act28side

Then sorry in advance for making a bit of a mess.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

Gah—!

...It's so badly damaged, but it's still burning? This is practically a miracle.

Miles and I reinforced the furnace a few years back, both to prevent accidents and to let it burn things other than Originium fuel.

Heh. The first time a winter like this struck, we still had some leftover Originium products lying around. But later we were lucky to have wood to burn.

As for now... all we can do is assess the situation.

Team A is in place. Everyone else, report your location and status. We'll begin diagnostics in one minute.

Team B in place. Visual inspection shows approximately thirty percent damage to the combined cycle unit.

Team C in place. The cooling system is completely wrecked, but since it's so cold outside we can throw together a makeshift air-cooling system.

Team D in place. The ash-discharging airduct is operating normally. We'll adjust our pace depending on the other teams' needs.

Well then, everyone—

—Let's get to work.

Captain, I've arrived at the last patrol point.

Any sign of bandits along the way?

No... I drove all the way out here without seeing anything.

Franka and I will be entering talks with the bank shortly. Be careful.

If you encounter any problems, contact us immediately. Don't worry about inconveniencing us. Do you understand?

Roger that.

Helena said that Woodrow often passes by here after hunting... I don't know if I'll be able to meet him today.

Why does it... smell like pine oil here?

Pine branches... Did someone start a fire?

Someone's been through here, but who? Could it be Woodrow coming back to the plate?

*huff*... W-Woodrow, wait for me!

Someone else is back there...

Oh no!

Woodrow, watch out!

Who's there?! Well shit, you've brought more bad news.

...What are you doing here?

Sir, there might be bandits roaming in the area. You should head back to safety on the plate as soon as you can.

Um, why do you look so angry?

You sure know how to be a pain in the rear.

But that man behind you just tried to snipe you... I came here to save you...

You have any idea how hard it was to lure that guy out? And now, all that evidence is down the drain, thanks to your bullet.

O-Oh no... Sorry, I...

A-Are you investigating something? Maybe I can help you somehow, to make up for it?

Okay, now that you know there are bandits out here, ever thought about what they might be after?

Probably looting supplies... Since it's tough getting by around here?

We can barely keep <i>ourselves</i> fed and clothed on the plate. You think they want our scraps? Their M.O. is to ambush and rob caravans.

Th-Then, what are they after here?

Lately, a bunch of people from the plate have gone missing. And my witnesses tell me some of 'em have been seen talking to bandits here before they vanished...

So my question to you is this: what're <i>you</i> doing here?

I... I was assigned to maintain security along the plate's outskirts, and ensure that any bandits wandering the perimeter don't interfere with the power plant's repair.

All on your lonesome?

No... I have teammates. Besides, aren't you also here?

Whatever. Bye.

Wait! The bullet—

Oh, he's already gone...