78. Secret Investigation

...Anyway, as you can deduce from the above, there is but one reason we've summoned you all: a new mission is waiting. Get ready to set off!

Isn't that a bit too vague? I've known you for a long time, Lieutenant, so I'm somewhat used to it... But at least give us more details on the mission!

Does it have something to do with Relics?

Heh, you just can't wait, huh, Captain?

You always jump to conclusions before investigations even begin. Not a good habit to have!

Though it does seem a lot like your style.

I'm s-sorry...

Whoa. Looks like you've all developed some chemistry from your past missions together. How reassuring. Here's a red flower for all of you as a reward!

Uh... Really?

Yep. I feel like a parent watching her kids grow up. I feel a bit left out watching you guys bicker, though. Hm. What's this feeling I'm experiencing... loneliness, is that what they call it?

As melodramatic as always...

Anyway, what exactly is this mission about?

Oh, almost forgot. I'll let Dr. Aiken explain.

Why don't you just explain it yourself? I don't want anything to do with this affair.

Huh? Are you still mad over what happened in the conference room? Can't believe you're so petty.

...? What exactly is the relationship between these two like?

I may have mentioned it before...

Teslovik was, in fact, established by Dr. Aiken, General Fenriru and Dyatlov, Sui's late father. Dr. Aiken is the most renowned biology expert in Bifrost Industries.

Her specialty is the study of Cases. She's also the one who recruited me to Teslovik!

I see... So she's basically a second leader in Teslovik. Is that it?

Oh, nothing that impressive. She's just a nerd who's obsessed with her research and barely cares about anything else.

I'm not exactly pleased to be called that by a maniac bomber!... Anyway...

It's the first time we've met, I believe? Let me introduce myself properly. I'm Aiken. Nice to meet you.

Oh, hello... Nice to meet you.

While I'm still upset about what happened, I'll let bygones be bygones and explain the situation for you all.

To put it briefly, all Echo Crystal particles in a particular area in Eastrise suddenly vanished from our detection system in an instant.

What?!

...Here's the phenomenon we've observed in Eastrise currently.

So... does it have something to do with Relics?

We don't have concrete proof yet, but Fenriru and I both believe that it's highly likely.

Just the possibility itself is enough to call for action.

That's it, that's the attitude! Well, there's no time to waste, so let's get going, at least I wish I could say that, but things aren't that simple. Life's unpredictable, you know.

What do you mean? What's the problem?

The situation between Bifrost Industries and Eastrise is extremely delicate right now.

But Bifrost Industries can't just sit and watch this go on. So they want to send Teslovik, a supposedly neutral organization, on a covert operation to investigate. Is that it?

Bingo! Therefore, this mission will be an extraordinarily difficult one.

Do understand that, during your mission, you are not likely to receive any support from the base.

That's expected, I guess.

I'm glad you all understand. I can sense the passion and enthusiasm from all of you! Excellent! Now, we shall begin an extra careful round of preparations...

Hey! Wait!

I was wondering who it was. Stara-chan, isn't it?

You heard our discussion?

You can't just barge in on others like that, Stara. Basic etiquette is important...

I apologize for eavesdropping. But...

Please, allow me to join your mission!

Come on, Stara... You can't just charge in out of nowhere and ask to come on a mission. If everyone acted like you, there would be no need for plans.

Still, Awakener and the group are the ones in charge of missions... So if I decline on their behalf, I bet people will start talking bad about me behind my back...

Oh, we'd never...

Is that so? What a relief. I'm truly honored to have such outstanding subordinates.

Still, I'd like to hear what y'all have to say... What do you think? Squad Captain Sova, I'd like your input.

The more squad members we have, the harder it will be to remain inconspicuous. I believe it is optimal to have as few members on this mission as possible.

It's better to have all members be our current squadmates. We're all familiar with each other already and will be better at dealing with unexpected situations should they arise.

Uh... that's true. Not that I'm opposed to her joining us or anything...

I understand that sneaking into Eastrise is dangerous. Because of this, I believe that I could come in useful, being born and bred in Eastrise. It'd be helpful to have someone who knows the topography and culture of the target location, don't you think?

Well... that makes sense.

Right? As expected from the Lieutenant. As long as I'm with you guys, you won't have to worry about getting into trouble with the Watchtower. You'll be free to do whatever you want!

The Watchtower?

The Watchtower is a civil political organization that opposes the current Eastrise government.

This organization stands against the monarchy established by Raeon and wishes to restore the democracy back during the Joint Council era.

I see... Still, wait... What does a political organization have to do with our mission?

Well, Awakener-chan... ''Political organization'' is just a polite way to call it.

The Watchtower is fundamentally a group of activists who would do anything to defeat Raeon... including damaging city facilities or starting armed riots.

Hey, wait! Don't make them sound like some sort of underground gang, okay? Raeon's the one who's at fault!

Stara, why are you defending the Watchtower?

Uh, well...

And you just said that the Watchtower would leave us alone as long as we had you with us. Does it mean that you're connected with the Watchtower in some way?

Uh... I...

A-anyway! I just really want to visit Eastrise, okay? I want to see what my hometown has become while I wasn't around. So... please grant this one wish of mine!

Anyone would be able to tell you're bluffing. So... what do you think?

...Fine. Stara can come with us.

Awakener...

Come on, Awakener! You're ignoring our input once again.

I'm fine with it if Awakener-chan says so. What about you, Sova?

Well, I suppose the pros outweigh the cons to have a squad member who's familiar with Eastrise with us.

Excuse me... Just checking, but do you guys think it's completely okay to just ignore my opinion? Very well. Fine. Do whatever you want.

Oh... we're sorry... That wasn't what we meant to imply!

Please, Fenriru... I believe that Stara is an indispensable asset in our mission.

Well, if Awakener says so... Fine, then. You have my permission.

Really? Thank you!

That's great, Stara.

Hold it!

I have some conditions. According to our previous conversation, we know that Stara has ties with the Watchtower.

Therefore, I must reiterate: No matter what happens, even in an emergency, you must not allow yourself to be connected with that organization in any way. Understood?

As I've said already, this is a covert mission. If you get into danger in Eastrise, no backup will come. Bifrost Industries completely denies any involvement with this operation.

Still, it's not certain if others will buy that. If you don't want to be the reason Bifrost Industries and Eastrise go into all-out war, steer clear of the Watchtower.

I-is the situation really so sensitive? We once aided the anti-church God Eaters in Augustine Empire. Nothing happened after that, did it?

Awakener-chan, let me remind you once more... Things are very tense right now between Bifrost and Eastrise. It's a completely different situation from that time at Augustine Empire.

That's right. Besides, the Church of Augustus has never officially acknowledged the existence of the God Eaters.

At the very least, they've never appeared in any of the Church's public speeches.

The Church wouldn't come after Teslovik for aiding an organization that doesn't exist to them.

That's the biggest difference from the situation with the Watchtower. The Eastrise government considers them an activist group, officially wanted by the police. We can't simply weasel our way out of it if we establish ties with them. You understand now?

...I-I get it. I'll be careful.

Hm? Were you even listening to me? ''I'll be careful'' is not enough! I told you to steer clear of the Watchtower. Did I make myself clear or what?

L-Lieutenant! We'll educate Awakener ourselves!

...We'll take care of this.

I-it should be all right... I'll be very careful as well! I hope we'll all work well together!

Yeah. Let's take care of each other, Stara-chan.