Contents
Chapter 43: Brethren
Overview
Hadrian reaches the Brethren, a human-flesh-based AI beneath Vorgossos, which seizes Calvert and telepathically confronts Hadrian with revelations about the Quiet, branching futures, and Tanaran’s location in Kharn’s palace. As Kharn arrives to reclaim control, Brethren destroys his drones then forces Hadrian and Valka’s surrender, leading to their capture by SOMs.
Summary
Hadrian, Valka, Suzuha, and Ren follow Calvert down to a sunless sea beneath Kharn’s pyramid. On a narrow stone spur, Calvert attempts to betray Hadrian, but a pale, many-armed thing—Brethren—erupts from the water, maims Calvert, and claims Hadrian is not to be harmed. The AI bids Hadrian disarm and draws him into telepathic communion.
Brethren reveals itself as a remnant AI that evolved using human neural substrate. It speaks of the Quiet as reality-shaping survivors, of branching futures, and that other wills move events. Hadrian experiences overpowering visions: a Cielcin lord beheading a version of himself, myriad possible lives, Gibson’s voice urging that a soldier is needed, and a manipulated past.
Questioned, Brethren states Tanaran is actually in Kharn’s palace above, near where Hadrian slept. It says the ship could be freed but won’t be, warns that “he” is coming, and that Aranata is already being drawn to Hadrian. It insists Hadrian will soon have the meeting he seeks—if he survives.
Valka warns they are not alone as lights die. Kharn Sagara appears above the arch with drones and SOMs, raging over his dead and stolen “children.” Brethren’s arms seize and crush Kharn’s drones midair. After a silent exchange between Kharn and Brethren, Kharn orders SOMs forward.
Despite Hadrian’s readiness to fight, Brethren compels surrender, returns his sword to his pocket, and allows the SOMs to seize Hadrian and Valka. As they are carried away, Brethren intones a final warning about the price of life and the inevitability of what is coming.
Who Appears
- Hadrian MarloweProtagonist; meets the Brethren, endures visions and revelations, learns Tanaran is in Kharn’s palace, and is ultimately captured.
- BrethrenBio-mechanical AI in the sunless sea; maims Calvert, communes with Hadrian, reveals futures and the Quiet, destroys Kharn’s drones, compels surrender.
- Kharn SagaraUndying ruler of Vorgossos; confronts Hadrian, rages over losses, coordinates with Brethren, then orders SOMs to seize Hadrian and Valka.
- Valka OnderraScientist and ally; keeps watch on Suzuha and Ren, warns of approaching forces, is captured alongside Hadrian.
- Father CalvertExalted guide who attempts betrayal; Brethren seizes and maims him, discarding him on the shore.
- SuzuhaKharn’s child; leads Ren, explains the geothermal power, remains above as Hadrian descends.
- RenYoung child loyal to Kharn; identifies the builders’ purpose for the site, waits near the arch.
- Kharn’s SOMsUndead soldiers; advance under Kharn’s orders and physically seize Hadrian and Valka.