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[Nakéen]

"For complaining? Complaining isn't something to apologize for. You probably heard but the Commander approved every request you made.... So if anything you should complain more."

He started opening the box as if to prevent Tule from reclaiming her apology gift.

"A gun? No, the weight is off..."

He pokes at it with his fingers, scratching it with his nail.

"A gun...made of... chocolate? I've never heard any place that sells that."

He scratches it a bit more, putting the chocolate bits in his mouth.

"Its bitter...coffee's flavor really is tenacious. Uh, thanks. You really don't have anything to be sorry for...but this gift seems really, really specific to me so I should accept it anyway. Its very thoughtful of you."

Tule Vankrels lost her words. She was trying to find the appropriate reaction, but couldn't. So she just froze here while Handler Roland started poking at the chocolate gun. And tasted a bit of it. And complimented it. She felt some warmth of sort welling from her chest as the gift she had painstakingly made together with Daybreak had ellicited a positive reaction from its recipient.

Why did she make that chocolate weapon again? Why was she there again? She had forgotten.

Tule Vankrels: "Thank you. I'm really glad you like it. Why was I was so on edge for, haha! Erm, have a nice day Handler Thompson!"

Tule bowed a bit before leaving for her quarters.

(...)

Once she had reached her room, everything came back to her in a flood of shame. She then collapsed, curled up in a ball and screamed in a pillow. She felt much better afterwards, but this event would haunt her forever more... maybe.

[Nakéen]

CYCLE 4 - MEETING OF THE DIVISIONS

Involved parties: 4th Division, 2nd Division, 9th Division, 27th Division
Location: Sehigama

A few days earlier the officers of the 4th Division received notice of the scheduled joint meeting of the four divisions in the base of the 4th near Segihama City. Organized by the initiative of the Chief Commanders of each involved division, this meeting was meant to share information and facilitate coordination in future operations.

Which brings us to today. All ARM teams were out to welcome the guests of the division, the ARMs neatly standing at the side of their Handlers while the Commanders stood in a row next to the Chief Commander and the Chief Operator. It was sunny outside and even though everyone was in the shadow of a building, it was still very hot outside. An armored convoy was in view.

The first to arrive were those of the 27th Division, in charge of the adjacent Sector N. As they had been briefed prior on the personnel of the other divisions, they recognized Chief Commander Franz Orca of the 27th: a very tall man with his short red-hair left in a loose style. His beard was unmaintained and his cap seemed about to fall off, which was in line with Chief Commander Braern's description of the man: unbearably nonchalant yet surprisingly competent. At his side were two ARMs, with their Handler each.

[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Heey Tal! How are you doing buddy! Congrats on the promotion to Sector O by the way! Oh and Lia, you look as charming as ever."

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "Chief Commander Orca. I see you haven't changed, for better or worse. Let me introduce you rapidly to our capable officers: Commander Lanceheart of Team Scarlet Star, Commander Deer of Team Green, and Commander Belov of Team Gunmetal Rose. Then we have-"

The officer of the 27th cut him off in the middle of the introduction, looking at each Handler.
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Handler Argis, Handler Smith, Handler Walter, Handler Flinch, and Handler Thompson. Don't worry Tal, I memorized it all. Sorry for cutting you pal! But it's just too hot today, you know I can't handle the heat! I can't believe you are all standing there so squarely without breaking a sweat. Now that's what I call tough."

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "Chief Commander Orca. I would appreciate if you behaved yourself in the base under my supervision, in front of my subordinates. Do I make myself clear?"
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Eeh how mean... is that any way to treat a guest?"

The temperature was rising, and the Chief Operator wedged herself in-between the two. She was fuming more than them.
[4th Division Chief Operator] Lia Valie: "You two stop acting like children. Chief Commander Orca, should I personally inform Chief Operator Baker of your conduct?"
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Ahem... My apologies."
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "I'm sorry as well."

There was no further incident after this sorry display, and the introductions resumed in a hall cooled by air conditioners. The other present members of the 27th were the Handlers Doma and Macraz in charge of 2nd Gen ARMs Mordi and Franscesca of Team Apricot Leaf. The two other teams, Lime River and Orange Blaze, had remained at their base to ensure they could response to any emergency and would be briefed on the contents of the meeting later.

A few minutes later, several NRCPF armored transport crafts landed on the tarmac of the 4th Division base. They belonged to the 2nd and 9th Divisions, who were in charge of Sector U. Unlike the prior Chief Commander of the 27th, the personnel had a professional attitude and their arrival went smoothly.

- From the 2nd Division were Chief Commander Hiro Narajima and Chief Operator Lizbeth Cruz, accompanied by 1st Gen ARM Tsubasa from Team Crystal Wings, and 2nd Gen ARM Eliza from Team Cobalt Crown. Tsubasa did give a nod to Baretta and Capella, who could hardly hide how overjoyed they were to see her again.
- Then in the 9th Division, the Chief Commander Meredith Moira and one 1st Gen ARM representative of each team of the 9th Division: ARM Joker from Team Lucky Clover, ARM Lotte from Team Rose Fortune, and ARM Selia from Team Moon Orchid.

Situation of the Sectors

With the introductions out of the way, the division representatives moved to the meeting room where they would discuss each items on today's agenda with first up the current status of the Sectors each was in charge of. The situation was as follow:

- Sector O and N were stable and under control, but the divisions still had to remain vigilant.

- Sector U was in a complicated situation. Decontamination efforts and reinforcement of the damaged fortified cities were still under way, but progressing slower than expected due to an intensification of Spectre attacks. They were slowly managing to revert the Red Zones back to Orange level or lower.

[9th Division Chief Commander] Meredith Moira: "Even with the support of the 2nd Division, we are stretched thin in Sector U. The smallest mistake could lead to the whole Sector turning Red, and I'm not exaggerating. After discussing with Chief Commander Narajima, we decided to seek the help of the 4th and 27th Divisions of the adjacent Yellow Sectors."
[2nd Division Chief Commander] Hiro Narajima: "We don't intend to send your ARMs out to deal with spectres though. Assisting with the decontamination of the less critical zones would already greatly lighten the load on our ARM teams, which are constantly rotating fighting off Spectres of Class C or above."
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "There should be no issue with us providing assistance if our ARMs are kept away from the frontline."
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Yeah, if it's only cleaning work, we will help no problemo. Speaking of, any news about Sector Y and Sector Z?"
[9th Division Chief Commander] Meredith Moira: "Worst case scenario, the two sectors turn Black in four cycles. If we can continue progressing at the same steady rate, we have at least eight cycles until the situation worsens."
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Sheesh."

Results of the Sector Wall investigation

Thanks to the investigative work of Team Gunmetal Rose, it was discovered that a malicious actor had sabotaged the Wall of Sector O, leading to the sector breach that caused a ton of headaches to the 4th Division. With this information in hand, the NRCPF intelligence division managed to find and apprehend the culprit. However, the situation turned out a bit more complicated than what everyone expected.

Keryl Nelva was just another false identity of the culprit, whose real identity was protected due to classified reasons. Not even the Chief Commanders knew its name, but what they could piece out was that the culprit was working for the NRCPF, and that the breach had indirectly been caused by internal politics and an experiment gone wrong.

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "The investigation results will be covered up. Fortunately... We did manage to recover something they wanted to hide: they were testing a device called a PEA, Phantasmal Entity Attractor. I think its name is telling enough."
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "And I am the bad boy? I don't even wanna know what kind of unsavory things you had to do to obtain that bit of info."

One could only speculate the intentions of the one who used this device. Some believed the breach truly was an unintended consequence of the test as the culprit had apparently been mostly left off the hook. Others believed the breach was intentional, and that this was the result of some bigger cover-up. Either way, they decided to drop the issue as they could only speculate.

Results of the Area O-11 Survey

The reports of Maiden activity in Green Area O-11 led to the same result as the prior investigation: classified, and told to drop it. Now that they knew of the experimental Attractor, everyone suspected Area O-11 had been used to test this device. Then they proceeded to decontaminate the area in order to hide any trace of the experiment, most likely because they didn't want to risk someone figuring out the Apparitions movement patterns were highly unusual.

[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Okay so they are paranoid. How does a Maiden fits in all of this?"
[9th Division Chief Commander] Meredith Moira: "It's obvious. Maidens leave less traces than using an ARM. Because of their nature, ARMs are heavily monitored. Everything they do is logged."
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Man, some people are crazy."

(...)

Those were the main subjects tackled during the meeting among others. The Commanders and Handlers were free to intervene or ask questions if they wanted.

[Egan_BW]

"So basically, we found evidence of criminal conspiracy, and then someone, who I can only assume to be a suspect, told us to drop it?"

[VermilionSkies]

"You're a good friend, Daybreak."
Sarah giggles.
"You're like a cool older sister!"
"What are they researching that could possibly be worth any of this? So many lives..."

[Stirk]

Roland remains silent and stone faced. Somehow the idea that the Fat Lady was working for the government never crossed his mind....A heroic, clean revenge was off the table. Jeanie's killer got away with it. And his hands where tied.

[Maximum Spin]

"I assume we're all in agreement that we should continue to investigate the matter on our own recognizance anyway, of course."

[VermilionSkies]

"I'll be damned if I let whoever is responsible for this go."

[Stirk]

"...It won't be easy. Like they said, everything an ARM does is logged."

[Egan_BW]

"Yes. The fourth division will not be investigating this. Some of us might need some time off, I think."

[Prophet]

Handler Walter raises a question, waiting until given indication to speak. The worn out man grim and looking about a minute from grinding his teeth down to nothing. "I'm not an expert on politics, nor is it my job to handle them. I'll follow your lead on that Commanders, Chief Commanders." He sighs, giving a determined nod. "What I wish to ask is if we will be forming a coordinated plan between our zones in case of any more 'sudden Phantasm movements' or 'surprise breaches'. We were lucky as is, and my main concern is the continued protection of the civilian population, securing the territory under our combined supervision, and minimizing the risk to the the ARMs."

[Nakéen]

CYCLE 4 - MEETING OF THE DIVISIONS (Continued)

The Chief Commander listened intently to the Commanders and Handlers comments and questions.
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions... The NRCPF isn't a monolith when it comes to its approach to the Reclamation. And the longer it goes, the more its differences will exacerbate."

With an unusually somber mood, the Chief Commander of the 4th told off his subordinates.
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "Unfortunately, we are dropping the issue. Orders from above."

Handler Walter raises a question, waiting until given indication to speak. The worn out man grim and looking about a minute from grinding his teeth down to nothing. "I'm not an expert on politics, nor is it my job to handle them. I'll follow your lead on that Commanders, Chief Commanders." He sighs, giving a determined nod. "What I wish to ask is if we will be forming a coordinated plan between our zones in case of any more 'sudden Phantasm movements' or 'surprise breaches'. We were lucky as is, and my main concern is the continued protection of the civilian population, securing the territory under our combined supervision, and minimizing the risk to the the ARMs."

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "That's right. We will devise countermeasures and emergency plans to account for as many unexpected elements as we can. You can expect to learn more quite soon."
[2nd Division Chief Commander] Hiro Narajima: "With that being said, let us adjourn this meeting. We will wrap up the rest once our respective divisions have been fully informed of the contents of the meeting."

----------

The Chief Commanders made a motion to the ARMs, who nodded and left the room in advance. Now only remained the officers, and Chief Commander Orca made a comment that brought him the glare of many.
[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "So that's the moment when we announce our plans of mutiny, right?"
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "You- haa... nevermind. Of course not, are you insane?"
[2nd Division Chief Commander] Hiro Narajima: "Questionable choice of words aside, what we are about to say must not be disclosed to the NRCPF High Command."
[9th Division Chief Commander] Meredith Moira: "As we agreed, yes. Given you were the one to propose this special operation, we will let you explain Chief Commander Braern."

The screen that had just been turned off lit back up. Displayed on it were countless documents and investigation reports you could tell were highly classified. It all pertained to the irregular experimentations and the breach that had ensued.

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "We officially begin Operation Sour Fireflies - in memory of those two who lost their lives in the breach. The goal of the operation is simple: prevent another disaster of that scale by finding those responsible for the breach, and bringing judgement to them. To that end we must complete two objectives.
1. Bring to light what is being hidden about the Attractors. Most of it will be the work of our intelligence personnel.
2. Build ourselves a strong base of support, making us too important to silence. To achieve this, ideally we would need to reclaim lost sector Z before it worsens."

[27th Division Chief Commander] Franz Orca: "Of course if it turns out this is all one big misunderstanding, we will let it go. Buuut my gut feeling tells me that anyone that secretive can't be all that clean."
[2nd Division Chief Commander] Hiro Narajima: "I just hope what you suspect about the breach in Sector Z is false. Or else, I will personally make sure some heads will fall."
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "That is all. If you have any question, come to me later. We do not have the time to discuss this further at the present time."

The officers then all left the room as if nothing of importance had happened. Talaros came to the officers of Team Gunmetal Rose and gave them a pat on the shoulder.
[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "The 4th Division won't forget Carla and Jeannie Xian."

[Nakéen]

Year 450 Cycle 5 - Briefing

[4th Division Chief Commander] Talaros Braern: "Commanders, Handlers. I know there is a lot to unpack, but we have a lot of work to do."

AVAILABLE MISSIONS

[4th Division Chief Operator] Lia Valie: "Did you adjust to the new environment? Our first mission of importance is to assist the decontamination efforts in Sector U by taking care of one of the southernmost Areas which was ravaged by LIFE Spectres. We expect LIFE type Apparitions to be lurking, so a strong ability to sense LIFE will be useful in rooting them out."

High-Priority Mission 1: Decontaminate Yellow Area U-32

Location: Yellow Area U-32
Danger Level: Medium
Difficulty Range: 6-8
Reward: 10000EC
Goals:
- Decontaminate the area

Phase 1: Assess Contamination levels.
Phase 2: Defeat any Apparition.
Phase 3: Decontaminate the area.

Main skills:
1. CLEANSE (SOUL)
2. Any combat skill

Useful skills:
1. SENSE (LIFE)
2. AID (variable)

[4th Division Chief Operator] Lia Valie: "Some areas are still too infested with Apparitions for decontamination crews to intervene. As a result the 2nd and 9th Divisions have asked us to deal with the clean-up of Orange Area U-23 while they take care of the most dangerous Spectres still roaming around in Sector U. Team Apricot Leaf will be nearby doing similar clean-up work, and they have been told to assist if something goes awry on our end. The same goes for us, of course. The Apparitions are the offshoots of a MIND Spectre."

High-Priority Mission 2: Exterminate Apparitions in Orange Area U-23

Location: Orange Area U-23
Danger Level: Medium
Difficulty Range: 4-6
Reward: 8000EC
Goal:
- Exterminate all the Apparitions in the combat zone.
- Support team Apricot Leaf if they encounter difficulties.

Phase 1: Defeat the 1st Apparition Wave.
Phase 2: Defeat the 2nd Apparition Wave.
Phase 3: Defeat the 3rd Apparition Wave.

Main skills:
1. Any combat skill

Useful skills:
1. SENSE (MIND)
2. AID (variable)

[4th Division Chief Operator] Lia Valie: "Our surveillance network has detected an incubating Spectre in Green Area H-06. It has yet to hatch and is still vulnerable, so we intend to strike fast. The Egg must be destroyed in one clean attack, or else it will hatch into a fully healed D-Class Spectre. According to our analysts, it might hatch into an Apprentice or a Shadow. The Egg itself has no clear attribute, so no combat style will be particularly disadvantaged against it."

High-Priority Mission 3: Eliminate incubating Spectre Egg in Green Area H-06

Location: Green Area H-06
Danger Level: Easy to Medium
Difficulty Range: 4-8
Reward: 8000EC
Goals:
- Eliminate the Incubating Spectre Egg
- Eliminate the Spectre if the Egg hatches

Phase 1: Destroy the Egg's Barrier and Core in one attack.

Main skills:
1. Any combat skill
2. STRIKER or CASTER

Useful skills:
1. AID

Low Priority Missions
Low Priority missions are risk free, and may be selected by multiple teams without cutting the reward.

Option 1 [Repeatable]: Assist in relief efforts in Sehigama City of Sector H (3000EC)
Option 2 [Repeatable]: Assist in relief efforts in Delphine Fortified City of Sector U (3000EC)
Option 3 [Repeatable]: Eliminate Apparitions in Sector H (3000EC)

[Egan_BW]

Capella or Raven have the best odds on smashing the egg without a fight, with 4 skill and +1 from a quality. But Raven would be strong against a shadow while Capella would be weak against an apprentice, so Raven is probably the more efficient choice, needing less backup.

[IronyOwl]

"Hmph. Scarlet Star can do any of these, but isn't especially suited to any of them.

Capella's considerably better at SOUL cleansing than any other asset, so we might be best for Mission 1. Our team is a little worse at LIFE sensing than Gunmetal, but that's probably the lesser concern."

Deploy both ARMs to Mission 1.

Spoiler: Mission Math (click to show/hide)

CLEANSE (SOUL):
Baretta +1, Capella +4
Malakim +2, Raven +2
Daybreak +1, Tule +2

SENSE (LIFE):
Baretta +3, Capella +3
Malakim +2, Raven +2
Daybreak +3, Tule +4

SENSE (MIND):
Baretta +2, Capella +3
Malakim +2, Raven +2
Daybreak +3, Tule +4

Highest Combat:
Baretta +4, Capella +5
Malakim +4, Raven +5
Daybreak +4, Tule +3

[Egan_BW]

"As we don't have a learning accelerator at this time, I don't mind Baretta getting better at cleansing through practice. Since purifying Nagaea is our ultimate goal, she'll have to learn at some point, and this is a low pressure environment to do so."