Story/Operation Rabbit Hunt (Part1)/Script

[After the FN Team finishes scouting...]

FAL: 57, how are things on your end?

FN-57: You’re just in time, we’ve finished preparing over here.
We’ve connected to what looks like the “rabbit’s” signal, we can put you through at any time.

Noel: ...

FAL: ...Noel-san, the rest is up to you.

Noel: ...Yes! Please leave it to me!

FN-57: Alright, beginning connection...

[............]

Noel: ...Is this... the “rabbit”?

Elphelt: ...

Noel: Ah... hello?

Elphelt: ...

Noel: ...

FAL: ...
...Say something else.

Noel: Huh?... Al-alright.

Elphelt: ...

Noel: ...Are you... looking for an “automaton”?
Please look at me! Am I the one you’re looking for?

Elphelt: ...

FAL: ...There’s no response at all. Is it a failure?

Noel: ...
It just feels like... there’s something not quite right about this...

FAL: What do you mean?

Noel: Like... something’s not the same...

Elphelt: ...Annihilate...

FAL: ...!

Elphelt: Elphelt Valentine...
Shall annihilate all unworthy automata!

[The transmission ends.]

FAL: ...That was...

[Boom!]

FAL: Urk!... What, what was that!?

FN-49: FAL! A large number of SF units appeared up ahead!

FAL: But how!? ...Where did they come from!?

FN-49: I don’t know! There were no signs of external incursion, it’s like they appeared out of thin air!

FN-57: FAL... something’s come up, someone’s activated the plant’s internal systems.
The console’s showing SF units powering up here and there... and their number is increasing!

FAL: ...Tch, so we were the ones being ambushed instead?
That comms module was a trap from the start...

Intruder: It seems you realized that as well.

FAL: Hmph... well, that wasn’t unexpected, Intruder.
Although... what else does your script foreshadow?

Intruder: No, no, I’m just a member of the audience. These developments have amused me to no end.
However, the prey won’t take the hook if it’s not baited.
This is the final hunting ground. I look forward to your last performance.

[The transmission ends.]

FAL: ...Just you watch, Intruder.
You’ll soon learn that you cast us for the wrong play.

FN-57: FAL! The “rabbit’s” here!

Elphelt: Automaton... annihilate... automaton...

Noel: Has she... made it here already?

FAL: ...Noel-san, this applies to both you and us.
Let’s... do everything we can to go back alive.

Noel: ...Yeah!
We’re all going to make it home!

FAL: Let’s go, everyone...
This is the final “Rabbit Hunt!”


First Encounter

[............]

FN-FNC: Hah... hah... she’s ridiculously strong...

FN-49: I can’t believe... she hasn’t fallen yet...

Elphelt: Anni... hilate... auto... mata...

FAL: She’s not like the other SF...
...Does she not have... “feelings”?

Elphelt: ...

Noel: ...Not... the same...
...Not the same?
That’s right! She’s not the same!
FAL: ... What happened?
You mentioned this earlier too.

Noel: She’s not the same as what I saw when I was passing through the Cauldron!

FAL: Hm?
You mean she’s not the “rabbit” you saw?

Noel: Well, she looks a lot like her, but...
I need to make sure!
If... If I could just talk to her face to face...

FAL: Now’s not the time to meet her. We still need to continue weakening her before we can safely approach her.
Reorganize for another attack, until she shows an opening!