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What's the big deal? Everybody's so worked up about it.

'Don't allow standard operators to view classified records.'

I guess my impression could use some work. But copying a classified record is kind of going a bit too far.

So it's a secret, huh? That explains why the content is so juicy.

Well, whatever. Life is short. Why get caught up in all that?

Li'l Lava put so much into writing out her idea of Lungmen. What do you think? Isn't it cooler to turn the whole city into a metal monster and go all CLANG——BAM——POW! Hmm?

You better work it out with your director. But if you do turn a city into a giant robot, you be sure to let me enjoy it!

It's a little creative license. Otherwise I'd be out doing that right now.

Li'l Lava's a gentle soul, I get it. But you gotta go big or go home, you know? Even if the going gets tough.

Well, now that I'm on board, maybe we'll shake up the Columbian studios?

Ummm.... Hmmm.... How do I say this....?

There's way too much exposition in the script? And it's full of B-movie garbage?

Hey, the director is fine with it. Not to mention you're the only one who knows which parts are real and which parts are fake.

Huh? Which ones are fake?

A story naturally changes form over time, as it gets passed down.

The scarier and more unrealistic a story is, the more people are interested. Pretty much the same as a movie.

Story, huh...

A script is pretty much a 'story' anyway, so I think li'l Lava can figure it out.

That's how your people are. Mysterious and elusive. Those other ones were too.

Who?

Before Dr. Kal'tsit let it slip, I never knew she was here. I should have asked for an autograph... Ugh....

Ahh.... You mean the ones on the beach? With the band?

I thought your race didn't care for each other.

This is slander! Who said that?! I'll sue!

Dr. Kal'tsit.

The one and only, huh...? Never mind.

Li'l Lava and I love their music! Our top ten album lists are a little different though.

But I've known what they are ever since I first saw them, first heard their melodies. Not bad, living free and easy. Better than the ones under the sea——

Yeah, but how did you know she was at Rhodes Island?

Huh?

I can tell the surveillance system was pretty brutally hacked.

Ha, ha, ha, me? I'm not gonna tinker with that stuff just because I'm curious about new technology! Definitely not! Not this Nian!

Hey! That was hard to fix! There's better ways for you to pull records!

If you were a good girl who worked hard, you could've gotten some Yan food in the cafeteria.

I am working hard! I'll lend you 'Lungmen Doomwatch' for a little historical research, and the real issue with it is...

...Is what?

Doesn't the title kinda suck? What's a 'Doomwatch?'

I noticed the operators have been registering their equipment with more Laterano-ey names lately. Turns out that's your fault?

How about 'Ancient Forge'!

Do you think you could get these guys to come work with us on our movie? That's all I really care about.

No way, the actors you guys picked are too much.

Put a little more effort into it! It's a Rhodes Island New Year's movie!

Throw those guys in there and there's no room for effort! Get real!

Pfft. Fine! As a true cinephile, I will express my motivations to the audience through the medium of film! I'm sure I'll get through!

Oh, do you think I should add 'based on true events'? Is that too scary? Would it freak out li'l Lava?

Don't worry about it. Lava's not a kid anymore. We can all see how much she's grown.

...A kid? You're about the same age, aren't you? Sarkaz don't show their age so well, but you can't fool me.

Ahem! She's the backbone of Rhodes Island! An operator anyone can rely on!

Yeah, right.

It's just like she always dreamed. She's doing some badass stuff, becoming a badass warrior.

How about that?

So what's to worry about? Where's the harm in a little more knowledge?

I'm not here to play mystic like some people. Just come out and say whatever you gotta say.

Besides, they'll find out sooner or later. I've got a plan.

...Ugh.

They'll find out sooner or later... hey! You've got a point there!

But why start with Lava?

I really like my li'l Lava.

Her hard work, her attitude, her progress, Rhodes Island always surprises me like that.

You got the scrappy little one making big strides. That's more fun than the operators who are already too strong for their own good, right?

So I'm willing to stay here and sell Rhodes Island to my brothers and sisters who aren't so hostile to humans.

...How do you sell it? The best mobile ship on Terra for mingling?

That's right! Rhodes Island's infinite inclusiveness is the key to settling any clash of tastes!

Hey.

Not to mention, it's one of the few places out there you can still have a little fun.

We can get along, we can fight, and we can watch the sunset together after a hangover.

Every tomorrow is pretty precarious for me. You know.

So I really kinda like Rhodes Island.

Oh... well... hm...

Am I supposed to blush and accept the compliment? Or should I just tease you for being super sappy?

Happy New Year! What's for dinner?

Lava?

About principal photography on the New Year's film...

Give me a little time. Thanks to a certain hammy lead actress, we might not be able to make it.

Huh? What did she do...?

Ugh.... Have you seen this new script....?

...So what do we do?

Whatever. Just improvise.

Honestly, I knew what you were going for. I knew what you were trying to show me.

If you're trying to send a message, you don't screw around with it...

'Lungmen's hot peppers aren't spicy enough.'

Not changing up this stupid death scene at all, huh.

Heh, what a lousy villain.