Kokoro stirs and opens her eyes to find herself in an unfamiliar room. The walls are dull grey, like steel, with a single dark window running the length of the one on her left. Medical machines and tables with various instruments surround her, but she is alone.

The blonde girl attempts to move and quickly finds that she can't. Kokoro discovers that she has been restrained by metal shackles on her wrists and ankles to an examination table. Said table has been tilted to sit at a 75-degree angle, giving her the view of the room she is confined to.

Kokoro struggles against the metal holding her but it doesn't budge. The only thing it accomplishes is causing her a bit of pain as the clamps seemingly grow tighter. Studying herself, she realizes that her parasite suit has been replaced with only a hospital gown and an IV hangs from her right arm.

As this realization dawns on her, the memory of her last waking moments returns as well. Fighting in Genista against a strange FranXX that was almost completely white, wielding both a sword and spear. She'd been beaten quickly and fallen unconscious shortly after.

I've been captured, the thought races through her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. What will they do with me? A tear rolls down her cheek. They might kill me or interrogate me for–

The door opens and a boy enters. He stands only slightly taller than Zorome or Hiro, wears a white dress uniform, and has blonde hair like her own. His green eyes bore into her with ravenous intent, but he makes no sudden moves to assault her in her helpless state. Overall, he scares her, but Kokoro can't help but feel she recognizes him.

"Code 556," the boy's tone is smooth as honey and he smiles, "I'm so glad that you're finally awake. I was beginning to worry that we'd been too rough with you. However, it seems that wasn't the case."

The boy takes a step closer. "Now, I have several questions. Answer them and I swear no harm will come to you."

"W-where am I?" Kokoro's voice trembles as she addresses her interrogator.

Smack!

Kokoro's head rolls from left to right as the boy backhands her. She lets out a cry and more tears stream from her eyes. "I said I would be asking the questions," he repeats. "If you speak out of turn again, I will be forced to respond accordingly. Being the good host that I am, I shall overlook this infraction."

The blonde male adjusts his glove. "I am Nine Alpha, and you are in an undisclosed location that your rebel friends will never find. Now it's my turn: why were you attacking a supply base in the middle of nowhere?"

Several seconds pass in silence. "I see, we'll have to do this the hard way then," Alpha narrates. He lifts his gloved hand to strike again but a voice stops him. "We needed the food."

"So you are running low on supplies?" the boy asks. Kokoro doesn't respond. Alpha slaps her again, bruising her left cheek. He then grabs the girl's chin and forces her to look at him. "You will answer me when I ask you a question, do you understand? If you don't, well… I'd hate to ruin such a pretty face."

Kokoro's fearful eyes stare at him, but her only response is to cry even harder. "Are the rebels running low on supplies?" the boy demands. Kokoro doesn't speak but does manage to nod.

Alpha grins. For one as weak-willed as this girl, it'd soon be very easy to coax more information out of her. "How many of you are there?"

"I don't know," Kokoro answers. "Don't lie to me," Alpha cautions her. "I won't be forgiving. Not to you or any of your traitorous friends. They will all be made to atone for their sins through fire and death. If you don't want to me to kill you right now, you'd better stop lying to me."

"I-I'm not!" Kokoro sobs, shaking her head. "I don't know anything! Please, just let me go!"

The boy lets out a sigh. "I'm afraid that is out of the question. You are responsible for the destruction of APE property, death of its parasites, and direct disobedience of Papa's glorious will. You will pay for those crimes. Now, where is the rebel base?"

"I don't kn–" Kokoro screams as a jolt of electricity courses through her body. She convulses violently, attempting to draw in on herself, but she's held in place by her restraints. "I asked where the rebels are hiding," Alpha says as he reapplies the shock, this time for a longer burst. "We'll find them regardless of whether or not you tell us. And when we do, all of your little friends will die."

Kokoro thrashes against the shackles and begins to whimper. "I-I… d-don't k-know… I… d-don't… know…"

The blonde admires his handiwork after he shuts off the electricity. Kokoro is covered in sweat, bruises have formed on her tear-stained cheeks, and her right eye is turning black. With her rapid breathing, the girl is clearly struggling to remain conscious as the strain starts to prove too much for her body.

"Fine, then," Alpha smiles. "You don't need to be conscious for this to work on you, you scum." He picks up a helmet with many wires connected to it. "I'll just extract the information I need from your memory."

Kokoro makes no effort to fight him as he places the helmet over her head. As he ensures it is secure, he realizes that she has indeed passed out. Alpha snorts. "What a pathetic excuse for a parasite. How you ever managed to work up the courage to leave your plantation is simply incomprehensible."

Alpha walks to the door and the machine begins to whir. "This'll take some time. Don't worry, it won't be painful. Just hang tight until then." He chuckles at his own joke and steps out of the room.

Twenty minutes later, Alpha reenters the room. He stalks directly to the unconscious girl shackled to the table and pulls the helm from her head. The boy then hurls it against the wall in frustration where it's bent into a misshapen wreck.

The noise rouses Kokoro, who sees the boy angrily glaring at her. "You truly are worthless." He draws closer with each word until he shouts in her face. "You're a rebel parasite, a member of the insurrection against Papa's glorious leadership. How could you not know where your own base is?!"

Kokoro is once again consumed by fear, attempting to flatten herself against the table to get away from Alpha. "I searched all of your recent memory and it's nothing but a boy and this!" Alpha holds the book that Kokoro had kept hidden from everyone else, ever since finding it on the first adventure to the seaside village.

Alpha throws the book in her face, cutting her cheek. He steps back and takes a deep breath while brushing off his uniform. "It seems that retrieving you was a waste of time. Personally, I'd like nothing more than to give you to Delta as a plaything." Kokoro squirms and starts to beg, but Alpha raises his hand.

"However, Papa, in his limitless generosity, has seen fit to give you a new purpose. If you will not serve him as a parasite, then you will bear those who will in your stead."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Ugh," you sigh and slump back into your chair. The mountain of reports on your desk seemed to never get any smaller, no matter how many you looked over. As the "commander," it fell to you to make informed decisions on what targets were the most suitable to attack, and to plan out many of the raids. That meant weighing the resources to be gained, known enemy presence, terrain, unit availability, team composition, and even the distance from the site to Haven. It's exhausting work to say the least.

While you technically hold the title of commander, it's not like everything falls on your shoulders. It was decided that having a strong central leader for the parasites to look up to was best. In reality, however, that was only a front. You were a figure that everyone could look to and nothing more. All major decisions were actually made by the War Council consisting of yourself, Ichigo, Zero Two, Hiro, Ikuno, and Mitsuru, along with Kana and Kyo. Nana and Hachi also served the council as advisors.

A light on the desk phone flashes, though it doesn't ring. "Yes, Freya?" you ask, accustomed to the AI's method of announcing her presence. Before she had started the practice, you had nearly been scared out of your wits several times by the disembodied voice or sudden appearance of an unexpected visitor. So, her warning is much appreciated.

Freya's golden form materializes. "Valkyra's transponder pinged off the western signal moments ago. Cobalt Squad has returned," she says. You exhale. "Good."

Preparing to return to your work, you realize that Freya is still looking at you. "Something wrong, Freya?" "Kana is requesting to speak with you," the program answers. "She wants you to meet her in the docking bay when they arrive. I anticipate it will be ten minutes from now."

"What does she want?" you inquire. Freya shakes her head. "She did not state a reason, only that it was important."

The wheels of the chair squeak as you push back from the desk. "I guess I'll see what Kana has to say. They're a day late, after all." "I believe that would be wise," your companion agrees before disappearing from sight.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Several minutes later, you watch as Valkyra, Gladiolus, and Heliconia settle themselves into the dock. Kana and Kyo exit their FranXX, and while Kana walks a line toward you, Kyo gathers the other members and leads them in the opposite direction. Where are Chlorophytum and Genista?

"Kana," you nod. She returns the gesture. "You're missing several FranXX," you observe, matter-of-factly. The violet-haired girl glances quickly to your surroundings and notices the support staff moving in to examine the FranXX. "They will be here shortly," she answers. "Genista was feeling under the weather, so Chlorophytum stayed back with her." While Kana speaks, her expression remains completely neutral. Though, her eyes tell you the true story. She's lying and doesn't want you to ask anything else until you're somewhere private.

"I suppose you want to shower and get changed," you give the token offer to keep up appearances. Kana plays along. "I would prefer to give my report first, commander. The mission isn't over until I do." "A commendable display of dedication," you praise her. "My office, then?" The squad leader motions to the door. "After you, sir."

Kana walks silently beside you through the halls of the underground base. You attempt to make conversation, but every single one of them is quickly shut down. Kana's hands are folded in front of her and her hair is still a somewhat awkward length after it had been cut several months ago, being too short to put in a ponytail but still long enough that it was halfway to her shoulders. Dark bags have formed under her eyes and she walks with a quicker pace than usual.

"You look awful," you say, reaching the office. The scanner comes to life and you place your hand against it. A green line traces your palm and a click can be heard before the door slides open. Kana's expression remains grim. "Didn't Ichigo teach you not to say that to a woman?"

You walk in past the now-restored meeting table and pull a chair up in front of the desk, offering it to Kana. She thanks you and takes a seat while you make your way around the wooden fixture and sit behind it.

You fold your hands on the surface and look at Kana expectantly. "Alright, what's going on?"

The tired girl sighs and begins her explanation. "The reason Genista and Chlorophytum are behind is we didn't have enough parasites to operate all the FranXX." You begin to speak but Kana interrupts you. "Please, don't ask any questions until I've explained everything. It will make more sense that way."

The cold feeling in your chest grows as you realize whatever Kana is about to tell you is truly serious. You sit back in the chair and motion for her to continue.

"When we arrived at the target facility, Chlorophytum did some light reconnaissance and reported back to us. Typical defenses, a small complement of FranXX, nothing we couldn't handle. That was two days ago."

Kana resituates herself in the chair. "I gave the order for Chlorophytum and Genista to bombard the perimeter while the rest of us advanced. Everything went according to plan and we breached the wall shortly after. Chlorophytum joined us to raid the stockpile while Genista was to provide overwatch."

As Kana speaks you begin to piece together where the problem must lie, and it deeply concerns you.

"We stayed in contact with Genista throughout the mission, and each time she radioed 'all clear.' Then she suddenly went silent. A minute later there was a weak transmission, consisting only of Kokoro begging for help once." Kana's head falls. "By the time we got to the cliff Genista had been using for her overwatch, she was disabled and a white FranXX was fleeing the area. Chlorophytum pursued but couldn't keep up, so I called her back."

Kana lifts her head just enough that she can look at you from the top over her vision. Guilt plagues the squad leader's eyes. "We found Futoshi laying in the dirt about a hundred feet from Genista. He was unconscious. After inspecting the cockpit, we found it had been forced open using the manual override… and that Kokoro was gone."

Your lips tighten as your worst fear is confirmed, that Kokoro had been captured by APE. You aren't sure how to respond to the news, despite expecting it. A multitude of emotions flow freely: anger that Kokoro was taken, concern for what would be done to her, fear that she may unwillingly reveal the location of Haven.

"Damn it," is all you manage to say.

"(Y/N)," Kana still slouches under the weight of the guilt she's carrying, but her eyes show remorse. "I'm sorry. I know she was your friend. She was lost on my mission, and as squad leader I take full responsibility."

You shake your head. "I'm as much to blame as you are. I knew Kokoro and Futoshi were falling out of practice and I thought sending them with you and Cobalt would be enough to get them back into things. I should have just taken them off the duty roster and reassigned Genista, but I was selfish. I knew that if I could get them back into fighting shape, Genista would be our best weapon against a heavily armored fortress because of her siege capabilities."

A groan escapes your lips and you rest your head in your hands. "That makes this my fault too."

Cobalt's leader tucks one of many stray hairs behind her ear. "Assigning blame won't change anything, and neither will beating ourselves up. Right now, we need to figure out what we can do to get Kokoro back."

"You're right," you say as you lift your head. "Where is Futoshi? I'd like to talk to him." "I had Kyo take him to the infirmary," Kana answers. "He was in bad shape when we found him. I would say he has a couple bruised ribs and a broken nose at the least. I don't think talking to him would be a good idea yet."

"Genista wasn't damaged," she continues, "but we had to drag her back." "That's why you had Chlorophytum stay back with her," you realize. The violet-haired girl nods. "I sent Heliconia's pilots back out to bring Genista in. Dragging one of our most iconic FranXX through Haven didn't strike me as a good idea."

Having heard enough, you push off the desk and stand. "Freya, I know you've been listening."

The golden female Viking warrior appears to the left of the desk. "Yes?"

"Call an emergency meeting of the council, but be discreet about it," you order. "We'll meet in the command center ASAP."

Kana stands as you walk out from behind the desk. You look to her. "I hate to ask, but–" "Then don't," she interrupts you. "I can shower later."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When you step out of the elevator and onto the catwalk overlooking the control center, it's as busy as ever. Fifteen or so parasites are scattered across the room, either at various stations or circling the largest holotable.

"Commander on deck!"

Those working remain focused, but the individuals at the holotable look up at the newcomers. Nana, Hachi, Mitsuru, and Ichigo. Blissfully unaware of the situation, Ichigo gives you a smile and a little wave. You do your best to return the sentiment before following Kana down the staircase and joining the others on the lower floor.

Over the next ten minutes, the remaining members of the council join you. Once everyone is gathered, you call the room to attention. "Everyone, you've been working hard lately… take a break."

There are several murmurs as the operators leave their stations, likely wondering what the council is meeting for. However, no one protests as they file out.

After you are alone, the group looks to you expectantly. "I'll keep this brief," you say. "Something went wrong on Cobalt's mission and Kokoro has been captured by APE." There are several gasps and hushed whispers, but you raise your hand and they fall silent. "Kana, please explain what happened in detail. The rest of you, hold any questions until after she's finished."

She nods. "Of course. Two days ago, we conducted our raid on the target facility." A circle is drawn around an APE supply base a hundred and fifty miles southwest of Haven. "After scouting the area, we found a defensive wall with emplacements and a small complement of FranXX."

The image zooms further in to show the area surrounding the supply base. "Genista and Chlorophytum bombarded the perimeter while the remainder of the squad advanced under cover of the ensuing confusion."

The X's representing APE's forces wink out one by one until only Cobalt Squad remains. "After the area was secure, Genista established a lookout point from a nearby ridge and Chlorophytum joined us on the ground. Kokoro and Futoshi stayed in contact while the base was ransacked. We were nearly finished when we received this message."

At her nod, Kyo presses a button on the panel in front of him and a recording plays. "H-Help…" The voice is weak, but unmistakably Kokoro's. Looks of shock and concern cross Nana's and Ichigo's faces. Meanwhile, Zero Two and Hachi take on a grim demeanor as they realize the direction this conversation is headed.

"There was no further radio contact," Kana resumes. "Chlorophytum was the closest, and as a result was the first to reach Genista's last known location. A white FranXX fled as we approached. While Chlorophytum gave chase, Kyo and I investigated the area with the rest of Cobalt.

"Genista was already inactive by then. Her cockpit was empty, and based on the blood on the floor we assumed there was a fight between Kokoro and Futoshi before their attackers managed to overpower them. We found Futoshi in the dirt nearby several minutes later."

"And Kokoro...?" the redheaded former caretaker asks. Kana shakes her head. "She was gone. Whoever was in that FranXX kidnapped Kokoro."

With the truth finally revealed, things quickly devolve into a shouting match. "We have to save her!" "How could you let that happen?!" "What are we standing around here for?!"

You slam your fist into the table, yelling, "Everyone, settle down!" The yelling dies out as quickly as it began. "Now, then," you adjust your collar, "Kana, is there anything else you can tell us about what happened?"

"No," the girl answers. "That's everything we know about who took her. It was a sleek white FranXX unlike any I've seen before. Futoshi might know more, but he's in no condition to speak right now."

"Where is he?" Ichigo asks, her tone icy. While she had been rather chipper a few minutes ago, the news of her friend being captured by APE easily changed her affable mood.

"I took him to the infirmary myself," Kyo steps up, drawing the attention away from his partner. "He was still undergoing an examination when I left."

"We need to talk to him," Hiro seems just as anxious as Ichigo. "He might know who took Kokoro. Or maybe they said something about where they were going."

Hachi shakes his head. "If Code 214 is injured, it is best to let him recover before he's questioned." "Hachi is right," Nana agrees, though her smile seems forced. "Futoshi will be more worried about Kokoro than any of us, and reminding him of what happened could make matters worse."

"Then what do we do in the meantime?" Mitsuru hisses. "Every minute we spend here waiting is another that they could be interrogating Kokoro for information. What if they find out where Haven is or that Doctor Franxx is working with us?"

You sigh, trying to look at the situation objectively. "There's nothing we can do about that now. APE has Kokoro. What we can do is prepare for what might come of it. Our top priority has to be the safety of Haven."

"You mean our top priority is finding Kokoro," Hiro corrects you. "No, Darling," Zero Two puts a hand on the boy's shoulder, pained confusion written on his face. "We have to worry about ourselves first. If we die, then no one will come to save Kokoro."

"We should set up fortifications around the village," Kyo suggests. "No," Ikuno disagrees. "Our main advantage is that APE doesn't know where we are. Building anything would increase the village's footprint and make us easier to find."

"How so?" Ichigo asks. Ikuno taps the console on her side of the holotable and an overhead view of Haven appears. The buildings are covered in vines and other greenery, and vehicles lay abandoned on every street. "This is what Haven looked like when we arrived three months ago."

"This is what it looks like now," Ikuno continues. The image is replaced by one that could be described as simply cleaner. Most of Haven is still a mix of natural green and the dull color of building exteriors, but a select few are completely clean. Several avenues are also free of the debris or vehicles that had congested them before.

"I estimate the difference to be 3.7%," Freya's avatar speaks for the first time. "It is unlikely that a human would recognize the variation between the two images, but erecting defenses or clearing the forest will exponentially increase the odds of Haven being located."

"Then what can we do?" Ichigo asks. "Leaving ourselves vulnerable isn't an option." Hachi glances to either side of the table then offers a solution. "I am familiar with coordinating and implementing defenses. Given that we are unable to fortify our location, the best approach would be to make ourselves ready at a moment's notice. I could put together a series of drills to be conducted at regular intervals to prepare our parasites."

Your interest piqued, you speak up while Hachi catches his breath. "What kind of drills are you planning, Hachi?"

The former defense commander gives a rare smile. "Ones similar to those I put you through during your time as my defense squad." The tension of the moment wanes as the former members of Squad 13 groan. "Nothing like a fake Klaxosaur attack in the middle of the night to get the blood flowing," is Ikuno's attempt at dry humor.

"It will not be entirely pleasant," the man admits, "but they will make sure that everyone is going to be ready in the event Haven is attacked."

"That still leaves the FranXX when we aren't here," Zero Two points out. "If they manage to get in the cockpits, I don't think anyone but me could fight them off." You frown. I have an idea, but I don't think everyone will like it.

"You're right," you look over the table at Zero Two. "Some of us could win one-on-one fights, but anything more would be a stretch. So far, we've always been outnumbered and have had to rely on our superior tactics or our FranXX being stronger to win these skirmishes. If you take that away, we're just as human as they are."

You flick your wrist and several new models appear on the holotable. "I propose, from now on, every active parasite should be required to learn how to use a firearm. The platform the pistils sit on in the FranXX could be easily modified to conceal a pistol. Likewise, we could strap a rifle to the back of the stamen's chair."

Everyone is silent as they ponder your suggestion. Ikuno is the first to speak. "I think it's a good idea. If something were to happen and I was knocked out, I would want Mitsuru to have a way of fighting back."

"It could give all the parasites the ability to fight back," Nana's chin rests in her hand. "But if they aren't willing to use it, it could get them killed instead."

"It's better that way," Zero Two voices her opinion. "I'd rather die fighting than be tortured. And if someone else gets caught, there's no way of knowing how much they would tell APE. But if they're killed… APE can't get anything from a corpse."

Now, that logic is truly terrifying.

"A compromise then," Ichigo offers. "I don't want to see anyone get hurt because they aren't comfortable using a gun, but we have to be able to protect ourselves. So, for now, we teach everyone who pilots how to shoot and require them to carry one. In the future, only those who are willing will be allowed to become parasites. We can't have more of our own get captured."

Your partner looks around the table for feedback. Nana seems satisfied, and Zero Two's expression remains neutral. The remaining members of the council nod or simply wait silently.

"It's settled then," you bring the matter to a close. "We will begin looking for Kokoro immediately, and once she is found a plan will be formulated to rescue her. In the meantime, word that she has been taken does not leave this table. Rumors someone was captured on a routine mission would be devastating to morale and we absolutely can't afford that right now."

There is a general murmur of agreement.

Turning to the eldest man at the table, you continue. "Hachi will develop a drill schedule for Haven's defense and implement it once it's finalized. Those of us who know how to shoot will each pick several others and teach them. This system will be continued until every parasite is comfortable with a firearm. When not in use for a mission, they will remain locked in the armory.

Standing from the position you'd taken, leaning against the smooth edge of the table, you ask, "Is there anything else someone has to bring to the table?"

After waiting several seconds without a reply, you bring the gathering to a close. "I know this is tough, guys, but we have to keep pushing forward. Everyone, do your best and things will work out in the end. We'll get Kokoro back. Meeting adjourned."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Immediately following the meeting, you return to your office. You've barely finished situating yourself behind the desk before the door opens. Given that very few have the access needed to open the door, you have a fairly good idea of who it'll be.

Once the door has fully opened, Ichigo crosses the threshold. "What are you planning?" she asks in an accusatory manner.

The corner of your lip curls into a smile. "Nothing reckless... at least, not yet. How'd you know I was working on something?"

"It's easy," she answers, helping herself to the chair across from you. "You're my partner. I can always tell when something's off with you. Especially if you're lying or trying to hide something. When you left the command center, you didn't have the same grim expression as everyone else, so you must have had some idea that you wanted to work through yourself before telling the rest of us."

You chuckle. "Man, getting involved with a woman who is as smart or smarter than you has its drawbacks." Ichigo cocks her head and smiles. "Love you too."

"Now," the blue-haired girl returns to her serious mode, "what are you planning?"

"Freya," you say aloud. "Yes, (Y/N)," a voice answers. "Open a secure line with Dr. Franxx please, tell him its urgent."

Freya's avatar appears beside the desk. "I took the liberty of informing the doctor of the situation, he is expecting your call. Patching you through."

A second holoprojector kicks on and the blue image of Dr. Franxx sitting at a desk much nicer than your own hovers over the conference table.

"(Y/N), Ichigo," he nods to each of you in turn. "I shall skip the pleasantries. Freya tells me that Kokoro has been captured by APE."

"That is correct, doctor," Ichigo reaffirms. "And you are wanting my help in solving this problem, yes?" the scientist preempts. "Yes," you nod your head in affirmation. "With your access to APE's network, you could easily find Kokoro and we can stage a rescue mission."

Dr. Franxx visibly sighs. "I'm afraid I cannot." "Can't or won't?" you hiss angrily. "Won't," the scientist corrects himself. "While Kokoro's capture is unfortunate, on the grand scale it means nothing."

"How can you say that?!" Ichigo blurts out.

"My dear, we are at war. APE may not realize it, and you may wish to believe it not to be true, but it is a fact regardless," Franxx answers. "No parasite is worth the risk of exposing myself as your benefactor, save for Zero Two. If you were to stage a daring rescue less than a week after that poor girl was captured, it would surely be clear that someone had told you where she was being kept. Following that thread would lead to only a handful of individuals possessing the ability to procure such information."

The older man takes on a serious tone. "That would inevitably lead to a witch hunt for the leaker of said information. Were APE to show up on my doorstep, I would have no choice but to let them into my facility. Do you know what they would find? A facility with far less resources than I claim to need, not to mention multiple missing FranXX."

"Without me, you would be severely hampered in your efforts to rid the world of APE. Take Freya, for example," he offers. "Her primary computing algorithms are stored in the Klaxosaur cores here in my personal facility. If APE were to take them offline, she would still be capable of functioning because of the local copy of her programming stored in Haven. However, she would not be capable of anything like she is now."

Franxx brushes off his coat. "Need I say more?" You give a heavy sigh. "No, doctor, you've made your point," you reply.

"Good," he huffs. "Now, to discuss what I can do to help." You and Ichigo both perk up. "I thought you said you wouldn't?" Ichigo's surprise mirrors you own.

"I said that I wouldn't tell you where she was," he corrects her, "not that I wouldn't assist you. After all, my goal of saving parasites would not be fulfilled if Kokoro were to remain in APE's hands. It could also put the entire rebellion we've built at risk."

"So, what can you tell us?" you ask.

The aging engineer twirls the end of his mustache. "The information you are looking for could only be accessed by someone with the clearance of a plantation's defense commander or higher. That said, if you were to gain access to the terminal in a plantation's command center, and if you were also in possession of an artificial intelligence, or something of the sort, that could breach the plantation's firewalls to extract the data from APE's server, it might be possible to find her location."

"Then we attack the nearest plantation and use it to find her," you say without thinking. "(Y/N)!" Ichigo shouts. "We can't do that!"

"Listen to your partner," the grey-haired man advises. "Doing so would be asking for APE to send every available force to stop you. But if you were to enter the plantation unnoticed and take the information before being found out…"

Doctor Franxx taps his desk waiting for you to respond. "What is it you have in mind, doctor?" He smiles. "Plantation 75 recently lost two members of its defense squad to Klaxosaurs and put in a request for additional parasites."

Two large ID cards replace the image of Doctor Franxx. The first is a boy whose height, weight, and hair color are all similar to your own. The other is a girl standing only 5' and weighing less than a hundred pounds. Her hair is a deep black and worn in a bowl cut. The names "Code 723 – Naofumi" and "Code 626 – Lilo" appear above them.

"These are their replacements," the doctor continues. "In two weeks' time, they will be traveling to their new home from the Garden. Along the way, they will stop at one of several transportation hubs APE maintains on the island."

"...Giving us the perfect opportunity to sneak in and take their place," you surmise. "Sneaking in would be nearly impossible. Those hubs are guarded almost as heavily as the Gardens themselves," Franxx says, dashing your plan.

"Then we attack it as a diversion," Ichigo states. "Indeed," the man replies and indicates for her to continue. "While they are trying to stop the rebel offensive, (Y/N) and I will slip in and board the dropship bound for Plantation 75."

"Woah, woah," you throw your hands up, "who said anything about you getting to go?" "Look at her," Ichigo points to the girl. "She looks just like me, except her hair is darker than mine. I can tell the difference between you and that boy only because of our relationship, but if I'd never met either of you, I wouldn't be able to tell you apart."

"That doesn't mean that–" "I am going and that is final," Ichigo states. "You are not going off on some secret mission with another girl again. This time it's you and me."

You stop your protesting and give her a rueful grin. "Guess I won't be changing your mind, huh?"

A clap draws your attention back to the image of Doctor Franxx, which has returned. "It's settled then. The two of you will infiltrate Plantation 75 and find the data needed to locate Kokoro. With events unfolding in this manner, it will appear as if you infiltrated an APE facility unassisted, leaving no trace of my involvement. Freya will coordinate any of the necessary information for planning the assault. I'll leave you to it."

With that, the man's visage disappears, leaving you alone with Ichigo and Freya.

"I guess we've got work to do," Ichigo says as she stands up. "Yeah," you agree. "Having a plan sure makes this easier. It's time to go and get Kokoro."