🔍
... And that concludes my report of Rhodes Island's combat operations.
And your assessment?
There is little reason to doubt their strength.
However, Chief Wei, given their identities, I believe that from a strategic standpoint...
... the L.G.D. is more than capable of handling the job.
When it comes to fighting crime and prevent infiltration, the L.G.D. is more than sufficient.
Rhodes Island may be able to bring more to the table. However...
Of the things that Rhodes Island has requested, there is one 'item' that we are unwilling to exchange based upon what has been offered.
The temporary defense cooperation that you're providing is far from equal value. As things stand, your 'asking price' is a bit too high.
Miss Kal'tsit, Miss Amiya, I hope you two both understand.
Mister Wei, a temporary defense will not be enough. There are a lot of things about Reunion that you don't know about.
Based upon the data we gathered while fighting them, if no proactive measures are taken, Reunion will seize control of Lungmen within two weeks.
... Nonsense. There's no evidence of that--
Madam Ch'en, would you like to know the real reason Chernobog fell within one night?
...
Please elaborate.
Amiya.
Ah... Sure.
Rhodes Island wasn't just involved in the Chernobog incident... We also were caught inside the Catastrophe, and survived.
Impressive, impressive.
It's not every day I meet someone crazy enough to have made it out of a Catastrophe alive. Miss Amiya, please continue, I'm listening.
... We fought against Reunion's leader.
...
Hmm? What's her name again?
I don't recall clearly...
Talulah.
Ah, right, Talulah.
Madam Ch'en, what do you think?
...
I... I know.
... This is what happened to Rhodes Island at Chernobog. Even though Reunion managed to wrest control of Chernobog from Ursus...
But in order to expand, they'll have to deal with their resource shortages. Lungmen will be their next stepping stone.
Even though you might be able to fend them off for a while, their attacks will not cease unless you handle this situation proactively.
Furthermore... There's another unknown factor - we still don't know how Ursus will respond after losing Chernobog...
Hahaha... Well spoken, young lady.
Due to the seriousness of this threat and the L.G.D.'s limited manpower, I'm not opposed to considering this temporary agreement based on the terms that were detailed earlier.
But what I said before still holds...
...
... Rhodes Island's asking price is still too high?
Correct.
In order to make sure Lungmen is properly compensated, I have two very simple conditions.
First, Rhodes Island will help the L.G.D. suppress the Reunion threat. This includes identifying threats within Lungmen as well as those related to fallout from Chernobog.
This also includes assessing the degree that the Infected have infiltrated Lungmen. I expect that you will share any potentially helpful information with us.
What's the second condition, then?
I will tell you about the second condition after you've satisfied the first.
Naturally, I won't ask for anything outside of Rhodes Island's area of expertise.
I'm not sure I understand. Could you please elaborate, Mister Wei?
How should I put this... If Reunion causes damage that surpasses Rhodes Island's estimates...
I hope that you will help the L.G.D. handle the situation, which may include post-disaster management. Of course, nothing beyond your capabilities. That's roughly the gist of it.
...
I cannot say much more at this point. However, don't forget, Rhodes Island doesn't have a choice.
If you can't accept our terms, then all the conditions we discussed, as well as your requests, will be...
Amiya?
Dr. Kal'tsit...
Mister Wei, I would like to add one more clause to the agreement...
'Any interpretation of the clauses must be agreed upon by both parties.' Is this acceptable?
Oh... Of course. I can see your respect to Lungmen, Miss Amiya.
Madam Ch'en, do you have any objections?
... I accept this operation.
Hah.
It seems like Madam Ch'en also has her own goal now.
...
In any case, congratulations. You've earned Lungmen's trust. Madam Ch'en will be responsible for your arrangements.
However, be aware that the Infected are not allowed to freely move around within the city, as that may cause panic.
I hope that you will defer to the L.G.D.'s orders while carrying out your duties.
Especially, Madam Ch'en's orders.
Lungmen will be open to Rhodes Island, as long as your actions are in line with us.
🔍
Phew... Ugh...! That man was so difficult...
He was so methodical when he spoke, and it felt like he couldn't be swayed by anything...
Amiya, you'll eventually have to learn how to deal with these people yourself.
But in the end, you did a great job.
Ehehe...
By the way...
...
You...
Do I know you, Kal'tsit?
...Hello, Dr. Kal'tsit.
Please to meet you, Dr. Kal'tsit.
... ...
Dr. Kal'tsit, please don't give Dr. {@nickname} a hard time...
*inhales sharply*...
...
Haah...
I hope our sacrifices... weren't in vain.
Hello, Dr. {@nickname}.
Welcome back.
