act25side

Science lies in our hands, in the people's hands. You have to know its temperature, its weight, whether it burns people, whether it will bring suffering or if it will console.

Those people forever claim that they're the way forward, but all they do is set foot with wild abandon in whichever direction they wish to.

But, Silence, that is what progress is.

Nobody knows where the path lies. This is the walk they must take.

The fortunate will find the right place, and enter the light. The misfortunate will run into dead ends, and spin in circles.

But there is no way you can make them stop.

You're a researcher yourself. You know what's most unstoppable of all.

—It is craving.

Matter can't bind it, morality can't bind it, and rules can't bind it all the same.

Across this land, all throughout history, before Kristen, there were those greedy, egotistical, overreaching, stubborn people you speak of, and when did they ever stop?

And so, from now on, they must stop.

At the very least, they must stop, before stooping to see just what sits beneath their feet.

Director Jara, I feel—scientist's fuel should not derive from cravings and ideals, nor should it come from calculations and choices.

Science is a clear, incisive look at every one of us.

Silence, you've said something very beautiful. Fit to be hung in the corridors of a university library.

But I'm afraid not one researcher is willing to see that quote on the walls of their lab.

It is lip service.

And so, I will make it practice, Director Jara.

I don't want to give up midway, and I still have your blessing.

Silence, Kristen has spent a very long time readying this plan. I don't know how much she's poured into it.

But her determination can't be any less than her parents' was.

You're—

Fine... this isn't you, it's me.

I can't even watch this. I don't want it all to melt into thin air again.

In which case, Director Jara, what is it exactly that you hope for? To see Kristen succeed, or to bring her back safe and sound?

I know a researcher who goes by Ruby. Her greatest wish is to clock out on time and retire without hassle.

I just ran across a soldier. I imagine his only wish right now is to get out of this out-of-control S.H.A.F.T. without incident, and then flee the clutches of Trimounts and its scientific loons together with his family.

Is Control's wish any more lofty, compared to theirs?

Because the thing she wants—makes sufficient 'progress?'

Or is this simply because the feelings between you, and her—are sufficiently close?

Director Jara, you know this isn't fair.

You can't be this selfish.

I...

I... am this selfish. I can't use morality and justice to fool myself in order to let you pass.

We must concede what emotions weigh. Kristen has this dream. I can't just stand here and fold my arms.

Silence, you would understand this, wouldn't you?

But if we can stop Control, she could very well still—

She won't.

She won't, child.

I know full well... when she set this project into motion, she never planned to return.

Since long ago—even, since we first met, there has been no... taking back any of this.

Silence, it makes me very happy that you could stand in my way here. I can even say that I support your viewpoint.

But, as Kristen's...

...family, I still won't let you through.

Go on and show me. Are you really... prepared to bear every word you've said?

What you face from hereon is more than a single Parvis, or a lone Kristen.

What you face—is every person that attempts to forge forward.

I will. I must be ready. I promise you this.

A scientist must press forth, and is bound to press forth.

Perhaps, some—like Control, will be more proficient at the 'forward' portion.

But there must be someone to step up, and ensure that science—

—remains in the people's hands.

...'Preserver'...

I never thought it would truly be you.

But if it is, then how can you be...

Aiding in a little animal's mad schemes?

Or witnessing a young civilization take its first step beyond the cradle?

You came too late, 'Doctor.'

My wait... has lost all meaning.

Compared to... this, Trimounts has been a drop in the bucket.;......;...I need more explanation.

It's you helping Kristen. She used some means to get in contact with you.

Terra's history, civilizations, languages, races, technological attainments—I have come to know it all through Columbia's networks.

Hilariously, modern surface information transmission isn't even able to cover the globe, but your methods of mutually assured destruction happen to have evolved with competent efficiency.

Terra's methods are too primal and reliant on Originium, and with such conversion rates, realizing Kristen's attempt... The energy source required would be outlandish.

It's near to impossible that Terra could have the technology to solve this enigma. Save for—

Correct.

I gave her the last of my blood. May as well supply a new heart than watch over a dying light, perhaps.

You actually, honestly—

—Why do you not regret it? All your efforts over such an immense amount of time... all gone to waste.

Yes. Gone to waste.

I shut the project down personally. The orders were input by myself.

It's a decision I cannot under any circumstances regret.

It'll be soon, now. Very soon.

A giant tremor ripples out from somewhere far away. The lights within this subterranean space give a few flickers.

This being, calling itself the 'Preserver,' falls silent for a while, then seems to let out a deep breath.

Wh-What's going on?!;......;Could that be the S.H.A.F.T.?

It's only an infant's curious glance—

Yet what obstructions is it tasked to overcome?

8:11 P.M., S.H.A.F.T. energy accumulation abnormal

That Rhodes Island corporation has trained you well.

Huff... hff....

Can you still lift your arms?

I'm fine.

What about yours?

Relax, I buy my health insurance.

Are we going to keep doing this?

If you're still going to block my way, yes.

Alright, let's keep at it.

Wait, something's not right.

The temperature... Even if the S.H.A.F.T.'s preparing to fire, the temperature here shouldn't have risen this high.

The army has cut off practically every power source in an effort to stop it charging.

Including every security alarm and control system? Those morons—

Quick! We have to get out of here!

There are still some troops stationed up above, Director Jara. I'm counting on you to get them away.

Where are you headed?

Power to the control systems has been cut. Why does Control still have remote operation of this place?

Transmitter response is still strengthening. I... still have a chance.

Silence!

A heatwave washes with a burn past Jara's face. The Liberi researcher she'd never paid particular mind to before now continues straight inward, running deeper into the S.H.A.F.T.'s layers.

Jara is suddenly struck by a feeling that there is nothing, not one thing, that could get in that silhouette's way.