act25side

It must hew the brambles, for those who make forth.

I ask, then. What is your verdict?

If Columbia's court pales timid and weak, then I should see no reason why it deserves my further tenure.

Much obliged.

Was that just a... a Supre—Supreme Court Justice calling?

What... research are you... are Rhine Lab even handling?

Easy, easy. Rhine Lab's no danger to the law. You're with a trustworthy firm.

But...

Ah, well, back on topic. About what I've been stashing in the jurisdictional care of my 'friends.'

Go pull the curtains, ma'am. You won't want to miss the show tonight.

What is... that?

How is something that big... flying?

Is that... another Rhine Lab project?

I'll be honest, you're not really a qualified entrepreneur. You're a flip-flopper. Scare easy. Not confident enough, always second-guessing. Got a habit of spending too much time on how you word things.

To be frank, it's no wonder Trimountian investor circles don't like you.

Lucky for you, none of that matters to me.

Rhine Lab will buy out your power laboratory in whole, I'll provide you ample funds, and it will be seen to that all is done to support your research endeavors to come.

If Lady Luck is on our side, and one day you rise to directorship at Rhine Lab, then it's not out of the question that you might get a little section carved out for you.

Just as our young Dr. Franks got.

That's... I don't understand, so much has happened today...

Just say yes. Because luck doesn't claim the credit here, for it has been my <i>decision.</i>

Where the hand of Justin Jr. reaches, there is random chance no longer, ma'am.

I help the lunatic to succeed.

...I understand, Director Justin.

Looking forward to working with you.

And welcome to the Rhine Lab family. Cheers.

7:25 P.M., H.A.M.H.R.R. mid-flight

Seems we've finally found it, Colonel.

Bitch of a process, eh?

We weren't anticipating Kristen would have another propulsion unit ready to go for H.A.M.H.R.R.

She hid the whole contraption under a garbage heap, and now she's sailed the damn thing through Trimounts airspace like she owns it.

This is all my fault.

No point in talking the blame now, Colonel.

Things are all headed for the worst-case.

H.A.M.H.R.R. is still flying for S.H.A.F.T., bound for its upper surface with an ETA of twenty minutes.

Based on what the manuals say, it'll be hovering within about five klicks of the S.H.A.F.T., which gives it maximal odds of taking down any ground targets in its angle of drift.

But of course, 'Arc-01' is in no suitable position to launch attacks or counter enemy positions right now. Our plans never extended beyond demonstrated feasibility within Trimounts.

Five klicks of altitude is something the average aerial unit just can't do. Your considerations were all-comprehensive outside of that blindsiding.

We're dispatching specialist drones from the District capable of higher altitudes, but we still need more time.

Meanwhile, we have every regular drone allocated to Trimounts already on liftoff. They'll interfere with H.A.M.H.R.R.'s continued ascent as best they can.

Effects look to be limited.

Seems the military gave this ring thing some sturdy armor. I thought these Maylander drones were advanced for Columbia as is.

Outstanding work. Medals for all the generals, I say.

The DOD has a hell of a lot resting on this.

...'No point in talking the blame now,' sir.

What's important is we get the situation back into your hands.

Into 'our' hands, Colonel. Personally, I understand the pitch the army is making. Ever since the Bolívar debacle, your people have been mighty eager to get back on the stage.

But we're all Columbians, aren't we?

Goes with saying, when I enlisted, I pledged my loyalty to Columbia.

Kristen still won't contact us, and won't respond to any hails from us either.

These aren't the actions of an opportunist or kidnapper, but if this is a bluff by the military, we can't say anything for sure.

All we can be thankful for is—no matter what she intends to do, the S.H.A.F.T. is under our control and always has been. She has no way to...

Sorry, Mr. Vice President, let me proceed.

Colonel, it seems your people have some urgent news for you.

It's me. I'm with the Vice President right...

...Charging?

Haven't we been in total control of the S.H.A.F.T. this whole time? How could it... Shut the whole S.H.A.F.T. down immediately!

You can't? What do you mean you can't? How hard can it be to find the goddamned switch or breaker or whatever it is and flip it?

Pull out the wires! Kill the power source! Do whatever it takes, I don't care what facilities we damage!

...What?

You're telling me, you've done everything you can, and the S.H.A.F.T. has not only failed to shut down, its goddamned energy readings are still climbing?

Bring every ounce of explosive we have in Trimounts. Blow that thing to kingdom come.

It's already charged, and if you blow it up, the energy dissipation will level the entire city, Colonel. That's what Maylander's agents are telling me.

You've got a crafty one on your hands, hah.

She's out of her goddamned mind! How much does she hate Columbia?! What is she up to?!

Hold on... I can think of one possibility.

—The District.

It's the District. If H.A.M.H.R.R.'s angle deviates far enough, it's probably gonna threaten Max D.C.!

Our beloved President is still situated there. Kristen... she intends to destroy the heart and the brain of Columbia.

We have to evacuate all personnel in the District immediately.

Don't worry, Colonel. The President's just told me we're fine.

Armed forces in the District are mobilized, and General Barry is taking charge of the defense there. She's promised me she'll protect the President with her life.

...General Barry?

Oh, I guess you didn't hear. She's just been promoted.

Carry on with your mission, Colonel. Columbia still needs you in this dire hour.

Anything else?

No, nothing.

I swear, I'm gonna put an end to this insanity, personally.

Don't overwork yourself.

...If you'll excuse me.

Will these orders do, Mr. President?

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure about this. Still, I won't question your judgment—

I understand. I'll head out at once.

You see that? What is it?

Is that what the brass is after?

Sure is a high-flying bastard...

Where's it heading?

...Out of the city.

By appearances, an energy accumulation device.

Out of the city? The S.H.A.F.T.?

What did the Colonel call those things? 'Arc-01?' H.A.M.H.R.R.?

What the hell is that mad scientist thinking?

What the hell is that mad scientist thinking?

Idealism. Obsession. Curiosity. Initiative.

It's a trend that scientists are tied to these qualities.

Silence will admit, as a scientist herself, as a former Rhine Lab employee, that when she first caught that tremendous megastructure rising to the sky, she felt a faint tug on her heartstrings.

And a mortifying sense of pride.

This company she once struggled for was creating—no—had created a wonder of the land... of the sky. She should by all rights bask in it... shouldn't she?

Deception. Calculation. Sacrifice. Conspiracy.

She quickly comes to, realizing what this marvel was built upon.