Story Reader / Main Story / 28 Polaris Bond / Story
28-0 Shimmering Well
>For a country's citizens to have a deep love for their country...
They must first have a deep understanding of its history.
—Qian Mu, "An Outline of National History"
...So, without understanding Kowloong's internal affairs, Babylonia has no reason to negotiate with you.
Especially not with Huaxu and that Transcendant missing. No, we can't form an alliance with you now.
And I'm not even done yet!
He waves the documents in his hand, bringing to mind what people did a century ago at what people actually recognized as the "Parliament."
I have a report from the Science Council stating that "for the past three months, Gestalt's core has been continuously attacked by malicious injections from the outside."
I hope we all still remember what Huaxu did to us last time.
The murmurs from the tiered Babylonia Parliament Hall sound like clanks of heavy chains that weigh down Pulao and Chaofeng sitting at the center.
Their table is scattered with all sorts of files, from statistics to historical records, and even immigration records from the Great Evacuation. They all point to Kowloong.
To prepare herself to discuss aid beyond the Clean Zone, Pulao has been poring over all these plans, blueprints, data, and history for two weeks now.
Well...
According to the data from the Nighter's data center, we currently have no information on Huaxu's whereabouts, and the Nighter's data center holds no data on Huaxu...
We definitely haven't used Huaxu to attack Babylonia when we don't even know where it is!
See, Kowloong is the only reliable shipper there is now on Earth, and we can't do without the Nighter in case of potential emergencies at sea.
The councilor who just spoke stands up. It doesn't seem like he was directing his words at Pulao, nor does he care what she said.
Evidence shows traces of Hetero-Creatures and the Punishing in the ocean. All we have done over the last year to prevent the Red Tide from going into the ocean ended up being a waste of lives and Omega weapons, and that makes us look like a bunch of clowns.
And I just so happen to have a report from the Science Council that clearly states that recent attacks on Gestalt did not come from Huaxu!
Moreover, it was proven years ago that the attack on Babylonia did not come from Kowloong but from that Ascendant—Luna.
But this Ascendant you're talking about went missing a long time ago, and that's something I thought we were all aware of, no? Can you prove Huaxu is not in her hands?
...I can't.
Meaning she is likely to have Huaxu, right? Case closed, then!
That's a logical fallacy. Just because I can't prove Huaxu is not in her hands doesn't mean Huaxu is actually in her hands!
That makes no sense. How can you assume...
Do you have no empathy at all?
The argument starts spinning out of control, with everyone trying to push their own agenda.
Silence!
With it, the hall is once again silent.
Cough...
Collins' somewhat lazy voice echoes in the Parliament hall once again, though it sounds more reserved now than it did before.
May I speak now? President Hassen?
Go ahead.
Hassen nods at Collins without saying anything else.
For the World Government, Kurono is like a thorn in the flesh. There are all sorts of different fractions even within Kurono itself. Hassen agreed to Collins' return to the Parliament with this in mind.
On the condition that Collins acts with discretion.
I don't see any harm in aiding Kowloong, do you?
As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing wrong with it. We can totally send some funds and supplies to help our friends on Earth...
Yup.
Ha?!
Startled by Liszt's rare approval, Collins almost jumps out of his seat.
Collins, however, unable to see what Liszt's face is like, can't possibly guess what Liszt is playing at.
Even within Kurono, factional struggles have never ceased. Because of Liszt's earlier tactics, Collins left the Parliament for quite a while, creating a window for Liszt to outshine him within Kurono.
This sudden approval left Collins unsure of Liszt's intentions.
Ahem... I'm just saying. Even if the Parliament doesn't agree to aid Kowloong, we can still help them in a private capacity like...
I beg to differ.
Another councilor stands up and starts speaking.
Yes?
The Parliament has to be the one making the call about this since the Nighter approached us formally for cooperation.
Private cooperation and negotiations go against the spirit of the Parliament and don't follow the proper procedures. Am I right, Collins?
Duheng's smile is ever-present, but that doesn't make her words any less shrewd.
That's the Parliament's stance, but personally, I believe that if the Parliament can't help, we shouldn't just stand by and let things happen, right?
This is assuming the Parliament won't agree to Kowloong's proposal, Collins.
But I believe that we, Babylonia, or rather the World Government, should offer appropriate assistance to Kowloong.
I'm saying this as a councilor... and as a "human."
Ahem... well... of course.
Collins glances at Liszt as he stands up and forces a smile.
I was about to say the same actually.
After a brief silence, the Parliament Hall erupts into waves of discussion.
The complex and entangled factions within Kurono are well-known in both the government and the Parliament, and Kurono's profit-driven and power-centric ideology has long been criticized.
However, this collaboration proposal between Babylonia and Kowloong is clearly a matter of "morality" for Babylonia, with almost no real "benefits" to show for it.
—Especially for Kurono, that is.
File number... What are the immigration files that the guys down at the Parliament want to see again?
I'll handle it. We'll need to look into the records from the Union, and that's before the Old Kowloong Chamber of Commerce. Will have to speak with the Immigration Bureau and the Administration of Archives. Now, Pulao, I'll need you to get in touch with the Nighter.
Pulao lets out a long sigh, puts down a thick stack of files, and slumps into an antique armchair.
The stack of documents seems to merge into the documents on the table and disappears from sight.
We lost a great portion of the documents we used to have during the Great Evacuation, and there really isn't anything we can do about it.
The Immigration Bureau and the Administration of Archives might not even have the records we're looking for, no? I mean, Dai probably didn't bother taking them when he left Kowloong.
Some of the documents he took away are probably still sitting in the archives in Kowloong's Fuxi Design Bureau. They're just all over the place...
But why do they suddenly need all these documents? Why are they making things so complicated when it is supposed to be a simple discussion about reconstruction aid?
Well, they might not actually go through all over them.
Huh? What do you mean?
If the Parliament and Control Court conduct a joint specialized investigation, they often ask for a ridiculous amount of information so no one knows what they're trying to find out exactly.
They do it all the time, and this is what was done back in the day in Kowloong.
It's true that the Control Court doesn't hold a lot of seats in the Parliament, but they have more power to push bills than anyone else because they hold "oversight," and that's why no one wants to rub them up the wrong way...
The fact that they went to such lengths to have the Parliament inquire about these things means there's something they want to know.
The question is, what exactly are the Parliament and Control Court trying to look into here...
Duheng rubs her temples, not missing a beat in her review.
It ultimately comes down to money and resources. The fuss, though... Something feels off.
Ma'am?
An elderly man by the entrance pushes the door open slightly and nods to Duheng.
Yes?
Councilor Liszt from the Diplomatic Court has urgent matters to discuss with you in the Chamber's reception room...
Liszt? Tsk...
Hmm?
Kurono.
Don't think they're here for a pleasant chat, aren't they...
Guess it has to do with this inquiry meeting?
Probably.
Duheng did see the possibility of Kurono sticking their nose into the inquiry meeting, but she never thought they'd just go ahead and send one of their guys over for her like this.
They're either here to talk about conditions or make threats.
Guess they want us to bow down and swallow all those conditions to work with Babylonia. And not to mention there will be a bunch of "grown-ups" telling us how to do what. Ugh.
They only give Kowloong a damn when their interests are under threat, and don't even get me started on their attitude when they do need our help.
I'm sure no one in Kowloong likes that. We were supposed to connect the world, but Kowloong as it is now is like a lone island... and that's not great at all.
Guess we'll just have to stick that out for now. By the way, Chaofeng, I have them on the line now.
Pulao hands her terminal to Chaofeng, does a stretch, and picks up the files from the desk.
We'll take it from here. Thanks, Duheng.
Guess it's up to us now whether this ship sinks or goes on sailing.
Liszt sits with his back straight in the reception room of the Kowloong Chamber of Commerce in Babylonia. He only opens his mouth to speak when he sees Duheng enter.
Councilor Duheng.
Hello, Councilor Liszt.
With only 30 minutes until the inquiry meeting, I'll get straight to the point.
Since the incident with the Gestalt Computing Power Lock, the Control Court has been focused on investigating the Science Council and Gestalt.
The Control Court might appear to be looking into Huaxu' and Qu's whereabouts on top of the Power Lock incident, but what the Control Court really is looking into is intel that has to do with the Science Council from before the Golden Age, and the intel might have to do with Babylonia directly.
Section... 3?
But I thought the Science Council only had two sections?
If I may, when did you join the World Government?
A cold flash crosses Duheng's eyes before it quickly vanishes.
...Right in the year the Punishing broke out.
Meaning you had been living in Kowloong until then.
Yup.
It's true that the current Science Council only has two R&D sections, namely Sections 1 and 2.
But during Gestalt's early development, there was a third section dedicated to it. When Gestalt was completed, Section 3 was dissolved.
I... never knew that.
There's indeed no written record of this matter.
Only a few people know about this. At the time, everyone who was aware was put under a gag order... so it's only been passed down through memory and word of mouth.
But you are quite young yourself, no? Where did you hear about all this?
...That's hardly the point here.
Now, I just wanted you to know that I will push for Kurono's internal approval to vote in favor of Kowloong's construction aid at the Parliament.
This shouldn't be discussed privately between us. I can't trust any guarantees from Kurono, and can you alone represent Kurono?
Good point there, but this is what I'm going to do.
Aiding Kowloong isn't cost-effective from a financial standpoint, but morally speaking, Babylonia shouldn't leave a spark of self-reliance to go out on its own.
Duheng scrutinizes Liszt's eyes trying to figure out if this old fox is playing any trick.
This man seems slightly different what from she remembers of him at the Parliament.
This... isn't some sort of joke, right?
It isn't.
I have principles I must uphold and tasks I must complete.
And these things don't conflict with Kurono's interests. To put it bluntly, I'm using you and Kowloong.
On what condition?
I need you and Kowloong to investigate what the Control Court is after because what they want... might just happen to be what I want, too.
But we already have our plate full dealing with the Parliament's inquiry and you should know that.
You should have a talk with [player name] from Gray Raven, then. I know for a fact that [player name] and Asimov are in touch on a regular and private basis.
Gray Raven, huh...
The Gray Ravens and Qu have quite a few things going on between themselves dating back to the Kowloong battle.
On top of that, the first elite Task Forces dispatched to assist Kowloong will be the Gray Ravens and the Strike Hawks once the inquiry passes.
Wait, that's been decided already? But the inquiry hasn't even started yet.
The Diplomatic Court always prepares two versions of press releases ready—one when for things go well and the other for when things don't.
A big part of politics is getting ready for when things end even before you do them.
When you put forth the plan about restarting the Zero Point Reactor and interstellar travel at the Parliament, I remember it was passed with a significant majority.
Did you vote in favor?
No, I abstained.
Ohh...
Liszt lets out a wry laugh.
But I don't think that's gonna happen again because what we're doing this time doesn't involve all of humanity's interests.
...
I happen to know that you have a penchant for ambiguity when it comes to important issues.
Except ambiguity isn't what I'm looking for here, Councilor Duheng. I need either a yes or no.
Sometimes, all it takes is one split second for a decision to be made, except one never knows whether that decision is right or not after the fact.
Deal.
Silence! Silence!
Now, that's rare...
I thought Liszt and Collins would vote against this.
Is there anything else you wish to state, Miss Pulao of the Nighter?
Uhmm?!
Like a student whose name gets called out of the blue by the teacher, Pulao looks a bit flustered.
No... there is nothing I wish to add.
Allow me to reiterate the main points of this proposal, then.
For the foreseeable future, Babylonia will provide material aid to the Nighter and the survivors in the Kowloong area, while establishing a Eurasian maritime defense line against the Punishing Virus Kowloong. The goal is to eventually connect the Clean Zone and the conservation areas into one.
Hassen clears his throat lightly and continues.
Perhaps what I say next might undermine the impartiality of my position as the president.
I can't participate in the vote as a regular councilor, but I still wish to express my stance as a human being.
In times of crisis, the continuation and future of civilization are not just entrusted to those of us sitting high in the halls.
The future of humanity should be in the hands of everyone, regardless of status, gender, race, or color, whether they are front-line warriors or nameless individuals.
Under the weight of our responsibilities, however, we often have no choice but to make cruel decisions, which is the price we pay for being where we are.
But when making these decisions, I am first and foremost a human being, and only then the president of the World Government Parliament.
Perhaps one day, future generations will write about our cruel decisions as the downfall of human morality, but we will proudly say that we also made decisions that represented the highest moral standards of human civilization.
Please remember that we, the World Government, set out to unite humanity and lead us toward a civilized future.
Hassen's voice echoes through the Parliament Hall where his voice is the only thing that can be heard now.
I've stated my position. Let's now proceed to the vote.
Gestalt will be counting our votes for "On the World Government's Aid to Kowloong".
With it, this group of people with enough power to influence the world enter their votes into Gestalt—from which a cold verdict of data is churned out.
The proposal received 67.5% support, 14.5% opposition, and 18% abstention.
The proposal has met the minimum threshold for passage and is, therefore, approved.
YAY!!
I hereby declare...
Wait.
Asimov suddenly stands up right when Hassen is about to announce the proposal's approval.
Why does this feel like deja vu...
Yes, Asimov?
President Hassen, I'm not here to obstruct this proposal. In fact, I voted in favor of it as a member of the Parliament, but before we go ahead and announce its approval...
I request that Gestalt independently assess whether this proposal should pass.
Asimov's words send a ripple across the otherwise quiet Parliament.
I beg your pardon?
The law states that the Parliament has the power to make the final call. Formally, however, the Parliament can refer to Gestalt's opinions.
Mr. Asimov, this vote means the Parliament has already approved the proposal!
I mean, there's no precedent for asking Gestalt after a proposal has already been passed, right?
Are you worried that Gestalt might oppose it? Or are you just not sure if this is the right decision to go with?
Well, she does have a point there...
If Gestalt votes against it, Liszt, that could be a problem, right?
Like I said, it's the Parliament that gets to make the final call and not Gestalt.
Tsk...
Asimov...
As a councilor of the World Government and Chief Technician of the Science Council, I insist on this request.
With it, the commotion dies.
Fine.
Hassen's voice breaks the silence.
Let's put it through Gestalt and see what it says.
In the faint light that showers on him from above, Asimov stares at the central screen. He knows that Gestalt isn't physically here, but his gaze seems to pierce the dark screen and reaches straight into the "heart" and "brain" deep of Babylonia.
I...
Fully support this proposal.
Fully?!
Collins slams the table in anger. At the same time, Liszt, sitting not too far away from him, feels a weight lifted off his chest.
In Gestalt's terms, fully means 100%.
Meaning this proposal has 100% of Gestalt's support.
This is incredibly rare... I mean, in all my years in politics, I've never seen Gestalt fully support a cause...
100%...
Unbelievable...
Passed with 100% support...
Asimov, any other questions?
No, thank you, Mr. President.
Asimov bows at Hassen and sits back down, his eyes fixed on the cold, somewhat terrifying "100%".
100% means full, complete, total, and necessary.
At this moment, he no longer cares about Kowloong, Liszt, or Hassen announcing the proposal's approval. He doesn't care about the negotiations they'll be having with Kowloong during the second reading.
Gestalt...
What exactly are "you" so scared of?
The waves swirl around the feet of the girl floating in mid-air, and the sea breeze blows off her hood, revealing her brown braids.
She looks at the city hidden beyond the horizon over 2000 kilometers away, trying to picture that city and the grand civilization it stands for.
Read, understand, and learn.
Let's get started, then.
