act19side

How long has it been since you were last here, Director Saria?

Hm?

Going a little spacey?

That's not like you... Thinking about the test site?

Do you remember Haydn 1 laboratory?

Of course I do. That's where Ifrit's from, right? We even investigated that place together.

I've been to several hundred similar ruins since.

It's very risky to work with the military. Rhine Lab hides behind layers of contracts and conducts these dangerous experiments with other laboratories doing the dirty work.

But this time, Ferdinand chose to charge into the fray himself.

That tells us Rhine is one careless move away from turning into one of those ruins.

If he fails... Ferdinand will end up buried under the ruins too, right? His real cause of death won't even hit the papers.

Ferdinand has no way out of this anymore. He has no choice but to make sure this experiment succeeds.

Nngh...

Are you worried about Silence and the gang?

I'm only analyzing the risks.

Huh, I thought you were more honest than that.

Okay, okay. She'll be fine. She's a lot stronger now than she used to be, just to look out for Iffy.

Are you consoling me, Director Muelsyse?

That's unnecessary.

I've never doubted Silence's and Ptilopsis's abilities. They will assume their own responsibilities, and so will we.

We will work with each other.;I believe in our operators.;You're showing more of a human touch, Saria.

Did I ever mention that I've always really admired the way Rhodes Island works?

My, you really have a way with words. Makes me want to jump ship and hop over.

Right, right? You feel the same.

I knew I wasn't mistaken.

Multiple power armor signals approaching.

Doctor, the Liberi merc is catching up to us.

Perhaps she's been waiting nearby.

Dr. {@nickname}, are you sure Kristen is here?

Saria's right. Ferdinand can't take this failure, but we don't have time for trial and error, do we?

Ferdinand doesn't want to let anyone find Control.

There's only one place that's in his full control.;There's only one place to hide from prying eyes.

Rhine Lab headquarters.

So that's the place that checks the most boxes, huh?

After I lost contact with Kristen, I went to her home, the test sites, and all her favorite spots...

Everyone who works at Rhine knows Control doesn't like to hang around the office.

Every day, a bunch of staff members ask where she is, but who knew that she could be right there under our noses?

Scan complete.

Doctor, it's just as you thought. There is a large group of armed militants guarding all exits on all floors.

Rhine HQ must already be under Ferdinand's control.

We need to make our moves carefully, and I'm including both Muelsyse and myself.

Seize them.

Dammit...

What are you blanking for?

All units, we've got a situation at the labs' entrance. It's a Pioneer and a Rhine researcher... Mrgh!

In the end, we still gotta hurt people.

That's self defense. I'll testify for you.

There's an emergency exit to the left. Run that way! We'll talk after we make it out—

Someone's coming!

Get ready!

Wait, you again?!

M-Miss Elena...

I didn't hurt you, did I?

I'm fine. I figured you'd strike, so I braced myself.

All of you, stay right where you are.

You're...

Mary Banner of the Trimounts City Police Department.

We're taking a kidnapping and assault suspect into custody. I'd appreciate your cooperation.

Suspect?

Mary...

You're a hard one to catch. Isn't that right, 'Team Leader?'

Drop your weapons and put your hands up.

Right hand too.

Put your right hand up, please.

A syringe?

Hold on, what are you trying to do?

This is a physical examination.

There might be a hazardous material leakage in these laboratories. Regulations demand we execute prevention procedures on all personnel.

May I take a look at the medicine you're administering?

The situation is critical. Please don't get in the way.

Warning: Procedure does not match existing records.

What you are doing is completely against the rules...

Rules? I don't need a researcher who was... kicked out of Rhine to teach me about rules.

Hmm...

What about me, then?

Do I have the right to ask you to turn this syringe over?

Director Franks...

I am the overseer of Site 359. State your objectives immediately.

Sorry, Director Franks, but Director Clooney has taken over responsibility for all your site's functions.

Without his orders, you can't ask us about our operation.

If I recall correctly, only Control can change an experiment's overseer.

What gives Ferdinand the right to overstep his bounds?

I can't answer that.

This should be enough...

Mission complete. All units, pull out.

They're gone...?

Affirmative. The Defense Section personnel are quickly evacuating the site.

I thought they were here to take the Pioneers away... Am I mistaken about Ferdinand?

Ferdinand!

Ugh...!

Dr. Silence, all Pioneers who received injections have lost consciousness.

Tend to them immediately!

Director Franks, do you know how to administer emergency treatment... Director Franks?

Ma'am, I thought we were here to save Mr. Sonny...

Don't think you can change my mind with a couple of sentimental words!

You got my letter...

Trying to win my sympathy only works once, Romano.

I'm just glad I didn't let you get away. Otherwise, who knows what kind of surprises I'd have waiting for me?

You don't trust me...

Why should I?!