Глава 15

I'll destroy all the data once I've downloaded PRTS's core data.

Is this the only way to put that big guy to rest?

Yes.

How long do you need?

Mechanist glances at his equipment.

Two-hundred forty seconds!

Understood.

We'll buy the time for you.

The sound of the bone whistle echoes in the Abyss. Logos returns to the elite operators' ranks.

The mimic machine once again stands up before them.

Dr. {@nickname} trusts you implicitly. Even with a fractured memory—

Dr. {@nickname} believes you are hope.

Don't let her distract you, Amiya!;We just need to buy a little more time for the others...

You should get ready to retreat—

There is no way out for Dr. {@nickname}.

We will inevitably end up on the same path, our subjective sentiments notwithstanding.

You and I need not be in opposition, Amiya. I can make your wish come true.

You always trusted me.

Countless eyes look at you from the crystals. Priestess's eyes.

You made the same promise to me. We can find the answer to the ultimate question together.

Time is short, Dr. {@nickname}.

You're not lying...

I don't need to lie to you.

This humanitarianism that you think you're advocating simply serves to extend the suffering of Terrans before the inevitable fall of Terra.

Any questions that you still have, I can answer them.

She's getting weaker, Doctor!

Most of the operators have evacuated. Maybe, maybe...

I want to try—

You want to kill me?

Is this what you want too... Dr. {@nickname}?

'Priestess'.

There are still so many secrets within her that you want to find out, about yourself, about Kal'tsit, about Originium, about that impending threat...

But you know that where she stands inevitably makes her the enemy of all Terra.

...Kill her.;Perhaps there's another way—

You missed your chance.

Stay, Dr. {@nickname}—

Amiya!

You could hardly imagine the ordeal that Amiya has gone through. She is already well past her limit.

All the threads shatter, and Originium once again closes in upon you.

You try to escape the crystals, carrying Amiya in your arms, but the rampant growth of Originium has sealed the path—

Made it in time.

Mechanist and Closure have successfully retrieved the core data of PRTS.

We will cover your retreat.

Now. Go!

Wait... there's one more thing!

With what little strength she has left, Amiya conjures a few strands of threads, and pulls the cocoon that was Mon3tr into her arms.

I need your help, Touch!

These patients were transferred from intensive care. We don't have enough emergency equipment.

I need you to stabilize their conditions first.

Try to gather all the wounded here, and leave the rest to me.

Casualty report?

Things are still very much in flux. We don't have a hard figure.

Current injury estimates are thirty-one serious, one hundred seventy-three minor. No deaths yet.

We were able to complete the evacuation ahead of schedule, thanks to the safe zone created by Logos and Mechanist, and the help that you and Pith provided.

...One dead. A patient.

I'll report in detail to the Doctor and Kal—

She stops in mid-sentence.

They have all been avoiding that name.

The one who had always tended to the wounded after each operation.

Kal'tsit.

Help the others establish the isolation zone. We need to keep an eye on the ship to make sure no enemies get out.

...Roger.

Warfarin—

I'm already doing my best to stay focused, Touch.

Now is not the time.

What's the situation with Dr. {@nickname} and Amiya?

We all need some time to process what happened.

We're at the isolation zone outside the ship. It's safe enough for now.

Is Amiya okay?

She's just tired.

Rhodes Island—

That ship which you once called home is now completely encased in a massive Originium crystal.

The wind blows over it, blurring its outline with sand and dust. You know that you have lost Rhodes Island.

You hold Amiya in your arms. She is unconscious, but still holding that crystalline cocoon in her own arms.

Doctor. Rhodes Island...

Our greatest threat at present still lies within.

We must prepare ourselves before we confront her again.

...'Priestess'.

I'm not sure what this name truly stands for.

But I will not forgive her.

What... happened to Dr. Kal'tsit?

The others who escaped the Originium-blockaded area begin to gather.

Yet no one feels relieved, despite the successful evacuation.

Ascalon's question weighs heavily on everyone's hearts.

No one could have seen this coming—

It's hard to explain...

It all happened so suddenly.

You feel dazed as you look at the black crystal that an unconscious Amiya still clings desperately to.

What next?

Reestablish communications with our branches.

We rebuild Rhodes Island.

So... We've lost it?

No. Rhodes Island is never lost.

All of you are here. Always have been.

Can you hear me, Doctor? This is Vina.

I heard about Rhodes Island. I'm very sorry.

The nomadic plate that Dr. Kal'tsit purchased near Butchart is nearing completion.

I'll be coming to visit soon. Let me know if you need anything.

Take care, you and Amiya...

<p=1>New Rhodes Island under construction, Butchart, on the Victorian border</><p=2>One month later</>