"…"

"... Mmrgh.

"Mmmgh… So much… pudding…"

*Bzzzzzt!*

A discordant buzzing roused a slumbering figure. Rising from her cot, Neptune was yanked from her dreams as reality slowly filtered in through sleepy eyes.

The noise ended as abruptly as it began, the young goddess annoyed by the source. But only when her vision cleared and she took in her surroundings did she remember where she was. The sun came solely as a lamp overhead, the breeze gently blowing through ventilation that hummed up high. A window by her side sat blank save for barely-pixelated bulletins that betrayed its true nature as a display monitor. Posters of trite motivational workplace messages were plastered over a flat-faced closet. Next to it, a private terminal sat idle, a typical screen-saver occupying its face. In a shape of a rectangle, the room was compact. With her bed tucked on one end, only a sealed door sat across from it.

This was not the high-rise suite in the Planeptune tower that she called home since the day she was born. This was the bunk offered to her by Deep Rock Gamindustri as part of their offering for her help. A place to stay for as long as it took for the treasures of Neplunker depths to be found.

So of course, the buzzing was DRG's wake-up alarm system, set up to ensure their employees and laborers were up and at 'em on mandated hours to catch late-risers such as herself. Neptune planned to make some changes to company policy the first chance she got.

Dressing down from her sleepwear and slipping on a simple jumpsuit of a similar color, Neptune was ready to go. But only in appearances, for as the door automatically allowed her access with a mechanical hiss, Neptune yawned as she stepped out from her bunk. A great digital sign of neon-green read "Neptune".

As she trotted down the hall, she passed by more sets of identical doors. She knew that behind these look-alike gates lay rooms just like her own. The only marks that distinguished them from hers were three names emblazoned above them: "Noire", "Blanc", and "Vert". Cursory glances through the portholes confirmed to Neptune that they were not present, no doubt elsewhere already.

The search would not be long. As the lilac-haired goddess turned a corner, she arrived at the crew canteen. There she instantly made out familiar figures inhabiting the vacant space.

Behind her cup of tea, Vert was quick with the greeting. "Good morning, Neptune."

"Morning," came the sunny reply. "Morning to you too, Blanc."

"Morning," quietly returned the light brown-haired girl who immediately turned her attention back to the book in her hands.

Looking around, Neptune found no sight of a certain twintailed young woman. "Where's Noire?"

"Still in the washrooms," answered Vert. "I imagine she'll be here before long."

'The washrooms… Bet she's still trying to wash that stink off from yesterday,' Neptune surmised with a playful smirk. But any time to confirm that theory would have to wait - a certain hunger arose now that she had arrived at the canteen.

"Pudding, pudding~!" she sang to herself as she made her way to the refrigerator. But swinging it open, Neptune was disappointed to see the jello pastry goodness absent and in its place were an assortment of bulk goods of rather dry brands. Stranger still were the copious (and questionable) amount of liquor and spirits both bottled and canned.

"Drat. No pudding. That will be number two on my list of things to change around here."

But raising her head, Neptune was reminded of another fact. Under the glow of industrial lights, surrounded by surfaces of robust metal that was usual in the building's makeup, an open space in attendance to an inactive jukebox, and a colorful sign that read "Abyss Bar" above, Neptune had to remember that this was no mere kitchen or snack bar.

And more so, this was no mere base of operations. Where one would expect clean arrangement with rigid boundaries between the various facilities, here DRG seemingly gathered everything under one roof. From just a hop away, Neptune could see nearly the entire heart of operations from which they had been given to use: a workbench bristling with tools, gadgets, and spare parts for their equipment, a grand terminal featuring a prominent holographic display of the Neplunker system, and most conspicuous of all, the elevated walkways and catwalks that fed into the massive drop pod parked high waiting for the next mission.

And just in the corner of her vision, Neptune saw the massive window, one so vast it took up the whole wall from ceiling to under the floor. Outside where the morning sun burned bright over Gamindustri, Neptune also saw how it shined over the world outside - over what was once Neplunker.

Before, the entrance to the infamous cave of Neplunker was like no other: rocky and desolate save for weed and curling vegetation of nature that contested with rock and stone, a landscape unmarked by none other than idle mine carts, some discarded tools, and a gaping chasm that led beneath the earth. Formerly a humble mine, the sights and dangers defined Neplunker to be the pilgrimage of only the most daring or the most foolish, to brave the dangers in search of treasure.

It felt only like a short time has passed since Neptune last visited the buried dungeon.

But now the whole land had transformed. Where there were once dirt and trees, there were instead walls and ceilings erected in metal and framework. Where there were once an air of groves and the smell of untouched nature, civilization took root with the air of industrial machinery and the smell of oil. Where there was once a mere field of rock that led to the world below, there was now only a cratered abyss that opened like a gaping maw of the earth where light faded into eternal darkness.

The view through the giant window could not be any more striking of what had changed. The world outside that bore the unremarkable mine shaft that was the entrance to Neplunker was now home to Deep Rock Gamindustri Outpost 17.

Sounds of footsteps trickled in as Neptune turned around to see Noire arrive. "Oh, there you are," the CPU of Lastation greeted as she looked at her Planeptune counterpart with a tinge of surprise. "Thought you were still asleep. Good morning."

As Neptune returned the gesture, Noire sauntered over. With the four of them assembled, she looked around. "Has anyone seen Histoire?"

"She might still be going over things with DRG Management," suggested Blanc. "She is our liaison."

"'Liaison', what a fancy funny word," joked Neptune.

"How typical of you to turn anything into a joke," griped Noire. "You have to remember that we're lending our hand to this Deep Rock Gamindustri and in turn they provide us the facility and equipment necessary to do that. We may be goddesses but someone needs to make sure we both get what we need, and Histoire's the one doing that."

This gave Neptune some food for thought. "Well, in that case… how about some pudding for the fridge?"

"Neptune, that's-"

"Oh, I would adore having some tea!" chimed in Vert. ("Among other things; the bunks aren't the same without my supply of adult games.")

"A library would be nice," added Blanc.

A sigh slipped from Noire's lips. "Ugh, talk about being needy… But I suppose I wouldn't mind some additional comforts around here. The rooms are so barren right now…"

"Ah! Good morning, everyone." All heads turned at the call of the Planeptune Oracle as Histoire fluttered down from who knew where. Neptune leapt up to her feet to meet the fairy-like advisor. "Hey Histy."

"Slept well?"

The four goddesses nodded as their replies. Though nowhere as luxurious as their personal chambers were back in their Basilicoms, the industrial rooms remained suitable even in spite of their rough appearances. But in the end nothing proved more comfortable than one's birthplace.

As if she could read their thoughts, Histoire continued. "If there's anything you'd like to improve your condition, please let me know. The Management of DRG has been kind enough to lend us their Neplunker outpost so they have given us free rein to make this base our own home. I'm sure the original miners will not mind."

"That's much appreciated," approved the Lastation ruler. "Even if I don't mind all the machinery and metal, some comforts will go a long way."

"Of course. I have even taken some steps in accommodations." The statement came as the smallest of teases from the Oracle. "But before we get ahead of ourselves, I have report of yesterday's mission to share."

Interest hooked, the four goddesses got comfortable as Histoire cleared her throat to continue. A stack of papers (Histoire-sized) appeared in her hands as she continued.

"The success of our very first assignment came with it great encouragement from DRG Management, who wish to extend their congratulations. Although our findings were but a fraction of what they regularly need, they are confident that we have what it takes to overcome the challenges."

Noire puffed her chest at the praise. "Was there any doubt about that? There's nothing we CPUs couldn't accomplish."

Neptune mirrored her sentiment with a beaming grin. "Oh yeah! It was a close shave but we totally got this! Bring it on, I say!"

At this, Histoire's expression began to darken. "That's not to say everything will be pleasant however. Our excursion was not without consequences. Since your extraction, I had detected considerable rise in activity from the Neplunker depths and since then, they have not subsided. It's almost as if… the entire underground was made aware of your intrusion and is reacting to it. I fear later expeditions will only become more hazardous as you encounter more of the wildlife below, some of which DRG miners and explorers have encountered before. Those that survived, I should add…"

The news put a damper on everyones' spirits. Remembering how surprisingly hectic their escape was, concern began brewing on how more difficult their future trips could be, particularly with the realization that their initial encounters with the hostile creatures were just the tip of the iceberg.

The depths of what else they could confront stretched as far as the dark caves themselves.

Hoping the assuage their mood, Histoire moved onto the next topic of discussion. "With that said, you will be pleased to know that I have taken the liberty in preparing for future endeavors. If you will please follow me…"

Filing out of the Abyss Bar, the four were led around the main operations terminal where the path then took them straight to the workshop. Up close, they saw that it was indeed a mess. From littered toolboxes and screws to racks of haphazardly-placed weapons, the corner of the massive room resembled more a trash dump than an organized garage. Yet this was the place where they all received their gear. Returning here, an easy guess followed.

"We're getting new stuff already?"

Histoire smiled. "Yes. But first things first, I'd like you to meet someone."

As she glanced to the side, all heads tracked her gaze to the lift in the corner as it arrived. A person stepped out with a box in her hands, clad in work clothes of Deep Rock Gamindustri and most strikingly long light-purple hair that flowed on her back.

"Whew. Just put the finishing touches on them, Histoire. So where should I… Huh?"

Astonished looks were traded, Neptune's especially. "Nepgear?"

In an instant, the sister Candidate of the Planeptune goddess smiled wide. "Neptune!"

"Never thought I'd see you here! I'd thought you'd be back at Planeptune looking after the city or working on that robot of yours."

"Histoire contacted me after your first mission yesterday and told me the details," explained the younger sibling, an ever courteous and upbeat tone in her voice. "I never thought we'd be joining up to mine the underground. This company certainly boasts a lot of interesting tech and machinery that I've never seen before!"

"Oh yeah, I knew that would draw you in," joked the older (and ironically, more irresponsible) sister. "So what's up? You'll be tagging along?"

"Not exactly. Histoire mentioned that Deep Rock Gamindustri's research division was willing to do some of the heavy lifting but figured it would be better if she brought along an 'expert'. So aside from taking care of the equipment I'll be putting together some new stuff! Seems you'll need all the help you can get down in the caves."

Neptune beamed at her with pride. "That's my dear Nep Jr.! With your smarts, we've got nothing to worry about!"

"Same for the rest of us," earnestly agreed Noire and Blanc, familiar with the mechanical know-how and diligence of Planeptune's CPU Candidate. With her to help run the show behind the scenes, they felt they could rest easier knowing who had their back.

As Nepgear tried her best to play off the praise, she was suddenly embraced in a lavish hug by Vert. "Oh Nepgear, how it's so good to see you here~!"

"V-Vert, the box-!"

Histoire coughed. "When you are quite satisfied, Vert, I would like Nepgear to deliver her latest inventions. They will be of use in the coming endeavors. Nepgear, if you would be so kind."

"Right." Plopping the box down, she reached into it to reveal what appeared to be a disk. "This is one of the first things I managed to put together with what DRG had on hand. It's a portable Shield Generator that projects a protective barrier around it. I've heard that you're unable to use your goddess powers down there, so I figured you'd need this."

"Oh, so just like a Bubble Shield from Halu 3," commented Vert with excitement. "One of my favorites! (Was that where you got the idea from?)"

Pulling out another item from the box, Nepgear brandished a cylindrical object that vaguely resembled a can. "This is a miniature hologram projector. It's meant to serve as a decoy in case you need a quick distraction. That's why I call this the L.U.R.E. or Laser Utility Refraction Emitter."

Noire stroked her chin. "Hmm. Might be useful."

Next, the Candidate brandished a full-sized boomerang, albeit furnished with wires and a battery. "I call this the Voltaic Stun Sweeper. It's a high-tech boomerang, complete with built-in targeting computer that can lock-on to over several targets and deliver an electrical discharge. Self-recharging and even flies back to the owner, though I've made spares just in case."

A twinkle sparkled in Neptune's eyes. "Ooh, that sounds like fun! I'll take your whole stock!"

"Please handle them with care, Neptune," asked her sister who, knowing Neptune, had reason for concern. Silliness and high-voltage never mixed.

Finally, Nepgear went to retrieve one more item from the box. Bulky with four protrusion-like legs, she produced a device that drew interest in what it did.

"Now this is a beacon. Since you'll be deep underground, it'll be necessary that you get whatever supplies you'll need. Put this down and Histoire will teleport them in."

"DRG has allocated the resources we may need down there, chiefly ammunition and medicine," added Histoire. "Don't be afraid to request them during your missions, but please exercise moderation. We may be goddesses but Management will frown upon wasteful spending. Resources don't grow on trees after all."

The CPUs nodded in understanding. Pleased, Histoire continued. "Your next mission will be due soon. But for now, make yourselves comfortable."

A heap of tools. A mess of screws and nuts scattered across the table. A mound of idle steel and contraptions that spilled off of the table and piled up by its legs.

To many, this was a mess. But as much as the clutter sprawled about like neglected trash, Nepgear couldn't help but feel pure bliss being surrounded by machinery. Gears, pistons, levers, rotors, mechanisms - she could sense them in all the tools and equipment she sifted through.

Tidying the place up would come later. For now, Nepgear would bury herself in her work - both figuratively and almost literally - as she browsed the existing arsenal. A rack nearby held all of the gadgets and weapons that belonged to those who would brave the dangerous depths. In this case, they were the goddesses, her own sister included.

As she analyzed and admired the array of equipment in her hands of her fellow goddesses, Nepgear heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, she saw it was Noire as she waved a friendly greeting. "Hey Nepgear."

"Oh. Noire! How are you today?"

The twintailed goddesses smiled at the little sister's ever-present courtesy. "Doing great - even for this kind of work. I scarcely thought I'd see myself going to the center of the earth doing a miner's work. But it's just another day of being a CPU for our people."

"What about Lastation?"

"Don't worry, I've got a terminal in my room. I can't be in my office in person but it's still the next best thing. And I so happen to have people I trust to be able to run the show for me while I'm away."

"That's great to hear!" complimented the sister.

"So, what're you doing right now?" inquired Noire with curiosity. "Checking over our equipment and tools?"

Nepgear nodded with a bright smile. "Yep! Between making some new stuff, Histoire has me look after your gear between missions; make sure they're good to go whenever."

"That's great!" the Lastation goddess replied with great approval. "I bet this must be heaven for you."

The sister's face burned bright with enthusiasm. "Oh it is! I've never been surrounded by so much tech and machinery in my life, even if it feels a little rustic. Stuff like this wouldn't be something you'd see in Planeptune, but it's always so interesting to see them in person. Though, if I'm being honest I'm much more interested in the cool gadgets you're all using.

"Take Neptune's grappling hook for example. It's got a really powerful winch motor for something so compact. If I ever got the chance, I'd love to see the mechanism inside, maybe find a way to make it better for sis."

Noire crossed her arms in intrigue. "You can find a way to modify them?"

"Oh definitely! It's just a matter of having the right tools and resources to make it possible," explained Nepgear. "I can do stuff like improve the range or recharge time, maybe more once I figure out more about the device. For Vert's zipline gun, I should be able to give it extra reach or increased angle of use; Blanc's drills more efficient motors and cooling systems. Just iterative improvements! I can also do the same for your suits like give them better armor or protection."

Appreciative of the service, Noire couldn't help but give her a tender smile. "I see. That sounds perfect!"

Then as Nepgear continued browsing the team's arsenal, her eyes sparkled alight as she spotted something. She forgot everything else as she immediately gravitated towards it, her breath stolen as a gasp.

"No way… an LMG Gun Platform Mk.I sentry gun! I didn't think I'd see something like that here! Onboard targeting computer, an LED display, ammunition port… and an assisted-replicator engine?! Transformation tech is no easy feat, even for something meant for the military and security sectors - let alone in the hands of a mining corporation! Deep Rock Gamindustri must be well-funded if they can own something like this.

"And… Noire? You're the one using this?!"

The cat caught her tongue as Noire found herself ensnared by the spotlight that was the gearhead's attention. Words failed her, the so-called engineer of the team, when the realization sunk deep.

"I… Uh…"

"Wow, Noire! Do you know how lucky it is to be using something like that? It's so cool! And you're what DRG refer to as an 'engineer'? I didn't think you had it in you!"

"Uh… L-look Nepgear, I…"

"Oh! Is it okay if I take a look inside? I'll put it back together exactly as it was, I promise!"

"...! O-only if you show me how!"

This brought Nepgear to a halt. "Huh?"

"Here's the deal," the Lastation CPU began as her serious complexion took the initiative. "I'll let you do your thing on my stuff and in exchange, I'd like you to help show me how it all works - tech, gadgets, everything we use. Or at least, teach me how to fix stuff."

"Teach…?" But as taken aback she was, it then dawned on Nepgear. "Oh, I get it now."

Noire turned away with a huff, hoping her expression wouldn't give too much away. "Don't get the wrong idea. I just… figured it wouldn't hurt to learn something new for once."

With an understanding smile, the sister wasn't fooled. But she played along. "Sure. It's a deal!"

"... Please don't tell anyone about this," quietly begged Noire.

In the corridors, a lone figure walked. With the brief recess, Blanc intended to make good use of the free time as she returned to the living quarters and back towards the rooms. Book tucked under her arm, her mind buzzed with imagination that awaited to be put on paper.

But so preoccupied with her thoughts that a resounding thud made her jump. "What was that?" she wondered in alarm.

"... move move move! Get out of the way~!"

Straight ahead, Blanc spotted a great barrel careening towards her like tumbleweed. A great metal can of blue bounced in her direction with reckless abandon as Neptune floundered to keep her balance on top of it. Her own arms spun like windmills as the container ran amok.

"W-what?" But so confounded by what she witnessed that Blanc failed to react in time, barely turning to run before the barrel knocked into her. The two goddesses fell to the floor; Neptune flopping backwards literally head over heels while Blanc became a victim of barrel roadkill as she lay on the ground. The two of them could only groan as they were rendered prostrate.

The barrel was perfectly fine by the way as it rolled on, its descent slowing until it came to complete stop after a bump against the immovable wall.

"Arrgh…" The CPU of Lowee grimaced as she slowly got back on her feet. Likewise, so too did her counterpart as she rolled herself back into upright position to let her world turn rightside up. Unfortunately for Neptune, her recovery came too slow before another, more volatile object collided with her: Blanc's fury.

"You dumbass!" she exploded, sending the cheery girl tumbling away from Blanc. "What the hell were you doing?!"

"Just playing around," pouted Neptune as she rubbed the back of her head. "It's not like there's any games or anything to pass the time here."

"And that barrel was all you could find?" demanded Blanc.

"Why not? Have you noticed that this whole base is chock full of 'em? In the halls, by the ramps, at a corner next to the ledges, sometimes out in the open for no reason. I don't even know who left them around!"

Hearing the observation, it now occurred to Blanc that she was right: all throughout the base, she too had caught sight of the blue cylinders populating the interior. But among the industrial architecture, the terminals, pipes, and iron columns and furniture, they simply didn't register. But thinking back, she did find their presence and placement most peculiar.

Blanc sighed, forcing her anger out. "Alright, first off: let's not mess around with stuff that isn't ours. Second: knock it off. You're asking for trouble playing around with those things."

"Aww c'mon," whined Neptune. "There's barely anything to do around here while we wait. And since they gave us this place, doesn't that mean these barrels are ours too?"

"Zip it!" snapped the small goddess, her wrath heating back. "You nearly ran me over with that thing! If you want something to do, then go read a book."

"Okay, fine. I'll roll it back where I found it." Resigning herself to the demands, Neptune walked after the inert barrel. Seeing her fellow goddess tend to it, Blanc took it as a good sign and resumed walking back to her room. But with a huff, she tried to restrain her frustration. She rubbed her head that remained sore from the collision, brought about by a barrel and a goddess trying to perform a circus acts of all things.

But then something kicked into her back and she fell. Something round bowled into her and for a brief moment the world became a loop as Blanc rolled with the barrel. She felt herself flatten like a cookie doughman under a rolling pin before she flopped back to the floor, groaning.

"W-whoops! My bad! Darn thing slipped from my hands and went zooming away by itself! I swear, that thing has a mind of its own."

But what humor Neptune tried to inject into the accident vanished the instant the same barrel came hurtling towards her. With a startled cry she fled from it - and the burning rage of a certain goddess who just got run over twice.

"Get your ass back here, Neptune! I'm going to freaking stuff you inside one of these and throw you off a cliff if that's the last thing I do!"

Shuffling from behind the counter, Vert stashed her personal supply of tea. Counting herself fortunate to have a supply on hand, she nonetheless knew that the amount was but a modicum. Just as Neptune found earlier, the outpost's Abyss Bar was stocked with bulk non-perishables. The food, while lacking in refinement and class beyond being glorified ration packs, can be made do. But what Vert found most criminally of all was the quantity of beers and booze that was startlingly high. Colorful and varied, no doubt - but alcohol was the last thing to cross her mind for sustenance at Outpost 17.

So for the time being, she would be relegated to brewing her own teas with what little she had.

"Hmm. Something will need to be done with our refreshment supply."

"I will pass the word onto DRG Management at first chance," assured Histoire. "The miners employed by the corporation have developed a particular taste brought on by the work culture."

"I see. But at the risk of disrespecting those workers, I'm afraid there will need to be some changes around here. I can't imagine drinking ourselves ill on a regular basis."

Histoire nodded. "I understand. I will have new beverages and even food items shipped in. Perhaps even call upon someone I know who can turn this bar into something we can call our own…"

Vert blinked. "Hm?"

"Oh. Don't mind me, I was just thinking out loud," excused the Oracle.

Suddenly an audible beeping was heard clamoring from the central main terminal. All heads throughout the base perked up at the sound that, while not a siren, instilled a sense of urgency.

Nepgear looked around in startlement. "My goodness, what is it?"

"Histy, what's going on?" asked Neptune as she came running in.

Everyone converged upon the operations terminal as the main display flashed the colors of immediate attention. At front and center, Histoire took the lead in deciphering the meaning, her expression softening in realization. "It appears that DRG has identified another concentration of morkite for us to collect. The routine quake has just passed so this is the ideal opportunity to send a team down. Everyone, prepare for your new mission!"

The four CPUs hurried to the cabinets that ran along a wall, opening them to gather their appropriate kits. Belts were buckled, harnesses were adjusted, pieces of armor were clicked on. Nepgear watched with intrigue seeing her fellow goddesses suit up: Neptune slipping on protective pads and flashlight, Noire stashing her kit by her hip and on her back, Blanc adjusting her bulky protective plates, and Vert locking a comprehensive set of armor over her suit before tying up her hair in record speed.

'Wow! They're already like pros!'

As the four readied up, Histoire awaited to give them the briefing. "You'll be headed back down to the Crystalline Caverns, the same biome and objectives as before. With the success of your previous assignment, Management has deemed fit to raise their expectations. The quota will be a little higher this time around but you already know what to do. With a higher goal comes more time spent below so do exercise caution, more so now that the cave dwellers will be more active to your presence."

"Nothing we can't handle, Histoire," replied Noire with confidence.

"We got our roles down," added Blanc.

"As a popular advice once said, to defeat tough enemies just shoot at them until they die," Vert proclaimed.

Neptune didn't need the assurance brimming around to have her spirits buoyed. "We got this, Histy. We'll be down and back before you know it."

"I know you will, Neptune," reassured her sister. "Just watch yourself down there!"

"Oh, before I forget, there's just one last thing I need to share with you," cut in the Oracle. "Analysis report of the red crystal you came across has revealed that it does in fact possess healing properties. It can be ingested or even used as an ointment of sorts. What's more interesting is that its structure resembles more a sugar than an actual crystal or mineral. R&D has deemed it 'red sugar'. It is believed they grow naturally all throughout the Neplunker depths.

"If any of you get injured, use these red sugars where you can find them to recover. But do keep in mind that the healing benefits are minimal - proper medical care awaits you at the dedicated medbay back at base."

"Eh, at least we won't be starving down there," laughed Neptune. "They do taste good!"

"I will make sure to bring back every scrap of it I can find for the base!" declared Vert.

Histoire could only smile at the rather upbeat sentiments in spite of the warnings. But while the CPUs weren't flawless or without weakness, be it complacency, ignorance or over-confidence, she knew that they would pull through in the end. Quirky as they were (Neptune especially), they were brave and prepared.

"When you are ready, please make your way to the drop pod. The preparations have been set."

As they took their seats, it suddenly occurred to Neptune that they would be repeating this phase of their journey.

"... Oh boy. Time for this again."

Noire scoffed at the look of dread on the Planeptune goddess's face. "Scared, Neptune? Where'd that cocky bluster go all of a sudden?"

"Back there, in my room. Forgot I left it there. Maybe I should go get it while you three enjoy yourselves. See you around~!"

"I don't think so!" A hand snatched Neptune by the collar and dragged her back inside. As much as the purple-haired girl whined, Noire gave her no quarter with her glare.

"The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can get back."

"I don't wanna hurl…" complained their scout. "Even if I barely had anything to eat it's gonna make me sick."

"Then… I don't know, think of something nice. Like all the good stuff we'll find down there. Who knows, maybe we'll find a rock that tastes like pudding."

Neptune wasn't convinced (even she wasn't that dumb to believe in pudding-tasting rocks), but in the corner of her eye she made out an oddity within the drop pod interior. Hanging in the corner of the ceiling, there dangled a pair of fuzzy red dice like some ornament. Thinking back, Neptune vaguely remembered seeing it there during their first expedition, but only now did she take note of the curious inclusion. She wasn't sure when some DRG miner had left it there but Neptune found no reason to dismiss it as some unwanted addition.

By impulse, a hand went to slap the dice, jiggling about before coming to a standstill. An amused smile cracked on Neptune's face. "Hehe."

"Neptune, what're you doing? Grab your seat."

"Oh alright." As the CPU stepped inside to take her place, the harnesses lowered to secure them with a mechanical hum. The entrance slid shut behind layers of hatches as light from outside became supplanted by a haze of red interior lamps. Outside, the release of clamps could be heard throughout the drop pod's shell.

"Everybody's in. Moving the drop pod into position."

The vehicle then shifted as a crane creaked it along the rail. A gate slid open and the drop pod was transported outside, now dangling over the grand abyss below. The crane system shifted along two axis as it acquired the coordinates. When it was found, it shuddered to a stop.

"Coordinates locked in. Starting the countdown." At once, a timer appeared on display, the scant seconds passing by with loud beeps. The massive drill bit at the bottom of the vehicle began to spool up. Within the pod, everyone braced for the big drop. Fingers gripped the harnesses tight.

5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

And then the plunge. Everyone felt their stomachs bounce up as their seats fell below them, rocket thrusters atop boosting the queasy sensation.

Then the blur of spiky steel that was the drill touched earth. The violent shaking now began.

From the massive windows, Nepgear watched as the pod shot towards the ground like a bullet before disappearing behind sprays of dirt and smoke. The earth swallowed up the capsule leaving behind only a carved tunnel and an endless cable in its place.

Quietly, she bid them good luck. They may have gained experience on the dangers below, but in the dark depths there was always room for nasty surprises.