Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await you.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await you.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await you.
The foolish war of man
has covered the world in ice and steered it towards certain demise.
It's said that the human population is only 100,000.
No one has kept any statistics for a long time.
It's impossible to know the real number.
Step by step...
It's become harder to move my body as I wish.
With every year my load has become heavier and heavier.
Part of me feels my time has come.
But I still have one task to complete.
Something that's not just my own problem.
So...
I have to tell someone about it no matter what...
Levi!
Job!
Ruth!
Levi!
Job, Ruth!
Geez, where did they go?
We always tell them they can't stay out for long.
I told you so. At that age, they never listen.
Izaya, this is a big problem!
I know.
Anyway, let's check around the windmills.
They must be hiding somewhere.
You're right.
We need to finish quickly.
We don't know when the storm will come back...
Elemiya!
We have the northern mill. Come with me.
Okay!
They went towards the windmills.
Yeah. Did they see us?
Is this really all right?
What are you saying? We all agreed on it.
Job, be careful! There could be holes!
It's fine! It's fine!
See, told you so.
Are you okay?
Hey! Stop it!
The storm yesterday must have been really strong.
I've never seen the northern mill so damaged.
They'll be mad if we don't help fix it, won't they?
Yeah.
It's too late now. We said we'd play when we got outside!
Yes, but...
Why do you think we hid from elemi-
ouch... I tripped again.
How have you tripped twice already?
Job, sorry, move your legs.
Wha?!
What is this?
It's wood.
There seems to be more of it though.
Let's dig!
H-hey, this is...
Yeah...
It's a person.
Yeah...
Why is he buried out here?
Don't ask me!
Job, tell the adults!
What?! But they'll know that we-
this isn't the time for that! Come on, hurry!
Gotit!
Do you think he's still alive?
Well...
Ah! His mask is moving a bit.
He's breathing.
You're right!
Thank goodness! He might be okay!
What is this?
Starteller ~
Are you awake?
Am l...
Do you remember what happened?
You were found unconscious nearby.
I remember...
I got caught in a blizzard and collapsed.
You shouldn't get up yet.
No, I'm all right.
You really helped me.
Thank you very much.
You saved my life.
This is...
This is a shelter built just before the great war.
It was built below a church in the desert but later abandoned.
We have been using it as a settlement for several years.
Our last adult man died some time ago.
Now there are only about twenty of us awaiting extinction.
Here, this will warm you up.
Thank you.
Elemiya, you may go.
Go and tell the children that he has woken up.
Yes, they'll be very glad.
So warm.
As if I'm really coming back to life.
You don't look very well.
What brings you to these forgotten lands?
You don't look like a scavenger.
Indeed.
There is something I've been searching for for a long time.
I was told someone had seen it in a village around this area.
Getting through the mountains wasn't fun for an old man like me.
But...
Even if I don't find what I'm searching for,
I didn't want to have any regrets.
Oh?
It's rare to see you praying.
We were asking the goddess for help!
So that she can help that man.
It came true then, I guess.
The man you found just woke up.
Really, elemiya?
The settlement of elublanka was destroyed.
That was four years ago.
Is that so?
There is little trade to be done in this region.
No merchants have appeared here for ten years.
If you know the circumstances of any other settlements, would you mind telling me?
This land is not overly polluted by radiation,
but DNA mutation effects can be seen everywhere.
Hey, don't push me! But DNA mutation effects can be seen everywhere.
Hey, don't push me! You're right, this place is no exception.
Be quiet! You're right, this place is no exception.
Nevertheless, the children are a great treasure to us.
Levi, job, Ruth.
Stop eavesdropping and come in.
See? She heard you!
Job, you're too loud!
Oh my...
I was told you were the ones who saved me.
You have my gratitude.
Thank you.
Ezra always says that we should help those in need.
Hey, where did you come from? Another village?
Somewhere far away?
Well...
I come from very far away.
I have been traveling for a long, long time.
I've been all over the world.
Wow...
Does that over there pique your interest?
Y-yes.
Is that some kind of bomb?
No, it's nothing dangerous like that.
It's a device that shows you the stars.
Stars?
Tell me, are you the "starteller"?
Huh?
Yes.
Oh my!
I heard rumors about you when I was young.
It was my dream to meet you!
To think my dream would come true at this age.
Ezra, who is the "starteller"?
What are "stars"?
Oh?
You've never heard about the stars?
I don't think so...
Is that so? Well, that's not too unusual.
When I was young, I didn't know about them either.
I struggled just to survive.
I had no time for stars.
Perhaps it was because I met those children.
Or perhaps it was because of the reason I'd come to this place.
I was reminded of when I met her.
The place where we met was a sarcophagus city.
Damn it, what a persistent bunch!
Anti-personnel tanks still defend their territory from intruders,
unaware that the city has long since been reduced to nothing but rubble and ruins.
A military installation?
I was searching...
For preserved foods,
medical supplies,
precision tools,
weapons, ammunition, and so on.
Anything I could use.
That was the job of those who called themselves junkers.
Working electricity? Here?
This place doesn't look military.
Congratulations!
You are our 2,500,000th customer!
What the hell is a woman doing in a place like this?
What do you want?
I beg your pardon.
I humbly, humbly beg your pardon.
I was being quite dishonest.
To be precise, you are the 2,487,288th customer.
Actually, that's not entirely accurate either.
Some time ago, I made an exception and let a little boy and girl in
when they didn't have enough for the admission fee.
So, technically, you are the 2,487,290th customer.
Um, Mr. customer?
You are our first customer in exactly 29 years and 81 days.
Welcome to the rooftop planetarium of the flowercrest department store!
Are you a robot?
Yes! I am a robot.
My name is hoshino yumemi, and I am a member of staff at this institution.
What the hell is that?
It is a bouquet.
Please accept this in commemoration of your visit here.
A bouquet, huh?
I beg your pardon!
I was not able to acquire real flowers for you.
My phone calls to the florist on the first floor have not been connecting lately.
So I tried making one myself.
Are you malfunctioning?
Yes. I am malfunctioning just slightly.
There currently exists an unidentified bug in my self-diagnostic subroutines.
My backup cmos battery is depleted and must be replaced.
My cervical vertebral power unit is past its operational lifespan and must be replaced.
There also exists known issues with my personal information databases
and my conversation subroutines.
As a result, the tendency to engage in verbose and lengthy conversation
has become a unique characteristic of this unit.
You've got to be kidding...
Um, Mr. customer?
Are you perhaps not feeling well?
May I escort you to our department store's medical office?
Mr. customer?
Shut up. I'm neither a customer, nor am I sick.
Is that so?
Well then, the next projection will begin in seven minutes.
Does this thing ever shut up? Please take a seat and wait patiently until then.
Let me repeat myself. I am not a customer.
Is that so? But since you are here anyway, by all means, please view the projection.
Shut up.
The projection is only 45 minutes long.
Look, just shut up.
Oh, and I am most sorry, but smoking during the projection is...
Shut up! Keep your mouth shut!
Please, just stop talking!
Understood. Request acknowledged.
My god.
Um, Mr. customer, there is one request I would like to make before I stop talking.
Look, your silence lasted for all of three seconds.
If it is not too much trouble, please take this.
I would like you to view the special projection,
reserved in commemoration of the 2,500,000th customer.
How about it?
Do whatever you want.
Thank you very much.
Well then, I shall go prepare the projection, so please wait patiently for a while.
Wait a sec.
Yes?
Is there something I can help you with?
What are you going to show me?
A holovid?
The starry sky?
That is correct. The starry sky.
The starry sky, huh?
I've only got two left...
What?
Thank you all for coming to flowercrest department store's rooftop planetarium today.
My name is hoshino yumemi, and I am a member of the staff at this institution.
Before the projection begins, I would like to announce a few important things.
Please do not talk or whisper during the projection, as this would be a disturbance to the other customers.
Maybe if I dry this, I can still use it... please do not talk or whisper during the projection, as this would be a disturbance to the other customers.
Maybe if I dry this, I can still use it...
Please turn off your cell phones and any alarms now.
In addition, please do not eat, drink, or smoke at any time during the projection.
And finally, I would like to introduce a most important partner-
one who will take you all into the world of the stars.
Everyone, please welcome her with a warm round of applause!
Miss jena!
To tell you the truth...
Miss jena is...
The name of this big machine!
Um, Mr. customer?
You are supposed to laugh here.
You expected me to laugh?
Just start already.
Thank you. I am very grateful that you are anticipating it this much.
Anticipating, my ass...
Now then, without further ado, miss jena will greet you all!
And, once again...
Miss jena will greet you all!
I thought you were gonna show me the stars.
Um, Mr. customer... I beg your pardon.
I humbly, humbly beg your pardon!
I am ashamed to be telling you this,
but it seems that our projector is in a state of serious breakdown.
Mr. manager and the rest of the staff are on a trip,
and a simple unit such as myself could not possibly grasp the situation...
Whatever. I don't give a damn.
Do you know what the most irritating thing is when venturing into that sarcophagus city?
The most irritating thing in that sarcophagus city...
Was, without a doubt, the time I met that robot.
Even if it talks to you, don't respond to it.
Just the bouquet. Gave me a heart attack.
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await you.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
Good afternoon, Mr. customer.
How are you feeling?
Been worse. I just fell asleep, that's all.
I guess I have about an hour before sunset...
Mr. customer, you must love the stars.
What makes you think that?
You are wearing a pendant with a constellation design.
That is cygnus, the swan.
This?
I'll be going now. Sorry to bother you.
Mr. customer?
If you wait 18 more minutes, the next projection will begin.
That device is broken though, right?
That device? Do you mean miss jena?
Yeah.
Yes, miss jena is currently out of order.
But I expect repairs to be done, if you wait for just a short while.
Sorry, waiting's not my strong suit.
In that case, how about shopping in our department store while repairs are being conducted?
There are some great discount coupons I can print out for you.
There's no one here. Who the hell's gonna fix that piece of junk?
There is no reason for concern.
I have already put in a request for the repair team.
They should be here soon, and will begin repairs immediately.
Apparently the concept of a rhetorical question is beyond her...
Um, Mr. customer?
Could it be that you are not feeling well?
If that is the case, I can escort you to the medical-
enough.
Pardon me for asking, but what do you mean by "enough"?
I mean, I understand.
I'll be downstairs. Call me when your repairs are done.
Yes, understood.
Who would've thought getting out of here would be so much trouble...
Thank you very much. I am glad to hear that.
To tell you the truth, I was quite worried since I thought you had become displeased
because I made a careless mistake.
We robots take joy in serving humans and putting you at ease.
We're happy when we're doing it well!
When the projector is repaired, I will broadcast the news over the pa system.
We have a special projection prepared just for you,
so please don't hesitate to remind me upon your return.
Sure.
You will be the first customer to view the special projection.
Every member of our staff gave their best effort to produce it,
so I too will perform my role in this without a single mistake.
Additionally, I will keep your bouquet safe with the utmost care as well.
I shall patiently await your return.
I don't even know why I'm doing this.
What I do know is that, now that the sun has set, venturing out is dangerous.
Also, this primitive contraption is a lot hardier than it looks.
Mr. customer, how long do you estimate it will take for your repairs on miss jena to be complete?
Hell if I know. Ain't got a clue.
Will it be fixed in time for tomorrow's 11:00 A.M. projection?
I highly doubt it.
If that is the case, may I put out a notice that tomorrow's projections will be postponed?
Do whatever you want.
Acknowledged. I will register this as a critical directive.
Hey...
This light bulb's filament is burned out.
Is there a spare-
Mr. customer.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but it is almost midnight.
As per protocol, I will be switching into sleep mode.
The reboot from sleep mode is scheduled for 9:00 A.M.
Remaining operation time after reboot will be 75 hours.
Well then, good night.
Hey, wait...
God damn it.
Mr. customer.
Good morning, Mr. customer.
Were you the one calling me?
Yes, sir.
I was dreaming.
Oh, how wonderful!
Was it pleasant?
Not at all...
As lam a robot, I am incapable of dreaming.
But how shall I put it? I have very much longed to experience it!
Most dreams are not worth longing after.
Is that so?
Wait a sec.
So you're saying you're only operational for one week out of the entire year?
Yes.
For the past 30 years,
the quantity of electricity delivered to this department store has declined sharply.
Per protocol, I have activated energy-saving mode.
Two days ago at 9:00 A.M., I became operational for the first time in 8601 hours.
Just as I happened to be passing through. Talk about bad timing...
Five days from now, at midnight, I will return to hibernation mode for recharging.
I see.
To think the emergency power's still running after all that's happened...
By the way, Mr. customer, what do you intend to do with that rainwater?
Drink it.
Unlike you, I'll die if I don't drink water.
If you'd like, I could prepare a beverage for you.
A beverage?
Yes. To tell you the truth, brewing tea is one of my specialties.
Or perhaps you'd prefer a freshly ground coffee?
Coffee, huh...
How about alcohol, then?
I'm talking bottled distilled liquor with unbroken seals.
It's actually very important to me.
Certainly, we have those things.
Really?! Where?!
Our department store has several vendors located on b1 that sell high-grade liquor...
Yeah, yeah, I get the idea.
Of course.
In that case, Mr. customer, may I inquire about miss jena and her current state of repairs?
No change from last night. Repairs are still underway.
I see...
In that case, I will go and announce the cancellation of today's projection.
Hey, do you have spare light bulbs stored away somewhere?
Recently, two of the latest 905 series
have been assigned to the help desk at the main entrance.
Being ft models, they both have a much more adult appearance compared to myself.
Their faceplates are quite detailed, and they even feature the capability to shed tears.
Tears, huh?
Try turning it on.
Understood.
This one's okay...
So what, you can't shed tears?
Correct.
Tear-generation functionality was first introduced in the predecessor models, the 9000 series.
I see.
Good for them.
Switch on.
Understood.
This one's busted.
Guess I have two usable ones.
By the way, may I remove this cable now?
This is a shameful emergency measure that I should not be showing to customers...
Wait a bit longer. I wanna try the motors.
Understood.
By the way, Mr. customer...
What is it now?
How does shedding tears feel?
Can't really say.
When I'm crying, I'm usually not thinking very clearly.
Is that so?
I do not know how to put this, but I would very much like to be able to shed tears.
As I am an economy edition model, I lack that functionality.
Let's just say you're not really missing out on anything.
Is that so?
Yeah, no doubt about it.
All righty.
Move the latitude axis upwards, bit by bit.
Yes, sir.
For your safety, please evacuate from the radius of revolution.
Mr. customer, might you have an estimated time of completion for the repairs of miss jena?
Who knows?
Do you think it will be in time for tomorrow's 11:00 A.M. projection?
Dunno. Feel free to pray to god.
Which god should I pray to, then?
What'd you say?
For instance, there are the ancient Greek gods:
Zeus, Athena, Apollo, hermes, Artemis, demeter, Poseidon, Hades...
You sure know a lot.
Just pick your favorite or whatever.
Understood. In that case, I shall pray to dionysus.
Who the hell is that?
The god of wine and fertility, also known by his Roman name, bacchus.
I felt that this god would surely be most to your liking, Mr. customer.
Well, you're not too far off...
Pray to your god, not mine.
My god?
The god of robots.
The information you have requested does not match any entry in my database.
I see.
However, I have found something related.
This is from a meeting we had about the mythological heavens,
which we featured as a special presentation.
I have the file saved as a hologram.
Is there a heaven for robots?
Of course there is! There has to be!
Right, manager?
Ah, yes, that's right.
What is that place like?
Well...
It's free of malfunctions and batteries never decay! Right?
Huh? Uh, yeah, and no software bugs or any need to replace parts, I heard.
You'll be granted all your other wishes too!
Is that so?
Yes, yes.
I see.
The god you're looking for is the one in that robot heaven. Keep that in mind.
Understood.
Critical data registered.
I am very pleased to have learned about this god.
In fact, I have a wish I would like to ask the god of robots to Grant.
A wish?
What could you possibly want?
Well, it is about heaven...
What is it?
Mr. customer.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but it is almost midnight.
As per protocol, I will be switching into sleep mode.
It's gotten that late already?
Reboot from sleep mode is scheduled for 9:00 A.M.
Remaining operation time after reboot will be 60 hours.
Well then, good night.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await...
Hey, I'm done.
Mr. customer, are you saying that you have completed your repairs on miss jena?
Yeah, that's right.
I've done all I can.
Thank you all for coming to flowercrest department store's rooftop planetarium today.
My name is hoshino yumemi, and I am a member of staff at this institution.
Before the projection begins, I would like to announce a few important things.
Please do not talk or whisper during the projection, as this would be a disturbance to the other customers.
Please turn off your cell phones and any alarms now.
In addition, please do not eat, drink, or smoke at any time during the projection.
And finally, I would like to introduce a most important partner-
one who will take you all into the world of the stars.
Everyone, please welcome her with a warm round of applause!
Miss jena!
To tell you the truth...
Miss jena is...
The name of this big machine!
Now then, without further ado, miss jena will greet all of you!
Today, our planetarium was visited
by the 2,487,290th visitor since we first opened.
On behalf of all the staff at our establishment, I offer you our humblest gratitude.
In commemoration of this special occasion, we have prepared a special projection.
We hope that you will all enjoy it.
On one fine Autumn day, it was raining outside.
Rainy days can make you feel a little down.
But please be at ease.
In here, we can summon the sun whenever we wish.
Here we have our very own sun.
Slowly, it sets in the western sky.
Ah, here is the first celestial body to grace our night sky:
Venus, also known as the evening star.
Slowly but surely, the sky is growing darker.
This is our signal to go home.
At last, the curtain of night slowly falls over the vicinity...
This is the starry sky at 8:00 P.M. tonight.
Crossing the ceiling above you right now is the milky way,
so named by civilizations of old who saw it as a river of milk flowing through the sky.
Now, if you could focus your attention on the highest star-the one set at the ceiling of the sky.
That is deneb, the first magnitude star of the constellation cygnus.
Close by are vega of the constellation lyra, and altair of aquila.
Together, the three are called the summer triangle.
So far, these have all been summer constellations.
Although today has been a very chilly day,
if you turn your eyes upward towards the night sky, you can still find these final traces of summer.
Now then, shall we turn our attention to the Autumn constellations?
Please look a little east of deneb.
The winged horse is Pegasus, and the chained Princess is Andromeda.
The Autumn constellations are accompanied by a famous legend.
Sse seas se
Andromeda was the daughter of the ancient Ethiopian king cepheus and his queen, cassiopeia.
Cassiopeia boasted about her daughter's beauty so greatly,
she invoked the wrath of Poseidon, god of the ocean.
Angered, Poseidon sent a giant sea monster to the shores of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia was devastated by the tidal wave caused by the sea monster.
Cepheus received an oracle saying that to calm Poseidon,
he must sacrifice his daughter Andromeda.
Cepheus was torn, but Andromeda volunteered to sacrifice herself.
Reluctantly, cepheus set aside his sorrows and chained Andromeda to a rock by the coast.
As she lay there trembling, all alone, the sea Rose up.
The sea monster had appeared,
and it was closing in on Andromeda.
Struggle as she might, the chains would not yield.
"Save me! Somebody save me!"
In her mind, Andromeda desperately called for help.
And then, at that very moment!
Riding atop the winged horse Pegasus, the hero perseus arrived.
Perseus was on his way back from his victorious battle against the gorgon, medusa.
Noticing that something was amiss with the shore, he moved closer to check.
Right now, in this very world, she was an omnipotent storyteller,
and the stars were her little garden.
Princesses, heroes, monsters, and gods...
Each and every one of them bowed devotedly before her,
playing their individual parts in the unfolding drama with absolute obedience.
And thus did Andromeda and perseus become constellations,
living happily ever after upon the Autumn sky to this day.
Let us now turn to our special projection.
It is named "the reverie of mankind spreading its wings into space-"
what's wrong? Did something break?
Or could it be...
There's the circuit breaker panel.
Mr. customer, miss jena is not responding.
Neither the projectors nor the axes are activating.
What kind of tools will we require to repair miss jena?
The power's been cut off.
My sincerest apologies, but I do not understand.
Somehow or other,
this facility, by some sort of miracle,
received a weak stream of electrical power over the past 30 years.
But that's come to an end.
So, you mean there's a power outage?
In that case, the emergency power will come online soon enough.
This place has been supplied by said emergency power the whole time.
We're out of options.
This isn't something someone can fix.
Does this mean that the special projection...
Listen closely to what I say.
Yes, sir.
Continue the projection. Your voice alone will suffice.
My sincerest apologies, but I do not understand.
I said, continue.
I don't need the projector. I just want to hear your explanations and commentary.
Can you do that?
Yes, I certainly can.
But if it is just my commentary alone, then that will not be a projection.
It's okay.
I know all about the stars already.
I'll be able to understand everything you want to show me just from you speaking.
You must be very fond of the stars, Mr. Customer.
I am truly honored to have you as a customer of our humble establishment.
Yeah.
In that case, very well. We will continue the projection through my explanations alone.
This way, please.
She really is trusting.
I shall now resume the special projection.
A very, very, very long time ago...
Huddled within cold, dark caves,
the earliest forefathers of humanity lived together.
The world was locked in ice, and huge, tusked beasts still roamed the land.
One long, freezing night, a young man woke up.
Likely due to a combination of the bitter cold and gnawing hunger, he was unable to sleep.
He rubbed his sleepy eyes, and peered outside at the entrance of the cave.
Upon the freezing night sky, countless numbers of stars twinkled brightly.
Ever since that day,
mankind has never ceased to gaze up at the heavens in all its vastness with wonder.
Was there ever any doubt that humanity would set its sights beyond the sky, towards space itself?
Towards unknown heights?
Breaking free of the darkness of night...
Taking the tears of many,
and forging them into the seeds of new dreams...
And finally, on one fateful day, those hands reached out into space.
Here is the third planet of the solar system.
Our planet, earth.
No matter where on earth you look, our planet is teeming with beauty.
But currently, there are many disputes, conflicts,
and problems that can't yet be resolved.
Overpopulation, energy, food, space territoriality.
However, it is my Sincere belief
that mankind will be able to solve all of its problems.
And then, they will reach out to the heavens above.
On this special night, I would like to let you in on a big secret.
This planetarium is also a time machine!
It allows us to traverse time at will,
from the distant past into the furthest reaches of the future.
Please take a look.
This is the starry sky that will be seen precisely one thousand years from this day, in this very place.
Miss jena the projector, and I, hoshino yumemi the robot, did our best to construct
this meager starry sky of the future.
Please, everyone, don't forget the starry sky that you saw here.
If you ever find yourself lost in the darkness, no longer able to see the real starry sky,
please remember it.
This is... my little reverie.
Well then, let us return to our own day and age.
The celestial spheres are revolving.
The winter constellations are appearing above the eastern horizon.
Orion, auriga, Taurus...
These are the harbingers of a magnificent season that will soon be unfolding every night.
The long night has finally ended, and morning has once again come to the world.
The sun has risen.
The twittering of small birds and the rustling of the wind are now audible.
The slumbering buildings and trees, too,
are sleepily opening their eyes to greet the rays of the sun.
Very soon, the town will spring to life,
and just as ever, a new day will begin.
Good morning, everyone.
That marks the end of our special projection.
It has been an honor to have you join me, hoshino yumemi, on this journey.
Thank you for listening so attentively.
Mr. customer,
today's projection is over.
Mr. customer?
It would seem he has fallen asleep.
After taking all the factors into account,
I think that it would be best to allow Mr. Customer to sleep like this until morning.
Mr. customer, Mr. manager once told me
that it's a great privilege for a human being to be able to sleep beneath the starry sky.
This is why I believe that surely, you must have enjoyed the special projection, Mr. customer.
That brings me much joy.
I wonder what kind of dream you are having?
In this world without any real stars,
I'm a robot and can't have dreams... The stars she showed that day
are forever with me when I close my eyes.
Who is the "starteller"?
Is he different from normal merchants?
Well, yeah...
I think he is different.
He doesn't sell anything.
Ezra was very happy.
She kneeled before him like when praying to the goddess.
We are honored to have you here, starteller.
Really, the chief did?
If only he were a bit younger, you know.
He can't really make children like that.
Stop it, izaya! It's not about that!
Hey, elemiya...
What's a star?
Eh?! Well...
Like the sun, the moon, and other stuff like that.
The sun? The moon?
So he is a person who sells light bulbs?
No.
The sunisn't a light bulb. It's something that is outside.
But we went outside a while back, and we didn't see any sun.
There's nothing like that anywhere.
That's because...
I don't understand.
Where did the starteller come from?
From the stars?
No, I don't think so.
The starteller is a normal man.
If he's a normal man, why is he called the "starteller"?
Why's he traveling like a merchant?
Eh...
Why?
Yeah, why?!
Izaya, not you too!
I'm kidding.
I'm telling you I don't have all the answers.
Are you doing your job well?
W-we are!
Yes! Our best!
Elemiya, izaya.
I hear that our harvest has decreased yet again this year.
What about the new fertilizer?
The potatoes are growing well, but the vegetables...
I see...
We'll keep trying!
I'm counting on you.
Gotit!
Levi, job, Ruth.
Come with me.
Huh?
The starteller wants to see you.
I have a request for you.
Request?
Do you know what an umbrella is?
Hmm?
It's something used to protect you from the rain or the snow.
But maybe that doesn't tell you much.
I've seen a picture of one.
I'd like you to help me make a very big umbrella.
I've lost the one I was using before.
Are you going outside?
No, it's to be used indoors.
Is there a place where no one would mind if we put up a big umbrella?
The hall would be perfect.
Yep, no one will be mad about that!
I can't cut it very well.
That's long enough.
The trick is to make it longer than you need.
Hey...
Can you tell us what we are making now?
The umbrella, of course, Levi!
He said at that at the start.
He said it was something to protect against rain and snow!
But it doesn't rain or snow indoors,
so this isn't an umbrella.
But...
Well...
I see.
Do you want to know what this really is?
Yes!
This is space.
Space?
To be precise,
it's a model of a part of outer space.
Of course, the real thing isn't this small.
But if it's too big, I can't carry it around.
That's why I only make it this size.
What is space?
It is far, far away beyond the sky.
It's the place where stars are.
How far is "far, far away"?
Good question.
That is-
are you okay?!
I-I'll get Ezra!
No, I'm okay...
Um... I'm sorry.
Answering your questions is very fun.
But can I answer that question a bit later?
Yes.
Thank you.
Well then, let's continue making the umbrella.
Levi, Ruth! Hurry up!
The umbrella is almost done!
Not so fast, job.
We still have to work on the fields!
I know!
Did you hear?
He's making the children build something.
Oh, that old man, you mean.
They're using a lot of cloth and such. What is it, job?
They're using a lot of cloth and such. Shh!
That cloth could have gone towards making so many clothes.
It's not just cloth. He's also another mouth to feed.
An old fart who can't make children isn't really good for anything.
If only he was 30 years younger...
That's right!
Ee eee eso oon = ee ae © ee it a ee ee meio = == =
Levi?
Job, don't.
But...
We know the adults have it hard too, right?
But they shouldn't talk about him like that.
You're right.
Ezra always says that we should help those in need.
So why do the adults say things like that?
That's...
I don't know.
It feels weird.
You made a great umbrella for your first try.
Indeed, it's very good.
Levi, job.
Hang black curtains from the edge of the umbrella,
so that light can't enter.
And then...
We should prepare the device, Ruth.
Huh?
That's it.
You can't have too much or too little grease.
Careful.
Gotit.
Job, you can't leave any gaps!
I know.
Are you okay?
We can switch any time.
All okay!
I'm doing it better than you!
A projector is always hard to please, and it's always in a bad mood.
It is a very sensitive device.
No matter the age or the projector.
You are doing very well.
R-really?
Absolutely.
Now hold and press that spring.
Like this?
Very good.
Now try to continue setting it up using this book.
Eh?
L... can't do that.
Don't worry. I'll watch you.
Try it.
Well, since I wrote it by hand, you might not be able to read it.
My handwriting is not very good.
Okay! I'll try!
To start the motor and lights, you need to wind it about five minutes.
If it's not enough, we can charge it partway through.
Okay!
Should I take over?
It's all right! Leave it to me!
When you're done, we can try it out.
What's that round thing?
It's the moon.
The biggest and brightest being in the night sky.
These are... stars?
This can't be real.
It's...
It's just too beautiful!
Yeah!
Hey...
Why are they lined up so nicely like that?
The stars elsewhere look more scattered.
After taking in the beauty,
look, they're lining up over there too. They wanted to know more and more.
That looks like elemiya when she gets mad. I remember.
That looks like elemiya when she gets mad. I'll answer your questions as best as I can.
Let's take it one by one.
First, Levi's question.
Stars that form a pattern are called constellations.
In ancient times people looked at them...
Okay, shall we end it there for today?
Please, just a bit more.
Tell us about the stars!
Yeah!
We don't know when we can see it again!
We have to work in the fields tomorrow, so...
Don't worry.
Try closing your eyes.
Now,
imagine the night sky you just saw.
Do you understand?
Once you've seen them, you will never forget.
Stars are like that.
Good night!
Night!
We'll come again!
Are you all right?
Oh, it's you.
Do you want to look at the stars?
Some other time.
When the others are here as well.
What about your cough?
My lungs are not good.
How bad is it?
I'm lucky to have lived this long in a world like this.
To have let me do what I set out to do for so many years,
I'm very grateful for my body.
If only it could hold on for a tiny bit longer...
If you didn't come to look at the stars, what can I do for you?
Oh, that's right.
I thought I could share a small luxury with you.
That's very kind of you.
It's been a long time!
They did a good job.
To think they would work so excitedly...
They have been raised very well.
Almost miraculously well.
Are other settlements that bad?
Some treat all outsiders as enemies...
Others think only about breeding.
Compared to them, this place is orderly and welcoming.
In such dark times,
those are the most valuable things you can have.
Hearing that makes it worth the effort.
But as you can see there is no future for them in this village.
Chief,
I want to ask something of you.
What is it?
Could you leave the children to me?
I wish to make them my successors.
They are more qualified to be startellers than I.
Smart, honest, innocent...
It should also open up a better future for them.
That's what I believe.
Tomorrow morning the village will have a meeting.
I will bring it up then.
But...
Even if the village accepts,
ultimately, the children will be the ones to decide.
Of course.
Thank you so much.
Job! Wake up, job!
We decided yesterday, didn't we?
Hurry!
Oh! Right!
Hmm?
Where are you going?
Elemiya?!
Whats it?!
Nothing.
You'd better not be up to something again.
We're not!
There's an important meeting soon, so don't charge off.
Are we going too?
Adults only.
Though they might call upon your teacher.
Izaya!
Are you going to look at the stars?
Maybe...
Levi! Ruth!
Let's go!
Yep!
We'll be back soon!
Don't go outside!
Come back soon!
Gotit!
Excuse us!
Oh, it's you. Come in.
Okay.
Um...
We have a request!
Oh, whats it?
We want to become startellers!
I bet Ruth can make the machine.
You can maintain it too, right?
Yeah.
And job can pull the sled when traveling between villages.
And I can tell everyone about the stars.
But I don't think I can do it unless I learn more.
So...
Please teach us more so we can become real startellers!
We'll give you this in exchange.
This is our treasure.
It may not be enough, but...
No, not at all.
This is more than enough.
Really?!
But I also have a request for you.
A request?
I want you to take this.
This is my treasure...
A life-changing one at that.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling of eternity that will never fade, no matter what.
All the stars in the sky await...
Good afternoon, Mr. customer.
How are you feeling?
Not particularly good, but not too shabby either.
I see.
If you are still feeling ill, by any chance...
I'm fine.
I see. Am most relieved to hear that.
By the way, Mr. customer,
my sincerest apologies for the breakdown during the projection.
I offer you the sincerest apologies from the bottom of my heart.
Well...
Your projection wasn't half bad.
I am overjoyed to hear such a compliment.
It is also true that you have helped us out a great deal.
Say...
Just what do you...
What is it?
It's nothing.
I'm heading off now.
Very well. Thank you for everything.
Offer a prayer for my sake so that I'll survive the trip back.
To the god of robots, I mean.
Certainly.
Mr. customer.
Excuse me, but may I ask you a question?
What is it?
Will you be in any danger on your journey home?
I could say no, but that would probably be lying.
Will you be taking the train on your way home?
The trains aren't running. There's a power outage right now, remember?
Then will you be taking a bus or a taxi or some other kind of vehicle?
A car, probably.
Is your car parked within a three-kilometer radius of here?
Sounds about right.
Why are you asking me all this?
I have attempted to contact the support center and request a release to act upon our professional code,
but I am unable to connect.
As such, I am permitted to act at my own discretion.
I will escort you to your car, Mr. Customer.
Huh?
The duty of escorting the unwell falls upon us robots.
Are you crazy?
No, but I am malfunctioning just slightly.
I'm looking at two, maybe three kilometers by foot.
How long will your batteries last?
In my current operational mode, I can continue for approximately four more days.
So you'll be able to return without any problems?
Yes!
Good. Let's go
understood.
Hey!
Please watch your step. There is a bump here.
May I direct your attention here, Mr. Customer?
The vanilla cream puffs sold at this store are so popular
that the queue always extends well outside the door.
Do you like cream puffs, Mr. customer?
Wouldn't know. Haven't exactly had one before.
Anyway, I don't need you to be a tour guide, I need you to pick up the pace.
I'min a hurry.
Yes, understood.
Mr. customer, located on the fifth floor of this building
is a beer-hall affiliated with our department store.
Its menu offers fresh seafood and many different kinds of craft beers.
I'm begging you, cut the chatter and put that effort into walking faster.
Yes, understood.
Um, Mr. customer...
What, need another break?
Yes. My femoral power unit has overheated and requires cooling.
This rain really isn't letting up at all.
Tell me about it.
By the way, Mr. customer, what is your line of work?
I'm a junker.
Could you elaborate?
In laymans' terms...
I'm a garbage collector, I guess.
Garbage collection?
That is a very noble profession.
My body is designed to be completely recyclable...
About time we got going.
You good to go?
Yes, let us continue.
Leave that here.
By "that" do you mean this bouquet?
Yeah.
Holding onto that just makes it more likely for you to fall over.
But this belongs to you.
Look, it's...
Fine, I get it.
The bouquet belongs to me.
Hand it over.
Of course.
Here is your bouquet, Mr. customer.
My bouquet, huh?
A liquor store...
Mr. customer, may I ask you something?
Was this the result of a vehicle collision, gas explosion, or other accident?
Could be from combat, or a scavenger like me.
An accident of sorts, I guess.
Finally found a liquor store and not a single damn thing's left.
At least leave half of it standing...
Is that...
A trap?
Usually when something kills you, that's it. No second chances.
No wires or a weight-sensitive plate.
It could also be rigged up with...
Here you are.
After all that effort, this is all I get...
It appears that bottle you have there is a scotch whiskey.
A twelve-year Sherry barrel...
Price including tax is...
You know a lot of things.
I'm impressed.
Yes, thank you.
Mr. customer, is everything all right?
There is a bump here, so please watch your step...
For the fourteenth time...
I told you to watch where you're going.
I understand. My apologies.
I'm surprised you're not in pieces by now.
I am more durable than my appearance may suggest.
That's good to know.
Yes.
The streets really are empty.
Yeah, it's just us.
On rainy days like these, we can't go outside, so it's very boring.
However, spending time indoors could be fun too.
Do you ever get bored?
Bored? What do you mean?
You've worked at the planetarium for a long time, right?
Haven't you ever wanted to work a different job?
I am very fond of my job.
Working with Mr. manager, the staff, and miss jena brings me much joy.
I see.
Mr. customer, may I ask you something?
What is it?
Have you ever made a wish to your god?
Perhaps, but nothing important.
Come to think of it, I never asked you what you would wish for.
Yes, that is correct.
What would you wish for?
Please...
Please do not divide heaven in two.
That is my prayer to the god of robots.
If people and robots were to be separated at the gates of heaven,
then I would be truly worried.
Even if I go to heaven, I still would like to be of service to all humans.
I would like to be of assistance to everyone, now and forever.
Is that so?
Yes, it is!
If I leave her like this, her batteries will run dry.
If I'm to make her wish come true,
I would have to take her out of this city...
But can I force her to leave against her will?
Mr. customer, is your car still along way away?
No, we're nearly there.
Excellent. Shall we continue?
Yeah.
It must be...
Because I had alcohol for the first time in ages.
No...
I had already been drunk well past my limit
long before I encountered
that bottle of whiskey.
Mr. customer?
It's nothing. Let's go.
What am I going to do with her?
Mr. customer, these streets are considerably different from how they are on my database.
Have the streets been redeveloped recently?
It's just as you see.
Is that a construction machine of sorts over there?
It's a Fiddler crab autonomous fire-support mech.
Can you elaborate?
Something not unlike yourself.
But here of all places? Right in front of the quarantine wall?
Can I make it?
Mr. customer?
I'm going hunting.
Hunting?
Stay here until I come back.
I'm leaving this city soon.
What will you do after I leave you?
I will be able to walk myself back to my workplace, so please do not worry.
There's no one left in this city.
Even if you were to return, you'll never again have any customers,
and you'll never be able to show the planetarium to anyone.
Also, the power supply to this city is on its last legs.
The projector will never operate again.
You've seen all of this with your own two eyes!
Yes, but according to my information and accumulated databases,
I believe that customers will surely come again.
As for the power outage, both miss jena and I
are willing to wait as long as it takes for the power to come back online.
Look!
Listen very closely to what I'm about to say, and listen well.
Yes, understood.
You saw the state of this city on your way here, and I need you to make your choice based on that.
This city no longer needs you or the planetarium!
If you want to continue working for humans, you have to come with me.
I don't know if that will make you happy.
But I...
I believe that I wish to continue serving all humans as well.
That is what makes me happy.
However, I believe that I have insufficient data based on what you have told me
to decisively select a course of action.
You have no means of gaining any more data.
Don't you understand?
You have until I come back to think it over.
Yes, understood.
Oh, right. Hold on to this.
Of course. I will handle it with care.
Again, no matter what happens, don't move.
Don't say a word until I come back.
Understood.
I have registered this as a critical directive.
I will eagerly await your return.
A recharge station would be expensive, but not impossible to obtain.
I could probably build her a small projector.
We could carry that around,
travel from colony to colony,
and show people the starry sky together with her commentary.
That could be our new line of work.
I must be losing it.
Sorry buddy, but I've got a partner again.
It misfired?!
My pre-emptive strike failed. That makes things difficult.
I've got two grenades left.
I need to get as close as possible, and take out its legs.
Then aim for the topside armor and knock it out of commission.
Doesn't waste ammo, I see.
Standard operating protocol when faced with an enemy of unknown firepower.
Then resumes suppressive fire...
Knew it!
One... two... three!
Shit... my ears...
Need to assess the situation!
It takes thirty seconds to reload.
Won't be long before it fires again!
A fracture?
An eye for an eye, a leg for a leg, is it?
Why did you do such a stupid thing!?
Welcome back, Mr. customer.
Are you hurt?
I told you to stay put until I got back!
The unregistered machine appeared to be in a rampant state.
A force-stop signal was sent, but was ignored.
The receiver may have been out of order,
so an emergency physical shutdown was attempted, and failed.
The rampant machine appears to have ceased functioning.
Please step away from the rampant machine
and report this incident to a nearby police station or support center.
My sincerest apologies for violating a critical directive.
However, there was an older promise I had to keep.
I must not knowingly allow any human being to come to harm.
Keeping this promise is the pride of us robots.
Mr. customer, are you injured?
No,
I'm fine.
That is most relieving to hear.
I apologize on his behalf.
I believe he may have malfunctioned, too.
We robots were created for the happiness of humans.
I'm sure he never wanted to act with such violence.
I know...
Because I, too, am slightly malfunctional.
The emergency batteries will deplete in approximately 600 seconds.
Because the backup batteries are depleted,
I will be unable to boot after this.
I am sending a maintenance call,
but it is not being acknowledged.
I feel somewhat abandoned.
You don't need to call anyone!
I'll save you.
But...
I'll fix you.
My sincerest apologies for my disorderly state.
Please do not worry.
Since I am a robot, I do not feel pain.
I can be repaired,
or transferred to a whole new body.
There are no longer any engineers that can repair you...
Any bodies to replace yours...
Or any humans that need you...
Not in this world...
Please, if you maintain that facial expression,
I will be most worried.
I am arobot.
My customers' smiles are most important to me.
I remember every single one of them.
As a robot, I am good at remembering things.
I am hoshino yumemi.
Thank you for this wonderful name.
I will be sure to do my best.
Thank you very much.
Here you go, yumemi!
Yumemi, thank you for the pretty stars.
I'll bring all of my friends next time,
so stay well!
Next time, I'll visit with my wife on our anniversary.
The starry sky was as beautiful as it was when I was younger.
I hope to visit you again next year.
I learned a lot about the stars, and I had a lot of fun!
For my summer science project, I'll write about you, yumemi.
Um, it was super pretty, and really moving!
I'm so gonna come again!
I love you, yumemi!
Thank you very much.
We eagerly await your return.
Yumemi, we um... need to go on a trip for a while.
A trip? That sounds wonderful.
Yumemi...
Could you please wait for us here until we return?
Yes, understood.
When will you be returning?
That's...
W-we're not really sure yet.
But we'll be back for sure.
When that happens, let's work together again, okay?
Do you understand, yumemi?
Yes, Mr. manager.
I'm so sorry, yumemi...
To leave you out here, all alone...
Please do not worry about me.
I will be waiting here for you with miss jena for as long as you need.
Please leave matters in my hands, and enjoy your trip.
That was a record from 29 years and 71 days ago.
44 years and 138 days have passed since our first projection at the planetarium.
Until you came, Mr. customer, time after time I wondered...
When would Mr. manager and the other staff members return?
When would our next customer arrive?
I always found myself reaching the same conclusion-
that the humans would never return again.
But that was impossible.
That is why I thought I must have been malfunctioning.
I ran my self-diagnostic program to locate the error.
However, no error could be found.
Therefore, I concluded that there must be an unknown bug within the self-diagnostic program.
When you arrived, Mr. customer,
I was overjoyed.
It seemed I was wrong after all.
The customers had not forgotten about me.
That is what I thought, and it made me very happy.
But again, I was wrong about that.
There was nothing wrong with me.
What's wrong was...
Why is the world all wrong?
The emergency batteries will deplete in approximately 150 seconds.
Because the backup batteries are depleted,
I will be unable to boot after this.
I can record one more message.
Mr. customer,
to commemorate your visit to our planetarium,
please record a message with me.
Listen closely.
Yes, sir.
To tell you the truth,
I came to get you.
Could you clarify?
On the other side of that wall is a new workplace for you.
Your projector partner, your coworkers,
they're all waiting for you there.
There's also a venue full of customers, all waiting for you too.
Everyone's eagerly waiting for your commentary.
That's your new workplace, starting today.
You can work there
for as long as you want.
That's just like heaven, is it not?
Yeah...
Yeah, it is.
I finally understood who you are, Mr. Customer.
Mr. customer, will you hear my wish?
Sure, whats it?
Behind my ear receiver
is a memory card slot.
All of my memories are stored there.
Each and every one is precious to me.
Could I ask you to deliver it to my new workplace?
If you can provide me with a new body,
I can start working on that very day.
I can continue working for people for as long as I am allowed.
So, to tell you the truth,
I do not need a heaven.
However, if I must go to heaven,
please, god,
do not divide heaven in two.
Please do not divide robots and humans.
I would very much like to work for humans... forever and ever...
I understand. I will do as you wish.
Yes. Thank you... very much...
I am overjoyed.
Mr. customer?
Where did you go?
Mr. customer?
Are you there?
I wonder...
It seems I am indeed malfunctioning slightly, after all.
I am an economy edition model,
I lack the capability to shed tears.
However, if I did have that functionality,
I believe I would most likely be crying now.
I believe the tears would never stop.
But I am very happy.
I am filled with a joyous feeling.
So... why?
I wonder what my new workplace will be like?
I must be in top condition,
so that I can welcome my guests whenever they arrive.
Why don't you come to the planetarium?
The beautiful twinkling...
Of eternity...
I'd better get going...
Your treasure?
The case?
This case is your treasure?
To be precise, the treasure is inside the case.
This is the symbol of the starteller.
I want you to take good care of it.
And, if you were to see the real stars one day...
My apologies.
Will you come with me to the meeting hall?
Go wait in another room, children.
No!
We'll stay here!
Because we...
The starteller has made us his disciples!
I'm sorry. They didn't listen to anything at all.
I understand.
Listen, all of you.
The village has made a decision.
We will have you leave this village by evening.
You can't!
That's too cruel!
He is still weak!
Job! Ruth!
The decision is final.
Wait!
We made a promise!
He's going to teach us all about the stars, and we'll become startellers!
We'll become startellers and go to other villages.
North, south, we'll even go to the moon!
That will not be allowed.
Why?!
The starteller's role in this world has already ended.
That is what we adults have concluded.
You are wrong!
Ezra and everyone is wrong!
You haven't even seen the stars yet!
You'll understand if you see the stars!
How could you decide something so important without giving the stars a chance?
How could... you...
Why...
Why are you so sure you're right?!
Why?!
Why? Why? Why?
Levi...
Levi, job, Ruth.
That's enough.
Thank you.
You have all treated me well.
You have my gratitude.
Dear goddess,
please make it so the starteller can stay in our village.
We'll be good kids!
Please!
Levi, job, Ruth.
Elemiya told me that you were here.
I came to bid you farewell.
Are you leaving already?
Please stay here longer!
We still don't know anything about the stars!
And about the device!
I'll leave you my books, so you can learn from them.
If you want more,
you should go to other settlements and look for more books.
Even in this world,
gathering knowledge isn't impossible.
You just need to stay strong and not give up.
But...
Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Can't you stay a bit longer?
I'm sure the goddess will hear our prayers.
Not even gods can Grant every wish.
Wh-what's wrong?
This is an android...
Right!
Behind the ear slot...
Oh that...
Mister!
What's wrong?!
Job, get the adults!
Mister...
Mister!
He has had a long and difficult journey.
His lungs and nervous system are worn out.
Apparently just walking or speaking should be very painful in that state.
Don't worry. Ezra said that he could wake up tomorrow.
Let's let him rest for now.
You should also go to bed for the day.
Okay?
I see... you have come for me.
That gate... is there only one?
If there are two...
I refuse to go.
It's been a while.
Yes, it has been a while.
You seem to be doing fine.
Yes!
I am a robot after all.
This is for you.
Here is the bouquet you told me to hold on to.
Yeah, sorry I took so long.
At last, I was able to hand it to you.
I see...
You're able to cry now.
Yes, Mr. customer.
I'm not a customer.
Indeed, that is how it was.
I've wanted to thank you for so long.
You have all of my gratitude.
I, too, must give you my gratitude.
The stars and their stories,
you taught so many people about them.
Thank you so much.
Mr. customer?
Then it was worth it...
With those few words...
All of it...
Come now, let's start the projection.
Yes!
He's happy to sleep here, right?
Yeah.
This is definitely better than the underground graveyard.
The starteller has to be where he can see the sky.
So the moon is somewhere up there?
Yes. And the stars.
We'll become the startellers!
Yeah!
Here lies a world where only words remain
they were written one by one over countless years
this city is frozen in time and everything fell to ruins
the faintly flickering light disappears
and we fall into deep slumber
we wake up, repeating the words which had passed onto us
while seeking the meaning of our birth
The white glittering twinkles we see, far away above
they were once called “stars”
and they are our guide, illuminating through darkness
at the other side of the world, at the floating, glittering islands
knowing the meaning of the words we repeated before
as we reread the record
we watched the endless sky...
There 1s absolutely nothing but us around here
we had even forgotten the sensation known as time
we chase the twinkle of the stars over the repeating sky
eventually, we'll reach the answer we looked for
Before the world froze, all the words were entrusted to us
The white glittering twinkles we see, far away above
they were once called “stars”
and they are our guide, illuminating through darkness
at the other side of the world
I float into the infinite empty space
the sail catches the wind
and sliding into the waves, I steadily advance
carrying the life to weave the reverie of the planet