Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [154]
Standing in the arched promenade that led into King Frederick's Throne Hall, they watched well-dressed functionaries and courtiers hurrying about their business, all of them staring at the two mismatched robots. Security guards remained prominent, no longer hidden, keenly watching Jorax.
The contemplative Klikiss robot said, "Bear in mind, that once there were billions of us, before the...disaster. Does the number of Klikiss robots intimidate you, or surprise you?"
"I merely find it interesting," OX replied.
When the functionaries and bureaucrats finally finished their discussions and reached a decision, OX looked up to see the primary reception guardsman stride out of the Throne Hall. The guard clasped a ceremonial staff in his hand.
"King Frederick graciously grants an audience to the Klikiss robot Jorax." The man paused, looking uncomfortable. "We are unfamiliar with the weapons systems within your body core. As the recent death of Dr. Andeker has proved, a Klikiss robot can indeed be dangerous. However, despite the potential risk to his royal person, the King has agreed to hear your words."
He pointed his staff at the black exoskeleton. "Be warned that your every move will be monitored. Our security guards will respond to any threatening action with a full and merciless retaliatory strike. Don't give us an excuse. Is this understood?"
"Klikiss robots have done nothing to foster such suspicion. Nevertheless, your conditions are acceptable to me. I intend no harm to your King." The insectoid robot advanced across the polished floor into the opulent Throne Hall.
Old Frederick wore crimson robes, a crown of jewels and prismatic flatgems atop his gray head. He leaned forward with hard but curious eyes. OX had observed humans long enough to recognize a masked but distinct expression of fear on the King's face. No one knew what to expect from the alien machine.
With his smooth, caterpillarlike gait, Jorax moved forward and stopped a respectful distance in front of the raised throne. No one seemed to know how to announce this alien visitor or what protocol to follow. Finally, the King spoke in a voice that cracked embarrassingly in the middle. "I have never had the opportunity to meet a Klikiss robot face-to-face."
Jorax hummed and raised himself up as he extended his sets of flexible telescoping legs. "I must deliver an important message to the Great King of the Terran Hanseatic League from the Klikiss robots."
All ears in the Throne Hall pricked up. Cameras rolled, and OX knew that every word would be analyzed and debated, with experts trying to determine any relevant information about the mysterious beetlelike machines.
Jorax spoke loudly in his buzzing voice. "Until such time as our forebears and creators, the Klikiss, return, we robots are the sole representatives of that ancient powerful civilization. We have contributed to the exploration of our ancient ruins and have participated in many difficult construction activities, because we are curious about your methods. We have never caused a human harm, nor have we ever given you reason to fear us.
"However, the recent attempt to disrupt my physical integrity has shed light on disturbing attitudes toward us. Klikiss robots are rare creations. We value our existence as much as humans do. Therefore, the Klikiss robots demand to be treated as a sovereign species."
King Frederick sat back, taken by surprise. "That is not an unreasonable request, Jorax, but what...what has prompted this after so long? You, personally, have been here on Earth for several years, as I understand."
The red optical sensors flashed. "Your cybernetic scientist, Doctor William Andeker, attempted to do grievous harm to my body. He wished to dismantle and study my components, without my permission. Such an assault could be construed as an act of war against the Klikiss civilization. I wish to ensure that such brutal attacks do not occur again."
A gasp rippled throughout