malist

(Yawns)

...is done.

But... why a sandcastle?

Like I said, this place is great for building sandcastles. It just so happens that they're in need of landscaping, so I merely seized the opportunity.

What you see now is a sandcastle, but once the water comes and goes, there's still a steel framework to look at that won't be easily washed away. Isn't it perfect?

Also, remember that medical report?

The one that was wrong?

It put me on alert. When I read it, I realized for the first time that my time is limited. While it's wrong today, who knows when it will become reality?

...Like the sand.

So I had to return as soon as I could.

Regardless of my position as an architect, Zeruertza's design representative, or just someone with a slightly better sense of aesthetics than the rest of our people, I'm responsible for the kind of place we'll all live in.

And this way, even if something happens to me, my scale model of New Zeruertza will still be standing tall, waiting for everyone to begin building the real thing.

(Yawns)

Just for that? You wouldn't have insisted on building a sandcastle with a steel frame instead of simply using ordinary materials, just to make that point.

About that...

A purely aesthetic issue, as I mentioned in a chat with the Doctor on Rhodes Island the other day—

Doctor?

Yes, I'm waiting for Closure.

...She's doing maintenance work on the landship's core structure, so I should head back for today?

Tch, and after I finally figured out how this place was likely designed.

You want my thoughts? As a newcomer, I'm not familiar with Rhodes Island's core structure, so what could I even tell you?

If you insist... I propose swapping in more corrosion-proof materials next time you do maintenance.

Why?

Because when all's said and done, it's not you or me that will be left behind. It's this landship's skeleton. That's what's going to endure. That's what will stand for us.

(Muttering) ...Tch, that was so embarrassing. How on Terra did I even manage to say it with a straight face?

Well, Avdotya. You can ask the Doctor when we're back on Rhodes Island.

I'm going to get some proper shuteye first.