Nirvatia: Dirge - Part I
>"...The weather regulation system in certain areas of Babylonia will switch to precipitation mode from this evening through tomorrow daytime. So, don't forget to bring your rain gear when going out."
After processing the last file, you stretch your wrists and lean back against the chair, your gaze drifting toward the window.
The silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain ushers in the night ahead of time.
You hear a soft rustling of mechanical feathers coming from the perch by the window.
Well, what do we have here? Another workaholic. Both you and Nirvatia never know how to stop once you start working.
Care to guess who closed the windows, brewed the coffee, and turned on the lights? Sigh! I'd win the "supportive CUB" competition without breaking a sweat.
Oh, whoa! Not many people actually thank a CUB. You're way too nice! Don't mention it!
Wait here. I'm going to sneak into the management system and add it for real.
Since you went out of your way to set up a perch for me, I'll look after you whenever I'm free! It's not like Nirvatia takes me to her meetings anyway—who knows when those will ever end.
Because I care too much, you jerk!
Have you heard the story about the sage who asked the students to fill an empty room?
If you ask me, they should put all those bureaucrats Nirvatia deals with in a room together. Their stupidity and constant bickering would make the place burst at the seams.
Poor Nirvatia, walking into that execution chamber alone with nothing but her wit and charm, while I get to enjoy freedom in her place.
You look around at the displays and data storage units in what is just another ordinary Task Force lounge, and you struggle to find much to entertain Morigan.
You're not a mechanical raven, so how could you possibly understand what a mechanical raven finds enjoyable?
Trying to poach me from Nirvatia? The audacity! I'm impressed!
This is exactly the kind of thing she'd love. Just imagine what she'd do to you for—
BOOM—
A rolling thunderclap threatens to split the heavy air. In that same instant, Morigan's voice cuts off abruptly, as if an invisible hand has seized his voice module.
The blue light in the mechanical raven's eyes suddenly extinguishes, replaced by a piercing red the next second. Dim and eerie, Morigan's eyes look like the lanterns on a ferry crossing the River Styx.
Spreading his wings with solemn dignity, Morigan opens and closes his beak rhythmically, his ultramarine feathers reflecting cold light.
Voice message 1845, delayed activation. Priority: Highest. Beginning playback—
Your hand was on your pistol the moment something strange happened. With your eyes locked on the raven, you start recording with your terminal.
By the time you receive this message, I'll no longer be able to answer your questions, Nirvatia.
That means I've lost the strength to keep living, and I'm speaking in this capacity one final time:
I, Lenore, researcher at the CUB Laboratory of the Science Council, hereby formally report that Professor Walden, our project leader, has concealed dangerous and unauthorized data within test sample batch CUB-LN-129.
This batch has already been registered and archived. The dangerous data involves radical modifications to enemy-targeting algorithms and has not been recalled.
I entrust to you my legacy of justice and faithful counsel. When the rains of this world pour down upon you, don't sing your lament alone, blackbird.
A raindrop strikes the windowpane incredibly faintly yet perfectly clearly, punctuating the sighing voice like a final period.
In the silence, the patter of rain grows steadier as raindrops trail across the glass like tears.
The raven stands frozen in shock.
T-that wasn't me!
I have no idea what happened! I couldn't control myself, and there's no record of the audio. I swear, Nirvatia—
The black-winged CUB glides over and perches silently on your shoulder, shrinking into himself, still visibly shaken.
A quick search for "Lenore" on the internal network brings up two records: a public notice from the Science Council about her dismissal years ago for experiment-related violations, and a report of her subsequent suicide.
An accusation from someone long dead, who was capable of hacking the Security Director's CUB, no less. With the Science Council and Nirvatia involved, this is clearly beyond your jurisdiction to handle alone.
Your mind still racing, you open the door, and your gaze immediately collides with a pair of crystalline red eyes.
Oh?
A woman with deep blue hair stands at your doorway, draped in what seems like a cloak of night itself, leaning on a long black umbrella. Her expression shifts from momentary surprise to a subtle smile.
No need to rush, little raven. I'm here.
Nirvatia's hand, poised to knock, hovers near your cheek before naturally lowering to smooth out a crease in your collar.
Only now do you realize how close opening the door has brought you two together—the damp air from the downpour mingles with her warm, rich fragrance, leaving you momentarily entranced.
Regarding this—I know as much as you do. The Security Director wouldn't let her raven go without proper preparation, after all.
A familiar name, and a hidden accusation...
The female Construct speaks in a gentle, deep voice, as if trying not to disturb slumbering souls.
Can we call it fate? Yet another long-buried mystery resurfaces before us both after the Carthaki incident.
Nirvatia gives you a slightly apologetic look as she takes Morigan back, who has been trying to nestle into the crook of your neck.
I'm afraid so.
Of course. And for you specifically, the Security Director offers personal compensation. You can choose.
As the Security Director, I guarantee that your time won't be wasted.
Thank you for accompanying me to file the report, my witness, and my... fellow traveler.
She extends her hand to you like asking for a dance, inviting you to a night of mystery.
Small Meeting Room
Science Council
Small Meeting Room, Science Council
First, I would like to thank you both for your promptness, Director Nirvatia, Gray Raven Commandant.
Have both the prosecution, represented by Director Nirvatia, and the accused, Professor Walden himself, completed their statements?
On your way here, Nirvatia's fingers danced across her terminal while you held the umbrella up for you both. You watched her complete the report in mere moments, issuing a summons and scheduling a meeting.
Now, Nirvatia gently strokes Morigan in his compact form and nods. Across the long table, a man glances at the time on his terminal before offering a slightly apologetic smile and nodding in return.
—My apologies. I left home in a rush, and I don't want my wife and children to worry.
As I've already stated, those samples were fully compliant with regulations before being archived.
The sample size was substantial, and the testing ground had since been damaged and sealed off due to previous attacks. Our limited personnel and resources shouldn't be wasted on this matter.
Of course, this comes at a critical time when my laboratory is promoting several collaborations with the World Government. I completely understand your caution and will cooperate to the best of my ability.
Very well. If all parties are in agreement, the Control Court will assume full authority over the investigation and handling of this case, effective immediately.
The female Construct sitting beside you suddenly sharpens her focus, her gaze as piercing as the blade in her cane.
Internal investigation and evidence collection within the Science Council fall under the Security Director's jurisdiction. Why are you excluding me from this, officer?
The whistleblower report has been confirmed to be authentic by the voice analysis, yet for unknown reasons, its submission was delayed by years. Under these circumstances, an internal investigation by the department involved is hardly persuasive.
Attempting to circumvent or undermine the established internal security protocols is itself a blow to public confidence.
Moreover, the key evidence in this case involves specialized CUB technology. Having internal experts collect evidence would be far more effective in uncovering the truth.
Forgive my frankness, Director Nirvatia, but you yourself are not entirely the product of the Science Council's higher education system—a so-called "expert."
From the other side of the long table, a holographic projection, who has been focusing on something else silently, suddenly interjects.
Nirvatia has fulfilled the graduation requirements for the specialization in Combat Unit Booster.
As for her professional integrity, it was Nirvatia who confiscated Lenore's unauthorized experiment and made the investigation results public back then.
The officer briefly communicates with someone through the terminal before shaking his head despite a flicker of hesitation crossing his face.
I'm sorry, Chief Technician, but the only concession the Control Court can make is to appoint a mutually trusted supervisor to accompany the investigation. Otherwise, approval would be difficult.
Please understand that I must also answer to my superiors.
Out of view from the others, Nirvatia's gauntlet digs deep into her palm with a pressure that will certainly leave behind marks.
Memories from the research facility flood your mind. You understand full well how much the Construct before you despises bureaucratic finger-pointing, and how desperately she wants to uncover the truth herself.
The black-feather-clad Construct's fingertips tremble slightly as she turns to look at you. The tension in her posture eases almost imperceptibly.
Her crimson irises glisten with crystalline clarity like glass melted by fierce winds then reforged in bitter cold. Reflected in your eyes, her gaze shines with brilliant, shimmering light.
Her lips part slightly in silence, as if what she wants to say isn't suitable for the setting. Instead, she entrusts her unspoken words entirely to her gaze.
Well...
The Gray Raven Commandant is certainly trusted from all sides. If the busy commandant could spare the time to assist with the investigation, that would be ideal. Does anyone have any objections?
No.
Me neither.
The officer seems to breathe a sigh of relief. The moment he adjourns the meeting, his demeanor shifts to one of affability as he lavishes praise on Nirvatia and you for your resolve before he hastily exits the room. Walden doesn't linger either.
Nirvatia and you stand up and walk out side by side.
You've been watching me closely, haven't you, little raven?
Hmm... It seems that the pain does disappear wherever your gaze falls.
You really are... surprisingly childlike in some ways.
Perhaps I've done that before... in what feels like a lifetime ago.
The tall woman tilts her face upward toward the dimmed energy-saving lights and lets out a soft sigh.
This place is also a battlefield that needs fighting and defending. There are no allies or enemies that last forever, yet certain "rules" never change.
For instance, you must always conceal your vulnerabilities.
She opens her palm in front of you.
These marks won't become vulnerabilities as long as you grip something tightly—whether it's a terminal, a weapon, or... someone's hand.
Just as you're about to say something, the Construct beside you suddenly halts mid-step.
Following her gaze, you see Walden standing beneath the portico leading to the entrance and watching the unrelenting curtain of rain.
The professor turns around and waves at you two, the light at his fingertips flickering on and off.
You're always rushing about, Nirvatia. We rarely get a chance to talk.
The last time we spoke more than a few words was at Lenore's funeral. You stood so far away, clutching those flowers, and you wouldn't come any closer even when I asked.
...
During your time in my laboratory, she was the only one you were willing to talk to. So many years have passed...
I will not reminisce with the subject of inquiry during an investigation.
For the first time today, an invisible rain seemingly has penetrated the eaves, drenching the tireless, black-clad Construct where she stands.
You open the black umbrella and step into the rain, tilting it slightly toward Nirvatia beneath the eaves.
With exhaustion and gratitude, Nirvatia folds her wings and places her hand in yours, taking shelter in the small haven you've opened for her.
Let's go... Gray Raven Commandant.
