The metal planet of Æstherfall is a remarkable example of the delicate balance that can be achieved between technology and nature. Here, an unconventional currency flows through the veins of society, where the value of soil, the life-giving essence of fertile earth, surpasses the mundane concept of wealth. Soil is the key to survival, the foundation upon which sustenance sprouts and flourishes.
Soil mines, which are found only in the deepest parts of the planet, are typically worked by the nathkins. This is because the deeper a mine goes, the more powerful the energy generated by the æsthers becomes, virtually making it impossible for humans to withstand the currents, even with the aid of a Gear.
Despite this, the inhabitants of Æstherfall have devised ingenious means to transport this precious commodity. They use delicate containers made from tampered white æstherfibers, which are capable of cradling the weight of soil without succumbing to its earthly embrace.
As the demand for soil surges, a need for safekeeping emerges. Soil Banks, enigmatic institutions that mirror the grandeur of ancient temples, emerge as the guardians of this coveted resource. Within their hallowed walls, soil is stored meticulously, its fertility preserved through the ages.
The valuation of soil, however, transcends mere quantity. Its worth is not measured in a standardized fashion, for the richness of soil is influenced by factors beyond weight and volume. The fertility of the soil, and the potential it holds to nurture and sustain life, become the true measure of its value.
Soil that has been carefully nurtured and enriched with organic matter commands a higher price and whispers tales of bountiful harvests and flourishing gardens. They are divided into three grades. A, B, and C. In layman's terms, A-grade soil is as valuable as gold, B-grade is silver and C-grade is copper.
In this typical dance of supply and demand, traders and merchants haggle over the quality of soil, its texture, and the traces of ancient minerals that bestow it with a mystical allure. The value of a handful of soil can fluctuate wildly, driven not by arbitrary market forces but by the primal yearning for sustenance and prosperity.
Thus, in the metal planet of Aestherfall, the currency of soil, commonly referred to as dirt, paints a vivid tapestry of survival and abundance. It is regarded as the very foundation of the human-nathkin symbiotic relationship.
◈◈◈
Puzzled by Dr. Ahmed's request, Matthew and Aideen rush to the procurement office of the GOD medical facility on their way home. They are greeted by the receptionist, who directs them to one of the 'System Interactions' rooms nearby.
Matthew inserts their son's identification card into the slot provided inside the room, and a virtual helper in the form of a human female appears from the holo-projector. Horror etches on their faces as they look at the remarks and numbers displayed by the hologram.
「 Matthew 」
"What do you mean the insurance doesn't cover it?"
「 Virtua Karen 」
"I'm sorry, but it appears that the recent tragedy involving the Ohms attack at New Pavo Elementary falls under the category of an unforeseen event, which is not covered by your son's insurance policy."
"The policy explicitly states in article 9.2 that damages caused by acts of violence or natural disasters are excluded from coverage."
Matthew and Aideen are currently at a loss for words as they attempt to come to terms with the devastating news they have received. The unfortunate incident that occurred at Alex's school has resulted in their son suffering from severe injuries and necessitating immediate medical attention.
In light of this, they acquiesced to the medical personnel's recommendation that Alex be treated at the GOD medical facility during the catastrophic occurrence. They expected that their insurance would provide the necessary financial resources to support them during this challenging period.
「 Matthew 」
"We can't possibly afford to pay for all the expenses ourselves."
"Is there any way to appeal or seek assistance?"
「 Virtua Karen 」
"I understand your concern, but the policy terms are clear regarding such situations."
"However, I recommend contacting our customer support to discuss possible options."
"They may be able to guide you through any available resources or financial aid programs."
Matthew's shoulders slump, and a sense of helplessness flows over him. The significance of their son's medical bills, coupled with the emotional toll of the tragedy, feels overwhelming.
「 Matthew 」
"Thank you, Karen."
"We will reach out to customer support and explore any avenues for assistance."
"Our son's well-being is our priority."
「 Virtua Karen 」
"I hope you find the support you need."
"Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns."
"Wishing you strength during this challenging time."
As the holographic image of Virtua Karen disappears, Matthew and Aideen stand in silence, their minds filled with worry and uncertainty. Mere words are not enough to console them as the numbers displayed by Virtua Karen are still fresh inside their minds.
「 Aideen 」
"Where in the world are we going to get a ton of gold dirt?"
「 Matthew 」
"I don't know yet honey."
"I don't know."
"But we'll get through this."
"The Lord is always on the side of the faithful."
「 Aideen 」
"I know, Matthew."
"I know that we have to stay strong for Alex..."
"But finding a ton of gold dirt seems like an impossible task."
"Maybe we can reach out to the community, explain our situation, and see if anyone can help."
Matthew nods, determination flickering in his eyes.
「 Matthew 」
"Yes, let's start by talking to our neighbors and friends."
"Maybe they have connections or know someone who can assist us in obtaining the dirt we need."
They leave the procurement office, their hearts heavy but with a glimmer of hope. As customer support did not offer any solution to their problem, they began reaching out to their network, sharing their story and the amount needed to pay Alex's medical expenses.
Slowly, word spreads throughout the community, and people start coming forward with suggestions, ideas, and even offers of assistance. As days pass, Matthew and Aideen witness the power of unity and compassion.
「 Aideen (swamped) 」
"I am overwhelmed by the support we're receiving."
"It's amazing how people are coming together for our son."
「 Matthew 」
"It truly is, Aideen."
"Our community is showing its true strength and generosity."
"We made the right choice when we decided to move here, honey."
「 Aideen 」
"We certainly did, dear."
Their neighbors, friends, and even strangers rally together, pooling their resources and knowledge to help them acquire the necessary dirt to pay the bill. Some offer to search the depths of Æstherfall themselves, while others connect them with nathkin communities known for their expertise in mining the soil.
In their search for a way to settle their outstanding payment, Matthew and Aideen learn about the precious symbiotic relationship between humans and nathkins on Æstherfall. They discover the deep respect that exists between the two species, as nathkins navigate the perilous depths of the planet's soil mines, with humans providing support and the wonders of their technology in return.
Matthew and Aideen witness the true essence of Æstherfall—the delicate balance between every living thing, the value placed on soil as the foundation of life, and the power of community in times of adversity.
◈◈◈
「 Aideen 」
"We are so grateful for everyone's help, Seggra."
"I can't even express how much this means to us."
「 Seggra 」
"Don't worry about it dear."
"Today is your day."
"Tomorrow maybe mine..."
"Who knows."
Aideen and Seggra embrace each other as they observe the transfer of soil into the Carmen's bank account through the Citizen Information System's display within her neighbor's abode. The digits on the screen continue to increase at regular intervals.
「 Aideen 」
"Seggra, we're so close to reaching our goal."
"Still short around..."
"300 kilos."
"Any ideas?"
「 Seggra 」
"Hmm..."
" I might know someone who can help us."
"There's a nathkin elder in a village on the outskirts of the town."
"Rumor says that he has an extensive knowledge of the deepest soil mines and its whereabouts."
"Maybe he can help us?"
Excitement sparks in Aideen's eyes as she clings to the glimmer of hope.
「 Aideen 」
"That sounds promising, Seggra!"
"Maybe the elder can assist us in obtaining the last 300 kilos of soil."
"I need to tell Matthew about this."
Seggra nods, her expression filled with determination.
「 Seggra 」
"We can meet the nathkin elder and explain our situation."
"I believe he could offer us some useful information."
「 Aideen 」
"Yes, let's make arrangements to meet the nathkin elder as soon as possible."
"I'll talk to Matthew and see when he's available."
"Do you have any idea where the village is located?"
「 Seggra 」
"Yes, I can give you directions to the village."
"It's a bit of a journey, but I believe it will be worth it."
"I'll share the directions with you."
Seggra takes out her phone and quickly shares the location of the nathkin village with Aideen. Aideen acknowledges her friend with a nod after receiving the information.
「 Aideen 」
"Thank you, Seggra. I appreciate your help."
"I'll discuss this with Matthew, and we'll plan a trip to the village as soon as we can."
"Do you think the nathkin elder will be willing to assist us?"
「 Seggra 」
"I can't make any promises..."
"But one thing for sure, nathkin elders are known for their wisdom."
"If you explain your situation to him, I believe there's a good chance he will help."
"In one way or another."
「 Aideen 」
"I'm grateful for all the support we've received so far..."
"But we still have a little way to go."
"I'll head home and discuss this with Matthew."
"Love you, hun."
「 Seggra 」
"Love you too, dear."
Filled with purpose, Aideen leaves Seggra's home and heads back to her own house to discuss the plan with Matthew. She finds Matthew sitting in the living room, deep in thought. She sits down beside him and shares the news about the nathkin elder and the possibility of obtaining the remaining soil.
「 Aideen 」
"Matthew, I spoke to Seggra, and she knows of a nathkin elder in a village near here."
"He's rumored to have extensive knowledge of the deepest soil mines."
"I think we should meet him and explain our situation."
Matthew looks at Aideen, a mixture of hope and uncertainty in his eyes.
「 Matthew 」
"I'm willing to try anything at this point, Aideen."
"Our community has been amazing, but we're still short."
"If this nathkin elder can help us, we have to take the chance."
「 Aideen 」
"That's exactly how I feel, Matthew."
"We can't afford to give up now."
"I have the directions to the nathkin village."
"Seggra provided them."
Aideen hands her phone to Matthew, who studies the directions carefully.
「 Matthew 」
"It seems like it will be quite a journey."
"But if it leads us to the soil we need for Alex's payments, it will be worth it."
"Let's prepare for the trip and set off as soon as we can."