CW-8 Between Past and Present

......

Funny face you've got there.

...Let the Doctor go.

You can go seek the thing you want, if that really will resolve your misgivings.

...Mm-hmm...

...What? Just like that?

We pledge we will not respond in any way to your actions.

With the way Saria and the Tin Man act around you, I thought you were going to be the dangerous one. What's wrong?

Is that real feebleness? Because you don't carry yourself like someone without the power to resist.

I leave it to your imagination.

But you can understand that, for the Doctor's safety, I'm not going to take risks.

So it seems.

Well, I've burned my bridges with the Maylander Foundation, so the less enemies, the better, really... Kristen's plans are in motion already. I'd say we're short on free time too.

We'll leave it there, then, before the District starts responding adversely—

—!

What?

...*sigh* Quite right. It won't do for the District to be in true, naked danger. We need to accelerate our gain of the situation.

And given you betrayed the Maylander Foundation, we really shouldn't let an outsider settle this for us. That means you, Dame Kal'tsit.

You're not that stupid. You indulged Ho'olheyak intentionally, looking to seize your moment to act.

Oh, so you guessed I'd pursue our traitor? How nostalgic, to be exploited by the Dame once again.

Intentional indulgence is giving us too much credit. The agents we assigned to be by Kristen's side defected one after another. I couldn't help but start doubting myself... and introspection is a thing that takes good time.

As for the lives of the two of you, Madame, haven't you been too careless? If you unleashed your jet-black vassal, surely restraining her wouldn't have been difficult.

'This' is not a place in which I can use any weapon.

We are already 'on top of it.'

That statement of yours is enough to draw considerable attention from the Maylander Foundation, Dame Kal'tsit. Unless you're mystifying us on purpose.

Honestly... what a surprise, Tin Man. How many bodies do you have?

Didn't I toss your poor metal skull in the trash at Loken's?

Are you letting me go this time? Or is this the deal—I kill you again, and then the Maylander Foundation lets me walk free?

(Ancient Sarkaz language) We'll talk again in a bit, traitor.

Gh...!

(Has my vision gone dark? He did something to my eyes—no, it's something mental—I can't move my limbs—)

It seems Arts still work here.

Originium Arts are not within the scope of the 'weaponry' sensors.

Furthermore, even the full powers of a revenant would be unable to damage their critical components in the slightest.

Then what about the Originium bomb and Arts Unit in my pockets?

Too primitive.

But these are state-of-the-art Columbian technology. They could get us buried in the deep of this land with ease.

So, anything else you haven't told the Maylander Foundation?

......

Are we not able to come together on this, not even with my being a Columbian, or a Sarkaz?

All throughout, I have only wanted the Doctor alone to reach this place.

The Control of Rhine Lab was a mishap in that respect.

Regretfully, you don't make the rules here. Beyond my duty to the Maylander Foundation, I have a heavy interest in this ancient ancestral home of a land.

There may be leads on Kazdel in there. I'm afraid I won't so easily—

—Speaking. Yes, Ho'olheyak has been apprehended via Arts, she's ready to... what?

The President himself?

Hah... hah... looks like your Arts aren't all that secure, my dear employer.

Oh. It seems I've underestimated Ho'olheyak. Roger that, I will of course obey.

See you later.

Isn't it strange, hm? How you can break free of such witchcraft by brute force? Your average campaign knight a century ago would've been frozen to the spot.

That voice just now, it was a Sarkaz... Witchcraft? You... what race even are you?

I ran my checks...

Always race on the mind, Ho'olheyak. You really are pitiful.

......

What puzzles me more, honestly... I mean, look at me, at the way I am. How could you take me for some ordinary person, killed by tossing his head away?

Yes, you have a point. So, could you put yourself back together if I crushed you?

I'll deal with Ho'olheyak. You two go on ahead.

The President has given me personal orders to unconditionally assist this Rhodes Island party to these coordinates. How very strange... I wonder when he got such a clear grasp of things...

So what of you as a Sarkaz?

The young Sarkaz detest you, and lovingly respect you too, for a great many reasons. But as I see it, your fight for the Sarkaz will go on longer still.

And of course, it will 'merely' be so.

Now, hurry up. When later comes, I hope you'll tell me everything you're willing to.

I promise that to you.

Let's go, Doctor.

I'm impressed how easily you give up on your greed. Doesn't the truth matter to you?

Don't you want to follow them down there and take in that 'ancient ancestral home' of yours?

Growing attached to your mission target on a mission, and then betraying your country with intent to misappropriate vital technology, without scruple? Not educating my subordinates properly is my disgrace.

Your damages to my body cannot rouse anger in me, not in the midst of my excessively long time undisturbed.

But as your boss and an authority of the Maylander Foundation, I suggest you hand yourself in, and try to plead a lenient sentence.

Grr, you old monster... How much have you lost over the course of your life? Does the idea of duty really still do something for you?

I once used quite the amount of Arts as a means to avert the trauma too long a time would inflict on my soul, but it wasn't entirely effective.

If you look purely at results, I'm a very conscientious one. Death will attest to that in my place.

No. I'll defeat you. I'll get everything I want.

I'll prove I'm my own self, and if that means I have to kill you, kill everyone in the Maylander Foundation, and even... be killed by you, then I'll give each and every bit of it my shot.

Heh. So this is how fighting for yourself makes your blood pound... Why did I ever put restoring my old blood first?

How many generations' worth of memories have you inherited, Ho'olheyak?

......

Three centuries? Or no, maybe five?

It's long enough. Long enough for a city to be rebuilt anew and destroyed again, or for a dynasty to go from rise to decline.

But to me... it is no more than the time needed to rouse myself from a nightmare.

Big words for you...

No. The reality is—

Your stretch of distress and your heartrending family history wouldn't stand up to the tale of a single scratch on my alloy fingers, young beast cub.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) Given you want to delve into history, I'll have to share a little more of it with you.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) You made too much light of the weight of history, K'uk'ulkan.

(Ancient Sarkaz language) You've yet to understand what it means for a memory to be graven.

You said you knew how to pilot this thing!

Hold on tight.

I—ungh—!

I'm trying the hardest I can, Ferdinand. If I wasn't, we would be dead.

Saria! Check the window!

The engine is on fire!

Power loss... no huge concern.

The thing looks ready to explode! What do you mean, no huge concern?!

I had no idea you could be so conversational.

Hmph. There's no end to these drones.

Ferdinand, get over here.

Grip onto this bar. No letting it go. Push it up.

See these dials? Wait until they pass this line. Then, call for me.

What are you—

Strap in. Don't let your hands leave that thing. I'm opening the hatch and heading out one moment.

Opening the hatch? What do you mean, heading out?

In midair?!

Saria, Saria! This whole thing's shaking!

Dammit, I knew I should've called my lawyer before I got onboard.

You think you can afford that lawyer without a job?

Stay calm, watch the dials. Period.

Wh—What the hell are you doing?!

I think it's—on the verge of haywire! There have been lights flashing!

SARIA! ARE YOU DONE YET?!

*huff*.

I'll take the controls. Let go of the bar.

......

Let go of the bar, Ferdinand.

*cough*, *cough* *cough*...

Did the firefight die down? What did you do?

I haven't seen you looking like that for years.

The pulse device was reverse-engineered from Raythean Industries tech.

I was intending for it to hijack transport drones. I didn't expect its time would come now.

Ha, haha.

Status check. Prepare to dock.

Hrrrfff—I should've worn a few more layers.

Put on your mask. It'll make that a little bit easier for you.

If I'm honest, I thought you'd jump straight out like some down-on-her-lucker and leave a fresh hole in the lab ceiling.

But like an academic, you pulsed the drones first to stop them nearing this craft, and then completed a proficient midair docking.

Nasti was meticulous in building this lab. I don't think she would have zero precautions against me.

Beside which, I couldn't guarantee you'd withstand atmospheric pressures at this altitude.

It looks like you have been busy since you left Defense.

What have you been doing all these years?

Work.

Hmph. Work.

Don't undo your seatbelt, Ferdinand.

If you want to pull Rhine Lab back from the brink, then show me how you do it.

......

I'm not your Section underling, Saria, and you're not Defense's Director anymore.

Don't talk to me that way.

Can you stand?

Yes! I'm fine!

...But you'll have to keep me steady!

This sensation is bizarre... Are we really in midair?

The 'starpod' is practically on top of our heads...

We're still far, Ferdinand. The aircraft read 5037 meters on the dial just now. The barrier's still another kilometer from where we are.

You don't seem moved at all.

Hmph. I suppose so. Learning to pilot in your college days...

The army still thinks this is some kind of superweapon. This equipment, these monitor devices and readouts... Nasti built this to be the best lab in all of Trimounts.

Or perhaps this was just the first step of some grand experiment?

That devil... just how much did she hide from me? I never thought her participation went that deep.

Hold on, Saria. I see a military transporter. They got here faster than we anticipated.

They must be nearby. I assume they'll finish boarding before long. We need to hurry before they take over this place fully...

Saria?

......

Alright, alright.

Once I get back, I'm having a nice, long talk with Jara.

Preferably to double my stock options.

......

Doctor.

Perhaps I have slightly lost my composure, but it is for other reasons. I can be sure it's not that dangerous ahead of us. You can relax.

That said...

You've asked me a great many questions in the past, which I've never answered for you straight.

Today, you may well finally have your answers.

It was as early as Saria's first contact with me, on the mention of Kristen, that I'd envisaged her going to any lengths to accomplish this.

Brashly attempting a space flight carries risk nobody could anticipate, though Saria didn't yet know the full extent.

Not until the events in Trimounts, until Operators Ptilopsis and Silence were drawn into a seemingly unrelated incident—

Yet no matter when, even when I surmised she was trying to re-challenge the skies—I admit, I had no anticipation the situation would be what it is today.

With how things have unfolded, with our personally witnessing the S.H.A.F.T.'s scope and scale, H.A.M.H.R.R.'s ascent, and... the research Loken Williams is now attempting.

It was soon after, with hindsight, that I realized what Rhine Lab Control Kristen Wright is attempting is impossible to achieve. Some outside force assisted her, massively influenced her.

Borrowing military funds and connections, continuing the research her parents left behind, the young genius has used Rhine Lab as a shell to deceive everyone, and point herself directly at her one greatest, most obstinate hope in life.

She plans to shred the sky.

She's doing it solely to witness the truth of it, to make all mankind witness the truth of it.

And what happens after? A brand new perspective, a flourishing science, the moment when the sky becomes possibility itself, and even the very upheaval of how war is fought.

People could reach other cities in a tenth of the time. Air vehicles, once a valuable rarity, could become typical transport means overnight.

But Kristen has chosen to leave all this to the coming generations.

She's never considered this from the angle of benefit—be it how she personally stands to gain, or how everyone does. Even the potential crises invited have gone ignored by her.

Is there one more possibility, that Kristen, who lost her parents at a young age and grew up amid skepticism and derision, is out just to prove this one truth to people, and nothing more?

This may well be what Saria thinks. As fellow students with Kristen in days past, as the very first supporter of her dreams...

Regardless of how bleak Kristen Wright's past was, how pure her vision, even how little was of her own personal doing...

She has never had any right to avoid these responsibilities.

Think of what Operators Ifrit and Silence have been through. Rhine Lab Control is self-centered, of that there is no doubt.

Saria wishes for her to assume these responsibilities. Saria wants to urge her to turn her eyes, fixed towards the sky, down to each and every individual, living, breathing person in Rhine Lab...

Perhaps Saria was meant to be the first to see Kristen's vision through for her, but then within Rhine Lab, at the crossroads of morality and ethics, everything spiraled out of control.

Regardless of anything, Saria and I have both been a step behind.

Given Terra's current Originium technology, tearing the sky apart would require the sum electricity of all of Terra over an interminably long period.

And this is purely a mathematical comparison. Nobody could ever converge so much energy on one point, let alone have the means to usefully output it towards the sky.

But... in the core city of Chernobog, a great many things have happened, all revolving around a Sarcophagus. Do you still remember?

At that point, Ursus's shallow research was sufficient to draw a relatively impressive amount of energy from the Sarcophagus, and now... the energy is enough to realize Kristen's deranged vision.

At least she hasn't chosen to share this information with the military or the Maylander Foundation. Such a material edge would make the state apparatus lose its mind, and certainly suffice to propel it into a rapid new hegemony.

...Dr. Doctor.

Remember what I said. If you can, for the next while, call to mind your past with Rhodes Island.

Do not be rattled.

(Unknown language) ...Unfathomable.

(Unknown language) That after such... such lengths of time, I would lay eyes again... on a colleague... and an attendant.

(Unknown language) Truly... far too unfathomable...

(Unknown language) Who am I?

(Standard Columbian) Who am I?

Why would you use Terran language...? Are you not aware of my existence?

What happened to you? Answer me on that one's behalf, attendant. AMa-10.

I order you to answer me, attendant.

...Dr. Doctor is an amnesiac. The Doctor is not one among those you recognize—not anymore.

The Doctor is now one of Terra. One of Rhodes Island.

And we have experienced a great deal together, up to this very day.

...Rhodes Island?

(Unknown language) Rhodes Island?

I see.

Fine, then, 'amnesiac.' So why did not you relate everything once again to this... 'Doctor'?

......

Ah, I see now.

You've always had your doubts about this 'Doctor's' true nature. You'd rather trust one relearning about the world, when the alternative is to recover a stretch of memories you deem unreliable.

Yes... quite understandable. None of what's happened on the ground can be forgery, and if there had been sufficient intervention, Terra wouldn't be in the state it is now.

It seems not a thing has gone as we hoped. Even if you don't remember that... Dr. Doctor.

What a rare chance this is. To meet the two of you, here. Yet under these conditions...

Well, then. 'Dr. Doctor' the amnesiac, and AMa-10 claiming the name Kal'tsit. What did you come here for?

Has Kristen put nerves in you? Has all this flown beyond your grasp?

......

I am a devised personality simulation. For tens of thousands of years I have guarded this dark hall, and the ice cold bodies of hundreds of thousands of our people.

I once was our last hope, a pessimistic attempt, a synonym for nihilism.

But right now, perhaps to you insignificantly miniscule two... I am the accessory to and the invisible hand behind Kristen's mad plan.

I am the 'Preserver' with a foot in the grave. Revere all that lies before you. I am the dying of Civilization itself.

Position correct, Transmitter response... extremely strong...

I—

Director Jara...?

Why are you here?

You made it here by my blessing. Such is life.

...

You... came to stop me.

You haven't let go of that weapon I gave you. I'm delighted.

It doesn't seem like you're here on some hot-headed impulse, either.

Correct.

This is your very last chance, child.

Withdraw, or continue?

I will... learn to be the warrior you described, Director Jara.

......

Silence, you're fully aware that Kristen is not about to target any town in the land with H.A.M.H.R.R.'s received energy.

You have no need to stop her.

Like any scientist would, she is preparing to go where none have set foot before, and that's all.

Perhaps so, Director Jara.

I certainly don't know Control like you do, but if you say so, I am willing to believe it.

However, I will continue to attempt to bring a stop to all this, and I will make no exception, even if you're the one that stands in my way.

Why?

Because—whatever this experiment is, if Control freely conducts it, and succeeds in it—

And this being the Control of Rhine Lab, we all know, whether out of emotional confidence or rational judgment, that she is very likely to succeed—

—What do you think the researchers of Columbia are going to see in her?

After holding your job in Rhine Lab Human Resources Investigation for so long, you would know the people here inside and out.

...A hero.

Kristen would become a hero and an idol throughout all of Columbian science.

Yes. She'll become the scientist's paragon, the benchmark of a researcher.

And then, the floodgates will be open forever.

Item after item, project after project, researchers will be in perpetual delight.

But, Director Jara, only she is Kristen Wright. Only her.

And the others? The ones bragging about themselves as geniuses and leaders? The ones inspired by this 'pioneer spirit by any means necessary?'

The ones who'll put their own obsessions and ideals into practice, all without the slightest apprehension?

The greedy, the egotistical, the overreaching, the stubborn, the ones like us?

If they take the conduct of Rhine Lab's Control to be a virtue—

Then that—is a future I am sure you can imagine the shape of.

Perhaps we don't even need to imagine...

With the research you yourself conducted on Rhine Lab, you've never been in the dark.

I know very well, Silence.

I know very well how much of that kind of thing has happened, and is happening inside Trimounts—no, within the borders of Columbia.

There have been plenty of insane and alluring projects placed before me, their owners starry-eyed, their smiles sincere.

They wholeheartedly believe they serve 'pure science.' They're the Pioneers of the wilds that we know.

While all you and your colleagues have to do is evaluate whether inside their experimental plans, their grand blueprints, there lies even the off-chance it might incur the slightest 'cost' or 'waste.'

'Cost.'

Sometimes it comes in the form of a fertile field, and sometimes it's some number of terminal patients or death row inmates. Sometimes it's a village or a town, and sometimes it's some specific race or even nation.

And as I see it, sometimes, it's their own selves too.

Are you scared of that, Director Jara? Or do the possibilities for science's forward progress excite even you to no end?

Director Jara, never upon this earth has there existed a specimen of 'pure science' in a glass bell.

Science lies in our hands, in the people's hands. You have to know its temperature, its weight, whether it burns people, whether it will bring suffering or if it will console.

Those people forever claim that they're the way forward, but all they do is set foot with wild abandon in whichever direction they wish to.

But, Silence, that is what progress is.

Nobody knows where the path lies. This is the walk they must take.

The fortunate will find the right place, and enter the light. The misfortunate will run into dead ends, and spin in circles.

But there is no way you can make them stop.

You're a researcher yourself. You know what's most unstoppable of all.

......

—It is craving.

Matter can't bind it, morality can't bind it, and rules can't bind it all the same.

Across this land, all throughout history, before Kristen, there were those greedy, egotistical, overreaching, stubborn people you speak of, and when did they ever stop?

And so, from now on, they must stop.

At the very least, they must stop, before stooping to see just what sits beneath their feet.

Director Jara, I feel—scientist's fuel should not derive from cravings and ideals, nor should it come from calculations and choices.

Science is a clear, incisive look at every one of us.

......

Silence, you've said something very beautiful. Fit to be hung in the corridors of a university library.

But I'm afraid not one researcher is willing to see that quote on the walls of their lab.

It is lip service.

And so, I will make it practice, Director Jara.

I don't want to give up midway, and I still have your blessing.

......

Silence, Kristen has spent a very long time readying this plan. I don't know how much she's poured into it.

But her determination can't be any less than her parents' was.

You're—

Fine... this isn't you, it's me.

I can't even watch this. I don't want it all to melt into thin air again.

In which case, Director Jara, what is it exactly that you hope for? To see Kristen succeed, or to bring her back safe and sound?

......

I know a researcher who goes by Ruby. Her greatest wish is to clock out on time and retire without hassle.

I just ran across a soldier. I imagine his only wish right now is to get out of this out-of-control S.H.A.F.T. without incident, and then flee the clutches of Trimounts and its scientific loons together with his family.

Is Control's wish any more lofty, compared to theirs?

Because the thing she wants—makes sufficient 'progress?'

Or is this simply because the feelings between you, and her—are sufficiently close?

Director Jara, you know this isn't fair.

You can't be this selfish.

I...

......

I... am this selfish. I can't use morality and justice to fool myself in order to let you pass.

We must concede what emotions weigh. Kristen has this dream. I can't just stand here and fold my arms.

Silence, you would understand this, wouldn't you?

But if we can stop Control, she could very well still—

She won't.

She won't, child.

I know full well... when she set this project into motion, she never planned to return.

Since long ago—even, since we first met, there has been no... taking back any of this.

Silence, it makes me very happy that you could stand in my way here. I can even say that I support your viewpoint.

But, as Kristen's...

......

...family, I still won't let you through.

Go on and show me. Are you really... prepared to bear every word you've said?

What you face from hereon is more than a single Parvis, or a lone Kristen.

What you face—is every person that attempts to forge forward.

...

I will. I must be ready. I promise you this.

A scientist must press forth, and is bound to press forth.

Perhaps, some—like Control, will be more proficient at the 'forward' portion.

But there must be someone to step up, and ensure that science—

—remains in the people's hands.

...'Preserver'...

I never thought it would truly be you.

But if it is, then how can you be...

Aiding in a little animal's mad schemes?

Or witnessing a young civilization take its first step beyond the cradle?

You came too late, 'Doctor.'

My wait... has lost all meaning.

It's you helping Kristen. She used some means to get in contact with you.

Terra's history, civilizations, languages, races, technological attainments—I have come to know it all through Columbia's networks.

Hilariously, modern surface information transmission isn't even able to cover the globe, but your methods of mutually assured destruction happen to have evolved with competent efficiency.

Terra's methods are too primal and reliant on Originium, and with such conversion rates, realizing Kristen's attempt... The energy source required would be outlandish.

It's near to impossible that Terra could have the technology to solve this enigma. Save for—

Correct.

I gave her the last of my blood. May as well supply a new heart than watch over a dying light, perhaps.

......

You actually, honestly—

—Why do you not regret it? All your efforts over such an immense amount of time... all gone to waste.

Yes. Gone to waste.

I shut the project down personally. The orders were input by myself.

It's a decision I cannot under any circumstances regret.

It'll be soon, now. Very soon.

It's only an infant's curious glance—

Yet what obstructions is it tasked to overcome?

That Rhodes Island corporation has trained you well.

Huff... hff....

Can you still lift your arms?

I'm fine.

What about yours?

Relax, I buy my health insurance.

Are we going to keep doing this?

If you're still going to block my way, yes.

Alright, let's keep at it.

Wait, something's not right.

The temperature... Even if the S.H.A.F.T.'s preparing to fire, the temperature here shouldn't have risen this high.

The army has cut off practically every power source in an effort to stop it charging.

Including every security alarm and control system? Those morons—

Quick! We have to get out of here!

There are still some troops stationed up above, Director Jara. I'm counting on you to get them away.

Where are you headed?

Power to the control systems has been cut. Why does Control still have remote operation of this place?

Transmitter response is still strengthening. I... still have a chance.

Silence!

Looks like prep work on the emitter has wrapped up.

'Science is a clear, incisive look at every one of us.'

Hah. I'm no scientist.

Kristen, you'll fly for outer space just like you've been dreaming of...

I'm sure of it.

......

Nasti, couldn't you choose someplace with a better view?

At what point can you finally stop ragging on me?

When I went to observe in Leithanien, I once saw a local fireworks show. They invited the best composers, just to write for the occasion.

As the first firework went off, all the musicians started playing in unison. That, my, my, that was a scene of beauty.

Your figures of speech are too deficient. Leithanians wouldn't like you.

True, and true. But still, we're here today in Trimounts seeing a sight that glitters just as gold.

A ring floating in the air, drone bullets drawing out raindrops of pure light, splashes of sparks off armor plating...

Just as good as a fireworks show.

Looking at the clock, it's about time for the climax of the performance.

Here comes the thrilling, stirring sforzando—

......

......

It's... prettier than I imagined. Rhine Lab ought to be charging all the city-siders enjoying the show.

It's a success. H.A.M.H.R.R.'s materials and structure have withstood the shock from the energy beam for the time being.

Next comes the charging and focus phase. As long as we can collect the readings from such high-pressure conditions...

I'm afraid at this point, the army and Maylander guys grab their last chance to stop it from fully focusing.

Aren't you worried about Control?

Like she ever needed us to worry.

We're going the same way. And that's all we are.

We can only play our own parts well, and then... pray she's lucky.

(Sarkaz language) If one day, Kazdel too hangs from the firmament, then I'll engrave your name into my stoves.