Operation story: BI-3

Operation

Story

Previous BI-2	Next BI-ST-2
Characters
Doctor Aurora Gnosis Sharp Arctosz Chester Great Elder Ratatos Valais Armed Subject Bodyguard Nosy Soldier Sluggish Soldier Soldier Leader
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5

Before operation

“

One thing comes after another. Seeing how desperate the situation is, Sharp acts to rescue the Doctor. The Doctor opts to turn back, and together with Aurora, relates to the people what pros and cons are at play, temporarily allaying the conflict.

”

<Background 1>
Sharp	Status report.
Aurora	Things aren't quite right. The Doctor's guess was a hit; a lot of people are gathered over here.
Sharp	Are they setting out for the factories?
Aurora	Yes... I'm sure of it.
Sharp	Stay on their tails. Keep me informed.
Aurora	Roger.
<Background 2>
Chester	And that'll conclude this factory's handover. Everything up till now has been as smooth as ice, thanks to your mediation, Doctor. I might have been a little neglectful beforehand. I'm very sorry for that.
Doctor	Don't mind it, I'm just a scholar.
Chester	My, no need to be so humble. There's plenty still to come that'll require your guidance.
Valais	One moment.
Chester	Er, do you have some qualm about this, General Valais?
Valais	An ambush.
[Several armed people reveal themselves before the Doctor, Chester, and Valais.]
Armed Subject	That's General Valais for you.
Valais	Who are you?
Armed Subject	We're here to get an explanation.
Chester	Weiss and the Doctor should have just conveyed to the subjects' representatives the steps Karlan Trade's taking. There must have been some misunderstanding...
Armed Subject	Misunderstanding? Sorry, Mr. Chester, I think you don't get it. Sir Enciodes was tricked by this foreigner!
Doctor	Come again?
Armed Subject	We were all kept in the dark. We only realized what was happening once someone told us. Mr. Chester, you should know this foreigner's "original" purpose in Kjerag was to advise on Oripathy and Infected handling methods.
Valais	What's your point?
Chester	......
Armed Subject	Our informant is never wrong. This foreigner's already in cahoots with Arctosz, and it's your job to keep eyes on the "guest", General Valais. Everyone knows Arctosz and the Vine-Bear Court were never happy with how Sir Enciodes opened up Kjerag. The foreigner's going to say the factories spread Oripathy as an excuse to shut them forever with gross slander against the lord!
Valais	You're the one speaking slander! The Paleroches would never stoop to such unsightly lows!
Armed Subject	The Paleroches and the Vine-Bear Court are all tied up! You don't think anything "unsightly?" You don't think enough people have lost their lives?!
Valais	......
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 1>
Valais	Father, Father! Are you alright?
Great Elder	Come, drink it. Drink and all will be better. Kjeragandr's tears will cleanse this taint the Tschäggättä have left.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 2>
Valais	What proof do you have?!
Armed Subject	Pah! You're asking me to prove your own misdeeds?
Chester	Doctor, this...
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	Isn't true.
Chester	Can I trust you?
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	......
Armed Subject	What, hound got your tongue?
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	What do you think?
Armed Subject	Don't think you can smooth-talk your way out of this!
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Armed Subject	There's only one thing you need to say! Justify yourself to us!
[The armed people attacks the Doctor, but Valaise shields them...]
Valais	Guards! Protect our guest! Take them away!
Armed Subject	Get that foreigner now!
[...as Sharp and Aurora suddenly shows up and engages the attackers.]
Armed Subject	Wh-Where did you come from?!
Sharp	It's not safe here!
Aurora	Time to run, Doctor!
<Background black>
The Ursus operator lifts you onto her shoulders, and leaps into the forest in giant bounds.
<Background 3>
[Aurora keeps carrying the Doctor across the forests.]
Doctor	Um, you can stop running. Let's put me down.
Aurora	Oh! Alright.
Sharp	*Pant*... I need to reiterate, Doctor. No matter what plans you have, this is far too dangerous. You probably don't remember, but I've told you the same thing many, many times before.
Doctor	Believe me, I believe you.
Sharp	Anyone can make mistakes, even me. If you're willing, I hope you can make my work a bit easier on me. The possibility's not high, but what would you have done if more professional combatants were snuck into that attack? If they brought crossbows, what then?
Doctor	Don't worry, their goal isn't to kill me.
Aurora	I'll report the situation to the Doctor. Captain Sharp and I both followed your confidant's message, heading separately to the Browntails' residence and the Silverashes' factories to pursue suspicious personnel. Our trails ended up converging into one, surprisingly enough... These people were very likely incited by the Browntails. Agitating civilians and smearing the competition are both common schemes, but they're crude.
Doctor	Seems it's to stir conflict between me and the Silverashes. / Seems it's to stir conflict between the Paleroches and Silverashes. But it's also probably a trap.
Aurora	What do you mean...?
Sharp	Their equipment and combat strength aren't up to par. It's not even enough to get them out in one piece. Suppose they were arrested and interrogated, and they gave up their source...
Aurora	Then it would look bad for the Browntails?!
Doctor	That's not the whole of it.
Sharp	We're lacking intel. We still can't see the full picture of this incident. No way to actually lock onto the hidden orchestrator or their goals. The one thing we can be sure of is someone wants to disturb the tri-clan relations. That is to say, they want to shatter the Snow Realm's overall stability. Circumstances are exceptionally dangerous for outsiders like you, Doctor.
Aurora	What do we do now, Doctor? Should we think of some way to make it back first?
Doctor	It's not time yet. This incident's far from over.
Sharp	That's right, this charade's just one small part of the giant storm. But my duty's clear-cut—I'm getting you out of danger, Doctor.
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	I'm going to get more info.
Sharp	The more you know, the more dangerous your situation. We likely won't have the time to ensure all the details, Doctor.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	I'm going to evade capture.
Sharp	That might just be the start of it, Doctor.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	I'm going to stop whoever's stirring up the clans.
Sharp	I have to remind you, Doctor, this may have long grown beyond your plans.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Sharp	But since you're so determined, and seeing as you have a good grasp on things... we won't stop you. At this point, do you plan on telling Courier and Matterhorn, and especially Cliffheart, considering they're all Silverashes?
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	No.
Sharp	Agreed. I'm sorry to Cliffheart, but now that we're here, it's hard for me to fully trust Courier and Matterhorn.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	......
Sharp	Doctor, I know you want to trust them, but set aside Cliffheart for now—it's hard for me not to be wary of Courier and Matterhorn in this current tri-clan dispute, no matter what.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	Up to you.
Sharp	Then I choose to keep part of the truth hidden from them.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Doctor	For now, take me back.
<Background 2>
Valais	Is there anyone else?
Bodyguard	None, they've all been suppressed.
Valais	Then what about the Doctor? Whereabouts?
Bodyguard	We... saw someone taking the Doctor away, running into the forest.
Valais	Damn...! You lot, with me! There'd better not be a single scratch on—
Doctor	Is it me you're looking for?
Valais	!!
Chester	Ah! So you're... I thought you...
Doctor	You thought I ran?
Valais	That was a difficult situation there, and I lost sight of you. I hope you can forgive me. I made a mockery of myself, when I should by all rights have prioritized your safety. As you can see... the people here have all been contained. Don't move! Settle down!
Armed Subject	Don't think we don't know! You're here just to frame Sir Enciodes. You self-righteous hypocrite! Pah!
Aurora	...... ...Bro?
Sharp	...?
Armed Subject	Lara? Why are you here?
Aurora	Bro! What are you doing?!
Armed Subject	Wh—Why are you all mixed up with these people?
Aurora	That's my boss!
Sharp	Leave it. Now's not the time.
Aurora	Understood, Captain.
Doctor	To be honest, I have nitpicks with Karlan Trade's factory safety measures.
Valais	What?
Doctor	The exhaust pipes are too close to the construction area. The layout's pure nonsense. / The protective gear given to workers is too low-coverage. / The Originium transport channels aren't secure enough.
Chester	Have... you told Sir Enciodes about that?
Armed Subject	You! You! You're a nasty piece of work after all.
Doctor	It's the truth.
Valais	I don't quite understand, so I have no way to judge if what you say is true. But it sounds at least somewhat reasonable.
Armed Subject	I'll never believe your vile lies! You! You...
Valais	I want you to behave or else! Have you given a thought to the sort of punishment you'll face for attacking an outside guest of honor in the Vine-Bear Court's territory?
Armed Subject	...... So long as it's for Sir Enciodes...
Aurora	The Silverashes' guest attacked by the Silverashes' subjects? Is there any way this won't smear the Silverash reputation? Is this how you "repay Sir Enciodes?"
Armed Subject	...That...
Aurora	Think about it! Bro, you used to be so cool-headed. What happened?
Armed Subject	...Forget it. You wouldn't understand if I told you.
Doctor	General Valais. Let these people go.
Valais	What?
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	As you see, my subordinate has a relative here.
Aurora	General Valais, please be kind...
Valais	*Sigh*...
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	This is a misunderstanding. Don't make it any bigger.
Valais	Is that really all it is? I'm not convinced. *Sigh*... You know what, forget it.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	Consider it compensation for your mistake there.
Valais	...Are you sure this settles it?
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Valais	Listen up, all of you. If it wasn't for our guest's altruism, you'd all be in for a caning before the day is out! Reflect on your actions!
Armed Subject	Don't think you'll buy us off just like that! You rotten...
Soldier Leader	Leave it, leave it. We're out of here. Don't disgrace the Silverashes any more than that.
The furious subjects slowly leave, wearing expressions of disappointment and spite as they go. The most vitriolic clash, for the moment, has been defused. A heavy blizzard is gathering at this moment, of that much you're sure.

After operation

“

The Paleroches slightly change their attitude toward the Doctor, in the light of said party's conduct. Meanwhile, Gnosis gets in touch with Ratatos, and conveys a need to show her some things.

”

<Background 4>
Sluggish Soldier	Hey, did you hear? Supposedly that guest of honor we were keeping an eye on, the Doctor or whatever, was attacked Silverash's people?
Nosy Soldier	You only just heard about it? The news is everywhere.
Sluggish Soldier	Then why don't you tell me what the hell is going on? Wasn't this Doctor person invited by Enciodes himself?
Nosy Soldier	Well, the version of the story I heard is, the attackers apparently thought that after the Doctor went over, Arctosz offered some under-the-table deals.
Sluggish Soldier	Huh? Master Arctosz wouldn't do something like that!
Nosy Soldier	Dumbass, can't you tell this is obviously nonsense made up by the attackers? If you ask me, after finding out that Arctosz is going to be hosting the Doctor, Enciodes is trying to set Arctosz up. Maybe the people behind the attack were sent by Enciodes too.
Sluggish Soldier	Yeah, that makes sense, just as you said. Then why are we spending all this time keeping tabs on this Doctor? They're probably not in cahoots with Enciodes.
<Background 1>
Valais	I didn't fully understand you before, so I ask your forgiveness if I have offended you in any way. As you are Enciodes's honored guest, I should be watching my words... But, something doesn't add up about this attack made against you.
Doctor	Indeed, it doesn't add up.
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	Someone's pulling the strings.
Valais	Enciodes...
Doctor	No, he doesn't stand to gain anything from this. (I have my own ideas about who's behind it, but...)
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	I can't determine what the purpose would be.
Valais	I could've sworn they were trying to harm you to give Enciodes an excuse to seek retribution against the Paleroche clan, accusing them of failing to protect you.
Doctor	That makes no sense. A crime is a far graver offense than dereliction of duty.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	Their actions aren't exactly reasonable.
Valais	That's what I think too. They clearly already received the information that Weiss passed along on behalf of Enciodes, yet still are distrustful of you. It's almost as if...
Doctor	Someone anticipated Enciodes's plans. And used the premise we just discussed to incite them.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Valais	Ugh... {{sc|???|Hah, well said.
[Arctosz walks in.]
Arctosz	Valais, we always said you were a skilled tactician and had a good head on your shoulders. But looks like you still have a lot to learn from the Doctor.
Valais	You're exactly right, Sir.
Arctosz	Oh, right, Valais. Pass this message on for me – My men don't need to keep watch over the Doctor anymore. Just focus on guarding our territory. As for the guards the Doctor brought along, they will be allowed to come and go freely from now on.
Valais	Yessir.
[Valais leaves.]
Arctosz	I just happened to overhear a bit of your conversation from the hallway. I don't have any interest in your guessing games, but I might be able to offer you some clues. Kjeragandr is our witness. Doctor, I apologize for the rudeness of the Paleroche clan–– On my name as head of the house of Paleroche, I swear to Kjeragandr that I was not the one who instigated this attack. If you are willing to believe me, let me assure you that there are absolutely no scoundrels in the Paleroche clan that would carry out such a malicious attack behind my back.
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	Thank you for your trust, Arctosz.
Arctosz	Hm? I never said anything about trusting you, Doctor. But at least I am certain now that you aren't up to any mischief.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	Thanks for the tip, Arctosz.
Arctosz	Hahaha! Good.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Arctosz	Doctor, I may not be much of a philosopher, but even a rough-around-the-edges man like me can smell that there's something unusual brewing in Kjerag. That damned Enciodes, suddenly talking about ceding power back to the Saintess, then driving Gnosis away, and now putting you in this position... And someone attacked you in the midst of it all. Let me be honest – I can't help but to suspect that Enciodes is up to no good, even if he hasn't shown the slightest flaw in what he's doing. But I'm not going to sit around and wait for the land granted to us by Kjeragandr to fall into danger...
Doctor	In that case, Arctosz...
Arctosz	What is it?
Doctor	Us making amends could also mean... / If our enemy is able to predict your response... Then they no longer need to use me as a smokescreen. / They've finished their preparations, and there's not much time left.
Arctosz	What?!
Boom–– A massive explosion goes off in the distance. The people outside whisper amongst each other, debating whether or not it is going to snow. The people inside lower their heads without a word, shouldering an intangible burden.
<Background 5>
Ratatos	Gnosis Edelweiss.
Gnosis	Madame Ratatos Browntail. It seems like I've finally earned the privilege of talking with you face-to-face?
Ratatos	You can't fool me with that feigned humility, Gnosis. You are plenty smart yourself. Let there be no shady dealings between honest people. If you didn't want something from me, you would not have been trying to meet me again and again.
Gnosis	Heh. If you're just trying to assert your dominance here, then I do believe it is time for me to bid thee farewell.
Ratatos	Don't be in such a hurry, Gnosis. I have a few questions for you. When I first heard that the Edelweiss clan followed Enciodes back to Kjerag, I frankly was not too surprised. I thought you either had some evidence to prove that the Edelweisses would not be adverse to the Silverash clan, or perhaps, you had something to hold over Enciodes. But neither you nor Enciodes have said anything about what happened back then, while you still allow the Silverashes to rebuke you for your shamelessness. What keeps you going? I'm curious.
Gnosis	...He promised me a future.
Ratatos	A future?
Gnosis	Kjerag's future. An emerging industrial country that would allow me to utilize my talent in research without fear of plagiarism, misuse, or suppression.
Ratatos	That's all?
Gnosis	Needless to say, I never expected you to understand in the first place, Ratatos. You will never be a researcher after all. It may be difficult for you to understand how thrilling it is to freely explore the innovation and application of technology, backed by plenty of resources and privilege. To be given a legitimate purpose.
Ratatos	So that's the deal you struck. You give him your skills, and he provides you a stage. And then what? Surely you aren't going to tell me that he pushed you out and made you take the fall just to protect himself. Is this all that Karlan Trade's cost-benefit analysis amounts to?
Gnosis	You seem to have a lot of faith in Karlan Trade. Why didn't you accept the offer to work under Enciodes two years ago?
Ratatos	Don't be ridiculous. No matter how powerful Enciodes is, he cannot change the faith that has been deeply rooted in the bones of our people for thousands of years. Karlan Trade can only grow as big as the Tri-Clan Council and the Vine-Bear Court allow, and it is impossible for Kjerag to industrialize–– —Wait. So he's found a new bargaining chip?
Gnosis	Exactly. There was no way for Enciodes to turn the people of Kjerag against Kjeragandr, so he had to reach a compromise. But he's been stuck there for far too long. No matter how many times I tried to push him, he seems indifferent. Until there finally came an opportunity to turn things around. Ensia's Oripathy symptoms are under control, and though there still isn't a cure, she was able to return to him alive and well... ...and excitedly told him that it might be possible to deepen cooperation with an outside party to better control the spread and harm of Oripathy at a lower cost.
Ratatos	No, Enciodes wouldn't...
Gnosis	Of course not. Once the gate to Kjerag is opened, it cannot be completely sealed again. The number of Infected living in Kjerag will only increase– this is the reality of our world. During the process of Kjerag's continued development, the ability to deal with Oripathy will ultimately become a new bargaining chip. He is about to make the people of Kjerag decide between faith and technology, and faith alone will no longer protect them from Oripathy.
Ratatos	Empty rhetoric. There's no proof.
Gnosis	Come with me then. Bring your people along, including those who can fight, and I will show you something.