“It looks like they have finally found their home base.”
We had just gotten the call from the Flock a few days ago, they had found the home base somewhere in the forests of Brazil. Using some old timber factory as a base of operations, they couldn’t tell much apart from the fact that it was definitely the home base. It would be better if the XT’s weren’t aware of our presence, if even one got away it could restart this whole mess again.
“Truthfully I had hoped that one fight would be the end of it. I do not like the idea of you leaving, who knows how many machines there may be protecting the base.”
“I wish it did not have to be done but we can not allow the XT’s to grow in number any more than they already have. If we do not take them out now, they will come for us here and I won’t risk the camp being destroyed.”
“Well, then I suppose I can only wish you good luck.”
Her thoughts betrayed her words, she was upset and angry at the fact that I had to leave the camp. It was against our nature to move so far, and seeking violence in doing so was even more so. But the XT-489’s were dangerous and deadly, for whatever reason they had deemed us a hostile threat. The only thing we could do now was make sure that it was put down so that it couldn’t hurt us or any other species.
I fear that our victory over them the first time, may have forced them to switch targets. With a robot intellect and technological prowess, it may have found and exterminated other species. Although since we do not know of its true purpose, we can only take what the flock have said and that it seeks the eradication of all life. Allowing us to grow was a mistake on its part, but it may have learned and sought to eradicate the other species before they gain enough power.
“I hope that is not true, but truthfully it does not matter in the end. The XT’s still need to be wiped out, and now that we know where they are it will be done without mercy.”
I walked to the outskirts of the camp with Niki by my side, the rest of the camp was worried but chores still needed to be done. We questioned taking more than just me, but we were all worried what the Flock would do if we left the camp undefended. However, we were all stronger since the first time we met the flock, training and mock fights had honed our skills and abilities. Myc’s use of cellulose and enamel to store excess materials was working, even if he called it a shabby attempt. So while we were still cautious, we were as prepared for the unknown threat as we could be.
“Hello, hivemind. I hope that this fight will leave both of us unwounded, but I doubt that. How many of you will be coming on this excursion?”
“Just me.”
“The flock is bringing nearly a dozen members, we thought you would be willing to contribute more.”
“That is why I am the only one going, I am easily comparable to a dozen of your men. No matter how many machines you taint your body with, and we don’t trust you won’t stab us in the back.”
“I understand your caution, we would not allow the Saint to accompany us either. I suppose nothing I say will change your mind, I just hope that you are not overestimating your strength. Your death will only make it more dangerous for our forces.”
“Let us get this over with, I am already tired of looking at your form.”
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“Very well. And congratulations on the child, I hope that the first of your kind is as special as ours.”
The look on his face made me think it was genuine, but the thought of him even mentioning the child made me clench my fists in rage. I could almost see the sick thoughts of him attempting to experiment on the child, taking away flesh and bone to add metal and circuits. I took a deep breath to calm myself, it would be a long journey even with the plane they were planning on using to transport us. Aggravating them would only make this mission more difficult, I was hoping for no casualties but I still wasn’t sure of their capabilities.
“So what do you know about the compound the machine has been using for a base of operations? How many do you believe they are? Any defensive structures that we need to worry about?”
“As far as we can tell there are at least two dozen of the creatures, however it seems they have been stored in some sort of container. Exact numbers are impossible to get, as for defense it seems that the building is the only structure in place.”
“Have you been attacked?”
“Yes. Fortunately it seems that like you it underestimated our capabilities and the existence of the Saint. However, it did learn from its attempt on you, we had several casualties by the end of the attack.”
“Have you learned anything from the destroyed bots, weaknesses or advantages we can use on them?”
“Ugh, no. They are strong and capable. Steel and carbon fiber frames make them difficult to penetrate, they do not feel pain and can share senses.”
“I know all this already, I asked if there were any weaknesses. You are all far more mechanically inclined, you did not find any points that are exposed or unaccounted for?”
“No. Wherever the XT-489’s got their framework from seems to be an extremely advanced piece of machinery. The only reason they can be stopped by our means is because of the limited materials that they are capable of easily mass producing here on Earth.”
“That is less than helpful.”
“I understand that we are unalike in many ways, as a fungus based hivemind you seek the perfection of biology. However, we were not blessed with your ability to manipulate flesh and DNA, we have found that machinery is a far more suitable means of advancing. So we do not need your arrogance or anger, it is unhelpful and truly disappointing.”
“All I see when I look at the machines on your body, is the damage it took to get the materials. How much water was soiled or ground destroyed, how many plants and animals needed to die so that you could have some fancy watch. Tell me why your life is more important than theirs, simply because you are able to kill them means that their lives are yours for the forfeit.”
“No, but progress needs to be made. We are beings of ever advancing mind, we cannot let something as idle as non-sapient animals stand in the way of progress. Why should so many of us die of disease and sickness simply because we were unwilling to advance science? To waste time finding ways to get materials without creating a few scars, nature will heal given enough time. And when the time comes we will take off to the stars.”
“That is not true and you know it. Nature heals because it is forced too, the dozens of creatures that go extinct because of human intervention will double if not triple if you have your way.”
“Nature is not of import when it comes to matters of the mind. It is something that can be conquered and suited to our needs, to allow sapient life to truly understand the universe. Why should animals whose lives are so meager, to live and die without changing anything matter if it means we are able to explore the cosmos.”
“Because, simply having the power does not give you some right to use it. If I wished for it, I could wipe out every single one of you and stop the thousands of innocent deaths that you will cause. Tell me why I should not do so, if I have the power to kill every single one of you why shouldn’t I do so? If I believe that my strength and purpose are so much better, then why should I continue to let you all live.”
“Because our lives could have meaning, we create works of art and discover new sciences, new ways to look at the universe. Acting as if your life is more important than that of an animals, why not just kill yourself for all the humans that you will kill in the future to secure your species.”
“Because humans and you are the same. You take and you take, giving nothing back except to yourselves. Your greed and pride will be your downfall, the humans would have died if they continued their parasitic ways. Whereas you and your people will die when you step over a line that we are not willing to let you cross.”
“This conversation is pointless, I will not change my mind and you will not change yours. We have already established the fact that after this endeavor is over, any sort of peace will be short lived. Let us just get through this mission and be done with it.”
“Very well.”
I am sorry, even now, as large as I am. I still find it hard to control my emotions when I see one of those things. I do not believe in a spirit or a soul, but it is like they are ripping away pieces of themselves. Trying to add parts to be greater than the whole, but all they have done is ruin whatever hope they once had.
I sat back, letting the memories of the others wash over me. It helped, as despite their worry for my safety, it was better than having to look at the disgusting amalgamation in front of me. It would be a long trip to Brazil with so many of them, but I would let them continue to live. I wasn’t sure if it was the right choice in the long run, but I was sure that I didn’t want to make a new enemy. We had large enough problems as it is, creating new ones would only lead to more violence and death.