An Innocent Android

Campaign: Android Anguish

Chapter 11 / 3-1

An Innocent Android

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Prince Emile's Obsession

Summary

As Luca works to evacuate the villagers, Mascula appears seeking aid for an injured imperial soldier. While Luca sympathizes with his feelings, it only hardens his resolve to keep fighting until the day is won.

Dialogue

Come on, everyone! This way! *pant* *pant* We're old, and our days are few. Leave us. Save the children instead. Guys, the imperial army is miiiles behind us. We've got time to save everybody, so there's no need to start sacrificing your lives at this point. R-really? Trust me. If there was a bad guy within ten miles of this place, these sylvan ears of mine would know about it. (I doubted Euden's crazy plan at first, but I gotta admit, it's workin'!) A few hours earlier... Shut the front door! You want us all to split up and run away, like, SEPARATELY?! I think that's our best option. It seems Emile can issue commands directly to the androids, but he's the ONLY one who can do so. So they either move as one big unit or they have to stay put? Interestin'. And that's why we're going to split into two groups. If one of them serves as bait for the android forces, it will allow the second group to escape.

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Right! Keep moving, everybody! And don't worry—we'll protect you no matter what. I feel guilty that we're making a sylvan like yourself protect us. I've heard the sylvan people have a deep loathing for humans. Not if ya ask me. Hell, I've got boatloads of human friends— plus some other races besides! I mean, who cares about doing things just because we happen to be human or sylvan or whatever? That's boring. ...me... Huh? What was that? Help me! Hey, you're that android from before! Er, and help you with what, exactly? There are many humans over there who are injured and unable to move. I want to treat them but...I'm an android. I don't know enough about organic bodies. Please... Hey, look, I'd love to help you out, but I'm already trying to evacuate all these folks, so... You won't help them? Please don't worry about us. If there are others who need your assistance, by all means go to them now. I don't wish to sound unappreciative of your efforts, but if you have the chance to help others, you should do so. Well, when you put it like that... Okay, android. Show me where all these wounded folks are hiding. Thank you very much. Also, you may call me Mascula. I'm Luca. Nice to meet ya...I think? I'm still feelin' you out, so we'll save the handshake for later.

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Wait, hang on... Nnngh... Mascula, these are imperial soldiers! Are THEY the injured people you're trying to help?! Yes, that's right. Is there a problem? Well, hell! I thought you were on our side, but I guess I was wrong! Your...side? You're clearly still workin' for the Empire if you want us to heal their wounded! No, that's not it. I'm not "with" the Empire. Then why do you want me to help 'em?! Is it strange to help one who is injured? Look, it's just...

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I don't understand. Why is this bad? Do your "sides" mean so much that you would leave them to die? Um... I don't want to hurt anyone. I seek only to help, without exception. Is that such a bad thing? No, of course not... Oh, dammit! Fine! Look, I'll give 'em some of my sylvan medicine, okay? That'll keep 'em from bleedin' out or getting any kind of nasty rotting diseases. Sorry you had to go wasting the good stuff on a guy like me... Yeah, well, you can thank this android for tippin' my hand, I guess. Heh. Same old Luca. You're from the village near Myriage Lake, yeah? Wait, how do you know that? My hometown's close to that village, so I know some of the folks there. Didn't stop you from joining the imperial army though, did it? Didn't have much choice in the matter. If you're conscripted and refuse to serve, the Empire punishes your family. Ugh... Yeah, well, I guess even imperial soldiers have their reasons. Thank you for the medicine, Luca. You are a good person. Actually, I should be thanking you. Why? For not being wrong. Remember all that stuff you told me about life having value no matter whose side it might happen to be on? Yes, I remember. Well, maybe I needed a little reminder. Hell, I was just going on to some villager about how race didn't matter, yet I turned around and did the same damn thing. You opened my eyes to that. So...thanks. I am glad that you understand. And as I said, you are a good person. Yeah, maybe I am—but that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop fightin'. Sometimes you gotta fight for what's important—even if it means hurtin' someone else. I still believe there is a way to end conflicts without fighting. Yeah, maybe there is—but while we take the time to try and figure that out, more people are gonna suffer. That's why I'm gonna keep fightin' for what matters. And if you get in the way of that... Well, I'll do what I gotta do. Luca, I— Hey, guys? Sorry to cut in, but I think you better get out of here real soon. We were left behind here since we were injured and couldn't keep up with our forces. The main imperial army won't be all that far. You should hurry and get out of here. I know it's weird for me to be telling you this but... Well, there it is. Yikes! Thanks for the heads-up, pal. ...Come on, everyone. We're leaving. R-right! Take me with you! I am to blame if the imperial army attacks. So I must protect you. I thought you didn't want to fight. I do not—yet I can still be of assistance. I can take their weapons away from them, serve as a distraction to draw their eyes, or any other number of things. What do you think? Man, you really are an oddball. Still, you seem okay for the most part, so if you wanna tag along, feel free. I knew you were a good person. Boy, you just say whatever pops into the ol' melon, huh? I ain't really used to folks who are that... I dunno. Genuine? Or childlike, maybe. Is being a child bad? Nah, it's fine. I mean, sure, it can be annoying sometimes, but like I said, you seem pretty all right. "Pretty all right" is an expression of favor, yes? I like you too, Luca! Ha ha! Sure, Mascula, whatever you say. Regardless, welcome aboard. Thank you.

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You there! Did you find them?! Yes, sir. They appear to be massing in the ruined village down the way. Ha! They've been scuttling about in an attempt to escape, but we've cornered them at last. Now, I will see this settled! Chelle called this thing a trump card, so if I use it... ...... Yes! This time I will CRUSH THEM ALL! ...Crush.