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

[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.

[a_louse]

What exactly did they do to you, and how did you retaliate? Beyond trying to kill us as soon as we moved in to engage you, that is.

[stupidhonor]

They take advantage of Ankaia's hospitality to force underhanded deals on its people. The worst part is that some of us welcome it.

Our task was to destroy Fumerco's property. If all the traders want is profit then we will make it unprofitable for them.

[a_louse]

And kill everyone who resists your rampage on the way?

[stupidhonor]

...

It is dishonorable to attack the unarmed and innocents.

...

[a_louse]

And defenders who were there only to stop terrorists from killing more innocents? What about them?

[stupidhonor]

There were not any, until your arrival.

[a_louse]

Yes. Without our arrival, the terrorists would probably kill everyone in the port. Like they didn't spill enough blood already.

[stupidhonor]

They were people of Earth. We are not responsible for their actions.

[a_louse]

You're not. Just like we're not responsible for Fumerco's.

But that doesn't mean all we can do is sit and watch idly. I doubt Unity Group will stay quiet about it.

[stupidhonor]

If you wish to interfere - it is your right to try. If you have the strength to back it up.

But I implore you to keep a thing in mind.

[a_louse]

I don't claim to be a mind reader and know what Unity Group leadership, or ESUN, decides to do in this matter.

What is it?