Part 210: Stahl A

Ahoy, Kellam!

Oh, you saw me first! That's a change.

Ha ha! I have been practicing, my good man! I've honed my powers of observation to a razor-like sharpness!

I can now find you from a distance of five armlengths away.

Gosh, you were serious, weren't you? About trying to learn from me?

Of course I was serious. And what's more, I believe I have met with success! I have seen, for example, that you laugh and cry, just like everyone else. But it's very subtle- you don't wear emotions on that enormous metal sleeve.

Well, I AM human, you know?

And what's more, I noticed that you act quite differently on the battle field. I see now your tension and nervousness, and that is a great relief to me!

...Relief?

Relief that I'm not the only one who feels so when faced with certain death!

But, I told you that in the very begin-

Now, here's the REAL difference between me and you... You accept your fear, and yet you are its master! Like a dog in the hunt, you unleash it to bring forth terrible, slathering death!

I don't... understand what you're saying.

Well, thanks to your example, I'm now more confident than ever. You've been a great help, Kellam. I hope I haven't been too much of a nuisance! Ha ha!

Er, no. On the contrary... I feel better about myself now.

Oh?

You're just about the first person who's taken any notice of me. ...Or cared. Frankly it's been a real shot in the arm.

Oh! Well then, how delightful!