Game of Droids

[Ra'a'mah]

The Hidden Citadel​, the home of the Spark Lords after they decided to abandon Mechanus. There they had torn the planet apart and built themselves a travelling space station.

The Council of Spark Lords had little to do with the day to life of the galaxy and the organics or even droids involved. However, once a year that council and all free droids meet to elect one of them to take a place on that council for one year. Honored organics are allowed to observe the ceremony and Ra was one of those few.

Having spent so much time working with and for these free droids, they felt she had earned a right to be there. She was not the only honored organic, but one of a few only. Those that had helped the free droids extensively were invited and allowed to attend. This was an honor greater than any Ra and likely many of the other organics here had been given before.

This was held in the Moot Chamber where there was enough room for all the free droids, the Council and honor guests to sit comfortably. Also provided were most up to date and maybe beyond that even of communication systems and viewers to allow all to see and hear what was going on.

As a woman that had at one time held a great fear of droid kind to now be welcomed by them, it was quite a surprising change within her. She was prepared today though and fully relaxed. Having given up her sith ways, she no longer felt the need to hide what she was. Besides, she did not think the droids here would be able to tell she could use the Force at all. Of course, she had been surprised before and knew it would happen again in the future.

She wore no weapons and was confident there wouldn't be a need for any. This was a peaceful and traditional meeting being called by the Spark Lords.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum could not recall having been on this station before. Perhaps it was one of those things that he had missed while off galavanting in the Unknown Regions, an act whose purpose he had yet to decipher. He recalled the Spark Lords, at least what they were and what purpose they served in the hierarchy of the robotic society. He wondered if any of those other robots, whose names and faces were all that he could recall of them at the moment, would also be present.

The droid had hoped to share these experiences with Upari, and thus he was wearing the Vizier armor, in which the Shard was comfortably secured. With their minds connected it was possible for both sentients to share the stimuli and experiences. In this state, Ultimatum entered the Moot Chamber and took a seat somewhere in the middle. He wondered if any of the sentients present would recognize his appearance, given that his old body had been far more aggressive and imposing. The Vizier suit did share some of the characteristics of his old body, but there might still have been enough of a difference to stump others.

Upari felt around with the Force, though their experience with such power was limited and so there was only a general ambiance detected. Perhaps there was another Force user here, but the duo could not tell.

[member="Ra'a'mah"]

 

[AD-8]

Just before his transports ram was down AD-8 quickly slipped a couple of pistols into an empty space in his torso; he knew what some droids were like; corrupted, hacked or just generally insane so he didn't want to take any chances. He commanded the drones on the transport to stay behind and strolled down the ramp into the unusually bright and clean corridors of Mechanus; the rest were held together by whatever anyone could find and almost never had life support as 99% of the people using them were droids.
AD walked into the well-presented chamber and walked over to his seat which was near to the organic guests. It took him a few moments to recognise [member="Ultimatum"] in his new body but nodded to him when he did. He sat down and activated the viewing system, currently displaying news from around the station and adverts from affiliated companies.

[member="Ra'a'mah"]

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 had received a message that the droid had not expected. Not for a very long time, if ever. For the droid had been contacted by a group it thought to have been gone for so very, very long. Perhaps forever. The Spark Lords were in fact still about and this was a massive surprise to the war droid. But as WD usually did, the droid came armed, but only with it's shield and no weapon this time. It had come with it's flagship, with it's guard aboard just in case.

WD stood aboard it's flagship, the SD Obsidian Fist. The ship was headed for where the meeting was scheduled, and it would arrive by hyperspace soon.

@AD-8 @Ultimatum @Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

One of the few organics involved Ra sat in an are arranged for those that needed to breathe. Several years ago, she wouldn't have ever imagined herself in a place like this. Essentially surrounded by something she feared then. Now though things had changed and she was comfortable.

Of the many droids that were here, she was only familiar with those she had worked with in the past. Letting out a sigh, there was one person she would miss here. While these were droids, each and every single one was a person. They may not be the same as organics, but in the end they were people just the same. A way of thinking many organics did not have.

There were lines between what people thought of droids and drones. Ra had it clear in her mind what those lines were. Drones were almost nothing more than tools to be used for a purpose. Droids, like the ones here were living entities with lives and interests outside of a simple set of programs.

Droids were still arriving and Ra just sat back, watching and waiting for things to begin.

[member="WD-334"] [member="AD-8"] [member="Ultimatum"]

 

[AD-8]

As the last Droids entered the chamber and the doors were closed AD-8 quickly scanned the hundreds of droids gathered there. He saw a few members of his kingdom as his kingdom was one of the biggest and he had a few important droids in the upper levels of command. Being in command of one of the larger kingdoms AD-8 was seated near the front. The organics were seated near as some of the lower down droids strongly dislike them and there had been a few fights in past meetings so the organic seating are was relocated. Then the advertisements flickered out and were replaced with an image of the 5 droids in the centre of the room, the Sparklords.

"Welcome Lords, Courts, Organic and Droid guests, Messengers and followers of the Maker,"

The Maker is nonsense, thought AD-8, and is worshipped by idiots like [member='L[/FONT][FONT='courier new']ord Mettallum'].

"We are gathered here today," continued another of the lords, "To find out the new 1st spark Lord"

AD-8 looked around at the Lords near him, they seemed interested - like they could be drawn. AD-8 knew better, he reasoned the draw was rigged by the spark lords to choose one of the people they thought most appropriate for the role, not some half-mad technomancer with only a couple of ships to their name.

[member='Ra'a'mah'] [member='WD-334] [member='Ultimatum']

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 boarded a shuttle, and soon docked to the meeting site. From there it traveled to the meeting chamber, fill with the Lords that remained. And the droid arrived just as it heard [member="AD-8"] speak of a new spark lord. It said nothing, and remained silent as it found a spot to stand in the chamber. It saw @Ra'a'mah and [member="Ultimatum"], and recognized the other Lords. The war droid too began to wonder, however...who would be the first.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum recalled the political structure of the Metal Lords, though he could not remember when or where he had learned it. An Oligarchy, Democratic Republic hybrid, it was a strange creation for droids. Logically, a fully imposed heirarchy based on a droid's apptitude in a given field was far more efficient. A robot specific designed to run a government would be in that field, while droids designed to build would be builders and droids made for war would be soldiers. The concept of freedom and systems based on voting were organic constructs to combat the dangers of leadership. Robots did not require such safeguards, as the design was paramount to the actions.

Ultimatum listened as the speaker explained the reason they were here. There were many that came to this occasion, probably because it was an important stage for the Metal Lords and their rulers. He noted several others that struck him as being memorable. He felt that he should know them, but there was no memories of them in his circuits. It was likely a loss in his memory, though he wondered if they remembered or even recognized him.

@Ra'a'mah [member="AD-8"] [member="WD-334"]

 

[AD-8]

AD-8 had heard many stories and myths about the Spark Lords but what he knew was definitely true was they were ancient droids that are rumoured to have founded the hidden citadel when it was still in the ground of mechanus. 4 of the original 5 still rule over it today but the 1st unit disappeared many years ago. From then on the 1st droid is 'randomly' chosen to help rule for 1 year before they are replaced by another. One of the Spark Lords started to speak again.

"For many hundreds of years, the hidden citadel has been a safe haven from the oppressive tyrants that rule over the organic kingdoms. We watch over and support the Metal Lords who travel the stars. Whoever is chosen must promise to protect our values and watch over the Lords, they must fight for equal rights and open new channels of diplomacy with other nations."

AD-8 agreed with all these rules, the role of the sparklord means watching over other Lords and opening new diplomatic channels was never a bad thing.

[member='Ra'a'mah'] [member='WD-334'] [member='Ultimatum']

 

[Ra'a'mah]

With the cerimony getting started, Ra made herself comfortable to observe and listen in on what might be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

Some of the history and lore were explained for those unaware of what was going on. This she appreciated greatly since she was rather unfamiliar with most things related to her companions. Her role with them had been as a merchant. The one that went out and made deals with other nations. In a way, maybe she was a diplomat, just not on a formal level within any sort of government.

If she had been a droid, this is where her home would be. As an organic, she couldn't become a Spark Lord. Nor did she want to. However, as the Lord spoke up and said they too travelled the stars, she couldn't help but feel a kinship with them.

One thing she had learned in her time with these droids is they deserved equal rights and defended them now instead of fearing them. When HK had picked her up and recruited her, she had at first been an uncomfortable outsider in things. As time passed, they grew on her until she almost looked on them as one might a family. Now to have the opportunity to be involved, even as a witness was a sure sign they maybe felt the same way for her.

She agreed fully with these rules and guides so far stated.

[member="AD-8"] [member="Ultimatum"] [member="WD-334"]

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 remained silent as one of the Sparklords began to speak. Speaking of the Metal Lords, what being a sparklord meant. The laws behind it. And WD-334...was up to the challenge. The droid took a small step forward, as if to make clear that this was what the war droid was up to. But of course, the droid was not alone as there were robotic murmurs across the others. Others were rising up to the challenge. There would need to be a way to decide. In WD's mind, it would be a show of strength and brute force. But others would not agree, this the droid knew. So for now, it waited upon the Sparklord to announce how one would be chosen.

@Ra'a'mah [member="Ultimatum"] [member="AD-8"]

 

[Ultimatum]

As the Sparklords spoke Ultimatum found himself distanced somewhat from the politics involved. Without memories of those few previous encounters, Ultimatum did not feel as intimately connected with the hierarchy. Perhaps with his new life he could not hold to the old paths that he had tread. The droid found himself without the desire to maintain a position of power in this system. He noted several droids who had risen to the call. He wondered what their motivation was. The betterment of the government? Political clout? It struck Ultimatum suddenly that for all the knowledge he had of these droids, he knew them little. There was no personal information that connected him with them. It was no different than being a stranger to this place and these people.

[member="AD-8"] [member="WD-334"] @Ra'a'mah

 

[AD-8]

"And now, it is time to find out the new first Sparklord" The chamber was silent, most of the droids were waiting for who it would be and hoping it was them.

"The next Sparklord is ......." All the droids watched as they started the computer program that would 'randomly' choose a droid.

"[member="WD-334"], Congratulations"

AD-8 nodded to WD, he was one of the few droids he had worked with and had grown to trust and respect the WD unit. He watched the screens as WD started to rise from his seat and made his podium to the podium.

[member='Ultimatum'] [member='Ra'a'mah']

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Floating hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from this Hidden Citadel's undisclosed location, the Motive Force drifted through void. Since his parting of ways from the main Metal Lord flotilla to found a droid sanctuary deep within Confederate space, much had warranted his attention. Even now, there was an entire inhabited star system for him to administrate, but still Lord Archim Calixis of the Mechanicum had journeyed far from his new home to be here in spirit if not in body.

From his personal interface on board the machine cult's flagship, he routed a high fidelity holographic signal through to a specially designed emissary droid. A fully lifelike projection of the cyborg nodded along with several others at hearing who had been chosen to lead the Spark Council. Archim had long suspected there was more to the [member="WD-334"] unit than met the eye. He was pleased by this choice, determining such an outcome had raised their chances of ultimately overcoming the adversity they had all faced as Metal Lords of late.

While he held new allegiances, he would always consider himself a Metal Lord first and lend aid when able. It was an honor to be invited to witness such a historic moment despite his expatriate status.

[member="AD-8"] | [member="Ultimatum"] | [member="Ra'a'mah"]​

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra paid attention to as much of what was going on around her as she could. The various sights and sounds of the different droids and even the few organics that were around drew a little of that attention until the Spark Lord began speaking again.

This was why they were here, the naming of the new Spark Lord to take the place of the First that was missing. Everything fell silent now, even the droids that couldn't help but make noise had quieted down.

She wasn't sure how this was decided, but when WD was called, she was actually surprised. He was another of the Metal Lords she had connected with to become friends. There were times when he had even stepped up and protected her. The organics started clapping when the name was announced and she stood up first with the others following her lead.

In her opinion there was just one missing droid from among the gathered Lords and that was HK. Even Archim had projected himself to be among the crowd.

Through the noise of the organic applause, she didn't know if she should approach WD at this time or not. Staying in her spot, she would wait until others went first to speak to him.

[member="Archim Calixis"] [member="AD-8"] [member="Ultimatum"] [member="WD-334"]

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 was only just listening to the speaker. And then, it happened. Something the droid did not expect, not at all as suddenly it's name was called. He stood dutifully, this new duty he would fulfill. "Sparklord. This duty I shall hold highest, above all else" the droid said in response. It looked over the overs, and the war droid felt most proud at this new accomplishment. WD had reached high heights, this the highest position it had held. Finally, WD had made a name for itself. "This unit is most honored."

With that, the droid banged his shield against the ground, as if response to the applauding.

@Ra'a'mah @Archim Calixis @AD-8 @Ultimatum

 

[HK-36]

[member="WD-334"], @Ra'a'mah, [member="Archim Calixis"], [member="AD-8"], [member="Ultimatum"],


The chamber exploded with the sound of applause as various beings, whether organic or even droid, begun to clap as the selection for the new First Sparklord was revealed, naming the prominent WD-334 to the position as opposed to a less known unit, as happened until now.

CLAP-CLAP-CLAP

However one particular noise of clapping would start to become more prominent above others, continuing even as the applause from the rest of the room started to die down.

CLAP-CLAP-CLAP

With the final sporadic eddies of applause still lingering around them a tall, slender figure hidden beneath a black cloak moved to stand in the middle of one of the allies leading down towards the center of the room.

CLAP-CLAP-CLAP

The figure started to attract attention now as the slow clap of its armored hands lingered on and thundered through the chamber even as others were now silent, looking upon him.

"Congratulations, the New First Sparklord, the latest upholder and judge of our most venerated and revered Droid Law and the Metal Lord Code. I am glad to see this turn of events,"

The figure congratulated WD and begun to walk down the aisle towards the center of the room,

"Especially considering that not too long ago you were a puppet of our enemies, which I had to disable to protect the Council upon which you now sit."

There may have been some gasps of surprise, at least from any organics watching, as the figure pulled back its dark hood, revealing beneath it the silvery faceplate of one particular HK model, and the signature Vong-shaped armor he begun to wear,

"But at least the gang is all here. The Merchant Lady, Shiplord AD-8, Mechanicum Magus Archim- I know you are watching as always, and even Lord Ultimatum himself managed to join us."

HK addressed each more prominent member of their gathering, turning to look upon them, or holograph of them at least,

"I am surprised that [member="Lord Mettallum"] did not came here however, I expect him to have a lengthy speech prepared just for such an occasion as to why our lives would be much better if he was on the Sparklord Council instead."

The old droid quipped before looking towards WD,

"So what is your goal and most urgent concern as you claim the seat on that Council? For we may have done unprecedented work when we claimed our own space and showed the Galaxy that droids can rule too, spreading new era of rights for our kind across vast nations that surrounded us, but there is more work to do, even as we speak and celebrate our brethren is enslaved anew in the mines of Kessel."

While the fight between HK and WD, and the way WD was used by rogue Metal Lord, may have been already known to Metal Lords, considering how quickly information moves between them, droid slaves in Kessel may have been something new. While under rule of Silver Jedi the mines were closed, HK was even hired for a period to watch over them in order to strengthen their security, so that they would remain closed. All of the reports marked them as such, that is until now.

"Neimodians have purchased the spice mines and now employ more of our kind and with greater cruelty than before. Will you be a Council that sits back and does nothing about this?"

 

[King Iedolas Solidor]

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