In the end, Anna and Charles parted unhappily after their discussion. Clearly, neither side had managed to convince the other.
Strictly speaking, while they both originated from the same consciousness and still loved each other, disputes were inevitable as long as they remained separate individuals.
Charles sent Anna a telegram: New Territory City could begin preparations, not for his sake, but for humanity's. If the plan to find the Darkness truly failed, New Territory City could serve as humanity's last seed.
However, he didn't dwell on the matter, trusting Anna to handle it. He had more important things to do.
Out on the Gobi Beach beyond the station, arcs of white welding light followed Charles's tentacles, swaying back and forth across the ground like seaweed. As he willed it, a dozen intertwined tentacles instantly shot up from the ground and whipped down hard.
CRACKLE!
