Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 15

There's actually some side content to do before Aquios if we really want to (which I'll get into later), but there's a wide window for doing it so I'll head there a little later. First, let's actually go to Aquios like we'd been meaning to for a while now.

There's just the one field map between Peterny and Aquios, and it's pretty short and trivial, like most field maps, so we get there really fast.


Nel: But there are people trying to take this city for themselves.
Cliff: Airyglyph, huh?
Nel: Yes.
Fayt: Nel, what happens next?
Nel: First, I'll introduce the two of you to our ruler.
Fayt: You mean... the queen?
Nel: That's right.
Cliff: So, what's this queen like, anyway?
Cliff: I was kinda hoping she'd be hot, myself.



Fayt: Shall we go, then?
Nel: Let's. The castle is straight down this road.
Cliff: Hey. Hey! Wait up, you guys!

We can start looking around Aquios now, and it's a pretty big city, similar in size to Airyglyph. There's a couple shops, an inn, and lots of townspeople we can talk to, like the little boy who really likes bunnies. As usual, I'll cover them in an extra (probably around the end of disc 1). Interacting with a specific citizen is actually a PA, but due to its nature I'll cover it in extras as well, since I'll need to advance further in the story to get all his dialogue.

Once we're done looking around, we can head to the castle.


Male Soldier: If you are here to worship, come back later. Otherwise, you'd best leave.
Nel: At ease.
Male Soldier: Lady Nel!
Male Soldier: So these guys... I... I mean, these gentlemen are...?
Nel: That's right.
Nel: We'll be going in, now.





Nel: That's the Chapel. Pilgrimages to Kaddan, the holy land of Apris, involve such a long and treacherous journey that most people just do their worshipping here, in the castle Chapel.
Fayt: A chapel...
Nel: If you're interested, go take a look later.
Fayt: I might just do that.
Nel: The audience chamber is this way. Follow me.



Nel starts walking towards the northwest staircase, and there's actually a PA here depending on how we act. If we start entering random rooms instead of following her, she gets mad. So we'll just be nice and slowly follow her up to the staircase.

Once we're up the stairs, the same thing happens again but this time while heading to the throne room.







Aquaria XXVII: I am the Queen of this country, Romeria Zin Emurille.
Fayt: My name is Fayt Leingod.
Cliff: My name is Cliff Fittir, Your Majesty. I am deeply honored and grateful for this audience with your royal person.
Aquaria XXVII: We have summoned you to this Royal Palace to request your assistance. As you may have heard, our country is at war with Airyglyph. And the war is not going well for Aquaria... The situation calls to mind Chapter Fifteen of Ikelos' Book of Prophecies, a book that contains the holy teachings of Apris.
Fayt: Ikelos' Book of Prophecies?
Aquaria XXVII: Chaos in the holy land. The chaos shall spread catastrophe, and from that catastrophe shall be born a new maelstrom of war.
Aquaria XXVII: It is our belief that this prophecy is about to come true. And we believe that you are the arrow of which the prophecy speaks.
Aquaria XXVII: Our country is now embroiled in a war with Airyglyph. Unless something is done, our innocent citizens shall perish...



Fayt: I don't know what we'll be able to do, but we will do all we can. That is why we came here.
Aquaria XXVII: We are in your debt.
Magistrate Lasselle: Guard-


Soldier: Yes, sir!


Soldier: If you need something, ask the nearest soldier.
Cliff: Thanks, pal.

The soldier exits the room and Cliff stretches.


Fayt: What do you mean, 'do'?
Cliff: They said you could walk around the castle if you want to. I think I'm gonna go check out the Chapel.
Fayt: The Chapel?
Cliff: Yeah... Well, I'm an atheist myself, but I'm sorta interested in the art.
Fayt: You... interested in art?
Cliff: Hey - don't laugh. I'm actually a bit of an artiste myself, although you wouldn't think it to look at me. Mirage said as much.
Fayt: She did?
Cliff: That's right.
Cliff: She said 'you're the kind of guy who decides with his emotions before using his head'... In other words, she thinks I'm an impressionist.
Fayt: I don't think that's what she meant...
Cliff: Yeah, and she also said I'm 'always looking at pretty women', which I guess was her way of praising my keen sense of aesthetics, don't you think?
Fayt: I wonder...
Cliff: Well, anyway, there you have it. Be back in a bit.



Since we've been good and followed Nel earlier, we're finally allowed to explore the castle! In the northeast corner of the ground floor we can find Nel and Clair's rooms, in the central part there's a library (with a LOT of books to read, which I'll cover in an extra, there's a ton of lore in there), and in the southwest part (of both floors) there's research facility stuff but they're all pretty busy at the moment.

If we check out the chapel, Cliff's there (as he said he would be) and we can chat a bit.


Fayt: Yeah. I was just walking around the castle, checking it out, so I thought I might as well stop by here.
Fayt: But enough about me. How about you, Cliff? Picked up any interesting information?
Cliff: Well... I suppose so.
Fayt: Oh... So what did Mirage say?
Cliff: She's one cold lady. She said, 'I sneaked the emergency subspace communicator out of the Eagle. I need you to secure a power source to operate it, and you must also protect the target.' I wanted to complain, but I couldn't get through to her. She might've been underground or something. Bah...
Cliff: Still... Thanks to her, we've picked up a little bit of information. Interplanetary transmission is out of the question, but intercepting communications in the immediate area doesn't take that much energy.
Cliff: Wait a second! How'd you know Mirage contacted me? I'm sure I hadn't told you that yet.
Fayt: I just pretended to know more than I did and got you to spill the beans. Besides it's not at all like you to be in a place like this.
Cliff: Damn! You're craftier than I expected. But you're right... Even I can't deny that I'm a bit out of place here.
Fayt: So... What have you learned?
Cliff: Not much, to tell you the truth. About all I know is it's teeming with Federation and Vendeeni ships out there, and it seems it'll be a while before Quark's main fleet gets here.
Fayt: You mean to tell me the war between Vendeen and the Federation isn't over yet?
Cliff: That's right. The Federation has strength of numbers on their side, but Vendeen still dominates some regions. I suppose the Federation will prevail as long as Aldian doesn't butt in, but it will still take some time.
Fayt: What about my mother and father? Any word about them?
Cliff: Nothing at all. Unfortunately, we don't even know if they are alive and well.
Cliff: But it's no use getting all upset about it. After all, it's not like we heard they've been killed or something.
Fayt: I understand. Thanks.

We can do some more exploring if we want, but we're not allowed out of the castle and there isn't a ton left to see here so whenever we're done we can just go back to our room.


Cliff: See anything interesting?
Fayt: Not really. Cliff...
Cliff: Hmm?
Fayt: You told me I'd understand everything once I met Quark's leader, right?
Cliff: I don't think I said 'everything'... But yeah...
Fayt: But, you didn't expect things to turn out this way either, did you?
Cliff: Ahh... Not really...


Cliff: I don't know everything, but what I do know wouldn't do you any good anyway.
Fayt: But I may never find out!
Cliff: You'll see your dad again. I'll make sure of it. Just be patient.
Fayt: ...

The screen fades to black.


Cliff: Mornin'.
Fayt: Good morning.


Fayt: Yeah, thanks.
Nel: Today we're going to the Runological Weapon Research Facility.
Cliff: Ohhh, that where they're making that weapon?
Nel: Yes... It's time - time for you to lend us your knowledge.
Fayt: Sure, but until we actually see it, we can't make any promises.
Nel: Of course.
Nel: First, I want you to meet the person in charge. Her lab is on the west side of the castle... Shall we then?



Nel knocks on the door.

Nel: It's me. I've brought the engineers.
Elena: Please, come in.


Nel: Lady Elena, these are the two engineers from my report.

Elena puts down her book and walks over to the others.


Fayt: Nice to meet you. I'm Fayt Leingod.
Cliff: Howdy. Cliff Fittir.
Elena: A pleasure to meet you.
Elena: I... have to admit, they're much younger than I expected.
Nel: Yet they are knowledgeable.
Elena: I read the report. I do not doubt your information. It looks like we have no choice but to rely on that knowledge. We still haven't been able to analyze that metal fragment...


Elena: Yes, Dion. Come in.
Dion: Pardon my interruption.


Elena: This is my right-hand man, Dion Landers, Chief Researcher of Runological Weapon Development.
Dion: I'm Dion. Pleased to meet you. I hear you are men of learning. We're hoping you can impart some of your wisdom upon us.
Elena: I don't mean to rush you, but would you take a look at the runological weapon we're working on? A number of structural issues have been troubling us.
Fayt: Sure, no problem.
Elena: Dion, can you show them the way, please? I can't leave my desk right now.
Dion: Absolutely. Please, this way...


Fayt: I'm impressed that you're Chief Researcher at such a young age.
Dion: Well, I'm still an apprentice compared to Lady Elena.
Elena: Dion?


Dion: Ah, yes Lady Elena. Please forgive me!
Dion: Ah, she's mad at me now. Let's go. This way, please.


Dion: The weapon we'd like you to take a look at is in the fabrication room.



Dion: The device itself is basically complete, but it lacks the punch we need for it to work as a weapon... But if we increase the output, we run into durability problems...
Cliff: I see.
Fayt: (Wait... Something's not right... Should a planet at this level of civilization even have a weapon like this? This technology is obviously too advanced for them to have.)
Dion: What do you think? You see the problem? If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them.
Fayt: No, I don't have any questions, but...
Fayt: I'm sorry. Can I take a look at it a little longer?
Dion: Sure, no problem at all. Take as long as you need.
Fayt: Thank you.
Fayt: (Should I really complete this thing? Even if I wasn't worried about the UP3, I get the feeling this is going a little too far...)



Fayt: Yeah... It's definitely too advanced. This sort of thing shouldn't even exist on a planet at their stage of development.
Cliff: So, you gonna help them?
Fayt: I'm not sure. What do you think?
Cliff: Me? Well, if we finish it, lots of people are going to die. Question is: are we okay with that? I mean, I don't like doing something that I can't take responsibility for myself. It'd be different if I were the one making the decision to fire, but... the idea of some other guy who ain't me deciding what to do with a weapon I created... that kinda bugs me.
Fayt: But this country, with its symbological technology, might be able to complete this weapon eventually even if we don't help them. Maybe.
Cliff: Yeah... Maybe.
Fayt: ...
Cliff: Anyway, like I said before: you make the call.
Fayt: (What should I do?)



Fayt: I'll help them.
Cliff: What about your beloved UP3, huh?
Fayt: I know this weapon might cause great suffering - but, on the other hand, think of the suffering it can prevent.
Cliff: Okay- so what do you want me to do?
Fayt: Huh? But I thought you didn't-
Cliff: Who said I wouldn't help you? You've prepared yourself for the consequences, so as your bodyguard, I'd best do the same.
Fayt: Thanks.
Cliff: Well, I don't exactly want to die like a dog on this backwater planet either, so let's hurry up and finish this, make a communicator, and get outta here. We still gotta rescue your dad, too. So let's not waste any time.
Fayt: Right.


Dion: What is it?
Fayt: Dion, can I see the blueprint for this weapon?
Dion: Sure, no problem. Come on over to the lab.


Fayt: Thank you. Can I also have some paper and something to write with, please?
Dion: Sure, use this.
Fayt: Dion, what kind of wire are you using to conduct the runological power?
Dion: Iron wire, why?
Fayt: Iron... Okay, that explains why the wire can't take the heat when you increase the output...
Dion: Yes, that's our biggest problem.
Cliff: When you increase the power, it breaks. And when you decrease the power, you can't use it as a weapon, that it? Bummer!
Fayt: Superconducting aluminum would easily solve this problem, but... that's not an option here.
Dion: Superconducting aluminum?
Fayt: Um, never mind. Just talking to myself.
Fayt: Dion, have you tried copper?
Dion: No, well, I know that copper would probably solve the overheating issue, but...
Cliff: Is there a problem?
Dion: We can't obtain enough copper to complete this device.
Fayt: You don't have any mines?
Dion: No, there's a mine, it's just...
Nel: Wild dragons have taken up residence there.
Dion: Even one dragon would be a terrible enemy, so there's no way we could ever enter a whole nest of them. And mining is out of the question...
Cliff: Dragons. Well that explains it.
Nel: The mine in question is in Airyglyph territory, and is under the jurisdiction of the Dragon Brigade.
Fayt: The Dragon Brigade...
Dion: Even if we were successful in obtaining the copper, there's no guarantee that we'd be able to make it back here safely...
Nel: So you see the problem.
Cliff: Your average guy doesn't stand a chance against wild dragons and the Dragon Brigade.
Fayt: Hmm... Copper's really our best bet... What should be do?
Cliff: What are you talking about? All we have to do is go and get it.
Fayt: Can we?
Cliff: Of course we can. Do I look like an 'average guy' to you?
Cliff: I got no problems with dragons. No problem at all.


Fayt: It's not that I don't admit it. I just think you're a little overconfident, that's all.
Cliff: Whatever.
Dion: You can't be seriously considering going, just the two of you!?
Nel: What are you talking about? It won't just be the two of them. I'm going too!
Dion: You too!? It's still insane!
Nel: Don't worry. They may be engineers, but they really can fight. They've already proven themselves against the Black Brigade.
Dion: Maybe so, but still...
Nel: Hmm... But we won't be able to carry all that copper by ourselves. We'll need to bring several people with us just to transport it. How much do we need?
Fayt: Several dozen kilos, I'd say.
Nel: All right, no problem. My subordinates should be able to handle that much by themselves. We'll take Tynave and Farleen.
Dion: You insist on going, don't you. Well, all right, but don't take any unnecessary risks.
Nel: I know. I swear, you're just like Clair! Always worried!


Dion: What's this?
Fayt: I glanced over your blueprint and jotted down a number of problem areas and possible solutions.
Fayt: You can deal with these while we're out getting the copper.
Dion: Of course! Yes! Yes, I see! This should be a dramatic improvement.
Fayt: It's really nothing.
Nel: All right, get to work, Dion.
Dion: Yes, ma'am. ... And please, be careful.
Nel: I'll go gather my team. Let's meet up at the entrance to Aquios once you're ready.

We're now free to leave Aquios again!

Next time: dragons?