Chapter 4 - Stage 3

Opening

Before Marie came back, I contacted Fortune and Aeda.
I asked them to investigate what facility would be between the ground and the sewers.
Speaking of underground facilities, they are usually buildings that should be avoided.
And the Trickster knew it.
There is no way that the Trickster can escape to the ground.
Once the investigation is complete, we should be able to capture the Trickster there.
Please have good news...

Aeda: The investigation is over.
      Unfortunately there was no data, but...
      There is a good chance that there is a facility there.
      The distance from the ground to the waterway is estimated to be more than 100 meters, it should be sufficient.
Marie: Then what kind of facility is there?
Aeda: A laboratory that consumes a large amount of water for cooling or a factory.
      It is not easy to identify.
Fortune: Onee-chan senses says its a shelter.
         For research institutes and factories, cliffs on the coast are more convenient.

A shelter?

Fortune: Yes, commander. Humans fought since the iron-bugs attacked.
         Its likely a shelter was made for air raids.
         Given the size of the laboratory, I dont think it could be a second one...
Marie: We cant say what it is until we see it. We have to dispatch a reconnaissance team to investigate...
       No, we also need a squad to chase the Trickster.
       There is not enough troops.

If the water flows from above, why dont we investigate the water?

Fortune: Its not necessary to do it.
         There is a faster way.
Marie: Faster way?
Fortune: Ill tell you.
         You will end up getting rid of iron-bugs just to get a sewage sample, right?
         Isnt faster just to get go there?
Marie: Do you want to make a hole in the ceiling?
Fortune: Thats not the case.
         The ground is loose there, so it would be difficult to make a hole.
         We dont even know whats on top...
         I think the most effective method is to attack.
         There is hole where the water flows out.
         If we follow the flow we will hit the source eventually.
Marie: ...We could lose many allies in the process.
       Are you sure about this?
Aeda: I think I can help you with that.
Marie: Aeda? Do you have any good idea?
Aeda: Do you remember the exploration drone that we used for the lab?
      If you have a signal repeater and the structure is in a radius of 5Km, we could see it.

Wouldnt it be destroyed by the iron-bugs?

Aeda: After the last use I made a smaller size one.
      Also I think it will be useful to find the Trickster.
Marie: It might be good. We can resolve two problems at once.
       What happened to the signal repeater? Do I have to bring it again?
Aeda: I will give a command to the AGS around me.
      However, if the iron-bugs inside see them, they will send larvaes.
      Could you get rid of the iron-bugs in advance?
Fortune: Oh my!
         Thank you for this Aeda. Onee-chan is so happy.
         Is it okay to disassemble it a little...?
Aeda: The modified drone this time is equipped with a self-defence function.
      I dont really recommend it.
Fortune: Arara... well aside from that, our job is to get rid of iron-bugs, right?
         How much should we clean up?
Aeda: The number depends on the internal structure.
      If you can get rid of the iron-bugs near the entrance it would increase the safety of the transfer to over 95%.

Lets try it once.

Marie: Alright. It has become clear what to do. Install the signal repeater and explore the internal structure.
       If we know the internal structure we could also track the Trickster.
       The problems of the this underground facility will be solved at once.


Ending

Marie: It seems that this is Aedas designed point... Constantia?
Constantia: Yes, captain.
            If you put it here, the drone will be able to enter every corner.
            Then it will send a signal.
Marie: Now send a signal to Aeda.
Aeda: This is Aeda.
Marie: Aeda? This is Maries unit.
       We destroyed all the iron-bugs at the designated point.
       I would like AGS to issue a command to transfer the signal repeater.
Constantia: ...Captain Marie, its not possible right now because of a problem.
Marie: A problem? What do you mean?
Aeda: Its a problem that occurred earlier, it cant be helped.
      Five minutes ago, the Pathfinder drone base was attacked.
Marie: What? Then the exploration drone in it...
Aeda: It is safe for now because it is separated by a partition wall.
      It wont last that long.
      You should immediately report the situation to the commander and the look for a way.

A sudden search for the drone starts.
There is a good chance that the iron-bugs will be near.
We have to options.
One is to ignore the drone and continue chasing the Trickster.
And the other is to return and recover the drone to find the Trickster safely.
The iron-bugs will try ambush and attack us in the underground waterways,
also its going to be difficult to find the Trickster due the size of the place.
Choosing the first is not easy.
A multifiring attack a the same time to disperse the troops.
This was the iron-bugs method to fight...
I had no choice but to choose the latter.
Time doesnt seem to be on our side.
Reorganise the unit and collect the drone.

Constantia: I think we are running out of time.
Marie: ...I cant disobey an order from his Excellency. Retreat.
       I think this is the only choice.