Глава 11

What did they say?

They had a run-in with this squad when they evacuated from Sudean! They say these Sarkaz fight... well they're...

<i>Inhuman.</i>

The Vampire's men...

Notify all units. The operation has been cancelled. Prepare to pull out immediately.

There's no time. The Vampire fighters are moving way too fast... The Self-Salvation Corps has engaged them!

Change of plans. We're aiding the Self-Salvation Corps!

Where's the Cautus?

What Cautus?

Don't play dumb with me. She's been with you lot the last couple days.

I've no idea what you're talking about, and I'm not talking. Not even if you kill me.

Another stubborn bunch.

Urghh—! What's this... Bugs?! Bloody...!

Hang in there, friend!

Back in formation. Don't let the bugs on the ground separate you.

Defender operators, cover our allies' retreat!

Rhodes Island and the Self-Salvation Corps came here together, and so we will leave together!

We have a signal, Amiya!

Good.

Casters! Hold the shield with me!

Everyone else, get to the corner!

The Sarkaz casters raise their staves together.

Monsters made of blood rush up from underground. The entire street opens its gaping maw beneath the soldiers.

Nngh—!

There's too many of them!

Black lines cut through the flesh of the monsters, but even more rise again from the fallen, gnawing away at the Arts forming a defensive barrier.

The fighters run for their lives, but the stench from the predators' jaws is never far behind.

Finally, they make it into another alley, and find themselves face-to-face with an aura that is potent, pure and fearsome.

Stop.

The bloody tide stops in its tracks.

It was as though they ran into an invisible wall when they rounded the corner. The maggot-shaped Arts creations smash themselves into pieces, leaving bloody trails on the ground.

The empty street is completely silent.

Casualties?

We're fine. We got out quick enough.

I hope we've delayed the Sarkaz, made things safer for Allerdale and Siege...

Thanks, everyone, especially our Self-Salvation Corps friends. Thank you for being willing to take this risk with us.

Commander Clovisia calls Rhodes Island our most important ally. We're always ready to do what we have to.

Plus, if this Rhodes Island operator here hadn't helped us, that Vampire would've done all of us in a long time ago.

No need to thank me.

I've seen too much meaningless killing in Londinium. I must stop my compatriots who have gone too far.

Sorry, Doctor...

I thought I was just coming home with you.;Are we not welcome?

I had, er, a little fight with Granny when I skipped out of the factory last year.

A dozen big, bruising workers surround you.

Their eyes are filled with suspicion.

You glance at the drills and spanners in their hands, then at Feist, dressed like the workers, but here on his own.

Seems like it was more than a little fight.;Are you sure they're not hostiles?

I guess Granny is still sore at me...

I've got no reason to be sore at a dead man. I didn't even know my only grandson was still alive, 'til a minute ago.

I wanted to send a message, but it was too risky. The Sarkaz monitor all communications into Highbury.

I can't let the Sarkaz tie you to the Self-Salvation Corps.

So you joined that band of crackpots.

...The Londinium Citizens' Self-Salvation Corps.

We did a lot in Sudean, Granny. The Sarkaz control the media, and they call us an 'unnamed violent gang'...

You're the ones who blew up the wall.

Er... it was the Do...

The Sarkaz damaged the walls while pursuing the Corps.;Your grandson fought bravely in the battle.

Right... it was mostly the Sarkaz who did it.

Thanks, Doctor.

I didn't know you had such high regard for my rope work.

So you're here to blow up the armory?

Of course not!

What did you say to your Self-Salvation Corps friends? We're making weapons for the Sarkaz, to use against Victorians?

No, Granny. What I told them was...

My granny stands up to protect their livelihoods.

I know you think I'm a brat with little more than a couple of silly tricks.

But I didn't come back to drag the workers into this. And I'm not here to try to convince you, either.

I have my goals, of course, and it'd be brilliant if you were able to help me. But first—

I just wanted to see that you're safe.

Come here, and let me have a look at you.

Granny...

You've put on a few inches, brat.

Yeah, I grew a little bit.

I'll have the goods soon.

A suit of steam armor... how many men would kill to get one like it?

The nobles of Leithanien love to flaunt such storied antiques.

Oh, and do be sure to ask those Columbian firms as well. They might be interested, even if the tech is centuries old.

Getting it out will be no trouble at all. What business do you think I'm running in Londinium these days?

The Sarkaz are a gang of raving psychopaths, and they alone can't rule Londinium.

I have friends in the Defense Forces. They'll take care of it for me.

I've heard it has a few external blemishes, however. I do hope that won't hurt the price?

Why not cancel the deal, if you're so worried about the price?

Who's there?!

Don't worry, we just happened to be traveling the same way.

Get this intruder out of here!

Say... where are my bodyguards?

I've asked them to take a short nap. You can go and wake them once we've finished our chat.

All of them...? Against just one of you?!

One? Oh, my, no.

Look behind you.

You... this is Londinium! I've got friends in high places!

Oh? Where are they? Do tell, I bet I'd get on famously.

Eek! D-Don't do anything rash, now!

Play nice with us and nobody has to get beat.

Whatever Siege says, you do.

Otherwise, my claws won't be aimed at the wall next time.

A-Alright! I understand!

...Seriously?

You really got into it there.

I learned it from you lot.