Paju, Axiom Pilot

393 AC - Rossum serves us some piping hot tea, forcing Paju to interrupt his story. In a corner of the workshop, his robot is recharging. The engine is cooling down, and the Kelon cylinders are refilling after his outing. Paju shoves another cookie into his mouth, then resumes his tale, explaining all the details of his maneuvers in his new machine. He talks quickly, in a hurry to tell us everything, to share every sensation, every surprise, every moment of joy. His hands dart about in all directions, miming some movement of the machine or illustrating his description of the environments he flew through. He gives us a detailed account of his encounter with a flock of birds that he followed into the labyrinth of Aerolith stones.

I watch him with a smile. But all the while, I know it's just a simulation. Of him, of his presence. Still, I let the game go on, because I feel I have a debt to repay. Because I survived, while he didn't. He turns to me, telling me all about his plans for tomorrow. He bursts out in laughter, and says he can hardly believe we're finally both here, the two of us, exploring unknown skies. All of a sudden, he's no longer there. The chair is empty, though his tea is still steaming. There are still crumbs on the seat, but despite this clear evidence, it's as though he were never there. And the truth is, he never was. It was my memory of him, which I brought to life. Rossum places a hand on my shoulder.

TREYST