[ Battalion 386 HQ, Southern Mid / September 19, 0078 09:30 ]
"Captain Lanster, reporting."
"Second Lieutenant Nakajima, reporting."
"Welcome back, officers," Major Auris Gaiz nodded. "Thank you for cancelling your leave on such short notice. I am really sorry. Please take your seats."
"It's no problem, Ma'am," Teana sat down.
There was another person in the Major's austere office. A dark-haired man in his late twenties wore a black Enforcer uniform, yet the insignia on it belonged to an Admiral. The Navy didn't have many Enforcer Admirals, and few of them that young. Teana didn't need an introduction.
"Officers, let me introduce to you Admiral Chrono Harlaown of the Dimensional Navy. He is the one who called the current meeting. Admiral, if you please?"
"Thank you, Major," the man spoke in a sincere, deep voice. "Captain Lanster, Lieutenant Nakajima, I apologize for recalling you so suddenly on a day like this but this is extremely urgent."
"Yes, Sir. We have been informed it has to do with the Cradle."
"Indeed. I will make it brief: our intelligence believes they know where the Cradle will strike next. Two months ago, a major Belkan ruin was discovered on the uninhabited world #41, Walder. The excavation site was kept top secret but about 36 hours ago, the Library discovered a data leak. We are still tracking the source but there are reasons to believe that the Cradle is on its way. Moreover, we expect ex-Enforcer Fate Testarossa and ex-First Lieutenant Signum Yagami's group to be there, as well."
"What is expected of us?"
"As of today morning, I have been authorized by the Director to take over the Cradle case. My flagship will spearhead the hunt, as well as provide rapid disaster relief to the attacked areas. Our first mission is to prevent any loss of life on Walder and mount a reconnaissance-in-force on the Cradle. That is where I want you two."
"Admiral Harlaown has requested your temporary transfer to Claudia, officers. Personally, I would prefer to have your capacities here, especially you, Captain Lanster."
"Major, I believe the Cradle case takes priority."
"With all due respect, Sir, we are the Ground Forces. We are neither trained, nor liable to carry out off-world operations."
"Their profiles indicate Officers Lanster and Nakajima have more than sufficient training."
"And your profile indicates you command the Navy, Admiral."
The two commanders glared at each other across the table so intensely, Teana had a sudden urge to hide under it.
"The decision is up to them, then. You wouldn't deny their personal request, would you, Major?"
"I wouldn't," Auris avoided his gaze.
Both of them looked at Teana. Teana, in turn, looked at Subaru. Her partner sat very quiet and very straight in her chair. Slowly, she turned her head to meet her gaze.
"Admiral, what are you going to do about the… rogue Bureau employees?"
He met her gaze without wavering.
"Our mission priorities are saving lives and stopping the Cradle. We are not to engage any other hostiles unless necessary to complete the priority objectives. However, the Director issued a personal request to at least try to reason with my wayward sister and General Yagami's knights. Personally, I am not sure words will cut it anymore."
"I understand."
She didn't. There was a long silence.
"What is your decision, Officers?"