story_astesi_2_1

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.)

(Maybe she went out for a walk around Trimounts.)

(The police station is this way, isn't it?)

(I need to find her...)

Pol...

She swallows the words before they come out.

She started thinking about it.

All the top astrologers are gathered here in Trimounts right now, her father foremost amongst them.

What will happen if the reporters learn that a rebellious daughter of his has gone missing?

They would undoubtedly jump on the story.

Nothing good could come of it, not for her family, her parents, or for her sister.

And so...

She passes by the police station.

(I'm sorry, Genne... I'm such a useless sister...)

(Come on, Astesia, think...)

Watch out! Runaway car!

(Who should I go to?)

Aaaaaaaaghhh!!!

Huh?

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

Sorry, I got distracted.

Dur-nar...? What are you doing here?

I thought you looked familiar. Turns out it was you, Astesia.

Some kind of luck, almost getting hit by a car in the middle of the day.

Same goes for the driver. Probably a broken part somewhere. Only so long you can avoid hitting someone.

Is he alright?

He finally got the car stopped, but flipped it over in the process.

Looks like he's okay, though. Just climbed out from the car. That's him talking on the phone right now.

Some luck. If Rhodes Island...

Rhodes Island?

Oh yeah! I can look for Rhodes Island!

Do you have a minute, Dur-nar?

Er... I guess so.

Can I ask something of you, or rather, of Rhodes Island?

Let's go to the Trimounts office. This isn't the best place to be talking.

Here, drink some water.

Thanks...

Well, if you ask me, it sounds like a little sisterly argument and that's all.

You don't understand. From what I divined today... she may be in trouble.

You're the one in trouble. You almost got hit by a car.

I'm fine.

You sure can be stubborn... just like my sister.

Older or younger?

Younger sister, at least biologically. I came to Trimounts because she's doing business with the charlat—I mean, astrologers.

A lot of the reserves are on vacation anyway. I had a bit of time on my hands, so I decided to come here and help out.

I see...

Do you get along well?

Well enough, but sometimes she gets a little bossy, or does things for me without asking me first.

You said she's your younger sister?

I said biologically. But she acts more like an older sister.

Thanks to her, business actually got better after my father left. Compare that to her vagabond older sister.

Don't say that. We're all grateful to you for teaching us how to survive. I still remember how you sent me flying with one swing of your sword.

I was new on the job then. When I saw you waving your blade around like a feather duster without actually striking... ah, no sense bringing that up.

You want the Trimounts office to help you look for Astgenne, right?

There's a few scouts around who don't have anything to do right now. You can give them a list of places your sister is likely to go to. They'll be happy to help.

We can do this quiet, if you don't want word getting out. I know them pretty well, and I can help you take care of things.

Thanks...

Don't mention it. Every family has its own challenges.

I sent out the private messages. Let's go check the remaining places. Maybe we'll find something.

A-Alright.

Don't worry, no one's gonna get hurt.

Astgenne sure can hide. We've searched most of the public areas, and didn't even catch a shadow.

It's getting late. You should go home, and we can pick this back up tomorrow.

I... I want to keep looking for a little longer.

It's almost midnight. Your divination only said today was unlucky, didn't it?

Go home, have a hot meal, sleep well, and maybe things will get better tomorrow.

Let's go. I can walk you home if you want.

No... thank you... sorry about taking up your day.

Don't mention it. I'll be going. Take care, and don't do anything stupid.

Okay...

I'll come first thing in the morning. Nighty night.

Astesia walks home alone. The stars are visible in the hole in the sky above Trimounts.

But she only has her eyes on the road ahead, as she navigates bend after bend.

As the clock strikes twelve, she rounds the last bend, and arrives at her rented apartment.

There, she sees a ball of feathers curled up in front of the door.

Sis, you're back...

I forgot my key...

Sis?

Astesia says nothing. She buries her face in her sister's chest, sobbing.

She can't keep her emotions in check, and she doesn't want her sister to see her face.

Astgenne knows that, and so she stands there, holding her sister in her arms, allowing the tears to soak through her clothes.

For a long time they stand there, until both of them have calmed down sufficiently, and Astesia takes out her key and opens the door.

The sisters sit side-by-side on the sofa in silence.

Finally, the older of the two speaks first.

Sorry, Genne... I was wrong...

I'm partly to blame too... I just exploded the moment you said you sent Father the paper, and I couldn't listen to anything else.

I know the sacrifices you made to get away from home. You don't want anything more to do with Father.

It's like stabbing you in the back. I didn't think it would go like this...

It's normal to ask your mentors to review a paper, just like in grad school.

Look at me. I have a PhD, but I couldn't even keep my emotions in check. I call you hard-headed, but I'm the one who doesn't listen...

I... I made up my mind. I'll go and see Father tomorrow. It'll take some time for him to get through the draft, and he wouldn't be done so early. I'll convince him to give it back. We still have a chance.

Um... about that.

Actually, the package never made it to Mr. Urbica.

Huh?

You remember the deliveryman, the Liberi? He came to apologize just as the sun was going down and refunded the delivery fee.

He had a pretty bad day himself. HIs truck flipped on its side after picking up his morning packages.

Oh...

Since your package was urgent, he took a bicycle to deliver it while his coworkers dealt with the rest.

It was raining when he passed through the business district and he fell into a pond, getting everything soaked.

He was in tears when he came to apologize. I consoled him and sent him on his way.

You were right, sis. Today was a bad day for the Liberi...

It's all in the past. Don't think any more about it.

Here, your terminal.

Thanks.

Bad habit I picked up studying in Trimounts.

When I get mentally stuck or get into an argument, I just feel the urge to throw everything to one side.

I leave my communicator behind, separate myself from phone and email, and just take a walk around Trimounts.

Let time take care of any emotions I can't.

And from every once in a while, I forget my key, like I did today, and have to wait at the dorm entrance for someone to let me in...

You didn't eat all day?

No... I had no appetite when I left, and I was locked out when I came back.

What about the box?

I bought some ice cream as a make-up gift, but I didn't expect you to be looking for me all day, so it's melted.

Didn't you have any money on you? Don't starve yourself.

Not after I bought your gift.

I'm hungry...

I'll make something. Wait a while.

Okay...

I promise I won't just hand months of our work over to someone else.

Not even our father.

I believe you.

My sister.

One week later...

I looked through the draft of your presentation. No issues.

Did you memorize all the terms?

Yeah.

Good. You'll be able to fend off any old timers who try to grind you on terminology.

But you said you were speaking in the afternoon? I didn't see your name on the schedule.

Remember Mrs. Evans, from next door?

The old woman? What does she have to do with this?

She's an authority on Victorian astrology. She was supposed to be giving a presentation this afternoon.

I convinced her to let me sub in for her.

Mm-hm.

Does that mean the space next to Mr. Urbica will be empty?

No, Genne.

Er... why are you looking at me like that?

Don't tell me you want to...

Give Father a surprise? Let him know that his favorite daughter has gone bad like her sister?

Please, Genne.

You had this all planned, didn't you? That's why you didn't say anything about the Astrological Research Association. You were just waiting for me here.

Come.

...Do I have to?

Running away won't achieve anything, Genne. Here's your chance to take Father head-on.

Come, take off your goggles and equipment.

And change your shirt and jacket.

Are you sure about this...?

It's a practical joke. Your favorite thing.

Wait, since when did I become a practical joker?

Let your hair down. Now that's a good girl.

Sis... are you really sure about this...?

Just shut your mouth and hold the sword and astrolabe. I'll do your makeup.

Perfect.

Please, sis... there's got to be another way.

Sorry, Genne, the forum is about to start. There's no time.

Try speaking in my tone.

Sia... a-are you really really sure about this...?

Bah, no, I can't talk like that.

That was perfect.

Would it really fool Mr. Urbica?

You don't need to fool Father. You just need to fool everyone else.

Plus, I'm wearing your clothes. What are you gonna wear?

The most formal outfit, of course.

'Starseeker.'

Phew. So glad to be back in light clothes.

How did it go?

A bunch of stuff went over my head, but for the most part, it was pointless bickering over a bunch of papers...

I would have left if you weren't speaking.

What about Father?

Father, well...

He's a good scholar.

The others place tradition above everything else, but he's willing to admit the changes happening before him, telling the rest that knowledge needs regular development and updating.

He scolded those old hard-heads like he was scolding us. He's consistent, at least.

That doesn't mean he's not a giant jerk, just like Ferdinand.

What about Mother?

She was glaring at everyone with her cold, statuesque eyes, as usual.

They didn't say anything about your outfit?

All they did was raise an eyebrow when they saw me. They didn't even so much as say, 'Hello, Astesia.'

Maybe the game was up the moment they saw me.

Never mind that silly stuff.

Good speech. The two old Urbica hard-heads never brought up any objections, and you dispatched the other nitpickers with ease.

I hear you're already getting interviewed by the press?

Yeah, they just asked some pretty standard questions. But I also got questions from two foreign scholars.

We exchanged contact information, and we may be able to work together to improve the model and promote its usage in academia.

As for Mother and Father...

I'm sure they expressed their dissatisfaction with me in the sternest tone, staring straight ahead.

They've always been like this. They've never changed.

(Fake voice) 'Astesia needs to know her place in the family.'

They're obviously mad at you.

Haha, don't say that, Genne.

What are you gonna do now?

We'll stay in Trimounts for a while longer. We've been too busy to go sightseeing or shopping.

There's still time left on this apartment lease.

I'll go back and report to Father once everything here is taken care of, and once things have cooled down a little.

I'll tell him that this was the fruit of me and my sister's labor, and that I won't let him put his name on it.

Finally, you've come around.

What about you, Genne? Are you going back to Rhine? I hear your old mentor is back with a directorship.

No way. Rumor has it he's even more cantankerous when bossing people around these days.

But if I'm being honest, Director Clooney's current project is... intriguing.

How could I not be interested in a form of energy that can send a building into the sky?

But that's not a good enough reason for me to go back to working under a man like him. No opportunity is worth that.

I've made up my mind. I have no regrets.

I'll follow your example, Genne.

You're already my example.

Well, there are worse things than your sister complimenting you.

Let's eat out today.

Alright!

By the way...

Yes?

Give me a heads-up if you're going back home.

I thought you didn't want to go back.

I want Mr. Urbica to know that the two of us are a united front against him.

Now that's exaggerating things a bit...

Well, I won't go if you don't want me to.

That's not what I meant.

Let's go together.