act11d7

棘刺篇

Hello? Excuse me? Is anyone home? There's no way you'd be refusing to pick up again, right?

Hello? Ah, ohh! There, there you are!

Hey, I finally got through...

You should've made it over there already, yeah? So, how's Siesta?

Get a load of this. The Doctor said it's so hot over there, people sometimes pass out on the streets. Then, they get woken up later with free beer. That true?

Ah, by the way, which celebrities did they book for the music festival this time? Is the Emperor gonna be there?

Oh, have you seen anyone from Alive Until Sunset? I play their songs as my background music. Listen to this one—

If you have something to say, spit it out already. Otherwise, I'm hanging up.

Wait, hold up, c'mon bro, don't be like that!

I do have something to tell you, so don't hang up, man!

Sigh...

If you wanted to come that badly, why aren't you here?

Because I can't, man! Did you think I wanted to stay behind?

Since all you guys went, someone had to stay behind on the ship. Plus, I also had some internal stuff to deal with. You know, that Gavial, she—

Stop. Don't tell me about your missions.

Eh, it's nothing classified. But still, there is that one thing that's rather...

If it's important, get to the point. Thirty words or less.

Not cool, bro.

Has anyone ever told you you can be a real wet blanket at times?

Nope.

Poor chap. They must all be too afraid to tell you the truth.

I'm hanging up.

Fine, fine, I'll cut to the chase!

Sigh...

The source isn't that reliable but there might be some trouble at this music festival but since I know you don't really care about that please ask for an autograph if you happen to bump into anyone from Alive Until Sunset! Big thanks in advance!

...Is that all?

Huh? Uh, yeah.

That was forty-five words. You went over by fifty percent.

And, if you blast music at that volume in the office, the Engineering Department will be there to smash your stereo within ten seconds.

Huh?

Wait a sec. Did you need something... Disturbing the work environment? What are you talking ab— ...Aaaah, my bad, ignore what I just said, seriously, it's my fault, please stoppp—

Tch.

Just how much does this guy like that band?

I can almost recite the lyrics myself...... Hmm?

The scenery out here is amazing, but it really is hot and humid! I can practically wring out my wet tail!

The temperature here in Siesta seems even higher than I expected, which is weird... Hey, Skyfire, don't you think so too?

Considering the way we're dressed, it'd be stranger not to be hot.

Eh, good point.

Everyone's too dressed up anyway. Someone might seriously get heat stroke like this, so let's get changed already... Besides, I heard we might have a chance to head down to the beach, so I brought a swimsuit.

Hold up, not yet! Weren't we going to go to the base of the volcano? You'll have to wait until we get back first!

Let's hurry up and get it over with then. I want to kick back and relax on the beach too, y'know. Not every day we get a chance like this!

The beach... and the ocean?

...It doesn't smell like the sea here.

Phew, how many songs was that? We still have another performance tonight. Don't get all excited and blow your energy this early.

No clue, but I'm still having a good time. Frost, you too, right?

(Plucks a chord)

Not like it matters. Nothing's going to burn us out.

Ahaha... Yeah, I guess that's true.

All righty, then. Before the night comes—

Let's party hard! !

(Is this the band that guy is so crazy about? They seem like a really noisy bunch.)

(Also...)

(Something's weird about them. Can't put my finger on it though.)

(Is it because of this song? What exactly... is this familiar feeling?)

Have you found the Young Miss?!

Hurry up! After them, they couldn't have gotten far!

This way, we have to bring her back!

Hey, stop squeezing! How rude!

Who the hell stepped on my foot?

Who cares about those people? It's time for the next song! Woooah, it's the first song off their album Deep Color in the Sea!

Huh?

(Just now, who were those people looking for?)

(Based on the way they're dressed, they're no ordinary group of civilians...)

Excuse me, sorry, let me through please!

Phew, I finally made it out...

What's the hurry?

Eep! Who are you?!

Oh, it's Thorns... Don't scare me like that... Anyway, since you're here, does that mean you're also a fan of Alive Until Sunset?

Right, I just remembered, you're also Ægirian. Feels like every Ægir I've met has some special connection with them. The sea they sing about is so much more beautiful and intense than the waves of Siesta!

Ah, crap, that's not what I'm supposed to be talking about!

The Doctor and the others seem to be in a bit of a pickle, so I'm on my way to help out! Since you're already here, don't just stand around, let's go help out—

There's no need for me to go.

Huh? Why's that?

They have the old geezer from Ursus with them this time. They'll be fine.

...Uhh, that came out wrong. Rather...

I did not receive any direct communications, which means my presence is not required.

I fully expect that the Doctor has a level of control over the situation. A commander of that caliber would never do anything to endanger our operators.

Until I've received specific instructions, there is no need for me to participate in your operation.

Don't underestimate the Doctor and rush to your own arbitrary decisions. You may end up causing more harm than good.

That's what I've inferred. Are there any issues?

None.

None at all. But, I did figure something out.

You and I. We definitely aren't getting along! Imagine having to think that much every time anybody asks you something!

Oops, I don't even know why I'm talking to you. The Doctor asked for my help, not yours. Right?

All right, you just sit here and keep enjoying the show. I have somewhere to be.

What's with her tone?

I don't get it.

Have you heard, there's a barbecue stall in the food court by the beach? They're having a half-off deal, and the line's snaking all the way out to the street!

How about it? Wanna see what the hype is all about?

Barbecue, in this weather? It's way too hot, I think I'll pass...

Hey, don't be like that. Is there anything better for the fiery atmosphere of this music festival than some barbecue on the hot beach next to a raging charcoal fire?

And with so many people lined up, I bet the flavor's out of this world! It'd be a shame not to give it a try!

We're on vacation, and we came all the way out here. C'mon, my treat!

You're talking just like my aunts and uncles... But fine, since you're so worked up about this, let's go check it out.

Huh? What's the sound over there?

What did y'all say?

C'mon, louder! I can't hear you—

ONE— MORE— SONG—!!

ENCORE—!!