Part 109: Future Gadget Laboratory convenes to discuss important aspects of the future

I press Suzuha after we've calmed down.

"What do you mean you're John Titor?"



"The John Titor who posted on @channel was me."

"...I thought he was a guy."

Suzuha smiles in self derision.

"I actually tricked you? There was a meaning to my camouflage, huh."

"What were you hiding from?"

"...SERN."

"What you posted as John Titor, was that..."

"Right. With some exceptions, it was mostly true."

It's those exceptions that bother me.

"So, when you said you came from 2036... you rode this satellite... I mean, time machine."

"Actually, I tried to conceal its true form... But of all things, the machine broke down... It was entirely my faux pas..."

Faux pas... a mistake...?

"But I thought Titor's time machine was loaded on a Chevy."

"Chevy? The car? Where'd you get that information?"

"The Titor in 2000 said so himself."

"2000...?"



"At least, I haven't gone to 2000. I came here straight from 2036."

So it was someone else... In this world line I'm currently at, Titor didn't appear in 2000. Whatever. Let's leave that aside for now.

"What do you know?"

I press Suzuha further. I push her to the wall so that she can't escape.

"You overheard what Kurisu and I said earlier, right? Why did you rush to the time machine? What are you trying to do?"



"What?"

"Because I've been so lax, SERN got to do as they pleased... Hey, is it true?"

Instead, Suzuha clings to me.

"Is it true that Shiina Mayuri will be killed by SERN in a few hours...?!"



"Time leap... You guys completed your time machine..."

"More importantly, answer me. What do you mean it's your fault?!"

Suzuha faintly bites her lip as she casts her eyes down.

"I'll tell you everything... about me. I think I need to talk. To you, and to Makise Kurisu."

To... Kurisu... Why did she mention Kurisu? I guess I'll find out if I let Suzuha talk.

Let's go back to the lab for now. When I notice Suzuha's pitifully burned right hand, I hand over a handkerchief.

"...Thank you."





The time of Mayuri's death steadily approaches. I can only ask Suzuha to bear with it. So no passersby worry, I wrap a towel around her hand.

"Ah, Okarin, welcome home! Suzu's with you too, huh♪"



I thought I sent them home...?! When I ask, Mayuri optimistically answers this:

"After all, we should celebrate Super Microwave Ophone's completion! And so I went shopping with Daru and came back♪"

She really can't read the atmosphere... Kurisu, also with a stumped look on her face, whispers into my ear.

"Wh-What do we do?"

"Make absolutely sure Mayuri doesn't find out."

Kurisu nods softly.

"What are you guys whispering about?"

"Ah, umm..."

"How many times do I have to say it? We won't celebrate!"



"That's not the issue."

I glance at Suzuha. She's still depressed.

"Suzu, you don't look good. What's wrong?"

"Cristina, Suzuha and I have important matters to discuss. So you two, please leave."

"Mayushii wants to hear, too..."

"No, Mayushii, I think you need to read the atmosphere."

"But... Suzu looks down. Mayushii's kind of worried about her..."

"...Sorry."

Suzuha hangs her head while biting her lip. I guess she feels responsible for Mayuri's death.

How is Suzuha related to Mayuri's death? I should find that out soon.



...If Suzuha says so, then I have no objections. But, I remind her not to let them know that Mayuri dies in a few hours.

Suzuha tells them about her true identity. That the satellite is a time machine. That she posted on @channel as John Titor. That she came from 2036.



"Daru. We're not playing around here."

"Suzu, what year were you born?"

"2017."

"That's in seven years. You haven't been born yet, but you're here... hmm... uhhhmmmmm???"

Let's leave the confused Mayuri aside.

"So, Suzuha. Can you give us the details?"