Глава 14

Thanks.

Rescue work around Gibsonham is complete. Next, we'll be going to... where your squad's signal was lost.

I see.

We'll find them, alive or... otherwise.

Even if they're buried in the sand, or Originium... there will be traces.

We'll find them and bring them home.

I know how I feel, but Fang... I want to hear your thoughts, too.

Is it regrettable for a Rhodes Island operator to die in a war between the Sarkaz and the Victorians, when they have nothing to do with either side of the war?

Any sacrifice is regrettable.

After Ace died, Beagle cried for many nights with his shield in her arms.

Why him? Why there? Why then?

I get that feeling too. Every single time.

But what I really want to know is... how did the people who sacrificed feel?

Hm... I'm sure they have their own regrets.

We're none of us saints. That's why we fear death. That's why you feel pain over your decision.

But I have no regrets about participating in this operation.

If not for Lava, Hibiscus, or our other Sarkaz friends, then at least for the people here, even though I don't know any of them.

It was a Catastrophe that brought me from Columbia to Rhodes Island.

That Catastrophe taught me one thing: that suffering does not discriminate.

I came here today because I know that you will come when my home needs help, when the people I care about need help.

You're right.

We'll be there.

<i>'We'</i>, Rhodes Island.

You know something? I've been addicted to the web since a very young age, because that's the only place I knew without segregation.

The other Vampire children and I, Vampires and other Sarkaz, Sarkaz and everyone else, Catastrophe, nations, class, disease.

It was Theresa who took me from the confines of my home and showed me another possibility.

A ship that sails the waves of disaster, rescues those who are suffering, and fosters companionships beyond personal interest.

Sounds surreal, huh?

But the road that Rhodes Island has traveled thus far is very real.

I'll continue to analyze the anomalies caused by Amnannam. I also want to hear your answer to my question. Kal'tsit's and the Doctor's, too.

This data belongs to Yvres, to Balin, to Viktor, to Rhodes Island... one day, it may belong to everyone.

Abandoned Mansion, Londinium Outskirts

Is she back?

Not yet.

Damn, it was hard enough dodging those devils. How did she survive and even find us—

How the heck did she know that I did business with the devils?

Well, consider that business deal lost.

What about you? How'd she get you?

She held a crossbow to my head.

I knew her from before. She didn't used to be so—

Didn't used to be so what?

Go on.

Er, no, I didn't—

The soldier, who has served the dukes all his life, lies on the ground, a crossbow pointed at his forehead.

The voice of the one holding the crossbow is cold as ice.

I'm waiting.

I just—s-sorry, Millscar!

I-I shouldn't have—

Aaaahh!

The bolt pierces his ear.

Some people punch holes in their pets' ears as a sign of ownership.

A man is not a pet, of course... but sometimes they're not so different, are they?

I...

Now get back up and give me a status report.

Have you done what I've asked of you?

Y-Yes, ma'am!

W-well, the reception at the monitoring station was really bad, so even though we tried to gather as much information as possible—

Skip to the conclusion.

Based on what little information the Trilby Asher left behind, and the occasional intercepted comms, we can confirm that a unit called 'the Exemplars' has been formed, and its leader is most likely the one you spoke of...

'Vina'.

They seem to be headed for the front at Silverrock Bluffs.

Silverrock Bluffs. They're really staying in this war.

Keep at it. Notify me of any new developments.

Y-Yes, ma'am!

—Phew.

Well, this is easier than expected.

I thought it would be tougher.

No scruples. No acts to put up.

I found <i>Victoria</i>.

A red light flashes a few times in the deep shadows.

Isn't it your job to protect her?

Forty-three hours into the operation...

I knew you would come.

...Ulšulah.

That mad bomber W came once to set up this prison.

Ines came twice to show 'compassion'. Same old Ines, always a tad slow with her retort when she's focused on someone else's shadow.

Now, it's you. What have you come to say?

Have you thought it over?

That's my line.

Your situation is perilous. Your only vehicle lies disabled.

As the pilot, I'm very likely to know something that you don't, and probably am waiting for the right time to strike.

Really, you should kill me, Hoederer.

I would rather you helped us with what you know.

In your dreams.

I already turned you down once. You give me too little credit if you think I would change my mind just because I'm a prisoner.

Three times.

What?

You saved our lives three times back in Kazdel. My life once, Ines's life twice.

You wrote all that in your diary?

Name your price. I'll do my best to pay it.

You'll go bankrupt if you quit the mercenary life to open a business.

I just want as many Sarkaz to make it back to Kazdel alive as possible.

Such grand ambitions.

But enough chitchat. Let the old rules of Scar Market lie buried beneath Kazdel. Our debt is settled.

One last warning, Hoederer. Kill me now, or you'll regret it.

Did it ever occur to you that we both want the same thing—

Enough of your righteous crap.

Don't try to buy my life with your flowery words, old friend. They're not much better than money.

A mercenary takes no sides. But you and I aren't really mercenaries anymore.

Wanna bet, Ines?