I - Halcyon
"...Ohoh...turning out quite nicely, aren't you? And just in time, too."
Despite admitting it was trivial, Edinburgh was quite proud of her handiwork—a pressed flower; she was so occupied admiring it from all sides that she did not notice someone creeping up towards her from behind, with mischief clearly written on her face.
"HEY!"
Edinburgh nearly jumped from her seat, and even though she barely avoided that, she bumped her knee on the table, causing some of her tools to fall off.
"Bloody hell, Kent, what did ye do that for...?!" Edinburgh fumed as she scrambled to gather her things, even more so when she noticed the culprit hardly felt guilty at all, not with that impish grin on her face.
"You're slacking, Edi," Kent replied as she set the boxes she had been carrying on the floor, singling one out to be used as a makeshift seat despite an abundance of chairs in the room, "while I worked my arse off. And here I thought the British Empire had abolished slavery long, long ago. Agh! This is unfair!"
"What, are you jealous...? I have a sortie coming tomorrow, you know... Her Majesty told me I could do anything I wanted when I was done with my work. So bloody stop that, or I will 'accidentally' add heaps of salt to your tea again."
"Blergh. Hey, I'm not jealous; I'm simply teasing you because... Suffolk and I are going to miss you while you are away in the Arctic," Kent said, looking gloomy though Edinburgh could tell she was only pretending, which was proven correct when Kent quickly regained her smile, adding, "and your tea, of course!"
Edinburgh shrugged at the remark. "Pray Bel recovers quickly if you are that worried about tea."
"Nooo, it's not the same," Kent moaned, then laughed again―Edinburgh couldn't resist joining in― until she noticed the pressed flower her fellow maid was holding.
"That a flower? For someone?" she inquired, seeing Edinburgh caressing it tenderly but carefully.
"Mm. A thistle, for Bel; done just in time before my departure, though I'm still unsure whether to give it to her today...or when I return," Edinburgh replied as she laid the flower beside her worn-out notebook―the one filled with her notes on brewing tea.
"Ah...Well, I don't think it matters to the head maid; she will be elated nonetheless; how sweet of you, Edi," Kent remarked, getting Edinburgh flustered, though she quickly regained her composure with a small cough.
"Well, that reminds me. I need to see Bel. And you...better get back to work," she said, amused at the cheeky expression on Kent's face indicating she would not do that anytime soon, and doubly so when she saw Sheffield approaching without Kent realizing it―her apparent aptitude for moving practically without sound was remarkable. Only after Sheffield was mere inches away from her back did Kent notice, chills running up her spine.
"Miss Kent, are you, perchance, taking your sweet time instead of working?" Sheffield spoke calmly but with a dangerous glint in her eyes as she cocked her gun-like rigging. Turning pale like a deer caught in the headlights, Kent shot up and, with astonishing speed, began to gather the boxes she was supposed to transport before scurrying away, yelling how sorry she was along the way. Edinburgh thought it was amazing she dropped none of her load.
"...Hey, Sheff," turning to Sheffield, Edinburgh offered a greeting to the ever-stoic maid.
"Hello, Edi. Her Majesty wants to remind you to put your affairs in order before you leave," replied Sheffield.
Edinburgh frowned before replying ruefully, "crivvens, she makes it sound like I'm not returning from the Northern Union."
"This is standard practice, is it not? Of course, to us, it simply means finishing jobs that we might have left unattended or saying goodbye to people we care about. Her Majesty has faith in you, despite your...rather well-known flaws; she is not insinuating you will not make it back. Furthermore, just in case."
"Just in case. Fine, I get it. I'm going to see Bel now; if you don't mind," after taking care of her belongings scattered on the table―double-checking to make sure she did not leave anything as she often did―Edinburgh made to go, but Sheffield's surprisingly gentle hold on her shoulder prevented her from doing so.
"And do take care of yourself out there, Edi," said Sheffield; despite remaining stone-faced, her tone was unusually soft.
"Duh, of course, Sheff."
"Alright, let's do this," Edinburgh told herself before pushing the door to the hospital ward. Just as she stepped inside, an aged nurse she was familiar with promptly met up with her.
"Ah, Miss Edinburgh; here to see Miss Belfast again?" She inquired, and Edinburgh nodded; she followed the nurse when asked, passing the wounded and ill Royal Navy personnel, hearing them groaning in pain and agony. She did not like it, but she would say it was infinitely better than having to see Belfast during her initial repairs; the sound of the tools they were using was sickening.
The nurse brought Edinburgh to a secluded section reserved for KANSENs like her, currently only housing a sole occupant―Belfast. She was reading a book when they arrived, despite having one eye patched and the other badly bruised. Occasionally she would grimace in pain, but that was it; no complaint escaped her lips.
"... I'm glad you come regularly; she seems to be happier with you around, and that makes for a speedy recovery," the nurse said as she left Edinburgh alone, who proceeded to approach her sister.
Belfast did seem to brighten up noticeably when she saw Edinburgh coming and taking a seat at the bedside.
"Hello, Edi," Belfast offered, her voice almost a whisper, "Is something wrong?" she asked when she saw Edinburgh fidgeting with her notebook.
"Ah...Er, no. Nothing. Um...so, how are you faring, Bel?"
"My recovery is speedier than I thought. It is a bit lonely here, though...Unlike you, dear sister, nobody ever stayed for long during visits. I wonder if I did something wrong."
You are intimidating to them, perhaps.
Of course, Edinburgh did not want to voice such unsavory thoughts, though that decision meant she must scramble to find more acceptable words.
"Ah, Bel...you see, I think it was less because of who you are as a person and more because of your position as the head maid. They certainly respect you for that."
Yep, that will do.
After another grimace, Belfast forced herself to smile.
"Even in this state?"
"Tell you what," Edinburgh placed a hand atop Belfast's, "even if they don't...you will recover and get out of here stronger than ever. Then you show them you deserve it."
Belfast laughed softly; though the action caused her pain, she did not care. "I suppose I can do that...It is tomorrow, isn't it...? Your sortie."
"Not much to do but escort gold bullions from the Northern Union across the Arctic to Britain, though."
While Edinburgh passed it off as nothing, inwardly, she did feel apprehensive; she quickly reminded herself not to show it for her sister's sake.
"That's supposed to be me, isn't it...if only I did not get injured so carelessly..."
Edinburgh sighed. "Well, no use crying over spilt milk, Bel; after all, as the older sister, naturally, it is my job to fill in, eh?" She said, quite proud of herself. She waited for Belfast's reaction; it took a full minute before she gave one.
"Forgive me for doubting you. Be safe out there," Belfast gave out a sincere smile, and Edinburgh responded in kind.
"Well, of course. Even then, if the enemy got a drop on us, I'll be sure to give as good as I got. Nemo me impune lacessit, as the Stuarts always say."
That night, Edinburgh lay on the bed in the quarters she shared with Belfast, raising the pressed thistle above her face. "I ended up not giving this to her today. What a wasted opportunity; if only she did not have to undergo such a sudden checkup..."
A series of soft knocks on her door caught her attention. "Who is crazy enough to visit at this hour...?" Annoyed, she went to the door, which opened to reveal Kent and Suffolk, both in sleepwear; she noticed Kent bringing a bottle with her.
Oh, don't tell me...
"Hey, Edi! Quick, close the door before someone sees us," Kent whispered as she and Suffolk swiftly entered the room and made themselves comfortable on the edge of her bed.
"Goodness, you two. Wandering about around this hour...and that bottle..."
Kent had a wide grin as she replied, "Jamaican rum; swiped it from the kitchen, heheheh. I thought you could use a little company before you go."
"That's right, Edi...though I could do without actually taking supplies without permission," Suffolk added.
Shaking her head, Edinburgh joined the duo. Touching, you two, she thought.
"I suppose one or two shots won't hurt, but not too much because I need all my wits for tomorrow," Edinburgh finally relented.
A few drinks later, it was apparent that Kent could not hold her liquor and got herself visibly plastered.
"I know this is going to happen," Edinburgh said, remarkably calm even with Kent clinging to her arm, slurring over how she will leave them and be lonely out there.
"Ain't that right. Maybe we should call it a night. C'mon, Kent, let Edi rest." Suffolk rose up and, after a few tries, managed to pry Kent off Edinburgh; surprisingly, she did not struggle much.
"Yow...smash them Ironbloods when they show their ugly mug, yow hear...hic...eh...keep the bottle, it'll keep you warm in them ice water...And no, I ain't passing the blame for stealing it..."
And with those parting words, Kent fell asleep, her arms slung over Suffolk's shoulders. She couldn't help but laugh at her friend's antics and noticed Edinburgh couldn't, either.
"Good night, Edi; we'll see you off in the morning if we can"
"Hehe, turns out I need this after all. Yeah, see you two."
Edinburgh slept very soundly that night.
II - Dear Departed
Another day, another boring routine, Kent grumbled as she made her rounds. She wished Edinburgh was there and not out in the Arctic; it's just not as lively there without her around being endearingly clumsy and all that. And though she wouldn't admit it outright, Kent wished she could just go sortie for a change.
Setting the boxes that she was carrying on the floor to do some little stretches―while cautiously keeping an eye for Sheffield―Kent noticed Suffolk leaning on her broom, staring outside the window and at the gray sky above. She usually wouldn't overthink it, as her fellow maid has a rather unfortunate habit of getting lost in her thoughts.
However, there was something different about Suffolk that day; she seemed more focused and more thoughtful than usual. Her curiosity piqued, Kent moved closer. "Oy, get back to work, or the queen will all be like, 'off with your head,'" Kent said, tapping Suffolk's shoulder to gain attention.
"That's rich, coming from you," Suffolk retorted as she straightened herself out, ready to resume sweeping. Kent simply laughed it off. "But seriously, what were you thinking back then? It's very unlike you."
"Uh... it's nothing. I just feel a bit uneasy...Kent."
Noting how flushed Suffolk was as she replied, Kent put back the boxes she was about to transport and went to her friend. "Really? Tell me about it."
"Ah, nothing important...oh, fine. I'm worried about Edi, you know."
Even for her, who rarely took anything seriously, Kent didn't want to poke fun at that feeling; behind her happy-go-lucky appearance, she too felt the same. But Edi is strong enough, was what she told herself to keep it from eating away at her.
She wondered what Belfast, the ever-perfect head maid, would feel about the mission her sister was in right now.
"Well, I'm sure Edi will be just fine. She is pretty strong, despite being clumsy. When you think about it, that flaw of hers makes her the most dangerous among us, don't you think?" Kent said, gleefully noting how her little jest earned Suffolk's hearty laugh.
"Don't let her hear you say that, Kent. She will mess with your food!"
"Wellll~she isn't here, is she?"
The merriment between the two died when the nearby door leading to Queen Elizabeth's quarters was violently thrown open, revealing a distraught Warspite. She remained there for a good whole minute before opening her mouth.
"...Are you sure about this...Your Majesty?"
"...She deserves to know! Go break the news to her," Kent and Suffolk heard the reply of Queen Elizabeth; she sounded like she tried her best to maintain composure, yet she couldn't conceal her shaking voice.
"...As you command."
With those words, the battleship hurriedly left the room, ignoring―or not noticing―the two maids. Kent and Suffolk watched as she went toward the hospital ward and looked at each other, sharing the same thought.
Something is wrong.
Warspite waited. For Belfast to say something or show any other reaction than being unnervingly placid at what she had just told her, though she realized she probably should not force it out of the maid. God knows she might still be trying to process the grim news. Meanwhile, the head nurse was also there, trying to stay out of sight but still warily keeping an eye on her patient.
"With all due respect, lady Warspite..." Belfast finally spoke, shaking her head as she did, "making a jest of such morbid nature... it's not right..."
Gritting her teeth in anger, though not directed at the head maid, Warspite tried again, even though she found it difficult to sound firm and gentle at the same time.
"This is no jest, Belfast. Even though she fought gallantly, Edinburgh was really...gone."
Belfast was silent as she closed her eye that wasn't covered by the medical patch; when she opened it again and looked at Warspite, this time more clearly, she knew there was no denying it.
"...Edi..."
With her eyes, Warspite followed Belfast's every movement, seeing her left hand trailing towards her right arm, poked by IV needles; she soon realized what she was about to do and quickly stopped her by seizing her hand. The head nurse must have also seen it, for she quickly rushed to the bedside to assist in restraining her.
"Let me go," Belfast hissed, but Warspite would have none of it.
"Belfast, don't. You...right now, there's nothing you can do," Warspite said, though she quickly regretted her choice of words when she saw Belfast's heartbroken expression and the fury in her eyes, coming and disappearing in a blink.
"...You are right, Lady Warspite. Nothing I can do indeed," Belfast finally said, her voice resigned but strained. Those were the last words she spoke before she laid herself back on the bed and turned her back against them; Warspite noticed she was trembling as she did and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Belfast," she finally said and excused herself without bothering to wait for an answer; she needed none.
Outside the hospital, she happened upon Kent and Suffolk sitting in a corner; news traveled quite fast, and she was sure they must have heard what happened. Suffolk was crying while Kent was gripping her head, mumbling why over and over. Warspite cast a sympathetic gaze at the two, even though they were seemingly too upset to notice, before making her way back toward Queen Elizabeth's quarters.
Nothing I can do; I cannot even go to you. Is it lonely there...? I'm sure it is. So many things I want to say, and now...
It is lonely here.
"I'm sorry, I think Miss Belfast should not receive any visitors right now."
"I have something important I need to take to her. This should not take long."
Belfast opened her eyes upon hearing the conversation near her bed as she recognized the voices.
'Sheffield?'
"Fine. Don't take too long. I will throw you out if you do, understand?"
"I understand."
Sheffield calmly made her way towards Belfast, who turned around slightly to face her, and saw something different about her fellow maid―her expression was softer, though only to a small degree.
"I found this at your and Edinburgh's quarters when cleaning. It's for you," Sheffield said. This time Belfast fully turned around and extended her left hand to receive what she offered.
"...A pressed flower...a thistle...?"
"Edinburgh left a note nearby. It says, 'Give to Bel when you get back.' I do feel you should have it."
Belfast brought the flower close to her chest. While it brought her comfort, it also caused her pain. She did not mind it at all.
"Then I shall take my leave," Sheffield said with a curt bow and swiftly turned to leave but stopped when Belfast called out to her.
"Sheffield...thank you."
"It is nothing, head maid...after all...she was my friend too," Sheffield responded with her back turned against Belfast so that she couldn't see what expression she might have had, though, from the way her voice cracked slightly, Belfast realized that she wasn't the only one who felt the loss.
"I'm sorry..." she murmured as Sheffield left in a hurry.
I remember... a certain saying Edinburgh was really fond of.
'Nemo me impune lacessit.'
'No one provokes me with impunity.'
...They won't get away with this.
"Ma'am, may I ask for a writing implement and some paper...?"
The head nurse, who was busy sorting through medications for the doctors, stopped what she was doing, a little surprised by the request; that was the first time Belfast had ever asked for something since she was admitted to the hospital.
"Certainly...May I ask what they are for?"
Belfast tore her eyes from the letter she was reading and set it aside; the head nurse recalled her commanding officer personally delivered the letter the day before, though she was not privy to the content and only heard it was a proposal of some sort. Near it, the pressed thistle Edinburgh made for her was laid neatly; she refused to part with it even for a second, but the nurse found it unsurprising.
"I've made up my mind," was all Belfast said.
III - Thistle
The head maid, Belfast, entered the room with the same poise and grace she had always displayed, befitting her position. Her face was stoic, hard as steel; no trace of tears like some of those present had expected—to them, it was unsettling, even more so when they saw her change in attire. It was considerably more modest than what she usually wore, sporting a noticeable somber color.
She walked past the others, who were busy murmuring among themselves, and paid no heed to them until she stood before Queen Elizabeth and got down on one knee. Warspite, who was at the Queen's side, noticed she was clutching something tightly; even through a cursory glance, she could see what it was.
A pressed thistle...?
"Rise," Queen Elizabeth ordered, and after Belfast did as she was told, she continued, "I was quite astounded that they did, but the Admiralty has granted your request to return to combat duty so soon. But by the looks of it...you appeared to be ready."
"I am, Your Majesty. Do I have your permission to go?"
"Hmph. If those old men have spoken, then we see no reason to object. Go forth, Belfast. Bring glory to the Royal Navy. Oh, and come back safely."
Her expression unchanging, Belfast bowed and excused herself.
"Too soon...do you not think so?" Warspite spoke as soon as Belfast disappeared from sight, clearly concerned for her fellow KANSEN. Queen Elizabeth responded by tapping her scepter on the floor as if it was a dismissal.
"This is her own will; for now, I shall trust Belfast's judgment of herself."
The next day, Belfast stood by the pier, ready to set sail as soon as the orders arrived. The morning had just begun, but the port was already bustling as Royal Navy ships and their crews prepared for their excursion into the enemy-infested waters.
They all had their loved ones―families, friends, lovers―who were there to see them off and wish them luck, undeterred by the morning chill and the drops of rain that were starting to fall.
However, Belfast was alone.
Droplets began to fall onto her face and coat, but despite that, Belfast stood unmoving, still clutching the pressed thistle. Only after someone tapped on her shoulder from behind and put an umbrella over her head did she stir.
"Ma'am," Belfast acknowledged the person with a nod after she saw who she was. Smiling, Newcastle carefully moved to Belfast's side to keep the umbrella from slipping and changing position.
"...Ah, good thing I managed to catch up with you. It seems in your absence, my quiet life will be over. But once in a while, that is fine."
"You're the former head maid; it's only natural you were chosen to replace me, ma'am. And thus, you need not worry about me."
Newcastle laughed. "Certainly, but that does not mean I am not allowed to see my prized protégé off," she said, and Belfast let slip a small smile, even though it was sullen, and Newcastle could tell she was just being polite.
"That thing on your hand...thistle, isn't it?" Asked Newcastle, having noticed the flower Belfast had been holding so firmly.
"...Indeed," Belfast replied, bringing it up to her eye level and looking at it pensively. "Something...Edinburgh left behind; a message, perhaps."
Surprised Belfast would bring it up in her presence, Newcastle briefly wondered if she should pry further or not, but in the end, she decided on the former.
"I see. The meaning behind it...are you aware of it...? Edinburgh was not one to be purposefully abstruse."
"...It seems she intended it to be a reminder for me...of something."
"I think the message is clear enough. A thistle is proud, strong, and steadfast. Indeed, it is a reminder. How she went...and who you are. Keep that in mind as you fight out there because that's what Edinburgh would have wanted."
Belfast said nothing, holding the pressed flower close to her chest and closing her eyes. When she finally opened them again, she whispered a soft "thank you" just as the seamen and officers began to board their respective ships. Whether the gratitude was addressed to Edinburgh or to Newcastle, only Belfast knew.
"It seems we will part ways soon," Newcastle closed her umbrella as the rain had already ceased. "When all is said and done, Belfast, and you return safely...I shall lend you my shoulder, so come cry as much as you like."
"Certainly, ma'am."
IV - Life After Death
"Miss Bel, you see, my teacher, she told me about a poem she thought I would find interesting; I thought you would find it interesting. Would you like to hear about it?"
Belfast paused from her routine cleaning and looked over her shoulder―behind and slightly below―to find the owner of the voice, an adolescent girl holding a piece of paper, looking back at her innocently, expectantly. A small smile made its way to the maid's face.
"Certainly; may I ask what it is called?"
The girl looked surprised for a moment and scrambled to peek at the paper. "Let's see... it's 'And death shall have no dominion' by Dylan Thomas," she said, thinking what a mouthful it was. "Have you ever heard of it? It's an old one."
"Once, though, it was a long time ago when I was green; nevertheless, this fact should not stop you, my lady. That being said, your teacher's choice is curious, indeed. I heard it's no easy prose."
"Well...She told me I'm smart, so no problem," the girl replied, chest puffing out with pride.
Belfast chuckled at that. "You are, indeed. But remember...pride comes before fall."
"Oh..." the girl looked visibly deflated but bounced back quickly. "Of course, grandpa told me that all the time. You taught him that, didn't you?"
"Simply one of a maid's duties; now, about that poem..."
"Oh, right. Well, here goes..." The girl brought the paper to eye level, looked over the words, and inhaled deeply before starting.
Belfast listened with rapt attention as the girl recited the poem, even when her delivery sometimes fell flat. However, the longer it went, the harder it was for her to keep her composure as the words kept hitting closer and closer to home.
"Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again; Though lovers be lost love shall not...miss Bel?" The girl stopped just as she was about to be done with the first stanza and looked over the maid with concern.
"Oh, ah...do forgive me. I...lost myself there for a moment," Belfast replied, inwardly berating herself for letting her emotions show; but she soon realized, as time passed, it was increasingly difficult to keep them in check.
The girl sighed as she put the paper away on a table nearby. "I'm sorry for making you upset like that," she apologized, taking the maid's hands in hers. Belfast saw that she was just as upset as her, and she felt guilty because of it.
"...This is not your fault, my lady. Trouble yourself not."
"...Time and again, you will have this sad look on your face, and I don't know why; I hate it. Grandpa won't allow me to talk about it...and I don't want to trouble you further. But even then...I wish you would cheer up more often."
"...If you command me so, I shall...I shall try," Belfast replied, feeling the girl squeezing her hands―a gesture the maid found somehow reassuring―before she let go.
"Eh...? It's this late? Sorry, miss Bel, I have to do my homework," the girl said as she glanced at her watch. Before she left, she cast one last look at Belfast and said, "...If you find what I ask too daunting, remember grandpa and I will be there for you. We are family, remember that, okay?"
"Certainly. You have my utmost gratitude," Belfast saw her off with a deep bow before realizing the girl had left the paper with the poem on the table. Idly she picked it up and examined the work in its entirety. She didn't know why, but she just wanted to smile after she was done, now that she had understood the meaning behind it with greater clarity; of life after death and how death cannot conquer it entirely. She certainly would like to believe so.
'You will certainly live on, even if only within the confines of my memories.'
Just as she put the paper aside to resume cleaning, the door opened, and from it emerged a middle-aged man clad in a Royal Navy officer uniform adorned with the insignia of a Vice-Admiral.
"Master," though she was surprised that her master returned home sooner than expected, Belfast greeted him with a bow nonetheless. But before she could have the chance to say anything else―such as asking about his day or why he returned early―the Admiral cut her off.
"Belfast, cancel all your plans for tomorrow. We have an important meeting."
The next day, as Belfast made her way out of the house—not neglecting to clad herself in a thick coat to stave off the cold of London's rainy weather—the question about the 'important meeting' her master mentioned still bothered her. Who would want to meet with a KANSEN like her? Long after they had faded from collective memories?
The Admiral waited for her on the back of his Rolls-Royce, a fancy car he insisted on still using even as cheaper models from the Sakura Empire flooded the market. Just as she sat beside him within a respectable distance, he signaled for the chauffeur to start driving.
"What a fine day," the Admiral sarcastically remarked before turning his attention to Belfast, catching her flashing a smile at the words.
"Well, yesterday, Addie told me about the poem she read to you. And death shall have no dominion, eh?"
"Indeed; a very poignant verse, if I may say so."
Despite the apparent melancholy in the maid's answer, the Admiral kept a meaningful smile.
"I imagine you are curious about all this," he began; seeing Belfast nod, he continued. "As you might have heard, about two months ago, the last batch of lost gold from Convoy QP 11 had been successfully salvaged. But you see...gold was not the only thing they discovered. Now, in my capacity as the Chief of Defence Intelligence, I knew about it firsthand."
"May I ask then, master, what this 'other thing' is?" Belfast inquired. The Admiral turned his attention from the window back to the cruiser and replied,
"A relic of the past, and the moment I saw it, I knew what needed to be done."
"...Dare I ask again, what is this relic you are speaking about?"
"I think I will let you see for yourself. It shouldn't take long for us to get there."
After thirty minutes of cruising through London into the outskirts, the car slowed down and eventually came to a halt in front of a large building; Belfast took a cursory look at the name carved on the stone sign at the gate.
"Master, what is this place?" She questioned as she disembarked from the car
"Glenholm Institute, a private research center and think-tank in maritime policy; I guess he never told you, but my father had a hand in its establishment, and currently, I'm sitting on their Board of Trustees. The remaining notes of our KANSEN project were stored here, even though Her Majesty's Government believed we no longer had the means to create one. But I will explain more as we walk."
Belfast followed the Admiral through the front door and into the lobby, feeling the gaze of many curious eyes following her, which she managed to ignore. The Admiral spoke to the woman at the front desk, who then made a brief call. Not too long after, a man wearing a lab coat came from the elevator and greeted the pair.
"Ah, Vice-Admiral O'Connor. Glad to see you. Here for your private commission...? If so, follow me," the scientist gestured for them to follow him. They stopped in front of an elevator, nearly hidden from sight. The scientist swiped his keycard on the panel, and the door opened.
"So, doctor, how is she doing?" The Admiral asked the scientist as the elevator descended. The latter seemed eager as he answered, "Ah, yes, it was a success, really. We moved her from isolation to a standard room after we stabilized her. Shouldn't take long before she could...ah...and the woman with you, a KANSEN too, hm?"
"I am," Belfast replied curtly and subtly slid away a little; that man made her uncomfortable for some reason. The Admiral raised an eyebrow and let out an admonishing cough.
"She's a war hero. I would be more respectful if I were you."
It took all Belfast had not to be flustered at the remark; on the other hand, the scientist didn't seem to be affected much by the Admiral's words, but he nodded nonetheless.
"...Well, in any case...I have to thank you, Vice-Admiral. For years we have been missing that one crucial component...a Wisdom Cube, and you somehow found a nearly intact one," he changed the subject just as the elevator came to a stop and opened its doors, revealing a long hallway lined with doors, like a hospital.
"Stroke of luck...or perhaps it was destiny."
"...You...they...found a Wisdom Cube, master...?"
A glint of hope in Belfast's eyes did not go unnoticed by the Admiral.
"Yes... Edinburgh's Wisdom Cube...by a miracle, not destroyed. You...want to see her again...am I right?"
Belfast slowed down, a sudden surge of emotions weighing her down. The Admiral went to her and gently held her hand.
"The words of that poem were true after all, eh? You can see her again, Bel; now and as long as you want."
"Master...Is it true? You did this?"
"You have served well under my father, looked after me when I was but a lad who just lost his mother, then my son, and now my granddaughter. Is this not a fitting reward?"
Belfast struggled to find the words to say, but the Admiral simply shook his head, urging her to keep walking. The scientist saw the scene and smirked; a few paces later, he stopped in front of one door and pushed it open.
"Here we are, and there you go."
The Admiral gently pushed Belfast inside, but he stayed by the threshold. "You have plenty of time, so...make good use of it. I will wait for you," he said before closing the door behind him.
"...E-Edi...?"
The woman lying on the bed stirred awake, eyes darting left and right. Her hair was a tangled mess, and she did not have her signature glasses with her, but she is, without a doubt, truly Edinburgh.
"Edi...!"
Belfast rushed towards the bed and fell on her knees just as she reached it; before long, the bedsheet was damp from the tears she shed. Edinburgh's lack of glasses caused her difficulty seeing, but she recognized the voice and the fact the owner of the voice had been crying.
"...Bel...? Is that...you? Where...Am I? Why are you...crying?"
Seeing her sister's right hand flailing about, likely in an attempt to find and touch hers, Belfast reached for it and held it tight.
"You are alive...I...I miss you...How I miss you," Belfast brought Edinburgh's hand to her cheek, not content with simply holding it. It was warm and full of life, proof she was not dreaming.
"I...somehow...it seems so. I...I miss you too. How long has it been...?"
"Long enough...I have so much I wanted to tell you...and all the time in the world for it."
Edinburgh laughed as Belfast kissed her forehead.
"...I like the sound of that."
V - If Love Can See Us Through
When she wakes up, a brave new world awaits.
For someone who had been—for lack of a better word—asleep for some good forty years, Edinburgh acclimated herself to the future with remarkable ease, as Belfast found out when she joined the family right after her discharge from that facility.
"So, how do I look?" Edinburgh, wearing a new set of maid uniforms, did another spin in front of the mirror. Unlike what she used to wear, the one given to her was significantly more conservative in design and practically covered her entire body, and she figured it would take some time to get used to, particularly the long skirt. Walking in it was rather tricky and wearisome after a while.
Still, Edinburgh believed she should not be complaining about it. After all, she owed the Admiral a great deal, and given that she could see Belfast again, offering her service was a small price to pay.
And there's also the fact that her sister walked flawlessly even when she wore the very same dress.
"I have to say it suits you well, Edi," Belfast answered; her smile was wider than Edinburgh ever remembered and had been that way since the Admiral took her to the institute. Edinburgh hummed her approval and turned to the mirror once again.
"Ah, well, if you say so. This skirt, though, really..."
"Hmm, I'm sure you'll get used to it..."
"...' After all, I did,' is that what you want to say?"
"Not really," Belfast laughed at the question—more of a jest, considering the tone—"I'm sure you'll easily get used to it, and because I've been watching you learning about all those 'wonderful' things of the future."
"Ahh, yes," Edinburgh laughed as well. "I kind of like that 'television' thing Addie showed me. It's like a tiny cinema...and I saw this man traveling through space in a police box! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that..."
"Ah, she likes that show, too. In contrast, master did not like television much, saying it makes one a fool, eventually..."
"Well, what about you, Bel?" Edinburgh challenged jokingly. To her surprise, Belfast slightly blushed.
"Me? I'm partial to Coronation Street myself."
"Uh...Really? Is it one of those shows you can see on the telly?'" asked Edinburgh, who, though she tried, could not really imagine Belfast actually sitting in front of a television set watching something, much less like it.
"Oh, Edi, sometimes even I need to unwind. And yes, you can see so many things on television, enough to make you forget everything else. Thankfully, I'm not like that."
Edinburgh frowned as if she was thinking something, but she quickly smiled when she noticed Belfast giving her an inquisitive look.
"Oh, nothing wrong with that; you might really need it and all..."
"You aren't mistaken," Belfast replied softly before walking over to one of the cabinets in the kitchen and seemingly looking for something. Edinburgh craned forward to see clearly what it was.
A little while later, Belfast took out a bottle of wine, which she held for a moment before setting it down on the table.
"It was something master received some time ago. He did not want it, so he gave it to me...yet all this time, I see no reason to open this bottle...nothing to celebrate. Now you are here with me, Edi; I think it's about time I change my mind..."
Belfast turned around to face a very flustered Edinburgh, who was shuffling awkwardly at the revelation. With a chuckle, Belfast moved to another drawer and took out two identical glasses. Edinburgh remained in a daze even when she received one, though she managed to avoid dropping it.
"So, what do you say about a little drink before retiring?" Belfast poured herself a shot of wine and then another for Edinburgh, who had already decided to snap out of her daze.
"Eh, oh, sure; we haven't got the chance to celebrate, have we?" she let out a stilted laugh as she raised her glass with a shaking hand, and Belfast followed suit.
"Sláinte, Bel."
"Sláinte, Edi."
"Oh my, this room is larger than I thought," Edinburgh remarked when Belfast showed the room they would be sharing from that day onward.
"...This room was originally built to house several maids, but as you can see, before today, I was its sole occupant," Belfast replied, with Edinburgh noticing her voice trailing off.
"But no more," Edinburgh embraced her sister and whispered into her ears. "You are not going to sleep alone anymore from now on."
"...Thank you," Belfast swallowed and willed the tears that were beginning to form away." Come on; we need to get changed."
"...Edi, what do you think of the master?"
"Well, for one, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he used to be a wee lad, an imp, even. Don't tell him I said that," Edinburgh replied as she finished changing into the nightgown Belfast lent her, earning an amused chuckle from her sister.
"Oh, that's a given. Look at the Queen. We both used to know her as a young princess during the war. Now she's the monarch and a grandmother to boot."
"So I heard. I would've loved to see the Prince's wedding, though. And the Swinging Sixties, too. Sounds like fun."
"It wasn't that marvelous, the Swinging Sixties," Belfast replied but looked away when Edinburgh stared at her questioningly.
"...Really? Well, you are the prim and proper Belfast, after all," Edinburgh joked. Belfast offered no response to that but laughed along with her.
When the laughter died down, a smile remained on Belfast's lips, which stayed as she searched the drawer on the end table while Edinburgh looked on, confused. It didn't take long for her to find what she was looking for—a very familiar notebook.
"I've always wanted to return this to you, Edi," Belfast said as she leafed through the worn-out pages filled with notes on brewing tea that Edinburgh had written. "You have taught me many things through this book."
Edinburgh received the book without words as she suddenly found herself unable to think of anything to say. But she wouldn't deny her sister's earnest remark was quite heartwarming.
As she set the book aside, Edinburgh saw that Belfast was not done yet; she took out another thing from the drawer, one that made her eyes widen.
"...You... You're keeping that still...?"
"This pressed thistle you made for me? I've been able to stay steadfast during the war because of it. Your message. And for that, I thank you as well."
"Bel, really, you shouldn't have," Edinburgh took her glasses off and wiped her tears, and when she put them on again, she saw Belfast walking over to her bed, then sitting beside her. Without a word, she pulled her into a firm embrace, and without an ounce of hesitation, Edinburgh returned the gesture.
"Can I...sleep with you tonight?" Belfast whispered. Edinburgh gave her back a tender rub before replying.
"Certainly. Mind you, the bed's a little small, but make yourself comfortable."
"It matters not."
As Edinburgh laid herself to sleep, she felt Belfast circling her arms around her waist from behind.
"You know, one day, you should tell me about your exploits in the war, Bel."
"If you want to, I could, though I'm afraid I did not do much."
"I'm sure our late Commander would disagree with you. Sad I couldn't see him on his deathbed."
"We could always visit his grave; it's here, in London."
"Together?"
"Together."
"But of course. We will always be together from now on."
"Yes, always."
