On the way back to the Ark....

Anis: Shifty. Marian. What's going on?

Shifty: That corruption code implanted into Marian's brain must be acting as a navigator. It guides Nikkes to the Blacksmith's location. That way, they're having their 'food' delivered straight to their doorstep. 

Anis: But she was acting completely normal before she went haywire. 

Shifty: That's probably because of the Commander. 

Flukey: Me? Why? 

Shifty: A Nikke's highest priority is protecting their Commander and obeying any orders given. I'm willing to bet the problem started when she met the Commander. That's when her priorities were shifted out of order. She was completely defenseless when in close proximity to the Blacksmith. That means the corruption was quite severe. 

As Flukey pondered over Marian's corruption, one question crossed his mind. 

Flukey: Shifty, can you tell me when Marian's corruption first started? 

Shifty: Oh um....during the operation, I suppose....

Rapi: But you said she was the one who sabotaged the transport ship, right? She must have already been corrupted at that point. And that transport ship came from the Ark. 

Both Flukey and Shifty gasped.

Flukey: Wait....does that mean the Aegis Barriers have been broken?

Rapi: No, the Aegis Barriers are strong. They'd pick up any corruption in an instant.

Anis: Rapi, what are you trying to say?

Rapi was hesitant for a moment.

Rapi: Well.....

The scenario then shifts to one of a high-ranking individual who is one of the deputy chiefs of the Ark and one of Flukey's superiors....Andersen.

Right now him and Shifty were conversing with each other.

Shifty: That concludes my report.

Andersen: You mean they took down a Blacksmith? A novice Commander with three Nikkes, all in a single day?

Shifty: Yes, sir. However, one Nikke was destroyed during the operation.

Andersen: If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're starting to develop a sense of humor, Shifty.

Shifty: Should I forward the combat data to you?

Andersen: No, that won't be necessary. I would, however, like to meet this Commander. Make an appointment for this afternoon, will you?

Shifty: I'll inform them.

Andersen: You do that.

Shifty: Anything else?

Andersen: Ah, yes. Have the other Nikkes who took part in the operation come along as well. Ensure that they're armed.

With Flukey, Rapi, and Anis....

Rapi: HQ is calling us in?

Flukey: Yeah, probably because we took down that Blacksmith. And they want me to bring you girls too.

Anis: Aw man....not this again.

Rapi: What?

Anis: So few of you, and yet you managed to take down a Blacksmith! Simply astonishing! Keep fighting the good fight, my loyal and most subservient of all government lapdogs! It's always the same old routine.

Rapi: Well, we did perform exceptionally well during this last mission.

Flukey: And not many rookie Commanders have the potential to take down a Blacksmith. In fact, I don't think any rookie Commander's ever accomplished such a feat.

Anis: Let's just get this over with. The sooner we go, the sooner we can leave.

Flukey: They....also asked you to show up armed.

Rapi: Mm.

Anis: Really? What an odd request.

With that, the trio headed off to go see Andersen and met him not long after.

Andersen: Ah! So nice to meet you all. I'm Andersen, Deputy Chief of the Central Government Command. We can dispense the formalities. Address me however you wish.

Flukey: Okay then. Mr. Andersen.

Andersen had slightly pained look on his face.

Andersen: Like nails on a chalkboard. Andersen will do just fine. I called you in today because I wanted to conduct a little test. Nothing too difficult. You can relax.

Flukey: If I may ask, what kind of test?

Andersen: From here, go straight to the Simulation Room. There will be someone there to fill you in. That is all.

Anis: Um....you call us here just for that?

Rapi: Anis.

Anis: What? I'm just asking!

Andersen: I simply wanted to meet you in person. No other reason.

Anis: Ah.

Andersen: I believe we're done here.

Before leaving Flukey spoke.

Flukey: One question Andersen if that's alright.

Andersen: One moment.

Andersen looks at his wristwatch for a second.

Andersen: I suppose I have time to answer. What's the question?

Flukey: My Nikke Marian was corrupted while she was inside the Ark before deployment. Is there an investigation going on about that?

Both Rapi and Anis had shocked looks on their faces.

Anis: Commander! This is not the place to be asking such questions!

Andersen: Marian? Doesn't ring a bell. Oh yes, the other Nikke who fought with you, right? I heard she was destroyed. I'm terribly sorry, but I'm afraid I have nothing for you. Though we are conducting an investigation as we speak. The only thing we ARE certain of, is that the Aegis Barriers are impenetrable. Now, if you don't mind, I have other business to attend to.

Flukey simply nodded and was about to leave but was stopped by Andersen.

Andersen: Wait. Let's say someone did corrupt one of your Nikkes. Maliciously. Let's say they were so powerful, that you wouldn't stand a chance against them. Tell me, what would you do?

It didn't take long for Flukey to give his answer.

Flukey: I'd ask them why?

Andersen: Well, there must be a reason. This sounds like if there's reasonable cause for what's been done, you'll just accept it.

Flukey: (I wouldn't go that far but yeah sure)

Andersen: Well I'm not blaming you. I'm just curious what you'll say. You may leave now. I'm sure we'll meet again.

With that Flukey, Rapi, and Anis headed to the Simulation Room to meet the "someone" that Andersen mentioned.