Глава 15

Dr. Warfarin...

Whatever the case, Dr. Warfarin and Kal'tsit have taken care of a big problem for us.

But all these threats only serve to delay our solution to the problem.

Is it possible that the one we're facing doesn't want to be our enemy, Dr. {@nickname}?

More likely, they just have no choice.

We'll know what's going on once we're in the Abyss.

Give me a location on Closure, Raidian.;Pass the word on to Closure, Mantra.

You got it, Doctor.

I've located her signal. Communicating with Mantra.

One moment.

I'm getting the location from Raidian right now.

Ready.

How are things going on your side, Closure?

We analyzed the structural changes recorded by Raidian, and it seems like the shifts correspond to certain cyclical patterns.

It's just that the data sample from each individual cycle is so vast and disorganized that we thought the changes occurred at random.

It's all thanks to Mechanist that we managed to figure it out.

Wasn't so complicated after all, once you had data of sufficient quantity and accuracy.

Also, Closure and I have created a provisional model that we can use to calculate and plan a route.

In other words, the spatial shifting won't trouble us for a while.

There's no time to waste then.

We'll attempt to penetrate the Abyss.

Before that, we must assemble and provide support to Kal'tsit.

I know where she is.

These damn things just won't stop coming—

You're too slow.

Now's the time for you to get out.

Misery shakes his head.

We don't have nearly enough intel.

This is the closest place to the Abyss that we've reached. We're the only people who've gotten this far, and the only ones who can help Raidian locate it—

That's not what you're really thinking about.

I don't want to be too slow again.

Isn't that the same for you, Ascalon?

Rosmontis and Blaze's squad is approaching your location, but they've run into a small problem.

They've been delayed.

Blaze scratches her head and looks at Rosmontis helplessly.

How do we handle this, kitten?

I... I'm not sure.

The buggies are still preparing to attack us.

I don't want to harm them.

Why did they suddenly lose control when we approached this area—

Wait, Friston-3! Stop!

No, I'm not going to ram you or breathe fire at you like the kids. I'm perfectly normal.

Now, let me through. Time is short, and my patience even shorter.

Playlist 'Golden Oldies' selected...

Resuming from previous playback—

—My love♪

Blows the blossoms on the hills—♪

Now's not the time for karaoke, Friston-3!

You think I wanted to do that?!

My playback module is customized, and I don't have the remote—

Damn you, Closure!

Blaze! Watch out for Justice Knight!

Which damnable subdirectory did Closure put my code synchronization function in?!

—Gonna give you my tears♪

Save my precious—♪

Kitten, on my six. Justice Knight has me in her sights—

Got it. Whoa, almost hit Justice Knight—

Ouch! Stop running into me!

(Rams with burning heat)

Burn, burning—Boom... mmmmmmmmm—

—No matter who♪

Whispers of love, one trap one lifetime♪

Alright, THRM-EX! Let's see who burns brighter!

Hey, don't hurt the buggies—

I know! I got this.

Protect, protect, friends—

You need healing, Friston-3.

I guess I should thank Closure for fitting that energy barrier generator—

—Here's my most beloved♪

You shine in my tears—♪

Friston-3! How long do you need?

The synchronization module is ready, but I can't jump across this Originium.

I'll make a path for you. Now!

Friston-3 accelerates up the ramp and takes flight.

As he spins in mid-air, he can not help but throw a photo out.

(Man, it's been so long... so long since I moved like this.)

(That synchronized transmission system that you boasted about had better work, Closure...)

Guide these crazy carts into position and immobilize them. I'll fix them!

—A gift to you♪

This love in my heart—♪

I have a connection!

The song continues to echo in the empty desert.

—A gift to you♪

This love in my heart—♪

There is no question that the playback module has malfunctioned, playing Closure's favorite ballads over and over, as though this scene were supposed to be some tear-jerker.

But what he is actually doing is sharing the dream of inevitable parting with a few buggies that do not even have minds of their own, sharing his deepest memories as a human.

Trevor Friston would have no shortage of profanities to spew, if he could spew them.

What's this place...? I thought we were trapped in a... in a... uh...

I don't remember anything—

Beep beep! Anomalous target detected!

Who are you?!

Use your brains, whatever they're made of!

Closure says you're supposed to be smart!

That voice, that tone... y-you're Friston-3!

But Friston-3 isn't as tall as you are.

No, he is Friston-3! I feel a familiar warmth from him—

Warmth... how come I can't feel my own warmth anymore—

Ugh, this is such a headache.

Maybe this will make you feel better.

What is this place?