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Some... spies.

I guess it's more 'was intercepted by' than 'ran into.'

...So, we've been caught again?

Wouldn't be the first time. We could take the initiative here...

By the look of things, we don't have a choice. The Messenger came back with an order.

...An order? For us? From who?

Since when do we take orders from anyone?

I've gone through the options. Just let me finish.

They want us off the battlefield and up to a remote mountain pass. Looks like it might take us through a canyon.

...To protect a transport team.

Escorting transports is a pretty run-of-the-mill job. There has to be more to it, right?

...I don't know.

...Excuse me?

Really sorry. The situation's spiraled out of control—

But this could be a rare opportunity for us.

Now that we're responsible for the entire team, the situation has changed. Everyone else is looking for an opening, and we can't just sit around waiting to die.

You and W are in charge of this job.

...I have some issues here.

First of all, I won't go with W.

She's made some waves, but I don't think she's ready yet.

She's totally proven herself.

I see things you can't. I trust my Arts.

Hoederer's team shows up with a new demolitions expert, and suddenly the battlefield is one big fiery explosion.

The other mercs are all playing it cool. The 'battlefield' changes every day, and you never know when it might swallow up your base camp.

...I know.

She doesn't hesitate; not when she's lying, not when she's killing. She is too 'qualified' a mercenary. I can't tell how deep she is.

I'm not looking for a knife in my back, and I don't think she's cut out for this 'escort' job. No matter how great you think she is, now's not the time to send out your greenhorn.

Or did you have some ulterior motives?

I'm working with the tools I've got.

Look at where we are. We can't leave people on the sidelines anymore.

Mercs don't have a dog in the fight, really. But that also means we don't belong anywhere. When the dust settles, we'll fade away, along with the war.

The difference is, war will return one day. But we have only one chance to live.

I'm not going to be fatalistic about this... and neither should any of you. That's the deal.

We have to play the hand we've been given. Stand out from the crowd, and stake out our own position.

...That group's here from Rim Billiton. I'm willing to bet they get raided not long after crossing into Kazdel territory.

A lot of our people won't take the job. We'll have to change the teams up a bit, but it doesn't matter in the end.

It's a dangerous contract, but worth the risk. We, or at least you—

Hold up.

Not that I question your decision... It's just that...

...Ah, forget it. Anyway, you don't need to be so uptight. I'll follow your orders, as always.

But first, you need to calm down, then take a look at your own feet.

...Hm?

Oh... Are you talking about my shadow?

I can't read your eyes. What am I looking for?

Your shadow. It's trembling.

...It's windy. And the campfire is flickering.

You know what I'm talking about. All you Sarkaz are like this.

Don't always try to plan too far ahead. There are too many things you can't control. We're just mercenaries, after all.

...I'll keep that in mind.

So, if you want me to bring W with me, what about you?

What are you planning?

That's on a need to know basis. You're safer this way.

If you can't trust the other teams, you should at least trust your own.

I'm not hiding anything from you, it's just...

Out with it then.

Spill it!

Who was it our Messenger met?

...'Babel.'

A sleeper cell Babel left in Kazdel.