Mardock Scramble полностью

“The dispute started over differences in thought as to what constituted usefulness for society. This wasn’t your ordinary laboratory debate; each one of us ended up staking our very existences on our views. In particular, it was inevitable that the Scramble 09 faction—with its insistence on legal validity at all costs—would end up clashing with OctoberCorp, with its ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach to law. They were now both in a dilemma, forced to fight each other for the right to survive, whether they wanted to or not. Even now, although the influence of the Three Magi has long since waned, the protégés continue the struggle wherever they can.”

–Is the person who founded OctoberCorp still alive?

“She’s alive. She’s nominally still the director of OctoberCorp. But her condition isn’t so different from mine. She’s completely paralyzed, apparently, with only a portion of her brain still functioning.

–And what about the last of the Three Magi?

Balot barely dared ask. But Faceman just smiled as calmly as ever and said, “The last of the Three Magi put forward the solution that was most favored by society, by the people of Mardock City. That is to say, complete isolation of all research.”

–Isolation?

“That’s right. A total blockade. All research and trials to be completed within the facility and then kept here. Our data never leave the facility. The civil authorities accept us—with strings attached, of course—and even provide funding so that we can continue.”

–Staying here, forever?

“That’s right. This is the eternal Inner Courtyard. We call ourselves scientists, but really we’re wild beasts who’ve voluntarily chosen to enter a cage—as a condition of our continued survival.” Faceman laughed from within his birdcage. “Paradise doesn’t turn away visitors from the outside world. But whenever a visitor comes, it has to be under a strict set of conditions. Break those conditions and it’s punishable under Commonwealth law. And the most important condition of all is…no unauthorized use of this equipment here to try and contact the outside world. Violating this condition is a felony.”

Balot digested these words.

Faceman’s gray eyes were fixed on Balot. He had evidently given his reply to Balot’s request to use the computer terminal that was this pool.

But there had to be more to his reply—a qualification. Balot was convinced of this.

–But I think that the Doctor wants me to use this thing.

“Yes, and we’ve already received his proposal, Rune-Balot. If truth be told, I’m deeply interested in seeing just how good you are at utilizing this Parallel Transmission Core.” So saying, he glanced at the pool and whispered, “It’s down to Scramble 09.”

As ever, as if this phrase held all the answers.

“The moment you use this Transmission Core is the moment you become a suspect for premeditated criminal conduct against the Commonwealth. But if we can prove that your actions are in no way criminal but rather a measure to preserve your life, then we should be able to dispel that suspicion.”

–I understand.

“But there’s no reason to put you at any sort of further risk. You’re the Concerned Party in this case, and you should leave it all to Dr. Easter and Oeufcoque to solve.”

–I just feel that if I don’t do something myself, I’ll end up getting killed.

“Not if you remain here.” Faceman spoke in a voice so gentle that it was almost cruel. “This place is a true closed environment—far safer and more pleasant than any prison.”

Balot nodded repeatedly. She understood Faceman’s thoughts, his ideology. But it wasn’t what she wanted, not from the Doctor or Oeufcoque.

–Oeufcoque told me that he’d think about what it meant to live together, with me.

“By ‘live together,’ I’m assuming that you’re referring to how you adapt to society? Well, whether you choose the Mardock Scramble 09 path or the OctoberCorp path, you’re still throwing yourself into the diseased core of society. After all, a civilian with fancy technology is still a civilian…”

–Oeufcoque and the Doctor saved my life, Balot answered back, pressing her case.

–I think that I can change. Because of those people.

“Yes, but it won’t be more than a partial change—a personal transformation, if you like. What humanity needs is fundamental reform. Paradise may be closed off to the masses at the moment, but I firmly believe that one day it will be the model for all mankind. The world will join us in Paradise. This place is the pinnacle of technology and ideology, after all.”