[ Claudia briefing room / September 20, 0078 06:30 ]

"Alright, people, here's the plan," Lieutenant Pallas' tone would make any sergeant proud.

The marines of Pallas' squad have huddled into the narrow briefing room. Teana and Subaru sat in the front, even though they already received the briefing. A 3D map of the deployment area, all hills and trees, was projected onto the wall in front of them. The archeologist camp was a blinking red dot.

"We are currently about an hour ahead of the Cradle. When we drop into the camp, our top priority is rescuing the civilians. You are not to engage the Gadgets, unless to protect lives. Understood?"

"We got it, Sir," a laid-back bespectacled young man replied. His insignia identified him as a Sergeant.

"Good. Our primary extraction point is just outside the camp. If we're lucky, we will get in and out before the Cradle even hits us. If this one becomes compromised, the secondary point is a kilometer downhill to the south. We'll be arriving at 07:03 local time, so check your watches. Any questions?"

"No, Sir."

"Good. We'll be dropping in soon. Everyone take a leak and get to your pods. Good luck out there."