"The Droid with a Heart" is a short story that was published in Myths & Fables. The story was authored by George Mann, illustrated by Grant Griffin, and published on August 6, 2019. The tale is about a tactical droid that disregards orders and its programming to protect its fellow droids.

Plot summary[]

A soldier admires the cold logic of droids and, over time, has replaced nearly all of his "weak" generic material with droid parts. Rising through the ranks, the soldier is promoted to the rank of general during the war between the Republic and the Separatists.

On the frigid world of Alamass, General Grievous is tasked with destroying an enemy stronghold. After deploying probe droids, the general spots a tactical weakness in the Republic defenses. The Republic forces have left their western flank exposed, believing it to be protected by ice storms, ammonia vents, and alien beasts. The general knows that though an approach from that direction would result in certain victory, it would cost of thousands of battle droids, nearly one third of his army. However, to him, droids are mere machines, and so he begins the deployment of his army. The general has planned to send a smaller second force from the south to attack the enemy while it is fighting the surprise force from the west.

However, a tactical droid advisor has grown tired of the way the general treats his troops. Despite knowing that the general's plan is the only path to victory, the tactical droid makes the active decision to violate its programming and orders. It sends orders for the second force to engage early. Having easily defeated the second force, the Republic is ready for the main attack force. The general is forced to admit defeat and withdraw his main force, though the droid losses are much less than expected. Discovering that the tactical droid has processed the orders incorrectly, the general cuts it into pieces. However, many droids still remember its bravery and decision to protect its fellow droids.

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