TR-28 No Right to Question

A land of eternity without suffering... The ultimate hope for the future, spoken of in ancient legends.

But nobody could have foreseen that when we gazed upon the border of the universe, we would realize asking for a future was the unreasonable part of the demand.

Dr. Doctor... The you you are now, the you who has seen the devastation plaguing this planet for yourself—

What sort of future do you still hope for?

*sigh*...

PRTS's functionality is limited, the PCS system is completely destroyed, and DWDB-221E is also lost... There are not many tools we can use left.

Did you expect things to turn out this way?

Friston, Ed, Lu...

I cherish the time we worked together. I was greatly looking forward to seeing what hopeful answers you could find.

But it is a shame. Time has shown just how futile your efforts were, how fruitless they turned out... though they are still worthy of respect.

...How I regret that things have come to this.

Allow me to borrow your legacy one last time. My plans for the future never did obtain your complete approval, but at the very least, we can still have a future.

Perhaps, in this future, we shall meet again.

......

Amiya...

Theresa? No, I wasn't calling for you...

...Did... Did you hear me earlier?

I live in your consciousness, Amiya. There is no need for you to lie to yourself.

I...

It is rather late. Shouldn't you be asleep?

Mon3tr and Closure, they're... They're doing the last bit of theory-testing before we bring back Dr. Kal'tsit.

There's nothing I can do to help directly, but I also can't get any rest like this... Though I did promise the Doctor I would.

But...

I am always around if you need to get things off your chest, Amiya.

I know everyone's working their hardest to bring Dr. Kal'tsit back. I need to stay strong too.

It's a strange feeling. The day the incident happened, I thought we had lost her forever.

But then Mon3tr appeared, and she told us there was still a possibility of bringing her back, a sliver of hope...

It feels just like... that first time in the ruins of Londinium... when I saw Theresa.

I still remember it clearly. What I felt at the time was certainly not joy...

I'm sorry, Theresa.

It's alright, Amiya.

We have already said our farewells to Theresa, have we not?

Right...

I'm not too sure, and I dare not believe... If we really do manage to 'bring back' Dr. Kal'tsit, will the person who returns be her?

You should know, Amiya, that Kal'tsit is different from everyone else.

Mon3tr said Kal'tsit has been through this sort of thing before.

Perhaps what we consider a miracle truly can come to pass?

But after all our time together, Dr. Kal'tsit's basically a part of my family. I can't even imagine how she could be any different from us.

Theresa, can you tell me one of your stories about you and her? From long ago.

I want to know what sort of person she is in your eyes.

I can only tell you about the memories Theresa has of Kal'tsit, Amiya. I am unqualified to tell you a story in her stead.

I do not believe that is what you want, either.

You're right. Maybe... Maybe I just want to hear Dr. Kal'tsit's voice again...

She's taken care of me for so long, and taught me so much... but when I think about it, I know very little about her.

I had so many questions I wanted to ask her and Theresa... but they were all such serious questions. I couldn't give them any more burdens to bear.

Maybe... when they thought the time was right, they would've told me of their own accord.

But the right time never came.

I understand. Theresa and Kal'tsit were both very important to you.

You do not need to hide your emotions from me, Amiya, nor should you bear everything alone. Go and tell Closure and Mon3tr, and the Doctor.

No matter how things may turn out, you should not leave behind any regrets, alright?

You're right... I'll be fine, Theresa. Once I step out of this room, I'll be back to normal.

Don't worry. No matter what comes to pass, I won't let Closure and Mon3tr see any dismay on my face.

But I cannot help but worry about you, Amiya.

You have had far less sleep than usual this past month. You must get more rest.

You should also be aware that ever since you used the Black Crown's power in Ursus, your vital signs have all been very abnormal.

Not only that, but you have been avoiding routine Rhodes Island medical checkups ever since Kal'tsit left us.

I...

I can also tell that... some changes started even before that.

When the Doctor and I were exploring Civilight Eterna, we discovered a model from the Slumber Bridge project, and borrowed its power to fight Priestess.

I don't fully understand it yet, but I can sense that this model seems to have linked me even closer to the Black Crown.

I can use the power of the Lord of Fiends more easily, I can sense emotions more intensely. Sometimes, I can even hear voices, and I can't shut them out.

It's like... I'm back to before Dr. Kal'tsit gave me these rings.

I am detecting that the connection between you and the Black Crown is deepening at a rapid pace. This is unprecedented in the entire line of the Kings of Sarkaz.

I cannot explain its cause, but it is not something to take lightly, no matter what it may be.

You must take care, Amiya. I believe you should let the Doctor know as soon as possible.

Right... I understand.

I promise I'll pay close attention to my condition, but is it okay if we don't tell the Doctor right now?

......

Was that Closure's workstation?

Have they finally gotten results...?

Alright, after squashing I-don't-know how many bugs, I can finally say with certainty that there's no problems in the entire dataset.

Here goes! I'm praying this is the last simulation we have to run!

This time, it'll be a success...

Aye dun dink dere'll be enny broblems et al—

Hey, Mon3tr, don't move, or the data cables on your head will fall off!

Keep her still, Warfarin, then help me inspect the simulation life pod's cables, make sure they're all connected properly.

Alright, alright...

You seriously think I understand any of this...? Never had to deal with this sort of stuff in Medical.

Look, I had to start from scratch too when I was studying all that data from Mon3tr! Forget it, all systems green here, no need to check!

Alright, everyone ready?

Here goes—

Cmoncmoncmoncmon—

Don't...

(Deep breath)

No, it will make it!

This is all based on reasonable assumptions and a carefully calculated foundation, and it's in accordance with that 'life-phase transition' stuff she was going on about, so even if all we can get is a glimmer...

...Even if all we can see is a glimmer of hope, I'll be happy.

It's—

...Working?

......

Where's the problem this time? This shouldn't be happening—

Don't look so glum.

Nobody's done bioengineering this complicated before. We must've missed a spot somewhere.

Calm down, keep looking, and you'll definitely find it.

I know, I'm not giving up yet.

Drone No. 6, begin recording progress reports 1860 to 1864.

Project: Sarcophagus Resurrection Experiment. Progress: 0.

But why...?

Our last two attempts should've succeeded. Even if Kal'tsit severed the connection between us, there are other methods we can theoretically use to replace the gemini cycle's information transmission function.

I stored all the memories Kal'tsit encoded as energy strings inside. Every single one of the Sarcophagus's parameters is correct.

Using 'Oka', blank Originium, as the base of Kal'tsit's reconstructed body is theoretically feasible...

But where's the issue? What are we missing...?

Maybe...

......

......

Doctor? You're here!

Sorry, we couldn't—

Don't... Don't lose heart just yet, Doctor!

Rhodes Island's best engineer hasn't given up! With Terra's genius hacker on your side, making sense of the data Kal'tsit left behind is a done deal! On the honor of my spot in the Kazdel's Elite 100—

I will find a way to bring Kal'tsit back!

I mean, you did look a little disappointed just now.

I promised Kal'tsit I wouldn't let you or Amiya handle all the pressure by yourselves anymore.

Yeah!

You see... This w-wounded joint... If you... set it like this... It won't hurt.

Spasibo, Vetochki! I'm feeling better already!

I learned... it from Rhodes... Island's d-doctors.

Speaking of, this Deity Grypherburg place sure is something, having stoves like these we can warm ourselves with. No wonder those nobles can sit pretty in the cities without caring about winter.

Can we really settle down here, Vetochki?

It's... okay. Raidian said sh-she'd protect us.

Now... we don't... need to be afraid.

Good grief, it's absolutely freezing here...

Can't you add a little more firewood—My apologies. What I meant to say is, if you are still lacking in firewood, I will be happy to help.

Is she... Imperial Guard? What're the Imperial Guard doing here?

D-Don't be scared!

She... Sh-She helped us before... Don't you remember?

Thank you, Vetochki. Thank you for speaking up for me, and thank you for remembering me.

*sigh*... And after we forged a friendship in the fires of egress, too. I think my heart's beginning to break.

You only have your conspicuous uniform to blame, 'Sergeant'.

I'm terribly sorry, but I am no lord with the time to change outfits for every single errand. I need this uniform as my free pass through other parts of Grypherburg.

It's been a while since I last dropped by to say hello. Everything still going smoothly? How are your medicine stocks?

Hmm, our other supplies are just barely enough, but you know it's nearly impossible to obtain anti-Oripathy medication in the capital, and we're too far from our headquarters to transport more here.

If it wasn't for the matter of the Originium vein, the construction of Grypherburg's Oripathy medicine production line would've been on the agenda.

Who would have thought...

Well, whatever the case, thank you for offering us this shelter.

I did make a promise. And it is simply an idle factory owned by my family. Even then, it still can't fit everyone inside... It is far too cold here.

Although the paperwork to shelter the Infected has been sorted out, now is not a good time for any of you to wander about the city.

I regret to say that... as things stand, I have no way of offering you better conditions.

I know they're only allowed to stay in Grypherburg as key witnesses to the tragedy of the Far North... even though this trial has not yet manifested itself.

This does not change the fact that there is nowhere in this nation for them.

...That may change, sooner than you think.

Sorry, did you say something?

No, nothing. Let's shelve this discussion for later. I came to Rhodes Island today for another matter.

Where is that 'Doctor' of yours right now?

Yep. Based on your team's intelligence, we can assume Ursus is secretly researching the Sarcophagus somewhere near Grypherburg.

And according to Crownslayer's info, we've found a few clues that can validate this assumption.

Despite Ursus's critical Originium shortage, there's a delivery of vast amounts of Originium from the city to the outskirts, same time, every day. Always in the same direction.

Their Originium logistics channels are well-hidden, and it's a bad idea for us to chase them too closely. But we've checked all the satellite cities around the capital, and none of them have the sort of industry that needs this much Originium.

None except the satellite city where the First Army is stationed. Zelgrad.

But the moment any lead we have points here, it's cut off. Guess Grypherburg is putting a lot of effort into hiding the flow of energy.

You're not the only ones in the dark. Most Ursines are barely even aware Zelgrad exists.

We can also assume that, if large quantities of Originium go missing at a time like this, there's probably industry magnates who aren't too happy about it.

What's more, the Fourth Army's pretty much at the gates. They definitely have spies watching every move happening in Grypherburg.

But that's the reason why one thing really stands out.

Zelgrad is supposed to be a closed-off special district, but it's recently been advertising itself as 'a safe haven for the Infected'.

Their public statement is that the First Army firmly denounces the tragedy that happened in the Far Northern mines, so they are willing to shelter those Infected who lost their homes during the unrest.

'As a show of the absolute kindness the tsar has for the Infected.'

Naturally, the first reaction everyone had on hearing this news was suspicion. We've been unable to get any information about any Infected who enter Zelgrad.

We've also found some issues with the records Crownslayer found in the district gates. Once you factor out the outsourced materials being used as cover, imports of pharmaceutical products and raw materials are almost nil.

None of this is concrete evidence, though. If we really want to know the truth, I'm afraid our only choice is an on-site inspection.

That's all the clues my side can offer you at the moment. We'll keep up our work at the edges of Grypherburg, and get as much information as we can into your hands.

Oh, right. Don't forget to tell the little USSG cubs what good work they've done next time you see them, Doctor.

Not just for their information-gathering skills. They were amazing during the recent crisis in Grypherburg. They're all bona-fide, grown-up Rhodes Island operators now.

Kal'tsit sealed away the Sarcophagus's core when she was in Chernobog. Theoretically speaking, Ursus's current technological know-how isn't enough for them to restart it.

What's stranger is, shouldn't Ursus be trying to turn it into an energy source at a time like this? Why do the opposite and consume tons of Originium? What are they actually trying to do?

Doctor, what I'm most worried about is Zelgrad accepting the Infected.

I know this isn't a rational assessment, but... I find it very hard to believe the First Army is letting them in out of the goodness of their hearts.

What are you doing, Closure?

Ah, sorry, just a sec, nearly done. Let's see what secrets this website is hiding.

Wait... Are you hacking into an Ursine government website?

Nonono, no hacking involved. The site I'm looking at is the 'Ursus State Council Executive Department Website'. The service-level news is for the public.

Government news, Catastrophe warnings... Ah, there it is, Zelgrad's notice saying they'll shelter Infected. Man, too many network fluctuations, filtering and download speeds are real slow.

But what's obvious is that a lot of this is just fake news to keep up with appearances.

Check this city migration schedule, for example. If this info is true, it means there's been three nomadic city collisions near Grypherburg just last month!

This sort of forgery definitely means they're hiding something. Just need to dig a little deeper...

Are you sure you're not crossing a line here, Closure?

I'm not! Well... Maybe a little?

But whoever kludged together this website clearly isn't very good at network security. The website's server is directly connected to their internal database.

Nothing too important in here, all just basic info on city routes. But Zelgrad's urban identification code is in here, as well as their public logistics and transportation records.

Okay, give me three minutes, and ZOOT will calculate the optimal route from Grypherburg to Zelgrad.

......

I won't leave any tracks behind, guaranteed!

But all we have is a lock on the satellite city's position. How are we meant to get in?

A direct attack? I don't have any issues with that, honestly...

If the Sarcophagus is in the hands of the First Army, that means it'll be heavily guarded. A direct attack is out of the question.

Doctor, I'm wondering if we can take advantage of Zelgrad admitting Infected—

Raidian... and Lieutenant Gorchekova?

I happened to run into her. She says she has something to discuss with the Doctor, face-to-face.

It's been quite a while, my friends.

Though I do not believe I have met you before, Gospozha... Vampire?

Y'know, it's been so long since anyone's mentioned it that I practically forgot I am a Vampire.

It is my honor to meet you, Gospozha Closure.

It is clear that you are an excellent... Hmm...

Hmm...?

I don't detect any signals of dubious origin. Closure can also guarantee we are free to speak here.

Wha? Sorry, I don't understand sign language—

Everything here was wired by us, correct?

Yeah?

(Quietly) Does this mean nobody is monitoring us right now...?

Oh, definitely not. You don't have to worry about that sort of thing when I'm here.

Just act like you're back on the ship—err, back at HQ. You're welcome, by the way.

Spasibo. Then let us get down to brass tacks. Our last discussion ended on the topic of the Sarcophagus's whereabouts.

In regards to intelligence on the matter, I have made some... not-so-small headway.

Yet another promise of mine. All part of our cooperative agreement.

Besides, even if I did not share this information with you, I'm sure you would already be trying all sorts of ways to get into Zelgrad, as is typical for you Rhodes Islanders.

Eep..!

Very well. I know full well just how difficult it is to establish a relationship built upon trust.

But I insist on recommending Rhodes Island secure a legitimate status for your operations... for there will be many bumps on the road ahead.

She's right. Rhodes Island must be well-prepared.

Are you... General Khratov?

Just Hellagur is fine.

According to the Doctor's instructions, I have attempted to contact, and succeeded in contacting a Vice Chairman of the State Council, Vasily Gorchikov.

In Grypherburg's eyes, Rhodes Island is on sound legal footing.

So it was your idea all along. I was wondering why...

Wait, how did you know he would be able to meet with the vice chairman—with Father?

It seems I have been underestimating the intelligence and contacts Rhodes Island has access to this whole time...

If that's the case, I have no more worries. Allow me to formally pass on this invitation to Rhodes Island.

An invitation from His Imperial Majesty Fyodor Vladimirovich.

—?

This is why I have come here today. Now, allow me to escort you to the audience chamber.

You're here.

Do your clothes fit? Come closer, and let me see.

Hmm. At least they fit you better than your old clothes.

Thank you. They fit fine, and they're comfortable.

You are my guest. This is the least of what I can provide you. If there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to ask my adjutant.

How is Anatoliy, Yasha?

The Generalik is currently choosing his retinue for the next operation.

He simply cannot wait, can he? Remind him to pick strong young recruits, no more wily old soldiers.

I already have, ma'am.

Very good.

What is your name? I cannot be calling you 'child' the entire time.

Hierda. I'm called Hierda, ma'am.

Well then, young Hierda.

As I must remain here to maintain discipline, I need you to accompany my son to Zelgrad as his 'doctor'.

He is going there to patrol, and look after the city. In turn, I hope you can look after him.

You should know that Ursus has recently run into misfortune. The unrest continues to spread unabated, and the number of people who want him dead rivals the number who want to snatch my authority away from me.

I want you to stay by his side and protect him, and once all the dust has settled, bring him back to me safe and sound.

...'Once all the dust has settled'?

You need only reply. Can you do this?

I need to know where my companions are first, and if they are safe.

How careless of me. I forgot to tell you that they have already headed onwards.

'Onwards'?

To Zelgrad. The city is now open to both the public and the Infected. Your companions are the first lucky few to be accepted by this new policy.

Once you go there, you may meet with them.

......

...What's this?

I'm sure I was here earlier, but he's not here.

(This ship is too large. Where am I supposed to find the young general?)

Hmm...

...drat...

Ah, someone's there.

Hello, may I ask—

...Everyone knows being one of his bodyguards is a death sentence. Who's still willing to go?

And now he's actually managed to figure out he just needs to pick some nobody greenhorns who don't know what they're getting into—

How shameless!

(Quietly) Shh, keep it down! Let's talk somewhere else, I know where we can avoid the cameras.

I had to let it all out today.

(Quietly) I get it, I get it, bratan. This is why we need to keep getting our people into his personal guard, even if it means sending them to the slaughterhouse.

(Quietly) The marshal's clearly lost her ability to judge the situation. She thinks that with the new weapon, we can sleep peacefully at night, but she doesn't know the real problem was on the inside all along.

(Quietly) Letting a useless boy play toy soldiers with the army just to earn some cheap glory, waving a live blade around like it's an emperor's scepter!

(Quietly) She even lets him randomly execute the men without penalty... It's absolutely ridiculous.

She keeps going on about how we have to do it for Ursus, but today's killing was certainly not for Ursus!

(Quietly) And if things keep going on like this, how're we supposed to deal with rebels? There was a Corporal Andrei in my barracks, all he did was follow the Marshal's orders to stop him, and he got his throat slashed open for it.

(Quietly) Andrei wasn't even part of that 'Death Squad'. I had a look at his corpse, his eyes wide open, just a kid with a confused look on his face under the mortician's sheet...

We've got to do something already!

(Quietly) You're right...

We need to act.

'Act'?

What do they mean by...?

Act?