Story Reader / Main Story / 29 Source Beacon / Story
Video: Teddy: Decryptor_Text Cutscene
The testing ground, once bustling day and night, was now silent, its bright lights dimmed. Asimov stands by the control panel, meticulously verifying the coordinates.
Any new discoveries?
It's still those data walls. Ever since they appeared, they've scattered and blocked the core areas.
Even though all signs point to the possibility of opening them, I still stand by my conclusion.
I could try to hijack them using the lower-level protocol, but Gestalt's database might activate its protection systems and get damaged.
The code for Gestalt's foundational database has been lost in the chaos for a long time, so I can't gauge how bad the potential damage might be.
There's a chance we could extract the technology they want, but there's also a risk of blowing up the entire foundational database.
Have they made a decision yet?
Since Gestalt still can't perform certain calculations, they're getting ready for a parliamentary vote on whether to open these data walls.
...It's tough to say just how low their intelligence really is.
Even knowing that what they might open is Pandora's box, knowing that the abyss ahead might store poison disguised as nectar.
But...
Just like the Norman Mining Corp, once obsessed with Dominik's legacy, how can those who have seen the heights of power be satisfied with the status quo?
If only there was enough time...
With enough time and our current tech, we could actually create a new "Golden Age".
But they can't wait any longer.
They cannot wait to put their glorious mark in the history book and write, "This is the decision that turns the page on humanity's history book, leading humanity into a new era."
Once the Data Wall is opened, will Dominik actually show up?
Can't tell.
No one can really assess Dominik's current state, and...
Can we even be sure it's Dominik?
...
A lot of people are in favor of it.
Even Commander Nikola from the military is on board.
World Government Emergency Meeting
Unlike the usual clamor, the hall is enveloped in silence.
Everyone senses the weight of this impromptu meeting.
Is it a moment of danger or a chance for opportunity? No one can foresee the outcome; each member silently contemplates their thoughts.
The briefing materials have already been distributed to you.
I'd like to emphasize again that Chief Technician Asimov from the Science Council, Captain Karenina of the Engineering Force, and Vice-Captain Teddy are all opposed to unlocking the Data Wall in Gestalt.
A stir of whispers ripples through the attendees, but calm quickly settles over the room.
So, we have indeed obtained some data on the Inver-Device from that space?
Yes.
And we've confirmed that there's even greater space beyond the Data Wall?
Yes.
Yet everything beyond that wall remains shrouded in mystery. Even a united effort from the Science Council and Engineering Force cannot reveal what lies beyond.
Next, is another crucial piece of information we must discuss.
During the outbreak of the Punishing Virus, while relocating Gestalt, Dominik's adjutant Nithart intercepts an erroneous command sent from Gestalt.
It is a launch order for 7295 indeterminate ballistic missiles aimed at the entire space fleet, targeting—
Babylonia.
This information comes from Mr. Watanabe of the Forsaken.
Gestalt issued an order to destroy Babylonia?!
I doubt the authenticity of this information.
The Forsaken wouldn't want Babylonia's technology to revert to the Golden Age's level.
Yet the technology of the Golden Age is built on time and refinement; we don't necessarily require such drastic means to reclaim past achievements.
Do we truly have any time left?
...
With the Ascendants watching us closely and the Hetero Zone spreading, can we honestly say we still have time?
We've already sacrificed too much, warriors and resources alike.
The Hetero Zone may have receded for now, but who can assure us that the Red Tide won't rise again?
When humanity is entirely confined to the Clean Zone, what will we have left to fight back with?
Nikola, you know well that there may be dangers sealed behind that wall.
Or it could present us with a rare opportunity.
A heavy silence hangs in the Parliament hall.
...Are there any other questions?
Then let's move forward with the vote.
The scholars from the Science Council who favor unlocking the Data Wall believe they can implement safety measures similar to those used in the Inver-Device experiments. They plan to create an isolation zone within Gestalt for their work.
If anything unexpected happens, they can quickly discard the isolation zone and protect most of Gestalt's modules.
Humanity has been dormant for far too long; the desire to launch a bold counterattack and reclaim the civilization that has been imprisoned is overwhelming.
In the face of such irresistible temptation, no one can resist taking the bait.
To return to the Golden Age and reap the long-awaited fruits of our past.
The final result of the vote is too obvious to predict.
Commander Nikola's proposal received 52.8% support, 35.1% opposition, and 12.1% abstentions.
The proposal is approved.
