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Doctor...

......;...Amiya?

Doctor! I'm so relieved...

You're finally awake.

Awake?;How long have I been out?

The evacuation hasn't been smooth. Our neural link was abruptly severed, and it's hard to maintain stability due to the information impact at the boundaries.

How are you feeling, Amiya?;What is my current condition, Amiya?

I just woke up myself.

Don't worry about me. I'm doing much better, thanks to Theresa's protection.

I'm not entirely sure.

You should get a full check-up from Dr. Kal'tsit.

Good thing you never let go of my hand, or I would be even more worried.

Don't go off on your own, Doctor. We need to stay in the emergency observation area that Dr. Kal'tsit set up.

Kal'tsit?;Emergency observation area?

Soon after we began, Dr. Kal'tsit cleared out an area that she is personally protecting, in order to ensure our safety and Rhodes Island's.

She didn't want any accidents to happen when we entered Civilight Eterna.

She knew...;I didn't see her—

I started preparing cognition baseline tests as soon as I confirmed that you're awake.

Initial testing showed no obvious signs of damage for either of you.

Diagnosing thought isn't quite as simple as diagnosing biological tissue, though. Further analysis will be required.

Welcome back, Doctor.

You look... tired.

A bit of distraction happened during your operation. I'll update you on the latest developments later.

We found potentially useful information.

The first priority is to make sure that you're safe.

Establishing a neural link through the Black Crown is extremely risky. I take it you've long crossed the 'boundary'.

Yes.

Then, my first duty must be to ensure your cognitive stability and biological health.

I won't allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated, nor will I allow the continued existence of any potential threat to your life and safety.

Follow me, Dr. {@nickname}.

......;A-Are you angry?

You'll need to do the cognition baseline test too, Amiya.

First, though, get some rest.

A-Alright, Dr. Kal'tsit.

Can't Amiya come with me?

That's not part of my plans, Doctor. I'll arrange for Amiya to be tested as soon as your tests are complete.

Let's go.

This is the testing equipment?;I don't remember it at all.

A prototype that the Medical Department developed. Theresa and I designed it together.

But the limitations of our understanding of cognition and perception have prevented it from being put into service as a way to measure cognitive stability.

Under current circumstances, however, it's the most effective method available.

Go inside the isolation pod, Doctor. Relax. I've tried it myself, and it won't cause any significant physical distress.

Anything else I need to know?

No. Just follow my instructions. I'll need to calibrate the machine first. Relax and do as I say, but do not hesitate.

Tell me your name, Doctor.

A good start.

Relax, Doctor. We're just calibrating.

See the chronometer behind me? Count the time in silence and try to synchronize your counting with the ticking of its numbers.

(You silently count and feel the passage of time);I'm not sure what the point of this is, Kal'tsit...

It helps reinforce your perception of reality. It's been twenty seconds. Are you feeling any discomfort?

No.;...It's hard to say.;Is the machine showing something abnormal?

Let's continue the calibration.

Are you able to continue to perceive Amiya in your consciousness?

Yes.;No.

Likely residue perception from the neural link being severed improperly.

Good, we're getting used to the flow.

Continuing with the calibration. Do you agree with Rhodes Island's ideals?

Yes.;No.

Good. We're almost done with the calibration.

An interesting answer, Dr. {@nickname}, but this is not a lie detector. Unless you were expecting a more dramatic outcome.

Continue. You saw her at the cognitive boundary.

Yes.;Saw who?

As I expected. You're calmer than I thought you would be, though.

No need to hide it from me, Doctor. You can trust me.

Final question. Do you have doubts about the one who is like you?

Yes.;No.

A reasonable emotion, but I cannot resolve your doubts in any way or capacity. You will find the answer, sooner or later.

Maybe you've already formed your subjective opinion. It's not my place to interfere with it, but I trust you will not act contrary to Rhodes Island's interests.

Looks like you've formed your opinion. I will not comment on it.

We're done, Doctor.

Cognition baseline testing indicates that your cognitive stability remains within safe values. The rest of it is secondary.

Wait, I thought that was the calibration.

It was necessary to ensure that the data collected is accurate.

I trust that you're capable of perceiving my thinking and camouflaging yourself accordingly.

It would not be hard for you to fool this prototype.

Of course!;...Is this part of the test too, Kal'tsit?

The remaining checks will be complete soon, Dr. {@nickname}. I have time to answer a few questions.

You understand, of course, that there are certain questions that I am not in a position to answer.

...What are the origins of Rhodes Island?;How were you able to predict our movements ahead of time?

If you're referring to this ship, it's even older than the history known to me.

In a sense, it's the carrier of hope, hence the comprehensive protective systems capable of supporting our every operation on Terra.

It is thanks to the initial design that it has survived the most brutal challenges with its core structure intact.

We have yet to discover its full potential.

However, I remain cautious about trying to unlock this potential in its entirety.

You mean the hints that were left behind at the boundary? There was no guarantee that it would be you who would solve them.

Nor am I able to predict things that have yet to come to pass. It was for another reason that I made such preparations...

Someone I respected very much had computed all the possibilities that could occur in the future. Someone whose words I will never forget.

Perhaps I have been quietly influenced too.

You seem nervous, Kal'tsit.

The current uncertainty is not the only reason why you're nervous.

I can't describe this strange intuition.;I've never sensed such complex emotions from you.

I'm not the one getting tested—

You see your reflection in the window, almost as though you were still standing with Kal'tsit.