Глава 14

I think something's wrong with the diffractometer's sensor.

Nothing's wrong with it.

You see, Viktor? I'm getting the same results.

It's not always the equipment's fault that you're not getting valid data. The data itself may exceed the scope.

Originium reaction metrics are above the default limit.

They're coming, guys. We have three minutes.

Viktor is the youngest of us. If nothing else, we should try to get him out...

Who did you think was the reason that I signed up for the Londinium operation?

Never could just do as you're told, could you?

How are you doing over there, Closure?

Still alive. I've got my drones, and they're loaded with—

I think I hear the sound of drones crashing.

They used to be your babies.

Haha—

You knew it when you ordered the Self-Salvation Corps to pull out, didn't you? That was the last chance to escape.

The Originium activity data is incomplete.

I need data... from all of you.

Amiya's not here, so you're my captain, Closure.

We all talked to Amiya before we came to Londinium.

Stop a war, and save both the Victorians and the Sarkaz? With just the few of us? That's next to impossible.

But I chose to trust all of you. Trust in the dream of Rhodes Island.

There isn't a single Rhodes Island operator who doesn't want to see the day when there is a cure for Oripathy, when everybody's living a better life. Doesn't that sound ridiculous to most folks?

My only regret about dying here... is that I won't get to see that day.

Did you get my data, Yvres?

Yup. Just sent the newest batch of data over, Captain.

Oh, and I'm not that selfless, so don't forget to put my name in when you publish your paper.

...Will do.

'Communication failure detected. Signal lost imminent.'

'Importing energy fluctuation data. Initializing automatic analysis module.'

'Catastrophe scale confirmed. Developing prediction model on Originium induced environmental changes for the next 24 hours...'

'Bzzzz—Captain, shield... damaged...'

'They're... about to...'

'Hang in there... Yvres... moving towards your position— Bzzzz'

'Bzzzz—'

'Make it happen, Closure.'

I will.

The engineer's eyes are glued to the screen in front of her.

Faster. Faster. If they fail to compile the Originium activity data, then all the squad's efforts would be for naught.

The din of war approaches.

Only a few drones remain. She can feel the enemy's cold, freezing breath.

'...Model successfully compiled.'

'Outputting safe zone locations—'

YES!

All that's left is the signal tower—

...Vampire. Traitor.

This war will go on, and you will feed it.

Yikes!

My drone—

The Sudaram's blade slices the hovering drone, sending it crashing to the ground.

That was her last combat drone.

Get out of the way!

Your Arts are weak and pathetic.

How could such a frail Vampire exist?

Ouch!

Searing pain erupts and Closure feels an entire side of her body go numb.

The breath of decay invades her.

Closure can barely hold onto the signal tower. With great effort, she plants the complex equipment into the ground to lean on.

'Insufficient signal strength. Strong interference detected. Unable to broadcast safe zone location.

'Please follow the equipment manual—'

I know! Shut up!

What kind of Vampire are you, Closure? Close those wounds! Hang in there, just a little longer...

Just get this thing up right—

...Sleeping in the corridors again? You'll catch a cold.

Rhodes Island's basic functions are online. I think she's ready for a grand voyage.

Thank you, Chief Engineer. You've delivered your promise.

If you want to leave this ship and go back to Kazdel... Right, you told me before. You're not interested in that place.

But at least promise me you won't call yourself a talentless Vampire anymore.

You're the most talented person I've ever known, Closure. You're just different from other Vampires.

So here's my offer: as long as you still want to see the vast and unexplored parts of this land, we'll always be each other's companion.

(I can't... I won't...)

(Won't let... everyone down...)

(...And myself.)

Closure can feel the Sudaram's cold grip close in around her neck.

War has finally claimed her.

Closure!

Who...?

A survivor?

Signal... there's a signal...

A Rhodes Island signal.

Grab my hand, Closure!

...Dobermann?

It's me.

Can you stand?

Fang...

You—

A dagger pierces the Sudaram's chest, causing a massive burst of energy.

Sorry I'm late.

Misery gave us the location.

More are coming.

Almost got it! Cover me!

Keep them away!

What is our mission? When Closure first joined Rhodes Island, then known as Babel, she asked many operators this question.

She got a different answer every time.

Some dreams are big. Others, less so.

Some gave details. Others mumbled, scratched their heads, and gave an abashed smile.

But there comes a time when they all have the same expression.

And a time when they all make the same choice.

Almost there... this is the last one.

'Core module online. Communications restored.'

We're coming, Closure! Hang in there!