GA-ST-1: Right Place, Right Time

GA-ST-1 Right Place, Right Time	Guide Ahead: Summit of Nations Next GA-1 (Story)
Many a guest has been invited to this distinguished Lateran assembly, but make no mistake: some visitors are unwelcome, unrequested, and here of their own accord.

Characters

Ezell Federico Fiammetta Mostima Apostolic Knight Cecelia Oren The Pope Velliv Ardent Lateran Citizen Brisk/Composed Lateran Citizen Columbian Magnate Lateran Citizen? Legatus Pious Sister Sedate/Troubled Lateran Citizen Stoic Sister Quiet Woman Patia Wasting Man Sickly Mother

Backgrounds

1 2 3 4 5 6

“

As the Legati and envoys of all nations congregate in Laterano, Cecelia, a resident of the outskirts, loses her mother. Her mother's final words: "Leave Laterano."

”

The man steps into the room. The woman in the wheelchair utters not a word. He tidies up the notes and documents scattered across the table. He swaps the withered flowers in the vase out for fresh ones. She continues reading her newly borrowed book, as if she takes no notice of him.
<Background black>
It is silent. Perhaps because all there is to say has long since been said. Or perhaps because it is not yet time for that which shouldn't be said.
Without warning, the man speaks.
Wasting Man	She'll be back soon.
Quiet Woman	The Legati spent so long preparing for this meeting. Of course she will. How long will you stay?
Wasting Man	Until I finish what I must do. For all I can accomplish here is the delivery of the Lateran people's souls.
Wasting Man	...... I should go.
Quiet Woman	Don't come back.
The man stands silent for a while, before turning and leaving the room.
<Background black>
The woman pushes her wheelchair up to the window. She opens it, and looks out. She's watched the sun rise and set over Laterano countless times through this window frame. The city is as noisy as ever tonight, the Laterans being strangers to both tranquility and exhaustion. So what of tomorrow on?
<Background 1>
[A Sankta girl named Cecelia is sitting with her dying mother.]
Cecelia	Mamma, drink some hot water.
Sickly Mother	Good girl, *cough* *cough*... Mamma's alright.
Cecelia	Mamma... I'll read you a storybook.
Sickly Mother	Cecelia, my darling Cecelia. Mamma really hates to leave you.
Cecelia	Are you going to leave me, Mamma?
Sickly Mother	No, *cough* *cough*... Mamma's never, ever wanted... to leave you... She's just got no choice...
Cecelia	Where are you going, Mamma? Can I go with you too? Is that okay?
Sickly Mother	You can't go where I'm about to go, Cecelia... It's very cold, very lonely, and so, so empty.
Cecelia	I'll go with you, I'll be with you so you won't be lonely.
Sickly Mother	...I'm sorry, Cecelia. Your childhood should have been so much more blessed...
Cecelia	I HAVE been blessed. With you, Mamma.
Sickly Mother	Cecelia... Cecelia. Listen now, listen.
Cecelia	I'm listening, Mamma.
Sickly Mother	I won't be able to look after you soon... Someone will come pick you up. Go with him. He'll take you to Papà. Papà will look after you for me, okay?
Cecelia	Can't you come with me? I bet Papà really wants to see you...
Sickly Mother	Mamma... has something important to do... So I can't go with you. Once you see Papà, tell him that your Mamma really misses him too. Also, tell him... I'm sorry. Okay?
Cecelia	Mamma, what are you sorry for?
Sickly Mother	Listen to me, listen to your Mamma, Cecelia!
Cecelia	I will, Mamma... Don't cry...
Sickly Mother	Cecelia, my poor Cecelia... Giving birth to you was the greatest blessing in my life. But what if you find it a lifelong curse... my child, my beloved daughter... Who will bless you? Who can? Cecelia, my darling Cecelia... Hide yourself. Don't let them find you... Run away... leave Laterano...
The mother holds her daughter's hands. Through her eyes flash myriad emotions, until finally all strength fades from them. And they slowly, gently fall shut.
Cecelia	Mamma...?
The Sankta girl does not know what's happened. When she notices her mother's hands have turned cold, she clasps them together against her own chest, hoping to provide some warmth to her.
[...]
There's a knock on the door.
???	Executor Federico of the Laterano Notarial Hall, on official business. Please open the door.
<Background 2>
Cheery Legatus	Sir, your check-in at the guesthouse has been taken care of. The rest of your day is completely free! Might not be a bad idea to have a look around. You seemed quite eager the whole way.
Columbian Magnate	Hmm— Lateran City has some very distinct architecture.
Cheery Legatus	You see? Wasn't it worth the trip?
Columbian Magnate	I suppose it was. What's the schedule for tomorrow?
Cheery Legatus	Your meeting with His Holiness the Apostle, our Pope, is all set, so I'll be returning to the Basilica now. I'll fetch you tomorrow when it's time to meet him. Please enjoy your stay in Laterano during the conference. No need to worry about expenses; it is our honor to host VIPs from the world over.
Columbian Magnate	The world over... *sigh* I sure don't see how gathering all these foreigners in one place is gonna get anything done. Still, how could I refuse such a generous invitation from His Holiness? Might as well take advantage of his hospitality while I'm here.
Cheery Legatus	Excellent, now if you'll excuse me. Feel free to take Laterano by storm.
[The Legatus leave.]
<Background 3>
[The Columbian magnate observes Laterano's view from the rooftops.]
<Background 4>
Columbian Magnate	The architecture here sure is interesting. Columbia uses pillars like these too, but there're subtle differences... Hmm. Seeing as I'm here... Hm? What are they up to over there?
<Background fades out and in>
Brisk Lateran Citizen	All set up?
Sedate Lateran Citizen	I'm good. How's your end?
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Done. Ezell, have we dispersed everyone in the area?
[Ezell Pastore, a young Executor of the Laterano Notarial Hall, speaks to the two Lateran Sankta.]
Ezell	All the citizens likely to be directly affected, yes. Those in the secondary effect range are confirmed to be notified as well.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Shall we get started then?
Ezell	Mm-hm... Current time is 10:22, on March 15th, 1099. The following act of demolition is carried out with Reserve Executor Ezell of the Notarial Hall as witness.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Alright. Here goes, three—
Columbian Magnate	(What're those three Sankta doing standing around that pillar?)
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Two—
[The magnate approaches the three Sankta.]
Columbian Magnate	You three are the only ones around here. What gives?
Brisk Lateran Citizen	One, fire!—Huh, where'd you come from?!
Ezell	?!
[Suddenly a pillar close to the magnate explodes, causing it to fall down upon him.]
Columbian Magnate	What?! What was that explosion?! ...Something's coming down! Save me, save me! Eeeek—!
Ezell	!
[Suddenly time around the pillar appears to dilate...]
Ezell	I have to... what? The pillar's falling a lot slower now...
Columbian Magnate	Save—
[...as a familiar Liberi and Mostima's handler from the Lungmen "gag" run towards the magnate...]
???	Cram it.
[...and pushes him out of the pillar's way...]
Columbian Magnate	Eeek—
[...just as it collapses, narrowly saving him.]
Columbian Magnate	Huff... huff... Th-That scared the skin off of me! What kind of crazy place is Laterano?! Whoever you are, Liberi, thank you for rescuing me. What's your name? Find me at the Columbian Provisional Association, and I'll return the favor.
[Mostima joins in.]
Mostima	She's called Shimmering Vigil.
Shimmering Vigil	......
Columbian Magnate	Shimmering Vigil...? Lateran names sure do sound silly sometimes...
Shimmering Vigil	That's not my name.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Hi... you're okay, right?!
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Thanks, you two. That could've been a disaster.
Ezell	Thank you for your aid.
The Liberi Formerly Known As Shimmering Vigil	You're welcome.
Columbian Magnate	Say, what's going on here though? Bombings in the middle of the day? Don't tell me you have extremists sneaking in?
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Uh...
<Flashback starts here>
<Background fades out and in>
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Something's been on my mind.
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Go on.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Do you think this pillar is absolutely perfectly positioned, or no?
Sedate Lateran Citizen	I would say so; it fully embodies Laterano's architectural aesthetics. So?
Brisk Lateran Citizen	So... I can't help but wanna see what would happen if we blew it up.
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Ahh—
Sedate? Lateran Citizen	I have to admit, it's a fine idea.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	But the conference is starting soon, right? I heard there'll be a lotta people from afar. I think His Holiness even said we should show some restraint for a while.
Sedate? Lateran Citizen	He did.
Sedate?? Lateran Citizen	However, he said "show some restraint", not "don't do anything".
Brisk Lateran Citizen	I get that His Holiness is hoping to give the visitors a good impression. But, my dear friend, what do you say to my humblest of opinions? I think a "good impression" must be based on reality.
Not Very Sedate Lateran Citizen	You couldn't be more correct, my friend.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background fades out and in>
Brisk Lateran Citizen	So, we filed with the Notarial Hall, got our executor here to witness for us, and evacuated everyone nearby... Before giving this beautiful pillar just the perfect blast...
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Except, we never expected you to show up right at that moment.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	We're so sorry, esteemed sir, for unwittingly doing you harm.
Columbian Magnate	You... set off an explosion on a nomadic city street? And filed with the government... for an official witness?! Were you... you Laterans always this... uninhibited?
The Liberi Formerly Known As Shimmering Vigil	Of course we abide by the Commandments and all relevant regulations. But if it's not explicitly forbidden, anything's fair game. And Lateran City values and protects every citizen's rights.
Ezell	Don't worry, sir. Just your average everyday explosion, perfectly normal.
Columbian Magnate	What if someone gets hurt...?
Ezell	We know our limits. That said, I'd also like to extend my apologies to you for this accident.
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Truly sorry, sir.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Maybe it hasn't quite sunk in for you yet, but believe me, stay long enough and you'll learn to love this city.
Columbian Magnate	Er... I think I can live without that sinking in.
Mostima	And there you have it. Welcome to Laterano, sir.
<Background fades out and in>
[A Sankta Legatus is watching Mostima using her temporal Arts earlier.]
???	Tut-tut, if it isn't Mostima. Just what is her ability? Is she slowing down time, or merely tricking people into perceiving it that way? It blows my mind every time.
Reserved Legatus	Oren, what's going on over there?
Oren	Not much, just a normal day in my lovely hometown. Though I did get a better show than expected.
Reserved Legatus	The others are waiting for us.
Oren	I know. Let's go.
The Legati. A special Messenger division established under the auspices of the incumbent Pope. Laterano had previously held a detached position, maintaining neutrality among the central powers. As such, Lateran officials were sometimes tasked by foreign powers with relaying critical information between different parties in the course of diplomacy. This role was normalized and institutionalized with the establishment of the Legatus system. They have become a special force moving between the nations. With Laterano's absolute neutrality as a foundation, the Legati aim to promote the circulation of important information between countries. 1098: via the Legati, the Pope sends an invitation to all nations of Terra: "Gather for a conference at Laterano. I invite every nation to dispatch its envoys for a discussion regarding our collective security." 1099: the Legatus system celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. In March of that year, Legati from all across Terra proceed for Laterano together with the envoys of numerous nations.
<Background 4>
[After Mostima, her handler, and the magnate left...]
Ezell	One of those two just now seemed a lot like a Pontifica Cohors, and the other... was that a Legatus? A strange combination.
Brisk Lateran Citizen	Ezell, are you gonna stick around now that your witness work's done?
Sedate Lateran Citizen	Don't worry, we'll rebuild the pillar as good as new, just like we wrote in our application.
Ezell	Good, I'll leave you to it then. I'll be going now, I've still got quite a bit on my plate.
[Ezell contacts someone.]
Ezell	Er. Just to confirm, I'm looking for a will registered by someone who's... passed away?
<Background 1>
[Federico the Executor looks at the lifeless body of Cecelia's mother in the house, but the girl herself is nowhere to be seen.]
Federico	......
A typical single woman's residence, with no trace of any other occupants. In the bedroom, her body lies serenely. No signs of poisoning, no signs of violence.
[Federico contacts the Notarial Hall.]
Federico	Federico here. Female citizen's body discovered at 7-265 Via Thervatius, Pagus Stevonus. Preliminary determination of the cause of death: natural. Please notify the Ecclesia Requietum of the pagus to come and inter the remains. Preliminary search found no last will and testament. Please initiate new assignment: confirm deceased's identity, search for will according to any pre-registered information. Federico out.
<Background black>
Cecelia	Mamma...
Don't go out. Don't let anyone else find you. Never, ever approach anyone in uniform. That's what Mamma said. Is the uniform man gone? Or still here? It's alright. When someone visits, just take a nap on your little sofa, just like always. You can go back to Mamma when you wake up. Don't panic... Cecelia. Why are you so worried? Why can't you fall asleep? It's okay, it's okay... you just need to wait for the stranger to leave. It'll all be alright when you're with Mamma again.
<Background 5>
[Inside the halls of the Lateran Basilica, Legati from all over Terra are mingling and having discussions with each other as Oren and two Sankta Legati watches.]
Oren	Seems things went pretty well in Sargon, huh? They sent out a whole bunch of envoys.
Reluctant Legatus	Don't get me started. The pashas are all eager enough, but the problem is none of them can agree on anything. I'm already thanking Heaven they haven't started brawling yet.
Oren	What about Kazimierz? Their military's sizeable, no matter how you slice it.
Calm Legatus	The Adeptus Sprawiedliwi turned down our proposal, but the K.G.C.C. was actually very interested. One rep even sought me out. We had a long chat... he understood the international situation as well as any Legatus. He might even come in person, if he's not too busy.
Reluctant Legatus	But enough about us. How about you, Oren?
Oren	The situation in Victoria is anything but simple these days. I'm sure you've heard a thing or two. Duke Gododdin and I get along fine, but... it's less that he doesn't want to appoint anyone to be here, and more that he CAN'T. Everything's balanced on a knife's edge, more or less.
Reluctant Legatus	Yan didn't dispatch anyone either. Not that they didn't send a stream of gifts "conveying our thanks to His Holiness"... How very Yanese of them.
Calm Legatus	Kjerag actually sent out a few, after rising to prominence these last two years... and every other nation's envoys are already here.
Reluctant Legatus	To be honest, I never imagined this job would go so smoothly.
Oren	Scared?
Reluctant Legatus	A little bit.
Oren	You haven't been a Legatus for too long, if I remember right.
Reluctant Legatus	Less than four years, I guess.
Oren	But our organization has been active for thirty years now. After all our efforts, I'd say every last one of us has earned these results. Besides, we're still a long way off from what we're hoping for—a true "Summit of Nations", right? We need more than envoys showing up in the Lateran Basilica audience hall. We need the people in power, the ones who can actually change things. So save your nerves for the day we have to greet the big guns instead.
Reluctant Legatus	Thanks for putting it like that—now I've got no idea if I should be excited or terrified.
[Velliv, a cardinal of the Lateran Church, joins in.]
Velliv	I see you can't stop yourself from terrorizing the newbies, Oren.
Oren	You wound me.
Velliv	Nothing to get keyed up about, even if that day really comes. That's what we're qualified for, aren't we?
Oren	Maybe so.
Velliv	So, are the acting Legati of each region all present?
Reluctant Legatus	We're only missing Mostima.
Oren	Mostima? Ooh, I just happened to see her.
Velliv	What's she doing?
Oren	Right now? Taking in her native air again.
Velliv	Ah, forget her. We were never counting on her to come anyway. She can report to His Holiness last and we're good, just like always.
[One of Laterano's famous Apostolic Knights walks in.]
Apostolic Knight	Sanctitas advenit.
In a split second, the hall is silent and still. All of the Messengers' gazes lie on one spot. The teacher of all Laterano, their guide, their spiritual leader—
[His Holiness Yvangelista XI, the Pope of Laterano, enters the hall.]
The Pope	Good morning, children. Have you had breakfast yet?
<Background 1>
[A Sankta and Liberi nun checks on the body of Cecelia's mother.]
Pious Sister	Well?
Stoic Sister	No sign of external force. It was likely due to illness.
Pious Sister	A pitiable soul. May she not ail so on the other side.
Stoic Sister	Dimming Sankta, your remains shall be conferred unto the Ecclesia Requietum, where you shall rest.
Pious Sister	Here, this was hung on the bedroom wall. Hand it to a member of the Notarial Hall.
<Background black>
Cecelia	Why did they take Mamma away...? What... do I do...?
Cecelia casts her gaze to the entrance. You can't go out, you can't be found... or else you'll be in danger, Cecelia. That's what Mamma said. But if Mamma got taken away, will she be in danger too?
<Background 6>
[While Mostima and her handler walks through the Lateran Basilica's front square...]
Mostima	Fiammetta...
Fiammetta	Wait, you're actually using my name for once? What gives?
Mostima	Aw, you don't like it? More a fan of "Shimmering Vigil", then? Or do you want a new one?
Fiammetta	Fiammetta's fine, thanks. Seriously though, what is it?
Mostima	Say... my lovely coworkers should be in the Lateran Basilica right about now, no? Reminiscing about me, maybe?
Fiammetta	If you're aware, then maybe you should show your face for once.
Mostima	Nah, forget it, I'll never get used to the ambience in there. Besides, who'd want to see a living warning sign rock on in there? They'd just be uncomfortable.
Fiammetta	Since when do you care if other people are uncomfortable?
Mostima	I'm not so bored I'd make myself unwelcome just for fun.
Fiammetta	Objection: case in point. I'll admit you're enjoying being back here a lot more than I expected, though.
Mostima	Really?
Fiammetta	"Welcome to Laterano" and all that.
Mostima	Ah, I think I'm just in high spirits. Probably from coming home after so long.
Fiammetta	Yeah right.
Mostima	Hahah, sure, whatever, let's go.
Fiammetta	Where to?
Mostima	To see her, of course.
[Mostima walks away, but stops after noticing that...]
Mostima	Oh, maybe she's in a different hospital now?
Fiammetta	It's been ages since the last time you returned, after all. Follow me.
<Background 4>
Ezell	I haven't been to this pagus too often. It seems not too far from the outskirts... I should be nearly there, right? 7-265, Via Thervatius... Is that an... Ecclesia Requietum hearse stopped by that door? Hello? Excuse me, Sister!
Stoic Sister	Calm down, young executor.
Ezell	Have you finished the inspection already?
Pious Sister	Correct. There was a Sankta who departed us by illness.
Ezell	May I quickly verify the remains?
<Background fades out and in>
Ezell	Confirmation complete. The deceased is the homeowner Feoria La Porta. My assignment mentioned no will was discovered nearby. May I ask if you noticed anything resembling one during your inspection?
Stoic Sister	We did not. However, this is for you... the Notarial Hall would wish to reclaim it, correct?
Ezell	Is this... her patron firearm? Understood, I'll take it back with me. Thank you both.
Pious Sister	If you're done with the identity check and arms reclamation, please allow us to convey her to the Ecclesia Requietum.
Ezell	Ah, very well. Thank you for your time.
[The sisters leave with the body of Cecelia's mother, Feoria.]
Ezell	Identity of the deceased confirmed. If I want to find any pre-registration of a will through the Notarial Hall system... Right, I can do a long-ranged search from my terminal... Census addresses... homeowners... Er, she didn't prepare a will? The diagnosis record states... Ah, given the illness, giving up on hospital treatment makes sense... but why wouldn't she leave a will...?
[Ezell noticed Cecelia looking at him from behind a nearby wall...]
Ezell	Hm...? Is that a neighbor's child? Why is she hiding from me...?
[...but she tries to run when Ezell noticed her, only to suddenly faint...]
Ezell	Watch out!
[...prompting Ezell to run towards Cecelia and catch her.]
Ezell	Wha—did she faint? But why? She only tripped...
[Many people gathered around Ezell and Cecelia.]
Ezell	Does anyone know who this child's parents are?! Does she live nearby?
Troubled Lateran Citizen	I've never seen her before. Is she passed out...? What if she bumped her head when she fell?
Composed Lateran Citizen	I've never seen her either. Maybe she just moved in? I can ask around at the neighborhood hall.
Ardent Lateran Citizen	What for?! If she's hit her head, then we need to get her to the hospital! You hurry and take her there, executor. We live just around here. If her parents come looking, we'll point them straight to the hospital to find you.
Ezell	Perfect, thank you all!
<Background 3>
[A male Lateran Liberi watches from the roofs while contacting someone.]
Lateran Citizen?	Grr... I didn't think Cecelia would run straight into a Notarial right outside her home... What now, Patia?
Patia	What else? Follow them, make sure she's safe... and get her out of the Notarial Hall's hands!