Operation story: BB-3

Operation

Story

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Characters
Odda Ascalon Ascalon Pensive Child (Young Banshee) Goodluck Scareye Manfred Manfred Theresa Theresis Laqeramaline "Teacher" Sarkaz Royal Court Soldier Indifferent Royal Court Soldier Tired Royal Court Soldier Indifferent Civilian Angry Civilian Cautious Civilian Scornful Civilian Dour Mercenary Babel Member Weakened Child
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6

Before operation

“

In 1086, as tensions between Babel and the Military Commission escalate, Ascalon chooses her side.

”

Eight years ago... Summer, 1086
Residential district, the nomadic city of Kazdel, Kazdel
Remember the promise we made at the beginning of the lesson? Good. Keep your voice low when answering, and don't tell anyone about the classes. Ray Tanka has been teaching you about our history for the past few months. As for myself, I've been struggling to decide what to teach you in our last lesson. Mathematics? Language? Agriculture? Weapon-making? What I've come to realize is that whatever I teach you won't truly change our lives. We've lived silently in despair for too long. The war eighteen years ago never ended. The ghosts of Leithanien's fleet continue to haunt those who experienced that war. Many died in despair, drowned in the fear of war and of being consumed by the black rocks that grew from their bodies. But our instincts drove us to seek a way to overcome despair.
<Background 1>
Some declared war on despair, on the outsiders who oppressed us, but they all fell short in the face of cruel reality—
[Goodluck arrives at the Scar Market.]
Goodluck	...Came to see the contracts.
Scareye	I've never seen a more motivated mercenary than you. Are you trying to buy a mansion in Columbia or something? One should feel lucky just to be alive for so long. In that sense, I suppose your name is well-deserved.
Goodluck	I heard a bunch of jobs came in lately. Anything good?
Scareye	There are eyes on and in the city now. Things didn't turn out too well for the last few who took these jobs. It's Babel stuff. Are you sure you want to be part of that mess?
Goodluck	Yeah. I trust my luck.
Scareye	Have it your way. There's a teacher in town who's been saying good things about Babel's outsiders. Someone is willing to pay to shut him up for good.
Goodluck	...Will do.
<Background fades out>
Scareye	I look forward to your surprises. Hope your luck doesn't run out today.
The nomadic city of Kazdel, Kazdel It has been a while since Goodluck came back. The city has changed a lot. People come and go. He is familiar with the words "Babel" and "Military Commission"; there are always people fighting over things that he does not understand. He does not understand why the Sarkaz feel the need to fight one another. He takes out the photo of the target, a mild-mannered young man. The triangular marking on his sleeve seems familiar. A teacher spreading praise about Babel's outsiders, inciting opposition against the Military Commission. "Sorry, your luck just ran out today."
[Goodluck arrives at the target's location.]
Goodluck	Should be around here. Wait... this place...
He's been away for a long time, but not long enough to forget his home. Odda's home.
Goodluck	Odda, you should not have gotten involved...
<Background 2>
We've gotten used to despair from one defeat after another at the hands of powers beyond our ability to resist. But we needed to convince ourselves that our despair was not self-inflicted, that it stemmed from an obvious source in our lives. That is what Babel has become for people in this day and age. It was Babel who brought the enemies. It was Babel's medicine that worsened our Oripathy. It was Babel's education that sapped our will to resist... It was Babel who deluded the King of Sarkaz and tricked us into giving up on collecting the blood debt from the outsiders. Babel is the source of all our despair. I see some of you nodding. No doubt you've heard the same from your parents. In desperate times, people often mistake hearsay for the truth. But is it the truth, though? Were our lives better without outsiders in Kazdel? Don't take anything at face value. See, think, and find your own answer. Yes, it's hard to leave Kazdel. The land outside is full of danger. Even making it to the border of the next country is no small feat. But I'll still leave this place. I'll go to Leithanien, Columbia, Kazimierz, to anywhere that I may find a way to change things. Then, I'll come back and teach you, and all the children of the Sarkaz. What will happen to Babel, you ask? The future of Babel—
[Someone knocks at the door.]
Odda	—! Hide yourselves. Don't make a sound.
[Odda opens the door.]
Odda	Hello? Are you looking for someone?
Ascalon	Sorry, I got the wrong door.
Odda	Do you need help? I'm familiar with the area.
He smiles. There is no panic in his eyes. Ascalon scans the sparsely furnished room, and understands.
<Background fades out and in>
[A child with cloaking Arts watches Ascalon from the corner of the room.]
Pensive Child	...
<Background fades out and in>
Ascalon	Do you live here on your own?
Odda	Yes...
Ascalon	My name is Ascalon. I'm from Babel.
Odda	...!
Ascalon	Thank you for sheltering him, but you must leave. Be careful. These are troubled times.
[Ascalon leaves.]
Odda	... You heard her. Someone knows you're here. You need to go. Not just the Military Commission, but also those mercenaries who've been bringing trouble to our doorstep...
"Teacher"	I know. I'm very grateful to you for lending us your house to serve as classroom. The children—
Odda	I'll take them home. Don't worry, you can continue your classes in a few days, once the storm has passed.
"Teacher"	There will be no need. As I've said before, I'm ready to leave. I've already spent too much time here because I wanted to see the lessons through to the end. There are many places that I still need to see.
Odda	...Alright. Oh! Don't forget the potatoes. They're from the children and me. It's not much, but they will serve as a few meals on the road.
"Teacher"	Thank you so much... all of you.
Odda	I should be the one thanking you. I learned a lot from you.
"Teacher"	For the past few years, Kazdel has grown faster than its education and public thinking can keep up. I fear that our powers will be our own destruction, if we do not change the present situation. The conflicts we see in Kazdel now are a good example. This is not how the Sarkaz should be. I have yet to find a way to change all these, but I know that the answer does not lie within Kazdel. Goodbye, Odda.
Odda	Goodbye... may your journey be safe and smooth. ...
Odda watches as the "Teacher" disappears around the corner, but does not go in. He does not remember when it started, but he has the habit of sitting by the door, waiting for a familiar someone to return. Wind stirs the dust from the streets, and the dust stirs up his tears. There is not even a shadow. He gently closes the door.
<Background 3>
Goodluck	Odda...
Goodluck sees the target leave the house. Then, he sees a familiar figure that he has not seen for a long time. His blade feels heavy. He cannot move.
Goodluck	Odda... I'm sorry... I didn't know... I'm a lousy dad, but...
He tightens his grip on the knife's hilt. He knows only one way to give Odda a better future.
[Before he can act, Goodluck's throat is suddenly slit and he slumps onto the ground.]
Ascalon	...Another one.
A mist shrouds a corpse in the corner of the street, erasing all traces of its existence. The passing of a life in Kazdel is akin to a speck of dust falling to the ground, unheard, unceremonious, and unnoticed. His luck has run out.
<Background fades out and in>
Ascalon	How long do you plan on hiding there, Manfred? Or are you planning to stab me in the back now?
Manfred	Another mercenary. How many have you killed?
Ascalon	Didn't see the point to keep count.
Manfred	You could kill one, two, a hundred even, but can you kill every single mercenary who accepts the contract? They just want to remind us that we've been complacent with the status quo for far too long.
Ascalon	Using the lives of Babel members as a reminder? To remind whom?
Manfred	...
Ascalon	He made a promise to Her Highness. Is this what he calls "protection" for Babel? All I see are crackdowns on Babel and mercenaries running wild!
Manfred	There are some things that should not be said aloud. Especially not by you, Ascalon.
Ascalon	If you don't like it, arrest me. Let's see if you've improved at all under his tutelage.
[The two clash blades.]
Manfred	The General has taught me that there are more important things than violence. And by the looks of things, the mercenaries aren't the only ruthless cutthroats around here.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 4>
[Young Ascalon and Manfred are fighting on the streets.]
Manfred	Stop dodging if you dare! I'll prove to Their Highnesses that I can beat you!
Ascalon	Too slow, Manfred.
Manfred	Wai— Argh!
[Manfred is knocked down.]
Ascalon	You're dead. Again.
Manfred	Ugh...
Ascalon	Get up.
[Manfred stands up unsteadily.]
Manfred	Don't... need you... to tell... me...
<Background fades out and in>
Theresa	Footwork, Manfred. And Ascalon... stop going for his head all the time?
Ascalon	This is the most effective way. It's his own fault for getting hit. If he can't dodge it, he has to learn to take it.
Theresa	*sigh*...
Theresis	You're right, Ascalon. But why did you stop? We didn't tell you to.
Manfred	I... I can take it, Your Highness. It's not over yet!
Ascalon	Hmph.
[Manfred swings his fist.]
Manfred	Huh? I hit... Your Highness! I hit—
Ascalon	Did you, now?
[Ascalon grabs Manfred.]
Manfred	Let me down, Ascalon!
Theresa	Don't hurt him, Ascalon.
Manfred's long limbs flail helplessly in the air, while his torso is tied to a wooden stake.
Manfred	H-How did you do it so fast?!
Ascalon	Got my inspiration from the way Her Highness sews.
Manfred wriggles to break free, but the more he squirms, the tighter the ropes hug him. He cannot understand how Ascalon can be so strong and fast, when she looks as thin and frail as him.
Manfred	Let—me—down!
Ascalon	Look, I won again!
Ascalon raises her weapon high and grins victoriously at the twin sovereigns.
Theresa	Ascalon has gotten a lot more cheerful.
Theresis	...
Theresa	What are you thinking?
Theresis	They're different from the other Sarkaz children. We can change them, but how can we reach all the children of Kazdel?
Theresa	Give me time. Babel can do it.
Theresis	Time is a luxury.
Theresa	I know. But education is not something that can be rushed. What we're doing is leaving hope for the next generation. The flame of hope will never go out, as long as a single teacher in Kazdel remains willing to share with these children the vision of a beautiful future.
<Background zooms in>
Theresa casts her eyes towards the two children, full of hope for the future.
Ascalon	Well? Are you going to admit defeat or not?
Manfred	No! L-Let me down! We're not done!
Ascalon	I'll let you down when you admit defeat.
Manfred	No way!
Theresa	I'll unbind you, Manfred.
Manfred	Thank you, Your Highness... W-woah, why am I flying?! Y-Your Highness!
Theresa	Hehe.
Theresis	...Hehe. Alright, that will do, Theresa. Let him down.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 3>
[In the present, Ascalon and Manfred continue fighting.]
Ascalon	You've improved. But Theresis hasn't taught you everything he knows.
Manfred	You were always the faster learner, but ever since you left the general, you've been nothing but unadjusted and lost. He is disappointed in your departure, by the way.
Ascalon	I may not be as good with words as you are, but at least I don't just ignore the insults against Her Highness Theresa.
Manfred	Do you really know why Her Highness is so dedicated to Babel's ideals? Do you really know why the General hasn't openly denounced the attacks on Babel? You should have talked to him, rather than turning your back on him.
Ascalon	I turned my back? You're the ones who turned your backs on Her Highness and the voices of so many. It's Theresis who has turned a blind eye to the mercenaries' acts of violence and the damage they've caused Babel! This much I know.
Manfred	The General has allowed it precisely because he can't ignore the voices of the majority. If the fate of the Sarkaz is doomed to fall into the abyss, what's wrong with using more effective means to prevent it?
Ascalon	So that's what you truly think.
Manfred	It's what most of us in Kazdel think. It's not that I don't trust Her Highness... anyone can promise a better future. But we can't ignore the reality before it. Isn't it crueler to use violence to force a child to shake hands and make peace with the murderer who just killed his father?
Ascalon	Say whatever you want. I'll keep my hands off the Military Commission. But if you try to act through the mercenaries... Then my job is simple. No more mercenaries, no more problems.
Manfred	Ascalon!
Ascalon	...If you have the time. Go visit Her Highness. I've never seen her so tired.
A puff of mist is the only sign that she was ever there. Manfred looks down and wipes away the blood slowly seeping out of his chest. He sighs and turns into the empty street, only to spot the deceased mercenary's effects.
Manfred	Someday... we will all understand. It was never Her Highness or the General who made the choice.
<Background 2>
[Someone else knocks at Odda's door.]
Odda	Who's there?
He hesitates before the door. It has been a busy day at this old, ramshackle house, from the "Teacher" to the multiple visitors. Who could it be outside the door? Has father finally returned? And if so, what should he say? He has learned so much from the "Teacher" that he wants to share with his father, whose visits back home have become less and less frequent. He takes a deep breath, collects his mind, puts on a calm face, and opens the door.
Odda	Hello...?
Manfred	Good evening.
Odda	You're... er, can I help you, sir?
Manfred	You know who I am?
Odda	... No sir, but I know the uniform of the Military Commission.
Manfred	Just a routine inspection. Do you recognize these items?
Odda	This is... my father's—!
Manfred	There have been some disturbances in the city, and I'm afraid your father... I'm so sorry.
Odda	Wh-Where did you find them? Was there...?
Manfred	There was nothing else left at the scene. I'm sorry.
Odda	...
Manfred	What's your name?
Odda	...Odda.
Manfred	If you need any help...
Odda	No... no, I'm very grateful that you brought these back. It's been a long time since I last saw him... this is enough. I don't have to wait anymore... He's not coming back...
Manfred	Do you have family? Or friends you can count on?
Odda	I can take care of myself. Besides, we see things like this every day in this city, no?
Manfred	...
Odda	I-I'm sorry I gushed, sir. I just feel like I know you, somehow... I'm sure you're busy. I won't keep you any longer.
Manfred	My condolences.
<Background 3>
The door closes. Manfred can hear the sound of sobbing coming from behind the door, but he doesn't feel sorrow. Not anymore. Odda's right; he's seen this too many times. Yet he remembers this is not what the city was meant to be.

After operation

“

The ideological conflict between the Sarkaz of Kazdel finally escalates beyond control. Theresa leaves Kazdel with her supporters.

”

<Background 4>
The nomadic city of Kazdel, Kazdel
Odda	Let me through!
Sarkaz Royal Court Soldier	This area is off-limits.
Odda	What happened?
Sarkaz Royal Court Soldier	Are you with Babel?
Odda	N-No.
Sarkaz Royal Court Soldier	Then it's none of your business.
The wall of Royal Court soldiers prevents Odda from passing. But he sees several familiar, crying faces in the scattering crowd.
Odda	Those students? Hm... I think I can take this alley here...
[Odda goes through the alley.]
<Background fades out and in>
[An angry mob has gathered in the streets.]
Odda	Excuse me, do you know what happened?
Indifferent Civilian	Someone beat another guy to death. He's dead, too. Are you trying to join the racket?
Angry Civilian	Babel again. What is Her Highness thinking?
Indifferent Civilian	Shut your trap. You owe everything you eat, everything you wear, and the roof over your head to Her Highness.
Cautious Civilian	Shh...
Odda	...
Angry Civilian	Well, it's simple enough alright! A teacher beat the father of his student to death!
Odda	A Teacher? How could...?
Angry Civilian	All the man did was scold him a little! And it was the teacher who was telling the kids all sorts of awful things!
Odda	That's not true...
Scornful Civilian	You're a Babel shill too? Kids these days...
Odda	...
Scornful Civilian	Hey, what are you doing?
Odda squeezes through the crowd and sees some familiar faces lying on the ground. He finally finds the source of the commotion, the "Teacher" lying in a cloud of dust.
<Background fades out and in>
Odda	Teacher! What's going on?
"Teacher"	I... I didn't mean to hurt... his father...
Odda	Hang in there! I'll find a doctor!
"Teacher"	No... over there... him...
Odda looks in the direction that the dying man is pointing, and sees an injured child crying by the lifeless body of his father.
Odda	...
<Background fades out>
Odda runs through the burning streets, carrying the injured child in his arms, and pieces together the whole picture from what he sees and hears. It began when an agitated teacher accidentally killed an agitated father, before he was set upon by the angry crowd and fell in the dust of the streets. The turmoil dragged everyone in: Civilians, Babel, mercenaries, even the Military Commission. Like a chain reaction, clouds of dust were stirred up in various corners of the city. It wasn't until artillery from an unknown source blasted through a wall of Babel's office building that the Royal Court troops finally quelled the riot. It began with an accident and ended with a shell that caused more damage to Babel than anything in the past eighteen years, since the end of the war.
<Background 4>
[Odda runs into a mercenary in the middle of the chaos.]
Odda	The kid is hurt and needs a doctor. Don't make me do this the hard way.
Dour Mercenary	Whose side are you on? Babel? The Military Commission?
Odda	Neither! I just need to get him to a doctor. Now get out of my way!
Weakened Child	My dad...
Odda	It's too late for him... I'm sorry.
Dour Mercenary	... Go. But don't trust outsiders so easily... Sarkaz. Not in this chaos.
Odda	Thank you...
Odda can feel the child's breathing grow weaker as he continues on his way. Running through the streets, he seems to feel someone brush past his shoulder, but sees no one.
<Background fades out and in>
[An invisible young Logos quickly runs off.]
<Background fades out and in>
Odda	Was I imagining things?
<Background fades out and in>
Babel Member	Stop right there! Not one step closer. There are patients inside.
Odda	This kid needs medical attention, now!
Babel Member	But... oh... I didn't think there was anyone still willing to bring patients here. Alright, I'll take it from here. I'll try to give you some extra medicine before we leave.
Odda	Leave?
Babel Member	Her Highness made the decision, but we all know what's happening. We're not welcome in Kazdel anymore.
Odda	Where are you going? Outside the city? Aren't you afraid of the dangers in the wastes?
Babel Member	...Yes, I am. But if this city no longer welcomes us, then we respect its choice.
Odda	... I want to join Babel. I can help care for the patients, or protect you.
<Background fades out and in>
Indifferent Royal Court Soldier	Is this the one who started the whole mess? Will he live?
Tired Royal Court Soldier	Don't think so. Lost too much blood.
Indifferent Royal Court Soldier	Then what are we even doing here?
Tired Royal Court Soldier	Just follow the General's orders and don't ask questions. Who'd have thought something so minor would need Their Highnesses' statement?
"Teacher"	Ugh...
Tired Royal Court Soldier	Is he trying to talk to us? There's nobody else around.
Indifferent Royal Court Soldier	Probably just seeing things before he dies. No Banshee would sing an elegy for such a sinner.
"Teacher"	It's... dangerous... Go...
Young Banshee	They can't see me. My Arts hide my presence.
"Teacher"	Who... are... you...?
Young Banshee	A student. I came from far away, following in the footsteps of my mother, to find answers in this wandering city, and her two rulers.
"Teacher"	Did you... find...?
Young Banshee	I'm afraid the city doesn't have the answers ready yet. But I found you. The ideas that you advocated were very interesting. I was with you when you taught those children in that basement, learning about the city and Babel. Of course, no one noticed... except Ascalon.
"Teacher"	The... boy...
Young Banshee	Has been brought to Babel where his injuries will be treated. Do you regret your end?
"Teacher"	No... the boy defended me... He understood... what I tried to change... I'm sorry... about his father...
Young Banshee	I sympathize. It was not your intention to cause this tragedy, but fate has played a cruel joke on you.
"Teacher"	I hear... crying...
Young Banshee	It is your elegy, calling your fading soul to the other side. Fear not, hesitate not. The myriad souls welcome you with open arms. Let my song take you beyond.
"Teacher"	Thank you...
The young Banshee's song soothes the mind of the dying man. The gentle song echoes through the crowded streets of the city. Banshees respond to the song of their young kin, adding their voices to the harmony. It is an elegy that commemorates the passing of an ordinary Sarkaz.
"You were talking about the future of Babel in the lesson, but you didn't get to the end. What were you going to say?"
"I believe... that Babel will die someday. I hope I'm wrong."
<Background 5>
Theresa	A song. Another Sarkaz has passed on in the turmoil. There is no longer any place for Babel here. I will lead them and leave this city.
Laqeramaline	Theresa... we love you, all of us...
Theresa	I know. But Babel has no choice.
Laqeramaline	But if you leave...
Theresa	My people have made their choice. Neither I nor Theresis can change it. We cannot abandon hope. But the best course of action, right now, is to avoid conflict.
Laqeramaline	...Hatred will swallow us like a flood. You've always known... Theresa, our hero, our King. Gentle requests and gradual changes will not sway the minds of the Sarkaz drawn here by Kazdel's rise.
Theresa	Laqeramaline, I...
Laqeramaline	Perhaps what I say will disappoint, even hurt you, Theresa. Rim Billiton, Sargon, even Columbia... you have opened their doors, and allowed the Sarkaz to negotiate with some as equals. Terra has seen more technological progress in fifty years than it has for millennia.
Theresa	...
Laqeramaline	...But we were too slow. Despite the incredible changes you've brought to Kazdel, they haven't been enough to bear the fruits of true transformation. Even if I, too, believe that the fruits of spring are near.
Theresa	Is this the stance of the Banshee Court, Laqeramaline?
Laqeramaline	I'm just a mother who came to see her boy off, Theresa. I respect his choice, and there will come a day when he will speak for our Royal Court. But that day is not today.
Theresa	I know you love him... you haven't allowed yourself to age since he was born.
Laqeramaline	Aefanyl was a miracle to me, and to all Banshees. The day he was born, I became loath to age with time. I have preserved my appearance at the peak of my beauty... I wish to remain eternal in his memory. My life is finite, of course. It's only the facade that never changes. I know what Your Highness is thinking. You never expected your dream to come true in this generation. You see yourself as the soil, and it's not the soil's due to witness the flowers bloom. Even if the two of you have to give everything to nourish this soil...
Theresa	...
Laqeramaline	Humor my little self-indulgence, Your Highness. Until he finds the answer he is seeking, allow him to travel between the two of you, to learn from both of you. He will be the first sprout to emerge from the soil. Bring Aefanyl. Take care of him. Protect him in my place.
Theresa	I will, Laqeramaline, my friend.
Laqeramaline	Thank you. No matter where you go, no matter what fate awaits either of you, the Banshee Court will sing both your elegies, and announce to all... This is my promise. It is the most ancient and powerful of witchcrafts, my final parting gift to you.
Theresa	Laqeramaline. Will we meet again?
Laqeramaline	I hope so.
Theresa	Until next time, then. I look forward to the day that I can hear you sing in the mists of the Convallis.
Laqeramaline	Farewell, Your Highness. I'm afraid I must stay here and go no further. Aefanyl will be part of your procession, after all... and I'm not ready to say goodbye to him yet.
<Background 6>
Two days later
Theresis	How long do you plan on standing there? You came a little too early, if it's Theresa you're looking for.
Ascalon	...
Theresis	I didn't think you would have the courage to come to me, Ascalon.
Ascalon	Why?
Theresis	Do you mean why wouldn't you have the courage to see me, or why I banished Babel?
Ascalon	...
Theresis	You've seen Manfred?
Ascalon	Yes.
Theresis	Did you do it?
Ascalon	Not all the way.
Theresis	Good. Now, remove yourself before you say something childish and naive. Not even Theresa would agree with you. Or you could choose to stay. You don't have to explain yourself. Afterall, you never formally joined Babel.
Ascalon	Her Highness needs someone to protect her.
Theresis	She is more powerful than you think.
Ascalon	And I agree with you even less, Master.
Theresis	I suppose I should take that as a no.
Ascalon	...
Theresis	You and Manfred are my best students, yet both of you have your fatal flaws. Your talents in combat are peerless. But what do you truly believe in?
Ascalon	Your Highness—
Theresis	Impatience. I said, what you truly believe in. Not me nor Theresa.
Ascalon	...
Theresis	You still don't know what you seek, do you? To protect? That's just empty, self-deceptive sentimentality. When you're unsure of your path, you merely project your motivations onto vague ideals.
Ascalon	I-I've thought about it carefully.
Theresis	Perhaps. Then follow Theresa and protect her, but don't blindly adopt her ways. Think for yourself. Manfred found his answer long before you did. The next time we see each other... ...Nevermind. Go, Ascalon. There is nothing else for us to talk about now.
Ascalon falls to one knee, then turns to a mist that closes around Theresis. The mist trembles and disperses, leaving behind only a stone knife in Theresis's hand. He recalls the day that he snatched the blade from the child in the Catastrophe.
[Theresa approaches him.]
Theresa	You were too cold to her, Theresis. It's a time of parting. You could have shared your mind with her. She has never been adept at expressing emotion.
Theresis	As her teacher, you're better than me at reaching the teenager side of her.
Theresa	Do you really have no faith in her choice?
Theresis	She is welcome back at any time. Manfred remains too complacent in his training. He needs someone to challenge him, a goal to work towards.
Theresa	I'll tell her.
Theresis	I wish you would come back, too.
Theresa	I know.
Theresis	If we cannot resolve a minor conflict like this, the next one could escalate into a full-fledged civil war. If it comes to that, all we have dreamed of for a century will be for naught. If that day comes and if I have to... I'll kill you.
Theresa	... Babel is ready. We will leave with those who are willing to follow.
Theresis	You've always kept them close.
Theresa	Yes. Because they need me.
Theresis	I need you, too. Kazdel needs its King.
Theresa	...Theresis. Our people have made their choice. The best course of action, for now at least, is for Babel to back down. I will continue to call the nourishing rain upon Kazdel, change the city's circumstances, and wait for hatred to subside. But... If you become the greatest threat to the searching dreamers in this long and painstaking process, I will destroy you.
Theresis	So be it.
Mercenaries and Royal Court soldiers line the streets, holding back the restless crowd.
It was the King of Sarkaz who brought food and shelter. It was also the King of Sarkaz who allowed oppression and hatred to fester.
The Babel procession stretches as far as the eye can see, past the barricades formed by lines of Royal Court soldiers, past the disdainful crowd. Theresis walks toward the crowd and stands with them. He has left Theresa's side for the first time in two centuries.
<Background 4>
Theresa	We all know what we must face.
Theresis	I hope this will not be the last time we stand together.
Theresa	...Will that day be far?
Theresis	Not too far.
Theresa joins the silent procession. Their farewell to the city is soundless. Their path is one of hope. Then, something occurs, enough to silence the restless onlookers and momentarily halt the procession. The cursing and crying cease. Every eye turns to a single, poignant scene.
A mercenary steps out of the line to embrace his best friend in the procession. No one can hear the whispers exchanged between the two friends by the ruins of Babel, but all are willing to wait and give them their moment of farewell. A farewell between the people and their city, and between two peoples of the same blood. A young Sarkaz, who has lost everyone he holds dear, walks in the procession without regret. He remembers walking the same path, leaving the city in search of his parents with his older companion many years ago.
Odda	Dad, I believe that there has to be another way than war. Mom, I know you believed in Babel because you hoped for a different way to live. Goodbye, Mom, Dad. Goodbye, home.
<Background fades out>
[A letter is unfolded.]
For Theresa's eyes only, I have heard of what happened in Kazdel and share your sense of loss. The city holds special meaning to us all. But Babel need not drift on the wastelands, for I have located the ship I previously mentioned in Rim Billiton. The excavation went smoothly, and the ship's basic functions have been restored after two years of work. It will carry the hopes of Babel into the future. Please wait for me, Theresa. P.S.: I did find it on the ship. A legacy that could bring upheaval to this land. Given its importance, I feel it is crucial to discuss this matter with you in person. With hope, Kal'tsit