act47side

Look up on your way out. She might have the wind carry one to you, if she still remembers you.

You're not angry that I used Væla to complete Maylander's mission?

You also defied Maylander's orders in order to help her.

If it's to prison that you go from here, I would not consider it a shining example of Columbian justice.

No need to worry about that.

The Tin Man once decorated himself with drone parts that Mr. Selene discarded. Usefulness is not the only standard that he uses to judge.

And this little rebellion won't be, either.

Mm.

Ah... I think that's the one you were waiting for?

I'll take my leave, then.

Give me the parameters, Sky.

Transmission complete. Nothing out of the ordinary. The tree is in great shape.

But you already know that, don't you?

Just making sure the battle didn't wreck your brain.

The first thing I learned on the streets of Trimounts was how to fight. I wouldn't be here at Rhine if a fight or two could wreck my brain.

Until I come back, you're in charge of the tree's regular maintenance, any derivative projects, and all our staff, workers and testers in Propeller Paradise.

I need you on top of your game.

I got the projects, but the workers and testers... they have been asking what you liked. They wanted to give you a token of their appreciation before you leave.

They stayed because of you, Director Lunorey.

What did you tell them?

Uh... I don't know. I have no idea what you like... other than our work.

Take a <i>Starpod Wars</i> stamp to Pitt tomorrow. He'll tell you everyone's personality and interests.

Director...

The first thing I learned on the barrenlands was how to deal with people.

What do you like, then?

It's not hard to find out.

It's time to go. I'll leave the tree in your hands.

Huh? What about the one you were waiting for?

He's used to traveling alone. He's probably already left.

Left? But we're in the barrenlands!

He'll find a way.

Hey, stop. This is Rhine Lab HQ. Visitors need to register over there.

I noticed you the moment you walked in. Hard not to, given the clatter you make when walking. Did you just come back from the barrenlands or something? At least change your clothes, if you want to steal company secrets.

What the... director-level access? Who are you?

I-I'm sorry. I'll take you upstairs now. The others are waiting for you in the conference room.

Thank you.

...That's the gist of it. The rest of the details are on the slide.

Propeller Paradise has docked with Max, D.C.. The District will now proceed to perform repairs and take inventory.

Hundreds of tech firms, more than a thousand research projects on the sky and flight, and some twenty to thirty-thousand people... it could take months to complete.

Fortunately, Saria's negotiation with Jackson was a success, and the Rhine Engineering Section will be able to focus on their work at Propeller Paradise.

Sky Jagger is in charge until I get back. He's matured a lot.

Wow, you're actually developing the new guys.

Good work, Nasti.

Thanks for your help... I would thank you even more if you deleted the photos where you make faces with my appearance.

Nah, don't think so.

Say, aren't you gonna tell me about your mom?

No.

Something's different about you... not sure what, exactly, but in a good way.

Nasti...

Alright. I cried, I came to terms with a few things, and strengthened my resolve with a few things. That's all.

Ahem. I didn't leave my lab to watch your little tête-à-tête.

You've been a little too committed to science lately, Ferdinand. I'm almost starting to miss the days when you were scheming left and right to take over the company.

And why do you think I'm not doing that?

I'll ask you to recall that it was MY breakthroughs in high-energy physics that have kept all our sections afloat these past two years, ladies!

Yes, sure, thank you for your help.

I'm guessing Dorothy didn't come to the meeting because she didn't want to hear you gloat.

Hmph. She went back to Site 359 right after the inquiry. She said she had a few dreams... girl never looks forward.

Saria. Nasti's already sent the experiment results concerning the 'tree' to my mailbox. We're not here only to discuss the Propeller Paradise matter, are we?

Of course not.

Then who are we waiting for?

Perhaps you might be interested in seeing data from the Infy Icefield?

You're back, Maryam. Finally.

Sorry, it's been a long time since I've been in Columbia. Took me some time to fit my hoof-irons. Broke them in on the walk from D.C. to Trimounts.

I'm glad I didn't wait for you on Propeller Paradise. I had a car that could have taken both of us back to Rhine together.

...You know, I never considered that at all.

Someone obsessed with searching for death in every corner of Terra would be used to working alone. I figured.

It takes two people with director-level access to activate the core unit of that tree. I had wondered who Saria sent to help Nasti...

The legend is already a pile of bones in the wilderness. The media questions if the director of Rhine's Scientific Investigation Section even exists. There's definitely no better choice, but—

You want to know who arranged it? Justin Jr.

He had some investments in Čappat, and no sooner had I left the Infy Icefield than he got in touch.

He told me to go to Columbia, and straight to D.C.. I got Gustave's invitation soon after... Justin Jr. had obviously, let's just say, pulled a few strings.

Then why did you—

Why did I come back to Rhine? I found a fragment of that spherical superstructure in the depths of the Infy Icefield, where the rootless flowers bloomed the brightest.

You guessed it? Yes, it's the structure that Kristen's files mentioned. She said people in the old times called it the Stargate.

I'm sure Saria will share the information with you soon. Any more questions, Ferdinand? I thought not.

Haha. Nothing's changed about how you ask and answer your own questions, Maryam. You've left Ferdinand with nothing left to say.

Alright, looks like everyone's here.

This meeting is rather overdue. For the past two years, all of mainstream Columbian media and the tech tabloids have made the same judgment...

'The gap where Galleria Stellaria disappeared is a scar upon the Starpod, and a scar upon Rhine.' They've even come up with a whole narrative on the cancellation of Rhine's end-of-year cocktail party.

We were all busy, that's all.

Yes, but now we finally have some time.

The joint project between Engineering and Ecological had some unexpected twists and turns, but the final result was a smashing success. Nasti, you're now holding the key to a brand new domain.

...If we can keep it in our hands.

Maryam's discovery in the Infy Icefield has proven beyond all doubt that those strange tales that Kristen collected are, indeed, based on actual fact.

Perhaps it will help us rebuild dialogue with the old era.

And Muelsyse has brought back data from our observation station in Kjerag...

Data that's very interesting... or very dangerous.

I'm sure you've heard about the events in Bolívar. Twenty science teams have gone missing in the Black Flow.

Explorers and schemers will be excited if there are any developments with that swamp. Rhine should act too, Saria.

Magallan is already on her way.

The events and phenomena that have unfolded since Kristen's incident indicate that the most well-hidden secrets of Terra all lead to the same answer.

It will tell us the reason for Terra's existence, and whether it is a disaster or a brave new 'world' waiting for us in the future.

Rhine Lab has already made preparations, but that alone is not enough. We must respond to the fear of the unknown, and go boldly where no one has gone before...

What you said was absolutely correct, Nasti.

However, Rhine Lab must be the one to turn that key.

(Mutters) Whoa...

Of course, we'll have a make-up cocktail party.

What's this, Justin Jr.?

A newspaper sample. I would like you to think of a title for this article here before it goes to print. Are these scientists gathered to 'Mourn the End of Sky Fever'...?

Or preparing to 'Usher in a Tide of New Changes?'