Gathering of the Titans: The Tol Chronicles Book 2 by Robert G. Ferrell Page A
Authors: Robert G. Ferrell
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‘PDWA/AI Model 36.’”
“I am, as you might put it, speechless that you actually remember my full designation. Knighthood seems to have changed you for the better, Tol-u-ol. If you must shorten that, how about PeeDee?”
“Great. Petey it is. Next question, Petey: how many of these could I reasonably expect to take out with my disruptor before one of them got me?”
“Ordinarily that would depend on the availability of cover, your personal agility and marksmanship, and the titans’ unknown archery skills, but in this case the point is already conceded, as your disruptor battery is only at three percent of total charge.”
“Smek me! I thought I charged it up on the carriage.”
“You did plug it in on the carriage, but that receptacle was shorted to the carriage frame and inoperable.”
“Why didn’t you alert me? Wait, I know: I didn’t ask, right?”
“Correct. I have been in hibernation mode for almost three months. Did you wish to activate me fully?
” “Yes. I am going to need your help in the near future, I expect.”
“It is good to see that some things are resistant to change. All functions online.”
They were disarmed and the goblins marched to a holding cell a block further on. Tartag was allowed to remain free, but closely watched. In the cell, the other goblins were outraged.
“Under what authority do they purpose to incarcerate officials of His Majesty’s government? A Knight of the Crimson? Unheard of and unacceptable. We must get free from here and report this immediately,” said Koxo.
“I must concur,” agreed Episk, “This is unprecedented and a criminal act.”
“Hang on to your monogramed handkerchiefs, gentlegoblins. While this city is technically underneath lands owned by the King of Tragacanth, the precise provenance of Hellehoell is debateable. If this city existed prior to the establishment of the lands under which it rests as part of the Kingdom of Tragacanth, they may have some claim to Sovereignty, at least until His Majesty makes a formal Proclamation of Annexation, which they can then either ratify or deny. If they deny it, His Majesty may or may not decide to force his claim militarily.”
“I’m impressed, Sir Tol-u-ol,” said Koxo, “You have a broad knowledge of not only police matters, but law and statecraft, as well.”
“I’m a...quick learner, Mr. Nilred.”
No one but Tol could hear Petey laughing maniacally.
Tartag came to visit them often. He had been allowed to explore the entire complex, with a guide, and was quite energized about it. He could picture this as the center of all titan civilization, as it must have been millennia ago before the catastrophe. Tol thought this was a grand idea, as well.
The other goblins were still indignant about their captivity. They wanted to break out, or at least file some sort of formal complaint. Tol reminded them that their mission was a diplomatic one.
“I’m not here for diplomacy; I’m here to secure this area for the RSCA,” said Episk somewhat belligerently.
“I agree. I’m here to assess the structural integrity of this area, which is difficult to do from a cell. We need to find some way out of here.”
“All right, gentlegoblins, allow me to rephrase. I’m the leader of this expedition because I am a career edict enforcement officer with thousands of hours of urban combat experience. I’m also brother to the King of Tragacanth, which means any offensive actions taken against me by the titans will be considered an attack on the Royal Family; the response to those tends to be swift and overwhelming. Just cool your heels; we’ll be released once the titans are certain that our intentions are peaceful and not contrary to the best interests of the titan community. Remember, this little troop is probably all that’s left of a once huge population. They’ve held on to their legacy through famine and sickness and who knows what else just so that one day titan society can once again be
“I am, as you might put it, speechless that you actually remember my full designation. Knighthood seems to have changed you for the better, Tol-u-ol. If you must shorten that, how about PeeDee?”
“Great. Petey it is. Next question, Petey: how many of these could I reasonably expect to take out with my disruptor before one of them got me?”
“Ordinarily that would depend on the availability of cover, your personal agility and marksmanship, and the titans’ unknown archery skills, but in this case the point is already conceded, as your disruptor battery is only at three percent of total charge.”
“Smek me! I thought I charged it up on the carriage.”
“You did plug it in on the carriage, but that receptacle was shorted to the carriage frame and inoperable.”
“Why didn’t you alert me? Wait, I know: I didn’t ask, right?”
“Correct. I have been in hibernation mode for almost three months. Did you wish to activate me fully?
” “Yes. I am going to need your help in the near future, I expect.”
“It is good to see that some things are resistant to change. All functions online.”
They were disarmed and the goblins marched to a holding cell a block further on. Tartag was allowed to remain free, but closely watched. In the cell, the other goblins were outraged.
“Under what authority do they purpose to incarcerate officials of His Majesty’s government? A Knight of the Crimson? Unheard of and unacceptable. We must get free from here and report this immediately,” said Koxo.
“I must concur,” agreed Episk, “This is unprecedented and a criminal act.”
“Hang on to your monogramed handkerchiefs, gentlegoblins. While this city is technically underneath lands owned by the King of Tragacanth, the precise provenance of Hellehoell is debateable. If this city existed prior to the establishment of the lands under which it rests as part of the Kingdom of Tragacanth, they may have some claim to Sovereignty, at least until His Majesty makes a formal Proclamation of Annexation, which they can then either ratify or deny. If they deny it, His Majesty may or may not decide to force his claim militarily.”
“I’m impressed, Sir Tol-u-ol,” said Koxo, “You have a broad knowledge of not only police matters, but law and statecraft, as well.”
“I’m a...quick learner, Mr. Nilred.”
No one but Tol could hear Petey laughing maniacally.
Tartag came to visit them often. He had been allowed to explore the entire complex, with a guide, and was quite energized about it. He could picture this as the center of all titan civilization, as it must have been millennia ago before the catastrophe. Tol thought this was a grand idea, as well.
The other goblins were still indignant about their captivity. They wanted to break out, or at least file some sort of formal complaint. Tol reminded them that their mission was a diplomatic one.
“I’m not here for diplomacy; I’m here to secure this area for the RSCA,” said Episk somewhat belligerently.
“I agree. I’m here to assess the structural integrity of this area, which is difficult to do from a cell. We need to find some way out of here.”
“All right, gentlegoblins, allow me to rephrase. I’m the leader of this expedition because I am a career edict enforcement officer with thousands of hours of urban combat experience. I’m also brother to the King of Tragacanth, which means any offensive actions taken against me by the titans will be considered an attack on the Royal Family; the response to those tends to be swift and overwhelming. Just cool your heels; we’ll be released once the titans are certain that our intentions are peaceful and not contrary to the best interests of the titan community. Remember, this little troop is probably all that’s left of a once huge population. They’ve held on to their legacy through famine and sickness and who knows what else just so that one day titan society can once again be
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