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

[newmemorywhodis]

There's a blank, faintly perplexed look to Link when Atom asks his question. Atom wants Link to talk? With words? Lots of words?

...Has Atom not yet realised that Link's...not really good at that?

But maybe Atom doesn't want Link to talk? Maybe he just wants someone to listen. Link can do that. He's rather good at it, actually.

So he nods. Yes, they can talk. As long as Atom does most of it.

[theriflespiral]

Natalia nods. Even if she knows who Atom is, she's not going to turn down a chance to give advice. Especially now, of all times.

"Come then, have seat, though, of course, I have my own biases." She pulls down the collar and scarf she habitually keeps to show the almost entirely faded collar scar.

1/2

[testygirl]

[ Aira can't control her initial reaction, and it shows starkly on her face. It's disbelief, mostly, but also some contempt for whichever commander thinks Atom belongs on the front lines. The look lasts for a second or two. ]

[supersmashbrother]

Atom has good timing, for Raph is hungry like a hippo feeling a bit peckish.

He finds him in the middle of a training routine, finishing up the last of his one-armed pushups. With a grunt, he lifts his body up almost parallel to the floor, swinging himself forward and onto his knees before settling into a seiza position. Here, he gives him his full attention.

"Sure thing, little man. What advice can Raph give to help you out?"

[redprayer]

"Advice...?"

Rezo is, as usual, keeping himself busy with work at the clinic. It's probably a good thing Atom approached, or else he might have skipped lunch.

Hearing that Atom might be assigned to the front is a bit of a shock, and Rezo reminds himself that despite how young Atom seems for that kind of work, he's not human.

Being human doesn't seem to be a prerequisite for uncertainty, however, and Rezo gently smiles. "Of course I have time. Shall we step outside?"