CV-5 Shadow of a Doubt

...Two people died during the unrest, four are seriously wounded, dozens more have lighter injuries, thirteen shops and homes were looted, and small fires broke out in parts of main street.

Fortunately, our squads managed to quickly bring the situation under control.

Currently, we have mercenary teams stationed in the plate's most important facilities and main roads, to maintain public security and order.

Should I stop my report?

Let's pause here for now.

Then if you'll excuse me. I'll come back in once you're done with your call.

No need. You can listen in.

Apologies for calling this late, Mr. Cliff. We've put the reserve funds in storage, and I'd like to thank everyone for escorting them all this way.

No need to thank us for fulfilling our contract. Also, I'd rather discuss what comes next—the towing—in person.

When will you be free? Tomorrow at noon?

Sure, I'll have my secretary arrange it.

I'd also like to ask another question, if you don't mind.

Go ahead.

I'm wondering... how do you plan to handle the townsfolk who participated in last night's unrest?

We've detained the ones we caught on the landship for the time being, and we're currently tracking down the rest.

Tsk... Those thugs were already giving us a headache. They're in dire straits financially, and now they've turned to robbing others.

You sound pretty familiar with them.

Yes, they're all old acquaintances on the bank's debtor list.

Mind if we take a look at that?

Of course not. If you're going to look into the matter, you should start with these people.

Thanks for bringing him over last night, Jessica.

Is Leone alright? Benny's gone, and then his house, the only thing he had left, burned down in that fire. He...

He didn't say anything... Fell asleep as soon as I treated his wounds.

He's lucky he spends his nights getting wasted on the streets instead of sleeping in bed.

That's enough out of you, Woody.

...

Fine, I'll go check on him.

Jessica... weren't you outside welcoming the landship yesterday? Why'd you come back all of a sudden?

Actually, Woodrow... I was looking for you, but I saw smoke coming from Leone's house, so I went there first.

For me? What for?

Ever since I got here... I've been worrying nonstop about the landship's arrival.

But that's your company. Ain't it a good thing? Now you've got an entire fortress of your buddies to take over any problems y'all have been facing.

But... that doesn't mean Blacksteel being here will be good for the people of the plate.

Nomadic platforms are expensive to build and an extremely scarce resource, so the government won't just discard them. They'll probably refurbish the plate, upgrading it and integrating it into a larger settlement.

Still not seeing the downside.

But they don't want the residents to stay, so they're doing everything they can to make them leave on their own...

...

That's why the bank's here.

They've recovered a lot of the fallen platform's assets through loan contracts and risky ventures, and they've sent a lot of people to the frontier too.

Methods like these are perfectly legal... there's nothing for us to object to.

Are the people really gonna take it though?

Maybe they don't have a choice...? You've been here a lot longer than I have, so I'm sure you know better than I do.

Heh, we still have a few tough nuts to crack.

...Which is why they've engaged a mercenary group like Blacksteel.

And what about after your undoubtedly thorough investigation? Do you plan to keep the detainees at Fort Barron?

I may as well ask how you've dealt with them in the past.

We used to ship guys like them off to the frontier, when we still had police.

Then we'll do the same.

Thank you for doing all this for us.

It's no big deal. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.

Hold on. Could I make a small request? Could we have additional security deployed at the bank?

No problem. I'll have my subordinates make any further arrangements.

Right. See you tomorrow then.

...

What do you think, Tila?

That we're getting our hands dirty again.

What else can they do? They're all respectable people who can't sully their reputations. So it's up to us mercs to be the bad guys.

So how should we handle that last request from the bank?

Did they suffer any damage last night?

Just some obscene graffiti scrawled all over the building.

Whatever... Emotional damage counts as damage too. Just dispatch some people familiar with the situation.

The important thing for now is to figure out how to clear all these irrelevants off the board before the plate starts moving.

So... your landship ain't here just to tow the plate away, is it?

Helping the bank evict debtors and recover non-performing assets are both on the to-do list.

As for the methods... I don't think they'll leave any room for concessions.

...And what do you want me to do about it?

Before I came here, someone asked me to bring a bullet to you.

A bullet?

...Who?

My boss, 'Clip' Cliff.

And who's that?

When I was looking for you that day, there was an open drawer with a photo inside. Cliff is the man who had his arm around your shoulder.

...So he changed his name. Huh. And now he's your boss.

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to look.

But if you have a history with each other, then maybe you could have a word with him? I don't know...

If there's anyone he'd listen to, it's you, right? I really don't have any other ideas...

Jessica, I appreciate you helping out Leone, Helena, and who knows who else. But I just can't wrap my head around why you're being so stubborn about this.

You're a merc. You've got no duty to us. You don't have to stick your nose into every little thing you see.

Back in Victoria, I... sat back and just let things happen. And it ended horribly...

It was all my fault.

...

Thanks for bringing me the bullet. I've been looking for it for a long, long time now.

You should get back to your friends first. Some things, all I can do is give it my best shot.

But...

Woody—!

The bed's empty, Woody! Did Leone go out?

I ran into him this morning. He's off looking for Miles.

Then why didn't you tell me earlier—

Let's just say... I forgot.

Come again?

My apologies, sir, but this place has been sealed off and no one's allowed in or out.

What do you mean no one's allowed in or out? I spent half my life here! Let me through!

I'm sorry, sir.

Hey, wait—what are you doing to me?

This...

Please forgive me, sir. But this is my job.

Get your ass back here—

Leone?

Miles? I was just about to go in there looking for you! You alright after that huge mess last night?

I'm good, but... what's with the huge wound on your head?

I ran into that gang of troublemakers yesterday, and... we exchanged a few blows. Why aren't you in the tower?

Those people barged in here after things quieted down. Said Blacksteel would be taking over the maintenance work and 'kindly escorted' me out.

They do anything to you?

(Glances at the mercenary standing guard) No...

Let's get out of here first. Not exactly the best place to talk.

Leave the door open, Leone. We have to get back to the plant later.

How can anyone get in there with their eyes all over the place?

I know an abandoned path into the tower, hasn't been used in years.

Then let's get going.

What's the rush? I need to fetch some tools to clear the road, among other things...

Need any help?

Don't bother, I got everything here. Let's go.

*cough* *cough*

There's so much dust here. Just how long has this path been here?

Has to be at least thirty years since anyone last came through here... *cough* *cough*

Who's there? You already called me over, there's no need to send an escort—

Huh, Miles and Leone? What are you guys doing here? How'd you get them to let you in?

Shh. Keep it down, Laura. We just wanna take a look around. Won't be long.

Fine... I'll let you know if the patrol comes around, but keep it quick.

...Lucky we ran into her, and not anyone else.

*sigh*

What are you doing? There's already fuel in there, so why throw in more stuff to burn?

Remember what happened in July? So many people finally caved in and signed agreements to go to the frontier.

...How could I forget?

Well, the bank's been putting on the pressure again, and this time there's even more people talking about it.

I asked a few families and some of 'em are already waiting for the frontier convoys. Others still want to hold out here, but... how long can they keep it up?

Just get to the point, Miles.

...I'm planning to leave too. No one needs the Davistown mine no more. Even if they fix up the plate, no one's gonna care about us miners. Without jobs, we'll all end up leaving in disgrace anyhow.

So, y'know... Come with me, Leone.

Maybe you're right, but I still ain't leaving.

...Yup, that's the Leone I know.

So is that why you wanted to come here? Just to tell me that?

No, I came because I wanted to... burn what needs burning, I guess. Before I leave.

Wait, but there's so many photos of people in that album. You plan on burning all those too?

I ain't like you, Leone. I don't wanna spend the rest of my life here.

I figured you were just dead-drunk when you said that last time...

I had a notion of leaving this town even when I was young, but no way my parents could take care of all my younger siblings on their own. That's how I ended up stumbling into the mines in a stupor when I was fifteen.

My eyes were scorched by the heat and sweat of the boiler room, while the older guys bossed me around. I hated every goddamn minute of it, but could only press on through clenched teeth while thinking about my family.

And by the time I realized it, all I knew was taking care of the furnace. Didn't know any other way to live.

You never told me all this...

Leone. It hurt when Benny said he was leaving, but even then I felt he made the right choice.

So this has been a long time coming?

Yeah. Let him go before this plate ties him down. Maybe he can go to college. Ironforge City, Trimounts... anywhere's fine as long as it ain't here.

So you're saying I should be glad he got out in time?

This land here's been squeezed dry, Leone. And those guys from the government are just gonna abandon it entirely, or scoop in new soil from elsewhere...

To them, we're just old straw refusing to rot away. Nothing but trouble.

...Wait, what's that?

Why's there a photo of your family in there—

Benny must've left that one in. I wasn't too careful when packing it all up, sorry.

It's fine. Don't know why I wanted to grab it in the first place. Wonder how long it'll take these blisters to heal without treatment or medicine.

Sir, this must be a misunderstanding. I stayed home all night yesterday!

Please cooperate with us, ma'am.

Sir, please! Can't you talk your superiors into being a little flexible? How can I leave for the frontier mid-winter with a child in tow?!

It seems you do know where we're taking you. So please, just cooperate. We don't want to have to resort to force.

Nooo—!

Hey! What are you doing?!

And which squad are you from?

Jessica, Department of Equipment and Applied Technologies. Temporarily transferred to B.P.R.S's Liskarm Squad.

Oh, so you're that little princess I've heard so much about. An honor to meet you.

We're under orders to trace the source of last night's unrest. Locals with heavy debt are our prime suspects, so that's where we're starting our investigation.

Does your list include a single mom with a child too?

Just following orders. Besides, even if she's innocent we still have to repossess her mortgaged property.

Repossess mortgaged property... So this is why the boss had that word with me?

Listen, I don't see what the boss has to do with this, but I do know you're hindering my work here.

Don't you realize that you're doing the exact same thing as those gangsters you arrested?!

Orders, princess. Just following orders. Don't make me repeat myself.

Reporting. I've found the woman.

Sir... Please, I'm begging you...

Let that lady go!

What?

I—I said, let her go.

We're not the same as you, princess. We need these paychecks to eat.

Paychecks... paychecks!

Is your paycheck—No, no! I mean, I'm saying...

I... I can pay you!

What's this now? Bribery? Raythean's little lady is actually trying to bribe me?

Yes, I'm just a stupid little rich girl who throws money at all her problems, okay?!

Guess there's no need for professional integrity when you've got a family like that at your back. But me? I can only trade my conscience for cash at Blacksteel.

I'm glad you're so self aware, but it really doesn't matter. Just stop making things difficult for us lowly peasants.

If you've got money to burn, why not head on over to the bank and pay off all their debts?

You—

Easy there, princess. Take your finger off the trigger, yeah? I know you lost your head for a bit there, but we still have to act according to our stations.

Wh-What?

...Why is someone still outside this late?

Is that... Jessica?

What brings you here at this hour, Miss?

I... *huff*, *huff* I... have some business here!

L-Let's... talk inside, shall we?

What's going on, Sylvia? Didn't I tell you to keep the door closed at night? Recently those people from Blacksteel have been—

Ah. So it was you, Miss.

I'm not sure why you've paid us a visit at this hour, but how may I serve you?

Don't... don't chase them out!

Chase them out? Who exactly?

The residents with debt! Don't let Blacksteel drive them out!

...Who's this coming from? Mr. Cliff?

I... it's from me!

Did I hear that right? If this is a joke, I'm not sure I get it.

I'm serious! If you need someone to pay off their debts, then I-I'll pay it off for them! At least enough to let them stay through winter? Sending them to the frontier now is no different from a death sentence!

What holds sway in a bank are not the delusions of a mercenary, but honest-to-goodness gold certificates.

I have the certs! This isn't a crazy fantasy, I can walk the walk and pay off their debts!

I'm sorry, but the bank doesn't have time to indulge your nonsense—

I'm the daughter of Bernie Brynley... The CEO and largest shareholder of Raythean Industries!

Bernie Brynley?

You must be quite the bigshot then, Miss Jessica Brynley.

Spare me the sarcasm, ma'am. Just give me the number.

Hm... I can't give you an exact figure on the spot, but no matter. Sylvia is here, and she's always been good with numbers.

What are you standing there for, Sylvia? Tell her.

...Miss, I—

She's a child of the Brynley family. It should be a paltry sum to her.

This, this isn't a good idea...

Tell her, Sylvia!

Currently... everyone's debt in Davistown roughly totals to... 276 million certs. If we calculate the interest until spring, the amount you'll need is roughly...

How much?

28,450,000 gold certificates.

Twenty-eight... million?

A small price for three months of peace and stability on the plate, no?

At a loss for words, Miss Brynley?

I-I don't have that much on hand right now, b-but I can make the arrangements...

28,450,000... So even a trust fund heiress can't withdraw that much money in one go?

I've learned something new today.

I... I... no...

Jessica...

Sylvia, I-I...

You're... you're not from Davistown. There's really... no need to do this for our sake.

Listen to me. You should just leave... E-Even if you have enough for this time, could you afford the next one? Or the one after that?

Sir? Are you in there?

Yes. What's the matter?

He's here. Is it a good time for you to meet?

...

Sir?

Yes, I heard you. Bring him in.

Jessica? Ain't you supposed to be back on the Blacksteel landship?

...Helena, is Woodrow back yet?

No, he said he went out to see an old friend, and isn't back yet.

You don't look so good... What's wrong? Did something happen to Woody?

No... He must have gone to our landship to meet the boss. They're old friends, so... maybe he can change his mind.

The boss of Blacksteel? He never told me he knew a bigshot like that.

Doesn't he have a photo of him and some other Sankta...?

Photo? That rings a bell, but ain't it always locked away in his drawer? How did you manage a look?

That... that's not important. What's important is that the three in the photo were all smiles, right?

...Are you sure Woody went to look for the man in the photo?

...So you do know something about them?

I dunno much about Woody's time in the Revolutionary War, and even less about the people in that photo...

But back then, it was your boss who made the choice that led to Woody and the other man getting captured by the enemy and locked up in Camp Collus.

...Is that... an internment camp?

You didn't know? Well, it's ancient history. No official would ever bring it up, so of course you young'uns wouldn't know about it.

It was a POW camp built by the Victorian Army during the Columbian Revolutionary War. And what went on in there was... appalling. I'm talking torture.

Torture...?!

Yeah. For every ten that went in, only one made it out.

So Jessica, who'd ever call someone who left them to rot in a place like that an old friend...?

Sir, are you in there?

Yes. What's the matter?

He's here, sir. Is it a good time for you to meet?

Yes, just bring him in.

...May I sit?

Of course.

We have chairs, Woody.

...Sorry, got used to sitting on the ground these past two years. I forgot I can sit on chairs without... getting beat up.

...

...Calling me here... Got something to say to me?

I figured you'd be the one full of questions for me.

No, just the one.

Why didn't you back me up, three years ago?

The situation changed after you left. Once the enemy encirclement suddenly tightened around our right flank, I had no choice but to abandon the original rescue plan and conserve our forces.

...You're gonna write it off with just that understatement?

You devised a rescue plan, sent me as a decoy, and in the end, you didn't even rescue him.

The circumstances compelled me to take responsibility for my men.

Don't give me that, with that face like you don't care!

Why are you so obsessed with my expressions, Woody? You've been scrutinizing my face since the moment I stepped in.

Since when did... Sankta ever need to pay attention to body language? What's going on, Woody?

...It became a habit after he passed. After all, ain't no other Sankta in here.

When did he die? The document only has one 'dead' stamped in here, and the rest aren't even recorded.

I can't remember the details... Didn't have a calendar or a watch... Probably last year? Early spring... no, summer. I saw a pansy outside the barbed-wired fence that day.

What happened...?

At first... he was burning hot... He was mumbling non-stop, eyes wide open, and he was grabbing my sleeve like a lifeline. Like he wanted to tell me something.

So I moved closer, to make out what he was trying to say.

And what was it...?

Dunno, didn't hear. He let go of my sleeve, his eyes still open, pupils all dilated... Pitch-black... like they could suck in everything around him.

Woody...

So why... why... why didn't you come?

...

So what do I call you now? Heard you go by a different name.

Anything's fine... I was expecting you sooner, Woody.

After what happened last night, I had so many things on my plate and so many friends to help out.

If you need any help, you can always let me know. Be it cash or manpower.

Thanks, Cliff, but no thanks. Help is only help when it's on time. But coming from you... it's always overdue.

Right. It's always best to get things done in a timely manner.

So what are you doing here?

Can't an old friend start with a 'how do you do'?

...It's not as simple as 'old friends' between us. What made you think we'd be acting like friends when we saw each other again?

Then what would you rather be treated as?

Anything else, really.

No need for sarcasm, Woody. I don't even see the point anymore. We're old now, our hair's gone full white.

This past decade, I've seen my friends getting one health problem after another, and been attending funeral after funeral. Just meeting one that's still alive is hard enough.

You live so far away, and I doubt I'll ever see your obituary in the papers, so I came see you personally.

You shouldn't have bothered. Ain't no place for you at my funeral anyhow.

That's a real shame, Woody. Didn't we make that pact to speak at each other's funerals, all those years ago?

I'm sure plenty of others would be happy for you to speak at theirs, but mine... just forget about it.

I hope you're not thinking I'm a fan of funerals. I only attend them because it's my old buddies in the coffins.

And where do you sit? Among the friends and family?

Rarely. Unless their relatives ask me to, I usually stand back and watch the whole thing from a distance.

Why? Afraid you can't bear their pain?

Pain is a relatively private experience for the other races. My best guess is that we can only deal with it on our own.

Enough playing like we're friends, alright? I'll put it bluntly for you—I buried him on the hillside behind the POW camp. Have you ever visited him?

...

Unfortunately, no. I haven't found the time.

...You haven't changed a bit.

So why would Woody go looking for him...?

It's my fault... I asked him to.

What?! You?!

I thought... on account of their past friendship, maybe my boss could be more... lenient on everyone here.

How could you be so naive? Jessica... Woody, he...

I...

...

Forget it. Now that it's come to this, I don't need to hide it from you.

I'm planning to leave this plate and head to the frontier.

You too...?

Yeah, my regulars are all getting sent off one after the other, and only us old folks are left. What's the point in keeping the diner open?

Besides, just look at the holes in my walls, after last night's fighting. I don't have it in me to patch 'em up anymore.

I've invested so many years into this place... and enough is enough.

Sorry... I'm so sorry...

What're you apologizing for, Jessica?

Because I didn't do anything. Nothing at all. I'm sorry, I really am...

Don't blame yourself. You're the last person who should be doing that. You're an outsider, and the plate was on its last legs. Just get back to your friends.

You have your own life to live. No need to work yourself to the bone on our account.

And the check you gave me back then... Take it back.

But... that's the only thing I can do for you...

Take it.

...When do you plan to leave, Helena?

Not too soon, I reckon. Still have to say my proper goodbyes, after all.

...Anyone hear that?

Save us... Those, those Sarkaz suddenly climbed up the plate...

Many people are dead, and the rest of us are hiding in the basement of City Hall... *bzzt*... *bzzt*...

We tried to contact Londinium's garrisons...

But no one's replied... no one at all...

I don't care who it is, but if you can hear this message, please, help us...

You're our only hope...

*bzzt*... *bzzt*...

Where have you been all day, Jessica? We couldn't get in touch.

I went... It's nothing, I just went for a walk.

What happened?

Captain, I... I... really have no idea why we're doing this mission.

Did... you see something?

...I saw our colleagues evicting debt-saddled residents from their homes, and putting them on convoys bound for the frontier.

Huh?

...

Hey, Teacher's Pet, now's not the time to be staring at your communicator!

Did you even hear what she said?!

I did... and I have news even more absurd than that.

Orders from above: we'll be in charge of security at the bank. We have to stand watch 24/7, and it's up to us to figure out our shift rotation.

What...? Working security for the bank?!

Correct.

...

Hah...

... This is so... goddamn... ridiculous...

Jessica, you...