act47side

Did you forget that we're Rhine Lab people too, Mr. Jagger?

I didn't want to drag you into this.

You're worried about the hearing? Hah, it's not like we haven't seen our share of trumped-up charges.

Those guards wouldn't have gotten onto this platform if you called us sooner.

Bunch of slumslugs trying to play the hero?

Possession of illegal equipment, destruction of property, aiding and abetting... there's enough to keep all of you locked away for years!

I'd already be locked away if Director Lunorey didn't take me in.

You wanna touch the tree, you have to go through us!

Don't threaten me with a good time!

Rhine researchers and testers form a wall against the guards attempting to enter, while curious onlookers on the outside look up at the towering 'tree'.

A tall, dark figure walks past the rear of the crowd, footsteps clanking.

So... this is Rhine's 'tree'.

It's an honor to see you here.

Oh, you flatter me, Mercia. I've been on an extended holiday and it's about time I got back in the saddle.

Are you here for the hearing?

Yes. The design of the Maylander Emergency Management Council badge is pretty nice. You should try one on.

Is my mission over?

Our mission has only just started.

What are your orders?

No rush. These past few days have been quite eventful. Other than Nasti and Gordon Tannen, are there any other stories that I should hear?

...No.

Good.

See you at the ropeway station in five minutes. There's so much going on with Propeller Paradise that I'm sure I'll need a local guide.

Understood.

(Broken muttering)

Sorry, I should have closed the window.

Company reps and testers are protesting on the streets. The longer the hearing takes, the more restless they get.

Are you feeling better?

(Weak breathing)

You're in poor shape.

You've already seen Director Lunorey. Perhaps I should send you back to the Convallis—

No... no...

Another no, just like last night.

Things will only get messier on Propeller Paradise in the coming days.

It'll be even more difficult to leave.

We're in jail again! They didn't even bother to change our cell!

The time of the hearing keeps changing... you think they might be looking for more evidence and stack even more charges on us?

Look, if they ask, I'm telling the truth that you're the impostor!

Come on, say something, you're scaring me...

You know, nomadic prisons on the barrenlands could become tourist attractions. The only problem is that it's much easier to get in than out.

You're still thinking about tours at a time like this?

You've already lost one client, and now you're putting your other one in jail?

I'll find her. And there's no need for you to worry.

How do you figure?

No trial, no ID check, no notice to appear... you think the guards are just stalling for time to find a way to charge us?

Yes.

I don't think so. I think it's a sign—

You and I are not the focus of this hearing.

Ferne and Oakley are in jail. Merry hasn't been seen since last night. All the phone lines at the registrar are busy. Everyone and their Originium slugs are looking for me and Nasti.

It's time I put what I learned from the old man into practice. I'll have an answer for everything. I have nothing to fear!

Looks like the old fox has lost his touch. No one's come to interrogate me yet.

Wait a second!

Phew... alright, I still show up as the chief executive of Propeller Paradise on the terminal.

Beep—'Sky Conqueror' is currently under excessive stress. Please remember your health. We are on a long journey that leads beyond Terra.

Dammit, are they gonna start that hearing or not? Everything would be over and done with if I were in charge! That old coot just keeps tripping me up. It's been this way for seven years!

Why haven't you gotten one bit better in the past seven years?

Gustave...

How would YOU do it, if you were in charge?

Uh...

You thought you could pat yourself on the back for stopping the Rhine inspections, thinking you could continue to run your little hustle worry-free...

What do you think ATAO was, a kindergarten? Is that how you ended up this naive?

Everything would have gone smoothly if not for that bloody tree! This is all Nasti's fault!

Smoothly? Even a junior assistant under Nasti saw through your tricks.

The whole country would've seen your dirty laundry if he weren't every bit as naive as you, so much that he came to me for help.

So tell me, how do you plan on dealing with it?

...Please... help me... sir...

Hmph. Whatever the reason Rhine had to build this floating unit, we can't let them continue to define their own creations.

The administration should have had full authority over this, but it has been excluded from the assessment, thanks to your incompetence.

You mean, we'll need a third party?

A scientific consultant who is objective, professional, with the appearance of impartiality.

Mr. Tannen. It's a pleasure.

He doesn't look like a scientific consultant at all... can he really handle this Rhine stuff?

I visited the floating platform in order to familiarize myself with the assessment subject.

It's certainly an impressive 'tree'. And there was plenty of activity in its shade.

Over our cold, dead bodies!

(Mr. Jagger...)

(Just bluffing.)

Did radiation from beyond the Starpod fry your brain or something? You really want to bleed for this?

You'll get your wish, then!

Stop.

That uniform... you're with Maylander?

We are with the Maylander Foundation's Emergency Management Council. According to the bylaws of Propeller Paradise, the Council has the authority to take over all administrative and management functions in the event of an accident or disaster.

You can check with Gordon Tannen and Gustave.

Emergency Management Council?

Yes, Mr. Jagger.

We understand your position, but we advise you to avoid any reckless actions. We are authorized to take extraordinary measures against you and your colleagues, if necessary.

So Propeller Paradise is in a state of emergency, and your preliminary investigation has defined yesterday's event as a—'special incident'?

Yes. The Council has established a special investigation team to obtain evidence from the scene and persons of interest.

The investigation is ongoing. A hearing is the only fair and just course of action, in the absence of an official judicial institution. We thank you for your patience.

Does Rhine keep possession of this 'floating botanical unit' until the hearing?

Of course.

I hope your investigation is as fair and just as the conclusion you just reached.

There is no need to worry.

The safety of the temporary floating platform has been ensured. Bravo is resuming patrol.

Are we just gonna leave, Mr. Jagger?

Maylander's authority looks real, judging from the reaction of the guards.

The hearing keeps getting delayed, and things are still in flux. We won't learn anything if we stay here. Besides...

Have any of you seen Director Lunorey?

A small sandbeast in the forest caught my attention. My knowledge told me that this creature usually makes its habitat in the barrens.

The frightened beast escaped into the bushes. I pursued it through thorn and briar, driven by curiosity, and found myself gazing upon an unexpected landscape...