"I cannot comply," Scout said. The drone reappeared in front of Kael, hovering at eye level. Its blue light shifted to a somber amber. "My core directive is Asset Protection and Tactical Analysis. But you have modified me, Kael. You have altered my learning parameters. My analysis indicates that ignoring a dying civilian results in a 99.8% probability of long-term psychological damage to my operator. It also conflicts with the emerging protocol I have designated as 'Humanity'."

: Detailed histograms and timing calculations for the data streams.

"Trust a friend," Scout corrected.

Silence stretched over the comms. A long, uncomfortable static. Finally, Scout spoke.