〔Conurbation Haven〕
〔The Summit〕
=======================================
〔Landing Stage〕
〔2/5/2306 13:56〕
The Phoenix's hydraulic loading ramp slowly opened and gave access to a large straight landing stage. The majestic ship owned by McManus switched off its magnetic propellers and landed gently on the asphalt ground. In front of the ship's door saluting guards were stationed to the side, with their spears beside them. They had tied a purple cape around their waist. Dawn tried to scan the weapons, which consisted of a simple handle and three unfolded thin blades that emitted bright flashes of electricity.
" - - - - - Information unavailable - - - - - "
" - - - Security clearance inadequate - - - "
"Huh, security clearance?"
"There's a lot here that we can't find out. Believe me, it's better this way," Erik said to him. "The Council will leave more questions than it will give you answers."
The Archetype Commando lined up to leave the interior of the Phoenix, when a small, cleanly polished metal android introduced itself to them. The robot wore a black tuxedo that waved up and down with his clumsy steps.
"The Council welcomes you on this momentous day. If I may show our guests the way to my Lords" echoed his loud tinkling voice. "I am the Council's herald. It is a great honor to meet you."
General McManus inquired, "What is the disposition of your lords?"
"They are full of the noble expectation and can't wait to admire your newest addition," he pointed at Dawn with a flourishing gesture.
"Will they all be present?"
"I certainly hope so, my creator, however, Master Kowaljow, hasn't attended the conferences for a long time now."
They walked down a long lane, at the other end of which one of four entrances to the Summit, the monumental edifice of the Council, was waiting. The way to the entrance was lined by a man-made water ditch, filled with rare fish species and colorful water lilies. The clean air blew with a gentle breeze between the soldiers.
In the Phoenix General McManus had advised Dawn that he should show his best side and bring glory to the HMD when he meets the Council. But what exactly Dawn expected there, he did not tell him. So the cyborg was all the more nervous when they finally arrived at the decorated north entrance of the Summit.
***Off to the lion's den!***
The herald let the General take the lead and Erik, JP, Jo, Zero and Dawn followed. The Archetype Commando acted as the Arthur McManus' personal guard, who had to present the news and concerns of the HMD. They entered a dizzyingly high and magnificently decorated entrance hall. The lobby was adorned with holograms of an exact miniature representation of Haven, which was composed of the footage from all surveillance cameras and thus always depicted the current state of the city. The ceilings were painted with innumerable symbols and golden lettering "A world within a city."
Inside the hall, many people with lapel pins, mostly depicting Roman numerals, cavorted. But sometimes the badges had the shape of angels' wings. Few of the people had sashes slung around their chests. Everyone who crossed their way immediately bends down in front of them.
The retinue of the HMD joined the stream of people on a marbled neoclassical staircase. The stairs led up to a hall entrance, where severe security measures prevailed. Dawn caught a glimpse into the hall when a group of Second District representatives entered the manège. The huge dome-shaped hall was held up by massive Corinthian columns, between which several tiers were lined up, divided into individual sections. The floor in the middle of the plenary hall was decorated with geometric shapes, starting from individual points, creating circles and lines that incomprehensibly connected the entire space. Gradually more and more people found their way into the awe-inspiring hall. "Is that the Council?" Dawn asked astonished.
"Yes, for most people it is. This is what the public should see of the Council" Erik agreed as the General of the HMD, accompanied by Zero and JP, went into the main hall. Just as Dawn was about to follow him, Erik grabbed Dawn's arm, who was confused, "Am I not to be presented to the Council today?"
"You will be, but not in there."
Jo joined in "That's the Bright Council. They don't have a say. We gotta go..."
"Shhh. Be quiet! You don't know who's listening" Erik rebuked her.
Great, am I going to the council or not?
"Come on now, we have to get to the top" The herald droid showed them the way through a labyrinth of spiral staircases and lifts until they reached an abandoned office floor with an open window, from which a strong suction emanated in its height. Old fashioned data storages were dispersed throughout the room.
¤ District 20 | The Summit | 2404th floor
From this position, Dawn could see the barren wildlands to the east in the far distance, as well as the area west of Haven. He was sure that he had spotted gigantic boulders there, floating around in large accumulations. Meanwhile, Erik, Jo and the herald already moved on.
SWOOOOSH!
As Dawn was looking outside, he noticed a person in the corner of his eye, who passed him in a frigid draft. The curtains of the shattered windows were swept along with it. Quick as a flash he turned around and saw the motionless blurry silhouette of a thin man as a shadow on the opposite wall. His sensors did not respond. Dawn's breath faltered and he opened his eyes in disbelief.
"Erik? Jo? Where are you?"
The moment he started to shout, the shadow flickered briefly before it vanished. As if rooted, Dawn stared across the room when Erik and Jo came back to him.
Jo mocked "Pff, what's wrong with him? I hope the General still has the guarantee for him."
"What is it, Dawn. What are you waiting for?"
Dawn was shaking his head. " Ugh… nothing."
Afterward, they went on, whereby Dawn tried in vain to suppress his previous experience. When they reached a gate on one of the highest levels of the skyscraper, which resembled a vault door. The Herald opened the door by inserting his index finger into a data port. He told the HMD soldiers to take a seat in a loge until the General arrived.
Erik put on his skull helmet and turned to Jo first "Try to hold back when you see her. I know it won't be easy for you, but you'll make it this time." Then he looked at Dawn and said, "We don't make the rules in there. We're just a few grains in a big mill."