Fractale (フラクタル)

So, I suppose we ought to expect you home late again today?

Sweetie, big boys don't prop their chins

on their hands like that.

"Flea market" doesn't sound very reputable.

Sure it's someplace you ought to be?

Trust me, it's fine.

The boy gets his curiosity from your side.

Those itchy feet of yours give him ideas.

Oh, I got the wanderlust out of my system a while back.

Retired. Settled down in Luimnigh five years ago now.

Really? I live in Vale! We're practically neighbors!

'kay. See ya.

Oh, have fun.

Just make sure you're home in time for dinner, alright?

Remember: it's important for us to be together

as a family at mealtimes.

I'll be home in time.

Whoa-ho...!

Neat way of putting it, but kind of weird.

"Wishing"? Prayers are what they're usually called.

Which makes sense, 'cause what's there to wish for?

I mean, how crazy would that be to actually

have to ask the Day Star for something...?

I'd feel so stupid...

Hello!

"Illuminate all we forgot." Whatever.

More people here than I thought there'd be.

Mm hmm.

Whoa! This place is a gold mine...!

You see anything compatible with my stuff?

Ah yes, here we go...

Just the right size.

Oh, man. I've already burned through my donay for the month.

You need a handout?

Nah, just window shopping.

So? Let papa have a look! What gen is it?

Hey, don't get all shadow on me.

Kid, forget the antiques- try this stuff out.

Try what out?

Don't tell me you're in the dark?

That's a data drug!

Yeah, and word is it'll make your mind explode.

You should give it whirl!

I'll pass if it's all the same to you.

Freeze!

Everybody stay right where you are.

Fantastic. Ninety-five percent of the suspects were dopples.

Pay dirt. Step on it!

Ah! There it is...

Fractale is a trillion-machine cyber network designed at the

absolute cutting edge of 22nd century technology...

Well, not as nifty as an old-school

scratch track download, I guess, but still.

by the Sky High Hovering Server.

A basic income is then allotted

to all participants in perpetuity.

This system creates a world where everyone's financial means

are met regardless of their ability to work.

Consequently, a world free of poverty and war.

Indeed, it's no overstatement to call Fractale

the godlike manifestation of humanity's oldest dream.

So this thing was patched about the time Fractale

first came into existence. Not a bad accidental find.

The world this old info-track is talking about

has been present-tense for a while now.

And it's right. Life is pretty sweet. Mostly.

People get by well when they don't have to bother

interacting with each other in the flesh.

Sometimes it's boring, sure, but...

it's not like the alterative wasn't given a shot...

Time for the five o'clock prayer...

Based on your current location, the direction of the temple is

approximately ten degrees to the right of where you are facing.

And now, let us pray together.

I guess if this is the most we've got to put up with,

things could be worse.

Remain calm and refrain from blinking.

The heck is that?

Am I seeing things?

It's a girl!

She's in trouble!

This looks serious...

I know it sounds crazy... But...

Well... for a second there...

Just for a second...

It wouldn't have surprised me to see her fly.

Guess they're giving up the search. Good.

There she is.

Now what?

Off to a great start.

Hey, um... Are you like... okay, or what?

Well... At least she's breathing...

If she really is a "she," that is.

Uh, oh!

Er, I, uh...

You really shouldn't try to move till we, uh, know how badly...

Oh... Suppose I should say hi.

Um... Nice... night?

Uh... You know, you're right.

The day star's already headed down, so I guess it is night.

I guess so.

I'll just go and find something to patch you up with

before it gets any worse...

I... uh...

Welcome home, son.

Find anything exciting at the flea market?

Got a bit more than I bargained for, actually.

What is it, Jackie?

Not to shrug you guys off or anything, but...

I was sorta hoping you could give me the night to myself?

I just need some time alone, you know...

What's gotten into you all of sudden?

Well, I suppose we could if it's alright with your father.

Uh, as long as you don't stay up too late.

Good night, then.

Okay, the coast is clear. You can come in.

You're very kind. Thanks.

You really think you're okay enough

not to have to go to the hospital or anything?

I forgot! There was one thing I wanted to-- Clain!

And who is this young lady?

No one, just, uh...

My name is Phryne.

Don't start a conversation!

Oh dear, the poor thing's hurt!

No, no! It's fine. Believe me. It's--

Look. I'll explain later, okay?!

Hold on just a minute--

Well, they seem very pleasant.

Do those dopples belong to your parents?

That's right... And the little yapper

who broke our cover was Jackie.

You didn't have to do that just for me, you know...

Make your family disappear, I mean.

That's kind of a dramatic way of putting it,

I mean c'mon, they're just dopples...

Sure, if you say so.

Oh yeah, let's get you fixed up.

Let's see. First aid kit...

It's not much, but it ought to take care of the scratches.

I should be able to tend to my wounds on my own

if you don't mind giving me a little bit of privacy.

Not to impose, of course.

Sure, not a problem at all,

I'll just bury my head upstairs while you do your thing...

You won't even know I'm here. So, uh, yeah.

What a weird girl.

Weird, but...

Well I guess she's kind of nice, actually.

Um... Sorry to trouble you...

I believe I may need your help after all.

Fine! No problem! What'd ya need?

You will have to look at me first.

You really don't mind?

I can't explain otherwise.

I tried to reach here... But, I'm too stiff...

So, if you'd be so kind...

You sure you... don't need a hospital?

This is wonderful... I'm absolutely charmed.

These objects wear an aura of history and care

I find quite delightful.

It's really magnificent.

Did I hear you right when you said your name was Phryne?

Uh huh.

So, not that it's any of my business or anything,