act28side

As you can see, all that remains today is... the mayor's secretary, and a few temporary employees.

Ha... Haha, it's okay. If the bank hadn't generously provided us with free office space, we'd be out on the streets.

It's just the right thing to do. Besides, it's nothing compared to what you've been through.

Seeing as the government is still functioning, can we—

No!

I mean, as much as we'd like to help you, we simply don't have the manpower to support your work.

...Then, who's in charge of matters concerning our job here?

We've given full authority over that to the woman standing next to you. Go to her for anything you might need.

Absolutely. My door is always open.

...I certainly hope you can issue a formal document showing this authorization.

Mr. Secretary, when can she expect that document?

I'll have it ready right away! The official seal somehow went missing yesterday, so I've sent someone to go look for it!

Thank you.

Now then... I'm very much looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.

I'll show you to my office. Try not to dawdle, as we have many things to discuss before our work begins in earnest.

Sure.

Wait, just a moment, ma'am!

What is it now?

Um, well... It's been way too cold in here recently. W-Would you mind turning up the heat in the garage a smidge? Everyone's freezing down here.

...Of course. I'll always do my best to accommodate your needs.

Have you and your teammates decided on a rendezvous point?

Um... N-Not yet. B-But, it'll be fine. I'll find somewhere to wait for them on my own...

Achoo!

There's a diner in Davistown. Wait in there.

Wh-Where is it? Oh, um, you don't need to take me there. General directions should be fine...

Forget it, just come with me.

Huh? Is he.... one of the plate's residents?

That man... Why doesn't he have anything with him?

Excuse me! Sir! Where are you going?

Hello? Are you leaving the plate? It's not safe out here!

Over here! I'm talking to you! Look, over here! Can you hear me?!

Sir? Sir!

The man doesn't respond to Jessica's calls, and simply continues shuffling towards the snow in silence.

In front of him, the vast white stretches far into the distance, blending into the dark, ashen sky.

From Jessica's perspective, the vast snowfield gradually squeezes the man into a pale blue line. After a short while, he shrinks into a small dot, then finally disappears into the white.

Nothing remains to prove he was even there, save for the tracks he left behind.

Are you coming or not?

I... I'll be right there!

I'm back, Helena.

Woody? About time!

Wait... Where's Miles?

He was rescued by this girl's friends.

Um, and who are you?

I'm, umm...

...She's a merc I met on the way. Her communicator broke, and she got separated from her teammates. So I brought her into town to wait for them.

Mind if I take a look at the communicator? Might be able to fix it up for you.

H-Here... Sorry to bother you like this.

No problem. You guys saved Miles, so what's a little communicator between friends?

That said, why come here of all places?

...We received a commission from the local government to help Davistown restore its power facilities and get the plate back onto its navigation route.

Hold on, girl, could you repeat that? Restore our power facilities? You ain't pulling my leg, are you?

You should see the goofy grin on your face.

Young lady, regardless of why you and your companions are here, thank you so much for rescuing Miles... I've been so worried I ain't slept a wink in days.

Alright... All's well that ends well? Then, got anything to eat?

Didn't have nothing ready, but looks like you brought something back for me.

Oh, right.

A mother beast?

Sorry... It was my fault...

No use fretting over something like that, this time of year. Nothing beats meat.

Fair enough... Okay, you two, sit your butts down and grab something to drink. I'll prepare the meat—

Hey, why're you getting up to leave? Weren't you gonna eat?

Change of plans.

Sir... How badly damaged is the communicator?

Nothing serious. C'mon, let's go take a look around my warehouse. Might be some spare parts we can use—

Stop tinkering for a second and give this a try.

Deep-fried? Now this is the good stuff!

But... this definitely ain't enough for everyone.

If you're worried about that, then stop scarfing it all down! The poor girl still ain't had a piece!

Haha...

It's totally fine. He helped me fix my communicator, so... he deserves to eat his fill.

That barely counts for anything. It's so cold round these parts, we all gotta help each other out, just to get by. Give us a holler if you ever need anything.

Thank you. I appreciate it, ma'am.

By the way, I happened to see someone a ways out from the plate. He wasn't carrying anything, and wouldn't respond when I called out to him... He just kept walking deeper and deeper into the snow, until I couldn't see him anymore...

Did something happen to him?

You're a guest here, young lady. Don't worry your pretty little head over stuff like that and just fill your tummy first, okay?

Then... would you mind if I asked you two about someone else?

*sigh*... Kids these days. Barely stepped on the plate, and already so many questions. Alright, fine, ask away.

I wanted to know about a man named Woodrow Bianchi—

Who...?

Sorry, I guess you're not familiar with him. I'll try asking someone else.

No, that ain't the problem... You sure you're not confused?

Woodrow's the man who brought you here, though?