Snippet #2724480

All Jinhai stopped in their tracks overcoats billowing in some unseen wind. The three pivot turn in unison to address the question put to them unmoved by the threat to their person. Each gloved hand held at their side, listless. Mouths seen under bandages did move when they spoke but with a bare imitation of a 'face' hidden underneath. Firstly a momentary discussion ensued among them to evaluate the request.

"The Almanac indicates such a group is not under the purview of the Living Emperor."
"Irrelevant. All humankind is within the perview the Living Emperor."
"Stated group is inconsistent with a threat to humankind. No related affiliation dicta exist."
"Agreed. The request is permissible by humankind; group affiliation is of no concern."

Each used the same voice as the closest answered literally, "We have finished rekindling the humankind. We took your elevator from below."

Another pointed at the man's head describing purpose, "After rebuilding a body for viable thrones of mankind we must return completed humankind to your care."

Another raised the flat of hand as black dust leaked to shape a shadow dragon of black smoke to inform constraints, "Recent events tainted unused replacements. Our duties require destruction of fallen tainted humankind."

One then pointed to the elevator to specify their origin, "A stasis facility was constructed underneath this human construction to hold damaged thrones of humankind until they have completed rekindling."

Two behind the one that spoke gestured to the woman and the confused man, "They have been rekindled. The life of humankind now resumes. We have no further interest."

The closest cocked its bandaged head volunteering status updates from below, "Upgrades are in progress to permit more live but incomplete humankind to remain in aetheric projection until parts are available. 14 projection upgrades have been completed."

~~~

The man's terrified face darted to soldiers aiming weapons at him breaking his focus on the new tattooed legs. His eyes raced for an explanation and stammered, "I... was dead? Wait, wait, guys, I'm not a soldier! The prison tattoos aren't mine! I am... was... uh I am just a EMT! Please don't shoot me! I don't want to die again!"

A small child's voice peeped from a vent on the ceiling down the hall as Eileen stuck her white translucent head stuck through the grating, "Don't shoot the dark men!"