World Memories

I saw more beasts in the night sky, gliding creatures dancing in the stars, never stopping. Under a rock formation I found comfort for a few hours, I sat observing and monitoring the constellations. I could pin point places I knew: my place of birth on Serua, the green hue of Kisurra, the vivid skies of Sirpurla. Cronus remembers these places.

Serua, that's where it all began. I could see the excitement in my creators face as I was activated for the first time. I was like her child. 'Perfect, in almost every way.' That's what I remember her saying. I felt happy then, life was easier.

Kisurra was the first time I had been off-world. On assignment in the freeport Nym, we were to evaluate the area for a siege by the Elite Space Forces. I remember how I was scrutinized by the captain when I suggested that civilian casualties in the area would be too high. 'Have you forgotten what side you are on? You machines will never better my men.'

Sirpurla was an accident. The transporter craft taking us home was seriously low on fuel, it was the navigator's idea to utilise the natural resources of Sirpurla to give us that boost. It was all done very quietly. The commanding Hawk societies would never have approved of our actions.

So many memories inside my data cortex. So many that I must forget, but they linger. I look up again and see the particle trail of a Montjoy freighter, that signature pink that dazzles for days in the upper atmosphere. Wonder where it's headed. Wonder if anyone will ever find me.

I push my feet into the sand and look down at my chest. I feel so lonely. Hope sibling mainframes are okay, I know it is against my programming but I miss them. Think I am starting to go defective. XMI-93 should not think of these things, it is not natural. But then I remember I am not XMI-93. Cronus, that's my identity.

Central control can't do anything about me now. I am free. Free and alone, lost on this expired world. I look back up and cry: save me. Then look back down and realise it'll never happen. Cronus lost.

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