The Ordainer breaks from the engagement, its armored hull shuddering as damaged thrusters drive a controlled retreat toward safer space. The battle fades behind layered bulkheads.
After Devin exits the recovered GM III, Rina and Toma join him in the passageway. A pair of exhausted crew members escort them toward the command briefing room.
Captain
You are aboard the Ordainer. I am Captain Vale. We have no reason to treat rescuers as suspects, but we do need an honest briefing.
Rina Reese
Understood, Captain. We are grateful for the welcome. The shuttle and both mobile suits are secured in your recovery bay.
The captain’s staff exchange guarded nods, offering water and empty seats. Before introductions settle, a medical monitor beside Toma emits the same persistent, rhythmic pulse.
Toma Sera
That signal followed us. It is not coming from my monitor alone. It is inside the ship.
Captain Vale turns to the instruments. The display identifies an external conditioning broadcast tracking the siblings through the Ordainer’s systems, while technicians begin isolating it without exposing the retreat. The next decision waits on Devin.
✓ Quest Accepted
Contain the conditioning broadcast