“How many of your fellow robots have been found and reactivated in the past five centuries?” OX asked.

Jorax remained silent, as if calculating. “Approximately fifty thousand.”

OX filed away the information. “That exceeds my estimate. I believe the Hansa is unaware of that number.”

“They have only to count,” Jorax said, “but few humans bother to distinguish between our individuals. And the Ildirans pay little attention to us. They say we are not part of their story.”

Standing in the arched promenade that led into King Frederick’s Throne Hall, they watched well-dressed functionaries and courtiers hurrying about their business, all of them staring at the two mismatched robots. Security guards remained prominent, no longer hidden, keenly watching Jorax.

The contemplative Klikiss robot said, “Bear in mind, that once there were billions of us, before the … disaster. Does the number of Klikiss robots intimidate you, or surprise you?”

“I merely find it interesting,” OX replied.

When the functionaries and bureaucrats finally finished their discussions and reached a decision, OX looked up to see the primary reception guardsman stride out of the Throne Hall. The guard clasped a ceremonial staff in his hand.

“King Frederick graciously grants an audience to the Klikiss robot Jorax.” The man paused, looking uncomfortable. “We are unfamiliar with the weapons systems within your body core. As the recent death of Dr. Andeker has proved, a Klikiss robot can indeed be dangerous. However, despite the potential risk to his royal person, the King has agreed to hear your words.”

He pointed his staff at the black exoskeleton. “Be warned that your every move will be monitored. Our security guards will respond to any threatening action with a full and merciless retaliatory strike. Don’t give us an excuse. Is this understood?”

“Klikiss robots have done nothing to foster such suspicion. Nevertheless, your conditions are acceptable to me. I intend no harm to your King.” The insectoid robot advanced across the polished floor into the opulent Throne Hall.

Old Frederick wore crimson robes, a crown of jewels and prismatic flatgems atop his gray head. He leaned forward with hard but curious eyes. OX had observed humans long enough to recognize a masked but distinct expression of fear on the King’s face. No one knew what to expect from the alien machine.

With his smooth, caterpillarlike gait, Jorax moved forward and stopped a respectful distance in front of the raised throne. No one seemed to know how to announce this alien visitor or what protocol to follow. Finally, the King spoke in a voice that cracked embarrassingly in the middle. “I have never had the opportunity to meet a Klikiss robot face-to-face.”

Jorax hummed and raised himself up as he extended his sets of flexible telescoping legs. “I must deliver an important message to the Great King of the Terran Hanseatic League from the Klikiss robots.”