act19side

They agreed to throw money our way, Saria.

Your speech was excellent. All those investors were moved by the future that you painted.

The future... of course.

I described some byproducts they would be interested in with the kind of language that they speak.

It was only one short night, but it was far more exhausting than spending a dozen days in the labs.

It's something we need to power through, for the time being.

Once our funding is settled, you can move into the laboratories whenever you want.

You know me well. That's the only reason that I'm bearing with all this.

Right, that academic named Ferdinand Clooney is very interested in your proposal too.

He'll 'build the most fantastic laboratory in all of Terra at Rhine Lab'—That's what he said.

I welcome him, then.

I looked into his background.

He feels more like a businessman than an academic to me. He might not understand you.

No, Saria.

I never needed anyone to understand me... Actually, I'd say I've already got more than I could ask for, having met you, someone so like-minded.

Right now, Rhine needs to amass more capable personnel and projects. We have to, if we're going to reach our ultimate goal.

You're Control. It's your call.

Some of Ferdinand's methods aren't exactly above board. A decent amount of his projects even have some under-the-table dealings with other big corporations or the government.

I'll have a nice chat with him about the rules of the our cooperation going forward.

You'll help me take care of this, right?

I'm the Director of Defense. That's my job.

But it will be very risky for you... and Rhine Lab.

Wait—

I just came up with a few new ideas that might even solve some flaws in that theory of mine—Right, what were you going to say just now?

Never mind.

Thanks for that, Saria.

It's because you're always here for me that I can focus on my job without worry.

You never needed anyone to come save you.

But you came nonetheless.

That face again... You're angry.

All those years out there have made you a more emotional person.

I thought you'd better understand my decision after you took a good look at the reality of the lands outside.

Answer me.

Did you authorize the experiment at Site 359?

No.

I'll never lie to you.

I'm sure you know that better than anyone.

But you also don't care what's going on over there...

You turned a blind eye to what Ferdinand is doing.

Just like you turned a blind eye to Parvis all those years ago.

Hm? Which experiment are you talking about?

You don't remember...

You never remember any little thing that isn't related to your own research.

There is only so much that the human brain can process. I have more worthwhile work for mine to focus on.

Ferdinand's little tricks bought me some time to relax, and it's thanks to him that I can concentrate even better. And think.

My experiments have seen some major breakthroughs in the last few days. Why don't I tell you about them?

Why you...

It's not like you're not interested.

You're just... worried about all those insignificant people and things.

They were never insignificant.

You'll never escape the weight of those people and things, Kristen.

After all, both you and I... and Rhine Lab too, we're all grounded in this land, we've put down roots.

I'm sorry, Dr. {@nickname}.

Why are you apologizing all of a sudden?;Changed your mind again?

Don't worry... We're still on the same side.

I won't do anything to you, at least not right now.

It's just... It's hard to say.

Kristen might not necessarily be on Saria's side.

I heard they used to be very good friends.;I heard they had a falling out.

You don't know what Rhine Lab was like back when it started...

Kristen's radiance brought all kinds of people in, at first, but it was Saria who quietly propped it all up.

A falling out, huh? They had a huge fight in the Control office, and blew a huge hole in the roof of the Rhine building. Does that count?

Even then, Saria walked out of the office herself, and Control was completely unscathed too.

If the two of them... actually played serious, there wouldn't have been anything left standing.

It's just Kristen doesn't care what kinds of experiments Ferdinand runs.

I was eager to make sure she's okay. That's why I lured you guys here... but I never knew Kristen would interfere with what's going on at the site.

That's why it was so important for Ptilopsis to see the truth behind the site herself.

Please inform Ms. Wright;Control needs to know we 'saw' everything.

You... you're not going to stop at telling Kristen the situation over there?

The important thing is that you... that Rhodes Island has caught wind of this.

If Ms. Wright doesn't want this information, there are lots of people that do.

Like Beachbrella and all the other companies competing with Rhine.;Like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Arts Units, and Originium.;Like the Maylander Foundation.

Information is the most valuable bargaining chip there is.;Having information is the best way to keep yourself safe.

As long as Ms. Wright wants to keep Rhine Lab alive.

She has to intervene at the site.

You've been planning to force her hand since before you got here...

Dr. {@nickname}, she might just remember you for this.

Good. We really should get to know each other to improve our cooperation.;Sounds like I should be honored.

You're confident... No, you have real faith in your operators at the site.

That's wonderful.

I have one last question, Director Muelsyse.

Are you bothered by those experiments?;Are you bothered by anything in particular?

Dr. {@nickname}... At the end of the day, I'm the Director of Rhine Lab's Ecological Section. Not a lot of people ask me questions like that to my face.

Hm... How should I answer this...?

Wouldn't you agree that if I didn't keep a secret or two, my charm would take a hit?

Doctor?

I still haven't received Ptilopsis's synchronized message.

Sorry, I don't have the time to fill you in on the details...

I still have ten... No, maybe eleven hollows to take care of.

Right, one more thing.

Ho'olheyak got away.

She might head to the site... she seemed like she had her own objective.

Right, I agree with you.

She's more dangerous than we expected.

*cough*... How am I doing?

My robotic arm is overheating a little. That's all.

I won't let myself get hurt before things really get hairy.

Elena, you're staying here with me.

You've contributed a lot to the experiment, and I am proud of your results. You've earned the right to stand by my side and witness the glory it brings us.

You turned the whole site... into a petri dish. You put all those Pioneers in danger just to create that giant monster.