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]

Atom looks taken aback, blinking in surprise. Somehow Natalia's talents and the victories she had claimed so far made it surprising that even she could have trouble against one of the imperial aces. He'd been thinking that idealistic way about several particularly strong Corsairs, if he was honest.

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking," he says gently.

[theriflespiral]

"There's... not a lot to tell. It was during the raid on Bluvink. I was assigned to be overwatch for the transmission area, and an ace showed up. I was unfamiliar with how magic works in this world, and attempted to deflect an incoming magic on vibes and what control over ice I had at the time.

"The resulting steam explosion knocked me out of the fight, and left me in bed for several weeks."

[upupatomway]

"I see..." Atom nods. A lot of people back home debated over whether ice or fire would be more powerful in a theoretical battle, but they never remembered to mention the steam that would result. For people in this world, it was a very real concern.

"I'll remember that, and if we're both up against someone who scans suggest will attack with fire, I will warn you. Though, your ice power seems like it would be pretty intimidating to most."

[theriflespiral]

"I'm continuing to develop it, but I worry. Or rather. It is because I worry, that I am continuing to develop it."

[upupatomway]

"What do you mean? Are you worried you aren't practicing enough?" he asks. That's the kind of worry he would have. He's not sure if she would.

[theriflespiral]

"Not just that. Or-- not only that. Others depend on me and my skill, but I have already lost one battle against the Imperial best and they are only becoming stronger. I... I can't afford to fail." Natalia reaches into her satchel and pulls out... A metronome?

[upupatomway]

Atom has had his share of being heavily relied on in high stress situations; he frowns momentarily at the familiar pressure she describes. He'd be a hypocrite if he tells her not to worry at all.

"Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. We're in this together," Atom attempts to encourage her, before looking at the metronome she pulls out in confusion. Perhaps music brings her comfort when she's stressed?

[theriflespiral]

"I have been using music to help focus my mind and Ether," Natalia explains. "This has proven somewhat fruitful, but battlefields, for all they have a certain rhythm, a kind of percussion, don't have music. So! The music has to stay up here."

She taps her forehead.

[upupatomway]

"I've never heard of that before but it makes sense. Every action has its physical measurements, and music is mathematics."

[theriflespiral]

"Yes. I found that by... shaping my emotions with music, I can turn even my curse into a weapon." She sets down the metronome, and sets it to an unusual tempo for music, but does not start it yet.

Natalia picks up the practice blades. The tempo of combat, however, of a heartbeat in the heat of a battle-- that might be closer to the allegro she's picked. "This, combined with some minor knowledge of various dances... I believe... can affect the battlefield. Would you prefer to observe my attempt first, or work through your own?"