17-3 A Prick of Conscience

Are you still cold, Doctor? I should've reminded you to bring heavier clothes.

Hang in there for a while. Things will be better in Tsarevgrad.

On the contrary, His Imperial Majesty was very impressed by Rhodes Island's feats in the Far North. He is eager to see you.

Especially after hearing that the leader of Rhodes Island is so young.

I didn't do very much...

Now is not the time for humility. Make the most of the good first impression—it can only be a good thing for the meeting.

There are a few things about Grypherburg that I must communicate before we meet His Imperial Majesty.

First... I'm sure you're not oblivious as to why the Tsar has chosen to grant you an audience.

You want the secrets of the Sarcophagus. So do we.

We hope that this meeting will result in mutually beneficial cooperation.

You understand the most pressing matter facing Ursus...

Or at the very least, Grypherburg.

It has been two months since the Fourth Army began pressing toward Grypherburg. Now they remain in a tense standoff against the Second Army along the eastern shore of Lake Neva, with the occasional skirmish.

They have not gone any further for now, but we can ill-afford to be optimistic.

They continue to petition the State Council, demanding full support for the war that they intend to start.

Hah... everyone knows what these traitors are planning. They continue their despicable attacks on the Council.

There was an attempt on Chairman Witte's life the day after the Fourth Army's First Division was routed. The assassin's methods bore clear associations with those of the Fourth Army.

Yet in the face of such provocation, the Royal Guard somehow failed to capture or kill the assassin.

There is also reason to believe that the assassin's accomplice, or accomplices, remain at large in the city.

Exactly. Most see two paths before the empire, war or peace, yet neither is sufficiently convincing to everyone.

His Imperial Majesty places his hopes in the Sarcophagus, currently under the First Army's control.

A breakthrough in this direction may represent the empire's last hope for a solution, absurd as it may sound.

Even so...

Astute as always, Dr. Doctor.

However, I would recommend against such overt astuteness during your audience with the Tsar.

It appears that the First Army is indeed hiding something... though it's better for you to hear from His Imperial Majesty himself.

Even in a private setting like this, such a question is bound to raise suspicions.

You must have heard rumors about him from various channels. It's not my place to try to change opinions. All I can do is answer truthfully.

If there is anyone in Ursus who will fight to the bitter end for her, it is His Imperial Majesty.

For he has nothing, save Ursus.

...Off-limits...

This place is off-limits! Go away!

Please, sir, I'm not Infected! The new pass—see here, the pass! We bought it, we're law-abiding citizens...

We must deliver these goods in time! The nobles won't take them otherwise, even if they're unspoiled, and we'll be ruined!

We can't afford heat anymore, and our child is sick in bed... please, have mercy and let us pass—

Tsarevgrad Raion is currently under lockdown. Not even a pass made of gold will buy you passage.

Take your things and leave. An announcement will be made once the lockdown is lifted.

......

Is that a roadblock?

Stay in the vehicle. I'll check it out.

Didn't you hear me? This place is off-limits—

...Oh.

Zdravstvuyte.

(Salutes)

What do you need, ma'am?

His Imperial Majesty wishes to meet these good people.

Tsarevgrad Raion is on lockdown. Even deliveries of necessities must be met by someone from inside.

By order of the Tsar.

You're doing your duty, I understand.

But I'm curious, what do you do when His Imperial Majesty's orders contradict themselves?

Because I'm operating by order of the Tsar myself. In fact, I have his edict right here.

Uh... I...

I understand. We can wait a little while, if there is some difficulty.

I'm afraid waiting won't do any good, ma'am. The situation is unlikely to change until the culprit is caught.

The Grypherburg Police are under the jurisdiction of the Ursus Guard. You have people inside Tsarevgrad.

All you need to do is inform your commander that His Imperial Majesty's guests have arrived. The rest is no longer your concern.

But—

'Lieutenant Eloysius Vasilyevna Gorchekova, Imperial Guard Tsar's Battalion, accepts all responsibility for carrying out His Imperial Majesty's orders and consents to all inspections.'

Pass that message to your commander.

Can you remember the whole thing?

...Yes, ma'am.

Please wait here for a moment.

One more thing.

The couple hauling the goods over there, they are with us too.

The items are meant for the Tsar. You may include them in your report.

Done.

The road's not open?

It's open, but only for us.

Let's not waste the opportunity.

Enter.

Please wait here with the guests, Lieutenant Gorchekova.

Thank you.

How can you tell?

There are multiple rooms with identical furnishings in the Amber Palace, as a safety measure. This is just one of them.

You should not make blind guesses.

What else did you think we need?

These may be unusual times, but nothing opens doors like one's rank in Tsarevgrad, even without all the medals on my chest.

The only people allowed to access this area are the Tsar, his most trusted ministers, and people who have been granted special permission.

You should therefore be respectful. Conversation is permitted, but I would refrain from commentary, if I were you.

I understand.

Just keep your patience, as you did last time, until His Imperial Majesty is finished...

with the things that are troubling him right now.

—Chairman?

I thought Your High Excellency was still recovering at home—

I'm here on His Imperial Majesty's behalf. He has urgent matters to attend to.

Your work here is done, lieutenant. I would meet with our guests privately.

I've spoken to your father. He is concerned about how busy you have been lately, and hopes that you come home once in a while, if you could.

Your High Excellency's concern is appreciated, Chairman Witte.

I will take my leave.

Greetings, guests from afar. Thank you for accepting our invitation.

I see we have learned of each other, in different ways.

Please, take a seat.

There is little time for pleasantries. Let us be frank and honest with each other.

Your Imperial Majesty, it is my honor to report the progress that the First Army has made on Project Zero.

Her High Excellency the Marshal understands that you are much troubled by matters of state and the traitors' movements. I hope the news I bring will do something to soothe these troubles.

...Where is Marshal Buterina?

She remains in her domain.

She's supervising Project Zero, and she should be the one reporting to me.

Why are you here in her stead?

I apologize, Your Imperial Majesty, I should have explained.

The Marshal's son, Anatoliy, was attacked a few days ago, and remains in serious condition. Her High Excellency has no choice but to remain behind, both to punish the perpetrators, and to prevent further instability.

After all, we are not like the Fourth Army; no hint of rebellion is permitted, whether internal or external.

Why have I not been informed?

It is the Marshal's private family matter, after all.

Now, if you have no other questions, I will continue my report.

How could you speak to the Tsar like this? You insolent—

I am simply stating the facts, yet you make a serious accusation. I am fully able to take responsibility for my words. Can you say the same?

Why you—!

That will do... continue, Kapitan.

Grypherburg has already committed tremendous resources to Project Zero. If there is no material progress...

There will be consequences.

Rest assured, you will not be disappointed.

Before we begin, allow me to satisfy my curiosity.

I understand Rhodes Island came a long way to the Far North, rescuing the Infected miners there.

May I ask why?

Rhodes Island is a medical concern, and our mission is to combat Oripathy. We are committed to providing treatment for any Oripathy sufferer who needs it.

Does the Empire of Ursus feel the need to question every act of kindness towards the Infected?

...Infected, Cautus, leader of Rhodes Island.

You are known by the mononym Amiya, correct?

Understand that I am not seeking to interrogate Rhodes Island on your aims.

Lieutenant Gorchekova thinks highly of you. She is a good soldier, and I trust that her assessment is a result of objective observation.

Let me make it clear that I am very grateful to you for your actions in the Far North, which laid the foundation for this meeting.

Medical advisor?

I take it there is more to this title than meets the eye, if you're here as a representative of Rhodes Island.

An Originium expert. Your arrival may be serendipitous for us.

Go ahead, Doctor.

'Kal'tsit'...

Indeed, perhaps we should dispense with the formalities.

If not for the deep-rooted corruption within the Third Bureau, this name would have been known to our secret police sooner, not recently discovered in old piles of paper.

This is a good starting point, and you've brought it up of your own accord without trying to hide it. Perhaps we can come to an agreement.

Obviously, as Elotta has told you.

Due to various circumstances, we have had to... restructure our energy planning. It is the source of the empire's present dilemma.

Research into the Sarcophagus has resumed, but things are not going well.

We need Kal'tsit and her knowledge from Chernobog to help the people survive this winter.

By studying the Sarcophagus as she did in the Chernobog lab?

I see you understand that it is the fastest way.

Now, can you tell me where Kal'tsit is?

......

Please understand that I ask out of an abundance of caution.

After all, we both know that Kal'tsit was 'alive and kicking', so to speak, for all those years that the secret police thought she was dead.

I hope our conversation will not stand on unnecessary deception.

I ask not because I don't trust Elotta, but because I need to make sure that Rhodes Island is in a position to assist our research into the Sarcophagus.

We all keep certain secrets, of course, but some questions must be confronted, not evaded.

Dr. Kal'tsit is... indisposed.

And if I may be frank, we also have reservations about this cooperation.

We want to know if Ursus's ongoing research into the Sarcophagus will lead to a repeat of the Chernobog tragedy.

...That concludes the report. In summary, the First Army is currently holding position in the southwest.

Several shells powered by Project Zero energy were tested several days ago at a location in the wilderness of the Central Governorate.

The destruction has already left a deep impression on the Third Army.

It is no exaggeration when I say that this weapon will completely transform the current stalemate on the northern front.

They're acting without the Tsar's permission or the State Council's! They deployed this devastating weapon without even bothering to evacuate the nearby civilians—

Nothing grows on that barren soil but weeds. It is the perfect place to test the weapon. Why get worked up over a few vagrants?

It is His Imperial Majesty's land, and those were His Imperial Majesty's people!

......

Do you have the details?

Right here.

Your Imperial Majesty...

(Raises a hand)

Tell the Marshal that the results are quite satisfactory. However, regarding the requests made in the report—the lost data from Chernobog and further energy supplies...

Grypherburg cannot provide these at this time.

The priority for Project Zero was to obtain a stable energy supply from the Sarcophagus. This was a hurdle that the Chernobog research never overcame, and our most pressing need.

But you have chosen to prioritize the weaponization of the Sarcophagus.

This was not the outcome I wanted when I made Project Zero a national priority.

Your Imperial Majesty, the Marshal is ready to fight and triumph over the enemies of Ursus.

If you do not support Her High Excellency, you will be allowing the traitors to bash open Grypherburg's gates and plunder the empire's treasures.

Insolence! How dare you speak to His Imperial Majesty in such a manner!

......

Yes, Mr. Chairman, Rhodes Island is currently in possession of Dr. Kal'tsit's research and her data on the Sarcophagus...

But we need to ensure Rhodes Island's safety before any agreement.

Yes... it should be a fair trade.

I have devoted many years to making Ursus a more civilized nation, and it is for this vision that I have stood at the Tsar's side all these years. We share the same dream.

I assure you that I will not give up my principles for the sake of convenience, especially not when there is another choice.

I apologize. I meant no offense.

I understand. Caution is a virtue rarely seen in the young.

But I think we have gone around in circles long enough. What are your terms?

We wish to borrow the Sarcophagus.

'Borrow'?

To what extent? How? And... why?

Here is the plan for your perusal.

In short, we wish to enter the facility to ascertain the Sarcophagus's unknown function, which Dr. Kal'tsit mentions in her records.

Its what?

We're not certain it truly exists. We are, however, certain that ascertaining it will not damage the Sarcophagus.

Dr. Kal'tsit's data indicates that it may be of help to Rhodes Island in our research into the new symptoms of Oripathy, and that the Sarcophagus may be more than just a source of energy.

Policy support from Ursus will, of course, be necessary for any follow-up research.

So Rhodes Island will share with us this function that may or may not exist.

It's part of Dr. Kal'tsit's research, after all.

......

So...

All you seek is a solution the existence of which you aren't even sure about.

It may not be important to anyone else, but it's of paramount importance to Rhodes Island.

What if the function doesn't exist?

Our agreement still stands.

Even if you get nothing from your investment?

We're prepared.

......

What preparations have you made?

What kind of plan do we need to convince the government of Ursus?

I have retained all of Kal'tsit's data on the Sarcophagus, which will help Ursus restart the Sarcophagus's energy core.

Doctor, you must decide whether we hand the power to restart the Sarcophagus to Ursus again.

If I were the one making the decision, I wouldn't want the Sarcophagus to be controlled by any regime.

But the Ursine Originium mines are drying up, and there are many people who urgently need the Sarcophagus's energy...

And we need the Sarcophagus's miracle...

Honestly, I'm not sure.

We witnessed the tragedy at the lab. No one can guarantee it won't happen again.

But Kal'tsit decided to seal the Sarcophagus away, rather than destroy it. I think she wanted to believe that there will come a time when the people of Terra will enjoy its benefits.

Oh, you're asking me?

Well... dealing with Ursus is kind of scary. But we have to take certain risks to bring Kal'tsit back.

Maybe I can add another layer of protection for the data. First we use it to reach an agreement with the Ursine government, then we unlock it once we're sure it's the right time.

The data that we are offering will be unlocked in segments in a terminal we provide, fully unlocking once we leave Zelgrad safely.

Any information Rhodes Island obtains from Zelgrad will be shared with you.

I see...

You're not exaggerating when you said you're prepared.

And it seems you already know the current location of the Sarcophagus.

I expect the location of the Sarcophagus would have been part of any deal we reach.

We simply did some homework.

Yes, you know quite a few things... which saves me the effort of explaining.

But the information you possess also represents risk factors out of my control. I would not have considered cooperating with you, if our situation was not so dire.

I have one more question for you, my guests.

This mysterious scholar, known by the mononym Kal'tsit. She came to Ursus from afar, directed research into the Sarcophagus, and sealed it away herself.

She was neither a subject of Ursus, nor our enemy... and then there is Rhodes Island, who followed in her footsteps, until the two of you sit before me today.

What exactly are you after?

Would you believe a verbal explanation?

Yes, I want to hear it in your own words.

Moving words, certainly...

Should I serve wine to our guests?

Bring last year's Taman red wine. The sunlight there was good last year.

...I see.

The name Rhodes Island came to our attention long ago. We have been watching...

Rhodes Island's deeds have earned you an opportunity for cooperation.

I will write a letter of safe passage to Zelgrad on behalf of His Imperial Majesty. It's the only thing I can do for you right now.

Thank you for your understanding.

And there's no need to hack the government servers to understand the distance between Grypherburg and Zelgrad.

Zelgrad is Ursus's pride, her 'green city', the 'city of tomorrow'. It objectively welcomes any visitors.

I hope you find what you're looking for there.

......

Would Your Imperial Majesty like some wine?

Mm... what's available?

Taman red wine. The grapes there were of good quality last year.

I will have some, then.

Your Majesty.

I do not say this to criticize Marshal Buterina. The pursuit of strength runs in the veins of every Ursine soldier... and the results have certainly left an impression on the rebels.

Remind Marshal Buterina, however, not to forget the mission the empire has tasked her with—strength is important, but strength alone will neither feed the people nor keep them warm.

...I will continue to supply Zelgrad.

I will also be sending several academicians from the Imperial Institute of Energy Science, in order to assist you with Project Zero's energy research.

I look forward to similar progress in that area.

......

And why the silence? Are you not pleased by the Tsar's magnanimity?

...The First Army will not disappoint you.

Certainly.

......

Your Imperial Majesty.

I'm tired, Saveliy. Where is Witte? Still meeting with the guests?

His message indicates that a conclusion has been reached. Perhaps the meeting has already ended.

It's urgent. I must see him, I must...

Ugh—

It must be that insolent brute!

Their marshal brushing off the mistake of forced conscription as merely an 'abundance of caution' was one thing, but how dare a mere captain of the First Army act with such impertinence!

How long must we continue to endure, Majesty?

No...

(Softly) It's not time yet.

What was that?

The scent is dissipating, Saveliy. I can no longer smell the bitter aroma.

Ah, I'll refill it—

Never mind.

Someone was waiting outside the door... the civil representatives from Odoyev Raion, I believe? Have them come in first. And tell them to be at ease.

Perhaps you can rest first. There is heat in the corridor; they will not freeze.

I summoned them. I should not make them wait.

If I am to know their true thoughts, I must make them trust me, not just fear or worship me.

Ah, there you are.

How did the meeting go? Not too badly, judging by your faces.

I said you'd be fine, but your friends just wouldn't believe me.

Hey, you don't get to see an Ursine imperial palace every day.

I guess flying a drone here would be an act of war...

(Looks around warily)

I suppose Chairman Witte set conditions in exchange for entry into Zelgrad?

Doctor, I was nervous!

We got permission, we should set out soon.

Personally, I would love to come with you, but unfortunately, there are other matters that require my attention.

Just one thing... will you have enough hands at the Grypherburg Oripathy treatment center when you're away?

You promised they would be safe in Grypherburg.

They are safe, at least officially... but as I said, things are not so peaceful in the capital right now.

I'll do what I can to protect them, but you should prepare some contingencies.

I'll be here.

It would be inconvenient for me to go to Zelgrad with the Doctor. My place is here, protecting Rhodes Island's patients.

Oh...

I forgot about you. This is much more reassuring.

One final reminder.

You may have the Council's permission, but don't expect things to go smoothly in Zelgrad.

I just heard about this, but there has been a change in the First Army garrison at Zelgrad.

It is now commanded by Anatoliy, Marshal Buterina's only son.

Ask about Grypherburg in high society, and the most likely answer you'll get is... 'crazy'.

If half the rumors about him are true, he's not fit to be a soldier, much less a general...

However, his mother, Marshal Buterina of the First Army, is undoubtedly an intelligent woman.

She knows Zelgrad's strategic importance. I doubt nepotism is the only reason she made this assignment, at a time like this.

I hope you find what you're looking for... and help Ursus deal with this headache.

Headache and hope... why not both?

Well, I shouldn't talk too much about rumors and hearsay.

Stay safe, Doctor.

I don't appreciate being snuck up on from behind.

...Sorry.

Mama wants you to babysit me, doesn't she?

But look at you, a frail and feeble Infected. Ridiculous, isn't it? I might end up having to protect you, should anything happen.

Please don't worry about me, if anything happens.

Of course I won't!

Until then, however, I'll allow you to stay.

When do we leave?

Never mind that. I have questions. Answer them.

Why is it that I don't feel any more pain, even though the rocks are still there?

It doesn't hurt anymore... it's strange.

Because all I've done is soothe the pain, to relieve the constant fear of death. People are often confused at first, doubting that it's true...

How many people have you blessed this way?

Countless.

So, everyone who seeks your help.

Everyone who suffers.

Did they all see it? That golden, endless river... am I not special?

Why did you show up, claiming that you couldn't cure Oripathy, yet you somehow soothed my pain? What exactly was it that you showed me?

Tell me—

Tell me!

Excuse me...?

The golden, still river! The endless river that I saw when you healed me!

You saw—

I only caught a glimpse, but it was when all my pain left me. There must be some meaning to it.

Is that the land of eternity that you talked about? Can everyone go there? But if so...

What's the difference between this land of eternity and the one beneath our feet?

I'm not sure what you saw, but if it calms and frees you from pain and hatred, perhaps that is your land of eternity.

I'm glad you saw it.

...Just seeing it isn't enough.

How can we go there? Tell me!

—Generalik—

Did you find him?

Blyat, we're supposed to leave ASAP, but neither of them are anywhere to be found—

Did I hear something over there? You, check it out.

Tell me...

I think someone's looking for us.

We should go, first. I'll tell you everything you want to know on the way.

—This is what the apartment's interior looks like. Most of your companions are housed here. It's on the edge of the satellite city, but the facilities are comparable to those in the city center.

Would you like to go inside?

Of course. Thank you for leading the way...

Who's there—

Hierda?

Zaya! Is everyone here?

Those soldiers herded us into this building. We were all confused, but it turns out it has everything we need, even though it's not much to look at...

Don't worry about us!

How could I not be worried?

I was wondering where you are, whether you're cold. But it seems that things are much better than I could have imagined.

Please communicate my gratitude to the Marshal.

For taking care of my companions, and giving them a roof over their heads, to protect them from the wind and snow—

You should thank me.

Of course. Thank you, sir.

You don't know why you should thank me, do you?

I could not have come to visit my companions, if you had not given permission.

Hmph. True enough.

So they're like me.

Yes. We're all the same. In the end, we'll arrive at the same place in peaceful bliss.

The 'land of eternity'?

Yes, the land of eternity, as I told you on our way here.

'We will all return to the same peace...'

Is this gentleman one of us, Hierda?

He—

...Hmph.

Of course... he's one of us.

......

When can we leave, Hierda?

What?

We can't stay here forever, can we? This place has everything we need, but there are more Infected out there who need your help.

Of course, we won't stay here forever. For now, however...

We're in the custody of the army right now. That Generalik will not let us go easily, and I promised his mother to take care of him during this time.

Do you mean—

(Whisper) You and Zaya will need to take care of the others, until we're able to leave safely.

(Whisper) I must keep watch over him... his impulsive nature is a danger, not just to himself, but to others as well.

I think this is the place...

I wrapped Nina in this jacket when the power was out. There must be something wrong with it, that's what made strange things grow from her—

But I had only worn it when washing the clothes of those in white coats—

......

No, I should have burned it, like burning things contaminated with Originium dust...

But the green spots on it are nothing like Originium dust—

There you are!

There are still two more spots for laundry workers tomorrow. Are you going? I'll put your name in if you are—

Hey, what's up with the outfit? Are you going to work at the Originium factory? But I thought it was closed.

No... I'm not going...

I can't. Nina's still at the clinic.

Oh, I see, alright then. Family comes first.

Say, you haven't gotten sick too, have you? You used to work three jobs every day, wind or rain, but you're letting a well-paying job get away now?

...No...

I have to go. Make sure you wash your clothes thoroughly after the job, or—

Or just burn it...

What—

What do you mean? Why should I burn the clothes?

She's been acting weird lately, ever since the number of Infected in the city started rising...

Well, it's not like I have the luxury of worrying about other people.