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Regardless, I intend to find out where he is and what he's planning.

That utilitarianism, that impatience... he's rubbed off on you. We had hoped you'd be better than that.

I can only pray your decision-making will be more prudent while tracking him.

Nevertheless, I have faith that you'll keep me updated on his whereabouts.

What are you talking about, Advisor Blandus?

Neither of us is part of the Abyssal Hunter program anymore.

You're the weapons technology advisor for the Waterway Program now. Aren't utilitarian, impatient decisions the usual business in your field?

And shouldn't you be getting information about Ulpianus from Milliarium's official sources? Why involve me?

Of course, of course.

Just a momentary lapse in judgment. I can't fault you for carrying out your duty as Praefecta of the Sea Patrol.

I just ask that you remember what Ulpianus did for us, for Ægir.

Yes, speaking.

What? Missing?!

I'm on my way.

Who's missing?

One of the technicians on the Waterway Program has gone AWOL.

And you are...?

Avitus, from the Institute of Prehistoric Studies, Academy of Science. We study the documents and artifacts of the prehistoric civilization.

Irene, emissary of the Iberian Inquisition.

Jordi. Jordi Fontanarossa.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

And don't worry, I didn't come to lecture you. I simply felt it was my duty as a citizen of Ægir to free our landbound friends from their needless concerns.

Needless concerns?

What I mean to say is, Ægir understands that Iberia took measures proportionate to the extraordinary nature of the times.

We can find similar periods in our own history, or even that of the glorious prehistoric civilization.

The exclusion of outsiders as a necessary means of maintaining social order appears to be an inevitable step in the progress of civilization.

Besides, we welcome our displaced countrymen to return to the sea, just as we respect the decision of those who have opted to leave.

The consequences of their choices belong only to them.

I appreciate Ægir's magnanimity, Avitus, but the 'consequences' they suffered were...

No, it's nothing. Thank you for clarifying.

You're welcome—

Mr. Avitus, our landbound guests, please be informed that this area has been designated for investigation.

You are advised to proceed to another area unless you have unresolved matters here.

A Hand of the Saint?

The Penal Battalion used them to clean up Seaborn remains, but I never knew they could talk.

Apparently, our people who brought them to land did not have time to demonstrate their full capabilities.

Multi-purpose Support Equipment, commonly known as a 'Little Handy.' They currently offer 972 different function modules, excluding obsolete ones.

One can sometimes tell their affiliation just by looking at the parts and paintjob. This one, for example, belongs to the Sea Patrol.

Er, should I reply?

Um, we're very sorry, Little Handy, er, sir.

That would be unnecessary. It may be equipped with a voice, but that doesn't mean it's intelligent.

I assumed that with your technology, maybe...

It's true that the topic of simulated personalities has fascinated many a researcher.

The first attempt was created 230 years ago and continues to operate to this day. In fact, I can put in an application for you, if you wish to talk to it.

However, whether from the perspective of neuroscience, psychology, sociology, or anthropology, simulated personalities have proven to be rather disappointing in terms of their benefits to research.

Perhaps I've gone off topic, though. In short, they've remained the stuff of niche research, and we do not consider them suitable for widespread application.

The goal of all technological development is to empower humanity. What purpose is there in turning a machine into a human?

I see. Fascinating.

You said this Little Handy belonged to the Sea Patrol?

Only they would fit such powerful loudspeakers onto one, when quieter means of communication are available. I suppose you could consider it retro?

What sort of organization are they? Do they frequently undertake such investigations?

The Sea Patrol is part of our Legions. They perform a supporting role in combat, as well as regular reconnaissance, patrol, security, and disaster response duties.

Emergency sweeps like this are rare, but with the Waterway Program at such a critical moment, it's only reasonable for them to be on high alert.

Little Handy, am I allowed to remain here?

It is not recommended, but not forbidden.

Then I'll wait here. I'd like a chance to speak to the Sea Patrol.

Very well. And you, Jordi?

I'll be going. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?

Of course not. There's a limit to what I can answer outside of my specialty, though.

Perhaps I could show you to a place better suited for such a conversation.

The Sophontheatrum.

Did you sleep well, Doctor? You seem a little haggard.

It's the air pressure. And humidity.

Yes, the Ægir seem to have retained some of their aquatic traits.

Are you not feeling well?

Just a little short of breath.

Is it serious?

Don't worry, it's nothing.;Kinda, yeah.

Let me know if you feel any discomfort.

Besides...

'Besides'?

To be frank, I thought there may be another reason for your reaction.

Does anything about Ægir or the depths of the ocean seem familiar to you?

A little, but—no, not here.;...;Maybe, but only vaguely.

So you do remember something?

I'm accustomed to your usual silence, but now it's making me a little uneasy.

I know it might be difficult, but remembering even the slightest detail could be of great help to us all.

Sorry, I can't remember anything else.

It's okay, just try to relax, Doctor.

Seeing the Preserver has inevitably hastened the pace at which you recall the truth... Even though I had hoped you would not touch upon what you'd forgotten so quickly.

No one knows when your path of suffering will end. Not even yourself. In that, we are all powerless.

What we <i>do</i> know is that you've had an encounter with the abyss. The ocean is yet another path to your past, and we are finally upon it.

You seem excited.;Do I detect... satisfaction?

Yes. I've wanted to set foot in Ægir countless times.

Until now, I have waited on the shore, and drifted on the waves.

I have witnessed lighthouses and the armada turn from ideas to reality. Breogan had never given up on reestablishing communication with Ægir through such means.

But all his efforts ended in failure. Ægir never welcomed home their prodigal son, much less opened their doors to outsiders.

But now, they are even more eager to cooperate than I had anticipated. We need no longer waste efforts to persuade a proud and aloof giant.

I can't deny feeling happy about that.

You don't look particularly happy.;Is there something else troubling you?

I'm afraid there is.

Ægir's proactive stance indicates that they have a plan for making contact with the land.

But even the most moderate of their measures may seem too radical for landbound civilization. A single gesture of goodwill could cause a massive storm.

We should intervene as soon as possible.

The Abyssal Hunters are a good entry point.

The Hunters' situation warrants concern, too.

To Ægir, they are neither emissaries nor guests.

Having participated in the most radical project in Ægir's history, and 'come back to life' after being declared dead for five years... I worry that their return home would only cause—

Trouble?

Controversy?