Arknights story · Ending a Grand Overture
GO-3 Parliament's Voice
Vina received a mysterious gift when the Exemplars broke into the city, confirming for the first time that an old friend had survived.
2 scenes, 357 lines
1. Before Operation
180 linesI couldn't decide how to start the chapter on Allerdale, when I decided to write one for her. I realized I knew so little about the name that should've been so familiar to me.
The last Cumberland. The one who betrayed us. The one who gave her life to save us. The one who bragged about her cream stew.
Millscar. Caster's minion. Cumberland the Ever on High. Which one was the real Allerdale?
Thirty-four minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade
Coordinates confirmed, boss. The location in the anonymous warning message is just ahead. And we've identified the source—
Rhodes Island.
No surprises there. Let's go.
The mercenary does not move. There is uncertainty on his face.
Out with it.
The boys trust you. Without you, we would have rotted in the alleys, or the devils would have—
I've already died once, so I'm fine with putting my head on the line for you. But this just doesn't make sense. Why should we trust Rhodes Island? We know nothing about them.
The Exemplars are almost inside the city. It's going to be bedlam outside. We could take this opportunity to line our pockets...
Or at least... you should not risk yourself, being here.
You're not the only one who thinks this way, are you?
The mercenary is silent. He dares not meet Millscar's gaze, fearing her wrath.
But nothing happens.
Have you thought about what will become of Londinium after this war?
Er... the way it used to be?
No, nothing will go back to the way it used to be. No one can go back, no matter what comes of this war.
Y-You're abandoning us?
No, I need you. Soon, Londinium will become a city in need of mending.
The old order has been destroyed by death and violence. There will be plenty of gaps left behind, plenty to feed us.
But—
I'm not asking your opinion.
Listen, I don't plan on going back to the old life, which means we have to plan for a new one. I haven't forgotten about you, of course.
In order to keep our livelihood, we need people to know what we're capable of.
Don't say I didn't give you a choice. So, are you coming or not?
......
Oh, sod it, put me at the front of the line, boss.
I'm not imagining it, am I... what is this...?
The blood-red rocks in the gaps of the frame and in the furnace... did the devils hide them here? What are they planning?
Vampire stuff.
There is a faint smell of blood in the air. She recalls the onrushing squirming monsters that came straight out of a nightmare.
Boss! I found something here!
A ducal alliance soldier?
Something's not right. He hasn't been dead for long. The name tag... Fifth Infantry Regiment, Eighth Column. Rank... Major?!
The Earl of March's troops, under the Duke of Normandy. No external wounds, but the death was not natural.
Her unit should still be outside the walls. Why would a major from the unit be here—
Where did they come from? Kill them, and quickly. The orders must not be delayed.
There are other altars that still need to be activated. There is no time.
The devils have us surrounded! There's no way out—
Why do we need one?
......
'Lunatic'.
No one knows where the Steam Knight sword in her hand came from, much less where Millscar herself came from.
The mercenary's legs tremble. He regrets not turning around a few minutes ago.
As long as that purple blade would not impale him from behind.
Bugger all.
Huh. I know that sword.
The General's briefing mentioned you. You've got nerve. Is the tin can somewhere nearby?
Maybe we can kill two fowlbeasts with one stone.
Hmph.
Carry on with your work, I'll handle this—
*jingle*
Like wind chimes on the beams of a mausoleuma caressed by a breeze, the golden pendants and gems that hang from the veil of the one who slumbers sway and clang against each other in the air.
Excuse me, did anyone see my earring?
There you are, Little Garnet—Oh, it's broken...
I guess I'll have to borrow your toys, Duq'arael. Not like you're in any position to refuse.
The blood-red altar within the iron frame begins to glow, but quickly goes dark again and then shatters.
The broken red pendant in the air is now good as new, glowing with a faint light.
The red glow is almost mesmerizing.
*jingle*
The sound echoes by Millscar's ear.
Take care of Little Garnet for me, for a while.
She'll lead you where you belong. Now, you should go.
I'm surprised that anyone like Dame Kal'tsit would trust you, though.
—!
She sees the red and black figure.
Why would a vampire save my life? Dame Kal'tsit? Dr. Kal'tsit of Rhodes Island? What are they planning?
She has many questions, but finds herself holding the cold conical earring in her hand.
There's no time to waste if you want to help that one. This is not the only altar in these parts.
What do I do?
She will tell you.
'She'? Millscar suddenly feels a pulse from the earring in her hand, like a heartbeat.
Stop her—
Shh.
*Sarkaz expletive*!
Nadine feels all the blood in her body rush back towards her heart for a second, and the vertigo that comes with it.
For the first time, she envies the kindred who have abandoned flesh and blood.
The path has been prepared.
Take care of her, and she will guide you to me.
Six minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade
Let's go to the next one.
Boss, that weird Vampire thing... as we destroy the altars, it just keeps getting... prettier.
We've got more important things to worry about. Word is that the Exemplars have made it into the city, but they're being impeded by the ducal alliance's troops.
Have the factories gotten the order?
Aye. They're getting ready.
These strange hidden Sarkaz altars, and rumors that the dukes are ready to leave Londinium blockaded and abandon it to its fate...
Hah. Who's the one who actually wants to blow up the city?
Does it really matter?
It's been a while, Allerdale.
......
I thought you were dead.
I thought YOU were dead.
Even with Rhodes Island's help, there are too many of these for you to deal with, and too little time.
Who knows how many such altars the Sarkaz have hidden across the city? Without my knowledge, too. They could not have done it on their own.
More than one key district will be reduced to rubble if these altars are activated. I've discovered and destroyed several key ones, however.
By yourself...?
Vina needs help. The Exemplars need one final push. And the dukes need to hear the true voice of the people.
It was I who spread the rumors that the dukes are planning to abandon Londinium. Not that there wasn't an element of truth to it.
What do you want me to do?
You're already doing it. You and those who follow you.
But you, too, need a little push. I'll take care of the remaining altars.
You've changed. A lot.
I could say the same for you, 'Millscar'. Are you sure you like that name?
You've chosen to live. Then follow the path, and see where it leads.
......
Boss, she's—
Run like you've got all Kazdel on your heels. Go to the outer city, and tell the others to get ready to receive the Exemplars.
The Exemplars break through the blockade. Across the city, factories roar to life, welcoming them home.
I keep thinking back to that afternoon.
Factories, Vina, steam, cheering, boxing, angry yelling, Baird...
The bits of memory gush to the surface together, mixing together, wiping away what happened that afternoon.
The one thing I will never forget is when Vina said: 'We're home.'
I wanted to cry. It was a long, long journey, from the day we left the city to the day we came back.
We're home. But how many did we lose, how many who walked with us on this journey?
And which of them could come back after they left, besides Allerdale?
...
I miss Baird.
Two days after the Exemplars break through the blockade
I never knew taking inventory could be such a pain.
Taking inventory at the factories on our turf back in the day wasn't half as bad...
If this is pain, I'll gladly take more pain.
It sure is exciting, though, to see so many people supporting us—
(Yawn) We've been at this all night. The sun's already coming up.
We have to push forward. The others can only buy so much time.
Word from Wiš'adel is that they threw a dozen wrenches into the Military Commission's system of command, but the Nachzehrers are still guarding Westhaleg.
We've been inside the city for two days, but there has been little sign of movement from them.
Weren't there rumors that Theresis has abandoned them and gone into hiding? Maybe that's why the Nachzehrers aren't moving.
That's just speculation. Not even the Doctor's team has been able to confirm it.
Get some rest, Morgan. The alliance's order to attack will come soon—
I just don't like counting, that's all!
I want to help Dagda. I reckon I've got a little more experience sweet-talking people into helping us.
Delphine is persuading the nobles who are still on the fence. Hannah and Catherine are organizing the surviving workers and Self-Salvation Corps. I have no doubt they can get it done.
But Dagda... she's not really the temperament for this...
Go help her.
Phew.
Let's continue. Supplies from Heidi... improvised weapons by the Self-Salvation Corps...
Huh?
What's this at the bottom? It's not on the list.
She looks around and sees only Exemplars transporting supplies. She recognizes all their faces.
She carefully examines the box. After being satisfied that there is no threat, she opens it.
She is struck dumb by what she sees.
It is a set of clothing.
The cool rays of the morning sun shines upon an emblem—
The emblem of House Victoria. Her house.
Vina feels a bout of anger. Is this some kind of sick joke?
Wait, no—
She recognizes the outfit in her hands. It belonged to the Victorian royal family.
Why is it here? Who found it and delivered it to her?
She can only come to one conclusion, a single name.
Let's go. It's time.
What's the situation, boss?
Their equipment is inferior to the alliance's. The dukes are having the Exemplars take the brunt of the fighting. Casualties will be heavy...
But this is also an opportunity.
The dukes want a hero. The people need a hero. Why not add a finishing touch to the story?
You're betting on them to win.
Bet? No, the bets were already made when the battle outside the walls ended. This is just the last chance to double down.
No idea how that works, but whatever you say. What's next?
We kill.
There will be chaos once the final battle begins, and 'opportunists' too. I'm not about to let them do whatever they want right under my nose.
Say... boss, what was that thing you left behind?
A little stage prop, to give more substance to the legend.
'Garment of the royal house, retrieved from the ruins of Cumberland Manor. The leader of the Exemplars can make good use of it.'
'Don't you like the story? The last heir to the throne returns to drive out the devils, garbed in the King's regalia...'
'I heard that she didn't like the title...'
'She'll need it, if she wants to sway those who are still uncertain.'
'For now, at least.'
Is she alive—
Vina has had a little wish, ever since the day that the Steam Knight returned. Perhaps those around her had the same, but no one spoke of it.
She looks around nervously, but does not see her.
If anything, that is a relief. She is not ready.
A note?
'Tailored to your size. Hope it fits.'
There is no name on the note.
But for the first time, she knows that Allerdale is still alive.
......
There's something else...
A few photos, with the following words scribbled on the back.
'Something you might find interesting. Concerning a certain duke.'
2. After Operation
177 lines
I brought the Defense Forces files that were requested.
Madam Speaker, since the establishment of the patrols, we have received no fewer than two hundred requests for assistance involving Millscar and her followers.
There is concrete evidence of their violation of Parliament's newly-enacted laws.
What are we waiting for? They're getting in the way of honest people doing honest work! Give the order! Put their heads on pikes outside the Sineselde!
Feist and Rockrock have already reported the situation to me.
I want the rebuilding to progress smoothly as much as you do, but that's not how Parliament works.
Go ahead, Viscount Elsa.
Millscar's behavior is certainly questionable, but their medicine has at least provided consolation to those suffering from the current shortage, if nothing else—
Balderdash!
They're exacting payment in lives!
Sit DOWN, Lord Alan! You are in Parliament!
They are using underground facilities, relics from the war, to evade our pursuit, Viscount Elsa.
They've been decentralizing their operations, of course, but there is also evidence indicating that someone associated with Parliament is helping them.
I believe we need an explanation for that, don't we?
Are the Londinium Defense Forces requesting our assistance with the investigation, Lieutenant Skamandros?
We are, of course, eager to help the citizens face the Millscar threat. I could contact Her Grace the Duke of Caster to arrange for personnel to be deployed to Londinium—
It is much reassuring to hear that Her Grace the Duke of Caster has, at long last, deigned to generously offer her valuable assistance to Parliament, Viscount Elsa. I am very curious to know if other dukes will do the same.
Baron Hector, Viscount Gideon, Dr. Herman, and Academician Erwin... may I trust you to pass on the message to the other dukes should you, by chance, have the opportunity to communicate with them?
Startled, the members whose names are called, who have been keeping a low profile in the room, are left with little choice but to smile and bow to Vina.
There is no affirmation or denial, but the argument in the chamber has evaporated, as though it never existed to begin with.
A special provisional court will be convened of the Members of Parliament to deal with the Millscar issue. Millscar will, of course, be granted the opportunity to present her defense.
There is whispering amongst the seats, but no objections.
Will she show up for the trial, though?
If she does not appear, she will forfeit her right to a defense, and the court shall pass judgment in a fair and just manner.
Horn, kindly instruct patrols to take Millscar into custody and bring her to the Parliamentary Chamber.
Prior to Parliament's recess today...
She has two hours. I will wait for her here.
You should wait in the office, get some rest. You don't look so well.
I'll let you know if she comes—
I said, I'll wait here!
Right then.
Sorry. I'm just—
I know.
I don't understand. There are so many things that are much more urgent—Infected in need of treatment, shortage of supplies, rebuilding the city, restoring order...
My desk is constantly covered in important matters that require my attention.
But they would rather spend an entire day bickering over something that they don't even disagree about—
*sigh*...
I'm not doing a good enough job.
I remember that I promised you she would not get away, if you give my people and the Defense Forces free rein to search for her.
We're short-handed. Trying to solve the problem this way means ignoring other, more urgent problems in the city—
Then why do you think you're not doing a good enough job?
Don't try to carry a nomadic city on your back. That's what the tracks underneath it are for.
You don't have to become the perfect leader that they talk about, for whom solving every single problem is taken for granted.
Besides... from Millscar to the protests to the medicine shortage, the shadow of the dukes loom large over all these recent affairs.
There is no doubt that Caster is behind the Millscar matter, but something has to give. Millscar has gone too far.
Catching her is no easy task, though. Indra and Dagda say she has associated with a strange Vampire.
Delphine... if she doesn't show—
Do you want her to, Vina?
Wh-Why are you blindfolding me? I've paid my husband's bill!
Yes, ma'am, you're an honest woman.
You have paid the bill of Mickey Robinson. The boss sends her condolences. Your husband made many contributions to the city.
C-Can I go now?
Of course. Once you've paid your other debt, that is.
Two contracts. One, signed by your husband, the one you just paid. Another, signed by you on behalf of your husband.
But he's gone!
He's gone, but the medicine isn't. Here, do take it. Now, let's talk about your bill...
We accept credit, of course—
We don't.
Oh, boss. Er... Since when we don't—
Just now. Take her to 'get some rest'.
Alright. And then?
Send her to the Sineselde. The honorable MPs are waiting for me, aren't they?
Out of the way! Let the doctors work!
We've identified the victim, Vina. One Mrs. Lawrence, of Norport.
Are the injures life-threatening?
No, the vital organs were unharmed. She's just lost a lot of blood. Millscar's people did it.
But rumors are beginning to spread, and that's not a good thing.
Her husband, Mickey Robinson, recently passed away from acute Oripathy after being unable to get proper treatment.
He was one of the Exemplars who came home with us.
This is her answer.
Escort Mrs. Lawrence to the Defense Forces medical camp, Delphine.
What about you?
...Two more minutes.
I will keep the word of the provisional court... and my own.
At Delphine's behest, several MPs carefully carry the unconscious woman out of the Parliamentary Chamber. The carpet on the floor, which has only recently been replaced, is soaked in her blood.
It was the Sarkaz who had bled here two months ago.
There is order on the floor again.
One more minute. There is no one, except two black feathers that seem to be staring at Vina.
They fell from the unconscious woman. As the group carrying her walked past, they were swept up into the air, only to slowly drift down.
That is the place where she should have stood.
The clock strikes six.
......
It is time. Esteemed members of Parliament, as Millscar has forfeited her right to a defense—
In accordance with the law, I, Vina Victoria, Speaker of the Parliament of Londinium, pronounce—
A special warrant is hereby issued for the arrest of Millscar, dead or alive. Defense Forces patrols are to apprehend Millscar personnel by any means necessary.
Effective... immediately.
Also, issue a city-wide announcement that Parliament will accelerate the enactment of the City Safety Act.
On behalf of Parliament, I vow to the citizens of Londinium that the curfew will be fully lifted within a month, when the reorganization of the police forces is complete.
The provisional court will complete the necessary personnel movement and additions within two months, at which point it will be renamed the Londinium City Court.
The court will continue to process backloaded cases concerning public safety following the conclusion of the war.
Parliament and I will ensure that everyone is treated in a fair and just manner—
Regardless of any privileges that one may have enjoyed, for whatever reason—
All shall stand equal before the law.
What kind of leader do you want to be, Vina?
I... I don't know, Doctor.
But I should at least know what is right and what is wrong, no?
Sometimes, right and wrong depend entirely on where you stand.
Then what should I do?
Accept those who despise you, for they keep you vigilant.
Stay true to what you believe in, to help you triumph over solitude.
I learned that from a friend who recently left us.
......
Bagpipe reporting in. Sweep complete in T-11 and T-32. No sign of Millscar.
How's things over there?
No sign of Millscar in C-11 and C-20, ma'am.
What about L-10? No reports yet?
Reynold? Is there a situation?
I-I'm here!
Th-There's nobody here in L-10—
His gaze alternates between the purple blade before him and Millscar, imploring for mercy.
(Nods)
I-I'm coming back now.
Did you find anything useful?
N-No! Nothing at all!
The purple blade is lowered. He slowly backs off.
......
Alright. Meet up at the rendezvous point.
B-Be there in a minute.
Leave the communicator.
O-Okay.
He keeps his eyes on Millscar in the shadows. Once he is sure that she is not going to kill him, he drops the communicator, and flees for his life.
So quiet...
I prefer the underground. At least the sound there doesn't make me feel—
Aha.
Parliament has yet to lift the post-war curfew. They are trying to protect the people... from people like her.
The communicator that she just obtained continues to supply the latest news about the patrols.
Millscar strolls past the shops by the roadside. She hears the faint sound of radio from one of them, and stops before the dimly-lit storefront.
What do you think about Madam Speaker's announcement that the curfew will be lifted in stages as law and order are restored, Hans?
Considering the current pace at which the police and courts are being reorganized? A joke, if you ask me. Who's arresting whom, and who's judging whom?
You don't trust Parliament? Many citizens sleep sounder in their beds, knowing that Parliament has been hard at work rooting out the remaining devils over the past two months.
Today's sweep of underground insurgents has been particularly effective, eliminating another long-term threat to public safety.
In the span of three hours, we have received thousands of messages from citizens expressing their gratitude to Parliament, in particular to our honorable—dare I say, majestic, even—Madam Speaker.
I do not deny that she has been a decisive leader, up till now. How long do you think she can keep it up, though?
I bet you ten pounds that in three months, you wouldn't be able to tell her from those fat, filthy, lying nobles—
Hmph.
A lavish car stops next to her. The door opens. There is only the driver... and a set of familiar clothing.
She recognizes the emblem of House Cumberland.
You're alive. Her Grace the Duke is willing to recognize your value.
She is giving you a chance to come back.
......
Tell her that Cumberland has died.
And one who has already died once is not afraid to die again.
......
The door closes, and the car leaves, disappearing at the end of the street.
Bloody hell... looks like it's not just you who want to kill me, Vina.
You'd better hurry...
She walks silently in the shadows by the side of the street, disappearing into the night.
At least there will be more people who believe that you can give them that most precious, most valuable of things right now—safety.
I hope you like my final gift to you, Alexandrina...
After this, we're even.
Morale was high before our attack on the Nachzehrer position at the Palace of Westhaleg. Couldn't say the same about the people in the city though.
They had lived for so long under Sarkaz rule that they could hardly even conceive of resistance. Dagda and I found it difficult to persuade able-bodied citizens to join us...
Until Vina showed up.
She was wearing an outfit I never thought I would see her in... an outfit for a king. She never said who gave it to her, but we could all guess the answer.
Allerdale.
I was dumbfounded. I looked at Dagda, and saw her fighting to contain her trembling.
I saw the frenzied crowd rush through streets and alleys, scrambling over one another to join us.
They carried Vina, further and further away from me.
'Her Royal Highness Alexandrina has returned! She'll lead her people to drive out the Sarkaz and take back our home!
I thought you would reject my proposal.
The important thing is to win this final battle. Everything else is secondary.
The scion of Cumberland yet lives?
I hope so. She deserves a second chance, no matter what.
What about you? Do you understand the significance of donning this garment?
I do. But I always had a choice, didn't I?
Vina walks through the crowd, escorted by Delphine. Everyone bows to her in reverence.
This is hard to take, though...
Hm...?
She thought she saw a certain figure in the crowd, drowned out by the onrushing soldiers and citizens.
What is it?
...Nothing. Let's get the troops in order. It's time to put an end to this.
'You and your friends will win, Vina. The present I left you, the garb that always belonged to you, is merely icing on the cake of your final victory.'
'There is no place for me by your side when victory comes. This is the choice that I made.'
'But the end of this absurd war is simply the beginning of your story. Can you remain the ever-victorious legend when that time comes?'
'Victoria is not easily changed by anyone, not even you.'
'But perhaps, I would truly have believed—'
'Goodbye, Vina... Goodbye.'