Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [155]
"Correct," Jorax said. "Our internal systems contain dangerous automatic systems we cannot control. The Klikiss installed them within us, for their own reasons." He scanned the Throne Hall briefly. "But we have observed how humans treat their robots. We have noted your apathy toward the sentient machines you call compies."
Standing at the back of the Throne Hall, OX was fascinated. He watched every movement in the audience.
King Frederick tried to make an excuse. "Our compies are not as sophisticated as Klikiss robots, Jorax. They are certainly not your equals. They are machines, mobile devices with implanted information systems, constructed solely for our convenience. They are not...life forms."
"That is a matter to be debated at another time," Jorax said. "Do not make the error of viewing Klikiss robots as disposable mechanical puppets like your compies. We are individuals, with life spans of millennia. No human has a right to command us—or vivisect us."
"Oh, agreed, agreed," Frederick said quickly and forcefully. "Allow me to offer my sincerest apologies for the discomfort you endured. William Andeker acted of his own volition, without the permission or sanction of the Hanseatic League. You may be assured that it will never happen again." The King's face bore a pleading expression.
"All Klikiss robots will be glad to hear this."
Without any further comment or concessions to diplomatic protocol, Jorax swiveled his body core about. With a flurry of stubby, articulated legs, he departed from the Whisper Palace.
70 MARGARET COLICOS
When he hurried back to camp, thrilled with his discovery, the green priest Arcas was very insistent.
Margaret didn't want to spend a day away from the main Klikiss city, which she and Louis had by now mapped and surveyed. Working together but intent on their own projects, they had finally begun to make progress deciphering the architecture and inner workings of the empty metropolis. She had no intention of being distracted now.
Louis, however, suggested that changing their routine for a day might be worthwhile. "It's not exactly a break, dear," he said, his leathery face sporting a boyish grin. "An archaeologist has to take chances, and Arcas really thinks he's found something important. Listen to him."
Skeptical, she looked at the green priest, who was clearly reining in his eagerness. "I went out collecting fossils in a side canyon where the walls are crumbling. High up, I saw an overhang that appears to be falling away. Deep under the overhang, I'm sure I could make out Klikiss buildings. A lot of them. It could be an entirely new city, sealed and protected for all these centuries."
Or it could just be your imagination, Margaret thought. But she sighed and reached for her pack. "Yes, archaeologists have to take chances. After all, that's why I married you in the first place, old man."
Louis chuckled and gave her a hug. She patted his bony back, and they gathered their equipment for half a day's expedition out in the desert heat.
When they trudged into the winding canyons where rivers had carved through the sedimentary rock, Margaret was surprised to see the three Klikiss robots rise up from where they were sunning themselves on a broad slab of rock. "We will accompany you," Sirix said. "We are always interested in a new discovery."
"Excellent," Louis said. "One of these days we'll find something to spark your memories." He held out a finger. "And don't be shy about making guesses, either. That's what progress is all about."
"Very well," Sirix buzzed. "We will attempt to make...guesses."
Arcas led them along a dry river course. The big black robots had no trouble negotiating the rough terrain, and neither did DD. Shadows from high, razor-edged cliffs closed in around