Story Reader / Event Story / Venus Skit / Story
08 Roland
Ever since becoming a Construct, Shome has not been sleeping well.
Constructs do not require sleep, but pretending to be asleep helps Shome think.
That used to be the case for Shome, but ever since becoming a Construct, he has not been sleeping well.
...
You are no longer needed. We have everything under control.
You are no longer protected. Your protector is no longer of this world.
You are no longer blessed. We will soon reach the light.
This, is your end.
You are no longer needed.
We do not wish for you to be remembered.
You must disappear.
You have no worth. You are disposable. You are replaceable.
And so—You shall not exist.
You are not "necessary." We can remove you easily.
Accept your fate. Accept your tragedy.
The light from the bulb is the color of a waning sun, alighting the cave with darkness.
A certain day in the Post-Pandemic Age
Several dozen people are hard at work before their terminals, fingers all a blur on their keyboards.
After a long while, one person finally pauses his work and stands up. He walks toward a young man, whose eyes are intent on the screen in the middle of the cave.
...
Mr... Shome...?
...
Mr. Shome? We've dug past Babylonia's firewalls. We have access to the Operation Acadia files.
...I refuse.
Mr. Shome?
Hm? What is it?
Mr. Shome? We've dug past Babylonia's firewalls. We have access to the Operation Acadia files.
Go look for the magnet links I've posted on the memos in the morning meeting.
Understood. It shows that there are 2,022 blocks of data tied to those links.
Grab the ten with the highest authority level and send them to the terminal in my office.
Please wait...
And... done.
Good.
With this done, you are all dismissed.
In the Godfather's stead, I announce that—your duty has been fulfilled.
T-thank you!
No. It should be the Godfather and I thanking you.
L'unione fa la forza.
Grazie! L'unione fa la forza!
The researchers begin packing up their personal belongings...
While Shome saunters into his office, locking himself within.
You are no longer needed. We have everything under control.
You are no longer protected. Your protector can no longer protect you.
You are no longer blessed. The lightless abyss awaits you.
This, is your end.
You are no longer needed.
I do not wish for you to be remembered.
You have no worth. You are a scoundrel, unworthy of even pity.
In this tragic accident... Several thousands have lost their lives...
The World Government has announced that it will not terminate the operation, but would carry it out with greater concern for safety and...
...
The terrorist groups involved in this incident are currently wanted by the World Government...
At the same time, should anyone know where the missing airman Cyril might be, please provide information to...
There are others doing the same thing. This will help cover us up.
I highly doubt that this is a coincidence. Is it your work, Godfather?
So what if? So what if not?
I just happened to provide the right thing to the right people, at the right time.
And it turned out right. That is all.
Then...
Could you please tell me. What is the right ending for me?
That, I cannot say.
I once had a child who I thought I could entrust with my scepter.
But sadly, he seems to be getting ready to take flight to the "skies above."
Shome's soft fists clench up.
Seeing Shome's reaction, the Godfather adds.
If you'd also like a ride up, I can make arrangements.
With a different way than his.
...That won't be necessary.
I'm not interested in mingling with those recreants.
Hmm?
We think the same.
...Do you truly?
Well. What do you think?
Faraway explosions stir Shome awake from his daze of dreams and memories.
Two o'clock position. The explosions came from a minefield of anti-tank mines and anti-personnel mines.
Shome knows not to place too much hope on the trap. After all, his enemies can hop and prance around if they are shelled by a tank.
The scavenger settlements that took him in were all removed from the face of the earth—the enemy is determined to destroy him.
He had only settled in this shelter for less than four days. And now, they have already found him.
——That place. That place is the only hope.
Shome opens the hatch to the emergency escape shaft and crawls in.
