Uncertain Heart [Open]

[upupatomway]

Soldiers take stock of weapons and ammunition, mechanics are in and out of the armor workshop, all in anticipation of the movement on Vindess that leaders are discussing. Atom had finished reading another magic book and in practice at the target range, he leaves targets quickly fried to a crisp by electricity. He had faced monsters here, he had faced other monsters and robots at home. Logically, he is ready to join the battle.

He had never attacked a human though. At home, it was against the law for a robot to seriously harm or kill a human, even in self-defense. He had always been under the watchful eye of the public as a representative of the robot race, and labeled a hero after saving people from accidents. He delayed the bad humans until the police arrived. There are definitely parallels between the slavery in the Empire and the slavery of robots, but this is a different world with different rules, and he is aware of what participating in battle might mean.

He isn't sure what the right thing to do is.

He decides to seek out someone who might have more battle experience to give him perspective. The Vault has a few possible candidates, but he also makes a point of visiting Flotsam where there are warriors abound. Atom approaches an individual at lunchtime, with a drink or food in hand to offer them.

"Excuse me. Do you have some time to have lunch and talk? I might be assigned to the front in the next battle, and I could use some advice from someone more experienced facing the Imperials." He asks politely.

Comments

[upupatomway]

He knows Link isn't one for many words, but his simple nod reassures him that he isn't mistaken in what he was made to understand from the warning from Hades. Atom had put his life on the line for less, and was willing to sacrifice himself if it meant saving his own world. He didn't want to abandon this one to a terrible fate either.

He doesn't truly breathe for oxygen, but Atom closes his eyes and draws in a deep breath. His logic says some type of action must be taken. And his emotions are the familiar mix of dread and a great determination he has felt before. He opens his eyes, expression determined but tinged with sorrow.

"I want to help. I won't kill when it isn't called for, but I want to stop Gaurus and the other Imperial leaders that make this Empire the terrible place that it is. I will keep looking for other choices, but if death is truly the only thing that can stop them, I'll have to learn to accept it."

[newmemorywhodis]

Link nods. Now at least, Atom has reaches his conclusion. He knows his path forward. It's a difficult path, one that won't be easily to walk. But it's better to know the path, and walk it anyway, than to wander off and on.

"Then you know what to do."