Part 11: Some Plot, And A Plot

Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, we went to Treasure Island, kicked Bruce's ass, and found a secret recipe for booze created by Sally's great-grandfather. Now that Sally has joined up with us and offered to let us use her boat whenever we need, we can head back to Matrech and get a new mission from Erin. But before we do that, there are several other things we can look into. So let's head back to Blackwater.

Music: Blackwater - Final Fantasy VIII, "Breezy"




Now that Sally has joined us, we can find her in the Blackwater port and she'll offer to take us to various destinations. If we talk to the fisherman that was standing in Sally's spot, there's a quick fade to black and he suddenly turns into Sally. This is how the game deals with talking to characters that are currently in our party: a "substitute" sprite stands in their place until we talk to them. If I had chosen to leave Sally out of our party, it would have just been her standing here.



We have a couple of options for our destination. Of particular note is Matrech--we can now finally get back there without having to go through that goddamned forest for the umpteenth time. But since the whole reason we originally came out here was to find a way to get to Midian's island, let's head there first.



Music: None




The only thing on Midian's island is a single house.



Is that Midian?



Nope! Apparently it's just a realdoll



Welp, since Midian doesn't appear to be home, and I don't really want to start thinking about his deviant lifestyle, it's time to do the proper RPG protagonist thing and loot the hell out of the place. Unfortunately, if we try to grab that conspicuous chest on the bookcase...



... it turns out it's too high up.




The solution here is to push this box over to the bookcase.





Wait, what?




Wait! It's not what it looks like! We're not trying to steal anything from you! And why were you standing there like a statue anyway?



That's... but... what?

Blast it. Why can't people just leave me alone?
Uhm... My name is Daniel Vinyard. I'm here because Captain Erin suggested that I talk to you.
Erin? She still hasn't given up? Go away. I'm not interested. I've seen enough war for a lifetime, and I've dealt with enough people for ten.
I'm sorry, but I don't know much about you or your reasons for leaving the army. All the captain said is that she thought I'd have a better chance of convincing you to come back.
What's that supposed to mean?



You're right, I'm not from Zelmony. I used to be a Kirgard colonel.
Kirgard! Now that's interesting... Tell me, young man. Why is a Kirgard officer here serving the Captain of the Matrech Guard?



Fade to black...



You haven't spent that long here in Zelmony yet, have you? Let me give you a little advice. The Captain... she's a good woman. She loves her country and she'd lay down her life to protect it. But the few good people in this country's government are few and far between. There are many who are corrupt, greedy, or simply deluded fools. I wasn't able to stand up to them. Do you really think you can?
I may not know for sure, but I do know that I'll try with every means I have. I've already experienced first-hand the prejudice that people in this country have against Kirgard. Maybe it's impossible to change their minds, but I won't go down without fighting. If you walk away and live as a hermit, nothing will change.



I thought I would live by myself for the rest of my life, but you've caught my interest. I want to see where your path leads. Allow me to join this fight.







Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to one of the two best mages in the game. Look at that goddamn magic stat. Look at it. Only the other Best Mage has better MAG, and Midian has the better MP+ of the pair. This guy was another staple of my party in my first playthrough, and I hope to God you guys vote him into my party when I start doing votes because he is just that goddamned good.





Midian's weapon is a black fireball, which, while totally badass, really doesn't do that much damage.




But who cares when his magic does damage like this?



Oh, and that treasure chest contained a Pointed Hat, which grants even more MAG. I put it on Midian's head immediately.



Now then, there's one last order of business before we head back to Matrech.



Music: Mayfall - Final Fantasy VI, "The Wedding Waltz ~ Duel"



Our trip to Treasure Island has given us enough money to pick up Outsider, so it's finally time to add him to our ranks.






Looks like we're in this together again, Mike.



Outsider hits like a truck--even if he weren't five levels above everyone else, he'd still hit harder than Ayara and Mike. His downside is that he's slow, and also rather inaccurate. But for now he's a perfectly capable frontliner. His A-rank relation with Mike (which Mike reciprocates at A-rank) will make them both powerhouses as long as both of them are in the party.





Outsider's weapon of choice is a chain whip, which does ludicrous amounts of damage, as you can see.




I also grab the Sea Spider Toxin from the shady dude while I'm here. We don't actually have a use for it yet, so for now it's just going to sit in the Special section of our inventory doing nothing. But might as well grab it now since I have the money.



Now, it's finally time to head back to Matrech.



Taking Sally's boat to Matrech spits us out on the world map north of the city, at a village and castle we haven't seen before. We'll be checking this place out shortly, but not quite yet.

Music: Matrech - Suikoden V, "Military Fortress"



There's one last thing we can do here in Matrech before we meet with Erin again.



We've got two dark-elemental characters with us. How ya like me now?




You're... from the Elysium army? What's it like? Are there more people like you there? Oh! Can I join too? I'll do whatever you ask of me! Just let me come with you!
Uhmm...
It's decided then! I'll be your humble servant from now on!








Francesca is, essentially, another Daniel. Low STR, decent MAG and MP+, fairly fast, and accurate. The problem is, Daniel's not that great of a character to begin with, and unlike him, Francesca isn't required to be in the party. She really doesn't offer much.





Francesca's weapon of choice is a rapier. Her damage output is... not the greatest.



Now then, plot time.

The chancellor and I have something to discuss with you. Report to my office tomorrow morning at ten.
Another meeting with the chancellor, so soon? I hope I'm not in any trouble.



I'd rather not discuss any of this without the chancellor, but this will be an important meeting regarding your future here. Make sure you're on time.
Understood, Captain. I won't be late. Hmm, I guess we should go back to the inn in town again.



Okey-doke, to the inn we go.

Music: Reflection - Chrono Trigger, "At the Bottom of the Night"



Not long ago, I was sitting here just like now, waiting to meet the chancellor. Back then, I had no idea what my future would hold. A lot has already happened in this short time. I wonder what tomorrow will bring for us.
The captain said it's good news, didn't she? So there's no need to worry about it.
Well, that's not quite what she said. We know that Daniel hasn't done anything wrong, but it could still be bad news in general.



It's possible, but I don't think they will. It took long enough to conquer Helman Island that Zelmony is now fully prepared to defend the mainland. At the same time, Kirgard needs time to reorganize their forces. Attacking now would only give the advantage to the State Army. What's more, the longer Kirgard waits, the more it will lull Zelmony into believing they're safe. They will move carefully. I guess time will tell what their next move will be.
Well, I for one hope they won't attack at all.



You and me both, Ayara... but this is the path I've chosen. I knew from the start that it could end up like that. Even if it means that I'll have to go to war against those who were once my friends, I decided to protect this nation and I will do so.
Anyway, we might as well wait until tomorrow. It's not like we could do anything tonight even if we knew what was going to happen.
Aye, that's right. Ye should just relax and enjoy the evening.
All right, that's enough on the subject for tonight. Whatever happens, happens.
But Daniel, there be this other thing I wanted to ask ye about. Back at the island, ye seemed to know that Kirgard officer pretty well. Aye, ye seemed like rivals t'me.
Heh, I guess you want to know what happened between me and Bruce in the past?



It was about... nine years ago that we first met. That was during the early beginning of the Kirgard-Almenga war. The Almenga Empire tried to invade our land, and there were many young men who joined the army to defend their homeland. We were the same way. We ended up in the same regiment... but nothing special happened during that time. I'll get to the point. A year after the war began, but of us had already made quite an impression. That's when the rivalry began. Our lieutenant was badly wounded and had to be taken away from the front lines. Someone from our unit had to take his place, and both of us were vying for the position. Well... we were young. We were too eager to get a promotion, and we ended up trying too hard to make each other look bad.
Since he dislikes you so much now, I guess it was you who got the position in the end.



We learned our lesson. We were both at fault, but I don't think Bruce ever forgave me for that. That's it. After the war we went separate ways, and even though we both became colonels, we never really got the chance to reconciliate.
A bit of an anticlimactic end, isn't it?
Yes, I'm starting to think less of the colonel's leadership qualities!




Seems like my authority over you is dwindling. Well, in that case we should call it a day before you all start defecting.




The next morning...

Music: Matrech - Suikoden V, "Military Fortress"



I understand your concerns, but I've already made up my mind. We must support him. If we want to continue to exist as a country, we have to make full use all means available to us.
But this is...!
I don't need your permission, Captain. I just need your cooperation.
Ryan... you've never been this stubborn before. Why do you want to rely on a foreigner so much?




Not at all. Please come in.

Music: Chancellor - Final Fantasy VIII, "Overture"



You've done excellent work so far, and I think the time has come for you to become more independent from the captain.
I'm glad to hear that, Chancellor. I am doing my best.
Now, there is an old castle north of the capital that has been empty for years. It used to be private property following the collapse of the Zelmony kingdom, but the most recent owner has passed away, and we haven't been able to find any remaining heirs. We were trying to negotiate transferring the castle back to state ownership, but as it is, we can seize the property immediately. We are particularly interested in the castle because of its strategic position. It used to be a valuable defense post in ages past. Now that the safety of Matrech is under threat, I want to restore the castle to full operation as an important line of defense. This is where you come in. Your army regiment has been growing steadily in number, and our current lack of competent officers has made us...





Please give us a report on its suitability as a defense post, and whether you believe your Elysium army would be sufficient to staff it.
Chancellor, I... I don't know why I deserve such an important position, but I'll gladly take a look at this castle.
Good. We will continue our discussion once you've been to the castle. I am a busy man as you understand.



Ryan turns to us as he's leaving.

The castle gates will probably be closed. The deacon at Credence should have the keys, so you'll have to go see him first. Good luck. We are counting on you.



Sweet! Our own castle! As Ryan said, we're headed to a town north of Matrech, which happens to be the village we landed near a few minutes ago.



Music: Credence - Chrono Cross, "Termina (Home World)"



As we enter, a strange man passes us.





Well, no sense in worrying about that.



The inn here has a stage with a couple of colorful characters on it.




I told you we should've gone to Matrech, Teej, but would you listen? Nooooo.
Chill out, okay. Everyone's gotta, like... start small or something.
Ugh. This way we're going to stay small -forever-.





It also turns out that everyone in the inn thinks that they're less than impressive. Unfortunately there's no way to actually see them perform at the moment. So let's go elsewhere.



There's also an outdoor market here, but none of the stalls sell anything we haven't seen before.



Our destination is the church in the northeastern part of town.

Music: Church - Chrono Trigger, "Manoria Cathedral"




Pretty much everyone in the church will tell us to shut up if we try to talk to them. So let's just go see the deacon.





Well, we were headed there anyway, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.



Let's head over to the castle and see what's going on.

Elsewhere...

Music: Suspicion 2 - Suikoden V, "Standing Firm"



I have asked for a special meeting between governors because I believe there are certain things that need to be discussed, things that have great significance to all of us. Unfortunately, we still have one empty seat today. Governor Hilbrand of Helman Island was recently taken captive by Kirgard after the fall of Harlinton. I do not want the same fate to befall any of you. That's why action must be taken before the situation deteriorates further.
Are we going to be the only ones here? It's unusual to call for a private meeting without the chancellor.
We have full authority to call for a meeting among ourselves if we deem it necessary. There is no need for the chancellor to attend every single meeting. If we do reach a consensus, then I will personally notify him of our opinions.



Speak freely? Just what are you hinting at? I don't know what exactly you want to talk about, but that's a dangerous thing to say. Can we really trust each other to keep quiet about what's said in here?



There is nothing suspicious about my motives. Even we can sometimes be hesistant to speak what's on our minds when the chancellor is present. I want to know what you really think.



Holy shit this dude is incarnate.

There's only one reason you could've called for this meeting, and that's the war. What's all this secrecy for?
Relax, Miller. Are you suddenly feeling the heat now that Mayfall's most likely the next target? Your state isn't going to fall overnight. Just sit back and listen to what Governor Vosch wants to say.
Hah, easy for you to say, Banhk. Even if the Kirgard army is right outside the gates of Matrech, you can safely hide behind the Highland mountains. You should show some concern for the rest of us. That's what the State Union is about, isn't it?



The Kirgard main army may not even be the most urgent danger. If anything, at least we all know how dangerous it is. No, I am referring to a more covert threat. I assume all of you are aware that a certain Kirgard colonel recently defected to our side?
Colonel Vinyard? I've heard of him. He accompanied the State Army when they got rid of the rebel forces in Grunthall. Is this going to be about him?
Exactly. I take it you haven't heard the latest news yet. This man, who only a month ago was still leading his army against us, has been given a permanent post as commander of the old Credence castle.



That's ridiculous. Why give him such a vital post so easily?
Everything was authorized by the chancellor, but despite my efforts, he refuses to listen to my protests. Chancellor Ryan is more concerned about the safety of Zelmony than any of us. This may be evidence that he is grasping at any straws to bolster our defenses. I certainly don't question the chancellor's motives. No, I fear that he is simply being fooled by this Kirgardian.



The chancellor is not so easily fooled.
Are you saying you don't take issue with the prospect of a Kirgard officer being in charge of defending our homeland?



We can use him for as long as he follows our orders, and get rid of him as soon as he becomes a problem.
I don't like it either, but Banhk has a point. We can use him to our advantage. If Kirgard strikes again, send this man to fight them. That will show us if he can be trusted or not.
We shouldn't wait until the damage is done! We're talking about the very safety of this country! Governor Galius... I haven't heard a word from you yet. What is your opinion on this matter?



Don't be too quick to assume that his ties to his motherland are stronger than his personal principles. The only one who has really had the chance to speak to him is the chancellor, and he has given him a chance. It's our duty to respect that.
I agree. When it comes to national security, the chancellor has the final say anyway.
You are all being too passive. Why should we hold back? Do we need this man? No! The chancellor is making a serious mistake. This man is posing a great risk to our nation at a time when we should be avoiding risks. We simply can't entrust a vital defense post to a Kirgardian.



The fact that he is from Kirgard should be enough of a reason. Anything else we can find will only help our case.
It's not a bad idea to stay on the safe side. If the situation calls for it, we can take action immediately.
Good. I will put some of my men on this. I'll keep all of you notified of any new developments.




Perhaps you could lend us a hand.
You must be confused about my allegiance, governor. I serve the Zelmony State Union, not your individual states.



If you all start doing your own thing, the State Union is done for. Be good governors and take care of your own matters.



It was a mistake to invite her. No matter what the chancellor does, she will stay loyal to him to the end.
She will come around. If we can gather enough evidence against that man, she'll be a valuable ally.



Next time: We follow a priest intent on destroying evil spirits to a castle that's been uninhabited for years. What could possibly go wrong?