The Good Doctor

Penny followed her creator to a large room filled from wall to wall with Atlesian knights. He'd said he had something important to teach her.

"Tell me, Penny. What do you see?"

"The newest battalion of Atlesian knights," she answered quickly. He smiled at the speed of her response, expecting no less.

"Good. And what is the prime directive of an Atlesian knight?"

"To protect Atlas and all its citizens."

"Exactly that, dear, exactly that. There is a deep nobility in the purity of this singular purpose. These knights are proud. They are strong. They are loyal beyond measure. These are their greatest strengths. But in these strengths are their greatest weaknesses."

"Greatest weaknesses? What do you mean?"

He smiled sadly.

"In their pride, they do not for a moment question whether their choice is the correct one. In their strength, they do not know how to show mercy. In their loyalty,  they force others to become either enemies or vassals of the state. These knights are great, but in their greatness, they are diminished."

Penny frowned, still not quite understanding. In response, he smiled and adjusted his glasses. He leaned a bit heavier on his cane and absently scratched the bald spot on the back of his head.

"I'm sorry. Sometimes my age catches up to me, and I forget myself. My point is this. The Knights are powerful shields against the dark. Mighty weapons against our enemies. But in the end that's all they are. They follow their programming. That is it. But not you. "

"I'm. . . Different?"

"Of course."

"How?"

He couldn't help but laugh. With a gentle hand, he patted her head.

"Ah, my sweet little Penny. That right there is exactly how. You are a child, filled with the wonder and curiosity many of us have long forgotten. You question EVERYTHING and experience joy in the answers you find. You treat everything with the gentlest hand. You make friends everywhere you go. You couldn't be more different. They are a symbol of stability.  You are a symbol of hope for this world. And more important than that, you're my beloved daughter."

He pulled her into a tight hug, which she gladly returned.

"All the pride I've ever felt in my accomplishments all pale compared to how proud of you I am right now."

Penny blushed at the praise, but something about the way he some made her feel uneasy. Plus, she still didn't understand what he was trying to tell her. The door behind them slid open, and in stepped General Ironwood.

"Ah, James.  A pleasure as always."

"Hello, Uncle Ironwood! Is it almost time to go?"

"Hello, Professor. And hello to you too, Penny. You're right, it is almost time to go."

"Penny, why don't you run along and get, ready. Your Uncle James and I need a moment to speak."

"Okay. I will see you when I return, Father!"

He smiled and hugged her once more.

"Yes. I'll see you then. Make sure you have as much fun as you can while you're out."

"I most certainly will! I'll see you on the airship, Uncle Ironwood! "

"I'll see you there, Penny."

The two men smiled as Penny practically danced through the door. As soon as it closed, the good doctor nearly doubled over in a fit of coughing. Ironwood held him up, but there wasn't much else he could do.

"It's getting worse, isn't it?"

"Unfortunately, but I'll manage. Just remember-"

"Yes, I know. Not a word of this to Penny."

"She doesn't need to be distracted out there. I'll deal with it at least until she gets back. Are you sure her team is reliable?"

"Of course. In terms of combat abilities and personality, you couldn't have asked for a better match."

"I'll leave you to it, then. Just promise me one thing."

"Name it."

He grabbed Ironwood's sleeve.

"You'll keep her safe?"

Ironwood placed a comforting hand in his shoulder.

"Of course. As long as I'm still breathing, I promise you nothing will happen to her."

The good doctor nodded gratefully as Ironwood took his leave, but did not relax. He couldn't afford to. There was still so much more to be done.