4 4 301 DialogEnable The silence of the conference hall is broken by Hassen's footsteps.
5 5 301 He makes his way to the other end of the long cold desk and sits down, taking in the sight of this building with a history as old as Babylonia.
6 6 301 The huge conference hall is only filled by a few people, others are participating as holograms projected on their seats. The symbols of the Judicial Court, Executive Court, Control Court, and the military army makes this spacious hall appear to be even more solemn.
7 7 301 The pillars supporting the dome of the hall are all a record of history in the form of numerous name engravings. They were the ones who helped make the World Government possible.
8 8 301 History can be tasted in the solemn air.
9 9 301 The mark of the World Government which bears the hope of humanity appears at the top of the room with dignity. Another "World Government Conference" is about to start.
12 12 301 The topics for discussion appear as blue data flow in front of the seats.
13 13 301 From Operation Acadia long ago to the recent battle commands against the Ascendants, they are all included in the discussion topics.
14 14 301 The councilmen all understand that the topics that appear in the "World Government Summit" all bear grave importance to Babylonia or humanity.
16 16 301 Each topic had been a crucial point in the history of humanity, a pivotal decision that shapes the future of Babylonia—all that sways the boat that is the history of humanity.
17 17 301 In comparison to that, topics brought up in the "World Government Conference" affect the world in a far lesser scale, which is why most participate in the form of a hologram.
18 18 301 The lights on the dome flicker off one by one, enshrouding the space in darkness.
19 19 301 It is as if a veil of ink has been deposited on the conference hall, blurring the lines of things.
21 21 301 This dim space allows one to imagine themselves on an isolated island among the vast universe of darkness. Right after that, bits of light begin to illuminate the place like stars.
22 22 301 The stars—data projections that appear on the screen between the pillars—color the "universe."
23 23 301 These stars are the "voices of the people."
24 24 301 Citizens of the World Government upload their thoughts through their personal terminals, which then converge into a huge data flow on Gestalt.
28 28 301 Gestalt runs at full efficiency to extract important data from this flow and summarize them into a simple display to project in the conference hall, allowing the councilmen to "hear" the voices of the people.
29 29 301 Hassen stands, wrapped in the light and announces the start of the conference.
30 30 201 1 500011
31 31 301 1 Hassen First on the agenda—recently, Akdilek proposed amendments to a treaty signed in the past, demanding us to provide more Helium-3. I would like to know your thoughts on this matter. 1
36 36 301 Councilman A 92% of the people think that for the stability of humanity, we should agree to our ally's demand if we have enough resources to spare. 1
37 37 301 Councilman B However, 7% think that the treaties are sacred, agreeing to the amendments would diminish Babylonia's authority, and that if it happens once there will be a second time. They would just demand resources from us indefinitely and we'd lose the upper hand. 2
38 38 301 Councilman A But don't forget it's thanks to Akdilek that we were able to resume our ground logistics and trades with the conservation area. 1
39 39 301 Councilman B Those blood-sucking merchants are requesting to change the treaty now precisely because they know that. We'll just be walking into their trap. 2
43 43 301 ??? To summarize, the Control Court is not in favor of agreeing to Akdilek's request.
44 44 301 ??? Akdilek is an ally that can be negotiated with, as long as the content is realistic, there will be another chance for discussion.
45 45 301 A calm voice emits from behind the Control Court's symbol, interrupting the two councilmen's squabble.
46 46 201 1 500352
47 47 301 1 The speaker is a gray-haired woman, one of the few who were actually present in the conference hall. Time has mercilessly decorated her short hair with streaks of white and etched wrinkles on her face, but her sharp eyes remain determined. 1
48 48 301 Those pair of eyes have witnessed countless storms in the history of humanity, and it is exactly all that she has endured that allowed her to stay vigilant. 1
49 49 301 It may be exhausting to have to stay on edge at all times, but she still does it because she understands the duty of the Control Court—she understands the responsibility one has to bear as the person in charge of said court. 1
50 50 301 She is the one who reins in those who stray and ensures that the conference does not endanger humanity. 1
51 51 201 1 500011
52 52 301 1 Hassen Hmm... To sustain a friendly relationship while still being able to maintain authority. Voting regarding Congresswoman Hilda's proposal begins now. 1
53 53 301 Hassen presses the green button in front of him. The screen between the pillars shows a huge gauge panel. After a few seconds, Gestalt displays the result.
54 54 401 2 1515
55 55 201 1 500264
56 56 301 1 Gestalt 97.1% are in favor of Ombudswoman Hilda's proposal, 0.8% opposing votes, and 2.1% abstained. The supporting rate is higher than the minimum requirements. This proposal is passed. 1
57 57 201 1 500011
58 58 301 Hassen Good. The Judicial Court will draft the new amendments and pass it on to the Control Court for filing. I'll sign it after the Diplomatic Court clears it. 1
59 59 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Hassen Moving on to the second topic of the day—Nikola's proposal to expand the army... 1
60 60 401 1000 1 36
61 61 401 1 202
62 62 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Hassen That is the last of the topics for discussion today, any questions? 1
63 63 202 1 1
64 64 301 The conference did not go on for long. This "well-oiled machine" operates at maximum capacity to lead humanity, going through discussions efficiently and solving problems in the way most appealing to the public.
65 65 301 A hologram of a congressman lights up at Hassen's question.
68 68 301 1 Councilman C Mr. President, this isn't a question regarding any of the topics discussed but a personal question. 1
69 69 301 Councilman C About the return ceremony of 【kuroname】 from Atlantis, was it necessary for it to be so lavish? 1
70 70 301 A projection of a crowd appears in the middle of the conference hall.
71 71 301 It shows a crowd cheering with joyous expressions. One can feel the atmosphere of the event just by watching.
72 72 301 Councilman C This one ceremony exhausted resources that could have sustained a small living area in Babylonia for three days. I don't see how it is logical to use up all those resources just to celebrate a soldier completing their mission and reuniting with their team. 1
73 73 203 1 0.25 400
74 74 201 2 500011 -400
75 75 301 1 Hassen They fought off the Ascendant Lamia and brought the hope of Atlantis back to Babylonia. It can be said that it was a historic moment in the advancement of science. 2
76 76 301 Hassen A lot of citizens volunteered to participate in the ceremony, which naturally leads to more resources being exhausted. 2
77 77 301 Hassen Adding in all that 【kuroname】 has achieved on land, of course people would want to celebrate the return of a hero. 2
78 78 301 Hassen motions toward the holographic crowd.
79 79 301 The crowd dims, finally leaving only the Gray Raven visible.
80 80 301 Councilman C But it's been a while since we've paraded a whole team of Constructs in front of the public for them to worship. 1
81 81 301 Councilman C Wouldn't a whole team be harder to control compared to "The Undying Loy"? 1
82 82 301 Hassen Yes, we know. 2
83 83 301 Hassen But people are mentally strained from the constant war, they need something to rely on spiritually. They need hope. 2
84 84 301 Hassen Hope is not something we can just make. It's something that exists because people wish for it. 2
85 85 301 Hassen We are merely listening to the wants of the people. 2
86 86 301 Councilman C Even if it's something as trivial as hope? 1
87 87 201 2 500352 -400
88 88 301 1 Hilda Hope has never been something "trivial." 2
89 89 301 Hilda Have you never read mythology, Congressman Fermi? 2
90 90 301 Councilman C ...What does mythology have to do with this? 1
91 91 301 Hilda Aren't you curious as to why heroes were written in similar ways no matter the origin of the myths? 2
92 92 301 Hilda Someone always loses their peaceful life, and has to go through numerous trials before returning triumphantly, basked in glory and praise. 2
93 93 301 Hilda Under the guise of a hero is just a normal human, but people regard them as a champion equal to the gods nonetheless. 2
94 94 301 Hilda It is because heroes inspire hope in people. And when there is enough hope, you can lead the people. But if you destroy hope, you become the enemy of the people. 2
95 95 301 Hilda Which is why hope is never "trivial." IT can be one of the most powerful weapons if used correctly. 2
96 96 301 Hilda I will leave the rest of the explanation to Commander Nikola. 2
99 99 301 As if on cue, Nikola looks up from the reports in his hand.
100 100 201 1 500012
101 101 301 1 Nikola I'm sure everyone has noticed the frequent interferences Kurono has been causing recently. 1
102 102 301 Nikola It was necessary to expose 【kuroname】 to the public in order to end these unsavory exchanges with them. 1
103 103 301 Nikola It is to protect Gray Raven as much as to serve as a warning to Kurono. 1
104 104 301 Nikola The public's attention is the best surveillance. Even Kurono cannot do as they please under constant public attention. 1
105 105 201 1 500352
106 106 301 1 Hilda At least for now. 1
107 107 201 1 500012
108 108 301 1 Nikola Which is why we have prepared a special mission for the newly reunited Gray Raven, in hopes of prolonging the temporary protection. 1
109 109 202 1 1
110 110 301 As the councilman reacts by staying silent, Hassen plasters on his usual smile.
111 111 401 2 1516
112 112 301 AniZhuanchangBegin He claps to indicate the end of the conference. The holograms flicker out while the remaining councilmen filter out of the hall.
113 113 401 1000 1 36
114 114 401 1 211
115 115 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Soon, only Hassen, Nikola, and Hilda are left.
116 116 201 1 500011 400
117 117 201 2 500012 -400
118 118 301 1 Nikola Kurono has eyes everywhere. There was no need to announce our objectives out loud for the whole world to see. 2
119 119 301 Hassen It's fine. I'm certain Kurono already knows all this so it wouldn't have made a difference. 1
120 120 203 1 0.25 600
121 121 203 2 0.25 -600
122 122 201 3 500352
123 123 301 1 Hilda And there's nothing they can do about it at the moment. 3
124 124 301 Hassen Hah... 1
125 125 301 Hassen It's been a while since the three of us had a chat. 1
126 126 301 Hilda Private interactions can lead to unfair judgment. As the leader of the Control Court, I have to refrain from private meetings with you to remain fair. 3
127 127 301 Hilda But there are exceptions, such as when discussing something as unique as what we are going to now. 3
128 128 301 Hassen Shall we get on with it then? 1
129 129 301 Hassen So what have the Control Court and the Science Council found out about the Omega File? 1
130 130 301 Hassen Depending on the significance, we may have to prepare for a large-scale World Government Conference. 1
131 131 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin Hilda The conclusion is already on your terminals. I just sent it through the encrypted channel a second ago. 3
