 30, let alone a walking computer. ‘But planning what, I am not yet certain. Further analysis required’.

“...It is our duty, as the greater minds of Lepthalys, to guide the lost souls that will now fight us. We must be their lighthouse, for they are lost at sea in search of a harbor. Through the future, we shall overcome the mistakes of the past, and bring forth a new age! Come, brothers and sisters of Jaago, for while you brooded, confined to yourselves as the world rejected you, you have evolved! The Bogans shall no longer be the enemy in our neighbor’s eyes, we shall be their SALVATION!”

-Lord Cyber of House Cy, excerpt of speech given upon reuniting the continent of Jaago under one flag, 20 days before the start of the Second Bogan War, 490 4th era