act10mini

It's delivering a whole set of industrial-grade Originium engines and control systems from Columbia to Rim Billiton.

You want us to raid an armed Columbian convoy?

That's your plan? You'd need heavy artillery to even put a dent in that armor!

No need to get excited, my friend. Did you think I was going to make a customer do it themselves?

Just sit back, and watch.

About fifteen minutes later, the convoy passes through a canyon.

Ballista turrets and Originium cannons are on full alert, sweeping the surroundings for potential threats.

Driven by powerful engines, the heavily armored vehicles dash across the rugged landscape.

It is a loadout intended to take them safely across the Terran wasteland to their destination.

But there are very few guarantees in the wastes.

A boulder suddenly stands up from the ground, reaching eight meters in height, dirt falling off it like a waterfall.

It is a Metal Crab, camouflaged as a rock.

The creature charges at the convoy.

The cannons unload onto the beast, while the ballistae aim for its joints.

However, their efforts prove futile at slowing it down.

The Metal Crab smashes into the side of the large truck at full speed.

The armored vehicle topples over violently, crushing one of its escorts.

War cries and the sounds of clanging metal echo through the canyon.

Hundreds of strangely dressed warriors charge out from the shadows, from behind rocks or cracks in the canyon walls.

They throw explosives made from Originium crystals at the convoy, and fire at stragglers using improvised ballistae.

It is a scene of chaos, as the convoy's guards try to flee for their lives.

The outcome of the battle is never once in doubt.

It would be nice if our friends over there could be a little more careful... I'll need to check up on the equipment later, make sure there's no damage.

See, I would have liked to deliver the goods earlier, but things didn't go quite as planned...

The convoy took a detour to avoid a Catastrophe, delaying their arrival.

(Draws weapon)

(Draws weapon)

Dear me. It seems we have a misunderstanding here.

Mr. Cannot... you never told us you were a member of Rusthammer.

Reunion hasn't fallen so far that we need to traffic with bandits.

My, my! What a hurtful accusation.

And an untimely one, I should add.

The Rusthammer warriors behind Cannot draw their weapons.

Watch your mouth, or I'll smash it in for you.

I'd like to see you try.

Hold on, my friends! Calm down!

We're not here to fight today, are we?

We're here for a reason. There's no need for us to go at each others' throats like wild animals.

Come now, Mr. Gareth, put away that weapon, will you? Didn't we agree that I would handle the negotiations?

Gareth...?

That voice... Elba!?

It's you! You're alive!

I never thought I'd see you here!

I didn't recognize you in that outfit.

Gareth? Gareth 'Swiftblade'? You're alive?!

W-Why are you with Rusthammer?

Oh, it's you guys!

The warriors look at each other in bewilderment, still gripping their weapons, but seemingly unsure what to do with them.

Brothers, it's fine, I know them!

Put down your weapons! They're okay!

It's really you...

I thought you had...

It's a long story.

See, we're all friends here, aren't we? Maybe even relatives, if we go back a few thousand years. How about we find somewhere else to chat?

Per my agreement with your other leader, I'll deliver this equipment to your... base?

Mr. Gareth, would you kindly bring a few other men with us to deliver the goods?

Will do.

Are we seriously considering letting this guy into our base?

It wouldn't be his first time. We just have to trust Nine's judgment...

Ugh...

Beautiful! Simply beautiful!

You really fixed the thing!

I told you we could do it.

Reunion has surpassed the expectations of more than a few people. You certainly get things done.

So, forty Originium Ingots, as agreed? My humble commission is included in the price, of course.

Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Cannot.

What exactly are you planning, can-head? Just forty ingots for all this?

Why the mistrust, my friend?

Cooperation needs to start from trust. Conversely, considering our long history, it would do well for you to trust me a little more.

Think of it as an investment. I see bigger and better things in your future, and even more opportunities for us to work together.

Look at that hovercraft and tell me what you see.

A hovercraft.

I see OPPORTUNITY!

With that, you will be able to traverse the wastes at no less than two hundred kilometers an hour, zooming from nomadic city to nomadic city. How many organizations on Terra can claim that kind of capability?

Now, what you do with it is none of my concern, but I would suggest treating it with care... It's not exactly an easy thing to repair.

Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Cannot.

Of course, my friend. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Rusthammer is... different from how I imagined.

A lot of people misunderstand them, but they're not concerned with what outsiders... with what 'civilized' people think of them.

...Can I ask you a question?

What is it?

Is Illa with you? What...

What happened to her?

Illa?

Don't worry, she's fine.

She's just... not feeling too well.

Are her Oripathy symptoms worsening?

No, no, it's not Oripathy, don't worry.

She... well, she's pregnant.

P-Pregnant?

Can you imagine it? I'm going to be a dad!

Oh... wow, so you guys have...

Don't worry, our Rusthammer brothers and sisters are taking good care of her. Those who are born onto the wasteland are blessed by the storms and the great earth.

That's not what I was worried about.

I just didn't think that you would... hehe.

Anyway, congratulations.

Thanks.

I spent a lot of time thinking it over...

Whether it would be irresponsible to bring a new life into this world, only for them to grow up in pain and suffering.

But at last, Illa told me that she wanted to be a mother.