The three representatives from the Civilization Band report Æther anomalies to you, which occurred almost exactly at the same time as the Valley IV incident.

Go ahead and do your thing.

This is OMV Dijiang. Is the audio channel stable for our three honorable representatives?

I actually wish I could remember more.

We must be fully prepared.

Good job.

I'll wait for you here.

This concludes the operational summary of Endfield Industries in Valley IV. The digital report has been distributed to all delegates simultaneously.

Given the threats encountered during our deployment of the Protocol Automation-Core, we conclude that the Zeroth Directive is being targeted and obstructed with deliberate intent.

Pardon if I offend, Endministrator, but I must verify the sections in the report regarding the current state of your memory faculties...

...At least your condition has not deteriorated. I offer you my sincere wish for your speedy recovery.

We need more than just courage and unity to overcome challenges. Planning and contingent alternatives are far more important, and these are the elements that we do not lack.

To refocus on the issue: the harm caused to the people of Valley IV constitutes a serious breach of UWST's core interests. The Bonekrusher Clan will face region-wide pursuit, with authorization granted for immediate neutralization without prior notice.

Although a particular gentleman in our midst is getting excited about certain prospects, we must update all attendants with bad news.

During the Valley IV incident, the Order of Steel Oath picked up signals of non-Aggeloid activities. The location is near a rift along the Northern Front.

......

Also during this time, an Aldertone traveling in the south found tracks that we've never seen before — and these tracks are still giving off Æther emissions as we speak.

I believe everyone knows what this is about. If we were to assume the worst, the great enemy from a century ago is planning a return. Its vanguard has already paid us a visit.

Everyone, let us confront the reality before us. The gravity of the situation leaves no space for delayed or indecisive responses.

Pursuant to the Band Accord, the Accordatories shall restore the special authority level of Endfield Industries regarding the entirety of the Civilization Band, effective immediately.

Priority access and authority to execute on-site disposition shall be restored to the Endministrator in the agreed-upon regions. The Accordatories shall support Endfield Industries in executing crisis management operations within territories under Accord jurisdiction.

We deeply appreciate your support. Endfield intends to initiate a post-incident investigation at the earliest opportunity. Dijiang shall report all investigative findings to the Civilization Band in full.

This vibe reminds me of that meeting ten years ago. Endministrator and Supervisor Perlica, I hope to host you both in the free city of La Fantoma.

...Understood. We shall address this matter with the gravity it demands.

These new findings have everyone on edge... We must begin resolving the matter right away.

Supervisor Perlica, the HAS has sent a set of highly classified authorization protocols. Do you have the time to process them right now?

Okay, Endmin. I'll talk to you later.

Central Ministerial Committee of the United Workers' Syndicates of Talos II speaking. Channel is clear.

The representative spokesperson of the Talos-II General Chamber of Commerce, now connected. Channel is clear.

Affiliated Hongshan Academy of Sciences of Tianshi Bureau of Great Yan. Link verified, channel is clear.

Without further delay, I am Supervisor Perlica of Endfield Industries. I respectfully request the assembly's attention as I brief the current situation.

Pursuant to our considerations of the Band Accord, we —

This is not an isolated incident. The spread of Æther has gained significant speed.

Supporting the Order of Steel Oath is the priority for our Industrial Mothership. We must crush the enemy threat in its infancy.

Suspicious signs have been identified in the Wuling Scientific Developmental District under HAS jurisdiction. We have proactively conveyed this information to the UWST and the TGCC.

Our findings at Wuling share many similarities to the incident at Valley IV. We kindly request that Endfield representatives visit our facility soon to prioritize this matter.

If there are no further matters, this ad hoc meeting is hereby adjourned. We anticipate the forthcoming formal meeting with the Endministrator. Until we reconvene.

Similarities...? Do they include ... Æther rifts?

The sighting was reported by the Wuling Scientific Developmental District. It is also one of the target locations of our current plan.

Given the ties between Wuling and Endfield, I believe everyone understands its importance to the Civilization Band... We kindly request your aid.

......