A knight's imprisonment

[stupidhonor]

[1, right after mission]
[If you open the captive Ankaian unit cockpit, you find its pilot to look like a completely normal human woman. People who hoped for more weird aliens will be disappointed.

She however is armed with a sword - and points it at you! But the sword is sheathed, and given hilt first.]

I yield. By my name I swear to act like a captive should, make no attempts to backstab nor escape unless let go willfully.

I am now at your mercy.

[2]
Yes? What comes now?

Torture, is it?

[Sitting in a cell, Sielje is ready to be interrogated. She actually behaves without causing trouble as promised so if you have questions, ask them and see if she answers.]

Comments

[stupidhonor]

I saw enough to suspect otherwise.

Why are you here for, then? Is this also because I am a woman?

[a_louse]

You saw the actions of terrorists. Unity Group is much more professional than them.

I'd lie if I said I wasn't curious when I heard our prisoner is a pretty girl. But no, I'm here to ask you a few questions. Nothing else.

[stupidhonor]

Whether I am a man or a woman should not matter. I am a warrior above all else.

So you value yourself higher than others of Earth? At the very least you say you are much more professional.

[Sielje folds her arms and closes her eyes. She looks like she really wants to say something... but does not.]

It is not my place to ask questions, but to answer them. What will they be?

[a_louse]

I hold myself to a high standard and expect others to do the same in response. It's only fair.

Can you tell me about the world you came from? And how do you know about Earth?

[stupidhonor]

Ankaia is a land of mighty beasts and untamed lands. Its majestic scenery is a sight to behold. Its people are honorable and strong. We know of Earth...

Because our ancestors left it. A long time ago.

[a_louse]

Using the gate technology I saw out there, I presume. How do you do that? And isn't it a bit presumptuous to invade a "corrupt" world if you only know it from a long time ago?

[stupidhonor]

I am not invading anything! This is not for conquest, this is retaliation against an aggressor, in defense of Ankaia.

The gate is opened by an ancient artifact. How it works, I do not know.

[a_louse]

Are you sure? I'm pretty sure I'd know if ESUN launched an invasion on Ankala. Or knew about Ankala at all.

[stupidhonor]

It is not ESUN, whatever that may be. The offenders are a guild of traders known under the name of Fumerco. You did not know of their actions?

[Sielje does not look very impressed.]

Theirs was the workshop we have attacked.

[a_louse]

No. I never knew that a corporation attacked another planet they only knew about. A planet that, by the looks of it, is heavily medieval in everything but possessing giant robots. Robots that don't look like they're mechanical.

[stupidhonor]

My Knight's Arm is a machine. It has moving parts and it was crafted, from metal, hide and bone of defeated beasts, given form more fitting a human warrior.

...

What do you mean when you use that word? "Medieval".

[a_louse]

It's an ancient era that passed over 500 years ago. The times of knights, peasants and feudal lords are long over. Iron armor is not exactly popular apparel anymore, either.

[stupidhonor]

Are you saying my people are stuck in the past? The trappings of Ankaia are not like Earth's, the similarities are an accident!

My nation was organized to be different from Earth's on purpose. We do not have peasants or lords by birth. Everyone is born equal and what standing they achieve in life depends on personal merit.

[a_louse]

You must have a lot of merit yourself, then, if you rose to be a part of Lord Moswar's personal guard.

[stupidhonor]

It is... mumble mumble... not quite so...

[More mumbling. She speaks quietly and in a manner that is hard to understand for some reason.]

[a_louse]

Don't sell yourself short. It takes a special person to stay behind so your comrades will be able to escape to safety.

[stupidhonor]

I will have you know, compliments will not get you on my good side.

[a_louse]

Too much flattery will result in a certain lady waking me up early in the morning with loud music again. I'm merely giving credit where it's due.

What can you tell me about your homeworld?

[stupidhonor]

I... see.

[Sounding confused, Sielje nevertheless continues.]

Ankaia is a wild and proud land. Large parts of it are under domain of powerful beasts that often fight each other for dominance. The knights of Ankaia also fight them - to prove themselves, and for glory.

My people have cast away Earth's corruption and live a life of strength and honor. Chivalry and fair play are expected always, and if you do not seek to perfect yourself and become mightier, you will not achieve anything.

[a_louse]

What about those who do not have that strength?

[stupidhonor]

Theirs are the lower tasks, to be servants, craftsmen and such. These duties do not bring glory but they have to be done. Not everyone can be strong, but everyone needs to act honorably.

[a_louse]

I wouldn't mind living in a society where everyone is expected to act professionally.

Do you have money? How does your government look like? Does Lord Moswar have anyone above him?

[stupidhonor]

We do not have a king. Each lord owns a house, with servants and knights who pledged loyalty to his cause. Important decisions are made on a moot, where everyone gathers and a consensus is agreed on.

... Money has no value. Trade is done with objects that are actually useful.

[a_louse]

Was the decision to invade Earth also agreed on during a moot?

[stupidhonor]

No...

This is not an invasion. I told you already.

This is an act of retaliation, did by hands of Lord Moswar and those who swore to follow the same cause.