act33side

Welcome to Babel.

Babel Office, Kazdel

Did you manage to retrieve all our stray colleagues?

Yes. All's well with them.

The construction of Babel's facilities is proceeding smoothly. The school that you were so looking forward to is already complete.

Yet I heard that the unbeatable Dr. Kal'tsit had not too long ago been turned down. Perhaps even kicked out?

I did not foresee such a... direct refusal.

I'm not surprised at all, to be honest. To many Sarkaz, the invitation of the King is barely worth the paper it's printed on.

On the other hand, our 'connections' with Sargon and Rim Billiton have delivered good news. As for Columbia... Some scientists have proposed a technology exchange program.

They have their eyes on the ancient Sarkaz witchcraft, while we have need of their latest mobile farms.

It took us a century's effort to share an equal dialogue with these powers.

The results speak for themselves. You are creating new history, Theresa.

Thank you, Kal'tsit.

But I can tell you've had a lot on your mind recently.

The Military Commission has been formally established.

Babel's existence will spark yet another near-irreconcilable conflict in Kazdel.

Our staff comes from different races and nations. How should they live alongside the Sarkaz?

If your efforts to soothe enmity and prejudice instead become a fuse to spark conflict anew, what does Your Highness plan to do?

If we cannot even eliminate prejudice and hatred within the walls of Kazdel, how can Babel hope to achieve equality for the Sarkaz throughout all of Terra?

There will be members of the Military Commission posted to Babel soon. They will ensure the safety of our people.

This will also serve as a warning to some.

Babel is backed by both Theresis and me.

Oh, right! Did I ever tell you how I met a Sankta Messenger, Kal'tsit?

Strange. The Sankta do not generally dare to approach the borders of Kazdel. Was this why Your Highness disappeared this afternoon?

Was it that obvious? I thought Laqeramaline had me covered.

The Lord of the Banshees clearly tried, but judging from the results, she isn't the best pick for clerical work.

Well, what of that Sankta Messenger?

He was getting water from the river, and we struck up a conversation. We chatted about many things. History, peace, hatred.

Our viewpoints did not align on most things, but I could sense in him wisdom and intelligence beyond his years.

He had thoughts concealed within his heart, ones even he did not know of.

And so...

You used the power of the King of Sarkaz on a Sankta?

I simply wished to know what this fated encounter meant.

And... what did it mean?

It's still hard to say. But while I was looking at his soul, I felt that, perhaps... we are not so alone, Kal'tsit.

Many on this land are doing all they can to pursue hope. Hopes big and small, hopes bright and beautiful.

Ugh... That hurt... Are those people nuts or something? I just wanted to get a few nice things for myself, never even heard of any <i>Babel</i>...

He steadies himself against the wall, gasping for air as his vision begins to blur.

Fatigue floods his limbs, weighing him down.

Through his blurred vision, he sees another in front of him fall to the crazed attackers' blades. He knows he will be next.

I refuse to die here...

It's you or me, you bastards! Out of the way!

He uses the last of his strength to barrel his way out, but the only resistance he meets is solid ground.

All he sees is black.

Are you alright? Were you trying to save me just now?

There's so much blood. Why does it feel like I'm the one saving you?

Hold on, I'll bring you to Babel! Our doctors there can help you!

Hah... I'm still alive...

Hmph, who would have thought that those lunatics would decide to attack innocent bystanders in broad daylight to get at Babel. I don't know how the others are faring...

Hey, hey! Stay with me! I still don't know your name!

I'm... Good...luck...

Huh?

For the first time, he regrets giving himself this name.