It seems to be powered from the other side. Dispelling it would close it, and it's taking a great deal of power to open and maintain - opening a new one may not be feasible in the close future.
"Well, this didn't go according to plan." The voice from before sounds wry, annoyed and slightly amused. "Well done on surviving for now. It is a great disappointment, although I suppose you wouldn't care about that."
Aibek considered Azri comments with Aibek's knowledge of gateways when the whoever-that-was-in-the-construct piped up. Aibek looked around as the witchwolf attempted to pin the location of the voice. With a shrug, Aibek responded, "I've been told similar before." as a few memories flickered through their mind.
"No doubt you'll hear similar again," the voice replied with an audible sneer. "But since you win this little round of the game, I shall pay a forfeit. And yes, this is but a game...albeit one I'm compelled to play. I shall answer one question true, in full. And then I shall close this hole and plan the next step. Talk among yourselves until you decide what you wish to ask."
While he was tempted to break the enemy's toys. He would not rush into things without the group choosing such.
"I would say we ask for his personal story. He would by his own word be compelled to tell us all of himself and what he has experienced up to this very moment. Revealing much of himself and anyone that is connected to him be they friend or foe."
Azri looked at Nigrum for a few moments, then shrugged slightly. For her part, she didn't trust this individual at all. "I see no point giving him an opportunity to lie to us and lead us away from his next actions." she said. "Why not just ask him who'd be the pest person to thwart his plans while also being willing to help us at a price we'd like? Get a useful course of action or proof he's a liar."
Nigrum turned slowly to Azri.
"Wouldn't my question answer that. Any enemy that has already defeated him in the past would qualify. More so if it was not a single individual then he could speak the truth or misdirect us without breaking his word. Spend enough time in Katapesh or among the Abadaran and you will learn details in words mean something. Even if it does not line up with the spirit of the agreement."
He spat out that last part, damned bounties dishonored by the fine print as they put it.
"Anyways liars that spin grand tales or stray to far from the truth give themselves away. The more complex the lie, the greater the chance of a misstep. The best lies are the simple ones."
Charlatans and con artist were the easiest bounties, they always talked to much for their own good. Confidence overcoming caution or simple good sense more often then not.
Mihara, having been pondering the question silently for a time, finally speaks up.
"If our first priority is to keep Khalharum safe, it may be worth asking for their designs on the town, or where they plan on striking next. As much as I would like to put a definite end to this idiocy as soon as possible, our first priority should be the people looking up to us for leadership."
This time he turns to Mihara.
"Would they not simply change their plans after exposing them. Stopping a single plan or attack does nothing so long as the enemy remains to repeatedly attack us. Without information on the enemy you will always be at a disadvantage. Adopting a siege mentality is ultimately self defeating."
He didn't like how they were giving the enemy information on themselves with this exchange ether. He certainly would take advantage of it and take note if he was in their position.
Aibek shrugged at the sneering voice though contempt became clear in Aibek's features at the talk of this being a game. Aibek didn't really have much emotional response to whoever or anyone else having wanted them individually dead, the witchwolf expected that from everyone, but no game, no matter how compelling, should risk hundreds of lives. Aibek's eyes still scanned the room trying to find a source for the voice.
Aibek considered the offer as they listened to others. The shadow archon began to think aloud, "The people of Khalharum are the priority...and if they are currently and have been telling the truth, they haven't planned the next step yet, believe those of flesh are prone to violence, hates Khaul, wishes not only the death of you all and me but to ruin names which seems odd to me - as Zhen Halfblood thought being unknown would aide...the last part is what feels odd to me. Not even been here a year...and if it isn't stopping Khaul repeatedly why so specific..." Aibek sighed as the missing pieces of the puzzle bothered their brain. "Whatever is to be asked, it needs to be precise. One who hates so would likely enjoy finding ways to answer but not answer. Ask for a personal story and you could be answered with the title of the book they've written..."
Azri pointed at Aibek. "I like the way you think." she said cheerfully. "Remind me to tell you about the lady of paradoxes sometime."
Aibek shifted their searching gace from the wider space where they had been trying to find for the source of voice, to Azri and Ayreth, the contempt for Whoever now replaced in with a blush across their features and genuine startled confusion at the two's brief words.
After an awkward moment stammering, Aibek attempted to recollect their rambling train of swirling thoughts, "Thank-thanks. A lady of paradoxes sounds interesting...There were Archons who made similar deals for information or items. Some true and did not twist words, some not. I was only directly involved in a few but the stories...there was an Archon's second well known for offering prisoners whatever meal they wanted and information to get through their trial, acted like it was ony fair for someone to be fully prepared, but if the prisoner did not specifically ask for the meal to be safe..." Aibek gestured to show the obvious conclusion to that sentence.
"I like the idea of getting as much information as possible, some actual answers would be great...I just don't know how to ask...Whoever this is and it go well. " Aibek said awkward
"Or maybe we're just overthinking it." Azri said, glancing over to where the figure was. "What's your true name?" With truthful information, they could probably go from there with divinations or something.
"Is that the question you all wish to ask?" the voice enquired in amusement. "I would like to hear a concessus before I continue. Maybe even a vote."
"I stand with my fellow councilor." Mihara declares.
Aibek looked puzzled by that response from Whoever. For someone who seemed to loathe each of the councilors, why did they want them to vote? That seemed odd drawn out behaviour for someone paying a forfeit to people they had said they wanted not just dead but what possible legacy they had possibly destroyed.
"I am fine with that question though also open to other suggestions." Aibek said warily.
Mihara's eyes suddenly shoot open wide.
"... Wait a minute... Are they stalling us for time? Could this whole charade be a distraction?"
"I've said my peace."
"Two out of five, with three 'Maybes'? That's not really a consensus, now is it? Perhaps you have a different question? Your Lord Defenders suggestion, perhaps?" The voice laughed. "But please, rush, if you feel like following Mihara's suggestion."
Aibek sighed in frustration at the sneering voice for a moment before Whoever's words - or at least a pair of them - poked at Aibek and their mind scrambled to try to use this new piece...
The advocate councilor looked to the others, I don't have or know a Lord Defender... none have such title... I wouldn't have consented to any councilor standing so far above the people as to have such a ridiculously pompous... the gateway... it reads like the one from when we saw the whisps, that wasn't to another Plane but somewhere else on this plane...the whistler who controlled so many called the lights back to somewhere else... they paused as if taking some effort to make their racing thoughts stop.
I'm not sure that is helping, Whoever says they know each of... knows names and so much but used a title Nigrum's never used here to my knowledge. The weird portals read the same. It still needs to be decided, unless anyone else has another question, should Whoever be asked their name, their personal story...or where that connects to? Aibek concluded with a glance to a portal, tone almost sorry for adding another question or pushing for this when they had been the first among the maybes. They paused as they hoped one of the others might find better clarity in their pieces to help them figure out which would be best...
"I do not care what names others give me, I only answer to those that I choose myself. You should not care, nor should you give this one anything it has not rightfully earned."
He gave Aibek a side long look. To allow the enemy to disturb you would only allow them a way to manipulate you and gain an advantage. Turning back towards the thing.
"Your observations are unneeded and unwanted. It seems supposed superior beings lack common manners and self restraint."
A failing they continued to exploit he would point out, if it were not an enemy.
"So you haven't chosen a pretty title yet? I'm sure you will. Eventually.
As for me being superior...I am what I am. If you want to know what that is..." It paused. "Or where," it added, acknowledging Aibek's additional point.
"Name." Azri said bluntly, responding to Aibek. "At this point they're just being sanctimonious and silly, and there are far better ways to get information when we want it. And I'm not overly fond of allowing outsiders to think they can dictate terms to us here, in the city we've agreed to lead."
"Positions have been chosen to divide the work to help Khalharum...that's not one. I'd say you have a very bad spy, but I do not think that is it...not with what you've already shown. said the shadow assassin continued to keep their narrow focus on the errors, the confusion dropping behind a cold half-smile.
"I vote for a name, to make things easier for the others...and to see if I'm right. I mean, if you're playing a game, at least mine won't cost lives..."
Aibek pulled out charcoal from their pocket, and - pulling up one sleeve - wrote on their arm...
"Atouch of chill, Peeress Champion? Something of the old days comming back? When you did such good works? But let's see. Yes...and no. My information is excellent. But not always relevent. And we both know you've played games with lives. You simply choose not to, this time."
"But that is three, and thus a majority," the voice replied. "Very well. A terrible choice, by the way - I have no name. Not really. Not truly. Simply words that have been used to describe me. But I will tell you those, even if by the wording of this bargain I need not. Let it never be said I am unfair. Ash'arma. Cet. Tura. Val Hara Des Amaraone. Mydium. Central. Thing. Slave. Nexus. But the one I go by now, the one I have chosen...is Deus." The voice paused. "Arrogant, I know. But it suits my current needs."
Aibek turned their arm and just above where the thickened witchwolf hair ended, in slightly smeared black charcoal, "Nexus" was written in a large neatish hand. The cold half-smile grew ever so slightly, seemingly all the chill the advocate councilor was able to manage at the moment beyond the growing ice to Aibek's gaze. The shadows around Aibek seemed to be moving around the shadow archon with more excitement though.
"Thank you for being fair, Deus. I'm glad you've found a name to suit you, I've always struggled with mine. We've already spoken a bit about my assassin days...I don't think those are the old days or good works you're speaking of though. I imagine they...she has those too, with the title Peeress Champion, I guess your Aibek is...she isn't like this?" Aibek while touching the clothes worn. "An interesting difference, between what the Archon did and the tendencies of betrayal seeming to me to increase...I imagine you've seen quite a few differences and similarities." Aibek's gaze was attracted by the portal, and they took a few steps back away from the rift, "Deus, your gateway is getting more unstable..." Aibek observed in a deadpan tone though tried to motion that others, including the construct guards, probably should back up as well.
"Beg pardon, your Aibek? Aibek, are you suggesting that... there's another us out there?"
Mihara followed Aibek's lead and stepped back, her tails tucked between her legs and her ears folded in fright.
"... Deus, is this correct? Am I also out there?"
"Perhaps this Deus is simply a copy, predecessor, or counterpart of Nexus at a different location. It seems rather out of hand to jump to that specific theory. Not to mention what is to be gained by provoking us in the manner that they have. Unless they felt they had to in order to prevent us from controlling the city. They have even gone so far as to attempt to destroy their prize rather then risk losing it. Or at least damage it greatly."
If there was another of himself, something he doubted very much, far more damage would have been had. Attacking and disrupting a location you knew well with information and forces to command would not result in such haphazard efforts. More so by someone like himself, he would never take such half measures. Far more likely another group with this Deus wanted to add Nexus and the city to their resources. That would explain who and why they had gone after halfblood as well as their methods. They had failed to completely settle their own city and build resources properly before they tried to add this one to their own. In their greed and haste they are trying to conquer two cities at once while dealing with a rival group. That made more sense to him and explained a great deal.
"Yes, I noticed the portal is a little weak. There are reasons for that." The voice paused. "However, I promised to answer one question - which I did. If you want another answer, you'll need to make me an offer. Otherwise...things to do, plots to make. People to kill. That's you, in case you're confused."
"I'll explain how I came to my conclusion later if you have an interest in it Nigrum, and you can share yours...." Aibek backed up further with gaze on the portal, "I don't think there is time for that which is why I didn't go for your question or argue further for mine. I barely survived the last portal explosion I was involved in, and it wasn't made by someone who wanted me dead...just ordered closed by one who did. Aibek said with a dry chuckle and shrug as the few hazy memories of waking up in rubble of a third of a mountain came to mind. Aibek did not have Gulnaz's bead of force this time either.
"While I would be happy to do question for question, Deus, or similar if you would like, I think it best under the circumstances to delay that for another time. Hope you take care, and that things can change between us." Aibek continued moving back, ready to run...
Azri shrugged slightly, then raised her staff and shot out a burst of dispelling energy towards the portal, trying to shut it down before things kept happening. "I'm not very fond of just accepting threats, either." she said blandly. But then, that may have been because she was rather difficult to keep down...
The portal lurched, and tendrils of energy...ate...the two Guard flanking it. "No threats," the voice replied, ignoring the fact that the portal seemed to be flexing in 4 dimensions. "That would suggest I want somethingand am trying to scare you in to giving it to me. It's a simple statement. I am trying to kill you. You do not have the means to reach me, let alone stop me. Eventually, I will suceed, or you will find a way to stop me." The voice laughed. "Which seems more likely?" The portal winked out.
Aibek sighed in relief as the portal disappeared far more smoothly that the witchwolf had expected. After a few moment's pause for consideration - and still braced for the worst - Aibek attempted to briefly give a list of priorities, "This place needs to be checked for any further of Deus's corruption or damage. Getting back to the surface preferably without going back into the water after that and then checking the Varisian guests and informing the other councilors of the situation here."
Aibek's gaze went to the constructs, "Are you all alright? Those who are happy to do so, I'd appreciate some help doing the first thing. I imagine you'll be able to spot things out of sort here better than me..."
"Mm. Back to the controls, I think." Azri said, whirling around and walking back the way she'd come. Hopefully, the unaffected guards would be able to provide some more answers - or at least assurances that there were no more threats here.
Mihara nods in agreement with the plan. "I'll return to the surface and check on our guests. Hopefully everything is fine up here."
She turns to a nearby construct. "Is there a, let's say, dry way back to the city proper?"
The prototype Golem Guard nodded - and oddly human gesture for the massive figure. "Most of the damage seems to be focused on the weapon. We cannot make that functional, but we can stabilize the other mechanisms and magics on this place so there is no further danger. Any additional work you wish we will require help with."
It paused and waved one of the others Guard to accompany you. "This one will lead you to the exit tunnel when you wish to leave."
~~~~~
The control area was much as you left it, when Azri arrived.
Aibek nodded to the other guard with their thanks before returning to consider what Prototype 85612 said, "Ensuring as little risk to the people of Khalharum and our guests is the priority. It's probably best that the weapon is nonfunctional until the other councilors can be informed and a decision can be made, anyways...are you aware of any damage to the facilities you require that you need help with? As you said you were attacked where you were stored, I'm concerned things you need may have been damaged and I don't want you to go without if it can be helped before leaving..."
"Mm." Azri said, bending over the controls and examining them to get as much information as possible. "I'd like to have a full examination of the facility completed as soon as possible - every system, every room, everything that matters. Full audit of the status and what would be needed to bring things back to its full intended capacity."
The large machine nodded. "Storage. Maintenance. We will check, but since we are currently active those will not be essential facilities. Emergency repairs can be performed without such if it is so required." Its eyes dimmed a moment. "The facility should be safe for the populace now."
~~~~~~~~
The machine attending the control room nodded. "A full audit will take some time. Basic status will be available in approximately six hours."
The various machines clicked along happily. Everything seemed stable. Without the weapon, botched into service, the minimal power the place needed was being drawn without any danger.
Mihara bows to the party. "I'll go check on our guests. Join me at your leisure."
She calls over the Guard waiting to accompany her, and, unless asked otherwise, departs for the surface.
Aibek nods to Mihara, before the witchwolf started to conclude their conversation with the large construct, "Unless you and yours have current need, I think I will go as well to check on people and see if there is any damage. Like I said, I'll talk to Nexus and the other councilors about the situation here and hopefully together something can be sorted out." Aibek said with a small smile. The witchwold did not want to promise any sort of timeline on that, partially because of that seemed too much like tempting everything at this point.
Unless the constructs had something for Aibek to do, Aibek thanked them for their help and asked them to take care before going to catch up with Mihara, ensuring to pop in on Azri in the control room to tell her know they were going on the way out. Aibek knew nothing of those sorts of mechanisms so did not attempt to interfere with what Azri was workin on there...
"I'm going to drop these off at Nexus and check on things with Mihara."
He motions to the pile of broken constructs he had collected and was now carrying around.
"Then I intend to go meet with Katima as agreed. I do not have much use down here at the moment."
Unless stopped he goes the same way as Mihara.
"Let me know as soon as possible if there are any significant problems." Azri added, waving at Aibek as they popped in. "I can't promise I'll be able to resolve everything right away, but I'd like to know sooner instead of later if it's something that will impact us going forward."
Returning to the city does not prove to be too difficult, as the tunnel seems to be sound enough, although slick with water that has found its way in one way or another.
The building leads to a most collapsed office of some kind, long since abandoned. The entrance to the room itself has caved in, a massive bronze bathtub now blocking the doorway, which is likely why no one has found the entrance before now.
Still, as heavy as the bathtub is, it is easily moved aside.
It is part of the way through the afternoon by this point. You can hear noise down by the docks, as you don't seem to be too far away.
Mihara returns to her human form before stepping outside, and flies over to the docks as fast as she can, after a magical change of clothes and a quick bit of cleanup to make herself presentable.
Aibek sighed after moving the fallen bathtub and stepped into the afternoon light. At least clothes should dry quickly in the Khalharum sun. Aibek looked around for any noticeable signs of damage while attempting to adjust their attire and appearance and walk to the dock, hoping to check on the Varisian guests, talk to Nexus, and talk to others to see if there was anything significant to report back to Azri before doing other things like the other meeting...or talking with Azerna...or buying more cream from the alchemist...or any of other things buzzing through Aibek's mind.