[ Claudia / September 30, 0078 19:10 ]

Teana and Subaru found Claudia in a state of emergency. The moment they stepped off the transporter pad, someone shouted at them to clear the way. As they hastily complied, a pair of white-coated paramedics materialized behind them, carrying a stretcher with a burnt and bloodied body wearing what Teana recognized as the remains of a Marine uniform. The stretcher was rushed off the pad to a group of medics waiting nearby, who put it on a wheeled frame and ran for the elevator. Another pair of paramedics with a stretcher was already materializing behind them.

Slumped against a wall next to the pad, Teana spotted a man she recognized as Lt. Pallas' squad sergeant. His head was bandaged but otherwise, he was unharmed, staring into the air with an empty gaze. She felt a pang of conscience about never learning his name. Ordering the knights to take Scaglietti back to his cell, she hurried towards the wounded man.

"What happened, Sergeant?"

He raised his empty eyes at her and said in an even voice:

"A bloodbath. She… tore us to pieces… literally. Half of the squad dead. Lt. Pallas… too."

"Who? Who tore you to pieces?"

"Former First Lieutenant Signum."

"So we found her?"

"No. The Admiral sent Sister Schach to parlay. Lt. Pallas… he swore to bring in Testarossa. But after Finieno's testimony, Testarossa was cleared, so he at least wanted to take down the knights. We followed Schach to Ruwella… didn't want to interfere unless the negotiations went bad. But she spotted us. Lieutenant ordered to attack… we never realized how strong she was."

Teana exchanged glances with Subaru.

"Another disaster…" Subaru whispered.

"Civilian casualties?" Teana turned to the Marine again.

"None. Private Allen managed to put up a local temporal force field just before the fighting broke out… she killed him to get out. Two other knights were waiting for her outside and took her away. Lt. Pallas was dead by then, too. I ordered to abandon pursuit."

Teana felt a lump in her throat.

"You did the right thing, Sergeant."

"Thank you, Major," there was no real gratitude in his voice.

"What happened to Sister Schach?"

"Also wounded. She's up with the Admiral right now."