Chapter 163 – The Time That Remains

A day had passed since then.

A tense air hung in the president's office on the uppermost floor of "Argria Headquarters" on Station Coroshe.

"President Went... I have heard about the disturbance at the cargo station the other day..."

The man displayed on the large holographic monitor spoke in a heavy, careworn voice.

"Representative Teren. The situation is urgent, and every moment counts. To prepare for what lies ahead and the threat bearing down on us, I must request the full mobilization of the Autonomous Forces."

President Went, Argria's highest authority, pressed Coroshe's representative, Teren Green, on the monitor in a resolute tone.

"Seldia has plainly set its sights on our technology and bared its fangs. This time, fortunately, it was only a single cargo station... But if we sit on our hands, all of Coroshe will sooner or later be exposed to danger."

At those words, Representative Teren pressed a hand deeply to his forehead, his face pained.

"...Can we not wait for mediation by the Wistrum homeland?"

To Teren's pleading question, Went shook his head, quietly but in plain refusal.

"The homeland does not intervene in disputes. It acts only once harm has reached civilians. Waiting for that is far too late. Once it comes to that, nothing can be done. We must neutralize them ourselves first, before the damage spreads."

Under Went's eloquence, Teren kept silent for some time, but at last let out a heavy sigh.

"...Understood. While proceeding with the organization of the Autonomous Forces, I will urgently consider whether seasoned freelancers can also be brought in as reserve strength."

"I am grateful for your decision. Everything is for the sake of Coroshe's future."

With Went's resolute words, the comm hologram flickered out.

A taut silence quietly enveloped the spacious room.

"Findlay, how do matters stand?"

Went turned and called to his aide Findlay, who had been standing quietly in the corner of the room.

Findlay did not move his gaze at all, stating only the facts, flatly.

"It is certain that the data on the enhanced humans was taken. On that basis, they will surely get the homeland moving."

Hearing that report, Went knitted his brows bitterly.

"As I thought... In that case, in the few days before the homeland's dispatched forces reach us, we will have to bring Seldia completely under our control and pin everything on Syn-Fibra..."

Findlay nodded quietly at Went's words, his expression unchanged.

"And our assembled strength?"

"The Grido we can currently deploy number roughly twenty. However... we made it in time for the mass production of the Gordo. Beyond that, 'Acuitas' and 'that' are complete."

"Hm... R1, M5, and the rest as well -- have their adjustments hurried."

"Understood."

"We still have time left. And yet it is true that not a moment can be spared... I am counting on you, Findlay."

"As you wish."

Findlay bowed deeply, turned on his heel, and left the president's office.

◆◆◆

The heavy automatic door slid open, then closed with a quiet whir.

With it behind him, as Findlay walked down the hushed corridor, a woman approached from the opposite direction. Her light-brown hair was neatly trimmed short.

"You cut your hair, Carol."

At Findlay's unexpected remark, Carol made a somewhat shy gesture of touching the ends of her hair.

"Yes. Now is the true crucial moment... so I wanted to steel myself anew."

"Indeed. If we can get through this harsh stage, we will be able to advance to the next step. ...Are the specimens' adjustments finished?"

At Findlay's question, Carol nodded firmly.

"Yes, nothing has been overlooked. The machines are ready as well. ...I will take you to the next place without fail."

Carol's words showed the face of the cold researcher she usually wore, yet carried a devoted ring, and the corner of Findlay's mouth eased faintly.

"Yes. I need your strength. I am counting on you, Carol."

"Yes...!"

With a faint flush at her cheeks, Carol hurried off toward the research wing.

◆◆◆

Having seen her go, Findlay walked on down the corridor alone, in silence once more.

The intrusion by those people at Pick D4... and, before that, the traces of their infiltration into Coroshe... It is all too skillfully done.

In the empty corridor only his footsteps echoed, desolate.

"There is no way any time remains."

As he murmured it, an ironic smile spilled from Findlay's lips.