Chapter 3: Elzion: Echoes in the Skies

You are in error. Allow me to clarify. I am not a Synth Human. I am a KMS general-use android, Type 2-03. Designation: Riica. Current conditions are too dangerous for holding conversation. Please remove yourself from the area.

Kay Em...? Android? Doesn't anyone speak normally anymore? I can't just leave you alone if you're in danger, though.

You are most kind. Please do not allow yourself to get hurt unduly.

Threat Level: C. Safety Release Approved. Wire Chamber Engaged. Switching to Combat Mode.

Your aggression entitles me to restrain you with maximum force. Please prepare yourselves. I am not without compassion. But I have no protocol for showing mercy to villains like you! Initializing Assault!

Thank you for your assistance. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Riica, a KMS android.

Hi, I'm Aldo... I never met an "android" before. Is your whole body made of iron, Riica?

To be precise, I'm mostly composed of gilcamassar superalloy and reinforced fibers.

A person made of metal... That's amazing! I can barely believe my eyes.

Strictly speaking, I am not human. As I have already stated, I am a KMS all-purpose android. Further, I detect no abnormalities or deficiencies in your ocular sensors. Doubting your own senses would be an illogical course of action.

......

Parenthetically, if I may inquire, what are you doing here, Aldo?

I wish I had an answer to that... I guess I'm just trying to wrap my head around what's happening. This world is so confusing, I don't even know where to start.

You have your reasons, I understand. I will not pry. But you seem to be in some distress. If I can offer assistance in any way, do not hesitate to ask.

Oh? Are you saying you'll help me out, Riica?

Affirmative. Turning my back on you would be a gross breach of my programming. As a civil service droid, it is my duty to help those in need.

Wow, thanks! Having you around will make a huge difference.

But, uh... Is this going to cost anything? I don't know if I can afford to pay you back...

Worry not. I will keep a record of services rendered saved in my memory banks.

Oh. Well, that's...great? I'll be counting on you.

I look forward to working with you, Aldo.

I must also inform you, my navigation system is prone to malfunctions. In human terms, I have no sense of direction.

Huh? And you're mentioning this now?

These faults are incredibly rare! This is all mentioned in my terms and conditions. Would you like to see?

That's okay, if you say it won't be a problem I'll just have to believe you... Anyway, Riica. There's a town called Elzion around here, right? I was trying to find my way there.

Understood! Elzion is located at the end of this airport. Let us proceed.

I still can't believe how huge all these buildings are. You could fit Baruoki several times into one of these.

And how are people okay with floating in the sky? I miss solid ground...

Intruder detected in Theta District.

Whoa! What's going on?

Personal records not found. Please state your citizen ID number.

My what? I don't have a...

ID entry failed. Initiating body scan.

What?! What's this thing doing to me now?

Cross-referencing Elzion citizen data... No matches found. Several deviations from base parameters detected. Subject should not exist. Possibility of Synth Human interference: Negligible. Threat to public safety: 3.31%.

Please state your purpose for visiting Elzion.

Purpose? Uh, right... I want to go to the Tristar Weapon Shop, if that's okay with you...

Tristar Weapon Shop... Ishar's. Request Confirmed. Temporary registration complete. Access to Gamma District granted. For visa extensions or full citizenship, please apply via the Central Processing Hall. Thank you for your co-operation.

Wha, ? Huh?

Most of that went over my head, but I'm allowed to go inside now, right?

Affirmative. Let us proceed, Aldo.

Oh, look who it is! Welcome to our humble shop, oh traveler from the mists of time.

Friend of yours, Amy? What's all that about time travel? Some kind of new promotion?

I met him wandering around the airport earlier. Says he's from 800 years ago.

Well grease my gears, ain't that something! Is that genuine medieval armor and weapons you got there, buddy? Mind if I take a look at 'em? Y'know, for research?

Uh, sure, if you want...

Dad, don't tell me you believe him! You must have a screw loose...

Woo-wee, would ya look at this! It's early Miglance craftsmanship, no doubt about it. Check out this design... Pure elegance! It all looks like it hasn't aged a single day, too! Never thought I'd see the like... Pinch me, I must be dreaming!

Wait, seriously?

Whassa matter, Amy? Not doubting my professional eye, are ya?

B-But it's impossible! You're saying he really is from the past...?

On second thought, don't answer that.

Right now, I'd rather we focus on the Synth Human problem.

The what?

Just listen, we finally managed to track down one of their strongholds. An officer named Galliard and his squad are holed up underground somewhere in the Industrial Ruins. I'll need to verify if this intel is correct. If it is, we can start mounting a full-scale strike team against them. For now, though, we still can't dismiss the idea that it could be a trap...

Amy, don't tell me you're thinking of going after them all on your own?

Yeah, got a problem with that?

You're out of your mind! It's way too dangerous.

Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. Don't worry, I can handle myself. Besides, if they find out we're on to them it could ruin everything. A smaller party makes strategic sense.

That's true enough, but...

Oh, I know! How 'bout we make use of the fine warrior who just walked in?

Huh? You mean me?

That's right! Travelin' through time's gotta teach you a thing or two about staying alive. What was your name again?

Aldo.

Right, right! Whadda ya say, Aldo?

......

Something wrong, Amy?

...I guess it's fine. But are you all right with this, Aldo?

Sure. It doesn't look like I'm going to find a way back to my own era any time soon. I guess I can help out here until I turn up some new leads. Plus, these Synth Humans sound like trouble. I can't just leave them be.

Well said. Welcome to the cause. Just make sure you pull your weight. I can't afford to watch your back all the time. Happy now, Dad?

Yeah, that's one load off my mind. By the by, Aldo, that sword of yours is showing some damage around the hilt. I can fix that for you, if you like.

Really? I hadn't noticed... Thank you!

There, that should do the trick!

Look after my little girl, buddy. Both of you be careful and come home safe, y'hear?

Wanna take a look at our wares before you go? We can make some real beauts with the right materials. Pays to be prepared, right?

Amy! I've been looking all over for you!

Hi, Sebastia. What's up? I'm kinda in the middle of something right now...

Trust me, you're not going to want to miss this. I can't talk here, though. Meet me at my place and I'll fill you in on the details.

Wait, Sebastia!

Urgh, she never listens...

Knowledge is power, or so it is written in my data banks. Sebastia's housing unit is in Theta District.

All right, let's head over there. I've got to admit, I'm curious as to what this is all about. Plus, we still need to think of a way to get inside the Industrial Ruins. The place has been closed off for years...

This is the weirdest city I've ever seen. I have no idea what any of this stuff does...

Notice: Foreign matter approaching at high velocity. Aldo, prepare for impact.

Impact?

Wargh!

Ooh, that smarts... Huh? A cat?

My sensors indicate this lifeform is suffering from malnutrition. Try giving it this food supplement.

Thanks. It's hungry, huh? Poor thing.

I'll handle this! Cats are always real friendly to me.