Fragments

Ch.30 - Hopeful Hopelessness

In the days subsequent to the settlement raid's conclusion, Hinansho's citizens witnessed such dreamlike daybreaks accomplished by Yang's relentless persuasions of the other city's rulers, they quelled the bulk of protestors raging against Tariru's unsuccessful capture, who's life was presumably lost during the bombardment rather than securely delivered to Aegis's underground laboratories.

The centralisation project was proceeding smoothly, a gargantuan shift of resources and manpower made a border of concrete and metal that suffocated millions undergo dramatic expansion…
Clusters of cargo helicopters delivered large, blocky segments of the border suspended on cables, flying overhead as commonly as pigeons; trucks specialized for carrying giant pistons that pushed already-placed segments outwards for new ones to fill the gap were busy all throughout the area, and ensured even, circular expansion.
Such was the clever engineering of the walls that cities surrounded themselves with – chain-like openings on their sides let them link together sturdily, although their effectiveness in the field was questionable at best, as most Reapers reduce them to a rock climbing exercise.

Fields of vast, empty grass now formed the outer parts of Hinansho's annular, typically claustrophobic architecture rather than cheap, rundown slums that were more of a blockade than a place to live, allowing children whose minds have yet to be tainted by depressing truths joyfully play catch and football under the sunset.

Vibrantly mutated Reapers and animals nervously patrolled around the massively enlarged walls, which disrupted the safety of their nearby homes or hunting grounds, humanity unable to ascertain when – or if – some of them would decide to leap atop the metal walkways swarming with guards and rip apart anything in their sight.

Regardless of the tranquil few mornings the citizens witnessed, not all insecurities could be dealt with, and an eruption of chaos was imminent in many people's minds… Shooting everything that moved was not an option.

At some point, even the gates to the Guild's mansion, which have grown infamous over the last few months' course, were filled with cheers, and people Yang expelled with seemingly rash actions were flocking back to their abandoned homes.

"You sound quite happy," a female voice noted through a smartphone, which Yang had raised to his ear.

High in the gaudily golden 3-story building's top floor, in the Guildmaster's personal office, the future was taking shape…

"Of course I am," he replied, relishing in faintly audible praise from outside the gates.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly… That's a cause for celebration."
Satisfied and carefree, in complete contrast to his sister, the man leaned back in a leather seat and raised his legs on a dark table of thick wood, a glass of red wine occupying his other hand.

"What about Yin," the woman inquired, clearly more worried than him, "is she doing fine?"

"Who knows," Yang shrugged.
"I haven't checked and she's not needed for anything right now, though she's probably recovering."

A relaxed and lengthy, occasionally romantic conversation with Hinansho's largest backer, the astute lord of France, was held over a secure phone line.

"And what about your part in my grand project," the man asked abruptly after some time, curiously wishing to get back on-topic.

"Things are getting prepared, the next big convoy with weapons will depart in the morning, and one with canned food's gonna follow suit… Actually, hold on, aren't you kind of being counterproductive?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"
The woman's sudden question piqued Yang's curiosity to a point he subconsciously sat upright in his chair, quietly listening.