UR-4 Jet Stream Over Clear Skies

I said, you can't go in.

And I said I'm with Rhine Lab. I know the access rules for Propeller Paradise facilities better than you do, and no special permission is required to visit Cloud. It's a restaurant.

You would be correct under normal circumstances, but there is an important guest here right now.

Let him in. I think this young man's looking for me.

I take it the debriefing on the Rhine Vivarium incident is done?

Nothing gets past you.

I just happen to know a few people who are committed to Columbia's great project here.

Including Gordon Tannen?

I guess you're not here to try to recoup Rhine's losses.

There isn't enough time before the exhibition now, even with emergency funding.

Please take a look at this inspection report.

A tech startup solved a technical flaw that was discovered during inspections and received permission to stay on Propeller Paradise... what's the problem?

Lucky Cystybeast never passed the re-check. They have to leave Propeller Paradise today, according to the rules.

But I just saw their owner and discovered that they solved the energy problem that had plagued them for months.

On the eve of the exhibition. Deadlines, science, miracles... classic potato chip flavors, so to speak.

No, look at this page—

I focused on several components that are not involved in standard inspection, and found that their output is more than ten times the standard values. Well, to put it in simpler terms—

You don't need to explain technical terms to me. I wrote the Manual of Columbian Originium Component Standards you're carrying.

Do you mean to say that Lucky Cystybeast 'invented' power components far exceeding national standards in the span of a few hours?

Invented? They don't have the chops for that. I think someone transplanted a non-Columbian heart into that failure.

You know the rules of Propeller Paradise. All Terran eyes are on our progress in levitation technology. All the parts involved must be made in Columbia to ensure security.

I'm not accusing the ATAO of negligence.

No ordinary officer could have let a corporation dodge Rhine's regular and random inspections, unless someone manipulated the Engineering Section's inspection order.

Coincidentally, Director Lunorey came to an agreement with a certain official...

Gordon Tannen.

He would stop at nothing to tie Rhine's hands, because we are the true original proponents of Propeller Paradise, and the Engineering Section is a pair of eyes that could uncover his secret at any time.

So you're speculating that Gordon Tannen has been running a smuggling operation behind the scenes?

That is a serious accusation, young man.

And it's why I had to come to you, sir.

Until Propeller Paradise gets to D.C., you are the only one in the position to deal with your 'diligent' subordinate.

I'm curious. Does your supervisor know about this?

Things wouldn't have come to this, if Director Lunorey did anything...

Good.

What do you mean?

You're a sharp, brave young man. Nasti wouldn't have let you stay behind to spend time with me if she knew.

Sir—

I'm the only one in the position to deal with Gordon... an interesting way to put it. He used to butt heads with me, true, but that's the folly of youth, and true enough of you too.

The first thing I ever taught him was that we'll always be of one mind when we stand for Columbia.

Hey...!

Hello?

...Heh, what a coincidence.

...

Hey! You can hear me, right?

I swear, I won't say a word about Mr. Tannen's smuggling operation! We really didn't mean to barge into his collection!

Take a break, Oakley. You keep going like this, they're gonna start getting ideas that the best way to shut someone up is to kill them.

*sniff*...

Ugh, you're crying again? Don't worry about it, giving prisoners the silent treatment is normal.

Sounds like you know your prisons...

Where do you think I got my silver tongue?

Even if I ran into a bunch of Archosauria who couldn't understand a word I was saying and had me surrounded with spears, I could still get my point across with nothing but winks and gestures.

You really think we can get out of this jail?

Have you ever been to Bleached Wasteland?

No... I hear the sandstorms there tear through the toughest metal sheet, and rip flesh from bone in an instant.

True. All the guides say it's off-limits for a reason, and no travel agencies take tours there.

But I didn't want to assume it was impossible just because of hearsay.

Don't tell me you actually went there... and you got out alive?

It's a gray desert.

The scorching sun reflects off the sand. You can see dark-purple cliffs in the distance beyond the dunes, and the cacti grow taller than either of us.

It is a dangerous place, and you can't even tell what you're standing on when the winds rage. But the sands aren't nearly as sharp as knives.

Incredible...

My dad used to say that 'impossible' is just an excuse for the lazy and cowardly.

I learned from him, and became a guide unlike the others, one who dares to brave the unknown.

You had a supportive father. I'm jealous.

I did...

That's why you should pick yourself up, Oakley. I'll grant your wish, and my Banshee client's wish too. Our journey isn't over yet.

Get up, both of you.

Wh-What are you gonna do? Stay back!

...What's going on?

Come with me and don't cause any trouble. Mr. Tannen wants to see you.

What did I say? This isn't the end.

Yes, I understand... I apologize for the trouble, sir.

Screw that condescending old fox! We've got a retirement age in Columbia for a goddamned reason!

I'm not his coffee boy anymore! And I'll be damned if I'll let him yell in my face over getting the sugar wrong!

Mr. Tannen... Five-Four is going to burst if you feed it any more...

(Foams at the mouth)

Hmph. You take over the feeding.

...

Not a single thing has worked out! We didn't get those meddling Rhine Lab eggheads out of Propeller Paradise, and now the old fox and Nasti's people know about my side hustle...

And those two bastards showed up out of nowhere to ruin most of my Arts unit collection! There's stuff there you can't even get anywhere else!

Arts unit... hustle...

So... you were... smuggling, all that time that you were away on unexplained trips?

You think it's wrong to help tech firms find their footing in the sky?

No, it's not my place to judge, but...

Why are you bringing those two intruders over? Are you planning to... deal with them?

What's with the angst? I got bigger plans for them than just settling a score.

No one can take Propeller Paradise away from me without evidence. The rest of my collection needs to be cleared ASAP, before anyone else can intervene.

You want them to smuggle the contraband out for you?

But everything that enters or leaves Propeller Paradise is subject to stringent checks, even if you give an expedited order. Besides...

Besides, the existing channels are out of service because of Engineering's renovation work, and I can't wait that long.

This is all nasty Nasti's fault for that energy system modification shit. Floating botanical units and Rhine's people are everywhere now.

Wait, Rhine...

Well, if they're gonna block off my routes, it's only fair that I borrow theirs.

You mean the engineering tunnel beneath the Rhine Vivarium, used to transport heavy equipment and construction materials?

Exactly. With the Vivarium on lockdown, nothing offers better cover than Rhine turf. I know where the old fox is, but Nasti...

I'll take care of Director Lunorey, sir, as long as you ensure the safety of the two intruders.

You?

I'm confident I can distract her while you carry out your plan.

I only need one thing—the Banshee's bone pen that you confiscated from Ferne.

Get a move on. Don't keep Mr. Tannen waiting.

(Whisper) He's gonna have our heads for ruining his collection room!

(Whisper) Just paying money isn't so bad. The real problem is if he wants a 'deal'...

We're here.

I brought them.

Thank you, sir. You may return to your duties.

Mercia, my client—

Unfortunately, it seems Mr. Tannen had nothing to do with your client's disappearance. I'll do my best to keep an eye out.

Where did that Banshee go...?

Just go through the door and forget about her for now. Make sure you do exactly what Mr. Tannen tells you, if you ever want to leave Propeller Paradise on your own two feet.

What's he planning?

He's going to make you an offer you can't refuse.

I must tell Director Lunorey about Tannen's secret... and apologize.

Footsteps? I thought all the researchers were evacuated.

Does this thing come off at all? It looks like one of those centrifugal safety membranes that the revolving bar used.

Don't touch it if you're not sure. We'll ask our new boss later.

Is Nasti still in her office?

I heard she was willing to lose the whole Vivarium to save us, and that grumpy kid.

Shh, shut your big mouth. Nasti's a good person. That's all we need to know.

Grumpy kid... me?

Thank you for your time. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

You're Gustave's secretary? What are you doing here?

Ah, you must be Sky Jagger...

I've finished my business with Director Lunorey. Excuse me.

...

You're back.

You apologized to Gustave?

Yes.

You gave up all of Rhine's engineering control and agreed to stop active inspections?

Yes.

Rhine Lab has essentially withdrawn from the exhibition and will no longer appear on the catalogue?

Yes.

...

We'll need to store our experiment equipment here later. Come and help, if you have the energy.

Director...

Yes?

You knew I would screw up. You knew I was just an average Joe. That's why you kept me busy with inspections and botanical units, right?

You were right. In the end, I'm just a musbeast in the gutter. I understood greatness, but I could never become part of it.

To be forgiven, saved, protected... like all the testers here, I'm just an ordinary guy left in the dust. I wouldn't be here without your help.

I needed new employees and an aide, that's all.

I stayed with a group of pioneers when I first came to Columbia. They despised me for being a Banshee who couldn't use incantations. I despised them for their lousy hunting traps.

There was no passivity in our interactions. We forgave each other, saved each other, and protected each other.

As we do now. As it should be.

If moving forward means we can't look back, how do we make sure we're still walking the same path that we chose in the beginning?

What meaning is there in progress if it leads to a future that has been curated for only a select few?

Why should ordinary people be left behind?

...

I never took you for an orator, Director.

All I do is state facts. Ask questions, find the solution, repeat.

Get moving, before you let big words and big ideals take you for a ride.

Sorry, I'm late. I was busy today.

Mercia, please...

I must... remember...

Your situation is unusual.

Your memories are like wilted leaves hanging from withered branches. Wiping away the dust might restore some sheen, but if you press too hard, you'll only damage them further.

By all rights, I should not even touch them. If not for...

Sorry, Madam Væla.

I must... know. I must... remember.

Your memories since leaving your homeland have not been happy ones. However, if you insist... close your eyes, and we'll try again.

I remember... this place.

Leithanien?

She... mentioned it.

The spire... shackles... blood.

A Leithanian spire. Were you imprisoned there... as a test subject?

You would have been buried beneath the tomes of the spire casters, if not for the aid of a Lich.

The Ecclesia Requietum in the Holy City. You were in the funeral procession? For kindred who have wandered afar... or the foe of your clan?

But the angels didn't like it, did they? They want laughter at their funerals... not wailing.

You were almost arrested by the Pontifica Cohors.

You came to Columbia... through the frontiers? Even... the Bleached Wasteland?

The wind-blasted land which not even beasts dare to tread?

And finally... you came here.

Why Propeller Paradise in particular? What did you come looking for...?

Here... there is a tree here.

The tree here is wilting... decaying.

Wilting, decaying.

I see.

We have a Vivarium here, and a terrible accident just happened in it—wilt and decay, as you say.

The master of the Vivarium...

She's a Banshee too.

Do you know this thing?

...Her.

I sense... her presence.

You came to look for someone.

I want... I want to see her.

No need to crouch so low, Oakley. The Arts unit on your back is slipping.

This is Rhine Lab's underground passage. The walls could have nano-monitors listening to us!

Besides, we have to worry about Propeller Paradise's warning system too... why do we have to avoid the police, if we're doing this for Tannen?

Do you think he trusts many of his subordinates?

Hm...

Even the elevator guard could be a pair of eyes for some big shot. If anything goes wrong, the trouble could go way further than just a few boxes of contraband.

So the two of us, being outsiders with no such interests in this, ended up being the best choice to 'dispose of' his stuff?

Yes.

But there is something I haven't been able to figure out.

What is it?

You got someone to do your job, and you got someone to meet them on the other side. Why not just lie down in your office, pet your finbeast, and put on some jazz?

Aren't you worried about getting yourself in trouble if you're on the scene—sir?

I came to see my little darlings off!

What is it?

Quit fidgeting! You almost hit the wall with the Arts recreation unit! I told you to treat it nicely, like your life depends on it!

Yeah, I remember.

You'd better remember what you said too, if we deliver your darlings safely and keep our mouths shut—

Then we're square.

Great!

Don't let your guard down. Nasti has refused to leave the Vivarium. She's continuing her research in the middle of a roomful of failures, pulling all-nighters.

So she's right above us? I think I hear her footsteps...

Don't worry, Mercia will take care of her.

Merry? Merry!

...Yes, Mr. Tannen, I hear you.

What's going on there? If something goes wrong, you've GOT to keep Nasti distracted, whatever it takes.

Don't worry, sir.

It was my negligence that allowed the accidents to happen...

I'll keep a close eye on Director Lunorey and ensure she leaves the Rhine Vivarium, buying as much time for you as possible.

Very good.

See? Even Merry steps up her game when it matters most.

You two had better do the same. We're almost at the exit.

Yessir.

Ferne has a keen sense of hearing.

There is a risk that you will be exposed. Do you need the Emergency Management Council to intervene?

There are better ways to use the Maylander name. No need to worry about me; being Mr. Tannen's secretary makes an excellent cover.

Report.

Bravo's intel is that the Rhine technical staff have evacuated the experiment zone. Director Lunorey and her aide are the only ones who currently access this site. However...

She spends an inexplicable amount of time here.

...Yes.

Apologies are in order. As members of your squad, we should have trusted your judgment. It does seem that Rhine Lab might be hiding something under the exhibition hall.

No need to apologize. My mission was to monitor the tech firms.

What about Director Lunorey, if we need to perform further investigation?

I have a plan. We'll have at least twenty minutes if everything goes well.

I prepared a gift that she can't refuse.

...

Whoa!

Again.

Is this the system that the Vivarium and floating botanical units run on?

I knew the Banshees were good at manipulating objects from a distance, but to abandon sound as the medium, sealing incantations inside the module and repairing flaws through self-cycling... this is a revolutionary innovation!

If it's all incantation-driven...

You should stop reading purely speculative papers.

Most people don't know much about the Banshees. I understand they rarely leave the valley of Convallis...

Did you live there before coming to Columbia?

My first memories are of Kazdel. I was later adopted by one of my kin and taken to the Convallis.

What kind of place is it?

A peaceful, beautiful place.

The riverbanks are covered in grass and shrubs. The flowers never wilt and the fruit never falls. Not even rain disturbs its tranquility, much less Catastrophe.

Why did you leave, then?

...

Who could it be, at this hour?

D-Director! Over here!

Is this your bone pen?

...Part of it.

Who could have done this...?

What happened in the Vivarium wasn't an accident, and it wasn't a practical joke. Everything was planned, and they were targeting someone... maybe the target was you, or maybe Rhine Lab itself.

There is a way to find out.

(In Sarkaz) Guide.

Looks like the other half of the pen isn't far away.

Director...

It could be a trap, yes. But I must go.

I sense traces of a familiar incantation from the bone pen.