Fenrir Translations
On October 12 (local time), the U.S. Senate passed a bill imposing stricter regulations on gun ownership. With 61 votes in favor and 39 against, the bill now awaits approval from the House and the signature of President David Henderson to take effect.
Prompted by last month’s Waterside Park shooting in Chelsea, New York, the bill strengthens background checks for gun buyers under 21 and mandates audits of ammunition manufacturers, requiring clear identification of purposes for large purchases.
All 50 Democratic senators supported the bill, and notably, 11 Republican senators also voted in favor.
Following the bill's passage, President Henderson praised the bipartisan efforts to address frequent gun-related tragedies but added, "Further amendments will be made to safeguard citizens' right to bear arms."
However, the majority of Republican senators opposed the bill, criticizing it for increasing costs in illegal ammunition distribution without providing sufficient safeguards against unintended consequences.
Democratic Majority Leader Henry M. Brayton, who played a key role in pushing the bill through, stated, "This is a step forward, but we have a long way to go," adding a personal note about national security, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the bill would function in emergencies.
Recently, Brayton has subtly hinted at a potential presidential run through media appearances, interviews, and op-eds, with supporters in the Democratic Party stating, "His political hiatus is over."
"Ah, you're here. Was the journey difficult?"
"Compared to what's coming, the path I just walked was a stroll in the park. I’ve been invited by someone who’s planning to establish a secret society in the U.S. under the symbol of the phoenix. The more surprising part is that person’s trying to plant themselves in the White House."
"Haha, in this world, your 'lungs' are just one set. You speak so well, I almost forgot."
"Oh, Henry. Was one term as president not enough for you? What should I call you next time? Kaiser? Führer? How about General Secretary? Just say the word."
"Bite me, Kerry."
Thud.
Two veteran politicians with graying hair sat across from each other in a secluded study, exchanging glances. These two Washington political beasts, who would usually move based on personal interests and ideologies, had come together for one reason.
The Omega Virus crisis.
Two months ago, they were struck by new memories, like lightning hitting their brains. Suddenly, countless connections that shouldn’t have existed began to materialize, shaking both the political and financial sectors of the U.S., as well as federal departments.
That’s why they were sitting here.
"You could’ve declined the invitation. You must have had your reasons for accepting."
"I was worried the Democratic Party’s poster child might be suffering from dementia. But it seems you’re in better shape than I thought."
"What can I say? Still going strong."
After a few light jabs disguised as jokes, the air grew heavy again. Normally, these two men wouldn’t have anything in common, let alone share the same memories.
But those shared memories had brought them together, steering them toward the same goal.
"Who else knows about Icarus?"
"A few in both the House and Senate. But the real stronghold isn’t in politics. It’s within the federal agencies. Most of the senators who survived the Capitol explosion didn’t make it. I’m more surprised you and I know each other, Kerry."
"Wouldn’t expect anything less."
Their conversation was sparse, but heavy.
"I’ve spoken with everyone who shares these memories, directly or indirectly. Eugene will unofficially receive the Medal of Honor. I’m sure the Secretary of Defense is mulling over it as we speak. By January of next year, the president will approve it."
"This is madness. At this level, there’s no way to keep it under control. What guarantees do we have that it won’t be exposed? One slip and the election will be the least of our problems—our entire lives could be ruined. Do you have enough funds for an escape?"
"Eugene has the original Icarus Gear."
Silence followed.
Kerry burst into laughter as Henry’s lips curled into a smile.
"Erasing all traces with technology instead of leaving it to chance, huh? That’s one way to deal with it. But Henry, this will leave a stain on your conscience."
"Once a game like Dark Zone exists in this world, it’s not about conscience anymore. And at this point? You and I, politicians? Spare me."
"An American’s conscience, perhaps."
"People change their minds with every vote, like reeds swaying in the wind. Why would an American conscience be any different?"
But the conversation didn’t escalate further. Their shared memories ensured they reached an agreement.
"We’ll discuss the use of Icarus Gear with Eugene once the Asian qualifiers are over. She’ll be in the U.S. by late December, and we’ve planned a modest medal ceremony for her."
"You look excited—like a grandfather showing off his grandkids."
"Do I? Haha. Maybe I should practice looking like this more often. It could come in handy for voter outreach."
"Stop with the nonsense."
Another pause followed, but both men sensed the conversation nearing its conclusion.
"So, what’s your slogan for your future presidential campaign?"
"Hmm. How about ‘The Most Solid America’?"
Kerry chuckled softly.
"The Most Solid America. Uppermost Solid America. U.S.A."
"You're insane."
It was absurd, but even Kerry had to admit the sense of humor.
"Wow, so many people…!"
The weather was cool, the sun was gentle, and the air was fresh. As she got closer to the stadium, lively background music filled the air, and the smell of food from the snack booths made the atmosphere even more enjoyable. It was a perfect day in every way.
Except for the massive crowds threatening to overshadow everything else.
This wasn’t just a big crowd—it was overwhelming. Harmony had heard stories of the 2002 World Cup, where 300,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square. Back then, they had called it a "sea of red." But today? How could she describe it?
A sea of color, flooding Yongsan.
"I can’t even walk…"
Right in the middle of it all was Harmony.
Thankfully, thanks to her newly earned Dark Zone Partner Streamer status, she had been able to reserve one of the best seats in the stadium for the Asian qualifiers. But that didn’t mean getting to the venue was a smooth experience. It was more like, "We’ve done our part, now getting there is up to you."
Which was understandable—Harmony hadn’t expected an easy ride either. But now, she couldn’t help but wish for one.
‘...Will they be able to blur all these people’s faces?’
With advancements in streaming technology, automatic face-blurring had become standard. This had significantly reduced the stress on outdoor streamers. However, the more people in the frame, the less effective the system became, especially with the sheer volume of faces to process.
Still, she had to go live at least once. It was part of her job to promote Dark Zone and Icarus. Attention meant revenue, after all.
And so, the stream went live.
-[Harmony // ON AIR]
-[Title: Struggling Not to Get Trampled T_T]
Life wasn’t easy.
But the viewer count, which wasn’t rising slowly—it was skyrocketing. Harmony had Eugene to thank for that. Despite this being just a simple outdoor stream, she already had 7,000 viewers. With donations flooding in, her tension started to ease.
As she walked, the enormous stadium finally came into view.
"Oh, there it is. But… wow, there are way too many people."
The line for on-site ticket sales was endless.
The stadium had 10,000 seats, but only a few hundred were reserved. Maybe 100 at most? VIPs had their own waiting rooms, and the professional players were treated similarly. So, realistically, around 9,900 seats were up for grabs through various methods.
But most of those seats had already been sold online.
So what was this line for?
The remaining 5,000 external seats—those set up outside the stadium—were available for people to watch on the giant screen. And how many people were lining up for those seats?
"The line just keeps going, everyone. See that drone up there? It’s counting the people, and only the top 5,000 will get tickets for the external seating. It’s pretty tough out here. I hope everyone enjoys the match, though."
Beep.
Harmony scanned her badge, a staff ID she had received in the mail. A cheerful beep sounded, and the door clicked open.
The entrance was dark, not meant for public use, but it had some faint lighting. There were even signs directing her where to go.
The air inside was refreshingly cool. Though it was a nice day outside, the interior of the stadium was adjusted to perfection, with an interior design that was both sleek and surreal. People bustled around, preparing for the event.
"This is the stadium? It feels different, even the air."
"Oh, I have to do something first. I need to pick something up."
While most viewers were puzzled by her words, Harmony casually sat down and checked her messages.
After a moment, she stood up and headed toward a fan service zone, which was still relatively quiet since it hadn’t opened to the public yet. In a few hours, it would be as crowded as the main stadium, but for now, it was empty.
There, someone was waiting for her.
A peculiar floating drone hovered nearby like a pet.
"Ownership transfer complete. Please return it when you revisit tomorrow."
"Thank you!"
At that moment, a donation notification popped up.
<Windscale donated 10,000 won!>
"Connect her."
───Flash!
A brilliant light exploded into the air.
As the drone disassembled into multiple pieces, polygons began to materialize, forming a figure. Taller than Harmony, with long black hair and curves in all the right places.
Except, the curves didn’t stop at the hips. A long tail swayed slowly behind the figure.
A portable hologram generator. Harmony had used her money to summon Eugene’s avatar into reality.
Before the drone's attached speaker could emit an incredulous voice, Harmony spoke first.
"Wow! It’s like resurrection!"
"...Be grateful I came here as a hologram."