act37side

Day off.

Alright, I've been off. Now, which message should I read first? Investigation report on the Arts Circle remnants?

Oh?

Vina sees Lieutenant Shearer's name. Another letter.

She sighs and drops it in the 'Pending' bin.

Delphine, is this—

Hey, Vina! We caught those robbers you were on about and taught 'em a lesson!

Targeting frail Oripathy patients. Scum.

You know what's even worse? We got a bunch of cowardly wankers who wanted to join the ranks.

It's a good job you got the news quick and didn't give them a chance to grow.

I wish I could go out and move about.

Don't worry, I gave 'em an extra punch for you.

And I saved your share of the thank-you gift.

Wait, we're not collecting protection money—

When was the last time you had candy since we got back to Victoria?

Indra...

The lad who got robbed said he made 'em himself. A risk with every mouthful! It's not like you ever liked normal candy sticks.

He said he couldn't get his hands on regular sweeteners, so he's tried potatoes, carrots, Originium slug fluids...

I tried all of 'em. Didn't throw up or nuffin.

Sounds like a real pick-me-up. Can I try one?

Sure! There's plenty.

Are you okay, Vina?

Fine. I've had worse.

What about your Speaker duties?

Yeah, what are you worried about right now? New laws? Announcements? Reports?

Any work you need us to do? Especially the ones that involve punching which you can't do yourself.

I even took on a new lackey today! He's built like a straw, but I can teach him a few moves to defend himself.

It's time for Glasgow to rebuild. When can we go back—

Indra scratches her head. She did not need her friends' reproaching glances to realize she should not have asked.

Vina glances across her desk, where the mountain of papers has not grown any thinner.

Delphine walks to her side and takes the letters that she was holding.

I think it's time to give a public answer to the issues that concern our citizens. Most don't come to listen to Parliamentary debate, but they'll listen to the radio at the end of a long day.

The situation in the city is stabilizing. I've requested a third engineering team for Norport. Soon, our home will be back to the way it was.

BETTER than the way it was.

You can go back to Lynncardine, Delphine, once we've taken care of this business.

Diane?

Lieutenant?!

I'm retired... Sarah.

Oh, okay. Sir.

I thought you had declined the Sanatorium's invitation.

Just coming to visit, and to thank you again... I hope you don't mind.

I don't remember much, to be honest. The doctors say the rocks have gone into my head—your hands are trembling.

No need to hide it from me, sir. I haven't forgotten what you taught me.

Looks like addiction symptoms. From the war?

Excessive painkiller use. After that thing at the walls.

You must stay. I'll go for a doctor. Maybe they can...

At least find you some—

More painkillers? Yeah, maybe that would soothe the pain.

That's why you're here, isn't it? Supplies are short, but maybe they can spare some.

Lady Delphine has been very good to the Sanatorium, and to us.

Just a moment. I'll be right back.

He wants to stay. Maybe he could really get some painkillers, even if there is little enough to spare.

Phew—

Oh, where did he go?

Hey, watch where you're going!

Whoa, keep your distance. Something's not right with him.

The Speaker's office is... this way... argh...

He just toppled over! Another of those poor Infected sods?

Stay away from him! We're all goners if he shatters...

I'm... not... argh... my body... I can't...

I'll go get someone! Keep your distance, everyone!

Shearer collapses on the street. The rays of the setting sun are not particularly bright, but they are enough to hurt his eyes.

Or, perhaps, it is his body's way of reminding him that only another deep-seated desire can mask the pain.

He tries to adjust his breathing, like he instructed the soldiers fighting pain during the war...

But he fails. He has already lost the fight.

Shearer sees fire. It is so hot he cannot open his eyes. The sky burns. The walls burn. He burns—

He sees the day when he lay on the ground beneath the walls.

The walls of Londinium burned with Draco fire, burning brighter and brighter, until the flames consumed the sky.

He cries out in fear, and tries to cover his eyes—

...Lieutenant...

Lieutenant... Shearer... wake... up...

He sees a hand reach out towards him.

...Lady Delphine?

I have been waiting for you, Lieutenant.

I saw the letter you wrote to Vina... but you avoided me, just like you refused my offer of treatment.

She never read my letter... did she, Lady Delphine?

I can guess what you wrote.

I'm sorry, but I can't help you here. We both know the state of medicine availability in Londinium. You can't stay here.

Where can I go?

Lynncardine.

No! I...

I wasn't asking, Lieutenant. This is an order. And don't give me that excuse about being retired.

I know why you hesitate. I know what you fear.

You're afraid to face the senior officers who betrayed and abandoned you at Irnclad Galavae...

You're afraid that you won't come good on your loyalty to me and my mother, and you're afraid to return home like this. Aren't you?

I... I don't know...

You're not as strong as you think, Lieutenant. And I'm not as weak, or noble, as you think.

Our home is Lynncardine. Not here.

The war is over, Lieutenant. This soldier should go home.

Don't be afraid. I'm going home with you.

Let's go.

(Sob) But how... how do I make it home, when I'm like this...

I'll take care of it. Did you really think I would abandon you just because you didn't come looking for me?

Thank you... Lady Delphine...

Will you return to Londinium?

Yes. I promised Vina. But she may have to wait.

I'll make arrangements for you to get treatment. We'll depart once I've taken care of what I have in front of me.

Yes, my Lady.

Lynncardine... I'm coming home, Mother.

<p=1>Knights of the Tower Watchtower Backyard</><p=2>December 22nd, 1098, 5:32 P.M.</>