Dodo Tales S4 Ep5

"Ladies and gentlemen, members of this tribe,

today, I stand before you to address an issue that is of utmost importance to all of us. Our tribe faces a grave challenge, an evil empire that threatens to undermine our values, rob us of our freedom, and destroy the very essence of who we are. It is imperative that we rise together, united and undeterred, to defeat this threat, and secure a brighter future for ourselves and our children.

We must remain resolute and steadfast. We will not be intimidated, for we are a tribe that cherishes the values of justice, equality, and liberty. It is these values that we must protect at all costs, even in the face of adversity.

This so called 'Abyssal Empire' is far more fragile than its unholy supporters believe. Whether through guerilla tactics or traditional warfare, we shall prevail, and our ideals with us. I believe the mind of man contains the ability to defeat seemingly superior forces, and that ability is called willpower. We shall finally fight the war this ark has needed for years, not because it is easy, but because it is hard. It shall not be a war of attrition, but a swift and decisive war for everlasting peace. I dare call it a holy war, as I believe God will lead us to victory as a gift for our moral superiority.

I feel I must compare our situation to the wars in heaven. Our enemy is akin to Satan and his armies, while we strive to be angelic. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most challenging and dangerous and greatest adventure on which we have ever embarked.

Thank you."

John F. Kennedy stepped away from his podium as the onlookers clapped profusely. Nearly everyone loved him for his humility and leadership skills. It seemed he could spread hope in even the darkest of situations. One man in 12th century mail armor stood from his seat. "God wills it!" He yelled, sparking a chant. Jerry rushed through the crowd toward Kennedy, who was walking back to the base. The entire speech was delivered in a courtyard in the center of the base. The base itself was large, and defended by heavy artillery and structurally-sound walls. "Sorry I was late." Jerry said as he finally caught up with JFK. "It's alright, Jerry. Y'know, you remind me of my younger self." Kennedy explained, the crowd still chanting. He held the door for Jerry, and the two walked down the hall. "So, explain to me what I missed."

"Jerry, we're freedom-fighters. Do you remember America?"

"I lived in it."

"So you remember the founding fathers. We're just like them. We're against our own British Empire. So, how would you like to be a founding father too?"

"I have one condition: you help me find my friends, John and Henry."

"Have they been captured?"

Jerry nodded, and JFK pulled a folded map from his left pocket in response. "Where did you last see them?" He asked as he unfolded it. Jerry pointed to where the two disappeared from his transponder tracker. "I know exactly where they're being kept. Look, Jerry, we have a special operation planned tomorrow. We're going to blow up an oil repository. Because of this, I can only offer you 24 hours to save your friends and return. To assist you, I'll send one of my best men. Name's Charles. I think you'll like him — just don't bring up WWII."

Rick pulled out his revolver, unloading several bullets into the basilisk. It loudly hissed, and began to retaliate. Is it approached, he tossed a fresh dodo egg to the basilisk's side, distracting it. After swiftly reloading, Rick emptied three bullets into the basilisk's eye, and it soon slouched, dead in the dirt. Its rider slid from its corpse, frustrated. The two stared at each other for a moment, both knowing a standoff would ensue. After a few seconds, the man reached for his gun, but was immediately shot in the arm by Rick. He cried out in pain, and Rick tackled him, putting his gun to the side of the man's face. "Wait! My name's Benedict."

"Like the pope?"

"I was born in 1623."

Rick loosened his grip slightly, perhaps remembering that even members of the empire had souls.

"Why were you blowing up that house?"

"Because I was ordered to."

"I know that; nobody wears riot armor unless they're working with the empire."

The man was wearing high-quality riot armor, although he had no helmet.

"I wasn't given the details!"

Rick stared at the man for a moment.

"What?"

"How does someone like you end up working for the empire? Are you too stupid to think for youself?"

"They threatened to kill my wife if I didn't help them."

Rick suddenly pitied Benedict, standing up and putting his revolver away.

"What happened to her?"

"They killed her a year later when I refused to burn down a village."

"And you still haven't left?"

"I have nothing else to live for. They'd kill me anyway."

"How would you like to avenge your wife?"