“Father, if it is only information we require, why don't we simply abduct that Guardian?”
Reiko made a rather radical suggestion.
Certainly, if they removed the Guardian from Onogoro Island, its directive to “protect” might become moot, potentially making it more receptive to questioning.
“If only it were that simple...”
There were significant risks: it might Stand Still once removed from the island, it could go berserk, or other Guardians might emerge to replace it. In the worst-case scenario, they could be officially designated as hostile entities. Furthermore, there was no guarantee the unit even possessed the information they needed.
“You are right... I did not think it through.”
When Jin explained these risks, Reiko’s shoulders slumped dejectedly. Jin reached out and gently patted her head.
“No, it’s fine. We need to look at every possible idea to find the best way forward.”
“Yes.”
『My Lord, I believe the swiftest course would be to consult No. 700672.』
Jin grimaced at Laojun’s suggestion.
“Hmm, I wonder. He was the one who told us about the Guardians, certainly, but I don't know if he possesses any more detailed information than that...”
After considering it for a moment, Jin decided that if no other plans surfaced, he would try asking him.
“Is there any other idea?”
『Perhaps we could provide some form of evidence that would satisfy the Guardian.』
“Satisfy it... You mean, our reason for visiting what they call ‘sacred ground’? The problem is that Guardians are likely to be extremely inflexible.”
『It is as you say. If the Guardian exists solely for security, then negotiation may prove difficult.』
“I thought as much...”
After another hour of deliberation yielded no better options, Jin decided to take Reiko and visit No. 700672.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Welcome, Jin-dono.”
“Forgive the intrusion, but we’ve had a small development.”
Jin handed the customary gift of Persica juice to Rouge and immediately got down to business. He intended to describe the discovery of Onogoro Island and the events that had transpired there.
However.
“First, I would like to ask about the ‘long-period planet.’”
“Ah, yes.”
At No. 700672's request, Jin explained what they had discovered regarding the celestial body.
“Hmm, interesting. I have been conducting some observations of my own from here, and your findings provide the confirmation I needed.”
No. 700672 nodded with a look of satisfaction.
“I will say this first. If that planet passes by on its current orbit, disasters are a certainty. There is even the possibility of gravity anomalies.”
“We are already preparing whatever countermeasures we can. For instance...”
Jin explained their efforts in stockpiling food, manufacturing recovery and healing medicines, and storing energy.
“Good, that is wise.”
No. 700672 nodded approvingly before prompting him to continue.
“Now then, tell me about this island.”
“Right.”
＊ ＊ ＊
“...And that is how things stand.”
“Hmm, so there was a Guardian there after all.”
“Yes. Is there any way for the Guardian to officially recognize us?”
No. 700672 looked thoughtful at the question.
“It is likely... impossible. The Guardians are not built for flexibility. In the first place, their specifications probably do not include the capacity for such complex judgment calls.”
“Is there no way to earn their trust?”
“That, too, is unlikely. A servant like myself, created in the later periods, has no specialized knowledge or information regarding them. I apologize for being of little help.”
“I see...” Jin’s shoulders slumped.
“However, it is too early to give up. Furthermore...”
“Eh?”
“If disasters are to strike Ars, then their terraforming technology is an absolute necessity. Your efforts to gain their cooperation are not misplaced.”
“I-I see.”
If they possessed technology advanced enough to terraform a planet, they could surely stand against natural disasters.
“But based on what you have told me, it will not be straightforward.”
“Exactly.” Jin wore a troubled expression.
“Indeed....While the ‘Guardians’ are inflexible...” No. 700672 seemed to have a flash of inspiration. “There is always an entity that operates or issues instructions to them. You should be able to negotiate with such a controller.”
“Ah, of course! But the problem is how to draw such an entity out.”
“Precisely. What I can tell you is that such beings are often fastidious and do not reveal themselves easily.”
“If the Guardians were neutralized, would they show themselves?” Jin made an unusually aggressive suggestion.
“Jin-dono, what are you planning?”
“I was wondering what would happen if we used Teleportation to relocate them without actually breaking them.”
He was remembering Reiko’s earlier suggestion.
“Would they self-destruct or something?”
No. 700672 shook his head.
“No, I do not believe ‘the Masters’ would think that way.”
He explained that because they originally lived in an environment without enemies, they wouldn't have implemented aggressive self-destruction measures. Hearing this made Jin feel much more at ease.
“If you use Teleportation and they run out of pawns, that controller will be forced to emerge.”
No. 700672 read Jin’s thoughts and offered his support.
“You're right.”
In any case, if they could temporarily neutralize the Guardians without destroying them, they might be able to negotiate with whatever authority lay behind them.
“If only we could obtain technology that could help us with the long-period planet countermeasures.”
“They most certainly possess it.”
No. 700672 guaranteed that the terraforming technology of the Progenitors—the Origin Clan—would be invaluable for counteracting storms and tsunamis.
“Thank you very much.”
After confirming a few more details regarding the mindset of the Progenitors, Jin returned to Hourai Island.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Removing the Guardians?”
“Yes. The question is how to go about it.”
When Jin arrived back on Hourai Island, Elsa had just finished her work manufacturing recovery and healing medicines.
“And you want to do it without breaking them, so they can be returned later?”
“That’s the plan.”
“I think there is also the option of making them Stand Still, in addition to Jin-nii’s idea of teleporting them away.”
“That’s true.”
“Could we use an ‘ether eliminator’?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. They’re functioning on an island with almost no free ether, so they must have some kind of internal power or countermeasure in place...”
Jin wanted to eliminate as many uncertain factors as possible.
“So, Teleportation is the best bet?”
“Yeah.”
Jin decided to utilize the transporter guns he had developed previously.
“We’ll need to redesign the energy supply system and decide on a precise destination for the Teleportation.”
“Maybe the outer reef or the island at the mouth of the bay?” Elsa suggested.
Jin consulted the map as he answered. His reasoning was that even if they were programmed to self-destruct if removed, the risk might be lower if they remained within the vicinity of the island’s geography.
“I agree. If we put them there, we can also demonstrate that we have no hostile intent.”
“Alright.”
The transporter guns typically required free ether to function. Therefore, he needed to modify the energy supply to be independent. He also decided to deploy markers at the destination points to ensure total accuracy.
To be prepared for any number of units, he readied ten guns in total, along with cartridges for a hundred uses.
In this way, the second act of the Onogoro Island investigation drew steadily toward its climax.