Exhaustion

[a_linear_mind]

[With the events at Aidoneus Island concluded, Strahlend has somehow managed to limp it's way back to Fort Alhambra. Once again the machine came back in critical condition despite this being the first time it had been active in months. To make matters worse, there's now a large hole in the roof over where the machine usually stood, thanks to Willis learning that he could activate the machine remotely no matter where he was and the Unity Group was down another Gespenst. The pilot himself is not doing much better, thanks to his usual complete disregard for his own well-being while in combat. He practically falls out of the cockpit of his machine with the side of his head busted open and one of his arms dangling lifelessly in the air. Bits of metal and crystals were still embedded in him but all of these injuries were of course being taken care of by the nanomachines in his system while his machine began to repair itself as well.]

What a long day...

Comments

[a_linear_mind]

I don't know, maybe something changed in their programming or maybe they've evolved past the point of needing human cores. Then again, that doesn't explain why they were able to pick me out or why they made a beeline for me the moment I surfaced.

It almost felt like they were setting up a trap for me. If Elys hadn't shown up I might have...

[abugslife]

You would have been assimilated. Just like all the people during that incident.

At least we know at this point that it is not your presence that makes them show up. Nor the presence of Strahlend. They simply react to it.

[a_linear_mind]

Yeah...

[He seems to grow silent again but quickly regains his composure.]

I'm not sure about that...I think the Chimaera were attracted to Meteor-3 because of it's similarities to the U.I.I.N System...or I guess it's the other way around based on what Elys said.

Or maybe I just don't want to admit I've been purposely doing less for no good reason.

[abugslife]

Whatever your past reasons were, none of them are valid anymore. You shall pilot Strahlend again on a routine basis, as soon as it is operational at least.

Right?

[a_linear_mind]

Heh, is that an order General?

[abugslife]

I do not have the clearance to order membere of Unity Group around.

Consider it a strongly-worded suggestion.

[a_linear_mind]

I'll keep it in mind then.

[What were the chances of Strahlend getting wrecked again anyways.]