Story Reader / Affection / Bianca: Stigmata / Story
Bianca: Stigmata VII
The time to return has arrived.
The transport craft from Babylonia has brought the Expedition Team their scheduled supplies. Meanwhile, Bianca, you, and a few members whose frames require urgent repairs will return to Babylonia with the aircraft.
The Expedition Team even planned to host a small farewell party for the two of you. Bianca shut down the idea as soon as she heard it, obviously.
While the members of the Expedition Team bid you farewell tearfully, Bianca quietly leaves to help move the supplies, perhaps motivated by the same feeling.
Sob... I can't believe you're leaving so soon, [player name]...
We'll miss you... I still want to listen to more adventures of yours in the Task Force...
Several members who have interacted with you come up and give you a big hug. Their warmth and kindness have not cooled down despite the years they have stayed in Antarctica.
Stop crying, you lot.
Although it was brief, we've had a good time with you, [player name]. You and Bianca have helped us tremendously.
I hope we'll see you again after you defeat the Punishing Virus!
You have heard that the Expedition Captain was once a renowned human scientist too. He only became a Construct to be able to stay in Antarctica for an extended period of time.
Your respect for the Expedition Team has only grown after your days with them.
They may not be the active soldiers on the frontline or the researchers from the Science Council designing weapons against the Punishing Virus day and night...
But they are also working tirelessly for the future you are all fighting for.
By the way, the photos you've taken need to be uploaded to the database of this research station.
But you're free to make a copy if you want.
Take care, Gray Raven Commandant!
With that, the quiet and collected captain also pulls you in for a hug.
After saying goodbye to the Constructs of the Expedition Team, you take your camera to a small terminal inside the station, ready to upload the photos.
Looking at the photos scrolling past the monitor one by one, you begin to connect the different memories into a complete narrative.
...Until you scroll to the photo you showed Bianca.
You took the photo after applying for an additional expedition and tracked down the migrating penguins alone.
You did not understand what your obsession with them was even when you pressed the shutter and immortalized the scene.
That reason was something you could not figure out on your own.
Not to mention that you would never know if the lone penguin Bianca and you saw that day did end up back with her flock—even your photo could not guarantee it.
Your interpretation might not actually be what happened.
Perhaps that was a scouting penguin returning to inform her companions of a safe route.
Perhaps that was a penguin who walked too fast, and now she was trying to slow down and rejoin her flock.
Perhaps that lone penguin was a stranger, barging into a group she did not belong.
Bianca probably also noticed it, except she did not expose your shaky argument.
But so what?
Interpreting animal behaviors through a human lens is just wishful thinking.
What you wish it represented reveals your own perspectives and concerns.
What really matters is if you will act according to your answer, whatever it takes.
Still not done, Commandant?
Bianca pushes open the door and enters right then.
Doublechecking the photos, are you? Let me help. The transport craft is waiting for us.
Of course.
Smiling, she salutes you before spinning around smoothly, leading the way out.
Unplugging the cable, you place the small memory drive inside the pocket on your chest.
Then you place the camera on the desk, leaving it behind for the Expedition Team.
Standing tall, you hurry and chase after Bianca.
It is as if the figure ahead of you can sense what you are thinking...
And she slows down.
