Глава 11

Er... weren't you friends?

It's not my job to teach you how to be a mercenary, kid. But it <i>is</i> yours to read the map. Where do we go next?

Munitions Factory No. 11 is just ahead.

General Manfred gave us a pretty long list... these are all older workers who know something, right? Just take them somewhere with no witnesses and kill them?

I would kill everyone in the factory, if it were up to me.

All that crap about killing only the ones who know anything... does he have any idea how much trouble that is?

Well, he's the boss.

Whatever. Put away the list and let's go.

Feist!

Patto.

It's been a year. I missed you.

Sorry, I should have tried to send word.

Never mind that. I'm so glad to see you. For the past year, I've been telling everyone that you'd definitely come back alive.

Remember that vent over there? There's a bit of a platform outside the other end of it.

A few years ago, you said you would jump off it and onto the factory next door.

We were scared out of our minds. It was what, more than thirty meters off the ground? Fall, and you'd be dead for sure.

But you dared to jump. And then... Tommy jumped, Day jumped, and in the end I jumped too.

Whenever they ask me if I think you're dead, I tell them to look up at the vent.

Haha... we weren't afraid of anything, were we?

So these are your Self-Salvation Corps friends?

Hello.

Looks well-read to me.

I heard there were all kinds in the Corps. Guess the rumors are true.

The Doctor is definitely well-read.

I'm partnered with the Corps.

You have partners?

It's sounding more and more like the real deal, isn't it?

Haha.

So, why have you come back? Anything I can help with?

I—

Patto!

Ca—

Catherine... I'm sorry.

Get back to work.

Yes, ma'am.

But Feist is back, isn't he? He's not going anywhere?

Don't you worry about him right now. As for your friend, we should talk somewhere else.

Don't blame Catherine, Feist.

She's been protecting us from the Sarkaz for the past year. It's thanks to her that we haven't lost anybody.

There was one time when things got really bad, and she called on the leader of the Defense Forces to mediate.

But the Sarkaz have been putting more pressure on us, on Catherine.

I know, Patto.

I don't blame Granny one bit.

When I joined the Corps and truly understood what I was facing...

I knew what a difficult decision Granny had to make.

Alright, talk. What did you come back for?

We're looking for something.

Something?

Yes. A hidden Sarkaz supply line that's fueling their mad war.

We're certain the line ends here in the industrial district.

We need to find it.

Feist says no one knows the district better.

No one knows the district better than you, Granny. I'm sure you can help.

That's why I came to you.

Flattering me won't do you any good.

We just need a clue.

Yes, we won't cause any trouble for the factory.

Why do you think I would help you?

Maybe I already told Patto to call the Sarkaz mercenaries.

If that's the case... I'll have to flee with the others.

Tell me, how many died in that incident you caused in Sudean?

Do you remember their names? Their faces? Do you remember what they looked like when they died? Their last words?

I...

Don't rush your answer, Feist. And don't try to bluff your way through it.

I don't know what this 'Doctor' of yours thinks, but I know you. You think you're smart, but being smart isn't enough to fool death.

Catherine! A bunch of Sarkaz just showed up at the door...

Doctor, we need to get out of here—

They say Lt. Colonel Lettou, a Defense Force officer, wants to see you. You're to be escorted.

...What?

George, watch these two and make sure they stay put.

Care for a smoke?

Don't bother trying to butter me up.

Lt. Colonel Lettou wants to see me?

Yes.

We've been meeting our targets. Nothing for him to worry about.

Whatever. He wants to see you. Come with us.

Give me a minute. I have something to take care of first.

We're not asking, old bag.

I have to put someone in charge. This is very sudden, after all.

We can wait a little bit... can't we?

(Whisper) I don't think the General wants a scene.

Ugh. You have ten minutes.

Good enough.

Granny, why are they looking for you?

None of your business.

But—

Shut up and come with me.