Operation story: SL-2

Operation

Story

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Characters
Adele Bison Ceylon Enis Swire Bored/Excited Man (Pelipper) Boy Byrd Dolly Emperor Girl Kahn Stylish Shopkeeper (Harley) Tired Government Employee (Costa) Fragrance Shop Owner Lost Creature Messenger
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6

Before operation

“

The residents of Fashion Street oppose relocation despite Costa's attempts to persuade them. At the Volcano Museum, Eyjafjalla receives a letter with no return address, including a photo of the volcano where her parents were killed. It seems to be a letter from her father, arriving several years late.

”

<Background 1>
Radio	Good morning, Siesta. Today is August 16, 1099. The humidity is 75%, visibility 18km, wind's blowing south-southwest. Estimated fifteen days until volcanic eruption. While it's a fine day outside, we would like to remind everyone to refrain from going into the water beyond the coast outside the nomadic city. Remember that the calm surface of the sea hides countless hidden reefs and undercurrents, just like the many troubles beneath the surface of a calm life. Here's a little pick-me-up for this sunny morning: Life Always Goes On, brought to you by the Bonez n' Bonez band.
[The song Life Always Goes On starts playing in the radio.]
Radio	7am, wake from a dream, kissing the one I love ♪ Open my eyes, same old story, sunlight and trouble after me ♪
[Someone enters the restaurant...]
Stylish Shopkeeper	Welcome, our first customer of the day... as expected. Are you bringing me any better news than an erupting volcano this fine morning?
[...who turned out to be the Siestan government employee from before.]
Tired Government Employee	The news I bring wouldn't be so bad if you would be less stubborn, Harley, ma'am.
Harley	Don't call me ma'am. I'm not that old. I'll give you a few minutes, just because it's nice outside. What's the story this time?
Costa	Employment subsidies and tax breaks?
Harley	Forget it. And what "employment" are you talking about, exactly, when we move to the city center?
Costa	Can't be any worse than a shopping street with no tourists. You're not the only one on this street, Harley, and some of your neighbors are willing to sign this memorandum of understanding.
Harley	And I won't be the only one giving you an earful. I suggest you people figure out what the folks who live here really want. Two years ago, Herman told us this bloody volcano was going to blow. Two years later, the volcano is still there, with nothing to show for the trouble that the people of Siesta have had to go through. Except for guys like you, coming out with a nice job at city hall. The "White Volcano" isn't just a house. It's a home to me and three children. We've already had to move once on account of a volcano. Herman can't make us move again, especially when it's not clear he's sober when he tells us to.
Costa	Harley, this isn't just one person's home—
Radio	This is my place, my life ♪ Don't tell me what to do, or I'm gonna kill you ♪
Harley	I love this song.
Costa	......
Harley	Alright, then, Costa. Or should I say, "Mr. City Hall"?
[The government employee, now known as Costa, leaves as Byrd enters.]
Byrd	Excuse me... are you still hiring singers?
<Background 2>
Adele	You're looking at a Siesta Volcanic Originium Slug. Living in a volcanic habitat has caused them to evolve vastly different characteristics and habits from Originium Slugs elsewhere, a matter of considerable interest to biologists. Interestingly, the activities of these Originium Slugs continue to follow the patterns of Siestan volcanic activity, even though they have been removed from their native habitat and placed in a temperature-controlled box. It's a prominent example of how organisms and their environment interact with each other...
<Background fades out and in>
[Swire walks toward Adele.]
Swire	Not bad, Eyjafjalla.
Adele	Swire! Are you here on vacation?
Swire	You could say that. Here to enjoy a rare summer break. What about you? This might be the first time I've seen your researcher side.
Adele	I'm just here to help with the museum archives.
Swire	You seem to have the attention of the tourists. I even saw people taking notes. And I have a question for you too. Would you tell me more about these exhibits?
<Background fades out and in>
Adele	Am I imagining things, or is Swire more interested in land prices around the museum than the exhibits themselves?
Dolly	Land prices?
Adele	Mr. Dolly? Why are you...
Dolly	No need to look surprised. I came because there are a lot of pictures of volcanoes in this house. What is a "land price"?
Adele	...How much you have to pay to get a piece land. The more prosperous a place is, the more expensive the land tends to be.
Dolly	Interesting. Humans put a price on land. Volcanic craters must be the most expensive, then.
Adele	Er... not really. Anyway, is it really okay for you to be here with so many people around?
Dolly	There's nothing to worry about.
Dolly takes a little leap and lands on Swire's head.
Adele	S-Swire!
Swire	Hm? What is it? Why are you looking at me like you've seen a ghost?
Adele	Er, it's nothing. Oh, your hat's a little off. Let me fix it for you.
[Dolly, who is invisible to Swire but not Adele, leaps off the former's head back to the latter.]
Dolly	See, she didn't notice at all. Isn't that astonishing?
Adele	(Whisper) It's rude to stand on people's heads!
Dolly	I know, I know... that's the annoying thing about dealing with you humans. It's why only those who interest me can perceive me. Less trouble that way. It's getting late. I'll be going. Don't forget our arrangement.
[Dolly vanishes.]
Swire	Eyjafjalla? Hello? Eyja?
Adele	Oh! Sorry, I got distracted. Er... Eyja?
Swire	Your new nickname. I just came up with it. Give yourself some time to relax. You're in Siesta, after all. We can go to the hot springs together!
[A Messenger enters the museum.]
Messenger	Delivery for the museum— Anybody home?
Adele	Hello?
Messenger	Package for the museum. Can you sign for it?
Adele	Oh, okay.
[Adele takes a look at the package.]
Adele	From Leithanien... William University... probably Professor Keller. ...Huh?
The box is filled with documents and samples, with a letter inside. Half of the envelope is missing, revealing a photo, the edges of which look almost bitten off.
Adele	Is this... Mount Unna? Excuse me!
[Adele runs after the Messenger.]
<Background 3>
Messenger	Is there a problem? This letter was sent from Leithanien, and this is the delivery address. Everything should be in order.
Adele	Do you know who the sender is? Or when was it sent? Sorry to bother you, but this is important.
Messenger	The sender's information should be on the envelope?
Adele	Well...
Messenger	Oh, I remember now. There was a letter with a damaged envelope. The original Messenger for this batch called in sick. The letter was already like that when I got it. This was the only place I could think of when I saw "volcano" on the envelope. I know as much as you do, if there's no information about the sender on the letter, there's no information.
Adele	...... Sorry to trouble you...
<Background black>
"How have you been? I'm doing fine here." "It's been a long time. I miss you." "The volcano is a spectacular sight. The winds are strong at the peak." "Love, Your Father"
The crooked words behind the photo seem to have been written while wearing thick gloves, making it hard to tell the writer's handwriting habits. The ink, letter and photo all show clear signs of age.
<Background 2>
[Kahn notices Eyjafjalla searching through the documents.]
Kahn	Looking for something?
Adele	Are there any notes from my father in the museum archives?
Kahn	Professor Katia? About what?
Adele	Anything, as long as it's his handwriting!
Kahn	Hm... Let's see... Keller left some research materials from William University here, but Professor Katia's focus is on Originium Arts, so I'm not sure there's much about volcanoes... "Volcanic Plants", "Originium Energy Conversion in Volcanic Activity", "Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions"... all notes from Professor Magna.
Adele	Wait, this "Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions" doesn't seem to be Mutti's.
She opens the notebook, but finds only photocopies of research papers and spreadsheets. A few pages seem to have been ripped out of the end of the notebook.
Adele	I don't remember having seen this notebook before.
Kahn	Me neither... the topic is up Professor Katia's alley, though. What are you looking for, Adele? Is it urgent?
Adele	Kahn... can a letter be... delayed, so that it only reaches its destination years later?
Kahn	It's not unusual for international mail to be lost, but if you're talking about a delay of several years...
Adele	I...
[Adele recalls her encounter with Dolly and the Little Black Sheep before.]
Adele	A lot of strange things have happened these past couple of days, but I think... if it was sent from Leithanien to "volcano"... Maybe I'm overthinking it...
Kahn	*sigh*... It's not healthy to shut yourself in a room day after day. You should go take a walk if you feel like your head's not entirely clear. I happen to have something that I need help with. Do you know what obsidian is?
Adele	Volcanic rock?
Kahn	Yes. Obsidian mining was once Siesta's main source of income, but it was banned many years ago due to the impact of overexploitation on the environment. The ore samples were left behind when Siesta was relocated. The estimated time of eruption may be more accurate if we can find obsidian extracted from the volcano in the past two years. Not that it has any real meaning, other than to shut the city council up... keep the investors happy, I guess.
Adele	But we can't go near the volcano to collect obsidian samples, can we?
Kahn	That's why we need a special channel.
Adele	A what?
Kahn	Let's just say we'll be dealing with an... eccentric customer. That's why I need your help.
<Background 4>
[Adele visits a hotel.]
Adele	Hello...
Bored Voice	Welcome to the Obsidian Hot Springs Hotel... Bed, meal, or bath? The price list is right there. Just leave the money on the counter and you can go in.
Adele	What a beautiful place! Why does it have obsidian in the name?
Man Becoming Excited	Because obsidian is the soul of Siesta!
Adele	Er... wh-why?
Excited Man	The solid yet refined texture, the rich and warm color... its rare beauty captivates anyone who gazes upon it! Every piece of obsidian is unique. Do you get it? It's a treasure of nature, the essence of volcanoes! Are you interested in obsidian too?
Adele	Y-Yes! I am!
Excited Man	Uncouth fools call obsidian a commodity. Commodity! Come, let me show you my collection. No need to be shy! Let me see, shall we start here?
<Background fades out and in>
Adele	Thank you for the explanation... May I ask if you have any obsidian for sale in your collection?
Bored Man	Huh? No, absolutely not. This is a collection. Do you know what a collection is? Collections exist to be admired by someone who truly appreciates their beauty, not to be bought or sold. So you're one of the uncouth fools too... I guess there's nothing for us to talk about.
Adele	But...
Kahn	That's enough, Pelipper.
[Kahn joins in.]
Adele	Kahn?
Kahn	I'll take it from here.
Pelipper	You again... sorry, we're closed for today. Have a good one.
Kahn	Be reasonable, Pelipper. Siesta banned obsidian mining many years ago, but we're well aware that you know how to get more. We don't need much for the volcano research, and I'm not interested in all those ornaments you have. I just need a few that have been dug up from that volcano in the past two years. This is for Siesta. Come on, act like a normal person for once.
Pelipper	There's nothing to talk about. I don't need you to tell me what's the proper Siestan thing to do.
Adele	Sorry, I couldn't...
Kahn	It's okay. Let's go.
Pelipper	Hey you, girl, one second. You look like you're easier to talk to than that bespectacled moron.
Adele	Have you changed your mind?
Pelipper	My stuff's not for sale, but it just happens that I do, in fact, know a source...
[Pelipper whispers something to Adele.]
Adele	Thank you!
Pelipper	Don't tell anyone about this.
Adele	Of course!
[Unbeknownst to Pelipper, a Little Black Sheep is watching them, whom Adele can see.]
Lost Creature	......
Adele puts her foot forward excitedly, but her path is blocked by the sudden appearance of a creature. The Little Black Sheep before her strolls leisurely towards the shop's exit while chewing on an old Siestan sign. Suddenly, its steps slow as it sets its eyes on the sign outside the hot spring resort. It opens its mouth, bites a chunk out of the address, then continues its leisurely stroll.
Adele	Hey, why are you eating signs and addresses? Addresses...? Don't tell me you ate the address on the envelope?

After operation

“

Trying to find out where the letter came from, Eyjafjalla is knocked out when she accidentally runs head-first into Enis. When she wakes up, she begins to write a response. Enis learns about the seriousness of Oripathy development.

”

<Background 5>
[The children from before are having a talk.]
Boy	Where should we go today? We've been banned from swimming in the hot springs... how about we get a few more guys and play hide-and-seek in that plate?
Girl	Enis said we shouldn't go to the shore. I want to go to the volcano museum again. We couldn't find Dad the last time.
Boy	No point, you won't find him... hey, where's Enis working today?
Girl	It's Wednesday. He should be at Mr. Tom's shop in the afternoon.
Boy & Girl	The drinks shop!
<Background fades out and in>
Boy	Chocolate.
Girl	Strawberry.
Enis	Alright, alright.
Boy	Hey, is that a new flavor? What does cake-flavored ice cream taste like? Can we have one?
Enis	Tom says only one scoop per kid per day.
Boy	But you don't eat ice cream. Can we have yours?
Girl	Don't be like that... Enis is always working hard...
Enis	I'm not a kid anymore.
Girl	But it's so hot today. There's less than one scoop left by the time the ice cream reaches your mouth. It's not fair.
Enis	Yeah, what should we do? It's so hot today. Cake-flavored ice cream sounds great, doesn't it?
Boy & Girl	(Expectant look)
Enis	Alright, you can have one more scoop... but only if you promise to be back home by dinner, and help Harley set the table.
Boy & Girl	Okay—
Enis	You say that every time. Let's hope you still have appetite by dinner.
An ice cream cone floats by the little girl. She stares in amazement as a piece of ice cream melts in the midday sun. The strawberry-flavored ice cream drops, forming a puddle on the ground. The invisible creature steps on it, leaving behind its footprints.
Girl	...Huh? I think an ice cream just ran away.
Boy	Ice cream? Ran away?
Girl	I think it was strawberry too.
Boy	Does that mean we get another scoop if we catch it?
[The children runs off as Byrd walks to the stall.]
Byrd	One ice cream, please.
Enis	Three gold certificates.
Byrd	No freebies?
Enis	We're a business here, ma'am, not a charity.
Byrd	Coffee flavor, then.
Enis	Thank you for your business. Surprised to see foreign visitors at a time like this.
Byrd	Maybe you underestimate the charm of this place. Why aren't you enjoying the summer? Back home, kids your age are hanging out on the streets, having fun. It's hard to be the big brother, I guess?
Enis	Got to make a living.
Byrd	Do you know any instruments?
Enis	Instruments? I didn't even take singing lessons... Does a kalimba count?
Byrd	I think you'd go well with a saxophone.
Enis	Doesn't sound like I could afford it.
Byrd	I'm in a good mood because I found a new job. Will you have a chat with me if I buy you a drink?
Enis	Sorry, but I have to get to my next job. Come to my family's shop if you want to chat.
<Background fades out and in>
Fragrance Shop Owner	You mean the logistics hub will help me sell my wares to other countries?
Bison	Not only that, buying will be easier as well. You'll be able to procure fresh ingredients straight from the producers, for example.
Fragrance Shop Owner	Hm... that doesn't sound too bad.
Bison	Will you accept relocation, then? And can MountainDash Logistics expect your vote in the upcoming public opinion survey?
Fragrance Shop Owner	Sure.
Bison	R-Really?
Fragrance Shop Owner	I was planning to move to the city center anyway. Being able to buy Victorian clothes more easily sounds appealing.
Bison	Thank you for your support! I won't take up any more of your time.
Fragrance Shop Owner	No rush. Don't you want to learn more about my fragrances? I know just the right ones for a cute boy like you.
Bison	O-Okay...
<Background fades out and in>
[Emperor walks toward Bison.]
Emperor	Hey, kid.
Bison	Emperor! Are you here on vacation too?
[Emperor steps his paw on the ground as if he's angry.]
Emperor	Vacation's a state of mind, and I'm on vacation every day. Who'd stay in an ordinary place in a summer like this, though? Naw, that's all secondary. I'm here to take back what's mine! Those dumbass sheep stole my favorite album! The one that won me the gold, first time I hit the Obsidian Festival! Serial number 000001! Sure, Dolly's in a real small club of entities I can actually talk music with, but I gotta give him a piece of my mind for lettin' his clones run wild in this world! He really think his kids can hit the soul the way my music can?
Bison	Er... excuse me? Who's Dolly?
Emperor	Man, forget it. I'm talkin' a conflict beyond mortal comprehension here. Anyway, what's got you hangin' around these parts? And what's that smell on you? Like you rolled yourself in a Sargonian rainforest mud puddle three times, then fell into the champagne tower at a cocktail party.
Bison	...That bad? MountainDash Logistics wants the rebuilding project for this commercial district, but we have competition.
Emperor	Aw, you playin' a game of turf war here. Where's Eurill? He just dump all his work on you and run off on vacation?
Bison	I wouldn't put it that way...
Emperor	Mmhm. Anyway, good luck, kid. Maybe swipe the stock he holdin' when his back's turned. Give him a little summer surprise. Then maybe we'll have somethin' to talk about next time I see him at a party.
[Two Little Black Sheep, which only Emperor could see for being Dolly's fellow Beast Lord, runs by him...]
Emperor	Oh, hold the conversation. Think I saw—two sheep! Hey, gimme back my album!
[...and he gives chase.]
Bison	Sheep?
<Background 3>
[As Adele goes after the Little Black Sheep from before...]
Adele	(Is the Little Black Sheep still here?) (It's slow, it couldn't have gone far...)
[The sound of paper being eaten is heard...]
Adele	Huh? The old sign over there, too...
[...which came from the Little Black Sheep.]
Adele	You ate the address on the envelope, didn't you?
The furry creature wanders down the street, eating street sign after street sign.
Adele	Little Black Sheep... wait!
[Adele goes after the Little Black Sheep.]
Adele	Did you eat the envelope from that letter to the museum? Little Black Sheep!
Passersby turn around to look at the girl, who is crying out frantically while chasing empty air. She hardly has time to care for appearances as she huffs and pants, almost tripping over herself.
Adele	Little Black Sheep! Wait!
Enis	Finally done with this batch... really got to be more careful about asking someone to take my shift. I paid him good money only for him to make so many mistakes... what's the next place? Hey, where did the address on the envelope go? Did someone tear it off?
[The sound of the Little Black Sheep, whom Enis couldn't see, eating the adresses is heard...]
Enis	What's that?
[...prompting him to check the packages he carry.]
Enis	What happened to the addresses? I go out for a minute, and now they're all gone? Good thing I have the records on the terminal... but seriously, what a bother? Me and my rotten luck... ...... Well, I guess there's nothing to do but check one by one... the next shift is almost here. Better hurry... Run, Enis, run... run and make your dough...
[Enis picks up the pace...]
Enis	Take care of your siblings...
[...but he notices that Adele is running towards him.]
Enis	......! Look out! I can't stop with so much stuff on me! Hey! Whoa!
[Adele and Enis collides with each other...]
Adele	Ugh—
[...as the former recovers.]
Enis	Ugh... my leg... Hey, you okay? ...... Are you alright? Wake up! D-Doctor... Is there a doctor around here?
<Background black>
Serious Voice	When are you going to get proper treatment, Enis?
Hushed Voice	I... I'll go with you to Rhodes Island once I'm done with this... my family can't do without...
Serious Voice	A doctor shouldn't be hiding the identity of a patient. I understand your difficulties, but being responsible to your family means being responsible to your own health.
Hushed Voice	I-I know what to do... Dr. Ceylon... all Oripathy patients eventually die, don't they?
Serious Voice	All of us eventually die, Oripathy or not. The end is simply clearer for people with Oripathy.
Hushed Voice	What eventually happens to people with Oripathy?
Serious Voice	The symptoms exhibited by late-stage Oripathy patients may differ depending on the location of the condition. For example, Oripathy has damaged the hearing of the girl that you brought. She is almost completely deaf without a hearing aid. I hate to say it, but your Originium crystal formation is near your heart, and it can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
Hushed Voice	Well, at least that means I'll have all my faculties until I die.
Serious Voice	Say that again, and I'll deliver you to Rhodes Island by force right now.
Hushed Voice	Just kidding... thanks, Dr. Ceylon. Here's the money for both of us... I'll be going. Bye.
<Background 6>
The sun casts its rays on the bed. Adele slowly opens her eyes to the sound of muffled conversation.
Ceylon	You're awake. How are you feeling? You were knocked out after bumping into someone on the street. The young man brought you here and left behind all the money he had. Said it was for your medical bills.
Adele	......
Ceylon	You must be careful, Eyjafjalla. The reason you passed out was low blood sugar, but I gave you a physical anyway, and I'm sure you can read the data about your Oripathy yourself...
Adele	Thank you, Dr. Ceylon. I'm feeling fine now. Can I go?
Ceylon	No. You're staying here for the rest of the afternoon. No going anywhere. I have a few patients to visit. You stay put. Rhodes Island will hear if you're not here when I get back.
[Ceylon leaves the room.]
Adele	Guess I lost it... What was the Little Black Sheep trying to tell me?
Adele sits up on the bed. The photo falls out of her pocket. "How have you been? I'm doing fine here." "It's been a long time. I miss you." ......
Adele	I'm fine... How are you?
[Adele writes in a paper,]
Adele	Vati, Mutti, in a few years, I'll be the same age you were when I was born. What was life like for you, at the time? I... ...I... Thank you so much for...
Drip, drop. Tears fall on the paper. Adele stops writing and crosses out what she had written down.
Adele	......
<Background 3>
Impatient Voice	Shift's about to start. Where are you? There's a lot of stuff to move.
Enis	Almost there, almost there!
[Enis starts the pickup truck, but its engine stops as he received another call.]
Polite Voice	Mr. Enis, the hot springs hotel shop that you asked about is now available for purchase. You will need to pay a deposit before the end of the month if you're still interested...
Enis	Before the end of the month? Alright, I'll get back to you...
Worried Voice	Enis, are your brother and sister with you?
Enis	Brother and sister?
[Enis starts the pickup truck again with no avail as he receives yet another call.]
Worried Voice	It's almost dinner time, and they're not back yet. Tell them to come back soon.
Enis	I, I... alright!
[Enis starts the pickup truck yet again, and its engine stops again.]
Enis	Dagnabbit! This, stupid, car— Frickin hell! Consarnit!
[Swire walks toward Enis in his pickup truck.]
Swire	Er... are you okay?
Enis	*Pant*—*pant*— What are you doing here?
Swire	Talking a walk. I followed the tourist guide's recommended route, but the shops listed aren't any different from those in Lungmen, so I was about to go back. Were you picking a fight with this pickup truck?
Enis	...... The engine's old. Igniter doesn't work well.
Swire	Let me take a look.
[Swire checks the pickup truck's vent.]
Swire	Someone's blocked the vent with a ball of paper. Who could have done it? Let's see... a flyer?
Enis	Must be some kid's practical joke... Well, I've got to be on my way. Thanks!
Swire	One moment. The mark on that box on the passenger seat, and on the flyer. It's Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, isn't it?
Enis	—! Er...