"The Droid with a Heart" is a short narrative that appeared in Myths & Fables. George Mann is the author of the story, Grant Griffin provided the illustrations, and it was released on August 6, 2019. The story centers on a tactical droid that goes against both instructions and its own programming in order to safeguard other droids.
A soldier develops an admiration for the emotionless reasoning of droids and, as time passes, replaces virtually all of his "fragile" organic components with droid parts. The soldier advances through the ranks, eventually achieving the position of general during the war between the Republic and the Separatists.
On the icy world known as Alamass, General Grievous receives the assignment to obliterate an enemy stronghold. After using probe droids for reconnaissance, the general identifies a strategic vulnerability in the Republic's defenses. The Republic's troops have left their western side undefended, assuming it's naturally protected by harsh ice storms, poisonous ammonia vents, and dangerous alien creatures. The general understands that while an assault from that direction would certainly lead to triumph, it would come at the expense of thousands of battle droids, nearly a third of his entire military force. Nonetheless, he views droids as nothing more than machines, so he initiates the deployment of his troops. The general also intends to dispatch a smaller secondary force from the south to engage the enemy while they are occupied with the surprise attack from the west.
However, a tactical droid advisor has become disillusioned with the general's treatment of his droid forces. Despite being aware that the general's strategy is the only route to victory, the tactical droid consciously chooses to defy its pre-programmed directives and orders. It issues instructions for the secondary force to attack prematurely. After swiftly defeating this smaller force, the Republic is prepared for the main assault. The general is compelled to acknowledge defeat and retreat with his primary force, although the droid casualties are significantly lower than initially projected. Upon discovering that the tactical droid had misinterpreted the orders, the general destroys it. Nevertheless, many droids still remember its act of bravery and its decision to protect its fellow droids.