Episode XII

The onlooking soldiers murmur amongst themselves in agreement; though for various reasons, most approve of their Captain’s decision.

Captain Longsuffering timidly approaches the small group huddled around AX01’s remains. “Dana. TC02. I offer my condolences. Fear and envy once inhibited my care for AX01, but now allow me to help with the vacuuming ceremony. It will be a ceremony fit for the noblest of warriors.”

“You have exceeded your duty as captain, Captain Longsuffering,” began TC02, “For this we are grateful.”  

And with that, a few soldiers wheeled in the Vacuum.

Dana, trembling in sadness over the dusty remains of her beloved, quietly speaks: “Let all who loved him step forward. There was no one better, gaian or promethean, in all the galaxy. This is all I must say.”

Then, from the group of soldiers, their heads lowered: “We can understand many things but this is not one of them.” “No one could have foreseen this.” “Experience and programming only serves us so far.”

“Calculating...”