Reeling in the Aftermath
Fumacine City, 5 weeks later
Karla: Sir, I have the latest report.
Karla: Reconnaissance has notified us that the 5-D gate has been confirmed to close roughly five hours after the incident.
Karla: Without our observation point... intact... it was difficult to ascertain the closure.
Celaeno: Understood. We did not have any remaining satellites in the vicinity.
Karla: Furthermore, there has been no additional 5-D gate activity nor any similar anomalies since then.
Celaeno: They've been quiet. Surely they're aware of our plans to counterattack.
Karla: If I may say so, yes. They are likely planning for that.
Celaeno: It's difficult to simply wait for the next appearance.
Celaeno: Will we be sitting ducks? What's the status on the search for a viable replica V-CORE?
Karla: Since Pandora's destruction, the elite trio has been on leave.
Celaeno: Has the Virulyde unit been reactivated?
Karla: No, sir. Dr. Maxwell was unable to run some last-minute diagnostics due to the loss of the lab.
Celaeno: Please support the Maxwells in their efforts to construct a new facility.
Karla: Yes, sir. I'll ask Dr. Maxwell to send us a list of necessary equipment and supplies.
Celaeno: Thank you. Let's set up a rendezvous point for the shipments to the ShockShadow II.
Celaeno: I have a press conference. Talk to you later.
Karen: Hello, Karla. How are you doing?
Karla: Same as usual. How about you?
Karen: We're holding up. Everyone's slowly getting back to normal.
Karla: How is Saja? She has not contacted me since... you know...
Karen: Saja's a little bit of a different story. She's... still in shock.
Karla: I know she lost her only remaining close family.
Karen: Yes. We... we all lost... friends... family... co-workers...
Karen: I'm sorry. I'm still not...
Karla: Don't force yourself.
Karla: Listen... I just wanted to pass along a request for a list of any and all materials, equipment, anything you need.
Karen: To set up the new lab?
Karla: Yes. That, and, once you're established with a working setup, please re-activate Virulyde.
Karen: Right. He has been down for quite a while now.
Karla: Surely you know but the pressure is increasing to find a working V-CORE.
Karen: Yes. We were told there may be one in the Ice Plains.
Karla: Right. Once your team is ready, let us know. That will be the next mission.
Karen: I'll pass it along, thanks.
Karla: Thank you. Hang in there, ok?
Karen: I'm sure our team will be ready soon. I'll have Dad give me a list of everything we need to set up a new lab.
