act34side

Contact the Academy of Technology, and tell them we have a proposal for modifying our weapons' targeting systems.

But... recalibrating two Legions' worth of auxiliary optical systems would take a lot of time.

What about using a lighthouse on land?

Irene.

It seems we arrived in the nick of time. A dozen or so lighthouses on the lost coastline have resumed operation. They're... responding to your Waterway.

Combined, they should be enough to illuminate this entire patch of sea. Maybe they could serve as your auxiliary optical systems?

I'm hardly an engineer, but these lighthouses were built with Islander... er, Ægirian technology. They should be compatible with your existing systems.

That should cut the time needed in half. I'll let Consul Clementia know.

...Thank you, Irene.

The Inquisition would be overjoyed to see these newly unclouded Eyes become part of the combined defenses of land and sea. We're partners now, Secunda.

Though maybe we should be thanking Breogan instead.

Breogan...

He truly dedicated himself to these lighthouses.

A naval architect drifting into a foreign land, striving for the day when land and sea could work together. He foresaw calamity, but left no answers behind.

It's a pity that Ægir saw him as an outsider, while Iberia never truly accepted him. He died alone and miserable. But now, his plans will finally have the chance to become reality.

...We acted far slower than he did.

Indeed.

But it's not too late. Or rather, now is precisely the time.

Let's get started, Irene.

I'm still more used to you with your veil on, Horatia.

Hmm?

Did you show off the scar below your ear to let Gladiia know that, as her mother, you will tolerate her setbacks just as you accept the blemish she left on your face?

Hah, I'm not <i>that</i> strict a mother.

With her left hand on the astrolabe, Horatia's right hand softly strokes her cheek below her right ear, where a thin scar stretches upwards, nearly touching her eye.

There is a smile on her face.

But this is no blemish. It's beautiful. Trivial for a doctor to erase, but I refuse.

My little Gladiia was barely five at the time. She was taking her first career development assessment, and through this made her wishes rather clear.

You don't know how glad I am to see her grown.

She's certainly more suited for the life of a legionnaire than in the Institute of Social Planning or Institute of Scientific Development Planning like you expected.

No matter. Whatever field she joins, she is sure to excel. She was born for Ægir.

I remember when she was two, the Institute of Incubation said your disposition and the nature of your work made you ill-suited to raise her, and suggested you place her in their care.

They said the same when I first decided to raise her myself. Saying that again two years later would not change my mind.

But what truly pleased me was seeing young Gladiia reject it as well.

I wouldn't say you have the best bond as mother and daughter, but you do have an odd kind of rapport.

Alright, that's enough, my little manta ray. I suspect we have more pressing matters to discuss than reminiscing about my daughter.

...Can you please not call me that?

Very well, Consul Clementia.

While we spoke, every city in the home territories has been conducting an unprecedented investigation into the Church of the Deep.

As the core of R&D, Blandus was able to tamper with the Class IV weapons, but his actions should absolutely have been detected at some point before they were put to use.

Meaning there are many behind him fanning the flames.

All members of both Academies who had anything to do with the weapons' design, manufacture, and maintenance are receiving the most thorough investigations possible.

In response, the Church has brought their full influence to bear. By grasping at a single leaf, we may be able to pull out an entire rotten branch.

And with Mártus, no doubt we will be able to identify the Church's deepest roots.

...Ægir itself is undergoing a grand surgery.

Surgery to cut out a festering tumor. Isn't it?

The Waterway is open, and the fallen who corrupt our nation have been revealed. Both are of great value, as I see it.

Are you trying to console me over the superficial Waterway Program's failure? To tell me that the sacrifices Milliarium made were not without meaning?

Why do you insist on double negatives? They make you seem weak.

There is no such thing as a 'superficial' program in Ægir, Consul Clementia.

If the IDP has approved a program, it means its planning and members are entrusted with the hopes of Ægir.

We believed you are capable of using the Class IV weapons to purify our waters and open the Waterway. This has always been an official part of the program.

...Yet it failed.

The theoretical success rate of oceanic purification was never high. However, the Waterway Program was a guaranteed success.

Did I not promise you that, before you set off? Trust in me. Trust in Ægir.

I don't doubt that even if this city were to sink, consigning all ten thousand or so Ægir souls in it to the depths, the Waterway would still open without hitch.

However, of all the possibilities you've accounted for, how many call for sacrifice?

How I wish this meeting of ours never had to happen, Horatia.

Is that why you've worked yourself to the bone, my little manta ray?

I've read the reports on Milliarium. As consul for the entire city, you need not throw yourself into each and every little affair.

The stimulants you abuse will not hide the exhaustion on your face.

You really have thought of everything. As you always do, Horatia.

All these losses and sacrifices, the falls and the betrayals, even Mártus's secret... Are you not the least bit shaken?

Speaking of Mártus... You've reminded me of something.

Of what?

Mártus regards himself as the 'gardener of sin'. At times like these, he is wont to hide himself behind history.

I can infer why he'd seek cooperation from Dr. Kal'tsit, but from the way you describe it, those 'discussions' quickly devolved into a vapid declaration of war.

I find it difficult to imagine he would be satisfied with such a failure of negotiations. That is, unless he gained some other information...

We will continue to track his whereabouts.

Are you hiding something, my little manta ray?

Clementia does not answer. She instead raises her head to look at Horatia, face to face. With the simulacrum erasing the distance between them, she knows that Horatia will be able to see every detail of her expression.

But the curve of Horatia's lips do not change, her eyes are as gentle as ever, too.

Clementia hopes that her own expression is as firm as hers.

I am still the Chief Designer of Warfare on the Waterway Program before you arrive, Horatia.

Naturally.

Your calculations may have arrived at the correct outcome, but I had to handle the situation in my own way. The Academy of Science and Academy of Technology each have their own duties.

Hmm... Yes, of course.

I only hope that this obsession with self-reflection will not cause any complications. Your keen judgment must stay unclouded.

I won't let that happen.

*sigh* Here, come a little closer. We still have some time.

Kal'tsit, Rhodes Island, Iberia, the Inquisition... You'll be busier than ever soon, so best not keep frowning like that...

(Rapidly convulses its gelatinous body)

(Quizzically sways fine tentacles)

Trying to run?

Smart. Your kin are behind this wall. A lot of them.

It's the end of the road for you, though. What a pity.

Ishar-mla?

Ishar-mla.

A sudden voice, tinged with surprise.

Skadi turns, looking towards its source. A conical creature exuding light leaves the shadows of the buildings, shielding the two cornered Seaborn with its body.

Leave, kin.

Through the eddy ahead, return to the sea.

You're so honestly gentle with them. Disgusting.

I'm guessing you're the leader?

Our meeting was preordained, Ishar-mla.

Huh? You know me?

Skadi grips her sword tightly.

Ishar-mla.

From Sal Viento to Gran Faro, from the Stultifera to here. You scum have been watching me this whole time.

What, do you see your 'god' in me too? Are you here for 'family,' or revenge?

(The nuclei within its skull rotate slightly)