Глава 16

They sent us a warning. They're in a better position to be informed than we are.

There's no guarantee that we would find them if we went back now. We would only be wasting our time.

Mon3tr can protect the Doctor. They're less likely to be targeted than a large group.

But if the Armies have come to cover this up on the government's behalf, how can we be sure that Grypherburg is a safe place to go?

You still don't trust me.

...We do need to make sure that...

'Kal'tsit.'

The name once again came to the government's attention not long ago. This mysterious figure has left too many unusual traces on Ursus, and across all of Terra.

Information about her is considered top-secret in Ursus. For this reason, some of us harbor hope that she can answer certain questions that Ursus is facing right now.

...Who are you, really?

Perhaps a re-introduction is in order...

Eloysius Vasilyevna Gorchekova, Lieutenant of the Tsar's Battalion, Ursine Imperial Guard. I answer to... Chairman Islam Witte of the State Council.

My orders are to investigate reports of mutated Infected and associated incidents in the Central Mining District of the Far North, and...

...To make contact with Rhodes Island.

I know it's a little late to claim sincerity, and it's true that I had intended to keep this a secret.

Whether you believe it or not, however, I can tell you that I could have dealt with you in Bresk, if I had any ill intent.

This is not the sort of cooperation that Rhodes Island seeks, but I can understand your position.

Let's set the argument aside for now... what's your plan, Eloysius?

I have vehicles on the southwest shore of Lake Neva, about ten kilometers from here.

It's not much, but it should be enough to take everyone away from here.

I can hide them in a village outside Grypherburg, then find a way to get you inside the city under the government's protection.

Mantra said that the people here are still under the influence of the Yurodstvo. We need to free them from its control first.

She can find the Yurodstvo, but not a way to deal with it?

I have no desire to witness a tragedy, but my duty comes first. I must ensure that someone is alive to bring word back to Grypherburg.

If you insist on getting everyone out of here safely...

I can give you one hour, no more.

Understood. I will make it quick.

I think I've made a breakthrough.

Mantra carefully projects her perception into every corner.

She identifies one little fluctuation amidst all the numb, unmoving thoughts.

...Babushka...

Let's go... let's leave here... alright?

If you stand up, everyone will... follow.

We'll go south, to Deity Grypherburg, or... anywhere, just not...

Just not here.

...Okay?

Vetochki takes a knee before the illusion that she believes to be her grandmother. She takes the hands that do not exist to Mantra's eyes, and rubs her cheeks against them.

It is only when she sees the tears on the girl's face that Mantra realizes how frightening this trust is. The girl continues to do so, even without getting any response.

Mantra remembers Raidian's words.

'Vetochki's parents were executed for organizing a strike. Her grandmother is her only family now.'

'It seems as though everyone in the mining district knew Nadia, including the guards.'

'They sought her assistance more than they sought the medical team's. They sought comfort when they were in pain, insight when they were lost, and found a strange peace in her words.'

'...I should have noticed that something wasn't right. I thought she was just a respected old woman.'

Please, babushka...

Mantra watches the girl before her, and gently makes her own voice appear in the girl's mind.

She believes you will find peace here.

Once all hope is gone.

Who—

Vetochki.

Vetochki turns around to see the Phidia standing behind her.

Y-You know, my name? But I never, told you...

In this place, at least, you should be able to express yourself clearly.

But you're talking in the same way that you usually do, which means that you've not been seriously affected...

Perhaps there's still a way for you to wake up.

What?

Is Nadia your family?

Yes, she's... she's my babushka.

And my only, family.

Are you sure?

Of course I am. She's my, babushka.

Your babushka wants everyone to endure their pain.

So that they have no desire to live, nor choose to end their own pain and die.

No, no—babushka wouldn't!

She's just tired, like everyone... Everyone's just, tired.

We want to live. Of course we do! But there's always people, who don't want us to...

Always someone...

Who?

Th-The Patrol Units.

You defeated the Patrol Units.

Th-The guards, and, the people, in the lab.

They're not here.

I, I—

Who else doesn't want you to live?

The black... monster...

And... and...

Why? I... I can't remember...

Let me ask again.

Are you holding the hands of your family?

Turn around, Vetochki.

Vetochki does not want to turn around. As long as she does not do so, those cold and withered hands will forever remain the way they are.

Tell me. What do you see?

Don't turn around. Don't turn around. Don't turn around.

She keeps telling herself.

But she turned around.

Babushka is in front of her. Babushka is singing a lullaby.

I... I see Babushka Nadia.

No. Look more closely.

Babushka is in front of her. Her hands are cold.

I... I...

What do you see?

I see... circle. I see—

Red.

Vetochki frantically shakes her head.

Why...

Why is it always red?

Babushka sitting, babushka standing, babushka, colors ever-changing.

Babushka lying in a pool of blood, deciding that Vetochki may die.

Brrr. Is this what autumn is like in Ursus? I would hate to see what they call winter.

An open-air party, with no lawn or picnic table? What are you inviting us here to see?

Entertainment you don't get in Kazimierz, no matter how rich you are.