Evincar

A piece written in the 'Imminent Futures' science-fantasy universe (essentially steampunk with highly stylised goblins and elves), inspired by the 'The Machine' contest and fed slightly by Metal Gear

"Some time ago, I heard a rumour in this very bar that rather piqued my interest. It told of a collaboration between dwarven engineers and a brilliant gnome technician, and the construction of a mechanical biped." Theria paused and picked up her long glass, gazing upon its gassy contents with a luxurious emerald stare.

   "What's special about a bipedal mech? The dwarves use them all the time for mining rigs. It's old tech."

   "You see, my friend, this is where the gnome comes in. Have you heard of Gallux before?"

   Æruld shook his head.

   "He was a fascinating mind. He was the first to think of using the gnomic biosciences in order to create semi-intelligent constructs. Essentially, he experimented with internal system reprogramming which has led to the creation of some of the more refined bionic devices, such as the advanced navigation and tactical combat chipsets.

   "Unfortunately, the gnome scientific community was unhappy with Gallux' contact with drake resurci, and drove him out. He's remained relatively unheard-of since."

   "But he was involved in this dwarven biped project?"

   "Not necessarily. I never heard who was directly involved. But if a solitary gnome has worked with a different race on an experimental project, it is safe to assume that it is Gallux."

   "I see."

   Theria relaxed back into her chair, gazing into middle distance. Her lithe, elfin body was attracting the attention of many men in the bar, her olive skin glowing in the dim tavern light. Her admirers were wary of staring for long -- the large form of Æruld leant over the table was the shape of a man you would not mess with. The dark tint to his skin suggested a proud orcish descent somewhere along the line, although his mongrel face was well rounded and bore few of the harsh facial features of an orc. His patient eyes never left Theria; she found it comforting, for in his gaze there was a certain majesty that reminded her of her father.

   "I remember a story my grandfather once told me. He told me of a time when he was but a boy, the day's when Gaea's breath could still be felt upon the land. His grandfather had leaned against a tree, and sighed. 'There will come a day when this very oak will be uprooted by a living machine.' Of course, it appears those days have passed -- the tide of machination has driven Gaea deeper into the earth, and she has taken with her the trees.

   "But as a child, the nightmare of a living machine has haunted me. I fear this is it."

   Æruld took another swig of his ale. "What more have you heard of this project?"

   "Very little. The original rumour I have never had confirmed. However, recently there was word that a dwarven research facility had been broken into. The dwarves have offered a reward for the return of product 1470."

   "You think this was the biped?"

   "I doubt it. The theft had all the hallmarks of a goblin attack -- dead guards but no assault on the main entrance, and multiple entry points through back windows and airvents."

   "What would a goblin be after?"

   "It could just be a new type of blowtorch. But I have a suspicion that instead the biped's brain has been stolen. There has been renewed conversation between the dwarven imperious and the gnome council. I think that perhaps Gallux has also been kidnapped."

   "Sounds like a merc job."

   "Exactly. Unfortunately, I have no idea who funded it. None of the races have made a statement, and this doesn't feel like the work of one of the known rogue groups."

   Theria leant forward again, and softly placed her cold palm on Æruld's forearm. "Nonetheless, this does mean that it is the perfect time to strike. If this is the biped project, all focus will be elsewhere. As far as I am aware, the dwarves are looking for the brain. Despite an increase in security at the site, I imagine that all of their focus is elsewhere.

   "I need to see this project, and destroy it. I cannot allow a living machine to exist. If my fears are true, it would spell the end for my entire civilisation. We must protect Gaea."

   "I understand. What's in it for me?"

   "The facility is know for its research into mining tools and weapons. Anything I do not deem worthy of destruction, you may take."

   "Good."

   "And." Theria looked down for a moment, and then up into Æruld's eyes. "And, I can provide you with a son."

 

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Author's Note

This is the entirety of the introduction to a longer piece. Unfortunately, I've not been able to finish the piece, and as such I have had to submit this part. However, I like that the machine must be pieced together in your imagination and is not fully shown.

I will extend the story (to be honest, it should be finished and up within a month). This is just the start.

Reviews

[Idyllwyld]

Aye, sorry for the long delay.

Since I'm no stranger to the world of WarCraft III, and WoW (though I do not play) hearing of dwarves and gnomes and gobbos with mechs isn't surprising. Now, chipsets, that's something a bit beyond even steampunk...

Overall, I understand this is an merely an introduction and so things are fairly compact, but Theria's open pronouncement is rather still....almost out of context. The only hint we have is that she takes comfort in his "fatherly stare," and while Freud says that "boys want their mothers and girls want their fathers," a person can still take comfort in another for a sense of belonging, security, and other platonic relations, not just romantic attachment. It seemed like that at first.

Aside from those, good introduction of the world this is taking place in, in regards to the level of technology (still chipsets? I'd have to see more), the races present, and even some of the world politics (which was done most subtly, and I approve!). The one bit of exposition we are not given at all is just who actually our two characters are. One presumes they are wanderers or outlaws of a sort, unattached to any particular major faction, not above looting but not necessarily a part of any of these "infamous rogue groups." However, based on �ruld's concern for nature, I guess he's somewhat druidish, or shaman-ish.

All in all, I look forward to more.

[Vlazuvius]

Good stuff. I'm definitely interested to see where this goes. And beyond that, depending on how long the end product is, I'm curious about where these characters have been. It was a very enjoyable read. My only criticism, if you could even call it that, is that if you hadn't mentioned it in the preamble, I wouldn't have known that it was set in any kind of futuristic world. Of course, you do mention these mechs, but it still seems more like a medieval world bastardized by technology rather than the other way around. But I'm sure that's because it's an unfinished piece that takes place entirely within a bar. Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the rest.