Story Reader / Affection / Qu: Shukra / Story
The Astronomical Research Institute is located near F.O.S. During the day, there are hardly any people around.
Quiet, simple, and spacious. One wouldn't be blamed for going as far as calling this place gloomy.
The Astronomical Research Institute, huh... Why am I barely seeing anyone here now? It looks fine on its own, but this place looks barely alive if you compare it to F.O.S. over there.
Be it facilities or architectural layout, this place ain't got nothing on F.O.S..
She is right, and it's something you noticed on the way here, too.
At this point, you find yourself tired from greeting all the students coming out of F.O.S. who greet you as they pass you by.
You've heard of the Astronomical Research Institute, but you've never actually paid it a visit.
Did you hear it? There is an argument going on in there.
Guess Constructs have sharper ears.
Sharp ears you have there.
Let's go in. They probably need someone to sort things out for them.
When Qu gently pushes the door open, you see three students in there.
A frail girl in a lab coat is sitting on a chair. She is probably one of the researchers here.
There are two boys standing. They are tall and composed, and their uniforms are impeccably neat.
Well, well, well, here we have these two boys from F.O.S. and a girl from the Astronomical Research Institute...
Pretty much a no-brainer what they're fighting about, no?
You and Qu move closer to listen to their conversation.
The Astronomical Research Institute is not really doing much now, Qiqi, so there is obviously room for modifications...
That's not the case. We're still conducting research work here.
Qiqi... Guess that's who we came looking for.
The three continue with their argument...
But the fact remains that the head of the research institute is no longer here. Shouldn't we consider putting it to more beneficial use?
Look, I've been the one in charge here since my tutor's passing.
Yes, which is exactly why we're here to advise you to think it over. See, we even brought this lease contract with us from F.O.S. We do still need your consent, though, of course.
Lease it to us and you'll earn a year's worth of research funding in just three months. You have nothing to lose. Not only that, you'll also be able to join our Space Research Institute at F.O.S. later.
...
F.O.S. sure taught him how to sound convincing.
Apologies for butting in, but this research institute is a precious legacy her tutor left behind.
Whatever you're trying to do, this place shouldn't be used in a way that goes against his original intentions.
The two male students turn to face Qu.
Who are you? I didn't know there were other astronomers here.
You probably don't know me, but I'm sure you know this person standing behind me.
With it, the students turn to look over this way.
Hey Chief, is that you? Like, the legendary Chief? Or are you just a lookalike?
No, I don't think it's a lookalike. But wow, never thought I'd run into the Chief here.
Which means you're a new addition to Gray Raven?
Me? Do I seem like one to you?
With absolutely no warning, Qu grabs your hand.
Now, THIS is what we are. I hope I've made it obvious enough for you.
With it, the students blush.
Oh, uhh, I see...
We're happy for you, though, Chief.
So what do you think of what we were just talking about, Chief?
Personally, I believe astronomical research holds limited value in this era, and it makes sense to me to put this place to use that would benefit all of us.
F.O.S. hopes to transform this place into an electronic simulation battlefield.
According to our simulations, virtual combat drills can significantly improve the operational efficiency and battlefield awareness of new commandants.
That's putting this place to much better use than conducting astronomical research, no? Where you put in all sorts of money but barely get anything in return.
Every research has its necessity. If there's anything truly valuable in this era...
The stars above our heads would be the most precious things there are.
I beg your pardon?
All you see is a homeland at the mercy of the Punishing if you face the battlefield.
But there is a whole different world beyond the battlefield, one you'll only see if you look up at the night sky.
Has it ever crossed your mind why Babylonia was built in the first place?
Humanity has been trying for eras to venture into the depths of space.
Now, the worth of this place is only a matter of how we see it... or, to put it in a different way, it's only because we aren't able to put it to more productive use now due to certain constraints.
If you ask me, though, I personally think that treating the universe as a possibility for the future is actually quite visionary.
I see...
Well, guess I'll chalk that up to me being short-sighted, then.
You have a point there, but what do you say, Chief?
Guess we did all the work for nothing, but it's still a pleasure seeing you here, Chief.
And we'll keep our mouths shut about this new relationship you have, Chief!
Uhm? Why, though? It's not like we're doing something bad.
You should feel happy for your Chief for having found such a great partner, no?
Makes sense. Well then, enjoy yourselves!
When the boys are gone, Qu lets out a sigh of relief.
Thank you both for coming to my rescue. God only knows what would have happened to this research institute if it weren't for the two of you.
Well, if you don't mind answering this question, Qiqi, I was wondering if you could shed some light on the part of your conversation with the boys where they said some sort of astronomical observation equipment was not working properly.
Astronomical research isn't a core project at Babylonia, which is why the research funding has always been tight.
We've managed to come this far with the ticket revenue from the observatory...
But we haven't seen any visitors coming to the observatory since the observation equipment died, and there went the last source of income we had.
Right. See, the equipment we're talking about worked by projecting distant stars into the observation room via holograms.
And with all the stars hanging up there, the observatory has always been a popular dating spot.
The observatory would always be packed with visitors on weekend evenings.
So people only come here for dating? With absolutely no interest in the stars whatsoever?
But then again, I guess that's just mediocre people with their mediocre hobbies.
Income aside, though, we haven't been able to carry on with our research here since the observation equipment went out of order.
We were already struggling with attracting new students, and that just made things even worse.
Has astronomy really become a field no one cares about anymore?
I'm not giving up, though, even if I end up being the last one standing.
I see Hengzhu has taught you well, huh. You really remind me of myself from back in the day...
I never minded failing once I had my eye set on something.
I know I shouldn't meddle in Babylonia's business, but at the same time, I find it hard to just walk away since I'm one of Hengzhu's students, too.
For the sake of humanity's future, your persistence is probably exactly what's needed.
Honestly, I don't know how long I can hold on, especially with the equipment being out of order...
You'll be able to continue with your research if we get it fixed, right?
Yes, but our Engineering Force has their plate full these days...
Mind taking us to the observatory? We'll see how we can help.
For real? I'll give both of you a lifetime pass if you can fix it!
Well, all I need you to do for us is to leave us alone for a while at the observatory later, if you don't mind.
Well, that's hardly a favor!
That being said, though, I should probably ask [player name] here to head down to the observatory with me since I'm dealing with Babylonia's business as an outsider, no?
I don't want this to escalate into a diplomatic issue, so, [player name], can you come along?
We can stay there for a bit and watch the stars there once the observatory is fixed. And I'd like to have a talk with you while we're at that.
I'll fill you in on that when we're there alone.
