Bzzz... Bzzz...
—!!!
Oh? You almost got it.
Nirvatia shifts slightly to the side as a blazing heavy blade sweeps past her face, crashing down with a thunderous impact and leaving a terrifying crater in the ground.
All these years, and none of you has improved one bit.
She turns gracefully, her massive scythe dancing through the air in a sudden flourish before landing on the Corrupted's shoulder.
Hah, my turn now.
Nirvatia raises her right leg, planting her foot on the Corrupted's chest and applying slight pressure toward the blade of her scythe—
Its head and body separate, and sparks fly everywhere.
Mission log update: I've entered Carthaki's outskirts and eliminated surrounding threats. The Punishing Virus concentration...
Bzzz... Bzzz...
Some kind of static has been bleeding into Nirvatia's comms channel for a while now.
She glances at the device on her arm and watches as the numbers in the nixie tube rapidly climb alongside the fluctuating static.
Something's not right.
The Red Mist appears to be causing corrosive interference to comms. I'm submitting my mission log—I expect countermeasures from Research Division One before my mission ends.
As she continues toward the familiar city in the distance, the mist before her eyes grows thicker, and the static in her ears gradually becomes more distinct.
Radiation zone... spreading...
Casualties... can't hold... evacuate immediately...
...Ascendant!!!
Beep—an incoming comms alert sharply disperses the static as a top-priority call from the Science Council is forcibly connected.
A cold voice cuts through the static.
...Nirvatia, even though this operation is being run by the Science Council independently, the military still retains the right to dispatch and command you.
I understand how significant this mission is to you, but you shouldn't be blocking military communications.
You must have seen my mission log. Given the unique properties of the Carthaki radiation zone, the military should understand my need to take initiative.
Listen, I don't care about what you did, but Nikola told me how bad the situation is.
I've noticed. The Punishing Virus concentration here is spiking rapidly, which is precisely why I need to focus and complete my mission as quickly as possible.
That's why I'm calling. Your objectives have been updated: suspend the test data recovery, and proceed to provide support for a different mission.
Nirvatia's brow furrows slightly as she taps her cane with her fingertips.
Chief Technician, priorities of field operations should be determined on-site by the Security Director herself.
And here's my verdict: the Punishing Virus concentration in Carthaki is rising rapidly. This may be our last chance to enter the radiation zone and retrieve the data. I have neither the capacity nor inclination to do otherwise.
...
Far above Earth, Asimov takes a small sip of coffee while examining a file marked with red crosses.
At the top of the file is the name of its subject: Nirvatia, Security Director of the Science Council.
Since arriving at Babylonia in 2162, Nirvatia has submitted 79 applications to investigate the Carthaki radiation zone over the past 20-plus years.
...51 civilian requests, and 28 more made through official Science Council channels.
Without exception, every single one of them has been stamped with a bright red "DENIED".
I understand, of course. You've waited far too long for this chance to return home. I suspect even the supposed data retrieval isn't what truly matters to you.
But the current circumstances are rather unusual. Due to the radiation zone's expansion, Babylonia has withdrawn the forces that were pursuing the Ascendant... but we lost contact with a human operative that was stranded there.
Helping this individual will also aid your mission.
This again... Mr. Chief Technician, I'm tired of wasting my energy on the mad scientists from Sections One and Two.
This person's name is [player name].
...?
The footsteps on the other end turn silent.
In the video feed, Nirvatia looks at Asimov, silently seeking confirmation for this information.
The military cannot yet confirm if the disappearance of [player name] and the radiation zone's expansion are connected to the Ascendant. Stay vigilant, and try not to damage the Council's "equipment."
...Chief Technician, please convey to Commander Nikola that I will no longer entertain any orders that delay my mission after resolving this "urgent matter."
As you wish. I only need you to ensure the safety of [player name] and secure the Carthaki test data.
Nirvatia sighs softly and turns back toward the way she has come.
Send me the exact coordinates. I'm leaving now.
With me around, no one will harm the commandant.
