Chapter 92: Mask of War

Noting minor elevations in temperature, a portion of the support system with in the darken room raised a silent if mild alarm. Sending a resultant pulse deep within the ancient complex mass of circuits and organic nodules that comprised the guardian.

The gnarled surface of its body, almost rendered ebony with long absorption of protective oils over the centuries, reflected dully the light sources around as Yadon 'powered up'.

To any earthling born in the south-pacific 'Yadon' or its currently inactive counterpart 'Kamora' would seem almost bizarrely familiar. The lines of the ancient Jurian war masks deeply sculpted cut their log-like bodies gave them both the aspect of floating Tiki gods.

Deep nicks and long scars upon their battered surfaces lent an almost tattooed appearance to these ancient servants of the thrown. Making the more contemporary 'Asaka and Kamadaki'. Currently powered down and dead to the world about them, to either side of the room's door, look downright comforting and normal by comparison.

Twin sensor eyes the color of tired amber, which had looked upon the face of the first emperor, now studied indicators embedded about the chrysalis dispassionately as Yadon then rotated. Literally facing the chamber due unlike either Azaka or kamadaki to actually having one, of sorts.

Attempting some visual conformation of any change in the time freeze chamber, noting a distinct rise in internal pressure as well. Systems that were old when Washu was still comparatively young considered and decided. Sending a short signal a few feet across space.

From its place resting upon a stump-like pedestal the darken reassesses of Kamora sensor eyes brightened till the left one, slightly larger and of obviously newer vintage shone blood ruby bright.

"Report." A masculine voice issued from within the second Guardian, its left sensor vaguely pulsing in time. While the right; smaller, scared and long neglected only dimly illuminated.

"I'm tracking a rising pressure anomaly." Yadon calmly related in a surprisingly 'feminine', almost seductive voice from within the ancient machine.

"Temperature within the time freeze chrysalis appears to be rising as well." Yadon continued.

"Compensate." Came the flat emotionless response. In fact, neither seemed to have the tonal inflections, which marked Ayeka's guardians.

So prompted Yadon arose. Floating forward and gracefully upon its three grav-legs bringing the chamber control into line with its grimacing mouth.

A deep whirring issued then within the black log heralding appearance of a bright silver tendril stabbing tongue like into the bank of controls.