Scenario:Zeta - Gearing Up

Gearing Up

Zeta has become a main contact point for Ronan and Ilsa as the two leaders work to restructure remnants of the Society while monitoring enemy movements. She is testing out Arvess's new capabilities with Vaseraga and (Captain) when Ilsa asks them to exterminate a machine infestation at the seal weapon research facility.

---

Zeta asks (Captain) and company to join her in some training one day.

Zeta: Ha! You're open!

Vaseraga: It'll take more than that.

Zeta: Crap! My timing was off.

Vaseraga: It looks like you haven't gotten used to handling that new seal's added weight.

Zeta: You can tell? Yeah, I keep wanting to move based on the old center of balance instead.

Zeta: I need a break. Fancy a go at it afterwards, (Captain)?

Lyria: You did great, Zeta! Here's some water.

Zeta: Thanks, Lyria. And thanks again for coming out here on one of your days off.

Vyrn: We know just how hard you've been workin', Red. It's the least we could do.

Vyrn: But hey, is it really okay for all of us to be out here together?

Vyrn: Last time those Foe guys were after us, you were always saying that it was better to stay split up.

Zeta: Oh, well I don't think we've got to worry about them too much for the moment.

Vaseraga: Ronan mentioned that the Foe may very well have intercepted information about the latest developments, did he not?

Zeta: Ilsa was all like, "The Foe haven't given up, but they will likely need ample time to prepare their next move."

Zeta: "They might not move on you right away, but that doesn't mean that you should let your guard down."

Zeta: Something like that. So I think we're at least fine to come together for some training like this.

Lyria: Hopefully that means Ilsa and the others can breathe easy for a while. Thank goodness!

Vaseraga: I wouldn't count so much on that. There's plenty of things beside the Foe and the Otherworlders to deal with.

Vaseraga: I've heard that they've also been discussing ways to rebuild the Society with many of its former members.

Zeta: That, coupled with all the research they're doing on new sealing devices and battle suits...

Zeta: It's no wonder Ilsa was carrying those big bags around under her eyes.

Lyria: Oh no, that's too bad...

Zeta: With that in mind, you should all consider me your first point of contact for Society business.

Zeta: If there's ever any kind of emergency situation or whatever, just reach out to me. It'll let them focus on some other things.

Vyrn: That new suit of yours was whipped up by Isaac, right?

Vyrn: I heard its even got one of those fancy transceivers built right in.

Zeta: Curious about the suit, are you? Sure, I can spill a few beans.

Zeta: Although to be fair, I didn't really give him a chance to properly explain every last feature to me.

Lyria: Hehe, it sounds like you'll get a lot of use out of it!

Zeta: Mm-hm. Between the suit and, most importantly, getting Arvess back, I'm ready for anything the Foe or some moondweller might dish out.

Zeta: Let 'em bring their worst. I'll serve it right back at them!

Vaseraga: Fiery as ever, but don't go letting your guard down.

Vaseraga: Ilsa was right about that. And you haven't even gotten used to using Arvess in its new form yet.

Zeta: Urgh... D-don't worry, I've learned plenty from our sessions today.

Zeta: I'll be right back to my old self before you can say—

Ilsa: This is Ilsa. Can you hear me? Come in, Pupper.

Zeta: Ilsa!

Vaseraga: What's wrong? Has something happened?

Ilsa: Armored Chicken... And you're there too, (Captain)? Good. Listen up.

Ilsa: We've got a bit of an infestation problem near the seal weapon research facility. Those pesky bugs are swarming us once again.

Ilsa: Eustace and Hellcat are currently engaging, but the swarm's boss is sure to be a pain in the ass.

Ilsa: We don't have time to be wasting. Care to join us?

Zeta: Yep, we'll head out now.

Vyrn: Bugs? I guess she means those zippy little robot things? That's bad news!

Vaseraga: We could afford to ask Cassius for his help too. He should be with Isaac now, so I'll go let them know what's happening.

Zeta: Thanks. I'm heading out now.

Lyria: And we'll be following, right, (Captain)?

Vyrn: Sounds like they could use all the help they can get!

Zeta: Thanks, everyone. Let's get moving.

Zeta departs for the outbreak with (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria, leaving Vaseraga behind to gather more assistance.

Gearing Up: Scene 2

When the crew arrive at the research facility, Eustace and Beatrix inform them that the drone swarm is being controlled by a larger drone that is impervious to conventional arms. Zeta concludes that only she and Arvess can take down this command unit and heads off alone. Beatrix warns Zeta that the swarm is hunting her and to wait for backup. Not wanting the others to needlessly endanger themselves, Zeta brushes off Beatrix, intent on ending the fighting by herself.

---

(Captain) and the accompanying crew members arrive at the island that houses the Society's seal weapon facility.

They follow the smoke to find Beatrix and Eustace engaged in combat with a swarm of insect-like drones.

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: Hragh!

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Beatrix: Oh hey, Zeta! You're savin' our behinds here.

Zeta: You know it. What's the current situation?

Eustace: Ilsa's forces are guarding the main facility premises.

Eustace: We should have no problem fighting off the swarm with the numbers we have out here, but there's something else to worry about.

Eustace: A large drone with command capabilities remains well out of our reach, both location-wise and ability-wise.

Eustace: There is no way that we'd be able to damage it with our current weapons. It's plated with armor similar to that of an automagod's.

Zeta: Which means it's mine to spank. Got it. Where's it hiding?

Beatrix: There's some city's ruins just beyond here. All these blasted gnats seem to be swarming over from there, so I bet it's made itself cozy down below or something.

Zeta: Okay. I'll leave the swarm to you guys, then. See you on the other side!

Beatrix: Wait, Zeta! Is your transceiver on?

Beatrix: I'll be over there in no time if you need a hand, so don't go charging in feeling like you gotta do it alone!

Zeta: Yep, it's on all right. Stay sharp yourself, Bea!

Zeta: (Captain), I'm off to find the boss. Can you stay here to help them swat these suckers?

Zeta: Plus, the more people available to help cover the facility if needed, the better, right?

Vyrn: Yeah, leave it to us!

Zeta: Awesome. Then see ya!

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: The gnats are out in force today... Not that they're gonna be anything but fuel for our fire!

Zeta: Let's get to burning, Arvess!

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Faced with the overwhelming intensity of Arvess's flames, the drones seem to retreat, flying back deeper into the ruins.

Zeta: Don't think you're getting away from me!

Zeta follows the swarm to the deepest depths.

Zeta: So this is where the boss was hiding, huh?

Large Drone: Atgert dounf.

The winding tunnels end, and Zeta emerges into a large inner chamber. An enormous drone lies in wait to greet her.

The swarm takes advantage of the dead end to surround the contractor from behind.

Zeta: Hmph, you think you've trapped me or something?

Zeta: I'm not one to be cowed by something like that!

Large Drone: Anititigni utlsasa odem.

Large Drone: Ihnulcang nocctreed cattka.

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: Now who's looking to get swatted?

As drones flood into the chamber, Zeta takes up a battle stance with Arvess at the ready—but then is interrupted by a voice.

Beatrix: Zeta! The whole swarm that we were fighting took off suddenly for the ruins!

Zeta: Bea?

Beatrix: Eustace is saying that we should head your way. Where are you?

Zeta: Oh yeah?

Zeta: (Eustace said it himself though. Ms. Big here is plated with armor as strong as an automagod's...)

Zeta: (I can't let them put themselves in any unnecessary danger...)

Zeta: I'm fine here. You all should head for Ilsa's position.

Beatrix: Huh? Didn't you hear me? Every single one of those things is headed your way!

Zeta: Yeah, and I'll be fine. Don't worry.

Beatrix: Wait up! I have a really bad feeling about the way you phrased that! Hey, Zeta—

Zeta: Time to shut this thing off for a bit. I'll apologize to Bea later.

Zeta: Hopefully not too much later... Heat's on, Arvess!

Zeta lets out a mighty shout as she cuts through the thickening swarm.

Large Drone: Atgert phacproagni.

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: That the best you can do?

Zeta: Got you!

Zeta scorches the swarm of smaller drones and moves in to strike the leader.

However...

Large Drone: On ademga.

Zeta: What the hell, not even a scratch?

Large Drone: Ihnulcang cattka.

Zeta: Shoot!

Zeta dodges a brutal attack from the large drone and deftly regains her footing.

Her expression, however, betrays a flash of worry.

Zeta: Just means I have to go in for another swat!

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: These little bastards again...

Zeta: Hyaagh!

Zeta: And how about that!

Large Drone: Ihnulcang nocctreed cattka.

Zeta: She's replacing her little friends faster than I'd expected. Not that it makes any difference.

Zeta: We're gonna take down every last one of these pests, Arvess!

Rousing herself, Zeta tightens her grip on her trusty spear.

The swarm continues to grow, however, and is slowly but surely backing her into a corner.

Gearing Up: Scene 3

Zeta's attacks on the leader drone prove ineffective, and she's soon driven into a corner. Luckily, the crew locates Zeta thanks to her new suit's tracking system, and together they defeat the large drone. She apologizes for her rash, unilateral actions and promises to be more of a team player.

---

Zeta continues her assault on the large drone with Arvess, but to very little avail.

She finds herself gradually being cornered by the combined onslaught of the smaller drones and their leader.

Zeta: Huff... huff... Crap. Why isn't anything working?

Zeta: (I know I was able to pull off some beefier hits when I was training...)

Zeta: (Maybe it's a side effect of the resealing? Like now it's less effective against automagod armor?)

Zeta: That would majorly suck! But I have to think of something anyway...

Zeta: If I can't handle this here, then Bea and the others'll...

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Zeta: We can't afford to fall to the likes of these pests!

Frustration creeping into her voice, Zeta delivers a powerful strike with Arvess that downs a large swath of bugs.

But just as she does...

Large Drone: Yenem odpetst.

Zeta: ...!
Shoot!

Large Drone: Ihnulcang cattka.

Zeta: Gah!

Large Drone: Thi.

The large drone's attack takes full advantage of Zeta's distraction, sending her flying into a crumbling wall.

Zeta: Ugh... Urgh...

Dizzied by the impact, she loses her footing and falls to a knee.

Large Drone: Yenem odpetst.

Methodically, the mechanical beast begins charging for a follow-up attack.

Zeta: Nice shot... Props for that one...

Zeta: (I gotta get back on my feet, or the next one will be the last...)

Still reeling from the pain, Zeta attempts to drag herself back up into a fighting position.

Just then, a crackle of static hits her ears from nearly zero distance.

Beatrix: —ta. Hey, Zeta!

Zeta: Huh?

Beatrix: Hey, can you hear me? Zeta!

Zeta: Bea?

Beatrix: Is that you? Am I finally through? Why the hell did you go and turn off your transceiver? I was worried sick!

Beatrix: I told you not to go charging in alone, didn't I?

Zeta: Haha, never thought I'd hear that line coming from you.

Beatrix: Oh shut it! Hold out for a little longer, okay? I'll be there soon.

Zeta: Will she really be able to find me all the way down here?

Large Drone: Ihnulcang cattka.

Zeta: Dammit, here we go again.

Insect-Like Drone: ...!

Isaac: All right! Now's your chance, cousin!

Cassius: Understood. I'll be commencing my attack now.

In a flash, the swarm of drones falls to the ground.

Cassius: Cleanup complete. Please begin the charge for another round of jamming.

Isaac: Sure thing, cousin. We should be good for quite a few more.

Isaac: Oh, but while we wait, would you mind lending a hand to Ducky down there?

Cassius: Yes, that would be the most logical course of action.

Cassius wards off the larger drone's attacks as he helps Zeta get back standing.

Zeta: I-Isaac and Cassius? How did you find me... And what the heck did you do to all those little guys?

Isaac: We've still got a fight ahead of us, so I'll keep this brief.

Isaac: Remember that vintage jamming tech we used to fight Yatima? This is an improved version of that.

Isaac: It's designed to only interfere with the drones' circuitry, so any deployed seal weapons should be safe.

Isaac: We didn't have much time to analyze one of the little guys that you downed before, but I'm glad it worked out!

Isaac: As for how we located you, well—

Large Drone: Droyemtelnep.

Beatrix: Finally made it! You're lookin' fine, Zeta!

Zeta: Bea! I never told any of you my location. Really, how did you find me?

Isaac: Oh, that's another one of the suit's features.

Isaac: Once the wearer sustains a certain amount of damage, it activates a tracking beacon.

Isaac: Letting their allies rush to the rescue, as demonstrated.

Eustace: Cut the chitchat. We're soon in for round two.

Eustace: Zeta, how are you feeling?

Zeta: Better. I should be able to fight, no problem.

Eustace: Understood. We'll handle the small flies. You focus on that behemoth.

Zeta: Right, about that...

Zeta: My hits so far haven't dented that thing. I'm not sure I can do this and keep you all safe...

Vaseraga: Come on now, that's the reason you didn't tell us where you were?

Vaseraga: Surely you remember just how many times we've gone on to beat the odds together.

Vaseraga: Whether Arvess can pierce that thing or not, you know no one here would leave you to fight alone.

Vaseraga: So don't. Trust us to cover your back, and you just keep your eyes on the prize.

Zeta: If I'm hearing that from you, I must've been in a way bigger slump than I thought.

Zeta: Okay then, let's do this! But after all that talk, you better save me if I mess it up!

Vaseraga: You can count on it.

Zeta: Great. Here we go, Arvess!

Eustace: Let's go, Beatrix. We'll carve out a path for her.

Beatrix: On it. Hyaaah!

Insect-Like Drone: ...

Vaseraga: It's me and you, (Captain). We'll cut them down and give them no chance to replenish their numbers.

Vaseraga: Ha!

(Captain): ...!

Insect-Like Drone: ...

Zeta: All clear... Now!

Zeta: Hraaagh!

Large Drone: Ademdga.

Zeta: Hell yeah, there we go!

Zeta: (Is Arvess more amped up or something? That can't be it...)

Zeta: (Wait, now I get it. I was so distracted by all those gnats earlier, I couldn't put my back into one big hit.)

Zeta: (That's why I wasn't getting the force I needed—emphasis on the past tense.)

Zeta: (Now everyone's got me covered! So now I've got the time to ready, aim... and fire!)

Zeta: Haaah!

Large Drone: Ademdga.

Zeta: Can't keep up anymore? Sorry, but guess what: too bad!

With the battle's momentum reversed, Zeta is able to pierce the drone's armor to reveal its mechanical innards.

Zeta: Spear of Arvess! Give form to my faith and become a piercing fang!

Large Drone: ...

A mighty strike accompanied by an incandescent flash—the large drone ceases all movement.

With their local command unit destroyed, the remaining drones take off into the sky.

Ilsa and Ronan confirm that all threats have either been eliminated or fled.

Ronan: Having given up much more easily than we expected, they now seem to be retreating to their home base.

Ronan: Combined with the fact they only brought one command unit, we can assume this was only a scouting mission. They'll be back at some point.

Zeta: Well, if they're dumb enough to do that, then I'll just scorch 'em all again.

Ilsa: I don't want to hear one more bark out of you, Pupper! You'll get a debriefing later, but I've got more than a few choice words for you first!

Ilsa: Now, fair, we did ask you to be a test subject.

Ilsa: But what Basin-brained moron told you to go get yourself killed doing it!

Zeta: I-Ilsa... See, the thing is...

Zeta: No, you're right. This one's on me. I'm sorry, everyone.

Eustace: ...

Ilsa: As long as you understand.

Ilsa: Were you able to extract all of the data we need, Ronan?

Ronan: Yes. The logs from this fight contained some excellent data.

Ronan: We now know the main sources of instability, which should speed up our efforts to implement the new sealing tech on the remaining weapons.

Beatrix: You serious? That means I gotta start planning a reunion party for Embrasque!

Beatrix: Just you wait, partner. We'll be back together soon!

Zeta: Glad to hear that for you, Bea. I'm looking forward to having you back out there with me.

Zeta: One-woman shows are tough, I've decided.

Vaseraga: It's good news for me as well.

Vaseraga: Without Grynoth's help, the job of keeping you from running off on your own is too much work for little old me.

Zeta: What! Come on!

Zeta: At least say something like "I'll always have your back, with or without Grynoth."

Vaseraga: That'll depend on whether you remember to trust it to me, first.

Zeta: Right, right, I won't forget next time. I'll protect the skies with my partners.

Zeta shifts her gaze from Vaseraga to Arvess.

As if responding to her emotions, the tip of the spear glints brilliantly.