The Imprisonment of Anaxi
Victor stood rigid, arms crossed, as the towering Creche began its work. Its iridescent form moved with a fluidity that belied its massive size, extending long, delicate appendages to weave a structure around Anaxi. The imprisoned figure stood still, eyes blazing with defiance.
“Hurry up,” Victor snapped, pacing in sharp, deliberate steps. “This isn’t an art project. Just make sure it holds.”
The Creche’s movements slowed at his words, its core glowing faintly with something that might have been hesitation. It turned its head-like construct toward Victor and spoke in a soft, harmonic tone. “Structural integrity is not the only concern. This individual is to be kept safe and unharmed. Comfort will be prioritized.”
Victor scowled. “I don’t need a lecture on your ethics. Just get it done.”
Ignoring his impatience, the Creche continued its careful work, assembling a cocoon-like enclosure around Anaxi. The latticework gleamed in the dim light, its design airy yet unyielding. Open spaces allowed light and airflow, and a soft platform within formed a resting area. Compartments were subtly integrated for food and water, and the material of the cage shimmered with a gentle warmth, ensuring it would not harm its occupant.
Anaxi, watching from within the slowly forming structure, tilted their head. “You could just ask me what you want to know, Victor. This charade won’t get you any closer to your goals.”
Victor approached the cage, standing just outside the Creche’s reach. “You think you’re clever, don’t you?” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “But I’ve learned one thing about people like you—you’re all too predictable. You’ll talk when you realize no one’s coming to save you.”
Anaxi laughed, a sharp, humorless sound. “You might control these Creche for now, but you’ll never understand them. You’re out of your depth.”
Victor’s jaw tightened, but he turned away without another word. Behind him, the Creche completed its work, stepping back as the lattice pulsed briefly with a soft light. It surveyed its creation, then addressed Anaxi directly in the same melodic tone.
“You will not be harmed,” it said, almost gently. “This structure is designed for your well-being as well as containment.”
Anaxi raised an eyebrow. “Funny how you seem more concerned about that than the person giving the orders.”
The Creche did not respond but stood silently, its glowing core dimming slightly, as if in thought.
Victor turned to the Creche. “Guard the cage. Do not allow them to escape under any circumstances.”
The Creche’s core pulsed faintly, but it gave no verbal response. Instead, it shifted into a sentinel-like stance, its luminous gaze fixed on the enclosure.
As Victor strode away, muttering about his plans, the Creche’s quiet hum filled the space. Anaxi sat on the soft platform inside, watching the construct with a curious expression. “You know this is wrong, don’t you?”
The Creche didn’t answer but shifted slightly, its luminous core flickering with an almost imperceptible unease.