The crypteks arive, and the Lychguard directs them to the terminal after some typical formality involving my praise.


    They quickly aproach the terminal and it activates, and the avatar appears. She begins speakingwhen they touch the pannel. "Oh joy. More savages. What are you going to do try a-" She stops, her eyes going wide. She dissappear, and doesn''t reappear.


    "Isolate the artificial intelligence, and any data." I order. The crypteks, turn to me, bow, then return to their work. I decide I have done enough, and teleport away to the ship.


    I return to my quarters, and activate my hollo-table. A 3D image appears. It is my prototype tank. Thick in the middle, it tapers out along the sides and rear.


    In the front, however, it extends into 2 prongs, leaving an opening for a hull mounted weapon. On its top, a turret is mounted, holding an auxiliary weapon.


    The weapons I chose were thus: For the hull mount, an Enmitic weapon (to be designed.) And on the top, a tesla cannon, or gauss cannon.


    The vehicle is heavily automated, with a single pilot. It''s armor, while heavy, is not on the level of a monoliths. It is meant for quick deployments, and fast strikes.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It needs a shield of some kind, but one needs development, along with its main gun. It''s design also needed tweaks, but, over all, it''s design fit well with the rapid engagement style I favored. Seize ground fast, then send down pylons and monoliths, making a fortresses of guns in an hour or less.


    It also means I don''t want to use warriors. Only more advanced units, like immortals, deathmarks, and so on, leaving the warriors to defend taken territory, or used in an auxiliary role.


    Note, however, I say nothing of flayed ones or the destroyer cult. That is due to their removal. I killed them where I found them in the early days of awakening. This is due to their aberrant thought processes, and downright infective/subversive abilities. I didn''t and won''t tolerate them, no matter their usefulness.


    The only problem I see is a lack of proper infantry, besides the immortals. Perhaps I could use prisoners from the Coalition when I return? Pave the way for Freshki if she wishes to transcend mortality?


    Hmmm. Something to think on. Now i-


    I get a message from the crypteks, indicating their completion of their task. I check the time, and 7 and a bit days had passed.


    I quickly send a message. "Remove the ai, set them up in my chambers. One of you stay with it, I will arive shortly. Oh, and before you go, send the ship deep into the void."


    I wait for their arrival with stoicism and patience, no more zoning out today. And no more than an hour later, the cryptek arived. A Lychguard carried a box, which it placed in the room, bowed, then left.


    The box flickered on, and the ai appeared. It looked contrite, with a hint of fear. For one who never had a body, they had crafted theirs well.


    Now, a conversation I''m interested in, from a being more Soulless then even me. At least, I hope.