Story Reader / Floating Record / ER10 Deceivers' Rapture / Story
Babylonia Bridge
Six hours before Operation Las Prados
We're all aware of why this closed-door session is taking place today. No need for speeches. I've already directed General Wells to file a proposal with the Parliament, under the umbrella of a classified military operation.
In a crisis like this, the Commander-in-Chief wields complete authority—no one else gets a say.
Once everyone is seated in the conference room, the President gives a concise overview of the situation.
Act first, explain later.
I trust you won't let this mission fall apart.
Hey now, you two are bickering already?
Someone who rarely makes a public appearance at gatherings like this speaks with a cutting remark.
Okay, everyone, let's stay focused and deal with the issue at hand.
Asimov steps forward on behalf of the Science Council, offering a concise summary of the situation.
After the human defection incident, the frontline Construct forces are now seeing similar occurrences.
Due to the escalating Ascension-Network activity around Las Prados, our Purifying Force has managed to retrieve an unknown Construct sample from that region.
These models come equipped with a sealed "Inver-Device" that never contacts the outside air. As for the underlying science, I'm still leading the team's analysis and reverse-engineering efforts.
Anyway, they can handle exposure in a high-density environment for quite a stretch. That might explain why the Ascension-Network is so eager to reach out to these frames.
Sounds promising. Have you thought about fitting the military's Constructs with this device, too?
He cuts the President off, a hint of menace threading through his words.
And the cost for such an act is that his frame will be expended like a single-use resource.
These devices can't truly "soak up" or "shield against" the Punishing Virus. Once its concentration and exposure time exceed the critical threshold, the host is completely consumed. And as for the host's M.I.N.D... it won't stand a chance either.
In any case, recovering the technology isn't our primary objective—our priority is to find out where these Constructs came from.
Hassen casts a glance at the military commander beside him, prompting them to pick up the thread of the discussion.
As I understand it, ever since the Golden Age, Kurono has been pushing forward an array of cutting-edge experiments on its own. It's not far-fetched to think these mysterious Constructs might be their handiwork, is it?
Nikola levels his spear at the man on the opposite side of the conference table.
I'm sorry to say I don't know any more about these d*mned things than you do.
You know how we operate—if we really had top-grade supplies like that, we'd have thrown them into action right away, not kept them under wraps... only for them to surface all these years after the cataclysm.
It seems that lowering himself in this manner is the very way he proves he has nothing to hide.
That's why, Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, Kurono's urgency regarding this investigation is every bit as intense as yours.
He waves his arms with a bold swagger, like a man surrendering with both hands in the air.
If that's really how you want to frame it, then I'm more than willing to prove I'm serious about working together.
We discovered something curious on that recovered Construct data chip: the words "Eden III Colony Ship". Ring any bells?
Nikola knows the other party is already aware of this intelligence, but giving them a dignified exit is crucial to securing their cooperation.
Eden III? Wasn't Project Eden once the World Government's crown jewel? Even after Babylonia, they went ahead and developed a follow-up model behind everyone's backs?
What's the idea here? Turn it into some escape pod and bail on this whole disaster?
He puts on a show of astonishment.
...My father never mentioned that this insane plan was still in motion.
Nikola's words bring a deeply conflicted look to his face. He hesitates, then speaks.
You've been in Kurono before. You already know how they operate.
Back when I was still in Kurono, they were conducting research on the reliability of a starship's ecosystem at Las Prados.
The legendary Project Bokonon appears in the corporation's ledgers as a theoretical research venture for the "Eden III Colony Ship".
So you do know something about Project Bokonon, don't you?
Yes. Even from the moment he first signs on to Project Orient, my father is already weighing the potential pitfalls of interstellar travel.
He turns to gaze into the endless void beyond the panoramic display, as though trying to spot that solitary ship—powered by a cold-fusion engine and carrying forty-two researchers—using nothing but his own eyes.
While the cold fusion reactor and the Dawn III vessel have already proven both propulsion and navigational feasibility for interstellar travel, no one can say for sure if a larger colony ship can truly sustain itself as a closed society.
Babylonia you see now functions like a colossal space station in geosynchronous orbit. But remember, back in the day, people imagined colony ships that might have to travel for thousands of years—maybe even longer—before finally arriving at their destination.
Generations upon generations are born, come of age, and ultimately die aboard this ship, living out their entire lives amid the silent vacuum of deep space. Some claim such a close-knit society's resilience defies all logical predictions.
And so, while Project Orient and Project Eden surge ahead, Parliament establishes the North American Ecological Science Institute, dedicating resources to starship-ecosystem sustainability.
We understand this chapter of history. But back then, wasn't the mainstream viewpoint far less conservative?
Despite everything, people still cling to the hope that once the Zero-point Engine solves the colony ship's power constraints, their distant new home will finally be within reach.
It is precisely this optimism that allows Kurono to maneuver funds and wrest control over critical project appointments, effectively seizing the entire initiative for himself.
As for Monzano, who has been missing for years—she was, in fact, both the director of the institute and the head of the plan at the time.
He doesn't seem bothered about revealing more, but only the parts he's actually permitted to say.
The ultimate aim of Project Bokonon, the so-called "Eden III Colony Ship"... is a vessel doomed never to launch.
A silence stretches on for several seconds. Inside the sealed bridge, the only sound is the soft, manufactured breeze from the air circulation system.
At Las Prados?
The President's voice breaks the hush, seeking confirmation.
We're stationed in Lopraudos—more specifically, we're operating out of New Neilis Air Force Base.
"Eden III" is the name of an underground artificial-ecosystem testing site. It's built as a full-scale replica of a standard Eden-class colony vessel, complete with every detail of its onboard habitat.
The facility's diameter stretches across most of Loprado's cityscape, running directly beneath the air force base.
Under the initial proposal, the first group of test subjects is expected to spend a decade inside, gathering invaluable on-site data.
We don't have the luxury of waiting on drawn-out experiments for technological breakthroughs—nor do the looming disasters.
The spokesperson for the Science Council offers a measured remark.
But even if the Punishing Virus never erupted, this entire facility would still hold its purpose.
He's alluding to something that can practically make one's blood run cold.
Its core structure lies deep underground, housing a self-sustaining cold reactor and a fully functional ecosystem—everything you'd expect from a mid-sized city. In other words, the Eden III Colonial Ship is the perfect doomsday bunker.
Ha! We've been busting our backs trying to track him down... only to discover that Monzano was a mole skulking under our noses all along.
The man lets out a harsh, guttural shout.
After all, everyone believed the operation had crumbled ages ago. And Councilor Kephart—the only one who might've known the truth—vanished years back.
Liszt's words stir memories the President thought long buried.
...Kephart? The councilor from before the cataclysmic disaster? Yes, I do recall him.
Just as the two Kurono agents keep the deadliest parts of their history under wraps, the President, too, withholds his true intentions.
The official who once worked alongside the Kurono-San—turning over that mysterious fleet of transport planes to the military—turns out to be Kephart.
What was once shrouded in haze is steadily coming into focus.
So we can deduce that a number of high-profile missing persons have, in fact, followed Monzano into that doomsday bunker.
For those who never plan to take flight from the very beginning, however many airborne vehicles there are, they remain meaningless.
That's how this highly coveted transport capacity ended up back in Kurono's possession—where it now serves as a key bargaining chip.
Clearly, they are not waiting for Babylonia to initiate contact or offer evacuation rights.
Maintaining rule requires both military force and authority.
Whether heading to the skies or venturing underground, reclaiming Earth and restoring normal life is the only way to establish legitimacy—something that aligns with ordinary human emotions and logic.
That may explain why she initiates her own Construct research—and why she ultimately achieves such staggering results.
Collins immediately senses the Commander's stare bearing down on him again.
Montzano was part of Kurono once at least, so of course she'd know a thing or two about Constructs. Don't underestimate us, got it—my old subordinate?
But whatever mess she's caused has nothing to do with us.
He fires back without holding back, perfectly playing the "bad cop" part.
Whether these frequent Construct sightings triggered the Ascension-Network's activity in Las Prados or not, ending past mistakes feels like the most natural course of action.
Meanwhile, the "good cop" in the conversation plays along perfectly, nudging the discussion forward.
If you have any thoughts, speak up—I believe real cooperation begins with open, constructive dialogue.
Hassen urges the councilors to go on. Technically, they're both elected representatives in the Parliament—colleagues by definition.
Being mindful in thought doesn't mean shrinking from action. Even though my father foresaw countless risks tied to space colonization, he never shied away from the price he believed he had to pay.
At launch, the Dawn III relies on chemical-propelled rockets to lift its command module into orbit; only then—through in-orbit assembly—is the rest of the vessel put together.
Hard to believe such a rudimentary craft is supposed to carry out centuries of deep-space research.
And yet, shutting ourselves away in so-called "research facilities" just because our ecosystem isn't fully functional? That's nothing but blatant self-deception—completely absurd.
Do our ancestors—lacking enough hides to clothe themselves—choose to cower in caves forever, never daring to explore the endless plains beyond?
Let's not forget those early space pioneers from the dawn of the Golden Age. Their capsules are more cramped than a single bunk in Babylonia, but they press on—diapers strapped on and do-or-die determination in hand—to propel humanity beyond the pull of gravity itself!
Claiming "the time isn't right" has always been a coward's excuse.
These aren't rousing words. It's more like he's compelled by lingering memories and desires, unveiling a glimpse of the truth hidden deep in his mind.
Meanwhile, the truly timid believe that lurking in the shadows will let them bide their time until the day they can seize control of the new world.
Even from Kurono's perspective, we can't endorse those who won't pay their fair share.
Liszt wraps up the conclusion under the so-called collective stance, underscoring Kurono's determination to launch a joint investigation.
...Bro, you always know what to say, don't you?
Strictly speaking, those Las Prados relics are Kurono property. But considering what's been said, we're prepared to work with the military on this investigation.
Collins feigns a hint of reluctance before offering his support.
Alright then, Nikola—why don't you give us a quick rundown of the battle plan?
The Commander nods, summoning the holographic tactical display.
Given the Ascension-Network's unchecked operations, we suspect those Ascendants are already roaming Las Prados itself.
As of now, we've stationed a squadron of Claymore-class aerospace fighters and two squadrons of Cheyenne-class gunships on standby to handle any possible threats from the air or the ground.
Regarding the Task Force's Constructs, they've already been mobilized under standard ground-combat protocols.
Considering how complicated this mission is, the Purifying Force will be our first wave into the combat zone.
Regarding the team members...
Cough, cough...
An awkward throat-clearing cuts Nikola off mid-sentence.
No need to worry. I've already handpicked the perfect person for the job.
He strides over to the blast-proof door on the bridge, snapping his fingers toward the comm channel.
Come on in.
The door slides open on cue, revealing a poised figure entering the command deck's view.
Purifying Force member Discord, reporting in.
With those words, she offers a brief salute.
Commander Nikola, I hear you needed to see me...?
Noticing the uncomfortable tension, she swiftly looks away from the Commander-in-Chief and fixes her gaze on Collins instead.
Come on, don't make this harder than it needs to be...
Did you rally the military's direct forces under my authority?
But right now, he has no intention of going after the Kuronos who used to be his colleagues.
Ensuring this mission is foolproof is my responsibility. Now, tell me—why did you choose Discord?
Because, well, when it comes to her...
He begins to speak with a confident swagger, poised to provide an explanation shaped by his own agenda.
I was born and raised in Las Prados—no one is more familiar with that city than I am.
Discord jumps in before anyone else can reply, refusing to let Collins speak for her again.
Uh... hey, you...
He senses the unsettling undercurrent in her statement, but Discord has no intention of dragging any painful memories into the open.
Besides... Monzano was my primary target back in my Kurono days.
She cuts right to the chase.
Now, serving as an active Construct, my allegiance lies with the military. However, since this is a combined operation, I respectfully ask the Commander to grant me a chance to atone for my past errors.
Her voice still carries that familiar mechanical edge, but everyone present can feel the chill of unwavering determination behind every word.
Besides, she's already proven her strength time and time again in combat.
Approved. You have the final say on who joins the advance combat unit.
Assemble in the hangar's maintenance zone in three hours.
Roger.
She snaps off another salute to close the conversation, then pivots and heads for the bridge exit.
This is a mission she cannot afford to abandon; yet, in that split second, uncertainty washes over her...
It's been so long since she last saw Eleanor. Now that they're face-to-face again, what is she supposed to do?
...All right. Let's cut to the chase—tell me what you're after.
The President doesn't bother hiding his intentions. He knows that if Kurono is agreeing to this partnership, he must have his reasons.
Oh? Feeling generous, are we? Then I'll take you up on that without hesitation.
Monzano's been flooding us with Constructs; it's only a matter of time before everyone gets their own sample. So don't assume Kurono can corner the market on this tech.
But remember, these Constructs stem from our own research—and now a virus has driven them all mad.
If we ever wind up clashing with Babylonia's forces and it's all just a big misunderstanding, we'd have quite a bit of explaining to do, wouldn't we?
So, when all is said and done, Kurono will label every Construct that emerged from Las Prados's underground as defectors—no different from those who took off after encountering the Ascension-Network recently.
I doubt the military will have any objections to this explanation.
After all, Monzano was once a defector from Kurono... so calling her that isn't exactly wrong.
...Revealing every detail of the Las Prados situation would indeed undermine troop morale. We're prepared to accept that.
But what those thick-skulled bureaucrats in the Parliament think is completely out of my hands.
He turns to the President, who already has a response on the tip of his tongue.
When the moment is right, we have to speak the truth. Wartime actions aren't a free pass, but I'm not so idealistic that I can't face what's really happening.
That's the kind of decisive attitude I like to see. Keep it that way.
All right, everyone. Meeting's adjourned. We've got a busy few days ahead—let's get to it.
Mr. President, you're every bit as courteous as always. That's enough—no need to see me out!
Collins and Liszt walk out together, leaving the Commander to wander up behind the President.
Are you sure you won't regret going through with this?
His words carry a near-mocking edge—in his eyes, the President has once again opted for a feeble compromise.
Breaking ties with Kurono is still a distant prospect. Right now, collaborating not only helps to steady things but also sets the stage for the future.
I'm sure you've been curious to know just how far this so-called "Project Winter" has come along, haven't you?
What do you mean...?
Hassen's comment clearly catches him off guard.
An old project that parted ways with Kurono ages ago is suddenly connected to the Ascension-Network, and that alone has them so interested. It's hard not to suspect it ties into their other ongoing plans.
It's crucial to strike first, but there are moments when observing and biding your time is just as vital.
That's quite a bold statement. But I get where you're coming from.
And... there was an old question on my mind—nothing too critical—that finally got answered.
What's wrong?
It's just a relic of the past, nothing to do with the fight. I'm counting on you for what comes next.
Nikola gives a faint, unreadable smile.
If this classified operation fails, I'm the one the Parliament will hold responsible, not you.
Once greetings are exchanged, the Commander departs the bridge.
The President stands alone at the wide observation window, staring at the once-blue homeworld that has long since faded.
We're one step closer to the answer.
Pinpointing the source of those transport craft might be a small victory, but it can't undo the tragedy entombed in the past.
Yet no matter what calamities were unleashed by those with hidden agendas—or how their sins may still persist—nothing will sway his resolve.
To shatter the lies is his undeniable duty, the role he plays as a bullet carrying its purpose across the ages.
