act25side

That's how you got the address.

...No.

I lied again. I really am evil, aren't I?

That hard-head, Nasti... I told her I made my choice, when I really hadn't.

I only just now made it, the moment I saw this vivarium.

I'm sorry.

I came only to confirm one thing... yes, this is where my dreams are. The vivarium and the future it carries... this is my dream.

It's the answer for me and my people.

Kristen promised to take it with her.

She didn't lie to me. She just didn't tell me... maybe she got tired of my cloaks and daggers, how a part of me never seems to be there. Maybe she never stopped believing in the trust between us.

She really did it...

So I should keep my promise.

Tell Saria... I'm sorry.

The water pushes you away. It is soft, but irresistible.

You return to the outer hallway, the lab doors closing before you.

The water disappears, leaving no trace behind. Your hand is empty again, but this is no longer just an intermission in the middle of a dance.

It's time. Can I go now?

The deal is done. You can leave at any time.

You promised me...

You'll find it on your terminal.

Is this the entirety of Loken's research?

No, there's another address... a blurred one. It looks familiar. You've really done a lot right under Maylander's nose. I'm starting to actually respect you.

What a shame.

What's that?

You won't see the sky that you should have gotten to see.

The stars? My people have played with them long enough. I've given you all the information I should. Do you really think those twisted spots of light are worth looking at?

No, not the sky we see today.

Its true aspect, in the future.

Enough. I know about your great plans, but that future doesn't belong to me. As long as your data is legit, I'll be able to fulfill my ancestors' dream and recover my true power—

The power that you desire could not even overcome time. You understand that it could be machines that fly the skies of the future, or other evolving lifeforms...

But not a shadow from ten thousand years ago.

Are you mocking me... mocking my blood, my memory, my destiny?

You—

Sacrificing your entire race just to return to the past... is it really worth it?

Whatever. I've got what I wanted. Let's say goodbye in peace.

Ho'olheyak jumps down the monitoring platform.

She does not turn around to look at Kristen. She does not want Kristen to see the look on her face.

You.

We meet again.

They are silent for a moment.

Past and future pass by each other, without making contact.

Five minutes.

I can't get the door open!

Here.

Huh?

It's... the weapon you lent me?

Not lent. Gave. It's yours. You just need practice.

Practice... er...

You're free, once you go out from here. The agents and soldiers are too busy to bother. They've found H.A.M.H.R.R. and achieved their goal. They won't bother you anymore.

Run to Trimounts. There, you'll still be Researcher Silence.

Um...

You want to go in the most dangerous direction, don't you? You could put your life in danger. You may never be able escape Maylander's gaze ever again.

It'll be a struggle of a lifetime. You may lose some things forever. Freedom, the life you know, the trust of your family and friends, the right to live under the sun, and yourself.

Are you sure you want a life like that?

I don't know. I haven't seen the problem resolved with my own eyes. I don't want to give up halfway.

You're a talented scholar, a good doctor. Have you made up your mind to become a warrior?

Maybe I'll never be a warrior.

But I'll grasp the weapon you gave me tight, if necessary.

Very well, child. Go forth with my blessing.

Thank you, Director Jara.

By the way, Control... Kristen could be just ahead.

Don't you want to see her?

Do I? Of course I do.

But I doubt I can catch her.

Jara gazes at the laboratory.

Then, she turns her gaze toward the sky.

You got it yet?

Not yet!

Keep going. The core of H.A.M.H.R.R. should be in here.

And Kristen... she couldn't have escaped right under our noses.

Three minutes.

...Ifrit?

Saria! Did you find a way in?

Not yet.

This place is weird. Even after Rosmontis crushed most of the outer wall like a cookie, it's not revealing any of the stuff inside.

...It's not a complete building.

What?

You're right, Ifrit. It's not a lab.

This is... it's...

Did she install her parents' propulsion device on... how could it be? No... how did I not think of it until now?

Saria! Where are you going?

If I break the wall...

She must have expected me. It's pointless.

Then what has a point?

You can't change anything.

Would we be too late?

No.

I have to...

Have to what?

Saria.

Si...lence?

You need to get out of here... it could be...

No.

Saria, I didn't come here to listen to you talk like that.

I know how far a scientist would go for her dream. I know that feeling of rapture, which is why I know the strength it takes to fight it with morality.

You've long been seeking a balance between science and order. You do well; perhaps too well.

Your order is falling apart. But if you're willing to let balance go... perhaps you'll find your roots amidst the chaos.

Find my... roots?

I believe you can.

We have all things to do. Let's part here.