Глава 12

It's really changed around here.

Ruins, corpses, and Originium dust floating from the dead.

I imagine you Rhodes Islanders don't need me worrying about your protection, being Oripathy specialists and all.

This war has been creating new Infected without end... and life under these circumstances can only make it harder.

They've been thrown into this chaos without warning, and they may not realize how cruel a fall it is yet. That goes for the pain of their illness, and the scars of war...

But they'll know soon enough, and twice over.

We all have a clear picture of how it infects and festers, how the people die in their confusion, or amass in their hatred.

And you've seen where that hatred leads, Doctor.

Reunion.

War's given people a great excuse. Without the veil of daily life, things could get even worse.

Whatever reason it is, we need to stop Theresis.

...And Theresa.

...Roger.

It looks like we'll have to part ways for the moment. So goes our line of work—always piles of things nagging at you to deal with them.

Right. I think I'll be seeing you in a bit.

Stay productive, now.

Bleeding hell, he... he makes my hairs stand on end.

Not even old PC Whitman ever made me feel so sick.

Alright, everyone, chin up. Welcome to the HQ of we merry Glasgow Gangers. I mean, I can guarantee it WAS at least.

Don't know how Baird's been running the gym since we left...

Siege, Morgan, you not got anything to say?

I...

Indra, love... I think I stepped on something...

Eh? Probably just someone's pet scarpering for the street aga...

The hell is... is that a...?

Amiya, don't look.

I've seen already, Doctor. In those illusions from the past, I've seen sights still more tragic than the ones here.

We're here precisely to ensure the situation doesn't unfold that far.

The hatted man led us here, then permitted us to act freely on our own wishes outside of the deal we made. His goal is clear to us.

He knows we won't be content with letting all this be, and he hopes the people here will credit the Duke he serves with our actions.

But I don't care.

I don't care how the Duke wants to use us. I don't care what kind of prestige she's hoping to rake in.

I don't care if this will impact some other duke's fight for their people's affections, or compel them to act in whatever way.

All that matters is I cannot let this be.

This isn't some disaster taking place in a country, in a city, in a neighborhood unrelated to us.

This is happening to each and every living person.

Trust has always been a fragile thing, collapsed in a moment, ever harder to rebuild.

Quickly, Doctor. We might not have that many pharmaceuticals on us, but we have to make all the use of them that we can.

There, that should be okay now.

Sorry, I'm not a professional doctor. This is just some basic first-aid.

We've stabilized your Oripathy symptoms, and stopped your wounds worsening. That's all we can do for now.

You need rest, and supplements. After that, it's down to luck.

Do you need us to bring you home?

No, no, no need!

Hunger knocked me out, that's all. Just, was sleeping for a bit on the pavement.

What... What'll you be wanting? I've got nothing to my name.

We don't want anything.

N... Nothing?

Go back home, sir.

(Here's some food. Keep it hidden. Don't let anyone else find out.)

Wh—Who the...?

Alright, alright. I'll be out of here, then...

(You've gone too long without food. Don't eat too quickly. You need to let your bodily functions recover bit by bit first.)

Right, got it...

Thank you.

Amiya, we have a lot of people staring at us.

Most of them with ill will.

Two groups are planning their moves and readying Molotovs.

I know.

But at the same time, the desperate have seen us too. And the ones hiding themselves in the dark, deathly ill, so have they.

Just the fact we're here might have been enough to relight a spark of hope in them.

After a violent collapse, any rebuild demands great care.

That's right, Doctor.

We don't need for the people to trust us, we need them to... reestablish their trust in each other.

That's what underlies a society coming back to life.

Someone's coming.

Doesn't matter. I'm stood right here. I'll stand in front of you.

This is our street, and we're pulling her back out of this chaos and anger.

Doesn't matter who it is. Bring it on.

Mind yourselves. Here they come.

Hey!

Is that—

(Oi, watch you don't fuss about nothing, Hannah. Nearly socked you straight in the gob.)

(You lot show off like a circus. You want everyone here targeting you?)

(Come on. With me.)

They're gonna run!

Shit! The Glasgows got in first!

Surround 'em!

Out of the way.

Ms. Ines, don't take them on. Not for now.

I... recognize a few of their lot. It's just the fear and torture's driving them mad.

Nothing they need to pay for with their lives.

(Head to the alley we used to bunk off at for snooker. Same door as ever.)

(Got it.)

(Baird, we'll... see you at home.)

Come with me!

Quick! Get a move on, don't lose 'em!

I... I haven't eaten for days, I can't run...

On your bike and get out of here, then! You'd eat dead people if you had any spine! I'm not your nanny!

You wanna go?

Who are those people?

Eh? Who else are they gonna be? It's the Glasgow bastards!

The Glasgow Gang, are they.

Are we getting them together, or am I getting you?

No, I reckon I've seen them before. And that one in the uniform...

Things here got more complex than I was predicting.

I need to move fast.

Is there a bigger ruckus in there today or something? Did a fire start again?

Should I go take a look, sir?

If a fire spreads...