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[The Gloster Foundation Headquarters' Library. A quiet, but vast room containing records dating back tens of thousands of years. A rather gloomy place, because of its gothic design, and one only full-fledged Gloster agents and higher ranked members are allowed to enter.
Even with the sun setting, Seta remains here, standing like a statue as she quietly reads one of the books drawn from the tall shelves. Her hands are wrapped in bandages, and while she may be in pain, she doesn't show it.
But suddenly, something draws her attention...the sound of footsteps. She almost jumps in response.
An elderly man in his 80s, walking with the assistance of a cane, steps into view. As soon as she notices this, Seta sighs in relief.]
Ah, Sir Chairman...please do not startle me like that...
[The man chuckles, and uses his free hand to straighten his large circular glasses.]
"Apologies, my dear. I am here to search for something myself, and I couldn't resist a quick tease.
"Oh...but it's much less amusing than before, I'll admit. It was difficult to approach you like this at all before you worked with the Unity Group."
[Seta is obviously not so pleased with that teasing part, but...]
...Um...will you need any assistance?
"Oh no. No need to be concerned about me...I may be the only human around for miles, but I still have some strength left in these bones.
"Instead, I'm more interested in what you have in your hand. That tome...could it be one of the tales of Shahryar?"
[The guess is pretty much spot on, and Seta closes the book, before slowly sliding it back into its place on the shelf.]
...Yes. I have heard of his deeds, but I am trying to understand how he became what he was.
[When the old man hears this, he stops next to the Kijin, and takes his time to look across all the books on the same shelf. They are all dedicated to legends of one individual.]
"Sometimes, I do find it curious as well. A Kijin who abandoned his entire race, to act in the favor of others - even when he was aware that his new allies were not quite the best examples of righteousness themselves.
"...He is, more or less, what all the Foundation's agents should strive to become."
[The young Kijin nods, then looks down at her open hand.]
...I believe so as well. And now...with all the crises around the world, I wish to see this end as soon as possible...so that we may assist others who need us.
...But to achieve that, I cannot help but realize that what I am capable of now is not enough.
[Unfortunately, Seta's moment is interrupted by a hand patting her head. The Chairman looks upon her with a warm smile.]
"I'm afraid you won't find anything to help you with that here, my dear Seta. Shahryar wasn't the most sociable of Kijin. He shared only a few of his secrets, and now, he is gone. However, I will tell you something that may be of use...
"While he is a model for all agents, you are still yourself. Have patience; just by being as you are - someone who is willing to do anything to bring this to a close - you are already a great help to our cause."
...Do you...really mean that, sir?
"Absolutely. The Foundation's members should all be seeking the same resolution, and devote themselves to that goal as you have."
[And after one last, reassuring pat, he continues to walk; past Seta, and down the aisle.]
"We will finish this soon enough. In the meantime, focus on honing your skills. And try not to be too hard on yourself. I'm sure those children won't fancy a gloomy babysitter."
...Understood, sir.
[The Gloster Foundation Headquarters' Library. A quiet, but vast room containing records dating back tens of thousands of years. A rather gloomy place, because of its gothic design, and one only full-fledged Gloster agents and higher ranked members are allowed to enter.
Even with the sun setting, Seta remains here, standing like a statue as she quietly reads one of the books drawn from the tall shelves. Her hands are wrapped in bandages, and while she may be in pain, she doesn't show it.
But suddenly, something draws her attention...the sound of footsteps. She almost jumps in response.
An elderly man in his 80s, walking with the assistance of a cane, steps into view. As soon as she notices this, Seta sighs in relief.]
Ah, Sir Chairman...please do not startle me like that...
[The man chuckles, and uses his free hand to straighten his large circular glasses.]
"Apologies, my dear. I am here to search for something myself, and I couldn't resist a quick tease.
"Oh...but it's much less amusing than before, I'll admit. It was difficult to approach you like this at all before you worked with the Unity Group."
[Seta is obviously not so pleased with that teasing part, but...]
...Um...will you need any assistance?
"Oh no. No need to be concerned about me...I may be the only human around for miles, but I still have some strength left in these bones.
"Instead, I'm more interested in what you have in your hand. That tome...could it be one of the tales of Shahryar?"
[The guess is pretty much spot on, and Seta closes the book, before slowly sliding it back into its place on the shelf.]
...Yes. I have heard of his deeds, but I am trying to understand how he became what he was.
[When the old man hears this, he stops next to the Kijin, and takes his time to look across all the books on the same shelf. They are all dedicated to legends of one individual.]
"Sometimes, I do find it curious as well. A Kijin who abandoned his entire race, to act in the favor of others - even when he was aware that his new allies were not quite the best examples of righteousness themselves.
"...He is, more or less, what all the Foundation's agents should strive to become."
[The young Kijin nods, then looks down at her open hand.]
...I believe so as well. And now...with all the crises around the world, I wish to see this end as soon as possible...so that we may assist others who need us.
...But to achieve that, I cannot help but realize that what I am capable of now is not enough.
[Unfortunately, Seta's moment is interrupted by a hand patting her head. The Chairman looks upon her with a warm smile.]
"I'm afraid you won't find anything to help you with that here, my dear Seta. Shahryar wasn't the most sociable of Kijin. He shared only a few of his secrets, and now, he is gone. However, I will tell you something that may be of use...
"While he is a model for all agents, you are still yourself. Have patience; just by being as you are - someone who is willing to do anything to bring this to a close - you are already a great help to our cause."
...Do you...really mean that, sir?
"Absolutely. The Foundation's members should all be seeking the same resolution, and devote themselves to that goal as you have."
[And after one last, reassuring pat, he continues to walk; past Seta, and down the aisle.]
"We will finish this soon enough. In the meantime, focus on honing your skills. And try not to be too hard on yourself. I'm sure those children won't fancy a gloomy babysitter."
...Understood, sir.
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