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*drum role* After six months of waiting around for more people to audition, I just decided to write this yesterday. After the relative excitement of the previous chapter, this is mostly explanation of certain things alluded to in the previous chapters. Speaking of which, I'd like to go back to chapter 4 and add in a part at the beginning during that battle, from the Water Tribe's point of view, to illustrate some of what you see of Morkoth here(yeah, I finally renamed Melkor. We don't want copyright issues with Tolkien's heirs 
)
Also, how did you like the literary comparisons between the two sections, and the two central characters here?
)- Spoiler:
- The twitching in Morkoth’s left ear, or what passed for his ear, had begun again. As the unknowing subordinate of his schemes prattled on about his many and varied problems with their “partnership”, chief among them the lack of knowledge his master ever shared with him; he little knew that this was in fact the intended design. In the end, though, even the Ice Lord with all his power knew that he could not truly stand up to a Great Being, so his dialogue inevitably went nowhere.
As the altogether unnecessary conversation drew to a close, Morkoth’s thoughts strayed to the thing which was his now single aim in life: the eradication of his brothers. At saner moments he could not remember why he desired this. Recurrent amnesia-like lapses were one of the very few flaws in the design of his species, and even this was a product of their unnaturally long life span. However, in this case Morkoth could forget why he thought to this end, while his emotion and ambition remained. It was when thinking on this subject, as he was now, that his intensive twitch often began. And then he would know exactly why he had started the wheels of the towering mechanism of his plan.
Morkoth knew he was better. Many millenia had past, but he still remembered it; and that is why he knew.
The sentient, which called itself Annona, survived by feeding off of the sub-consciences of the beings around it, but drove them mad in the process. The now non-existent Iron tribe was an example of Annona’s handiwork. For millennia, it had fed on the mind of the creature at the center of the planet, the one now so important to Morkoth’s designs.
However this creature had eventually repulsed Annona by the power of its will, forcing the dream-feeder to seek food among the population of Spherus Magna. That was when it met the Great Beings, then newcomers to the world.
At first it had observed them, probing their dreams. Sensing the immense power that the aliens held, Annona had attempted to devour their minds. But she, for Morkoth often fancied the being as a female, had underestimated her meals to be, only succeeded in stimulating their creative desires. Realizing her mistake, Annona erased their direct memories of her touch... except his. He had resisted her attempts to alter his mind a second time, when all of his siblings had been simply unaware. For a time he had searched for Annona, but she had concealed herself well.
In the following years, Morkoth began to notice differences between him and the others. They tended to desire one thing, he another. It was not even denied that he was gifted in the creation and solving of complex algorithms. But the others had always thought that his ideas were “not really aligned” with their own. It seldom matter what the situation was. Shunning their company for his that of his own mind, he eventually became a recluse. He had resorted to manipulating others to use for his ends, thanks to his intensive study of the mind.
Invidior had not actually invented his great robot, though he thought he had. The only reason the project had failed was the annoying event that the then-Elder Protasious had suddenly decided to reveal the fact that he was extremely paranoid by taking control over Morkoth’s-via-Invidior brainchild. Unsurprisingly, he had botched it. Morkoth surmised that Annona had affected his mind most of all, which filled him with contempt. The only other who had paid much attention to Morkoth was Angonce, who he had found mulling over Morkoth’s research one day.
Angonce: “It's brilliant, but- you know Morkoth it just seems to be going in the wrong direction from what we're doing.”
Morkoth had known it was unavoidable, really, that he would plot to end his kin. He could not study the how minds add and subtract, multiply and streamline variables without first knowing his own.
Morkoth(thinking): And why delay the inevitable?
His bothers, arrogant in their presumed collective knowledge had always kept him in the background. His ambitious schemes had always been met with scorn. Knowing he was their better, he could not leave be until it was acknowledged, or there was no one who denied it. His twitch would not let him.
The plan grew rapidly, exponentially, all consuming in its scope nothing was left to chance; or, at least, overwhelming probability. Morkoth often liked to walk through the entire scheme in his head. The creature at the core first... then his creations the Element Lords... and it would conclude with-
Ice: And that is why I must have more- are you listening?
The reality that he must use pawns to achieve his goal was still irritating apparent, especially in an orchestrated war.
Morkoth: I always listen to what is important. You need more provisions for your army? If they had been prudent enough to send a patrol west of yesterday’s skirmish, they would have found that there are no Jungle Tribe forces near the springs north of Tesara. They have all been pulled back to defend that city and join Water Tribe forces at Tajun.
Without waiting for a reply, Morkoth vanished, leaving the Elemental to his hopes of planet-wide grandeur.***
What Angonce hated most about wielding great power, was the responsibility that latched onto it. No matter how he tried to console his conscience, it would not let him stand by and do nothing, regardless of orders.
Angonce: I can’t ask it of Kyry, not when I could go myself.
Avi: But master, your presence would only exacerbate the situation as far as I can calculate.
Angonce(a snort of self reproach): As if I couldn’t change my form and walk right past the guards. It’s not like I have no practice.
Avi: Yes, compared to my readings of your counterparts you do have much recent experience in the outside world. However...
Avi knew he was only following his mutual preservation programs in giving his advice, but he was loath to displease his creator. Makuta was more ready to quote rules.
Makuta: However, the Raeir has suggested that all should stay within our territory until a decision has been reached about the crisis.
That made Angonce’s head snap up from his brooding. Thanks to the link he had devised to connect the two androids to the network of machinery in the complex, they could hear and sometimes see nearly everything that went on there. What surprised him, though, was Makuta’s knowledge of the Elder’s birth name, Raeir; something that all the Great Beings had chosen to forget after the tragedy of Protasious’ death. It was the only time a succession of Elder’s had occurred since the council’s formation. Makuta must have listened a long time to hear the name spoken.
Angonce: Been observing things, have you?
Makuta: One of my secondary function is is to protect you. To do that I must “observe” everyone around you.
The capacity of the pair to generate new subroutines on demand and rearrange them automatically was the initial idea behind their design. It was potentially volatile, but it was also what made them similar to life, more than that in fact.
Angonce gave Makuta a warning stare.
Angonce: There is such a thing as going too far. If you remember the name of Raeir, you should also know how he relinquished it and why.
Kyry: I hope he doesn’t observe me all the time.
The faithful messenger had entered a few moments earlier, but he knew that Angonce never kept secrets from him. Kyry was his one confidant in the public world of Spherus Magna. He had brought the news of the skirmish on the outskirts of the Bota Magnan jungle.
Angonce: Kyry, I’m about to ask you to do something very dangerous, and also without the Elder’s knowledge. But I should tell you that it may save thousands of lives.
A smirk emanated from the Fire Agori.
Kyry: You know, all you had to say was that last sentence.
Angonce, nodding at the nearby automatons, continued.
Angonce: It was originally Makuta’s idea. He’s something of a strategist. Tell him.
Makuta: We have recently discovered that a large force from the Ice Tribe has descended upon the springs north of Tesara. In fact, if the population of the Ice Tribe fit to do battle is taken into account, too large a force. This can only mean that some of these occupation troops have been taken from other outposts. And the Fire Tribe is rumored to be on the march. If the Fire Lord has any sense, he’ll attack the White Quartz Mountains. That’s where the pool is. With a depleted guard, it will likely fall into the hands of the Fire Tribe in a few days.
Avi: That’s where you come in, friend.
Makuta: You should be able to slip in and out quickly, and gather a sample from the pool, in theory.
Angonce: I hope to run some tests on it. There is a slight chance we may be able to counteract it’s effects.
Avi: And without it’s rather unique qualities, what will the six tribes have to fight over?
Kyry(whistles in awe): That is a tall order.
Angonce: You don’t have to do it.
Kyry: What, and sit bored out of my helmet here in this old place? I should easily find more interest in a war zone.
Kyry could sometimes be a very hopeless optimist. His outlook spread to Angonce.
Agonce: A yes, then. Thank you my old friend. You know the way?
Kyry: Yeah. And technically, you’re the one that’s old!
Avi: Of course you will have to travel light and fast. I’ve taken the trouble to pack some provisions for you.
Avi handed the spy-to-be a tough hide ration sack.
Angonce: Be careful.
Kyry: And I wouldn’t be because...?
And with that, Kyry took his leave. He would have no problem getting out of the building unnoticed. He learned the ins and outs of a place with rapid speed.
While Makuta proceeded with his daily tasks, Avi remained still and silent for a long time. When he spoke, he did so with great gravity.
Avi: He believes in you, you know. That’s why he was so nonchalant just now. He trusts you, like we do.
The robot gestured at himself and Makuta.
Avi: You have that effect on beings, though I suppose I am not a being myself. I thought you would like to know.
Was there ever a day when these things of circuits and exsidian would stop surprising Angonce? He hoped not.
Angonce: I am glad I have your trust Avi.
Avi nodded contentedly, and joined his fellow machine.
Gaia(mentally): I believe in you too, Angonce.
Angonce(mentally): You’ve finally decided to un-restrict where your mind looks.
Gaia(mentally): I knew you were thinking about something important. And Avi is right… about you Angonce. You are special.
Angonce(mentally): Thank you... I appreciate that from you Gaia. I needed it.
Gaia(mentally): I know.
Also, how did you like the literary comparisons between the two sections, and the two central characters here?
Last edited by GoldenTahu on 16th March 2012, 7:33 pm; edited 4 times in total
