Metallic Dreams of Hammers and Sickles

[Shagohad]

After a few more minutes of idle chatter about nothing in particular, the Lieutenant was summoned for something that Viatcheslav couldnt know about. Although it needed to be done, Viatcheslav found itself annoyed. When the Lieutenant was not with him, the marines were. And within moments, there they were at its side as it started to stand.

It left the bar and headed down its granted path throughout Zvedny Gorodok. The expansive station was not really a marvel of engineering, but it was impressive even to the machine. Laborers worked around the clock to construct weapons, ships, and munitions for the rather small Coalition; making their production value almost equal to the Hispanian factions. Although Viatcheslav was not allowed to see the production facilities, it could imagine the expansive fighter bays or assembly-line style production.

With a marine on each flank the average maintenance bot seemed more dangerous than it was. If anything, the loss of the avatar would mean nothing. It was just remotely controlled as analysts picked over the Imperator gunboat that it usually occupied. With the intertwining of Harvester technology and Corsair technology, the analysts would actually learn nothing of both alien sources. And any modifications would prove very fatal if they had desired to try them. Viatcheslav warned them that they must be careful if they dont want to lose their only artificial intelligence.

A man wearing orange overalls passed by; a large toolbox in his hands. As he shimmied out of the way of the marines, he dropped the box, tools skidding across the floor. One of the marines chuckled as the poor man clumsily scooped up each tool and muttered to himself in Russian. Viatcheslav stopped, pivoted on its heel, walked to the man, bent down, and began to collect the tools with him. The marine stopped laughing, instead his jaw dropping as he gasped. Even the tech stopped talking and watched as this machine assisted him.

You shouldnt have done this, The man whispered harshly, I can do this myself. He grabbed a tool from the machines hand, angrily throwing it into the toolbox.

I was only trying to be helpful. Would you rather that I laugh and point? Viatcheslav whispered back. It began to stand when the man shook his head.

SorryI justam not used to having assistance. Im already in trouble and I dont need this right now, He spoke rather angrily. He picked up a wrench and twirled it in his hands, putting it rather gently in the box. You can continue to help me. If you want.

I just believe that you shouldnt have to suffer for minor mistakes, The machine said as it scooped up another set of tools. My name is Viatcheslav, by the way.

That machine that defected from the Harvesters?

It appears that I am semi-famous.

No. Just have a lot of warning labels attached to your name. We arent really supposed to be talking to you. Im Nicholas. Nicholas Terntia. Nicholas smiled as he said his name.

It was a pleasure to meet you, Nicholas, but I must go, Viatcheslav said as it picked up the last clutch of tools and set them in the box. Nicholas bowed his head slightly and closed the toolbox, hurrying off without even saying goodbye. A marine grunted loudly and the machine stood up, heading back along its route through the station.

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"THE HULL HAS BEEN BREACHED AND THE SCIENCE IS LEAKING OUT!"