You finally have some time now that all the danger has passed, so you go over the different things you still need to accomplish, and begin by talking to Tendou.

Good job on this mission. Your piloting is getting much better. You didn't even hesitate before taking action during the battle earlier. Also, my apologies for misjudging the safe distance from the Lariat. It was far faster than my expectations. You did well dodging that surprise attack.

Reading it over, Tendou shows a somewhat troubled expression. “Thanks, I guess. Though, it kinda felt like... I don't know, like you moved a lot faster than usual. I have no idea how I dodged that sword so many times.”

Two reasons come to mind. First, I pushed most of my motors past their redline, which allowed me to move faster than normal. Secondly, Pilot Assist has a much better understanding of your piloting now, which allowed it to act on your intentions faster as well. Both of these contributed, in addition to your own piloting skills simply being better than before.

“Huh...” Tendou mutters, rubbing his chin. “So that's how...” He doesn't have anything more to say after that, so you leave it there.

In any case, I believe we should ask about a few more things while we're waiting. First, there's the matter of payment for this mission. For instance, is the salvage from the battle earlier included, or separate? And how is it divided between the members of the team?

“That's... a really good question, actually...” your pilot agrees slowly, head tilted slightly in thought. “Yeah, let's ask. All of this is going to be important if I want to keep you operational. Comms?”

You open them up and give him a beep, then he speaks for the other pilots to hear. “Hey, uhh, I have some questions... You know how we all just got sent out? How do we actually get paid? And uhh, what about the Hex salvage too?”

“Ahh,” Gardenia's the first to respond. “Normally we'd sign a mission contract before going – or get a verbal agreement at least. Since this was such a quick sendoff, our support staff would work through that part while we're out.” She gives a momentary pause after explaining, before she asks, “You're new to town, aren't you? Do you even have anyone for that?”

“Not really,” Tendou answers, “I'm pretty much learning all this as I go.”

The rest of the team comments that it's understandable. He needs to get his feet under him and get established.

Tendou makes a small hand sign which you think means to stop transmitting, so you do so, and he says, “I'm not too sure about all that. Hiring people? How long are we going to be in town? Hmm...” There's also the matter of him needing to hide you from the other humans. You stay silent for the time being, and just add these issues to your considerations for later.

In the meantime, Gardenia keeps speaking, so you get back to playing the transmission for Tendou. “So, it can vary, but generally on a mission, we keep what we kill. This time, that should include those Hex,” pointing over her shoulder in the direction of the ones you defeated outside the factory, “and the Badangs we recovered inside. Sticking my neck out like that – I will fight anyone who tries to claim those aren't included in our personal loot,” she claims with a huff.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Given how much it is,” Takashi comes into the conversation, “unless anyone wants to claim any specific parts, generally we'll sell it all off and split the profits evenly.”

“Does that cover that Hardlight?” Wayne asks with a small chuckle.

“Of course it does,” Takashi agrees, taking out the sword to admire it. “This is probably a big chunk of my take all on its own. And that's fine by me.”

“Oh, I picked up the Lariat's gun,” Tendou volunteers, holding it up for them to see. “Anyone know if it's any good?”

“Let's see... it looks like a Makara,” Mouse says. “It's an ion weapon, handgun style, semi-auto, specs look decent... Yeah, it seems alright. Though, it's more for disabling electronics than dealing actual damage,” she notes. “Did you want to keep that?”

“I'm not sure, I'll consider it.” For a moment, you think that means he wants you to decide, but from his expression, it looks like Tendou is thinking about this one himself, so you leave that to him.

“Well, that's how it is,” Gardenia says after a brief lull, wrapping up that particular conversation.

A few minutes of thinking later, Tendou seems to have come to his conclusion on the Makara, so you write out the next thing you had in mind.

I think we should ask Mouse about that deal for more data. Mostly, what kind of data it is, and how much it costs.

“Hmm.” He gives a small nod. “Alright. Comms to Mouse?” You oblige, and he speaks. “Hey, I was thinking about that deal. Just what kind of info is it anyway? And how much would it cost me?”

“Ahh, so you are interested,” she chuckles a few times. “The kind of info and the cost vary. I can't get into too much detail, but I have all kinds. Maps, radar scans, blueprints and schematics, software, maybe even some hearsay, rumors, personal files... The real question isn't what I have, but what you're looking for.”

“I... see...” He scratches his head awkwardly. “W-well, I didn't have anything specific in mind yet. I'll let you know if I come up with anything though.”

“Sounds good.”

A few more minutes pass, and you're still considering what else to do, eventually mentioning looking around the factory to see what's salvageable.

“Oh, right, that makes sense” Tendou agrees. You open comms, and he asks, “So, speaking of salvage, we took out those Hex and all that, but what about the factory? Should we look around in there for what can be used?

“We could,” Takashi shrugs, “but I usually leave things like that for the ground team. They have the gear for it.”

“Ahh, then could I go look around some more?”

“Sure, why not?” Takashi laughs. “Take Mouse with you. Always safer to stay in pairs in the field.” You give a small wave for her to come with, and you both make your way back toward the hole in the wall that leads back inside. Behind you, Takashi continues to chuckle heartily, and say, “Young ones, always so energetic,” still over open comms.

Then you enter the factory once more, walking slowly into the large space with its still air, tiny motes of dust drifting slowly.

“So, what did you have in mind?” Mouse asks, switching over to a private line.

Tendou gives you a meaningful look, which says 'what did you have in mind?'

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Vote:

[ ] Look around

-Go to the main factory area

-Go to the ray frame room

-Go to the blocked storage area

-Go to the cleaning robot area

-Go somewhere else

[ ] Discuss something

-What?

[ ] Write-in