Глава 7

But the op is what matters. A plan is just a basic outline of an operation. And a misstep during an operation can shatter a plan.

I hope we don't have any bad omen specialists here.

Uh oh... that ain't good! We have a problem!

Dust density is still too low. This isn't going to work with that light angle.

We're in the open here! If they look down from the bridge, they might spot us before we're fully operational!

But we can't cover the machine any more than it already is. If we block the airflow, we won't get enough of a current going to kick up the dust!

What do we do? Should we keep moving back...? We might not have time!

...I'll take care of it.

Firewatch, keep an eye out, and tell me which way to adjust.

Lady? What... are you doing?

Fixing the angle of the light

To mitigate the suffering of the world... I believe even the sun itself will bow to me.

Oh? Who's that on the dune? Nearl? They're not saddling up and not falling back?

What's she doing? Meditating? Posing... is she posing here?

...No, wait, what's that light? Her whole body is glowing... No, uh oh! Too bright!

Um, thanks, Captain...

Thanks for covering my eyes, but it would be great if you weren't squeezing like you wanted to crush my skull.

What is Nearl doing?

She's okay? Well... you say that, Captain, but that light is brighter than the sun. What is she up to?

Huh? No way... she's pulling in all the light around us?

Woah.

Captain, all the light is starting to form together.

I know. I'm just saying, could anyone but the Radiant Knight do something like this?

Captain, look at the shadows of the sand dunes. Can you even tell what time of day it is?

*Sigh*... I'm just trying to brighten the mood here. And once we kick up that sandstorm, we won't be able to see the shadows, right?

Shutting up. Sorry.

Take us up! We've got some weird-colored balls clipping us!

Don't be scared, Instructor. Reunion casters aren't good enough to shoot us down.

We're just a distraction, no need to put on an air show for Reunion!

Put on a good enough show and Reunion might just surrender, huh?

Isn't that what they call a show of force?

Aerial acrobatics isn't a show of force!

Hold on tight, Instructor!

—I need a barf bag!

The device is fully functional! Amiya, we're ready to move!

Roger!

Drivers, maintain a steady speed! Check your maps. Use the sandstorm to cover your approach to the core city until you're in range to deploy boarding gear! Engage!

The sand will cover our tracks. Remember your protective gear, and don't let sand into our sensitive equipment!

But... I can see the sun. Why is the sunlight breaking through the sandstorm?

The underside of the core city is so clear, it's like... Arts.

This wasn't... part of the plan. Is that natural light?

...Don't worry about it!

Roger that! Grappling hooks, prepare to fire! Operators, make sure the cables are securely fixed to the underside of the city!

Once all our operators are aboard, the vehicles will depart at once! I don't usually say things like this, but I'm pretty sure that light just now is a good omen for us!

...Definitely!

(I made it a little too intense and had to aim it at the ground, but let's not tell her that part...)

Hold on, the core city is speeding up?

Our machines are wind-driven, but they can only keep the sandstorm up within a one kilometer range! If they break that range, they'll spot us for sure!

Hurry up, everyone!

We're out of time! We have to slow down!

If we drive out of the sandstorm,, Chernobog's optical detection system will pick us right up and blow the whole op!

How many people do you have left? Hurry up and...

There aren't any left.

Huh?

I'll do it myself!;(Silently put on a dust mask);Pass me the carabiner. I'm going myself.

It's too dangerous, Doctor!

You've never had operator training! We can't send you up there alone!

Didn't Dr. Kal'tsit assign you any battlefield support?

Nope. What of it?;......;Maybe she thought I could use the exercise myself.

I did.

Me.

Kal'tsit grabbed by the waist with one arm and pulled you onto the zipline with the other.

Seize your own fate next time, Dr. {@nickname}.

The sandstorm was ferocious, and the 'arm' holding you was very hard. You couldn't be certain it belonged to Kal'tsit.

All squads, take your positions!

There is no room for error in the operation to come!

10:30 a.m.

Core City Foundation

Yeah, this is definitely a sign of someone breaking in here.

Confirmed one infiltrator.

We can't be sure if that bloodstain over there is Reunion's or someone else's. It hasn't turned yet.

It very well could be Officer Ch'en's! We have to hurry.

Oh, Doctor!

I'm glad you made it here safe.

You call that safe...!;...close.;I had help. You were this close to losing me.

...Oh? Huh?!

Th-that dangerous, huh? Did you get hurt, Dr. {@nickname}?!

I'm fine. Let's go. Just some psychological trauma.