Liberi Reader

That was fast... an observation station of this size, built in such a short period of time...

Business must have cried tears of blood when they approved the budget.

Actually, we got more sponsorship offers from financial institutions than we could handle the moment the committee approved the Kjerag observation station.

If anything, funding was the least of our worries on this project.

Honestly, Silence... I didn't expect the committee to approve the proposal that easily.

I had my reservations. I still think Rhine Lab is too adventurous with regard to research into the Starpod. There are numerous potential risks that we have not fully considered.

But I also recognize that the stability I hope for may never come.

At the end of the day, it's the specific people in whom we place our trust.

Well then... thank you for your trust, Silence of the Scientific Ethics Consensus Committee.

I hope what we're doing is worth it...

Of course it is. This station is a unique opportunity for the company.

In addition to the Starpod research, the low-Originium environment of Kjerag also offers a rare opportunity for biological research. Not to mention Maryam has wanted to visit Karlan for ages!

Even Ferdinand came up with the proposal for the station's core power supply just two weeks after we got approval.

Of course, he buried his head in his theoretical research right after that. Elena from Energy is handling the actual implementation.

Let's hope our interactions with Kjerag go as smoothly.

I believe there will be no need to worry about that.

We meet again, Mr. Edelweiss.

Just a regular visit to see if you need anything for the construction of the station.

It seems like things are progressing quite smoothly.

Karlan Trade will do everything in our power to assist Rhine Lab's observation project, and provide any assistance necessary outside of the scope of work.

As long as the terms agreed in the treaty are upheld, you will enjoy maximum freedom to conduct your activities in Kjerag.

Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Edelweiss.

Research has always been the sole purpose of Rhine Lab. We have no reason to violate the treaty.

Of course... I believe as much.

Such transnational cooperation is unprecedented in the history of Terra. It will undoubtedly produce its share of obstacles...

I simply wish to express that, as long as we proceed with due candor in the sharing of scientific information, we will be able to avoid the sort of accident that occurred in Trimounts.

...

Oh, I forgot to ask! Will the Saintess come and visit the station?

I expect she will attend the opening ceremony once the facility is complete... is there a particular reason why you hope to meet her?

Oh, nothing serious, I'm just a curious critter.

I kinda remember the Saintess wasn't too into our project, but then she flipped around and agreed, all of a sudden.

I just wanna know what made her change her mind, and I figured that'd be a chance to ask.

The Saintess has a very busy schedule. If you wish to meet her, you may want to attend some local ceremonies... if the fancy strikes.

The Saintess and the Vine-Bead Court would be very happy to receive you... let me know if you have such intentions, and I'll make the necessary arrangements.

Well, aren't you meticulous? You seem made for this job.

I'm simply showing you proper Kjerag hospitality.

It's our mutual hope that this cooperation will be a fruitful one... free of trouble.

Much appreciated. Our project wouldn't be going so smoothly without your help.

I would not call it help... we are simply trying to achieve the same goal.

Karlan Trade will connect the mountains of Kjerag for you, paving the roads and providing the necessary freedom for your activities.

In turn, Rhine Lab will share data from your studies of our local ecology, and assist with medical development.

The contract details have to go between Director Fitzroy and Karlan Trade, of course.

I'm a researcher, not a diplomat. I just want you to know that Rhine Lab has come to this sacred place in good faith.

On this, I think we are of the same mind.

There is no need to worry...

We will continue along as 'friends,' assuming we both abide by our agreement.

The representatives of Karlan Trade are here, Elena.

They want to meet a representative of Rhine Lab as soon as possible.

Why? We don't have any scheduled meetings with Karlan Trade, do we?

...Is it because of the Catastrophe?

Hm...

They want to discuss the cause, and at least obtain the data observed by the station.

Right...

Did you see Carolin anywhere? She's supposed to be in charge of the observation data, isn't she?

That's the other question I have for you.

No one's seen her since yesterday morning.

What?

Men with guns surrounding the station, demanding that all our researchers gather in the lobby for 'questioning.'

Is this how Karlan Trade treats its friends, Mr. Edelweiss?

It's a request, not a demand... and it seems that not all your researchers are accounted for.

Who exactly are you looking for?

...

A researcher who was spotted in a restricted military zone of Kjerag.

...She is not here.

It seems that Rhine Lab is not fully aware of your researchers' whereabouts.

If you're accusing us of espionage, I'll ask that you submit your complaint through the official channels.

We are unable to cooperate with impromptu investigations like so.

Of course... there is another reason why I'm here.

I'm sure you've heard about the Catastrophe that occurred within Kjerag's borders several hours ago, something that has never before happened in our history.

Panic is spreading. The people's nerves are sensitive, and anything new may provoke a reaction... I'm sure you understand what I mean.

Should I trust that you're not one of the sensitive ones, Mr. Edelweiss?

...

My views on this matter, and Karlan Trade's views, are not important at this time.

What is important is that the people want an explanation. I hope to work together with you to find the cause of this Catastrophe.

I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.

I just checked the station's observation logs. There was nothing out of the ordinary in the seventy-two hours preceding the Catastrophe.

So you're telling me that the observation station did not detect anything abnormal leading up to the first Catastrophe to strike this land in a thousand years?

That's the truth, at least based on our observation data.

Elena?

It's alright. Mr. Edelweiss wants the truth. We'll give him the truth.

The primary objective of this observation station is to study the Starpod.

Current research shows no relationship between the Starpod and Catastrophes.

Similarly, any assertion that building an observation station here might bring Catastrophe to Kjerag is purely speculative with no basis in evidence.

(W-Wait a second, Elena! Now is not the time to be argumentative!)

May I be frank?

...You may.

I won't mince words, then.

This may run contrary to the Kjerag faith, but from a scientific perspective, so-called 'sudden' Catastrophes are not an abnormal occurrence.

It is the peace and quiet that Kjerag has enjoyed for so long, and the attitude of taking it for granted, that is truly abnormal.

When this observation station was first established, Rhine Lab considered adding a Catastrophe warning system.

Unfortunately, we placed too much trust in past experience, and did not consider the installation of this system to be a priority.

If we are to take remedial measures...

The real priority should be for Rhine Lab and Karlan Trade to go back to the negotiating table and establish an effective Catastrophe warning system in Kjerag as soon as possible.

...

...A most astute observation, Miss.

I agree completely. Karlan Trade will make developing a Catastrophe warning system a top priority.

We would like to obtain a copy of the station's observation data from the past month... may we expect your cooperation?

Of course.

One moment, please.

*sigh*...

I didn't know you had it in you, Elena.

Sorry, Director Muelsyse... was I too hot-headed?

A little bit... maybe?

I was just angry at how science has to explain for perceptions that are completely unscientific, no matter where we are...

We have to recognize that science can be a very distant thing for a lot of people.

The people and the things that trouble us are part of this land. It's not something that we can ignore.

Like Silence said, 'Science is a clear, incisive look at every one of us.'

I know... but this is just so absurd—

Never mind that for now... let's get the data we need.

Data, data... it's not like we'll find anything...

Wait... this graph—

This is impossible...

What is it?

This machine is used to study the Starpod's structure, by bombarding it with high-powered particle beams and observing the resulting electromagnetic radiation...

But I just realized that the data obtained between 3-4 A.M. on December 7th is identical to the data from the same period on December 4th.

An unusual coincidence?

No... it's impossible.

Just like how no two snowflakes are completely alike, atmospheric electromagnetic radiation is constantly changing.

There is only one possibility, if the exact same waveform is displayed during the same time period on two different days for an entire hour...

Someone altered these data.

Falsifying data to support a hypothesis? But people don't usually pull shenanigans like that until way later in a project...

Got any idea who might have done it?

December 7th... the day before the Catastrophe...

The one on observation duty was... Carolin.

Could it be...?

Give Mount Karlan back to us! Back to Kjerag! Back to Kjeragandr!

Get off Kjeragandr's land!