Operation story: NL-5

Operation

Story

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Characters
Doctor Amiya Gravel Greynuty Iwona Justyna Margaret Maria Młynar Nightingale Shining Sona Zofia Bald Marcin Corrupted Knight Nightmare Knight Old Craftsman Old Knight Szewczyk Spokesman Malkiewicz Spokesman McKee Toland Withered Knight Monique Roy A Commuting Worker A Hurrying Worker A Protesting Knight A Protesting Knight An Infected Knight An Armorless Union Member
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Before operation

“

The series of disturbances instigated by the Infected has left the Grand Knight Territory in turmoil. Finally getting her moment of reprieve, Nearl chances upon a Lazurite of the Armorless Union.

”

<Background 1>
Withered Knight	Guah... Uhhh–
Corrupted Knight	......
[The Withered Knight throws away a bottle given to him.]
Withered Knight	Aaah... ah...
An Armorless Union Member	Report. The Withered Knight is displaying rejection symptoms after the injection. No... We didn't observe similar reactions in the other knights. The pharmacists think it could be an allergic reaction that occurs in Sarkaz. What? T-That's a waste... It's almost as concentrated as the restoration gels they sell in stores as it is... This stuff is for fixing armor, and they're human. If we keep injecting this into their bodies, we'll end up causing irreparable damage to their brains... ...... Okay, I understand... They're Sarkaz... not human... *Sigh*... You heard them. Increase the concentration by another 0.3%... We'll find out the Sarkaz limit.
<Background 2>
Nightmare Knight	...... What... are you?
Withered Knight	Gkhaa... Gkhaa...
Corrupted Knight	You... Nightzmora... must die...
The young Nightzmora lets out a long sigh. He looks up to find the familiar night sky has been dispelled by the bright lights of the city. Is this, too, a symbol of a civilization's advancement? Is Kazimierz conquering the night skies with its bright neon lights? He finds himself struck with a sense of melancholy.
<Background 3>
[The door opens as the recently rescued Maria rushes into the bar.]
Maria	Hey!
Zofia	Maria!
[Zofia hugs Maria.]
Zofia	Thank goodness... You're okay!
Maria	U-Uh, Zofia? P-Please. Don't cry...
Bald Marcin	I'm glad you're alright, Maria.
Old Knight	How were we supposed to face Old Nearl if something happened to you?
Old Craftsman	Not that we can face him the way things are now.
Maria	Ahaha... You're not that old. What are you talking about? *cough*. Uhh... Zofia? Could you let go... Please?
Zofia	...... Alright.
[Toland shows up.]
Toland	Sorry to interrupt this exemplary show of sisterly love... but it seems Margaret is missing?
Zofia	Uh... When did you...?
Toland	I've been here since the hugging.
Zofia	Ugh... Who are you again?
Maria	Oh, this guy helped me out just now–
Old Knight	It's you! Y-You're...
Toland	A case of mistaken identity, Old Knight.
Old Knight	......
Toland	So? Where's Margaret? After all that ruckus, is the insensitive Radiant Knight still going to carry on with the Major, foolhardy as she is?
Maria	I... I don't know if we should tell her...
Toland	Heh.
Maria	The Armorless Union isn't going to give up so easily. They'll attack again sooner or later. You're all in danger! But... telling Margaret is exactly what they want us to do...
Toland	This is the Grand Knight Territory. There is nowhere to run. They'll always find you. These are different times, not like before. The General Chamber of Commerce is growing even as we speak.
Zofia	This is for your own safety, Maria. We have to tell Margaret.
Maria	Is that really going to solve anything? Are they really going to give up just because she pulls out of the Major?
Do the knights clinging to life in this city have no way out left?
Maria	......! (W-What am I thinking...?)
Toland	It's not a bad thing to be so lost in thought. So long as you're not like a certain someone, anyway. Okay, if Margaret isn't here, I still have something else to attend to. Cheerio.
Zofia	Hold on, what are you–
Old Knight	Zofia. Let him go. Don't ask any more. It's okay.
Zofia	Alright then... I owe you for saving Maria though. If there's anything we can do to help... let us know.
Toland	Hm... Right. Your attack glanced to the side, Maria. Your balance was off, and you were a little too slow too. Seems like this is an emotional problem, though, and I can't pretend I know how girls work.
Maria	Is it an emotional problem?
Toland	Knights don't fight on the battlefield. You won't be getting very far on borrowed ideals alone.
<Background 4>
Roy	Confessarius. Seriously? Just the name gives me chills.
Monique	If you're going to question that, try Darksteel.
Roy	I'll pass... He's a Sarkaz too, isn't he? Something like a legendary mercenary? A Sarkaz from Kazdel, the Radiant Knight, and this Rhodes Island... Interesting.
Monique	Interesting, and also in the way.
Roy	We have to deal with both the Board and the Knights Association, we have to take care of the Infected so discreetly, and we even have to be careful and cautious about it. When will all this be over?
Monique	Soon...
Roy	Right... soon. But Darksteel doesn't step up. Doesn't that mean we'll have to take care of all this dirty work ourselves?
<Background 2>
Nightmare Knight	......
Toland	Wait. Let's show some mercy. Why not?
Withered Knight	......
Nightmare Knight	They lost. I have the right to do whatever I want with them.
Toland	They are my kin, and I can't bear to see my kin end up like this in Kazimierz. Let me take care of them.
Nightmare Knight	Your kin... heh. These filthy creatures don't deserve to be my war prize. I'll break one arm each for their punishment. Take them away, the eyesores.
Toland	Ah, that's it? I thought we'd have to fight to come to an agreement.
Nightmare Knight	......
Toland	Eh, hey now. Keep your blade where it is. Forget I said anything.
<Background 5>
A Voice on the Television	Reigning victorious over the Candle Knight, the Radiant Knight is making huge waves in both in the media and on the intercity net. Furthermore, citizens are trembling in fear with Infected terrorism on the rise across the Grand Knight Territory. Area 0's officer-in-charge and a General Chamber of Commerce spokesman have announced they will hold a press conference in the upcoming days.
Młynar	......
<Background 6>
Spokesman Malkiewicz	Anyway... That's about the size of it, Doctor, Miss Amiya. I'm afraid... things aren't very calm in Area 0 these days, and the Infected are taking the fall for the uprisings that happened the other day. These are extraordinary circumstances... but we don't want to put a stop to the sheltering and medical treatment just because of this. Please avoid wandering around town the next couple days. I'm very sorry.
Amiya	Doctor... the news...
Gravel	It's not 100% false, unfortunately. The Infected have actually been making a lot of noise, especially after the Radiant Knight defeated the Candle Knight. We had eleven cases of violence just yesterday.
Doctor	Gossip is a fearful thing, and the media knows that best. / ...... / That can't be true.
Hibiscus	Apparently some of the Board members were assaulted? Whoa... There are even protests going on. I just hope it won't affect the knights... That lady yesterday said she'd buy toys for her siblings with her winnings.
Amiya	Then... does that mean Nearl is...
<Background 7>
Protestors	Deport the Infected! The Infected don't belong in the Grand Knight Territory! The Infected quarantine zone is an Oripathy petri dish!
A Commuting Worker	What's going on here? I just got out of my meeting. How did things get so out of hand?
A Hurrying Worker	Hm? Look at that city block over there. Isn't that the Infected shelter and treatment center? The protest's let up a little already. It was way worse this afternoon. They had a huge banner, too.
<Background 8>
Margaret	Do you need something?
A Protesting Knight	The Radiant Knight... Do you know why those Infected dare do this out in the open? They're committing terrorist attacks all over the city, dragging innocent citizens into the fray. Do you know where they got the courage to do this? It was you! It was you and the Blood Knight. It was you infected knights who gave them the right the resist!
Margaret	......
A Protesting Knight	I... I know you're no villain, champion. I even used to be a fan of yours. But by staying in the Major, you are only giving the Infected false hope. False hope that... they can change the status quo. You'd do well to keep your nose clean, Radiant Knight... Don't end up regretting your actions.
Margaret	......
<Background 2>
Margaret	...... ............
[Shining approaches Margaret.]
Shining	What's the matter, Nearl? You don't look like a knight who just won a match.
Margaret	No...
Nightingale	Nearl. If there's something on your mind, tell us.
Margaret	Right... I'm just thinking about the Infected.
Shining	About that... we have another lead. Amiya knows already. There's no doubt that someone is behind all this. But you don't need to worry about that right now. Trust me, and trust Rhodes Island.
Margaret	Alright.
Nightingale	Keep your light shining bright, and worry about nothing else, Nearl. At the same time... Please don't push yourself either. You're strong, but your exhaustion is building up. Try to take it easier once in a while.
Margaret	...... Kazimierz... is my home. I'm very happy to see Maria all grown up and aiming to become a knight, and that Zofia and Old Marcin are both doing well... But, right this moment, I feel more relieved that you two are here by my side.
Nightingale	Are we your family too, Nearl?
Margaret	It's hard to say, Liz. It'll be some time before winter comes, but it still gets pretty chilly at night here in Kazimierz. Liz, go back to Amiya.
Shining	We've all been worried about you ever since you "left" Rhodes Island.
Margaret	I know, but that's exactly why I can't drag them into my own mess.
Shining	But you're fine dragging us into it?
Margaret	You're free to leave now, if you want.
Shining	Well, well, look at you. Our Radiant Knight acting all snarky.
[Margaret hears a music nearby.]
Margaret	Music...? Is there a bar nearby? It used to be a row of regular old offices here. If I remember correctly, there was a publisher. The Grand Knight Territory wasn't this big... But, for the past couple decades, every time there was a Major, the Grand Knight Territory would pick out three cities to dock with after a round of competitive bidding.
Shining	The Kawalerielki Alliance.
Margaret	The city's changing... and even though this is my home, it feels a little... foreign.
Nightingale	You haven't been back for very long yet, Nearl.
Shining	And you dove straight into the Kazimierz Major right away... you chose to throw yourself into your ideals. You haven't started living a new, proper life here just yet.
Margaret	I will, sooner or later. But now's not the time.
Nightingale	You must be tired... I can feel it. Should we take a walk? The night breeze might sweep away some of your exhaustion.
Margaret	Sure. Take my hand.
Nightingale	Of course.
Shining	How tough was the Candle Knight?
Margaret	I was surprised to find a knight like her in Kazimierz these days. She's strong, but her hesitation proved to be her weakness. It's too bad we couldn't face each other when she's at her best.
Shining	Did you enjoy it?
Margaret	I used to despise knight sports. No... even now, I feel nothing but sorrow for the shape Kazimierz is in. But... haven't we been through a lot together?
The three friends walk slowly down the street under the Kazimierz night sky. Far away from the loud markets and hustle and bustle, only traces of the city's warmth can be felt in this alley. The warmth comes from liquor and song, as well as the aroma of baked goods that yet lingers as pedestrians come and go.
Margaret	This doesn't change what we need to do. And that's even if, after everything has come to pass, my journey is destined to be ridiculed.
–Like wings taking flight in the night breeze. –Like a traveler with a heart full of dreams. –The knight sets out on her journey. –In search of true love.
Nightingale	What a beautiful voice...
Shining	Maybe it's a wandering singer.
Nightingale	Is there a place so romantic in Kazimierz too?
Shining	It's proof that there are people who live here.
–A fate as fragile as a cornflower. –To face a test fierce as windstorms.
Nightingale	Hmm... Hmhmm...
Margaret	Liz, would you care to dance?
Nightingale	Huh? Me? What...?
Nearl	It's fine. Take my hand.
Nightingale	Alright...
Nightingale	Oh... S-Slow down, Nearl...
Margaret	Alright.
The blue bird takes flight in the gentle night sky. It dances amongst the glowing neon towers and navigates through a gently flowing river of time. Taking the Sarkaz's hand, the knight waltzes back and forth under the dim lamplights. The sight is reminiscent of the noblest statues found in Laterano.
Shining	You're beautiful, Liz.
Nightingale	R-Really?
Margaret	Perhaps you will actually be able to dance one day.
Nightingale	When that day comes... will you be there by our side?
Margaret	Of course.
The knight stops and kneels down before the lady of the lamp.
Margaret	I promise, Liz.
Nightingale	Mhm...
<Background 2>
Shining	We'll be waiting, Nearl. At the end of your journey, before your light burns out, we'll be there with you. When the time comes, if– –
[Shining noticed someone approaching them...]
Shining	Nearl.
Margaret	......
[...who turns out to be Roy.]
Roy	Good evening, Radiant Knight... and the lovely Sarkaz ladies. I'm absolutely delighted to see you again so soon.

After operation

“

Having been threatened by the Armorless Union, Nearl has no choice but to stay vigilant. Having seen Darksteel's might firsthand, Roy finally accepts something related to Platinum's past. The infected knights stand ready to paralyze the city.

”

<Background 2>
Monique	I was wondering why you would have that immobile Sarkaz along with you. Now I know.
Roy	Um... Monique? I'm not sure I get it...
Monique	Then shut your mouth and stop embarrassing yourself.
Margaret	The Armorless Union, is it? What do you want?
Roy	First things first, please allow me to apologize to the Radiant Knight. That is, for the Armorless Union's kidnapping of your sister, Maria–
Margaret	–
Roy	–Hey, hold your beasties. It wasn't my doing.
Margaret	You... you wretched henchmen!
Roy	Maria should already have made it home safe. Relax. We have no more tricks to pull on you, and suppose we were going to do anything else, we would've gone for... less perfect results. We at the Armorless Union are just doing our jobs, even if it's not exactly what we want to do. We've got eyes on us from above. You know what I mean?
Shining	You're attacking the Infected.
Roy	That's how the bosses arranged things. Don't lay the blame on us.
Margaret	The cause doesn't clear you of your crimes.
Roy	I guess you're right... But isn't that why we're paying you a visit today?
Margaret	We have nothing to say to each other. If it is a fight you want, it is a fight you'll get.
Roy	Hey, now, let's cool our tempers, shall we? I'll be frank. We want to shake off the General Chamber of Commerce.
Margaret	What...?
Roy	We're here today to make this clear. We're on different sides. I mean, we still belong to the Chamber... But would you be willing to sign a peace treaty with us?
The Radiant Knight	......
Roy	You, the Radiant Knight, the Nearl family and its subordinates, as well as this "Rhodes Island." I am hoping you will all refrain from getting in the way of our plans. In return, the Armorless Union won't interfere with your quest for glory or lay a finger on anyone that's got anything to do with you.
Nightingale	What about the Infected...?
Roy	Sorry, but we can't possibly do everything either. The Infected are a threat to us. Not to worry, though. We have a use for those Infected knights too.
Margaret	To take the fall for you?
Roy	......
Margaret	That's not what I want, Armorless Union.
Roy	–What is the Armorless Union? Long ago, the local farmers and retainers pulled together and hired a group of veteran assassins to stand up to an indulgent knight noble. But they all failed–Every last one of them. The knight hanged the traitors atop his castle, to make an example of them. The villagers in the territory could only keep their mouths shut and give up their fight. Some time after that, however, there was an archer who took matters into his own hands. Back then, everyone figured that bows and arrows were no match for a Kuranta knight's speed, so they weren't really holding their breaths. Yet when the cruel knight's family awoke the next morning, they found the knight impaled through the ground by a long spear, mid-charge, his head still looking up. When the crowd got closer, they realized it wasn't a spear at all. It was an arrow. An arrow forged by Darksteel. "Darksteel," the very first member of the Armorless Union. I'm very well aware that we're hired killers, but nonetheless... Legends like these aren't always without merit.
Shining	–Nearl! Above you!
The Radiant Knight lifts her head. The streets are only barely lit, and the stars on the night sky are twinkling brilliantly. Among them, a lone shooting star twinkles a few times before straying from the rest of the meteor shower's path. It falls straight to the ground.
Margaret	–An arrow?!
Shining	Break it!
Margaret	Roger–!
[Shining uses her Arts to protect Margaret and Nightingale as the assailant fires an arrow at the Radiant Knight. Margaret deflected the arrow, only for it to fly towards Nightingale...]
Nightingale	Aaah–?!
Margaret	Liz, watch out!
[...and the Radiant Knight pushes Nightingale out of the arrow's way.]
Shining	(Nearl and I both struck it at the same time... and... it didn't break?) ......
Margaret	Are you two okay?
Nightingale	I-I'm fine... W-What was that just now?
Margaret looks to her side in silence. There is a pitch black arrow long as a spear burrowed into the concrete.
Roy	Impressive... I've never seen anyone react to Darksteel's shots in time, much less dodge them.
Monique	......
Roy	Your swordsmanship is as impressive as the rumors say, Radiant Knight. That was an eye-popping maneuver from the Confessarius, too... Luckily, the arrow's not life deadly– –Is that the smell of souls, Sarkaz? I never expected to see such fine swordsmanship and Arts... from a doctor like you.
Shining	Save it... So much for your peace treaty.
Roy	I'm sure you know already, but that shot wasn't meant to take your lives. The Sarkaz sitting over there would be thoroughly dead otherwise.
Nightingale	......
Roy	So, now that we've broken the ice, please do give our proposal some thought.
Monique	I hope you understand that one shot just now, but the Armorless Union isn't begging on bended knee– There are three "Darksteels." How many of their arrows can you dodge?
Margaret	Stop right there!
The Armorless Union members' figures disappear into the gap between the neon signs and the moonlight. All that remains is the reverberating jazz music.
Margaret	......
Shining	"Darksteel..." a metal with an obsidian-like luster. Very heavy. It came falling down from the dark night sky... just as the name implies.
Nightingale	From the... night sky?
Margaret	The night sky...
The Radiant Knight looks up again. There are twinkling stars everywhere, seemingly ready to strike down and ambush them at any moment.
Margaret	This arrow... They must have shot it from far away. It was the high slope of the trajectory that made it seem like it fell from the sky.
Shining	That makes no sense.
Margaret	The Armorless Union... and "Darksteel." If everything's just like the smooth-tongued guy said, they were the origins of the term "Armorless Union." These assassins might have their eyes on our heads right this moment.
Shining	You're right. We need to be more alert. This is Kazimierz, after all. It's the fortress of their crimes.
<Background 4>
Spokesman McKee	Malkiewicz...
Spokesman Malkiewicz	What's the matter, Mr. McKee?
Spokesman McKee	It seems like you've lightened up a lot the past couple days. Did something happen?
Spokesman Malkiewicz	No... I just figured out what it is I should be doing.
Spokesman McKee	Oh yes? I heard you have a close relationship with Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, and that you even arranged for their leader to meet with a few other corporations the other day?
Spokesman Malkiewicz	That's true... Is there a problem?
Spokesman McKee	I'm sure you know, but public opinion on the Infected has been getting out of hand. We'll have to do something sooner or later. Rhodes Island is one of the few foreign companies that operate in Area 0, but they have the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi's support nonetheless. We must treat this Rhodes Island seriously. Actually, a few of the executives have already made clear that they want us to investigate... and make sure they're dealt with.
Spokesman Malkiewicz	Dealt with... huh?
Spokesman McKee	There are certain secrets about Area 0 that we can't let an outsider uncover. We're deploying the Armorless Union here, and the responsible party will again be given the Platinum's command.
Spokesman Malkiewicz	The Armorless Union?!
Spokesman McKee	However... I also proposed to the Board that they put you in charge of this.
Spokesman Malkiewicz	Mr. McKee! Thank you!
Spokesman McKee	Don't mention it. I'm hoping your relationship with Rhodes Island will keep things simple. When you do business in Kazimierz, you have to play by Kazimierz's rules.
Spokesman Malkiewicz	I understand.
Spokesman McKee	Another thing... Please make sure word doesn't get out on this whole affair, lest things turn dangerous. Even though Platinum and most of the Armorless Union are still under control. There remains a problem with the Armorless Union's internal affairs. A huge problem.
Spokesman Malkiewicz	......!
<Background 6>
Gravel	...Doctor. Spacing out again? Are you bored? Lately, a lot of people here in the Grand Knight Territory are boycotting the Infected knights. If it weren't for that... Hehe... I would've loved to take a stroll around town with you.
Doctor	Amiya is under a lot more pressure.
Gravel	Well... but of course. I find myself wondering... what is your company trying to do here in Kazimierz?
Doctor	Closure's always complaining that we're in the red. We had to think of something.
Gravel	......
Doctor	Nearl also told us there are a lot of people here in Kazimierz who need help. I asked her what her plan was. I decided to give her my full support, and so did Amiya. That's why we're here.
Gravel	That's a pretty unsurprising answer. Though, in the past, I would've thought it an excuse... I guess the Radiant Knight has pretty high standing at Rhodes Island?
<Dialogue branch starts here>
Doctor	I can't say I've given anyone's "standing" that much thought.
Gravel	Kazimierz companies these days like to boast about having flat management structures, but it's actually a ploy to get the bottom-rung workers to let their guard down. But if that's what you say, Doctor... then let's go with that. Does this mean that if I come work part time at Rhodes Island right now, we'll be... on equal footing?
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	I respect Nearl, and that's got nothing to do with standing.
Gravel	My, I'm so jealous. You turned a blind eye to the Radiant Knight's title and status, treating her only as a person... and you still respect her nonetheless? What about everyone else at Rhodes Island? Do they have your respect too? If so... I think I'm a little curious about this place now.
<Dialogue branch>
Doctor	Margaret Nearl is one of our operators. I've never thought of her as the Radiant Knight.
Gravel	There are a lot of knights who respect the Radiant Knight, though it's always for the same two reasons. It's either because she is a "Nearl" or that she's "the Radiant Knight." As a knight of Kazimierz, it's interesting to be given a different answer.
<Dialogue branch ends here>
Gravel	...Doctor. I was sold as a slave to Kazimierz. Ever since, my master taught me to be ready to give my life for others. Even now, I'm ready to die for you, you know? Hehe.
Doctor	Because you were tasked to be my bodyguard? / Because that's an order from the Adeptus?
Gravel	That's how campaign knights are trained. That's why the Radiant Knight's actions feel somewhat distant to me. Do you think it's a noble thing to give your life for somebody else's ideals?
Doctor	Of course. / Yes.
Gravel	What if that person's ideal is to give their own life for somebody else? What would that get us in the end?
Doctor	A better world. As long as it's something better, I'd call that a win.
Gravel	...... That's a naive way of thinking. It's nothing like how sharp you were when dealing with the K.G.C.C.
Doctor	Say, Gravel?
Gravel	What is it?
Doctor	If you don't think I'm worthy of your sacrifice, then don't make it.
Gravel	How could you say that? You're doubting my loyal–
Doctor	If you think I'm worthy of your sacrifice, then live on for us.
Gravel	......
Doctor	You're a brilliant knight, and you're a partner of Rhodes Island. You're free.
<Background 8>
Roy	......
Monique	What's on your mind?
Roy	Nothing, it's just... it's been a while since I last saw Darksteel make a move.
Monique	When was it?
Roy	You weren't a Lazurite yet... It was when we took care of the last Platinum. That Platinum was Centaurea's master... or something like that, I guess? It was raining that day. The time was 4:47 P.M., and I was just about to go on a business trip to another city. I was the only Lazurite at the time, and I got a call all of a sudden. They told me that "Platinum" betrayed us, and I had to take him out immediately.
Monique	So...? Did you kill your coworker with your own two hands?
Roy	Nope. If I'd done that, I'm not sure I'd ever get a decent night's sleep again. Actually, by the time we made it there... Haha... It was an unfinished building. The whole third floor was wrecked, and the traitor... was nailed to the wall high above the ground with one of Darksteel's heavy arrows pierced straight through his chest. Now, I may be an amateur when it comes to on-site investigation, but I could tell that "Platinum" tried to run away, only to get shot through the chest by the arrow mid-air, and pinned to the wall like that. I was standing right under the wall, and the poor guy who fell in love with his target and tried to betray us was nailed right there above me. I can still see it in my mind. I'd never seen a wall as white as that, and he looked like he really suffered.
Monique	Only an idiot would be fooled by somebody spouting freedom and platitudes. They don't understand what it actually means to survive.
[Roy's phone rings. He picks it up.]
Roy	It's me. Hm... Are they finally making their move?
[Roy hangs up.]
Monique	Pinus Sylvestris, huh...?
Roy	Right, they're very cautious... but... they couldn't hold back any longer. I mean, we've had those Infected boycott protests the last two days. It's ironic. I'm not even sure who's the victim here anymore.
[Roy's phone rings again...]
Roy	*Sigh*, another phone call? Does it ever stop?
[...and he picked it up.]
Roy	Hello–
A Voice from the Phone	Why didn't you position yourself at the specified coordinates? The Confessarius and the Radiant Knight wouldn't have blocked that arrow.
Roy	......
A Voice from the Phone	You had them face north, and they saw my arrow in time. I could've killed the Sarkaz sitting on the chair at least.
Roy	Ahaha, I'm not sure what you're talking about–I can't just laugh this one off, eh? That was my quick thinking, Boss. The Radiant Knight's a stubborn one. If you kill one of her friends, you'll just end up provoking her.
A Voice from the Phone	If she'd lose her cool, I don't see why we shouldn't have.
Roy	That would've been too dangerous, Boss. Sorry for only cluing you in after the fact, but I think the threat level we're at is just right. Let's not overdo it. Trust me. The Radiant Knight won't get in your way... By the way, may I ask how things are going right now?
A Voice from the Phone	The Board will figure this out soon... but no matter. When the city is paralyzed by the Infected... I will end the last of the insiders, personally. And then no one alive will know the identities of the Armorless Union's highest ranking members.
[The one calling Roy, one of A.U.'s Darksteels, hang up.]
<Background 2>
Justyna	In position.
<Background 7>
Szewczyk	Loud and clear.
<Background 8>
Greynuty	All ready.
An Infected Knight	Yeah! We can do this!
Greynuty	Sona... The backup power's kicking in way too fast. They might have improved their emergency measures. Please... Please be careful.
<Background 2>
Iwona	Hah, so you're saying I should put on an even bigger show?
An Infected Knight	That's right, Wild Mane! Bash those Armorless Union bastards' brains in!
Iwona	Of course! I'm ready, anytime!
<Background 9>
Sona	Iwona will ambush the Armorless Union's patrol head on. After half an hour, Ashley will ambush the supply sector. If we don't run into any surprises, the Adeptus's guards will be "sent away" at that point. I'll infiltrate the K.G.C.C. and take what we need. Easy peasy. Okay... Let's get this started.
Toland	I can help you sneak into the building... But that's all I can do for you. You'll also need somebody to keep your escape route clear.
Sona	That's more than enough. Thanks, Toland.
Toland	Don't forget what I said. What you folks are doing means much more than you can ever imagine. Now, let everyone see this city cry its eyes out.