act25side

I've notified Defense, but we can't keep them away for long.

And here I swore we got along well enough.

*sigh* How fragile a friendship is. Wouldn't you say, ma'am?

Justin, sir, I-I'm only here to ask you to invest, I don't think I should necessarily be in the loop on all this...

Aren't you curious, though? What could Rhine Lab have that scares these elites, and bureaucrats, and black suits in white gloves, so badly that they'd crawl out of bed in the middle of the night to get to work?

I... I don't know. A-A nanodroid that extends your lifespan forever... or something?

Nice idea. If someone came to me with a prospectus and technical prototype, you know I'd invest.

Ha... haha...

Um, I <i>am</i> wondering a little—

—why you'd call me up, of all people...

Have you ever heard of Stade syndrome, ma'am?

Huh? I-I've seen it in the files. A rare hereditary condition, I think?

Very rare, highly fatal, and extremely stubborn. Sufferers of it aren't usually expected to live beyond forty-five, and more than likely pass it on to their children.

I assume it was Rhine Lab that developed—

Look, no rush to win your potential sponsor over.

But, yes, fairytale ending, there's a miracle cure out for Stade syndrome, and while Rhine Lab had no involvement in the research, it goes without saying that many have reaped the benefits.

Pity it arrived a little late, is all. Old Justin Sr. died of organ failure from Stade syndrome three days before they finalized the drug.

Justin Sr.? He must be...

Sure was. And his son, Justin Jr., was informed out of the big wide blue, after struggling in fear for a decade and change, that he could live like a normal human thanks to the med.

Bam. The nightmare that plagued my family was gone. Like it never even existed.

Only later did I learn that the key element in the drug popped up when an intern researcher happened to mess up some reagents.

That's fate. Hah, that's how it goes.

I... um, well, at least you're free of the disease now.

Because of a random, dumb mistake?

The incapable might call it 'a twist of fate' and when the curtains are closed, pat themselves on the back for it, even.

They see it as a gift of chance.

But I—

I can't stand it. I <i>won't stand for it.</i>

I'll have this phenomenon safe and secure in my own hands. I'll grip it. I'll control it.

I'll dictate to it <i>where it goes.</i>

A Catastrophe alarm? Why does it have to be now...?

Justin, sir, we need to evacuate!

Ha, finally.

Justin Fitzroy Jr.

Well, if it isn't the Supreme Court, you've finally got me.

What is your pledge?

I pledge it will lead Columbia forth.

What guarantees that?

Is my participation not enough?

Your many 'friends' are dissuading me at this very moment.

They tell me Columbian law shouldn't allow your people continue in their unbridled ways.

If a mere fondness for sending out cases of money does unbridled ways make, then what, pray tell, do Kristen's actions sum to?

Justice, you told me that it's not for the protection of any sanctimonious 'ethics' that Columbian law works.

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!