act42side

Calm down. We figured out what's going on. Somebody forgot to set the right parameters when testing a gun at the firing range. Accidentally overloaded the power grid.

Engineering's on it and the power should come back any minute now... although, something doesn't feel quite right.

It's pitch black. Of course something doesn't feel right—

That's it! Where's Mr. Cliff's halo? It should be shining like a lamp—

Mr. Cliff?!

Woody?! I'll get a doctor!

Woody... no...

Mister Ezell... your halo... your wings... what...?

I'm fallen...?

Why...?

W-Was it my fault?

Ugh—Laterano...

Seniora Lemuen!

Saw you from across the street, but you didn't answer when I called your name...

Oh, I'm sorry. I was about to—

Oh, I forgot! It's your first day!

Let's see. 'Your Eminence, Cardinal Lemuen', is that right?

It is giving me goosebumps.

Hey, from submitting the application to becoming a cardinal's aide to finally getting the job, all it took was two years, right?

Isn't that a new record for the Seventh Tribunal?

It took much longer than breaking the wheelchair speed-shooting record.

Huh?

Just a joke.

Well, we all look up to you.

There are two hundred households up and down three streets waiting for you to deliver the cystymilk for their morning fruit tart and post-meal desserts...

Meanwhile, how often is a cardinal's presence really needed for diplomatic and national security business in Laterano?

Who's to say which one of us is more important to the city?

Fair point. Guess I should get to work!

I'll leave your cystymilk at the door. Two servings, as usual?

Yes.

Where's Seniora Lemuel working, anyway? One day I hear it's a logistics company in Lungmen, the next day I hear it's security for that pharma company called Rhodes Island...

I miss her. It's been a long time since I last saw her.

Who knows? Maybe she'll just show up tomorrow. And she wouldn't be happy if the fridge were empty.

You got that right.

Hm, isn't this a bit of a detour if you're headed to the Seventh Tribunal?

Just visiting a friend I haven't seen in a long time.

I see... have a nice day, Cardinal Lemuen.

Have an uneventful day. May the Law be with you and me.

Have a nice day.

Lemuen greets a few familiar faces on the way, then makes a turn at a corner, onto an utterly unremarkable street.

The clouds cast their shadows on the pristine paths. A breeze brings the sweet aroma in the air along with it. Soon, the surroundings grow quiet, as Lemuen approaches her destination.

Her life has undoubtedly changed. But her steps are light. She gladly welcomes these changes.

Lemuen has always been that way.

The Laterans have always been that way.

'Have an uneventful day. May the Law be with you and me.'

Lemuen utters those words.

At the end of the street is a massive building that nearly touches the clouds. The streamlined structure seems decidedly out of place amongst the low profile of church buildings around it.

It is no exaggeration to say that it virtually appeared out of nowhere, yet it also seems like it has always been there.

It welcomes Lemuen's arrival with open arms.

Wait a moment, Senior Executor. So you never intended to bring Arturia back to Landen Monastery?

I never stated that I would.

Well, if you won't, I will!

There are certain things I must still ascertain with Arturia.

Now, now, Federico, it won't do to torment a poor nun like that.

Richele?

Did you have to run away so suddenly? All I did was joke around with you a little in front of that confessional.

What was the joke?

Uh, okay... anyway, I know this fugitive's a tough one, so I brought reinforcements.

Giving up my chance to witness the Nativity in the process. Aren't you touched?

I never requested assistance from the Notarial Hall.

I know, I know. You hardly ever work with the other executors.

You think I volunteered for this? Special orders, jointly issued by all seven tribunals of the Curia.

Pretty shocked when I got the orders... for a moment there, I thought Arturia had convinced you to commit treason.

I have no such intention, and she has no such power.

I have completed my assessment and determined that any risk to the Curia can be eliminated. You and your men may stand down now, Executor Richele.

Are you defying the special orders, Federico?

You have no authority to refuse.

My orders were to oversee Federico's apprehension of Arturia before the Nativity, and to bring both of you in, should there be any suspicious behavior.

Not so fast, Senior Executor.

Were you talking to me, Seniora Arturia?

Of course.

I've been sitting in that monastery ever since I got back. I think I would like to stretch my legs for a while longer still.

It's been more than a decade since I last saw night fall upon the Holy City... the view from this spot is remarkable.

So you're resisting arrest... Oh, I do so hate overtime.

Stay behind us, Sister Hildegard.

You do the honors, Federico. You've been on this criminal's case for years. No one knows her tricks better than you.

Looks like the Lateran has long had its eye on you, Fede.

Raise your gun. It won't be the first time.

Arturia stands at the edge of the roof. Federico has many questions, but he can see that her fingers are already touching the strings.

Behind her, Federico sees the Shrine of Nurtury, so tall he cannot see the top, and the infinite crowd meandering towards it.

Richele and his other colleagues stand behind him. Federico hears the sound of weapons being locked and loaded.

Tension runs high. It is as though he must prove something as executor.

There is no time to think. Federico raises his gun.

You have admitted to escaping confinement, Arturia. By the authority of the Lateran Notarial Hall, I am hereby reassessing your danger level and apprehension procedures.

You must fulfill your obligations as a Lateran citizen and work with us to resolve any threat to Laterano.

Without warning, the muzzle of Federico's gun flashes.

At the same time, music pours out of the cello, becoming one with the hymns emitting from the direction of the Shrine of Nurtury, drowning out the sounds on the roof.

Ugh—!

Federico! What are you doing?!

I shot at the building beside you. I did not strike any of you.

But... that hurts... <i>Mastigia!</i> I think a rock hit my head... am I bleeding?

Do you know what you've done, Federico...?

Yes, you are bleeding.

I will submit a detailed report once the incident is resolved.

...I will include a detailed explanation of the head injury you have suffered.

That was decisive, Senior Executor.

Now, how do you intend to handle all these unconscious people... what are you looking for?

Richele has an annual pass for the confessionals. They can deliver these people to a hospital.

Now, share your discoveries and work with me to resolve any dangers to Laterano.

It's just a guess.