Your Highness Theresis, Regent of Kazdel, Commanding General of the Military Commission,
Wandering scholars have brought back tales of a new nomadic city on the rise in the distant desert.
The fires of the ancient furnace continue to burn, and the once-scattered mercenaries have flocked to one banner, to the city walls that grow taller by the day.
Your strength and reputation have caught the attention of the Duke of Cavendish.
You have changed the way we view the Sarkaz tribes. Perhaps now is the time to set prejudices aside, and engage in sincere sharing and cooperation that would be beneficial to us both.
......
I, the Duke of Cavendish, hereby invite you to visit my demesne, where we may sit and parley.
Our venerable empire has use for you and your brave warriors.
No point talking about curing Oripathy, if I can't do something so simple...
Doctor
Arghβ
Doctor
Still no good... *pant* *pant*
Field Soldier
Excuse me, why don't you put that medkit down? Leave this stuff to us.
Doctor
A-Alright...
Field Soldier
Some time in the gym would do you good, once you've recovered.
Kal'tsit
At present, there is no way for you to match the physical prowess of a Terran through training.
Kal'tsit
Your talents are better employed outside of manual labor.
Doctor
I know. It's just that, you know, I have my pride too...
Kal'tsit
You've looked on edge since that day.
Doctor
I'm thinking about... Theresa.
Doctor
Traveling alone to a city under enemy control isn't the most logical course of action for a leader.
Doctor
The warriors with her may be outstanding, but they're not enough to protect her in the face of an entire army.
Kal'tsit
The King of Sarkaz enjoys unimaginable status in Sarkaz tradition, and Theresa's own achievements are well-recognized. The Military Commission would not act rashly.
Kal'tsit
But Victoria's invitation to Kazdel cannot be taken as a sign of goodwill. It means that Terra's powers have once again set their sights on Kazdel.
Kal'tsit
Theresa needs to go to Kazdel and make it clear that she will not permit Kazdel to become embroiled in another war.
Doctor
Even if I know how the Military Commission and Babel came into being...
Doctor
In my understanding, the Sarkaz can hardly afford an internal conflict that could drain them of what little resources they have left. They have enough to deal with as it is.
Kal'tsit
They have a complicated history, and that brings different attitudes towards outsiders.
Kal'tsit
The Sarkaz people have a right to choose the path they believe is correct: Theresis's, or Theresa's.
Doctor
Looks like we've got a lot to deal with besides Oripathy.
Doctor
There's a big difference between knowing and understanding, I guess. Looks like there's much I still need to learn about the history of Terra.
Doctor
This time, you'll be the one to guide me, Kal'tsit.
Kal'tsit
...Of course.
Doctor
All we can do right now is make sure that the Oripathy patients at Rhodes Island have access to proper treatmentβ
It's been so long since you last visited. Why not sit down and catch up for a bit?
Ascalon
You're sending mercenaries to Londinium.
Scareye
Now, now, I must object to that accusation.
Scareye
People just follow the money, and it leads to what the Regent has provided in Londinium.
Ascalon
You're dragging Kazdel into another war.
Scareye
'Dragging Kazdel into another war.' Have you been fooling around with those dreamers at Babel for so long that you've forgotten what it means to be a Sarkaz?
Scareye
Since when have the Sarkaz been apart from war?!
The giant's hand lunges forward. Ascalon is surprised to find that she cannot avoid his fist.
Ascalon
...Grr.
Scareye
Seeing the future is hard. Seeing through what you will do next, less so.
Scareye
Did you think you were the child of destiny, so special that you could bridge the rift between the siblings?
Scareye
Think back to the day when you saw them for the first time...
When you skinned that young mangler and followed the trail of blood through the wilderness, until you walked into a storm and met the King of Sarkaz...
Ascalon
How did you...?
Scareye
'How did I know?' Are you surprised, Ascalon?
Scareye
I saw the prophecy and led the tribe on the wastes into the storm that day with game. You happened to be the one who lived.
Scareye
No one truly understands prophecy. No one can interfere with the future. But I wanted to catch the tail of fate... I wanted to make prophecy.
Scareye
Theresis didn't kill you. Instead, he kept you and raised you. Maybe he wanted to tempt fate.
Scareye
But you never changed, in all these years. You're still that poor, lost child on the wastes.
Exact numbers unclear. We've detected hostiles both in front of and behind us. A lot of them...
Kal'tsit
Whether it was Theresis's intention or not, the other generals of the Military Commission seem intent to crush Babel while Theresa is absent.
Kal'tsit
That way, the Sarkaz won't have a choice.
Doctor
How many combat personnel do we have?
Scout
The best soldiers went into negotiations with Her Highness. A good part of the remaining ones have been assigned to the supply convoys. We only have less than one third of our normal force.
Kal'tsit
At the very least, we need to break through the roadblock ahead...
Doctor
...Kal'tsit.
Doctor
I'll take command.
Kal'tsit
Doctor?
Doctor
If, as you said, this attack was launched by only a few members of the Military Commission, then they're undoubtedly planning to get this done in one go.
Doctor
We can't let them set the pace.
Doctor
Find out where their lines are thin. Disrupt their rhythm, and we'll be safe.
Kal'tsit
......
Scout
Have you fought a war before, Dr. {@nickname}?
Doctor
Not the flesh and blood kind... but I've been trained.
Doctor
I'm able to reconstruct a battlefield as a computable data model.
Doctor
Take the front line, Kal'tsit. I know you'll be able to protect us.
No need going against the will of the many. Am I right, Your Highness?
Theresa
The voices of the few are worth respecting too.
Theresa
Many know nothing of what's happening in the lands beyond. Their lives will be turned upside-down. They'll be without a home once again.
Scareye
I'm just a humble merchant. My business only stretches so far.
Scareye
Mercenaries seek to sell their lives. I seek to make money. That's why I always respect the positions of my big clients.
Theresa
Then I'll talk to your biggest client. The one in the room behind you.
Scareye
Your Highness should go no further.
Theresa
Since when have you started meddling in the affairs of Kazdel, Scareye?
Scareye
All the more reason I can't let you go further.
Theresa
Well...
???
Please, don't make things difficult for Scareye, Your Highness.
???
You understand that there's only one way this can go, if you and the Regent come face-to-face here.
Theresa
...Confessarius.
Confessarius
I beg Your Highness's pardon.
Theresa
Looks like you've made a decision.
Theresa
Is this Theresis's position?
Confessarius
It is.
Theresa
He has decided to abandon our city?
Confessarius
Not abandon. Take a step forward, to go on a long expedition away from home, that's all.
Confessarius
You have made us stagnant. We want to progress.
Theresa
......
Scareye
The Confessarius is right.
Scareye
I still remember when you and General Theresis came here for the first time. Even fate itself stepped aside for the two of you, when you stood together.
Scareye
But look at the people here now, when Kazdel is divided.
Scareye
You can still command any Sarkaz to your will as their King. You could kill all of us who stand here right now. But why not ask them if they're still willing to follow your dream?
The bustling Scar Market has lost its usual commotion. Scattered mercenaries stow their weapons and stand with heads bowed in reverence.
In their eyes is silence, but the King of Sarkaz hears the voices of their hearts clearly.
Uncertainty, excitement, desire, anger.
Theresa
Most of you have made up your minds.
Theresa
Then there is no point for me to try to stop you.
Sarkaz Mercenary
...!
One of the Sarkaz suddenly kneels.
He has not changed his mind. He has not turned away from the temptation of Theresis's plan.
He simply feels a sense of guilt towards Theresa, one of the Six Heroes, their King who rebuilt Kazdel.
Confessarius
Kneel if you feel you should. Neither General Theresis nor Lord Scareye will fault you.
Confessarius
Ah... this ancient gesture signifies more than just fealty. I am more familiar with its other meaning...
Confessarius
Penitence.
Theresa
...Qui'sartuΕ‘taj.
Theresa
Have you found the meaning of your name?
Confessarius
Not yet, Your Highness.
Theresa
Then forgive their sins as you must forgive yours.
Theresa
Theresis and I will carry all your sins.
Confessarius
As you bid.
Confessarius
I bow to you, King of Sarkaz.
Theresa
......
In millennia of Sarkaz history, it has always been an honor for warriors to go to war with their Kings.
They have tasted struggle and glory, picked themselves up from the bloodied soil...
For the Kings of Sarkaz always stood in front of them, never abandoning their people.
Where the Kings point, that is where home is, where cities will emerge from the earth.
More will join us when Babel grows strong enough to provide shelter for more people.
Ascalon
We're being followed.
???
Your Highnessβ!
Theresa
Wait, Ascalon. She's not hostile.
???
Whoa, that was a hard hit. Is that a sleeve-blade?
???
Anyway, Your Highness, I would like to leave with you, if that's okay with you.
Theresa
Thank you. What's your name?
???
Julie.
Theresa
A nice name. One that's not often used by mercenaries. Did you make it up yourself?
Julie
No... I don't have a name. Someone else gave it to me. She said having a name gives one a sense of belonging.
Theresa
She's right.
Theresa
Why not follow the rest of them to Londinium?
Julie
I've had enough of fighting. She says Your Highness will bring about a life where we don't have to fight anymore. That's why I came to check it out for her.
Julie
I wanted to challenge you before deciding whether to go with you, but I didn't even have the guts to raise my sword when you stood before me.
Theresa
You're a strong warrior, that's for sure.
Julie
I wouldn't say that about myself when I'm standing in front of you.
Julie
At least I can be sure that she wasn't playing me for a fool when she said you were once a great hero of Kazdel.
Ascalon
A reason so simple it's hard to believe.
The red-haired mercenary scratches her head.
Julie
Well... I guess I liked the way you talked just now. Not sure I understood most of it, though.
Theresa
Where's your friend? She can come too.
Julie
She's already here. Her sword and her clothes... may be a little loose-fitting, though.
Julie
She was a strong warrior. Felt a little like this one over here.
Ascalon
......
Theresa
I'm a little something of a tailor. I could hem it for you.
Julie
There's no need. I'm used to it.
Theresa
Let's go, then, Julie.
Julie
One moment, please, Your Highness.
Julie
There are other mercenaries here who want to go with you.
Theresa looks toward the dark exit of the Scar Market, and sees a swaying speck of flame.
One speck becomes two, two become three, and many more emerge from the darkness. The first torch-carrying mercenary steps into the sunlight and sees the white figure standing on top of the hill.
He points forward and walks toward Theresa without looking back.
More and more follow him, the line seemingly without end.
Julie
Just because we're used to battle doesn't mean we're willing to bury ourselves in a campaign with no end in sight. If there's another way to live, many of us are willing to take it.
Julie
I heard some people are secretly recruiting the willing in Kazdel. There may be some there ready to join us, although the journey through the wilderness would be a tough one...
Theresa
I'll make arrangements.
Theresa
Let's go, Julie. We have a lot to do.
Theresa
There are plenty of people for us to house, after all.
A group of medics hurry through the corridor, carrying several stretchers. Kal'tsit turns to block them from the Doctor's sight.
Kal'tsit
The enemy was essentially making suicide attacks. It was inevitable that there would be casualties as we broke through.
Kal'tsit
We lost fewer than we had any right to expect.
Doctor
How many did we lose?
Kal'tsit
There was nothing wrong with how you commanded the operation. You don't need to be involved in the cleanup.
Medic
Dr. Kal'tsit! We're running low on plasma.
Kal'tsit
I'll deal with coordination and surgery.
Doctor
Kal...
The medics have already gone. The Doctor is not sure whether the terrifying scene just now was a figment of the imagination, but the smell of blood simply would not got away.
Living, breathing people are fighting for their survival. How long as it been since I...?
Scout
Doctor.
Scout
First time seeing the blood and gore?
Doctor
...You could say that.
Doctor
We didn't have so many lives to waste in the wars I fought in the past.
Scout
Treat yourself to a sweet drink. It will make you feel better. I speak from experience.
Scout
It's all thanks to your command that we were able to triumph against overwhelming odds.
Doctor
Are your battles always like this?
Scout
No, this was one of the easy ones.
Scout
I'll gladly entrust my life to you, if it means our future battles will be so easy.
Doctor
Is war really the only way?
Scout
You're not the first to ask that question.
Scout
But this attack is only a sign of things to come. No one knows what the future holds.
Scout
I have great expectations of you, our tactical genius.
The history books would record that the two Sarkaz rulers declared war on each other in the winter of 1091, causing open hostilities to break out between the Military Commission and Babel.
For the Sarkaz themselves, however, the civil war had begun in 1086, when isolated conflicts started to escalate rapidly.
The two centuries of peace that Kazdel had enjoyed have come to an end.
