April 22, 2056
We're back on the AS Vogelnest after successfully extracting Shaun and on our way back to Atlis. We've been at sea for a couple of days, and everyone is at ease now after Tyran's announcement yesterday. The war is over.
From what I could gather, that explosion we witnessed during our mission was responsible for the two Nation's ceasing hostilities. Apparently, people even now adays have a common enemy, and that enemy is Unholiness.
After negotiations, Tyran agreed to withdraw if Rambell was able to deal with the (now labeled) UnHoly separatists. And deal with them they did.
Fearing that their Nation would be accused for festering Unholiness, Rambell conducted a region wide operation on the Federation that was broadcasted for the whole world to see. Fed resistance was futile as Rams showed no mercy and advanced into their territory. Districts soon fell under martial law and arrests were made indiscriminately. Anyone and everyone who associated themselves with the Feds had their rights stripped away and became little more than pests in the eyes of the government. Ceremonies and protests were forbidden, and any mention of the Feds could get you a spot in prison.
With all that said, it didn't take long for people to stop openly supporting Fed activities as they had no leader to look up to. It only took a matter of days for the Federation to lose their drive to have better conditions and end their oppression. They took a gamble and got close, but in the end have made things worse for themselves. It comes full circle.
The operation also showed that Rambell was very capable of putting a stop to the Federation at any moment they wanted to. Which gives me pause and makes me wonder if any of this would have happened if they took action earlier.
In the end I guess it doesn't matter anymore. The Federation is disbanded, the Rams and Tyran have shaken hands, and Atlis has their hands on Shuan, who has been declared 'dead' and never to be seen ever again.
Yet, here I stand, staring directly at Shuan through a door who sits across from a table in the middle of the room as he fiddles his thumbs.
This came to be when about an hour ago, Frost came to me with an odd request. For the past few days, Shaun has stayed quiet and refused to answer questions made by his interrogators. Any attempt to coax or threaten him has been met with no response. The only thing Shuan requested, however, was to see the Shattered Shard...
That request was obviously denied, and it was only until today that the decision was made to inform me about it and decide if I want to go through with the request. Frost made sure to state multiple times that I didn't have to agree to it but in my mind, I thought that if I could at least get some answers out of him, then that'll be it and I'll never see him again. So that brings me to here, outside an interrogation room with the Federation's leader inside.
I walk in and as soon as I do, his eyes jump to mine as he rises to his feet and stares in admiration. The chains on his hands and ankles keep him in place as I make my way to the chair across from him.
"Renee Luna, I presume?" His question makes me wince.
"Yes. You requested me, didn't you?" I try to say with confidence.
I take a seat and so does he as we now stare at each other awkwardly in silence. I fidget with my hands under the table as I glance at the one-way mirror. I have no expertise in interrogating people and am having seconds thoughts on matter. Not to mention this guy has an obsession with me and that alone has me on the edge.
<
<
I take a deep breath before giving the window a thumbs up. I turn to face Shuan again as the first question gets relayed.
"Mr. Shaun Dorosh, this interrogation is being audio and video recorded. Anything you say or do will be on record, do you understand this and which to proceed?"
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He takes a moment to answer but eventually says yes and agrees to continue.
"Before I begin, can you state your full legal name?"
"Shaun Dorosh."
The next rounds of questions go by smoothly, with them being simple things such as birthdate and current address. It's only after a bit that do I get my first real question.
"Mr. Dorosh, can you state the rank or position you had within the Federation movement?"
"Head figure."
"Can you describe your role and responsibilities during the movement?"
"I served as the Lady's apostle and guided the Federation to become much more than they intended to be. Up until now that is... Tell me, Ms. Luna, have you met her yet? Felt her grace?"
I hesitate before replying.
"...I'm not obligated to answer your questions."
"As too am I. I'm willing to answer your compadre's questions, but only if you answer mine and choose to listen to what I have to say in return."
<
"Alright... No, I have not met her, but can you elaborate more on this Lady you speak of?"
I recall the Flag Bearer and Pyromancer stating something about this Lady as well. I don't know what it means but it probably has some connection to his UnHoly affiliation. By asking this question hopefully I can get an explanation out of him.
"Well, she is The Lady of Divine Providence of course! She is a god amongst us, and I am ever grateful to her for opening my eyes to a new era."
A god? New era?
"Was this Lady also responsible for you delving into UnHoly practices?"
"...If that's what you call it, then yes. One of the many gifts bestowed by The Divine Lady."
A message comes through my earpiece and after a moment I relay it to him.
"Do know where this individual is? Despite your crimes, we're willing to help you if have information regarding any UnHoly cults or organizations."
"Is that what this is about?" he leans back in his chair. "She's caught Atlis' interest, hasn't she?"
When I don't speak, he sighs and looks over to the window before turning back to me with a stern expression.
"...I'm afraid I can't answer that. We parted ways soon after her goal was met. In the end I was but a steppingstone for her journey forward."
Nothing this guy says makes sense.
"And what was said goal? Starting a war between Rambell and Tyran?"
He chuckles, "Such worthless squabbles are below her. No, what she really was after... was you, Ms. Luna."
I feel my heart sink as he concentrates his gaze on me.
"What are you talking about?"
"This... Insurrection was merely to set the stage for what's to come. You see, there's something unique about you, something hidden deep within, and she's been searching for you for a long time."
<
I ignore the voice and rise to my feet with a sense of dread washing over me. I search his face for any signs of deception, but his expression remains unreadable. Why would someone be searching for me?
"W-What does she want from me?"
"Your cooperation. You've already bore witness to the Eye. It's only a matter of time now."
I feel my pulse quickening as I try to make sense to it all. The Eye, the symbol I saw that no one else could...
"How do you know about that...?"
"I've seen it as well. We both can agree it was a frightening experience, was it not?"
<
"What does it mean?! Tell me!"
My heart pounds in my chest as I try to process the gravity of his words. It's not long before I see the door open with Frost and a few others entering shortly behind.
"Come on. Let's go," he says before beginning to escort me out. "I knew this was a bad idea."
Just as we're about to exit, I hear Shaun call out to me one last time as I take a glance back at him.
"Trust the Lady, Luna. She will guide you as she did me."
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The Lady of Divine Providence...
A new Era...
The Eye...
Night has fallen and I can't fall asleep. His words keep repeating inside my head that it's practically all I've been hearing ever since the interrogation. The others came to the conclusion that Shaun was making most of it up in an attempt to plead insanity, but something about everything he said makes me feel uneasy.
He also knows about the eye symbol... something I thought that was just an illusion.
The Lady....
The Lady...
I shake the words out of my head and splash cold water over my face. I look up from the sink and stare at my reflection. My hair is in a mess and hanging over my shoulders. I'm exhausted.
This operation has been chaotic with so many unexpected turns. From rogue Divinity Users to a full-blown war almost happening within just a short time frame. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the older guys in the Company end up retiring after this.
At least everything is now over with and behind us. Same with Shuan. Based on today's times, most of his Insurrection will probably be censored and erased out of the history books. At best it might get mentioned on a page.
Whatever the case, I'm just glad I don't have to see any more Feds in my life.
...
-something unique about you, something hidden deep within...
...
I'm not getting any sleep tonight...
End of Vol 1.