Chapter 97 – A Move…?

Several complex data graphs hung in holographic display across Milea's lab at Syn-Fibra. Studying the blue-white-lit screens with grave expressions were Milea and Steve Plack, the senior researcher she trusted most.

"Steve-san -- this is the Zodan data?"

Milea asked, working the terminal.

"It is. This is the analysis data for the resonance system that the Lunect Protocol had installed in Blang's machine."

The silver-haired veteran researcher adjusted his glasses and nodded. The data made it unmistakably clear: the system had been designed to control the machine through external biological factors -- specifically, brainwaves.

"We had already suspected something along these lines, but... as confirmed, it was synchronizing Restful's signal with Blang's own brainwaves to drive the machine."

"Correct. And on top of that, we now have solid corroborating evidence that Restful's signal was exerting direct influence on Blang's mind as well. One misstep, and it could have burned his brain outright -- a genuinely dangerous piece of work."

Milea rested a hand against her chin at Steve's words.

"The underlying technical framework is quite old, isn't it. I've read that over a century ago, direct brainwave-controlled operation was an active area of serious research."

"It was. The approach Escado's engineers took was to take that old design philosophy and push it further with current technology -- that appears to be the thinking behind it."

Steve indicated a section of the graph as he continued.

"The Arden System, by contrast, showed none of those dangerous qualities. It emits and resonates outward -- it was never designed to forcibly receive and subordinate a pilot's will. In that sense, the approach there was considerably more sophisticated."

"The engineers at old Escado were apparently not people to be underestimated, whatever one might think of their methods."

Milea exhaled quietly. From the logs recovered from Restful-linked machines and terminals, it was now close to a certainty that Escado's scientists had conducted illegal human experiments in the past. As a fellow researcher, she could not condone it -- not for a moment. But their relentless drive to push into the unknown, and the genuine sophistication of the technology they had left behind, demanded a certain reluctant respect from someone who stood on the same side of a workbench.

"The analysis of the Arden System has moved the next project forward to a reasonable degree -- what I'd call 'the predecessor' to what comes after. ...It may eventually be possible to incorporate elements of the Zodan system into something as well."

Milea's eyebrows went up at Steve's offhand remark.

"Into Arden? Or into an existing machine?"

She dropped her voice, visibly skeptical. Given what she had witnessed of Blang's mental deterioration after his capture by the corps, the Zodan's resonance system carried a real risk of severe psychological contamination. She could not put that kind of burden on a pilot she cared about.

Reading her concern immediately, Steve waved both hands and broke into a mischievous smile.

"No, no -- nothing that reckless. A little more analysis in a safer direction, and if something applicable comes out of it, we'll discuss it then. Don't worry -- I have no intention of putting your 'little sister' at any kind of risk."

The word landed directly, and Milea was briefly lost for a response, a faint warmth rising in her cheeks. She had, in fact, registered Letaria as her sister through the family registry -- that was simply true. But having it said to her face like that, as a point of mild teasing, produced a reaction her usual composure had no good answer for.

"Steve-san. Please don't make a joke of it."

The pout on Milea's face -- the uncharacteristic crack in her normally flawless cool -- made Steve smile with open, unhurried amusement.

At that moment, the lab's electronic intercom sounded its neat, clear tone.

Both of them stopped the conversation immediately. Milea returned to her composed voice.

"Come in."

The heavy door slid open, and a girl with dark-purple hair flowing freely made her entrance with full confidence.

"I have graced you with my presence once again!"

Letaria set one hand on her hip and looked pleased with herself. Then she noticed the extra presence in the room, and blinked her bright eyes.

"Oh -- Steve-san is here as well."

Steve raised one hand in a casual greeting.

"Good afternoon, Letaria-kun. I was just finishing up, as it happens. I've left some dumplings on the table over there -- a little something for you both."

He indicated the work table, and with that took his leave. Letaria showed no particular ceremony about it -- she gave him a light wave as he went.

The door clicked shut. Letaria crossed to Milea's desk.

"What were you discussing? You both looked rather serious."

"Nothing in particular. Just working through some old data. -- Actually, Letaria, a message came in for you while you were on your way."

Milea dismissed the holographic graphs and brought up an official notification screen from the Administration Bureau in their place.

"What is it?"

"You're being told to move."

"A move...?"

Letaria tilted her head at the unfamiliar word.