After storing my Tri-Cruiser, I reached the DHV Magellan to meet Charlie, a representative for Drawbridge. He introduced a Chiralgram of President Duncan from APAC, who tasked Sam with linking Aust...
Transcript
Thanks again, Sam. The Cairo network connection to Australia is holding steady, and you'll be happy to hear we made it here in one piece. Just to let you know, when you come back to the DHV Magellan, our patron would like to talk to you. Thank you, Sam. I'd like you to meet someone. Hello, Sam. My name is Charlie. Charlie's drawbridge's patron. Hear me out, Sam. I want you to help us bring Australia into the network. Drawbridge has been selected to oversee this critical operation. People saw what you did in Mexico and wanted more of the same. What are you trying to pull? There are reasons why I can't tell you who I am, Sam. But to be clear, I'm not A-pass, nor am I your enemy. What, you think I'm just gonna trust the words of some faceless mannequin? I need you to trust me. I'm the one paying for the ship, and this whole operation, at considerable personal risk. Nah, I want to see a face, or no deal. Face, very well. Since you won't take it from me, maybe it should come from someone you know. How's this? Pick one of your old comrades, and I'll speak to you with their voice. Who would you like? Who would you trust? me dead man, I'm well acquainted with the dead. Last I heard, he took a one-way trip to the beach, seems a little so... Don't you think? It's been a while, but not really. Mowingen, Lochna, we're the same. As I'm sure you are well aware, Mama's Kahn now resides within Luckna. Adding my persona to the two sounds confusing, no, let's avoid that. Sam, it's Hartman. No point. The man himself will be joining you on site in Australia. Sam, this is Dye Hardman. Pulling up his profile from the database. How about now, Sam? Feeling more at ease already, I'm sure. You tell me, old buddy, if this is a UCA sanctioned, ah, who knows about it? Uh-huh. You misunderstand. Then again, there's a lot I still haven't explained to you, isn't there? I think it's time a certain someone made an appearance. I'd like you to meet, the president. The guy who took over after Dye Hardman? Not precisely. The U.C.A. doesn't have a presidential system anymore. Dye Hartman was the first and only president, making it one of the shortest-lived single executive administrations in history. One can only guess what he felt about it. Previously, the president was subject to the will of the people by a popular vote every four years. is far more efficient. It can ascertain public opinion in real time and thereby determine the appropriate course of action. This led to the adoption of a new model. President Guy? You just told me he isn't really the president. He is not the president of the UCA. Rather, he serves as the president of A -PAC. A-PAC is a privately owned corporation responsible for the operation and oversight of APAS. A service provider to which we may delegate day-to-day governance. Your performance. Your performance in Mexico was exemplary. We cannot thank you enough. Well done. Truly. I firmly believe that the only one's capable of expanding the network into Australia. are those who helped establish it here at home. That means you, Sam. And you're too fragile? A-pass has determined that you have the highest probability of success in this endeavor. A-pass and the Cairo network are all built on UCA Tech. If you expand their reach beyond our borders, then you're expanding their influence as well, aren't you? A valid concern. But... It wasn't the UCA that made the final decision. It was APAC, a private corporation. The UCA has no involvement whatsoever in this matter. Sam, it may interest you to know that linking up Australia will also serve a greater goal. You see, the plate gate. that connects North America and Australia, only matured after you united America with the chiral network. On that basis, we believe that a new gate will manifest somewhere within Australia once full chiral connectivity is achieved. At that time, APAS should have sufficient data to calculate the location of other points of connection between continents. With this information, APAS can then proceed to extrapolate the positions of these landmasses. In other words, this mission is not just about linking up a single continent. By connecting Australia, we will be one step closer to reclaiming a pre-death-stranding world where everyone is part of a greater hole. I hope my answer alleviates your concern, somewhat. Guess so? Tell me, though. Who's Charlie to you? He may speak for me as necessary. to ensure the operation proceeds according to plan. Our corporation, however, will calculate what factors are essential for your success and will provide you with direct support. Welcome aboard, Sam. Charlie, we'll take it from here. It will be your job to travel the continent and connect the people, Sam. But know that everyone on this ship is ready and eager to back you up. You won't be on your own this time. So... You're gonna do it? Seems like the only thing I'm good at. A moment to go over the details of the request that Drawbridge has agreed to handle. Access the Diatry Magellan's delivery terminal when you're ready to proceed. Ah, looks like you've been supplied with the Drawbridge crewhead. Try it oversized. I have a feeling it'll suit your style.