Глава 15

Kal'tsit enters the Sarcophagus.

She had once stood watch over this very Sarcophagus, waiting for an elusive speck of hope from the Sarcophagus's master.

Transcending the temporal constraints of civilization, this space leads to the secrets in the deepest reaches of the ship.

Warning: Unauthorized access detected.

Identifying... ID confirmed.

ID: AMa-10

The Sarcophagus has my profile?

Time is of the essence. I must connect to the core databanks of PRTS.

Accessing PRTS...

Warning: No administrator privileges. Access will be restricted.

Warning: Unable to load repair module. Adaptation incomplete—

Warning: Error. Error. Errorerrorerrorerror—

Identifying... ID confirmed.

ID: Kal'tsit

Virtual machine loading complete.

(Unknown language) Dear Kal'tsit. If you have triggered this encrypted AI model, that means the hopes I left behind have been impeded—

(Unknown language) Perhaps I myself have come to an untimely end.

(Unknown language) Dr. {@nickname}...

(Unknown language) You are surprised by my appearance, Kal'tsit. Have I failed?

(Unknown language) The future of Terra is yet unknown.

(Unknown language) I never expected to see you again, Dr. {@nickname}—

(Unknown language) This is simply an encrypted program encoded within my cognition model.

(Unknown language) It analyses data input and provides an appropriate response. In other words, it does not possess my emotions or memories.

(Unknown language) I do not wish to disappoint you again, Kal'tsit.

(Unknown language) ...Why did you leave it behind?

(Unknown language) Because of you.

(Unknown language) I know that you will only return here when all hope seems lost, in search of one last chance.

(Unknown language) By then, however, I'm afraid that even I am unable to turn things around.

(Unknown language) You cannot help me anymore?

(Unknown language) My Sarcophagus will render what assistance is possible, to the extent that it is possible for me...

(Unknown language) Even when It descends upon us.

(Unknown language) I didn't come to seek sanctuary, Dr. {@nickname}, but it's true that danger is very near.

(Unknown language) I need your help to take back PRTS.

(Unknown language) That will be difficult.

(Unknown language) The core databank of PRTS will deny access to the individual known as AMa-10. She has set this as an absolute prohibition.

(Unknown language) Is there no way around it?

(Unknown language) Perhaps there is one.

(Unknown language) If you are no longer AMa-10.

(Unknown language) AMa-10's gemini cycle system has granted you immortality. It appears that the two individuals in the cycle have diverged over the ages.

(Unknown language) Violence and wisdom, conflict and understanding... such evolution represents the most basic power of life.

(Unknown language) But these were duties forced upon you. They have become your shackles.

(Unknown language) Now, I empower you to lay down your duty.

(Unknown language) This is the final gift that I can confer upon you by way of the Sarcophagus, but the ultimate decision is yours.

(Unknown language) What reason is there to hesitate?

(Unknown language) I must remind you that this is extremely dangerous.

(Unknown language) When you become the interface to PRTS itself, the functions of the Sarcophagus will cause great harm to your physical form.

(Unknown language) The energy supply of the Sarcophagus is insufficient to fulfill your request and protect you at the same time.

(Unknown language) Sanctuary will become torment, and you will forfeit any chance to extend your life. Are you sure you want to do this?

(Unknown language) I am sure.

(Unknown language) I respect your decision.

(Unknown language) Goodbye.

Backup power is now online.

PRTS permissions updated. Administrator permissions confirmed.

Welcome back, Dr. {@nickname}.

Warning: Repair module has been disabled due to insufficient power.

All communication module channels open. Communications receiver module overclocking procedure completed.

Connecting to local PRTS databank... connection complete.

Warning: Operator vital signs unstable. Unable to load repair module.

Kal'tsit feels intense pain.

With her mind connected to the Sarcophagus, vast amounts of data on a civilizational scale begin transmitting with her as the medium.

She sees the main server beneath Laterano...

The silent preservation room...

The Caerula Arbor deep beneath the waves...

The Shadow-Moon rising from the megastructure on the dark side of Terra...

Time and space are compressed into a single web within Kal'tsit's consciousness. She sees all of Terra, and all of Rhodes Island.

She gains a connection to everything.

At the same time, however, the connection between her and Mon3tr, one that has existed for ten thousand years and more, grows weaker by the moment.

...Dr.{@nickname}... this duty is not a shackle.

It was always my choice.

<color=#FF4200>Warning: Operator vital signs unstable. Unable to load repair module.</color>

<color=#FF4200>Warning: Unknown error.</color>

<color=#FF4200>Warning: Unknown error.</color>

<color=#FF4200>Warning: Unknown error.</color>

<color=#FF4200>Warning: Unknown error.</color>

I have no idea what lies ahead, Mon3tr.

This is the only thing I can do for you before I go to face her.

The rest is up to you.

Kal'tsit breaks the limits that her creator placed upon her.

In exchange for half of her life, she is reborn.

Outside the Sarcophagus, Mon3tr roars in anxiety and bewilderment. It has lost track of Kal'tsit for the first time.

The connection between it and Kal'tsit has been completely severed.

I am not going to the far side of Terra. She is here.

Right here by my side.

Administrator access detected. Permission verified.

Welcome, Dr. {@nickname}.

I've found you.

You're not {@nickname}.

AMa-10?

My name is Kal'tsit.

You have crossed the line.

And what of it—

(Unknown language) Priestess.

Kal'tsit finally speaks her name.

You are uploading unvalidated data, AMa-10.

But you will not see it through to the end.

Is that so?

I'm no longer fighting on my own.

I can see you, Raidian.

I'm fighting for control of PRTS. Time is short.

Trace my signal.