Pierce: ".. ecord each discussion I have here. If this is a problem, I c-"
Funai: "No. It's fine. I don't intend to interrupt your routine, ma'am."
P: "Very well."
The sound of someone, likely Pierce, sitting in her desk chair can be heard. She clicks a pen, tapping it against her desk once before continuing.
P: "First, I know you've already been through the medical wi-"
F: "I am fine, Colonel-"
P: (slowly initially) "-.. the medical wing, given your condition following what happened near Barrier Gate. It's mostly protocol, but I want to know if you have any lingering symptoms from your exposure."
F: "As I said, ma'am, I'm fine. Chief Physician Hill provided me with a suitable array of drugs, but none of them were necessary-.."
Funai coughs a little, breathing in sharply.
P: "Perhaps not necessary, but they clearly would be helpful here."
Pierce took a small pause before continuing.
P: "I want to know your take away from your fight. Obviously, these events impact you more than most other members of the crew, and to a much more measured degree as well."
F: "My.. take away, ma'am?"
P: "Yes. What you gained from your encounter, good or bad. What you feel, believe, anything that came as a result of it."
F: "What I feel..? Anger, ma'am. I let someone, something, use me as an example, because I wasn't strong enough. I did not defend my honor as I should have, and I have only myself to blame. Only myself.."
Funai seems audibly distraught, taking some time to settle herself.
P: "I see., Tell me, do you believe there is a way to.. restore your honor after an event like this?"
F: ".. beyond killing the one that tarnished it.. there is honor in service, to which I'm already accustomed to."
P: "Then I'm certain you can regain it through work. It's never too late to keep trying."
Pierce lets off a very slight breath, tapping her desk a couple times with her pen.
P: "Can you tell me anything about what happened that you didn't file in your report, something.. I'll note for the recorder, I did not ask you to do given your condition."
F: "I provided what I could in my submission to the record, ma'am. If I had anything further to add, I would have."
P: "I see.. You didn't provide any guncam shots of the alien entity, nor this 'experimental' Navy battlecruiser. Why?"
F: ".. I do not know.."
Pierce merely remained silent for a moment before continuing.
P: "I expect you will do better next time, in that regard." (A short pause) "Do you have anything further you wish to add, Rie?"
F: "Only that I will do better, ma'am.."
P: "Good. To state for the record, this conversation is being saved to my personal log database, and will only be submitted to command if absolutely necessary. For the time being, I'm going to allow you to continue your investigation, but until such a time as I believe you are ready you will not travel to Barrier Gate Station, nor engage in any action or conversation with this 'Caliban' individual. Do you understand?"
F: "Hai.. I do, ma'am."
P: "Good. I don't want to lose you, Rie. You're a critical part of what we're doing out here, and I know there are plenty aboard this ship that hold you in high regard."
Pierce stands out of her chair, clicking her pen again.
P: "Please see Doctor Hill again, and try to relax before you tap out for deployment. Other than that, I have nothing further for you."
F: "Ariga-"
There is a brief click as Pierce flicks off the recorder.
Following traversal of Inverness to return to Ontario after calming of regional tensions, Ubaste noted long-range visual readings[1] of Sudbury Anomaly evolution. Closer approach[2] indicates activated Nomad facility or dormant structure beneath Sudbury containment field. Probes launched into anomaly indicated heavy ionizing radiation, followed by swift destruction of analysis instrumentation and response equipment, similar to unstable jump anomalies within early stages of development.
Accompanying greater anomaly was protrusion, directed outward[3] from Sudbury to the direction of the northern Barrier Rim, perhaps Tau-117 or Tau-115. Detailed analysis was inconclusive following continual disturbance from anomaly.
Strategic;
Further evolution of Sudbury Anomaly is concerning, although potential for tracking of anomaly connection to other Nomad sites across the region promising. Continual observation will commence, alongside regional cooperation regarding analysis of the site.
Personal;
Tilson's report and the evidence drawn from the probe and scanner readings indicates this is not something that can be contained. While the system is largely devoid of a permanent population, save for the criminal elements, potential damage to the system as a whole is worrying. For now, the anomaly appears somewhat stable, but if evolution continues at its present rate, we might face consequences down the line.
I'm requesting a logistics shipment transfer to my command for regional support, as I am cautious to rely on foreign aid outside of combat engagements.
Log: 0709835.1109
Type: Mission
Asset: Apollo - Pierce
Subject: Special Report - Redeployment
Reporting,
Apollo arrived in Ontario earlier this week, and connection to the Akabat node host was confirmed shortly thereafter. No unexpected disturbances to report, and ship fuel levels are depleted but steady. Will organize supply runs into Liberty proper for fuel and ammunition where necessary.
Had expected to rendezvous with Atum command, but it appears they've left to pursue infested forces to the south. I've given the order for helm to maintain a rotational deployment location for the time being until a suitable area is found. No sign of any update to the Sudbury anomaly, though I'll have Ubaste deploy to the area to conduct regional scans just to be sure.
Strategic;
Loss of Atum cover detracts from regional operations security. Additional personnel requisition may be necessary, although heavy hardware will be suitable for the time being.
Anticipate contact with local organizations to facilitate ease of operations.
Personal;
It's been some time since I've been to Ontario. It certainly looks a lot worse than I remember.
Sudbury being so close is almost chilling; Just being able to see it out of my cabin window is quite the sight I almost wish I didn't have. Without the Atum in the system to provide adequate support, contact with the locals will likely be sooner than I'm comfortable with. Not a big fan of Xenos or Hackers, though I'll take a chat with the latter over the former any day.
Ubaste departed on scanning patrol from southern Liberty to Barrier Gate. Notable locations were added to database, Kansas flythrough provided interesting insights into Naval operation in 829. Continuation into Vespucci indicated Naval presence still active, this incursion spearheaded by 46th, detachment of Liberty Navy, commanded by individual named 'Brown', no rank specified.
Dialogue with Brown and attending personnel indicated 46th intentions to assist LSF operations within Inverness against Technocrat forces, citing supposed cooperation with Nomad-entities, likely referring to prior encountered Nomads belonging to 'Song of the Abyss'. Captain Tilson proposed submission of related materials to my account, no reception as of yet.
Additional Order presence in the form of Section 8 identified vessel Unto Nightfall, evidently known to Naval Officer Brown given dialogue.
Ubaste concluded exchange, and continued on scanning patrol without further interruption.
Strategic;
Scans of southern Liberty systems indicate potential alien presence; Further scans should be conducted.
Dialogue exchange with 46th personnel on operations within the Inverness system are of interest but non-impactful to primary mission. 46th vessels in attendance have been added to local registry and valid defense archive.
Personal;
Kansas holds some potential with regards to a forward listening station. Isolated, remote, and a pain to track in. Once command forwards me those logistics vessels, might pursue that avenue.
Exchange with the Navy revealed some interesting insights, though no hard evidence as of yet. Dead certain the accusations of Nomad cooperation involve this secondary mindshare, which remains troubling. Regardless, our own evidence does not corroborate the accusations, at least not without the usual over-hyped flair.
Will maintain an observational operative in Inverness to keep an eye on operations there. Funai will be the best choice.
