I hear strange noises in my headphones when I walk into this office… Doctor, is there a problem with the wiring of your audio equipment? Oh, it's the counter-surveillance system? Sorry, I'll turn off my equipment.

It's windy outside again. When I was a child in Bresk, I always worried about high winds putting out the fire at night. For many years, the sound of the Far North winds woke me from my dreams—does it still happen? Of course not, I'm awake right now. Oh, that's not what you meant?

No, nothing I don't understand. The documents are very clearly written. I look puzzled? Oh, that's because my horns aren't balanced, so it's less tiring if I tilt my head. Are you interested in my redesigned antenna? I can share the blueprints—Oh… nope, it doesn't hurt.

I often see you deep in thought. I envy you. My thoughts are shallow, and so I often realize things after the fact. Examples? Well, for example, it was only when I heard about the news in the Far North that I realized the fact. I'd been accepted into the Imperial College of Science and Engineering, just because it benefited the Grand Duchess politically. Ironic, isn't it?

The people in the cities thought they could keep the tragedy of the mines outside their doors. They're wrong. The city doesn't belong to them. Even their doors don't belong to them. I can hear the footsteps constantly following me, from Breskenoy to Grypherburg.

I met Mantra and found that voice when I came to this place. She and Raidian are remarkable women. Oh, no, I'm not here to ask for an autograph. But I do have a couple of microphones in my collection, just saying…

I used to read the proverb of the day on my college's student council radio. One day, I didn't have time to make preparations, so I read my own work. Word got out somehow, and an angry student came to demand that I read his work too. Yes, it was Rania.

Start recording. There's a lot of paperwork yet to be done, so the scheduled long-range communications test will have to be delayed—were you looking for me? Just making an audio diary. Mind if I continue? I hope I won't be interrupted again tomorrow. End recording.

I tried to call for help from the outside after being shut inside the quarantine zone, but heard only silence. The anxiety had me vomiting on a daily basis. But it turned out there was someone beside me listening all that time. Fedya—actually, how should I call him?

I can play relaxing music for you if you need to sleep. Don't worry, I have my headphones, it won't disturb me.

I remember you, Doctor. That unusual high-frequency waveform that appeared in Rhodes Island's encrypted signals. Just call me Botani, that's how everyone else calls me. It means 'bookworm', and I take it as a compliment.

I can't see the screen very well—whoa, there's even more static on it when I approach! Is it because of interference? Give me a minute to turn off my equipment. Well, more like a dozen minutes.

A commendation for me? Thank you. I once captured a Rhodes Island commendation message in an attic corner at my college. I never thought at the time that I would earn such a commendation myself.

I appreciate the recognition, even if I don't know if I actually deserve it. The same medal carries different weight on different people. There is much that I have to learn from Mantra and the others.

Operation channel connected. Beginning test.

Botani here. Beginning timecode check.

All units, maintain radio silence. We are leaving.

Target acquired.

Listening in.

Waiting for response.

Coordinates synced.

Botani ready.

Listen, hear the winds of the Far North behind us!

Look, see the torch in your hands!

Remember, know why we fight!

Shout, that they might hear our voice!

Radio silence lifted. We can cheer now, Doctor. It's a victory worth celebrating. Botani, over and out.

Good work, Doctor. Botani, over and out.

Botani, over and out.

Botani to all, Botani to all. Hear my voice, and I'll guide you to safety.

The soft humming of machines running… it's comforting.

Hey, did you hear something?

Don't touch that horn. No, it won't shock you, but it sends a terrible noise into my mind—ah, you believed me.

Arknights.

Somehow, New Year lights here feel warmer than in Grypherburg, and the wind gentler. Look, some operators are already dancing… would you like to try? I just picked up a new song that you might like.

How are you doing, Doctor? The report is on your desk. Would you like me to read it to you? Ahem. Today's news—

Put on my headphones, Doctor! Do you hear a strange beeping? Can you note it down for me? Thanks! Hm, it sounds like some kind of message. Seems like it translates to—aha! It says 'Happy Birthday!' The cake's still on its way, though.

With the call from the Far North that was heard all over Ursus, I realized that just listening was not enough. Change can only come by making more sound, and letting more people hear it. Even if we can only change a little bit at a time, Rhodes Island will be with us, yes?