Nirvatia: Dirge - Part VI
Professor Walden's Office
Science Council
Sunlight pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the spacious, immaculate room, making the models, publications, and academic medals in the display cases gleam brilliantly.
On the wooden desk sits a cup of steaming green tea. The man behind the desk glances briefly at the mechanical raven perched nearby before shifting his attention back to his Science Council colleague.
It's a new tea variety cultivated by a friend. Please, help yourself.
The female Construct's lips curl into a slight smile, but she doesn't pursue the topic.
The comms jamming system here has been specially enhanced to block CUBs, so why so formal?
You requested this private meeting. I'm merely showing my good faith.
I'm actually a bit surprised. Given your rather... eventful schedule with the Gray Raven Commandant, I expected you'd bring the commandant along to meet me.
Is that genuine concern for a colleague, Professor, or are you implying that my relationship with the commandant is inappropriate, and I'm neglecting my duties?
If it's the former, I've duly "noted" your concern. If it's the latter, I'm more than happy to show you my recent work. I'm certain it will put your suspicions to rest.
Holographic screens unfold in layers before her. With a flick and sweep of her fingers, Nirvatia surrounds Walden with projections of code, blueprints, and text logs, all being rapidly scrolled through.
This is hidden data extracted from multiple samples of batch CUB-LN-129.
This level of downgrading to the CUB's enemy-targeting system has been rejected by the Council at least three times. Yet you still privately replaced them in several sample units, Professor.
I suppose the risk of increased combat casualties from faulty systems doesn't matter to you compared to those impressive reaction speeds?
And what about this? You forced Lenore to complete her test three months earlier than her originally proposed timeline. The data was fabricated convincingly enough and conveniently met that year's grants review deadline.
Would you like me to refresh your memory with a few more files, Professor Walden?
You should thank the Morigan upgrades. Those unwitting engineers inadvertently delayed the activation of the whistleblower report. Otherwise, your cushy lifestyle would have ended years ago.
Walden's face is lit by the chilling light of the projections. His gentle smile fades, but he shows no sign of panic.
He leans back slightly into his wingback chair, his gaze sweeping across the floating evidence as if they were nothing more than fabricated stories from some pulp fiction.
Impressive. Not just you, but Lenore as well—that girl always did excellent work. Seems she didn't appreciate her research as much as she let on.
Such a shame. If she'd truly appreciated her work, she wouldn't have taken her own life back then.
Oh? Were you involved in her death?
Don't think so terribly of me. In fact, I offered her other opportunities, inviting her to continue her research elsewhere.
Talented researchers are valuable resources no matter where they are. I know how to appreciate them.
The blue-haired Construct reacts as if she's just heard a distasteful joke, her expression turning cold.
Appreciation... What a hollow concept. Unless you're ready to start drafting your confession, perhaps you can say something more relevant to your current situation.
I'm starting to regret this. Perhaps meeting with you before the Control Court arrives was nothing but a waste of time.
Or perhaps none of the subsequent interrogations will need to happen at all.
The man rises to his feet, walks to the window, and opens it just a crack. A whisper of wind slips into the room.
Director Nirvatia, I admire your dedication to pursuing the truth, but in my view, the definition of truth shouldn't be so narrow.
The weather is quite pleasant today, with such agreeable wind and temperature—yet it is entirely artificial, a crude imitation of Earth's atmosphere created after we lost our home. Still, its benefits are quite real. My work is the same.
Do you think my achievements are built on empty words? No, they're founded on a series of concrete, effective results delivered to the public.
You understand as well as I do how the public views the Science Council. People don't concern themselves with the process when they're enjoying the fruits of our work.
The man gestures dismissively toward the holographic screen.
Sure, submit the evidence and suspend me. Before the investigation is over, the delayed and pending projects will make them question whether you've been too cautious, and soon you'll be the one drafting confessions and facing interrogations.
Once this farce is over, we'll go back to being colleagues. Rather than wasting our time and reputations at the Control Court, why don't we explore a new way to collaborate? Isn't that why you've shown all your cards?
Who's speaking?!
The moment you disconnect and open the office door, you see Nirvatia rising from her seat with perfect composure as Morigan gracefully glides down to perch on her shoulder.
Right on time, little raven.
Having to stay quiet while sharing my visual feed with the Gray Raven Commandant nearly killed me! I was forced to listen to a load of crap without saying a word. I demand emotional compensation! Compensation, I say!
Walden's face transforms into a kaleidoscope of emotions. His gaze darts between you, Nirvatia, and Morigan before finally locking onto you with dawning comprehension.
When did you start listening?
Let me guess, Professor. You're wondering how someone who once lived under your roof as an outsider could possibly breach your security measures? What could she possibly be after?
I'll let the people my little raven has summoned answer those questions for you.
You step aside as Dr. Witte, accompanied by several researchers and uniformed agents from the Control Court, file into the office in an orderly manner.
Seeing all these people suddenly appearing has seemingly stolen the air from his lungs. Walden staggers back a step, clutching the edge of his desk for support.
Perhaps Director Nirvatia couldn't have cracked your security this quickly on her own, but she had our help.
Your manipulation won't trouble us anymore, Walden. No matter how much funding you divert or how many research projects you suppress, you can't take away our talent. And you're nowhere near as brilliant as you think you are.
You claimed people only care about results, not how you achieve them—but I care. Director Nirvatia cares. The Gray Raven Commandant cares.
He clutches the necklace at his chest with one hand while pointing skyward with the other.
Lenore cared.
The Control Court officer beside him offers a brief, measured applause before turning to Walden with an instantly chilling gaze.
The evidence we gathered has exceeded all expectations. For the allegations against you, your contemptuous attitude toward oversight bodies, and your attempts at bribery, the Control Court has established an investigation team.
All your duties have been temporarily suspended. Please accompany us immediately to a designated location to cooperate with our investigation.
He turns toward you and Nirvatia, acknowledging you with a respectful nod.
The operation proceeded so smoothly thanks to the Gray Raven Commandant's timely coordination and the Security Director's brilliant strategy. You've both worked hard. We'll take it from here.
The Control Court personnel surround Walden completely, and the man's previously unshakable composure finally shatters to pieces.
Wait! How dare you?! You don't understand!
After all my contributions to the Science Council, what right do you and these ungrateful traitors have to judge me, Nirvatia?!
As Walden spits his venomous accusations, Nirvatia coldly turns halfway toward him.
She lifts her chin as daylight from the corridor streams across her face. Her crimson eyes burn with startling intensity, as if all her caution and restraint have been incinerated to reveal the unyielding steel beneath.
Your judge is not me, Walden, but truth itself.
Truth cannot be twisted by your delusions.
I don't need to hear a single word of your deception. The truth is right here, and my only task is to make sure you face it directly.
She turns to face you, her eyes meeting yours with absolute pride and trust.
As for me... I have my own companion to witness my truths.
You return her sentiment with a look of equal resolve, and together with Nirvatia, you step forward into the light without turning back.
Nirvatia's Private Lounge
Babylonia
Exhaustion and a sense of accomplishment from closing the case wash over you. Your body craves rest, but your mind remains unusually alert, so you accept Nirvatia's invitation to celebrate without a second thought.
—But you have not expected the female Construct to lead you to her private sanctuary instead of the bustling Commercial District.
Instead of the rumors circulating out there, you find traces of her genuine life in here: soft seat cushions, neatly arranged throw pillows, and potted plants nestled in the corners.
The blue-haired Construct sits down beside you, carrying a matching pair of differently colored mugs. She hands you the one emblazoned with a gray raven.
Today's special blend contains no alcohol, theobromine, or caffeine. Let's give our nerves a little vacation.
To those who can't return to us, and to those who share our destiny... Cheers, to a successful collaboration. It's been a pleasure working with you, little raven.
Nirvatia and you exchange soft smiles as your mugs clink with a crisp sound. The beaks printed on both cups touch briefly before parting ways.
Nirvatia leans back with her mug, letting the cushions support her. She turns to look at you, a few strands of hair by her temples now charmingly disheveled.
My original weekend plans certainly didn't include such... twists and turns.
But it's fine. The path may have been different, but I still managed to do everything I wanted.
As she speaks, her fingers lightly tap the air as if crossing off an invisible checklist.
A stroll in the rain, evening drinks, a nice breakfast, picking out desserts, coming home to share a brew...
After all, patience is something I have in abundance.
Is that smugness I hear? Well said, though. Ten points to little raven.
Finding ways for our busy lives to intersect and truly savoring those moments of connection... it's a long-term project.
Fortunately, I find myself quite interested in both the project and my research partner.
Actually, there's one more thing. It wasn't on the list, so it's an unexpected surprise.
The Construct, nestled in the sofa, gazes at you with tender eyes. She sets her cup aside and snaps her fingers in the air, and Morigan flies in from another room, bouncing playfully before settling on her knee.
Ohhh! Nirvatia, you've finally decided to go for it?! I'm 1000 percent behind you on this!
Nirvatia's hand freezes mid-stroke along the mechanical raven's crest. After a moment's hesitation, her fingers move to pinch his chattering beak shut.
Which part of his programming did I set to be like this...? Oh, never mind.
She releases her grip and taps the raven's little head with her fingertip. Morigan, however, clears his throat and turns toward you.
So, uh, what she's about to show you is really important to her. If she's showing it to you, it means you're probably the only one who'll ever see it, got that?
Strangely enough, you can somehow read an expression between concern and embarrassment on the mechanical raven's face.
Before you can respond, Morigan transforms back into a console, falling completely silent.
After the Carthaki incident, I recovered many of my memories. It was like an organized library suddenly became flooded with unmarked books from different time periods. I've been sorting and archiving them with Morigan's help.
Morigan has been a constant throughout my life. His memory archives serve as the axis against which I place my own memories. But he has been damaged many times like me, leaving some of his archives blurred or unstable.
Until now. Among the files Lenore left behind, I discovered a "treatment protocol" designed specifically for Morigan.
The female Construct gently bites her lower lip, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. Despite this, her gaze never wavers as she meets your eyes.
I wouldn't have found this protocol without you. So whether it's Morigan's archives or my M.I.N.D... I want you to witness with me the parts that are getting restored.
Just like what you've done before. Establish a M.I.N.D. connection with me.
Nirvatia leans forward, gently pressing her forehead against yours, and closes her eyes.
On your left! Nirvatia, it's about to attack from the left! Move the joystick, quick!
I got it—phew, see? I dodged it!
Don't worry about losing health. It's my turn next anyway. I'll go gather some herbs to make healing potions.
Wow! So I can go all-out when it's my turn?
Hey! Remember to leave some potions for me too!
The blonde girl laughs as she throws her arms around her two friends, playfully nuzzling their cheeks from both sides. Their laughter rings out, bright and clear as a summer sky.
A bell rings, and the silver-haired girl who has just received the game console lets out a soft sigh, disappointment written across her face.
Jagienka and I have the first training class after lunch... We'll have to continue when we get back.
Make sure you wait for us to come back so we can play together!
Yes, of course.
Without warning, the surrounding scenery begins to dissolve like glitter dropped into water, leaving only Nirvatia and the purple game console behind.
Before the console falls from midair and crashes to the ground, you instinctively reach out, catch it, and hold it forward.
The blue-haired girl, seemingly frozen in place, lifts her head. The moment her fingertips touch the console, the world plunges into darkness.
It's dinner time. Would you like to go to the cafeteria, or should I bring some food back for you?
Thanks, but I'm not hungry. Weren't you planning to head home early today?
Yeah, that idiot Witte finally worked up the courage to ask me to dinner after hemming and hawing forever. I'll head out, then. Take care of yourself, okay?
The woman hunching over her work waves from behind her screen and waits until she hears the door close before refocusing her attention on the code.
The moment you hear her stomach growl, a bag of sweet-scented apple pie materializes in your hand.
Before the world dissolves, those crystal-red eyes that look your way clearly reflect your figure within them.
Slash marks still burn hot on the broken walls. Shattered Corrupted remains are scattered everywhere.
Nirvatia's skirt, like black wings, sweeps across the devastation as she holds her cane in one hand while lightly touching her ear with the other.
Target area cleared. Bring in the retrieval team.
Roger! How are you holding up, Nirvatia? Can you hang in there? Want me to come find you first?
I can hold out until the main force arrives.
The call ends, and the light at her ear fades. Night wraps around her once more, and her frame wavers as she drives the tip of her cane into the ground.
Cough...
As if depleted of her last ounce of strength, she slowly slides downward, resting her forehead against the handle of her cane.
The rain arrives silently after a fleeting flash of lightning. The sky seems to carry an unbearable weight, hiding its face behind thick clouds and shedding tears of rain.
Sparse at first, the rain quickly grows dense, the silver beads adorning her dark blue hair.
Yet the female Construct neither looks up nor attempts to stand, simply kneeling quietly in the curtain of rain, her expression hidden from view.
In an instant, a black umbrella materializes in your hand, your body making the choice before your consciousness can catch up.
The ripples of military boots stepping through puddles seem to wake her from her trance. Her crimson eyes tremble as they focus, her eyelashes heavy with a mist of rain and sorrow.
This is Nirvatia of the present, who has been through so much with you, lost in her memories and drenched by a downpour from her past.
Little raven, I don't want to wake up alone. I don't want to wake up to nothing, where everyone who left never returns.
You reach out to gently wipe away the trails of water sliding down her jaw...
And you offer her your hand.
Something in her eyes melts into a faint glow, slowly brightening moment by moment.
Yes, you're here. I see you.
The moment her hand touches yours, countless crystalline raindrops hang suspended in the night air, motionless, like a galaxy reflected on Earth.
No, the rain stopping alone is not enough.
Nirvatia takes your hand and shifts into a dance, tossing aside both umbrella and cane. She raises her arm and waves it toward the sky.
The raindrops tremble before they change direction in unison.
They transform into countless silver threads, streaming upward against the night sky.
I will pierce through this leaden dome, I will spread my wings and take off with you right here, and find us the dawn.
A gentle yet powerful force lifts you up, carrying your weightless bodies from the ground as you follow the inverted silver sea of tears, ascending together.
In perfect silence, two silhouettes pierce through the thickest layer of clouds.
Amidst tide-like waves of golden-red and lilac-pink, between light and shadow...
Nirvatia suddenly turns around, smiling radiantly.
The evening light filters gently through the window lattice into the Construct dormitory. The mechanical raven, already back in bird form, has just finished checking the motors on his wings for the fifth time. He paces across the coffee table and sighs.
Ugh... Did they really just fall asleep leaning against each other like that...
Well, they do deserve a good rest. There's still some time before dinner anyway, so I'll just let you sleep in a little longer.
If I keep watching this, my feathers will turn pink. I'll go grab some takeout from the Commercial District instead. Now, what should I eat...
The raven flutters out through the window. Behind him on the sofa, two figures—one gray, one black—nestle together in peaceful slumber, sharing a dream so deep that neither wings nor wind could ever disturb it.
