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Sesa had the habit of watching the news every evening. It was necessary to keep up with current affairs. Whether he liked it or not, the potential power of his firearms that most can use may cause massive chaos on Terra. Similarly, his former laboratory in Columbia might have that power too. Even without his presence, that lab could easily find more talents.
Passenger caught up with the news too. Knowledge is power, and he held it to climb to the top of Sargon’s black market. At the same time, news of weapons development in Columbia was concerning. Even if Passenger no longer considered himself Columbian despite being born there, it was still a target for his revenge. The Columbian military had manipulated his teacher’s energy research into a tool of destruction.
‘Columbia has reported success with tests of a ‘newly developed ultramodern weapon able to cause massive destruction, powered by a new form of energy’ in its deserts despite resistance from other countries…’
Sesa’s face grew pale, while Passenger’s expression darkened.
‘So the other two Sarkaz crystals were being used in Columbia. Took them long enough. 20 plus years and I have unfortunately lived long enough to see this happen.’ Passenger said coldly.
‘You mean, that’s the power source of the divine weapons? What will happen if this crystal was weaponised?’ Sesa asked.
‘I told you before. Greenery could turn into deserts. Many people would die, or become homeless and Infected. See, this crystal is a remainder. If not for Kal'tsit, I would have turned into dust back then.’ Passenger pointed to his forehead.
‘Is there any way to stop such a tragedy?’ This must be prevented at all cost. Sesa’s voice shook slightly, in contrast to how Passenger answered calmly.
‘There is. Use this weapon to destroy them before they use it on the rest of Terra.’
‘Is it even possible?’
‘It is. I built the crystal with my teacher once before. I can create it again with your help. And if it was built into your firearms, we can even aim it to destroy the lab completely.’
‘Wouldn’t everyone there die? And innocent people in the area?’ The thought of lost lives filled Sesa with much dread.
‘Unfortunately, yes. But more people would die if the Union Army used it to wage war on Terra. You’ll save more lives than those that are taken away. Sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. Will you consider it?’ Passenger put a hand on Sesa’s shoulder and made more eye contact.
‘The souls that would be lost though… Who will think about the suffering of the victims?’ Sesa was still horrified at the idea and how Passenger just spoke as if it was some other fact.
‘Souls. The ones of my teacher and your brother have already been sacrificed due to the Columbian military. I’ve always wanted to end the war instigated by them, but I can’t do it alone. Your firearms provide a way to do it that we can both survive and witness the end of Terra’s war. And to complete our revenge for their deaths.’ Sesa’s firearms would be absolutely necessary for the precise control of the explosive to land and eliminate the right area.
‘Since we survive, then we’ll surely be hated and feared as killers. I… don’t think I can accept that. To give up the life I made for myself. Must I really do this?’
‘Do you rather live in fear of what Columbia will pull on Terra? A small price to pay, for peace. And don’t fear being hated. I’ve had people hating my guts since forever so I’m used to it. Even if the whole of Terra will hate you, I’ll be by your side and support you. Always.’
Passenger moved his hand up to Sesa’s cheek. His expression shifted to a slight frown as his tone grew softer.
‘It was supposed to be a new source of energy, yet it was used for evil. Your firearms, they were supposed to be used for industries. But it reaped more blood than industrial development.’
‘It got out of control beyond what we expected. Such is the burden held by us. But can such massive destruction really end war and bring peace? It just does not compute. ’ Although Sesa was still unagreeable to Passenger’s ideas, he felt some sympathy at their similar stories.
‘Saying yes would be naïve. Whatever I said earlier just a hypothesis of mine. And besides this, it is also up to people’s wills to prevent war. This we cannot control. Though launching this explosive to Columbia may influence and hasten the process of ending war due to the threat of destruction. It’s either Columbia, or us. We need to gain back control of this technology before Columbia controls it.’ Passenger’s hand was put down back into his lap, for Sesa looked even more uneasy.
‘I… This is so difficult. Even if you’ve justified it, it’s still so… sinful. Can I just… ponder about it first?’
‘Of course it’s horrible. I’ll give you some to do so. If I could, I wouldn’t ask you for something this dreadful. There are other more enjoyable things to do, after all. Would you like some tea at such a moment? I apologise for troubling you this much. I’ll also get some coffee.’ Passenger also did not like to see Sesa like this, stripped of his usual smile. He also felt like he needed some coffee now.
‘Yes please.’ Sesa whispered. How did Passenger even ramble this long? It was almost like their meeting back in Sargon’s desert. Except that they have spent more time and known each other by now to be something like friends.
Passenger brought the drinks over. They prepared it silently.
‘Remember, simple things like drinking coffee and tea like this will no longer possible if the war worsens.’
‘Then, can I really do this? To save everyone’s lives.. even if many people will die?’ Sesa asked. It was as hard to reject Passenger as thinking about the lives that would be lost or saved. He did not want Passenger to think about this alone.
‘You certainly can. I believe in you... and your powers, as you’d say every now and then.’