Old Company's Operations

Still no word.

If we haven't heard from them by now, then something's definitely happened.

Oh? Is that...

Busy as always, I see. What is it this time?

Krervo!

A friend of yours, Krervo?

Yes. This is the head technician at KMS. He helped me out a lot in the past.

You were a brilliant researcher back then.

Now I see you're getting involved with some...interesting people.

Yes. I'm mainly involved in field work these days.

This is Aldo. He's a rather talented assistant, I must say. Quite the interesting specimen, no?

Talented? I don't know about that, but why is he cosplaying?

(Cosplay?) (What does that mean? I don't understand half of what these future people are talking about.)

Enough with the introductions, what's going on?

Right. There's a surveyor who went out to Route 99 some time ago, and we still haven't received any word from him.

Surveying Route 99? Now? There's clearly more to this story than you're letting on.

I'm afraid that's all I can tell you.

If you're involved in this, then it's bound to be something interesting. Perhaps we should help you, then.

You will? I know I can count on you to be discreet about this. Please, help me out.

Okay. If I find anything, I'll meet you here in the tavern.

Now, I guess I should start my search out in Route 99.

I should come along too. I don't know what we'll find, but it's always good to have an extra pair of eyes.

What's this! At this rate, I'll never get home.

Are you the surveyor?

Ah! Who are you?

I used to be like you. Researching for KMS. The head technician is waiting for you. He brought me in to find out what's going on.

O-Oh, thank you for your help.

I had actually finished the survey, but all of the data was stolen by the Synth Humans.

Synth Humans? What kind of data have you been collecting?

Data about the construction in this area. There's no reason the Synth Humans need data like that...

Construction... Just what is KMS up to this time.

I-I'm afraid that's confidential. I can't indulge...

You're a good employee. I should have expected this. Management is getting good.

I'll take care of this. You should go and report back to your superiors. After that you should take rest, too.

I guess so... Thank you for this.

Once I get the data back from the Synth Humans, I'll bring it to your boss. Let them know what's happening.

It seems it was a good idea to bring you along after all.

I guess so. The Synth Humans can be tough.

I know. Let's proceed carefully.

...Humans. What are you doing here?!

We're looking for something. A surveyor has had his data stolen in these parts.

So you're more KMS lackeys, huh?! What are you planning to do with all this data about the construction in this area?

I would like to know that myself. So if you don't mind, I'd quite like the data back, please.

Do you really think such human pleasantries will work on me?

Well, well... Looks like we have a live one.

I guess I have no choice. Let's do this. I feel I must warn you, I can hold my own in a battle.

That's why I tried to end things peacefully.

Okay...

What are you doing, Krervo?

I was thinking I might try to look into the data on this chip. There may be something to learn from it. Hmm... Looking at this, there's no doubt about it... But, this... Is KMS planning to...

Sounds bad.

Well, I can't say that for sure. However... Anyway, we should get this chip back to the boss. Then we can talk.

Oh, Krervo, you're back! Did you get the data?

Yes. This is the data I need. The serial number matches.

About that. Just what is KMS trying to do?

Hm? Oh, well we've received an order to repair the route. This is just a preliminary survey.

You've never been good at lying. I've always been able to tell. I think you're building a base in Route 99 from which you intend to descend to the surface.

......

I think what you've been doing out there is looking for the points where Elzion was tethered to the ground. But why would you be looking to build a route to the ground?

Heheheh. You got all that from just a little look at the data? You always were sharp as a tack.

Why don't you come work for us again? With talents like yours, it wouldn't take you long to rise through the ranks.

I will never work for KMS again. Though I'll admit there are times when I miss it.

But don't change the subject!

If you intend to go down to the surface, that must mean there's something you want to bring back up.

I won't say anything now. We're still too early in the plan. The surveys have only just started.

The way you're talking, it sounds like this will be a pretty big plan.

Anyway, thanks again. I'll send a reward to your account. Of course I can trust you'll stay quiet about all this.

A reward, huh. From the company? Or is it from you personally?

From my private account, of course. I figured you'd prefer it that way.

I do. And thank you. My research comes with a variety of expenses.

Krervo, did something happen between you and KMS?

No, not exactly. It was a fairly amicable split. In fact, I'm thankful for them. The things I learned there still come in handy to this day in my research.

But then, why were you so cold toward that guy?

It's because of the subject of my research. A company as big as KMS can't help but meddle in everything. Especially when the stakeholders are concerned.

Now, I've got ahold of some assets of my own; I think I'll buy what I needed for my research myself.

Aldo, I want to repay you for the help you've given me.

Let me take you out for a meal. How would you like steak?

Sounds good. I look forward to it, Krervo.

Me too.