Глава 7

When we were fighting the guerrillas, we could retreat and buy ourselves time to regroup. That won't be possible for their team. They won't even have an opening to catch their breaths.

This battle has a clear objective, and Amiya and Rosmontis's team can no longer afford any distractions.

You'll be safe with me.

I don't feel safe around you.;......;You're not staying with Amiya?

We should only take on responsibilities that we can fulfill.

After entering the sarcophagus, our communications will only further deteriorate.

At that time, we will truly be fighting alone.

Wait...

Doctor, please stay hidden for a while.

Why?

...If you don't want to, or if you're feeling claustrophobic, I won't stop you.

Ah... *cough* *cough*...

Where am I? How'd I blast my way down here... Is this it?

Huh? You're...

...Rhodes Island? What rotten luck I have today...

Hm?!

...What an unexpected reunion, Kal'tsit.

...You're gravely wounded.

What do you go by now, W?

Still W. Didn't have time to change it yet.

Hold up, why are you casually milling around a place like this? Don't tell me...

The old man's gone, huh?

Yes.

He died? How is that possible?

But... then again, he wasn't going to survive this. He never backs down, and never lets anyone through.

You sound a bit heartbroken.

Guess so.

That old fella was the only person who made me even give Reunion a second look.

Guess today... was that idealist's last.

He died a glorious death!;You don't understand anything.;Are you serious?

I saw him draw his last breath.

Kal'tsit, story time.

Do I have something to tell you?

You're asking me? You kidding? How do you have the nerve to stand there all calm like nothing ever happened?

The Sarkaz woman glares at me with eyes that I had never seen before.

Though she directs her words at Dr. Kal'tsit, her eyes are fixed on me.

Kal'tsit, you're working with Dr. {@nickname}?

You? Working together with Dr. {@nickname}?

Is there a problem, W?

Of course, assuming you're not like this bastard here pretending you don't remember anything. But if that's true, guess it doesn't matter...

Otherwise, your brain cells got fried by one of your weird experiments.

Well shit, either I'm the crazy one, or you are. But even if I am crazy, that doesn't make you any less of a loon.

You're still clear-headed, W. Let's save the small talk for some other time.

Don't wanna. What even happened? Just looking at you makes me want to puke.

But even if I'm trying not to throw up, this is just too funny.

Kal'tsit, you finally went bonkers too. Trying to tame the evil spirit of Babel?

Can't prove there are any memories left in this one's head. We're just working together for the time being.

This so-called amnesia... How are you so sure that it's not all an elaborate act?

It might have everyone fooled. Yes, everyone. You're fooled too, whether or not you want to admit it... That's the scorecard I got.

Kal'tsit, you're a monster, aren't you? A monster so smart you got a big, bright, glowy brain.

And a monster should know better than me what happens when you have another monster around.

There are too many creatures in this world that can be called 'monsters.' Throw the word around too much and it'll end up losing all meaning.

Or, you've just gone mad. That's a whole different matter.

What exactly do you know?

There's no place for you to cut in here, friend. When I finish with her, it'll be time for the two of us to have a nice, long chat.

There's no point taking things out on you. Either you have amnesia, or you're just pretending to have amnesia...

But this woman next to you is totally out of her mind.

I want to know—

Back then, there was only one person who entered the Speaker's Office and knew Theresa's whereabouts. Kal'tsit, you know what that means, don't you?

Of course. I know it better than you do.

Those were your words!

So what's the deal? What are you doing now?

Oh, I get it. You're trying to make another exchange. Tit-for-tat.

But it's Theresa on the other end!

Those who don't know the truth shouldn't let conjecture affect their emotions, W.

I have just a single conjecture: You aren't human. Like I said before, if you'll bargain Theresa's death with a murderer... you're just a monster.

You're not human, Kal'tsit.

I need to know the truth. And before I do, that thing next to you is a murderer; and I'll never show mercy to a murderer.

Ahh, I get it now.

You're bursting with motherly love, huh.

W, you said before...

'We're the same type of person.'

I don't know where you heard that before, you should pretend you never did. You and I are not the same type of creature at all.

No, W. We are, to some extent.

For example, you also want to put an end to Talulah's atrocities, correct?

...That's true. She's really pissed me off.

So, I need to get my merc back from her. That piece of shit only knows how to squander her people. Such a spendthrift. I'm worried she'll blow all our savings and leave me penniless.

Right, so let's deal with the Reunion problem first.

Sure. I got my targets. Wanna hear?

First is Talulah, that disgusting dragon lady upstairs.

Next is Theresis, the one that makes you want to sneeze as soon as you see him.

Those are some long-term plans.

After that, the third I thing I want to kill is standing right next to you: Dr. {@nickname}.

You're only third on the list?

I'm only in third place?

Hah. That's because I have something to ask you first, Dr. {@nickname}.

I got some some long, thorough explanations to pull out of you...

At this stage, we have a common goal.

By the way, because of what you did to our employees in Chernobog...

First, thanks for saving the lives of Dr. {@nickname} and the rescue team with your deal. Your 'deal' cost us thirteen of our operators.

Balancing these two things, I'm willing to give you a lift, for old time's sake. I'll take you to the command tower.

Kal'tsit... You really know how to gross a girl out.

I've always found you disgusting. I'll have to rearrange your face a little first, see which one of us comes out on top...

Mon3tr.

(Howls)

You bitch!

Mon3tr just grabbed her... and tossed her out like a ragdoll?

I don't have time to play with her.

Mon3tr, blast through the ventilation pipes, the walls, and the base's outer and middle protective layers along with her.

You old hag!! N-n-n-n-next time, I swear I'm giving you a slow and painful d————