act34side

And why does that make you skeptical?

Because it's an answer so perfect that it's either the incontrovertible truth, or was designed specifically to put our questions to rest.

Whether or not to believe the information he gave you will have an enormous impact on our warfare design.

If Ulpianus lives, then the most effective way to verify his claims would be to track him down, perhaps even question him directly.

You have been quiet, Advisor Blandus.

Do you have anything to add regarding Ulpianus?

You were once students under the same mentor, and it was your trust in him that led you to join the Abyssal Hunter project despite your reservations.

But I also trust your knowledge and ethics as an Ægir. You need not recuse yourself.

All I can say, Madame Consul, is that I can be accountable for every word I say here at this tribunal.

I will not intentionally put forward a hypothesis in his favor, nor will I make any conjectures that could hurt him.

That is all.

Sounds like you two are pretty close.;I guess even a loner has friends.

Ulpianus does not answer. The questioning continues, but Blandus says no more. Suddenly, he looks up towards you, as though he's sensed something.

You meet his weary gaze across the length of the Sophontheatrum.

He seems to have noticed something. The consul next to him and several other Ægir catch that peculiar moment, and some of them follow his gaze.

...;Em...

You look to your side and find the seat empty.

Don't mind me. Just a landlubber here to watch.;Sorry, am I interrupting?;Do I need to speak?

The tribunal has arrived at an adequate conclusion.

Gladiia, Skadi, Laurentina, and the rest of the Abyssal Hunters have made tremendous sacrifices and contributions to Ægir.

It is a blessing for Ægir that new ideas continue to emerge from their knowledge and experience even after five years.

They have demonstrated that they are both innocent and safe, and that their return at this stage of the Waterway Program is not a threat, but a reassurance.

Yet now our attention turns to another of the surviving Hunters, Ulpianus.

He has concealed his movements for reasons unknown, and has attempted to influence the other Hunters. Both actions clearly contravene his duty.

Based on our present information, we are unable to determine his motives, goals, or even whether he still qualifies as Ægir.

Ulpianus must be found. If his intentions are indeed benign, as Gladiia claims, our suspicions must be cleared through proper questioning.

Those whose questions have been answered may now leave. Those whose questions have not may continue their inquiries.

Do you have anything to add, Consul Gladiia?

The coral-shaped terminal at the center of the Sophontheatrum slowly closes and sinks into the ground. The space is now flat and empty, like a stage ready for a new play.

Gladiia stands alone on it.

I have told you all I know.

I have no objections to the tribunal's conclusion, nor to the suspicions cast upon Ulpianus.

People begin to file out, many turning to nod towards Gladiia as they reach the exit.

The remaining audience continue to ask questions, and Gladiia responds to each one, whether she is able to answer or not.

The water caustics cast by the dome weave a picture of light and shadow with the ring of light surrounding the space, dancing on Gladiia's expressionless face.

Even as an Ægir, I find this hard to understand sometimes.

They fling words at her like spears one moment, then thank her for her contributions the next.

They're sincere, you know. Science requires people to separate facts from feelings, and they're good at it.

I know. I'm just... *sigh* Never mind.

As for Captain Ulpianus, all they have are suspicions. Swordfish, the Doctor, Kal'tsit... someone will think of a way.

What next?

We wait for Swordfish. Which, unfortunately, will take a while. *sigh*...

You're sighing too?

She used to visit the Sophontheatrum to watch plays whenever there wasn't a mission. Sometimes I went with her.

Captain Gladiia...

She's fairly well-versed in the arts. Her mother's influence, supposedly.

Unlike everyone else, however, she liked the highest, furthest seats, so I would always end up having to sit apart from her.

Why?

For her, keeping the distance helps filter out the noise. Ignoring some of the finer details makes it easier for her to fully immerse herself in the story.

Right now, though, she's the one at center stage.

She’s lost her accustomed sense of distance, becoming the subject of judgment, scrutiny, and discussion. No one in her position can remain unperturbed.

I'm starting to get why I sighed.

Why?

Because only now does it really feel like we're back.