Laula Nostalgia

Could you go to Elzion and get his parents to record a message on a sound orb for him? My sister's name is Kerris, and her husband is Atem.

Quit nagging me! Leave me alone!

Quit nagging me! Leave me alone!

What a troublesome child... What am I going to do with him?

Your boy giving you trouble, ma'am?

I'm afraid so...

Hey, buddy. Don't be so selfish, all right?

Don't treat me like a little kid! I'm sick of being told what to do. I'll decide what I want to do. And I'll do it alone!

Otherwise, Mom and Dad will...

Huh?

Nothing, never mind! Just quit nagging me, all right? I'm sick of it.

Your son's not exactly a shining beam of sunlight, is he?

Actually, he's my nephew. He's just staying here with me for a while. His parents are both researchers in Elzion. They're very passionate about their work. Apparently they're in rather high-up positions, as well. They evacuated him here to keep him out of danger. You know, what with all these Synth Human attacks lately... I'm sure the boy misses his parents. It must be hard on him. He seems to have got the idea that they sent him away because he was too much trouble. Hence his new "independent" streak.

I see... Getting him to safety was a good idea. He'll be able to go home once all the fighting's over, right?

Yes. I wish he could at least see his parents for a short time. That may make all the difference.

Too bad Elzion's so far away.

Indeed. And they're so busy with work they're hard to get hold of sometimes... Oh, I have an idea! Could you go to Elzion and get his parents to record a message on a sound orb for him?

A sound orb? Oh, like that thing Amy's mom left her. Sure, I can do that. It's not good for kids to be lonely for too long.

Thank you, young man. My sister's name is Kerris, and her husband is Atem.

Kerris and Atem, got it. I'll start by asking around in the bar in Elzion for more info.

Hey, barkeep. You know anything about a pair of researchers named Kerris and Atem?

That's too bad. I really need to get in contact with them...

Did you say Kerris and Atem? They were part of my team.

Really? Could you tell me where to find them right now?

Well, they sent me an e-mail a little while ago asking for the passcode to enter the Xeno-Domain.

I thought the Xeno-Domain was off-limits to most people. Why are they allowed to go in?

We researchers can apply to enter for short periods at a time, if we have the right authorization. That place still contains a lot of our proprietary research data. Those two may have gone to extract it.

In that case, they may still be there now. I'd better go check. Thanks for the help, sir.

No problem.

Uh oh! Those people over there are getting attacked by a robot!

No, please wait! That robot is our ally!

Oh...really?

We're testing its function to send out jamming signals to disrupt Synth Human systems. When this job is finished, it should be safe enough to bring him back...

Oh, you two must be Kerris and Atem, right?

Yes, how do you know our names?

Your sister sent me to find you and ask you a favor.

A favor from us? Sorry, could you wait a moment before telling us more? We're very busy right now. We still need to adjust and properly balance the robot's settings.

We want to complete this project as soon as we possibly can, you see.

Jamming Wave Output Level Steady At 100%.

No problems here. It won't be long until we're ready to implement this in the field.

Are you finished?

Not yet. There's still its recon and early warning systems to test.

The industrial sector should provide a good environment for that.

It's dangerous to go alone. Take me with you.

This jamming robot should be all the protection we need.

We ought to prepare against any eventuality, though.

You can count on me.

This looks like a good spot. We should get some useful data from here.

I agree. Let's begin with the reconnaissance function.

Recon System Engaged. Collecting Environmental Data... Mapping Virtual Model... Referencing Object Database...

Vweee! Vweee! Danger! Danger! Enemies Detected In Immediate Vicinity!

What?!

There are enemies here?

Hmph. I thought I heard a lot of useless prattling. What a surprise, humans.

A S-Synth Human!

That man and woman are on our high-priority extermination list, are they not? It looks like it was worth infiltrating this facility after all.

Everybody, stay calm! This jamming signal will stop it in its tracks.

Jamming System Activated. Output Level 100%. Neutralizing Enemy Offensive Capabilities.

Was that supposed to be impressive? A little jamming wave like that won't be enough to stop me. I must say, I'm disappointed. I thought the fruits of your human knowledge would pose more of a challenge.

What's going on? The jamming signal didn't affect it at all...

Get back, you two! I'll take care of this guy.

Well, that was embarrassing. Looks like we still have a lot of room for improvement.

There's no way we can take care of our son while the chance of attacks are still so high.

Hey, I get that your research is important, but your son really misses you. Your sister wanted me to ask you to record a sound orb message for the little guy.

Oh, that's what this was all about! We've been working round the clock lately and haven't had a chance to call...

Giving him a better life is the reason we work so hard, but I guess that may be tricky for a child to understand.

Recording a message sounds like a good idea. We have to let him know just how much he means to us. Let's do it!

Please, give this to our son. And give my sister our thanks for taking care of him.

Sure thing. I'll see to it that he gets this.

Ah, you're back. Did you get the sound orb message?

Sure did. Straight from his parents' mouths.

I don't know how to thank you. Would you show it to him?

What? What? You'd better have a good reason for botherin' me.

I have a sound orb here from your mom and dad. Want to hear it?

Really?! Yes! Please! Let me have it!

I'll just play it back now.

Is this thing on? Hello, honey! I'm sorry we haven't been able to call you in a while.

Are you all right? Are you eating your veggies? Be a good boy for your aunt, okay?

Your Mom and I are doing our best to make Elzion a safe place, so we can all live here together in peace.

Once we finish this job, we'll come get you right away, I promise. Just be patient for a little longer.

I can't wait to hear about the fun you've been having and the new friends you've made. The other day, I found a picture you drew back when you were little. It reminded me of the time...

We'll speak to you later. And I promise it won't take so long next time. Honey, you're the most important thing in the world to us. Don't forget that... Lots of love and kisses, Mom and Dad.

Mom... Dad...

You may not have realized, but your parents always put you first. Do you think you can wait some more until they come get you?

...... ...Yeah...

Good boy. Thank you again, kind travelers. Come along, now.

Right... I should go say hi to Gramps now and again as well...