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Ah, is this Director Lunorey, Rhine Lab's youngest director ever, Dr. Wright's former right-hand woman, and supervisor of the Vivarium and Propeller Paradise's Engineering Department?

...Is this the 'follow-up' matter that you were talking about, Mercia?

Well, yes. A guide can improve communication in the Engineering Department, and promotional efforts for the Rhine Vivarium, avoiding another frosty reception for Rhine, like what happened at the preview.

I hear the botanical units floating above Propeller Paradise get their lift from incantations, rather than propellers?

Not entirely. Incantations that do not use sound as a medium need to be combined with machinery to maintain operation.

Your bone pen must be extremely important to you. Would losing it have negative consequences, such as loss of memory or illness?

The bone pen is just a tool. It does not have... physiological effects.

How do you relieve stress and recover your energy outside of work?

Does a full-course horn treatment help you relax? Which brand of horn-care product do you recommend? May I touch your horn to see how well it works—

You're asking questions that have nothing to do with our work. I'll have a researcher take you through the Vivarium, to answer any questions you may have.

But—

There are some things that I need to speak with Mercia here about. Alone.

What is Gordon planning this time?

Why do you ask? Mr. Tannen understands that Rhine's current circumstances may give competitors certain ideas, and he does not wish to see it impact the inspection efforts.

He has the best of intentions.

I thought he already traded his conscience for that fancy suit.

Besides, I have a hard time believing that an official guide would ask such irrelevant questions, unless she had ulterior motives to begin with.

I'm not making any accusations. I know you have to protect your boss. But you know you can tell me the truth.

...I agree it's unusual, but I don't think Mr. Tannen is targeting you.

Explain.

We've only just recently come to an accord. There's no reason for us to put pressure on you a second time, in such a short period of time.

Mr. Tannen is a careful man. He would have told me about it if he had other intentions, if only to avoid accidents. Unless...

Unless he's keeping some kind of secret.

He disappears from the office at certain times during the day, every day. At first, I thought he was going out to talk to potential investors.

But I spoke to an investor a few days ago, who complimented Mr. Tannen on getting a contract signed in a single sitting.

Yet he said his negotiations with this particular investor were rocky and needed more time...

Um... why are you looking at me like that?

You just violated the First Rule of Secretaries.

Oh!

Besides, you're not as tense as you used to be, when going over the clues.

...Is that so?

According to the rules, I should close my ears and mouth and think only about the interests of my boss. But now, I'm not sure what he's thinking.

Were you two talking about me?

I'm glad to see the two of you getting along so well. Merry's a shy girl and I thought she would have trouble making friends outside of work.

Mr. Tannen, I...

Is this part of her rules too?

Haha. You're a helluva joker, you know that?

I hope you're not here for the comedy.

I'm here to apologize.

I know how exhausting it must be, inspecting thousands of exhibits while preparing your own at the same time. I just wanted to do my part to help.

You sent a very <i>professional</i> guide.

It's only natural to be nervous when meeting your hero.

I never knew I had a fan like that.

She must be shy, or maybe—

You were trying to avoid suspicion.

What do you mean?

Bring the guide, Merry. I have a few questions about Director Lunorey that I would like to ask her.

She's gone, sir...

Say what—

Director Lunorey! Nutrition supply to all planters has been cut! But there's no error from the control program, and no sign of hardware damage to the central control computer. It's almost as if...

The command to control them has been revoked.

Yes. The converters that were supposed to supply energy to the planters are now running in reverse. The plants will die in minutes if the commands aren't repaired quickly—

No, they've already begun to wilt.

First the leaves, then the branches, and the trunks... the greenery that covered the lab walls is peeled off in a matter of seconds.

Everyone stops to watch the disaster unfolding before their very eyes. They all know what the shriveled, bony branches signify.

It is not just the trees in desperate straits.

What are you standing there for? Hurry up and move the saplings for the exhibition. Those are our last ones—

Everybody freeze!

What...?

Propeller Paradise Police will take control of the Vivarium, effective immediately, and begin an investigation into this incident. No one may approach the equipment until evidence collection is complete!

Security!

Yes, sir.

Put the Vivarium on lockdown.

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry you lost your experiments, Director Lunorey, but I have to ensure the safety of Propeller Paradise.

Your researchers have to leave the lab until the investigation is complete. I'll get someone else to handle the inspections.

When did those guards show up outside the door? Before the alarm sounded, or after?

I don't know what you're talking about.

The researchers can leave. I won't.

Your timing was a little <i>too</i> perfect, Gordon.

*pant*... *pant*...

Thank goodness... no one's on my tail...

Sorry, Mr. Tannen, I'll have to go back on my promise to meet you in the Vivarium.

I think I found what I need to help the Banshee...

Ferne opens up her hand. A white object is lying in her palm.

Ten minutes ago, she was walking through the Vivarium, while thinking about what can help restore an aging Banshee's mind.

It must be something that is very important to a Banshee, something that would awaken her instincts.

The small object inserted into a tree caught Ferne's eye, as though ordained by fate.

The white surface is covered in esoteric symbols, patterns floating around it like a glowing cardiograph, its allure irresistible.

Ferne has seen similar symbols and patterns before. It is a Banshee bone pen.

Sorry, Director Lunorey, but I'll have to borrow this for a while. I'll return it as soon as my client has recovered.

Hello! Sorry to keep you cooped up in this room all day. I think I found a way to restore your memories—

...Ma'am?

There is no one in the room. Only the creased sheets show any indication that someone used to be here.

Wind blows into the room through the open window. A black feather that fell from a horn quivers on the windowsill.

She's... gone...