act19side

Of course it did.

But the boss—I mean, Ferdinand sent a new contract right out, extending the three years to ten, and giving me a thirty percent raise.

You were Employee of the Year.

Yeah... not much of a consolation prize, right?

I mean, all the time I was getting treated at Rhodes Island, I ended up writing the director three entire conference papers.

I understand your perspective; I'm more or less the same.

I'm far less purely optimistic than you. I've worried about the future, and following from that, I was thankful to Parvis and Rhine Lab, for a time.

But I... I've never doubted my own abilities, nor what they could do for Rhine Lab in return.

For us, Oripathy is a challenge to overcome; it's not going to gnaw our entire lives away.

And that's why... Greyy can do what we can't.

Mr. Sonny, I'd like to point out, there's a kind of contradiction in what you're saying.

For real?

You say that the Pioneers risk it all in search of the next place to rest their feet...

So how do you know we're not about to come across a way out?

Sir, the building—the power's back!

What the hell?!

Hm...

Wait, you son of a gun—that's what you were doing the whole time you were talking to me?

Mr. Sonny...

If I hadn't run out into the darkness back then, I wouldn't ever have met the Rhodes Islanders who came before me, carrying the light.

Trust me. Sometimes, taking one more step really does mean something.

Even if... I'm already standing on the brink?

—Even if you've already jumped off.

We've seen you reaching out your hand. You're crying out to us for help.

So we'll do everything we can to catch you.

No matter what you've been through, it's far from time to give up yet.

We've got power!

Did Greyy... do it?

Hngh...

That's a relief. Joyce is showing a reaction to the light.

Trust you to be so focused, even now.

Ladies.

Why are you back alone? Where's Greyy?

This is the only place with power right now. He's making for the other quarters.

I...

You don't trust me, do you?

Stay back!

Elena?

Olivia, you said he wouldn't trust us, but...

I have even less grounds to trust him.

He tricked me and Joyce into coming here, and I've kept quiet on this the whole time... I saw more of them surrounding the labs.

All of those Pioneers are armed!

It's not what you think...

What do I think, huh? You said you didn't want to do anyone dirty! You mean you forgot how Dorothy's been treating you all?!

You're going to hurt her for your own selfish ends!

Is that...? Did you pull an alarm?

I've been planning to for a long time. I'm sure the police and my Defense colleagues are already on the way. They won't need any drones to pin our position now.

Much thanks to Greyy for this.

So that's why he got the power back on...

Don't project your own gloomy mind on him.

Greyy really does want to help you, just like Dorothy and Joyce do.

Out of respect for them, I'll consider letting you off the hook.

Sir, whatever plans you had before, give them up before it's too late.

Are the drones out?

Not yet. Our people are waiting for your order.

Then tell me... what the hell is that thing shining above the site?!

So close. It'll all be good soon.

That's some... goddamned beautiful light.

Is it? Thank you...

Hahah... Got me feeling thawed out some, even, working with you here.

Just that bit left in front now, right? We'll show those megacorpers! Cut whatever you want to us, we won't take it sitting down, not while we've still got our own two hands to get things done!

Wait, something's wrong...

Hold on a second!

What is it?

D—Don't go any further! That light isn't my Arts!

Doc Silence.

Hm...

I'd like to ask just one more time. Are you really willing to trust a Pioneer?

I'm a doctor, and a researcher.

I'm like my colleagues—

In that I trust the truth.

What's the deal outside?

What are they all running for? Did you—

No, not on my orders.

Get away from me, you bastard—!

Shit!

The police are probably here to rescue us.

No, stay in here!

What the hell is wrong with you now—

My guess is, that thing's come again...

What thing?

Well, the... truth, I wanted to tell you about.

Elena, keep away from the door!

Sir—s—sir...

Got...ta watch... out...

Has he been hurt? Or is he... having an attack?

Stay away from him.

Your teammate is clearly in need of assistance!

Watch what's behind him—

An irregularly shaped object hangs in the air.

Its surface is exceptionally glossy, issuing gentle silver rays all about, and it hovers faintly up and down at this moment, as if following some sort of breathing pattern.

After rising up behind the Pioneer, about three seconds pass where it hangs in the air.

Then immediately, it slowly rotates its own body, as if curiously assessing every human at the scene.

This... It's...

Run!!!