Something's Gotta Give

'He cheated death.'

'Wrested its most ready of victories.'

'He left with pride for the place of his eternal sleep.'

Here's the wine we agreed on.

It's not very strong, but don't drink too much.

What about Mae's bottle?

I want to pour it out here, where she's buried.

*Sigh*... Even though Quercus went through all that trouble?

Don't worry about it. Let it return to the earth.

You said you could brew it in three weeks... but never did we imagine that she wouldn't last that long.

*Sigh*... It's just the two of us now.

Alright, man, cheer up. Here's to Mae.

To Mae...

Yeah, to Mae.

Security in Caladon has been tight as of late, Quercus. We couldn't go inside to find you.

I know it wouldn't have helped. The disease we have is incurable, and it was her time to go.

It's just... the way she cried those last couple of days. It was hard to watch.

*Sigh*... You've sent so many of us on our way. You know how much it hurts.

She begged me to put her out of her misery with my Arts, but I couldn't do it.

Then... the next day, we found her at the bottom of the hill. She was asleep. Her eyes were closed. She didn't have to cry again.

There wasn't anyone there. She didn't infect anyone, and she didn't bother any of us. Everything was fine. It was all good. I just thought it was...

A little lonely, right?

Yeah, lonely.

Here, another round.

Mmhmm.

Don't throw out the rest of the wine. Save it for the living.

Alright, if you say so.

Oh, right, the Catastrophe Messenger—Miss Elba. She stopped by a few days ago. Here's a letter she wanted us to pass on to you.

A letter from Elba the 'Chaser?'

Right, didn't you ask her to help you look into how the Duke's encampment is doing?

We've been seeing quite a few army convoys heading north the last couple days. Makes you wonder what those bigwigs in the city are up to.

Whatever it is, it's probably no good... Be absolutely careful.

Anyway, I need to head back now. Whatever happens, take care of yourself.

Here's some medicine for you. It's winter now, and it'll only get colder. If you get chilblains, use some of this.

'FrostNova'... What a funny name for an ointment.

When will we see you again, Quercus?

Hmm... I'm not sure.

Alright, alright. I get it.

If that's going to be difficult... mind if I ask you one last question?

Ask me as many as you want. We still have plenty of wine.

Why are you helping us? The medicine's not cheap, right?

You often come to us wastelanders for information. Who do you work for?

We're just curious, we've known you so long... They say you probably used to be an officer in the military...

Honestly, it doesn't much matter to us who you really are. We don't care for the righteousness of the city folks. You're helping us live longer, so we'll help you out, whatever it is you're doing.

No, I want to tell you the truth, but I doubt you'll believe me.

If I told you that there was a group of people who have been trying to save the Infected, would you believe me?

So the Duke of Gododdin actually took his forces to Londinium?

Yes, I'm sure of it.

How big were his forces?

The wastelanders saw at least two high-speed battleships sailing through. The Catastrophe Messenger also told me that she saw the siege troops leave their encampment too.

That's bad news... All eight dukes are taking their forces to Londinium...

Anyway, I'll fill Captain Root in on the news.

Right, and I'm done with what Dr. Kal'tsit wanted me to take care of. Be extra careful with this document, please.

Here are the nomadic platform entrance permits to four dukedoms, and this is Rhodes Island's business permit for operating in Victoria.

'Industrial Waste Recycling and Processing'.

Couldn't we have just told them our usual line of business?

Victoria is especially strict with corporations that deal in Oripathy prevention, and each dukedom operates differently. It's too much of a hassle, so this is simpler. We need to get our foot in the door first.

I see...

Also, here's a letter from Lady Heidi. Make sure you hand it to Dr. Kal'tsit directly!

Understood. Don't worry.

I'll head back to the town archives now... My coworkers are going to get suspicious if I disappear for too long.

Oh, right! There's one more thing I need to tell you.

The place you were using as a hideout, the Green Spark. Someone burned it down a few days ago.

What?!

Captain Root's been waiting for you. You should head to the office soon.

The shop was burned down? Why...?

Captain, I'm back.

Oh, nice work out there, Quercus.

'Captain'?!

Susie!

Quercus, Mr. Root was your... captain?

So this is where you were... I was so worried.

You've been working for Rhodes Island...?

Hahaha... I... I'll tell you everything later.

But perfect timing, Quercus. We have a severely infected patient in here.

How are they?

She's having an acute attack. Luckily, Susie got her to us in time.

We're finished with the basic precautions. I'll leave the rest to you.

Okay, let's see.

Hand me the testing reagent.

Here.

She's too weak. We need to give her an IV...

Quercus...

Hm?

Can you cure Oripathy?

No, I can't, and no one can. But Rhodes Island developed some medicine that can at least stabilize her condition and prevent it from worsening.

She's very sick... but please. Don't give up on her.

Is she your friend?

No, never mind. Everyone here in the Infected community is your friend.

Don't worry. She'll make it after she gets this shot. Her fever's caused by the inflammation, and I can control that with Originium Arts. That'll keep it from worsening down the road, and should help stabilize her.

She also had some scrapes on her, which I took care of. She won't be in pain anymore.

Okay...

A-Are you alright?

......

Quercus... Green Spark is gone... All gone.

I know... *sigh*...

I was just about to ask you.

I haven't heard anything on my end, but do you have any ideas? Made any enemies?

Me? Enemies? No chance here. And Susie definitely wouldn't.

There's been a lot going on in the city lately. The timing is uncanny. I couldn't help but wonder how everything's connected.

A couple days ago, someone tried to kidnap a city councilor in the Infected community.

Who could be so bold?

Luckily, Skyfire was there, so things didn't take a turn for the worse.

Now the Guards are all clamoring that there are criminals here in the community, though they haven't done any additional investigations either.

I saw on my way here. They posted notices and wanted posters everywhere. They're even giving out rewards for tips.

Bounties for suspicious people in the Infected community too... You have to hand it to them.

So you owned the shop... that they burned down...

Miss Haze!

Oh, she's awake.

Where am I...? Am I alive? Or is this what the afterlife looks like?

Yeah, you're alive.

This is a Rhodes Island office... They're the ones who saved you.

Rhodes Island... I didn't expect they'd actually help the Infected...

You said 'they' burned down the shop... What do you mean?

I was being hunted by two thugs that night, and hid inside a place called the Green Spark. Didn't expect them to toss in a firebomb though.

A firebomb?

Someone was hunting you down? Why?!

No clue. Maybe because I overheard them talking about kidnapping some 'old councilor fart' and something about bombs? They probably wanted to silence me.

Wait! Back up!

They were going to kidnap a councilor? When was this?

And what's this about bombs?

How... How many days was I out?

Today's November 28th, Miss Haze.

So it was five nights ago... on the night of the 23rd.

The day before they took those people to the factory...

If you don't mind, could you tell me where you ran into those two thugs?

This location on the map... Here, right?

That's right.

The buildings here have been left empty because of how close they are to the abandoned district.

Sounds like the perfect place to hatch a scheme.

Two Siracusans... Must be immigrants from there.

And I doubt they're Infected if they didn't think twice before setting fire to a building in the community.

Most likely mercenaries, or thugs working for the mafia.

If we know where they are, shouldn't we go pay them a visit?

I'd recommend against that.

This is well beyond Rhodes Island's usual scope of business. We aren't here to keep the peace.

That's true...

But now that the Guards have a bounty out on them, we might just get a reward for turning over this information.

It's not much, but it'll help pay for Miss Susie's losses.

Right!

Huh? Is that okay, really? Shouldn't Miss Haze get the reward?

Let's just call it my way of paying you back... for saving my life.

I was the whole reason your shop got burned down in the first place...

Oh... It's not your fault. If you'd hid anywhere else, they would've burned down someone else's house instead.

Besides, the one who saved you was an Infected worker named Red.

I don't think it's such a bad idea. Helping those two bastards get caught will blow off some steam, at least.

Thanks, Miss Haze... Quercus...

Huh? Don't rub my ears...

Why are you being so polite with me now?

It's settled, then. I'll help you put a report together, Miss Susie. You just need to take it down to the Guard station.

Right.

What are you looking at?

There's a kitten across the street, sunbathing against the wall.

Are you jealous?

Of course.

Oh... they broke a flower pot... ran away, too.

I'm wondering. When will you chase me out of here?

Once Rhodes Island accepts an patient who's having an acute Oripathy attack, we won't let them leave until their condition stabilizes.

I can't pay for treatment, you know?

No need to worry.

Of course, there are options available if you want to continue your treatment afterwards. I'll fill you in on the details once you get better.

By the way...

If there's anything you want to discuss, you're free to talk to me about it.

My little 'Big Hat of the Witch Forest.'

You...

I never expected to meet a survivor of the Witch Forest.

The Witch Forest? You mean the organization that took in Infected Casters?

That's them.

If I remember correctly, five years ago, they refused to cooperate with the Duke, and so the Victorian Army...

Can we... talk about something else?

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

No need to apologize~

I made my peace with that a long time ago. I was even prepared to, well, bite the dust in this city.

Though, sometimes, I still do want to put up a fight. See more kittens.

Now that I think about it, if I didn't hide inside Susie's shop that night, those Siracusans wouldn't have burned her shop down.

Quercus? Are you back?

Good morning. What's wrong? You look exhausted.

From the looks of it, the investigation was a success?

Those Guards are absolutely hopeless cases! How could they wash their hands of it after putting up all those wanted posters?! Are they just waiting for the suspects to turn themselves in?!

And where did Grani go? I was hoping to ask her to look into the factory...

You'd better not count on Grani too much. Her status as a collaborating operator of Rhodes Island puts her in quite a tricky position.

Strange...

What's the matter?

I didn't notice until just now, but the building where Miss Haze ran into those Siracusan thugs... is right next to the factory.

Huh? You're right!

Miss Haze, you said they used military-grade incendiaries to burn down Susie's shop, right?

That's right!

Is something wrong?

If I remember correctly, the factory is owned by Councilor Bishmer. They make military-grade weapons there, and it was shut down a month and a half ago for 'equipment maintenance'.

But the factory was completely empty when I got kidnapped by those fake Infected! Did someone steal their equipment?

The papers certainly haven't reported on anything like that.

Are you telling me... the thugs are working with Councilor Bishmer?

We don't have enough evidence. It's too soon to make that conclusion...

But... unless I'm mistaken...

The Caladonian Guards' Captain is Bishmer's nephew.

Right. I think I heard that from Grani before.

......

Susie... How long has it been since Susie went to the Guards?

About three hours. She should've been back by now.

......

......

I'll go find her!

I'm going too!

Bring your comms! Stay in touch.

......

This is getting out of hand.

What are you doing, Captain?! I'm at work right now! Do you know how many people there are at the town archives?!

Kazemaru, this is extremely urgent. Prioritize what I'm about to ask of you.

...Understood.

I want you to put together a list of addresses of the properties owned by Count Bishmer, as well as a diagram of the old underground logistics passages beneath the city. As detailed and as quickly as possible.

Got it. I'll take care of it right now.

Did you find her?

No! The Guards said their captain went to the location with Susie, and they haven't come back yet!

Dammit!

Calm down. Think of where she could've been taken.

I'm thinking...

Captain?

Captain Root! What's going on?

Listen carefully. I've just compared where Count Bishmer's estate intersects with Caladon's old logistics channels.

I've worked out the seven most likely tunnel entrances.

You think they took Susie underground?

As long as he's not an idiot, Bishmer's sure to imagine Susie has people helping her out, so he's not guaranteed to silence her.

They'll take her to where it's quietest, and least likely to be found.

There's also a chance they're in the abandoned sectors, but earlier I found out the biggest of the tunnels runs under his factory, which explains where all the equipment disappeared to too.

You two get going for now! If anything happens, I'll get in touch!

Alright!

Now what?

How about I sweep the south three entrances, and you handle the north four.

Not a problem.

Stay safe!

You too!

You lot are a bunch of useless nothings! How can you twist something as sure as this so badly?

It's... I didn't imagine... we'd hit all these setbacks.

Why did that decrepit lizard Angst suddenly send a Caster to his event? Did you let the information leak?

One of us has been causing constant commotion, I admit that.

But... Councilor Angst had an honest flare-up of heart disease...

And that just HAPPENS?

Where... is this...?

(Wha..! My hands! Why are they tied together...?)

All these machines... is this the factory?

No... it isn't, are these... the abandoned logistics tunnels?

What's even going on...?

I remember the Guards' Captain said he'd see the place with me...

And then...

My head's killing me...

We're in a fine state now. How am I meant to file for losses with the factory not blown up? Hm?

Then... maybe you could say a thief stole all the equipment...?

Only imbeciles like you would believe that!

An entire factory's facilities made off with overnight! That could only be the work of a traitor! Anyone would jump to suspecting me!

And they'd be sure to come searching this way, with a theft on that grand a scale!

Once the Duke's people find everything right here, it'll all be over!

Just—hold on, you never even once told me why blowing up your own factory would solve things.

Is THAT too hard for you? When the City Council asks me where all the money they gave me went, I'd just say I bought the facilities, but then the Infected blew them up!

After that, we make up the cash, and so be it if the factory's kaput because it wasn't mine anyhow! So long as I've got all this costly industrial equipment, everything is fine!

But now it's not! It's all a wash!

*Sigh*... What do we do about this, then?

What else?! Get to work quick, get all these things moved out of the city! We can't leave any evidence behind!

Couldn't we just move it back...?

Think for one second! The entire Infected community has their eyes on us after that business! In what world do you just MOVE IT BACK?!

The Guards'... Captain? Councilor Bishmer?

Oh! You're awake now?

Our kind Infected citizen.

You've given me no end of trouble!

Wh... Why...?

Don't act stupid! Now confess, who told you everything you told me earlier?

Who are all these... accomplices of yours?

...So you... you were their...

Listen up, I'm asking you! Who told you about those two Siracusans?

And who's this 'reliable witness' in this report of yours? Tell me their name!

Speak!

(She glares furiously at him.)

You think you can give me LOOKS?

Ungh...

Never mind that, it means nothing whether she talks. There's no time to waste. Get this place sorted out.

But the problem is the people she has with her!

Hardly anyone can testify against us. We'll be fine once the Danton brothers get out of this city and never come back.

What's important right now is how you stop up the cash deficit.

And by the way, don't be violent in front of me. I get sick at the sight of blood. Drag her off elsewhere.

Not a problem.

It's hard to believe this is the place...

It's too late to call for help now, with two dozen people here...

Forget it. Let's do this.

Hey, you, Feline! What are you doing?

Ooh, you've got fine eyesight.

What's someone ordinary doing down here?

I'm in a hurry. Just come at once, everyone.

You're daft! Are you looking for a fight?

Are your salaries worth continuing this fight?

Or will you make way and let me through?

...You go on ahead, Miss. I never saw anything today.

Out, out! We're off the clock now!

That's more like it.

So it was... all of you who burned down my shop?

Enough rubbish from you. Keep walking.

......

For crying out loud, don't blame me. If anyone, blame yourself, for being so starved for a hobby you got yourself meddling in all this.

But you Infected were never bound to live long anyway, so this'll do.

...You... You'll be paying for this.

For being at death's door, you've got some bluster.

(She shuts her eyes.)

W-Why is the ground shaking?

What's happening? Is there an earthquake? What sound is that?!

Wait... It's coming from above.

What the hell was that?!

Aaaaargh!!

Huh? Wh-Whaa?

(I... I need to run!)

Run!! It's going to sink!

What on Terra?! The goods! The facilities, they've all been crushed!

Save your skin first, sir! Get out of here!

What's the cause of this? Is there a Catastrophe?!

There's no end to the rotten luck today, I see! Blasted, damned...!

Just leave it for now. Come on, sir, let's move!

That Infected! She's escaped!

Which of you was it who bound her?

!!

We can't let her flee! After her, all of you!

You really can run, you little bastard.

......

If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be in this mess.

(Raises weapon)

There's more?!

Get running, Miss Susie!

M... Mr. Red? What are you...

Don't mind for now. Move, fast.

A... Alright!

What are you standing there for?! After them!

Still? We don't even know where the Count's gone!

Then don't go. I'll be happy to take your pay.

Dream on.

It's... It's a dead end now.

Now what...?

These people love their work too much. Following us in these conditions...?

You've really got a knack for inviting trouble, Miss Susie.

Mr. Red, what are you doing here? And do you usually carry that blade?

I'll explain later when we get the chance.

Right now, I need to find a way to get you out of here.

There's no shortage of people in the Infected community worrying about you.

But right now...

Sorry about this, Miss Susie.

??

...Ow, ow, ow... Mr. Red?!

Keep running upwards! Quick!

What about you?

Hurry!

Mr. Red...

...I can't stop here, I need to get out...

(Did the earthquake... stop?)

(What even happened outside?)

(Mr. Red... Is he still okay?)

...There's no way on. It's blocked.

How far away... is the surface still?

Finally... argh, my giddy aunt...

Oh, my back... good grief...

...It's you.

Brilliant. You made it out of there somehow, you Infected wretch.

Bastard, bloody scum of the earth, useless good-for-nothing.

It's all your fault!

It's all you blasted Infected vermin... My money!

Get out of my damned way.

That's the reason?

Your people burned down my shop for something like this.

You'd go this far, hurt so many Infected, for something like this.

All just for... money?

All of this was so far overboard... just for money?

What are you doing?! Don't come near!

Keep away from me! You—monster, get out!

...I can't forgive you.

You... someone... save me!

You... infernal...

Aaaaagh!!! Help me! Aaghhh!

Now you're frightened! Now you're scared!

Spare me! I beg of you... don't kill me... aaaaghggghhh!!!

Whatever you want... I'll give you... aaaghh!

Spare me! Just spare me!

What gives you the right... to destroy my life—what gives you the right...

You... you...

Urkh...

Susie! Susie! Stop it!

Calm down, Susie... it's me, it's over now...

...Qu... Quercus...

It's alright, Susie, everything's over.

People like that... aren't worth what you're doing. Let's go home.

Quercus... *sob*...

It's alright, it's alright now. I'm here.

Home... the Green Spark's... gone... go home where...?

Don't fret. Do you remember what I always say?

'Life always finds a place where it belongs.'

Let's go, little Susie. It's time to go home.

Quercus... I... I...

Ungh...

Professor, I'm here.

Ah, good morning, Miss Mountbelan.

Ah, no, you're 'Operator Skyfire' now, I presume?

Good enough spirits to crack a joke, I see.

Here, turn that frown upside-down! I'm quite alright.

You're in the hospital! I wouldn't call that alright!

Speaking of which, how did everything shake out in the end?

The City Council passed your proposal, even if you only gained a single supporter.

That's worth celebrating, Miss Mountbelan.

Is it really, Professor?

There's still old nobility against the Infected community, and they've all ganged up in private. The clashing's only going to worsen from now on.

Now they're just waiting for Duke Gododdin to come back. They've signed a joint letter asking the Duke to abolish your title and strip you of your noble status.

It's VERY stacked against you.

Hahahaha...

I'm already a good 153 years old, Miss Mountbelan.

I'm looking to retire next year, retreat to my little castle, and take up a bit of my studies.

Titles, status, authority.

Do you think any of that still concerns me?

If things proceed without much hiccup, you'll be back at Rhodes Island too, won't you? Send Dame Kal'tsit my regards.

I will...

I'm just worried for you somewhat, Professor.

Now, now, what's to worry for? Look at my rickety old body.

I tell you, some things people go and say are all but pompous and, well, completely meaningless excuses.

People are already too accustomed to lying with pretentious jargon. So the lies pile up, and as lofty as it was meant to be, the principle gets washed out in the process.

Miss Mountbelan, do you know why I pushed for that proposal for Caladon so?

You mean, the reason all that pretention sticks around?

Twenty years ago, a scientist named Janet Longfellow published an essay.

She set forth this view: if we don't streamline and improve on our current Originium industry and its waste products, then the year-on-year buildup of industrial waste may bring about frightening consequences.

At the time, Victoria's academic circles all turned their noses up at that, and the nobles wielded public opinion to unabashedly ridicule this fine scientist. In her anger, she left Victoria altogether.

But in the last ten years, the amount of Infected in Victoria has accelerated at a worrying rate.

Times have changed, Miss Mountbelan. We have to face the issues that 'Oripathy' and the 'Infected' bring. Maintaining this status quo will only worsen things.

153 years, Miss Mountbelan. It's not common to see people live as long as I do, even among Savra.

But a long life's a good thing. It gives you the chance to see firsthand the folds and changes of history, to learn from your mistakes.

In my century and a half, I've witnessed the toppling of Gaul's majestic palace, the fall of Iberia's golden city.

In the plains of Columbia, I saw for myself the destruction the Grand Duke's army wrought on the frontier territories. I saw the Columbians in their sharp, steep ascent over the wastes.

If Victoria can't change, then in the end, it'll only be another Gaul.

It's just as I've told you, Miss Mountbelan.

Times have changed.

You're back? I thought the Guards would've been slower than that.

Oh, no, if it isn't our honorary citizen, star of all the front pages.

Your picture was very decent in the paper. Who knew you could be so photogenic, Susie?

Was it very heavy, that meter-wide certificate saying you've the lay of the land? Did you get tired lifting it for the cameras?

Come on, stop being sarcastic with her.

'The City's Hero' though... that's pretty impressive, isn't it!

What about that awful councilor, in the end?

Taken into custody!

Are the Guards still acting as normal, after such a big blunder?

It's not that easy, obviously, but we'll have someone from the Mounted Police taking over the Guards soon.

That sounds good, I'd think.

Shame we've still got no way to make up for li'l Susie's losses... Bishmer's assets all got seized by the City Council.

......

Do you want a sweet? I've still got plenty of flavors here you haven't tried before!

Will the council really not give you a single penny? Nothing except a certificate? Oh, forget it, they've always been this way.

Come here, perk yourself up a little with something sugary. Your artifact smile on that photo looked like you could cry.

...Thanks.

I... I don't even know what to do at this point, really...

Think on the bright side! At least those evildoers are brought to justice now.

I'll admit, I still feel so many problems are waiting to be solved... but this is as far as we're able to intervene.

Quercus, are you leaving?

Mm. I'll be back in Victoria very soon, however.

Will you come back to Caladon?

More someplace in the wastes than a nomadic city, I think.

That's right, Susie, have you ever thought of bartending somewhere else?

Huh?

You see, the Green Spark may be gone now... but there's still plenty of Infected who'll need a drink.

You could hairdress too. I know a lot of people who do nothing but get into fights. Some of them have never been to nomadic cities before. Some of them never think about themselves.

Eh? Could I really?

Of course you could! There's all sorts of interesting people aboard Rhodes Island. You might as well go take a look, and not too many people are specialty hairdressers there in the first place.

Hahaha... I'll give it a try?

(Everyone's been talking about Rhodes Island... What kind of place is it, I wonder?)

Carry on, then. You were all mighty a moment ago, weren't you?

You! Who the hell are you?!

My name's Red. Remember it.

Who gives a toss about your bloody name? Get out of my way, or I'm going to be pissed!

You know, back in my Ursus days, they all called me 'Redblade'.

You might want to guess why.

Stay cool, boys! We're not easy to bring down either!

That's right, he's all alone! It's just Originium bloody Arts!

He's far from alone.

What?! Where did you lot sneak out from?!

Now there's a nice reaction. You sure don't act like this when you're shoving the Infected about.

Come on. Show me if you're really as mighty as you say.