Chapter 42: The Children of Saturn

Hadrian faces two child clones—Suzuha and Ren—who first demand his identity, then shield one another as Valka covers them from the shadows. The shattered pods and the wounded Exalted underscore the intrusion’s cost. Hadrian claims he seeks only their Cielcin companion, not blood, and lowers his weapon to ease tensions.

Suzuha accuses them of killing their siblings and harming Father Calvert, while Calvert warns that Valka is the true threat. The children insist Kharn protects them, and when Hadrian calls them spare parts, Suzuha admits they know their fate: to be subsumed into their father. Their devotion overrides any fear of death.

Valka pivots to pragmatism, offering escape if the children help find the captive. Calvert interjects that others—the Brethren—know everything in the facility. He describes these entities as ancient “demons in the water,” predecessors who summoned Kharn, implying an intelligence predating the Master’s rule.

Recognizing a path to Kharn’s machine, Hadrian and Valka accept guidance. Suzuha agrees to come, but Calvert refuses to abandon his charges. To follow, the Exalted opens its crab-like chassis and emerges as a skeletal, augmented old man, moving with uncanny grace and taunting their vulnerability.

Hadrian threatens retaliation if Calvert advances on the children, and the Exalted withdraws—then reappears across the hall, laughing, demonstrating unnerving mobility. With the balance of power fragile but pointed toward answers below, Hadrian retrieves his coat and follows Calvert toward the door leading down to the Brethren.