astesi

Trimounts, Columbia

I don't think there's anything else that needs changing.

Good work, Genne.

Just doing my job.

All I did was provide the basic data model and do some testing.

You did all the framework and the content within.

The Astrological Research Association forum is in one week.

That hole in the skies over Trimounts must be tough to deal with.

I doubt it has much impact on our family. Our parents have never been the type to build castles in the sky.

Hm... Mother and Father have been in Trimounts for a while. I haven't had the chance to go see them with all the writing that I have to do.

Do you want to see them, Genne?

Nope. You're the only Urbica who doesn't make my head hurt.

What are you plans for this... research brief, I guess?

I'll release it for academic usage, free of charge, once I've presented it.

The stars beyond the Trimounts hole seem to move according to a different set of rules, but that's just a tiny piece of sky. It doesn't encompass all stars.

With our model, however, all researchers will have access to the rough coordinates of constellations under the two systems, and derive their patterns and relationships.

It'll make things more convenient for people studying the stars.

Sounds like something you would do alright.

Didn't you say that the stars in the hole have opened up new possibilities for astrology? You've finished what you came to Trimounts to do. How about you look into my fortune for today?

You're interested in this stuff again?

It's fun, isn't it? Come on, sis.

Alright...

(Contemplates)

(Mutters)

(Raises astrolabe)

Well?

The results seem different from before...

'Today is a day of misfortune for the Liberi.'

That's the message from the stars.

It used to be more specific. Weird...

Sounds unlucky... well, don't think about it too much. It was a casual question.

Not the first time you predicted big trouble for me, only for me to end up just fine. Let's not dwell on it.

Have you finished your breakfast? I'll get coffee.

Yeah. Thanks, Genne.

Here.

Astesia Urbica? I'm here to pick up your package.

Here it is.

Got it. Just to confirm, this is the address, and the recipient is Mr. Francois Urbica, correct?

Yes. Can you deliver it today?

Should be no problem. Same town, and you've paid the rush rate.

Good, thank you.

You're welcome. Pleasure serving you.

Have a nice day.

A guest? That old Victorian woman next door?

Mrs. Evans? No, just the deliveryman.

He came to pick up some documents that I'm sending to Father.

Sis?

Are you out of your mind?!

What is it, Genne?

How many times have I told you? Send anything to Mr. Urbica, and he'll put his name before yours!

You give him too little credit.

Really? Then tell me, have you ever published an article under your name, and your name only?

...I just felt like something this important calls for review by a pair of expert eyes.

Fine, fine, let's say that's true.

You could have summarized your questions and sent them to him. Why did you have to send the entire draft?

Trust me, he'll lift the entire thing and present it himself at the ARA forum, at which point it'll cease having anything to do with you or me forever.

It's all for the glory of the Urbicas. I don't see any problem with the head of the family presenting it...

Well, I do!

Why do you think I went to all that effort to run away from home? So I could live free, without him controlling me all the time!

And now you just handed months of our work over to him, just because you felt like you wanted his eyes on it?

It's my research too. Did you even think about asking me before sending out my results?

I didn't think—

You didn't think? Someone as careful and thoughtful as you?

Trust me, Genne, you're worrying too much. It's not as bad as you think. We're an important family, and Father will only sign the family's name on something as important as this.

Plus, he's reviewed and even edited my past papers. He discussed with me the pros and cons of adding his name to the top, and I agreed.

Yes, I know that all too well. Nice flowery words like 'for your own good', promises that will never be kept, and you fall for it, just like that.

Watch your mouth, Elena!

You know what? You sound just like he did when he'd scold me, Astesia.

I only wanted to put the best foot forward with this, Genne. Why don't you put your paranoia aside? Trust me, I'll take care of things.

You could never say no to him, and you expect me to trust that you can take care of things?

Enough. There's nothing more for us to talk about.

Where are you going?

Back to Rhine.

Genne...

Huh?

This is Genesis's communicator...

Do you need something, consultant?

Where is Rhine's employee housing?

Are you looking for someone in particular? I can reach them by phone here, whether they're home or at work.

That'd be great. Can you get Elena Urbica of the Energy Section on the line for me, please?

One moment...

You're looking for Elena Urbica, correct?

Yes. Is something the matter?

Well... Researcher Urbica seems to have moved out of her apartment when she applied for external assignment.

Records indicate she is not currently residing at Rhine.

Did she come to work today?

Hm... could I verify your identity first?

Sure.

Visiting Bibliography Consultant, Astesia Urbica.

(Hands over ID)

Everything seems to be in order. One moment while I look this up.

I'm sorry, but Researcher Urbica hasn't tapped into any Rhine Lab facilities today.

She hasn't been back to Rhine?

Seems that way.

She gets a bad feeling.

('Today is a day of misfortune for the Liberi.')

Is there anything else you need?

No, thank you.

(Stop scaring yourself. It'll be fine.)

(She's just off the grid for a minute because she doesn't have her communicator on her.)