31

"Are you sure we should just sneak around?" Therko asks.

"Yes," Control says.

"What about the rest of you," Therko asks, "those without extra bodies or invincible skin? Because this is dangerous, physically and otherwise."

"Don't tell me you believe in the magic of the Golden God," Alexius scoffs. "Someone glued our cog to its forehead and strung up some ropes, Therko. That's it."

The argument threatens to grow heated when Control calmly says, "I'm in."

Only one controller, you realize, remains at the campfire.

Vecla blinks. "In what?"

"In the idol. I have removed the guards." When Therko looks alarmed, Control says, "I lured them away by throwing stones." Her expression is unfocused and her words warble a bit, like a wax recording. "Now, we have little time, and I cannot maintain this separation among my units for long. Crowchar, Alexius, take this…opportunity…to…"

"Investigate," Alexius says, rising. "Come on, Crowchar. We can't pass up this chance."