The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 277 The Death of Ireland

If we set aside the shocking scene of Gin firing at the East Tower at the end, and Ireland's astonishing intuition in deducing the core secret that "[Shinichi Kudo] = [Conan Edogawa]" from subtle clues—

The serial murder case in "Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser" was actually not complicated.

The whole incident began on an ordinary Qixi Festival night two years ago.

That night, a fire broke out at the Kyoto Ori Hotel.

At the entrance to the emergency elevator on the sixth floor, Nanako Honjo, this kind-hearted person, voluntarily gave up her elevator seat—

She was trapped in thick smoke and flames after saving the lives of seven other people in the elevator.

Then, every year around this time, the seven survivors would unanimously send an anonymous bouquet of flowers on the anniversary of her death to express their condolences.

But as some scripts depict.

Her kindness earned her the gratitude of others.

Her death was etched into the nightmares of her loved ones, and the grief twisted by the loss of their loved ones blossomed into flowers of revenge as those "hypocritical" people sent her bouquets.

Kazuki Honjo, Nanako Honjo's older brother.

The real killer in this serial murder case.

He decided to avenge his sister's death—that is, to kill everyone in the elevator who didn't give up their seat for Nanako.

Therefore, he approached his sister's lover before her death, and, taking advantage of his guilt and remorse over Nanako's death, persuaded him to agree to take the blame for him at the end of his revenge plan and commit suicide.

This is the truth of the matter.

If he wasn't one of the people involved in this case, the tenant named Masaaki Okakura was actually an unofficial undercover agent sent by the organization—

This revenge will just be another ordinary tragedy in the Conan universe.

However, in the original "historical inertia," he carried a memory card containing a list of undercover agents of the organization in order to protect himself.

But many things have changed now.

For example, Ireland was told that he had taken away important information related to the "pointer".

For example, those "reconnaissance periods" that the police and Conan shouldn't have skipped in the original "six days".

……

The Alliance's third central research platform, an analysis laboratory used by the Narrative Studies Department.

A researcher in a white lab coat stood up and projected charts and graphs related to "historical offset rate" and "narrative conflict node analysis".

"This case is actually completely unimportant; it's essentially just a side segment in the narrative chain—"

He then gave his own conclusion.

“We can try to skip it directly and have Conan Edogawa go directly to the East Tower to meet Gin and the others, and complete the core turning point of the plan.”

Another researcher nodded and dragged the psychological measurement chart of [Shinichi Kudo] that Dr. Agasa and his team had been helping to analyze over the past few days to the front of the projectors.

"From the current perspective, the compensatory measures we made in the prologue (i.e., The Desperate Resurrection), namely the agreement between [Shinichi Kudo] and [Ran Mouri], are sufficient for Him to go to the East Tower as [Shinichi Kudo]."

"Moreover, Ran Mouri's hostage status also satisfies his determination to completely destroy the Black Organization."

"In other words, Ireland's weight in this case has been reduced to an acceptable level."

This is also a crucial aspect of the plan: everyone Conan Edogawa comes into contact with ultimately ends up either working for the Alliance or under their control.
After all, this was a collaboration with Karasuma Renya—the alliance obviously couldn't place too much trust in him.

Moreover, the Conan universe itself has always been eyeing this opportunity, trying to seize the chance to make a move.

"In this way, without the catalyst of the intermediate process, we can minimize the impact of Shinichi Kudo's abnormal effects on the entire Tokyo metropolitan area."

"Moreover, the universe is unlikely to create unnecessary deviations during the occurrence and reasoning of the 'case'," one researcher added.

With a flick of his finger, he brought up the "plot" that Lord ZC-01 had stored in the Alliance database in the past.

"Based on the analysis of the original [historical inertia], the key conflict of the narrative is concentrated on the exposure of [Conan Edogawa]'s identity and the final 'showdown' on the East Tower."

“Gin can replace Ireland in the final ‘deduction’ role, and his identity is more than sufficient; and for the Black Organization, the importance of the ‘pointer’ and the ‘undercover information card’ is based on the same logic.”

"If we simply shove all the reasoning and evidence directly in front of Shinichi Kudo, we can 'skip' the theoretically required 'six days'!"

The plan looks quite complete.

"But... what about Ireland's death?" a voice asked. "The [Executive Level] also demands that the final outcome be the destruction of the [Black Organization]."

After a brief silence, a researcher pulled out the complex network of relationships between the individuals.

This can be accomplished from three directions.

"First, we used the pretext of exposing their Irish identities to get Chianti and Cohen to take action. Ireland trusted Vermouth a lot, and we could use the original information about the perpetrator in the case to have the police split up and then stage it as a car accident."

The researcher who initially made the suggestion frowned: "There might not be enough time; Ran Mouri's kidnapping can't be kept secret for long."

He looked at his colleague: "The executives have emphasized keeping Kogoro Mouri away from the heart of this case as much as possible. We can't be sure if he—"

"Yes, but this problem can be handled by Heiji Hattori. This is the second direction I mentioned, which is to use GSSRA to forcibly keep them in the Metropolitan Police Department."

“We can send a special task force directly and find a reasonable excuse to kill him.”

"The third layer of insurance is Kogoro Mouri himself, but as I just mentioned, this carries certain risks and involves the interference between several 'personas'."

The research director, who had remained silent throughout, finally spoke up: "I think these contingency plans are sufficient."

"I will report today's results to the [implementation level]. In any case, as long as the 'fourth pointer case' can be concluded within one day, some risk factors are tolerable."

Thus, Ireland became the first pawn to be sacrificed in the plan.

……

"Vermouth? Vermouth?"

"Damn it!"

Ireland cursed inwardly as he looked at the phone that had been hung up on.

He was now filled with despair, whether it was the organization's plan for him, his revenge, or any other thought.

That all ended with the gun that Kogoro Mouri pointed at him.

Ireland has no idea how all of this happened.

Just an hour ago, he was sitting in the brightly lit conference room at the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters.

Wearing the disguise of Matsumoto Kiyotaka, he calmly presented the crucial clue about the "serial murder case" to everyone.

The most crucial aspect of solving a serial murder case is finding the killer's modus operandi and motive.

When Ireland threw out keywords like "Qixi Festival," "Kyoto fire," and "elevator accident," the entire conference room fell silent for a second.

What followed was a tidal wave of reaction—all the police officers present immediately "realized" the situation.

"Ah! It really is related to Qixi Festival!"

Kogoro Mouri clapped his hands, feeling that he had finally regained some of his detective instincts.

"Then the reason why the murderer used the seven of bamboo tiles as a message is also obvious."

Shiratori Renzaburo nodded and added, "And those symbols on the back of the Seven of Bamboo tiles, 'Tanabata' and 'Kyoto,' now seem to clearly refer to the fire in Kyoto on Tanabata two years ago."

Ireland was seated in the main seat.

He watched as the detectives and police officers in front of him, who had been fooled, exclaimed in admiration at the "truths they had deduced."

"As expected of Inspector Matsumoto!"

Those sounds even made him sweetly intoxicated.

Ireland felt that the entire Metropolitan Police Department was under his control, and that everyone's every move was being fooled by the disguise mask covering his face.

They danced like puppets, following their every word and expression.

The feeling of standing on the pinnacle of truth and looking down on the ignorance of the world is truly intoxicating.

Ireland began to understand why the detective liked to show off.

Who wouldn't want to prove their "wisdom" to the world?
Who doesn't want to prove they are "the smartest of the smart"?

You can go and search slowly at the locations where the dead are...

A hint of mockery flashed in Ireland's eyes at these fools.

He knew they were now engrossed in their "reasoning results," completely unaware that he had already been manipulated by them.

Having learned the "truth" of the case beforehand, he had already sent Vermouth to the house where the dead undercover agent had been.

……

Vermouth, of course, did not go to the so-called "undercover" room, since it was all a lie.

A dozen hours earlier, when she saw the call from Ireland, Vermouth had sighed softly.

"The stuff is already in hand."

Vermouth already knew what was going to happen to this person, but she held onto the hope that perhaps a miracle might occur.

"bass--!"

She flicked a coin with her thumb, sending it flying in a silver arc through the air.

“You can leave now, Ireland,” she said into the communicator. “The pick-up vehicle is already parked near the East Tower—”

"No need, Vermouth."

A calm, deep Irish voice came from the other end, interrupting her.

"I can find a chance to get away at any time."

Vermouth opened her palm, and sure enough, the coin was tails—

Her expression dimmed for a moment; everything was exactly as described in the plan sent by the Alliance.

"Alright, good luck."

Then, Vermouth hung up the call and sat there quietly, watching the city street scene illuminated by the setting sun.

She didn't know what choice Ireland would ultimately make.

But the result is the same.

……

Thirty minutes before the identity of the Irish Black Organization was revealed.

Facing the crowd who were still discussing the details of the case, he shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the brief conversation with Vermouth from his mind.

He had planned everything.

Before his identity as Inspector Matsumoto is exposed, he can use the help of Kogoro Mouri to get closer to the shrunken detective.

And now, in the hallway, there's that kid named Ran Mouri; she can use him too.

According to the data she found in the Metropolitan Police Department, she had a very close relationship with Shinichi Kudo.

The most urgent task now is to disperse the Metropolitan Police Department's main forces—those who are the most troublesome and "difficult to deal with."

The killer's motive, final target, final destination...

The crucial information all surfaced through the analysis of the remaining officers, whose reasoning skills were fairly good.

Ireland coughed lightly, drawing their attention to himself.

"The deceased's boyfriend, Kosuke Mizutani, is now a prime suspect."

The police inspector with a scar on his face now appeared even more authoritative and persuasive in the eyes of the crowd.

"Inspector Megure, Officer Shiratori, it's up to your team to go to Kosuke Mizutani's house and collect clues and evidence."

"Yes!"

Ireland paused for a moment, then made his tone more serious.

"To comprehend, to re-comprehend..." These burly police officers naturally wanted to stay as far away from him as possible.

Although Ireland was very confident in his skills, just in case, he arranged for them to go to the crime scenes.

"You and other officers split into several groups and went to the victim's house to collect evidence related to the killer's motive."

"Officer Sato and Officer Takagi... I'd appreciate it if you and Detective Mouri could accompany me to the last crime scene."

Miwako Sato, Wataru Takagi, and Kogoro Mouri—Ireland is absolutely confident in taking down these three.

Even if all three of them came together, it would be the same.

However—Ireland was destined not to complete his plan.

……

At first, Kogoro Mouri thought Ran had gotten lost in the Metropolitan Police Department because she was bored.

"That's strange, where could Ran have run off to?" Kogoro Mouri stroked his chin.

He and Takagi Wataru had already circled the area several times.

The other teams of officers had already started their operations under Inspector Matsumoto's orders, but their group had yet to set off.

"Detective Mouri".

Ireland vaguely realized that something was going beyond the scope of the plan.

But at that moment, he subconsciously chose the most reasonable explanation.

"Perhaps because the meeting went on for a while, Miss Lan has already gone back."

In fact, the universe has already done its best.

Before Hattori Heiji made that phone call, Ireland managed to get Inspector Megure and the others out of the Metropolitan Police Department ahead of time.

After all, Ireland's journey to the Kyoto Tower is always part of "history".

Immediately following was a phone call from Hattori Heiji.

While Kogoro Mouri and Inspector Matsumoto split up to try and find Ran in this building that suddenly seemed empty and ridiculously large.

His phone rang.

Kogoro Mouri turned to Wataru Takagi and said, "Wait a moment," before answering the phone.

"Mr. Mori, there are no other police officers around you right now, right?"

—It's Hattori Heiji.

Kogoro Mouri glanced at Takagi, who was staring at a spider in the corner, and quietly moved away from him.

Hattori Heiji's serious voice made him lower his voice as well: "What happened?"

"GSSRA special forces are heading towards the Metropolitan Police Department."

“I need you to buy time so that we can take control of all the officers involved in the meeting—that is, the meeting for the case you are currently handling.”

Hattori Heiji's next words left Mouri Kogoro somewhat bewildered.

"Lock down the Metropolitan Police Department?"

He was trying to understand the sentence using the part of his brain that was still conscious.

Heiji Hattori took a deep breath on the other end of the phone, his mind racing.

He must make Kogoro Mori realize the seriousness of the problem without revealing any clues about Kudo or the pointer.

Moreover, considering that he doesn't know exactly how many people in that organization are within the Metropolitan Police Department, he also can't let the Metropolitan Police Department become aware of this.

In Hattori Heiji's view, if, as Kudo said, Ran Mouri was kidnapped inside the Metropolitan Police Department—

The entire Japanese police system has likely been infiltrated to the point of being riddled with holes.

“Mr. Mori, calm down. Your situation is likely just as dangerous now.”

Kogoro Mouri's detective instincts were immediately awakened. He tensed his expression and glanced around.

“I’ve calmed down,” he said.

However, he clearly overestimated his mental capacity to cope. Or rather, the news of Heiji Hattori that had just crashed into his mind like a runaway truck hadn't yet made him connect it all with Ran Mouri's disappearance.

"GSSRA has received news that Miss Lan has been kidnapped."

Kogoro Mouri's heart skipped a beat.

He felt a wave of dizziness – how did these voices appear in his mind?
Hattori Heiji's voice now sounds somewhat distant and indistinct.

Do you remember the Harbor Case?

"Our current intelligence indicates that the case you are experiencing is also related to that organization, and it is even very likely that your appearance is related to their arrangements."

"In other words, there are members of that organization inside the Metropolitan Police Department right now."

It's clear that Hattori Heiji overstepped his authority once again.

“I’ve sent my personal guard to take over the Metropolitan Police Department. All you have to do is keep them inside before the helicopter rotors start roaring overhead.”

“Especially everyone attending the meeting.”

Kogoro Mouri has completely "calmed down".

Or rather, he had never been this calm before.

“I understand. I will bring back those officers who just left immediately and try to stall them.”

He said that, and then hung up the phone.

Kogoro Mouri took out his GSSRA special advisor badge, glanced at it, and then put it back in his pocket.

"Takagi!"

His shout made Takagi turn his head, and Kogoro stared intently into Takagi Wataru's eyes, as if trying to see if he was a Black Organization mole infiltrating the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Detective Mori, what's the matter?"

"I received news that Xiaolan has been kidnapped."

Takagi reacted like a normal police officer: "I'll go find it right away—"

"No, don't tell anyone. I need you to go to the monitoring room and find out when Xiaolan left here."

After Takagi Wataru ran quickly toward the monitoring room, Mouri Kogoro strode toward the other side of the corridor, toward Inspector Matsumoto and Officer Sato.

Clearly, only Inspector Matsumoto could recall those who had just left the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Inspector Matsumoto!" Upon seeing the two figures in the corridor, Kogoro Mouri ran over. "Ran, I mean, my daughter has been kidnapped!"

He pulled out the GSSRA consultant badge.

"My information is that the perpetrator is among our attendees. I need you to call Inspector Megure and the others back immediately."

Now, it was Ireland's turn to feel a jolt of unease.

How did this involve GSSRA?
Didn't Kogoro Mouri leave GSSRA and become an advisor to the Metropolitan Police Department?

Ireland had no idea how things had gotten to this point.

He was certain that he had never laid a hand on the foolish detective's daughter.

Whether this was an accident or a deliberate conspiracy against him, the current task is to assure people that he is "harmless" and then find an opportunity to escape.

Ireland carefully reviewed the information Vermouth had given him earlier—did Inspector Matsumoto have the authority and qualifications to know about GSSRA?

The answer is obviously yes.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes. If he could take them both down here, then use the excuse that the attackers had run out of the Metropolitan Police Department to find a police car and escape...

Ireland glanced at Kogoro Mouri's side out of the corner of his eye.

Takagi Wataru is not here.

He wasn't sure what Kogoro Mouri had told him to do, and what if they happened to run into each other later—

No, it's far too early to think that my identity has been exposed.

Ireland decided to be cautious first: "Okay, I'll contact them right away."

As he spoke, he reached into his pocket, attempting to use the opportunity to contact Vermouth and the others.

"No—use the Metropolitan Police Department's communication system on the police cars."

Kogoro Mouri stopped him.

He doesn't trust anyone now, well, maybe he just gave Takagi a little bit of trust.

But in reality, Kogoro Mouri is now very suspicious of Inspector Matsumoto, after all, it was he who invited him to participate in the investigation of this case.

"Just tell them that Kosuke Mizutani has come to the Metropolitan Police Department to turn himself in."

Ireland was somewhat relieved that he had managed to get the police away; he now knew how to escape.

He put on a serious expression and nodded slightly: "The liaison office is over there."

……

As the only "pawn" that it can indirectly influence, the Conan universe has undoubtedly made the greatest effort.

Its mechanism made it aware of the potential implications of the shift from "Ireland" to "Gin".

[Ireland] met its end in death in this case.

But it was too slow.

Having amplified the impact of the "case," "Ireland" will undoubtedly head to Kyoto Tower after stopping a group of police officers.

—The pair of Kogoro Mouri and Heiji Hattori filled the original "function" of "Ireland" in this case.

Now is the "critical moment" for the police officers to conduct their investigation.

It's not yet time for "Ireland" to die; we're in the middle of the "case."

Shinichi Kudo is currently heading to Kyoto Tower.

Now it's time for the "case" to come to an end.

—But Ireland is still perfectly fine in the Metropolitan Police Department, in a safe location.

The alliance, through meticulous planning, allowed Ireland to fulfill his most crucial role, while cleverly distributing another part among those around him.

While the mechanics of the Conan universe realize that there is a problem with the "process," they are also confused by the Narrative Department's response.

But one thing is certain.

Once "Ireland" goes to Kyoto Tower, Gin's role as "Ireland" will automatically disappear.

Thus, the Conan universe is like an old man with failing eyesight, trying to "get closer" to the book.

—As long as both “Ireland” are in Kyoto Tower, the one that remains is the real one.

……

In the liaison room, Ireland, under the watchful eyes of Officer Sato and Kogoro Mouri, personally made calls to each of the officers who had already set off.

To be honest, Kogoro Mouri's request for secrecy suited him perfectly.

"Consider, is Chongwu also beside you? You can come back now."

"We're not going to—"

“Kosuke Mizutani has come to the Metropolitan Police Department to turn himself in,” Shimizu Matsumoto’s voice sounded calm. “Anyway, the case is closed. You’ve made a wasted trip.”

Then there's Yamato Kansuke and Yamamura Misao.

Then came the other groups of officers.

Ireland moved and made as little noise as possible, as if to avoid alerting the enemy.

But he had already begun to feel wary.

—Now only Inspector Megure and Shiratori's group are left.

Takagi Wataru hasn't returned yet. If he doesn't come back before I make that last phone call, I'll have to forcefully defeat Kogoro Mouri and Miwako Sato and seize the initiative...

"It's Officer Sato!"

The door to the liaison room was suddenly pushed open by Takagi Wataru, and his gaze immediately focused on Sato Miwako, who was standing to the side with a serious expression.

Then, to Sato's incredulous gaze, he rushed over and tackled Sato Miwako to the ground.

good chance!
Ireland immediately tried to stop him, but in his haste, he forgot he was still holding the communicator and pulled the connected telephone line in front of him as well.

"I told you I'm definitely not the perpetrator!"

This little misunderstanding was quickly resolved. Sato Miwako pinched her cheek to make everyone around her realize that she was not the murderer in disguise.

Her voice was somewhat indignant: "I haven't been separated from Inspector Matsumoto since I left the meeting room! How could I possibly have time—"

"The communicator is broken, Takagi."

Inspector Matsumoto's voice also sounded faintly tinged with anger.

"We'll deal with the responsibility for this matter when they return."

He turned to Kogoro Mouri and said, "Mr. Mouri, it seems that the only option now is for us to drive there and call Inspector Megure and the others back."

"That's the only way." Kogoro Mouri nodded. "Inspector Matsumoto, could you please find a vehicle that can drive fast?"

Then, he looked at Wataru Takagi and Miwako Sato, who had proven themselves.

"Takagi, Sato, please keep an eye on everyone's whereabouts after they return, and I hope you will pay attention to..."

Ireland's pace slowed for a moment when Kogoro Mouri sent him away, but quickened again after hearing his instructions to Takagi and the others.

Dealing with just one person would be much simpler.

Ireland even felt that this was a stroke of luck for him—Kogoro Mouri also happened to have some connection with Shinichi Kudo.

And a few seconds after Inspector Matsumoto left the room.

Kogoro Mouri looked at Miwako Sato: "Sato, I suspect that Inspector Shiratori is the murderer. I need you to lend me your pistol."

As a special advisor to GSSRA, he obviously has some minor privileges.

……

In the end, Kogoro Mouri and Ireland ended up sitting in the same police car.

Kogoro sat in the passenger seat.

Perhaps because they had been at the Metropolitan Police Department for quite some time, it seemed that the sky was now getting dark.

There were almost no pedestrians on the street, which, in the last rays of the setting sun, resembled an endless black shadow.

Ireland remained expressionless, his hands gripping the steering wheel, his demeanor calm, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

As long as I reach the location Vermouth told me...

Kogoro Mouri turned his head to the side and looked out the car window.

The streetlights turned on unusually early today for some reason.

The pale yellow halo formed a misty column of light due to the Tyndall effect (I think that's it), much like a spotlight on a stage.

It blends into the light and shadow of the neon lights of the shops on the street.

Then there's the East Tower in the distance, its spire cutting through the city's skyline, gradually enlarging from a small spearhead protruding from the ground until it bursts into the remaining rays of the setting sun.

As the vehicle approached, the deserted atmosphere made it appear even more silent and solemn.

In that instant, something seemed to flash through Kogoro Mouri's mind.

—Dongdu Tower?

—Inspector Matsumoto?
He frowned slightly, feeling as if something was stuck in his throat.

Kogoro Mouri began to think further.

He thought he was already extremely calm—but he could be even calmer now; the silence in the car allowed his mind to begin to sink deeper.

His gaze was reflected outwards along with the incandescent light emanating from the glass curtain wall of a building further away.

Let... let that orange-red sunset look a little pale.

His brain grew increasingly foggy as he racked his brains to think.

But Kogoro Mouri was surprised to find that "his other self" was becoming increasingly lucid.

He let himself immerse himself in the pale sunlight, letting his worries rise to the surface, allowing the anxious, concerned version of himself that cared for his daughter to surface.

A part of his brain was telling him that he should let Ireland go so that he could better understand the path he was on.

But another part of his mind rejected that possibility, so he directed his pupils as far as possible toward the whiter parts of the golden and orange hues—letting that white light penetrate his mind.

And so that bright light shone in my mind.

This time, he had no more doubts.

Kogoro Mouri remained silent the entire way.

He waited until Ireland drove the car to the foot of the East Tower.

As the vehicle gradually approached the camouflaged vehicle that Belmod had left for Ireland.

When Inspector Matsumoto stopped the car at a deserted intersection and suggested that he take over driving,

The iron tower was approaching them—no, charging forward; the iron tower charged at them with that spear-like ferocity.

Kogoro Mouri reached for his waist.

"I remember the task you assigned to Inspector Megure was—"

He spoke, his voice soft and gentle, yet clearly reaching Ireland's ears, "Are you going to Mizutani Kosuke's house?"

Ireland gripped the steering wheel tightly, making a click.

He looked at the black car parked near the traffic light in the distance and slowly began to slow down the vehicle.

Kogoro Mouri didn't look at him, but continued calmly:

"Inspector Matsumoto, the direction of Mizutani Kosuke's house seems to be towards Kamishiro, Mitaka City, Tokyo?"

The vehicle slowly came to a stop at the intersection, and coincidentally, there was no one around.

Ireland glanced at Kogoro in the passenger seat, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

"Mr. Mori...did you already suspect it?"

"Ireland, the new task that gentleman has given you is..."

The moment of stunned silence in Ireland—

"boom!!"

A gunshot shattered the silence of the night.

A flash of light disappeared in the cramped carriage, and as the smell of gunpowder spread through the carriage, a bullet pierced Ireland's forehead with pinpoint accuracy.

His body jerked backward, slamming into the back of the driver's seat, and disbelief flashed in his eyes—a shock and resentment that went deeper than pain.

Kogoro Mouri slowly pulled his right hand out from under his trench coat; the black pistol was still emitting a light smoke from its muzzle.

He casually put the gun away, as if he had just completed a "small" task—a small task that betrayed his "persona".

"I really didn't expect that you were the first to know about these things." A somewhat young female voice suddenly appeared in the back seat of the police car.

Kogoro Mouri didn't reply. He simply opened the car door and looked up at the East Tower that stood atop the city.

As he said, he is now "sober".

—It's time to pick up Xiaolan.

Ireland was the first to be eliminated because of the "backup plan".

(End of this chapter)