Here, construction project plans and data reconciliation sheet. Why the face? I share the same twenty four hours a day that you do, so there's no reason I should work for you alone.

Please grab these 'branches'… good. I've obtained your height, weight, and bone density. In ten minutes, a robot will deliver safety equipment tailored to you. Why the surprise? Were you not planning to follow me to the construction site?

Ho'olheyak? A K'uk'ulkan not even trying to hide her probes and provocations. She has a talent for making trouble. She calls herself my friend… Yes, I'm aware of such rumors. I will temper my hate for her as long as she doesn't interfere with my work, and the same goes for you, Doctor.

I won't join Rhodes Island's engineering optimization efforts—no, you wouldn't manage to steal Rhine Lab's tech either way, but as a fellow engineer, I know the look on that Vampire's face when she stays up all night drawing blueprints. This is no prime-time Trimounts home renovation show, and I have no interest in commentating on someone else's home.

The so-called 'Rhine Lab Ten' seldom came together, even when Kristen was still around, so the few empty seats at the round table now do not imply much of a crisis. As Director of Engineering, I know how much longer this machine we call 'Rhine Lab' can operate.

Correct. Countless Columbians bore witness to the fall, and the spectacle left them disheartened. Was there a need to cool their fervor? I have no interest in discussing this, Doctor… Fowlbeasts learn to fly by falling, and one day Kazdel will float in the sky.

I invited you to dance on the sky bridge yesterday? *sigh* I see Muelsyse has taken to this impersonation game. Doctor, I will, for now, take it you failed to recognize that was a water clone, so—who is it you do not know well enough—Muelsyse or myself?

You must have misheard, I was not singing—if you take the Logos you know as a reference, I am no qualified Banshee, nor do I belong to the Convallis any longer. Though elegies still mean the same to me. You're tired? If you're unused to falling asleep to the rumbling of construction noise, I can write you a curse.

Look at the barrier above our heads. Do you think it's out of our reach? Or perhaps I should be asking if you know how it was formed, how to break it down? Kristen absolutely believed her choice held meaning, while I will see it through. Where do you stand on this, Doctor?

At last, the muddled dream is about to settle…

So we meet. Nasti Lunorey, Director of Engineering at Rhine Lab. I've heard a lot about you from some of my colleagues. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Rewind three seconds. The terminal on the left was displaying incorrect data… Alright, problem solved.

Are you expecting a speech…? Sorry, abstract topics only leave me feeling hollow.

I'd like to thank Rhodes Island and you for the recognition, Doctor. Our cooperative efforts have been reassuring.

Rhodes Island's many Operators working multiple jobs is a common sight at Rhine Lab as well.

Saria. She will break through the enemy's encirclement; and Muelsyse will manage any mediation efforts as necessary. Both are indispensable.

Silent words work all the same.

Ensure the construction site is safe before we begin.

If the plan is too vague, I will revise it.

An error message? Nothing out of the norm.

You don't have to reiterate the project goals. Work has already begun.

Don't trip on my tape.

Listen again. Did you think it was just construction noise?

A confession? All I hear is the babbling of souls.

'Elegies are no final respite.'

'The realm has naught for your perch.'

Project done. Good work, everyone.

Do another round of checks… 'Perfect' to us is but a standard to reach.

'Expectations' met. Expand on that? We always leave room for improvement.

Angry? Why? Would you like to guess how many Rhine Lab blueprints I've had to revise before they were officially greenlit?

The elevator bulb was loose, so I changed it.

'Stasis'—I consider this legitimate self-defense.

Don't pull on the mechanical leaf… Fine, I'll teach you to whistle Mother's melody.

Arknights.

One last cable, and three, two, one, go… Times like these, the researchers would excitedly scramble over to the cable sparks and call them 'fireworks', but you seem quite calm still—Happy New Year, Doctor. We won't make it to the celebrations back on the island.

You bumped into my 'branches'.

You're still alive, so leaves are more suitable than bone for the whistle. A melody I know…? No, the Mama John's jingle wouldn't fit… Once upon a time, a group of Pioneers lying on a scaffold hummed a tune to the setting sun to welcome a Banshee into their group. Would you like to hear it?

A Banshee does not forget the Convallis that nurtured her, while a Pioneer will not forget the barrens she trekked through—it was how I joined Rhine Lab, and the antecedent to my future. Doctor, what does Rhodes Island mean to you, and how will you guide it? Our cooperation will continue.