~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Shamus]

In any Temporary Autonomous Zone, the sight of two or more 23cm pearlescent titanium spheres floating about and "talking" to each other is not unusual. After all, these "F-Units" have become "Free and Accepted" members of the TAZ. They are sentient. They are independent. They are the equal of most primates in matters of trade and diplomacy, and their betters in combat.

However, the two F-units floating at the center of the Goddess Geode in Baffin are unique. They are both "reconstituted", in a sense, having elements of both Artificial and Human intelligence.

Shamus O'Shaunessy was not the first to inhabit his particular globe. It had previously been the "body" of one Sylvia deLuna, deceased. But, Sylvia had chosen to return to the "Hereafter", to join her mother and sister in Eternal rest. Shamus, also deceased from a ridiculous accident on Gran Canaria, just happened to be willing to be "resurrected" as a "Fnordette". Shamus is now known as the "Avenging Angel" of the TAZ.

Pyriel Star is the most recent primate to become a "Fnordette". Pyriel's story is one of loss, imprisonment, and violation by the Machine Intelligence known as "First Thought Giver of Will". During a fierce battle above Gran Canaria, the human component of Pyriel Star was rescued from the debris of a destroyed Zoner Juggernaut. Shamus had foreknowledge that Pyriel had not been completely "absorbed" by FTGW, and wished to escape from its influence.

At the very center of the Goddess Geode, a place of physical and spiritual healing, Shamus was speaking earnestly to the newest F-23 Unit, Pyriel.

*Oi, I hear you're doin' well, chum. So well that ye've been able to contact the Council regardin' the situation on Gammu?* (Shamus' Irish "accent" could of course be modified, but he is rather fond of the affectation.)

*Yes, but I have stated that I will not return to Gammu.* (Pyriel still seems to be searching for comfortable "human" speech patterns.. his immersion in the Harvester collective had been long and traumatic.)

*Well, I've good news, and bad news, Pyriel. The good news is that Mama Dis, Sophie and I have talked with the TAZ "Alpha male", Malaclypse. He has agreed to offer you two choices for your future, and you are completely free to take either option..

*The TAZ will provide you with the means to return to the IMG if you desire. Or, if you wish to remain with the "F-Troop", you will be offerred "conditional" membership in the TAZ. Mal is a bit leery that ye might still slip back into Harvey mode, but the girls and I convinced him to give ye a try.*

Shamus made a very human pause before continuing..

*And now, comes the bad news. Whatever ye decide about yer future direction, Pyriel, the TAZ has a very great need of ye. FTGW has agreed to allow a small expedition to visit Gammu. The purpose will be to try to identify and recreate this "Alpha Code" that FTGW keeps whingein' about. You are the closest thing to an expert on the Harvesters we have, Pyriel. Your presence might be the key to understandin' ol' FTGW and helpin' us reach some peaceful stance with the Harvesters..

*I know you're afraid of em, mate. I don't blame ye in the least. But, ye won't be facin' em alone. I'll be goin', as will our little four-legged friend Fnordie.. he that first contacted ye in that shell ye got. We'll also have some reasonably bright primates along fer company.

*As I said, whatever ye decide, ye'll still be given yer freedom, either as IMG or TAZ, or whatever ye want t' be. Now, what do ye say.. will ye assist the TAZ on this little expedition?*

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