By the time Silence returned from the committee office to Components Control, there was already a completed project plan outlining the construction of a new observation station and S.H.A.F.T. system in Kjerag on her desk. After the crisis that shocked everyone involved, after the expedition that drew all of Terra's attention, someone had once again proposed an invitation to the distant sky. This was bound to happen—Silence knew this day would come. After all, the stars are right there, and there was bound to be someone curious about <i>her</i>. Silence spots the sharp signature on the documents, made by the last person to handle them. One month ago, this project was just one among many proposed in the Directors' meeting. Afterwards, Components Control Acting Director Saria did not consult Silence on the project, choosing instead to proceed with it as usual. Silence is unsure which of these choices Saria would have found harder to make. Silence is well aware that the project costing tens of billions of Columbian gold certificates cannot truly begin without her own signature, not to mention the complex and innumerable procedures to follow. Such was the authority granted to her by the city and the country, the weight of which seems almost unreal. So, should she sign it? Kjerag, a name that is rarely brought up in Columbia, usually calls to mind the image of a snowy mountain, based on the data occasionally brought back by teams from the Scientific Investigation Section. Establishing an observation station there was bound to attract too many eyes to that country known for standing aloof from worldly affairs. But that aside, was the Rhine Lab of today even ready to take such a big step? Political games and military ambitions—who can say that a mere scientist wouldn't be dragged into the next maelstrom of disputes between the two? What can be done to ensure the situation does not slide into the abyss of violence? No matter how perfect the rules, loopholes are inevitable. Every step forward science takes is an arduous effort, but things other than science must also factor into the equation. There are too many factors to worry about. Only now does Silence understand that, with the power she holds, it is far more difficult to affirm than to reject. She has already come up with many reasons to delay or even outright refuse to green light the project, but there is only a single reason to approve it. Choosing to stand against radical ideas does not mean standing against science. More importantly, someone needs Silence by her side. Humanity is rightly entitled to venture towards the future, and there is no perfect solution to the structural conflicts between different groups of people. But she can only choose to place her hopes on individuals. Silence looks out the window. The skies of Trimounts are clear tonight, and she knows someone else is looking at the same sky. She signs her name on the document.