Fourth.

[azumods]

ENCOUNTER. Perhaps it's a good thing that the people of Floaroma Town seem to be exhibiting curiosity, because that's how you end up getting the tip. It isn't much, in the end - a question of where you're going from one of the ladies in the flower shop, followed by a brief look exchanged between them and a soft shrug. There's a mention of the Valley Windworks just across the way, a short walk from here, and something inside that will shave a week's time off of the journey south. Something that should put you right in the heart of Jubilife City, should you be able to gain access to it. It's likely clear that whatever would be blocking your access to such a thing likely isn't going to be pleasant; it doesn't take them long to tell you that Team Galactic has owned the Windworks for a while now, but at the same time it's only ever staffed with low-tier employees on the chain of command - the Commanders themselves haven't cared about it since they took over, and the grunts... Well, for one reason or another, they haven't been changing with the rest of the world. It likely seems obvious, when put that way - the people of the town haven't lied to you in the entire time you've been here (they aren't many things, but at the very least they are honest), and if they're correct about this, that's a week's less travel that will need to be done. Over a distance this large, every day counts; as such, you might as well check out the Windworks for whatever it will bring you. As it turns out, the townspeople were right about several things - the Valley Windworks is only a short walk away, surrounded by tall electricity-generating windmills that are turning away at a good clip in the windstreams traveling through the valley; upon entering it, it seems fair to say that it really is generally only staffed by grunts. In light of the changes the world has undergone, their appearance may be a bit jarring, a reminder of what the entire place used to look like - they're completely dead-eyed and listless, lacking any sort of individual initiative, and while they look up as you enter and their eyes track you as you move, they don't seem inclined to do much about you as a whole. Unfortunately, the ladies in the flower shop seem to have been mistaken about something - it seems that one of the Commanders, at least, seems to care very much about this place, given that she's waiting for you in the lobby. As with the others before her, she looks distinctive from the others in both her style of dress and the fact that she's still emotionally intact; she's small in stature, the heels on her boots doing nothing to help that fact, and she's incredibly slight in comparison to Jupiter. She also seems displeased about being here; the smile she offers in greeting is sharp, and it's not a pleasant look. More along the lines of baring teeth. "It's pretty rude of you guys to barge in here like you own the place. Not like I was expecting much from you people, anyway. I'm Commander Mars, and it's about time we met."

Comments

[discutio]

I didn't expect as much, no. But we'd truly not wish this to come to a confrontation. Perhaps there's some manner of agreement we could reach?

[azumods]

I guess I can spare some more time to listen to any ideas you might have. I'm not saying I'll actually agree to anything, but I'm willing to listen.

[niceoppai]

Well, we kinda want to figure out what happened to them too, considering we sorta got blamed for it when we didn't even know it was going on. So isn't it good if we put things aside to deal with that?

[azumods]

They're a part of Team Galactic, so Team Galactic will handle it.

[niceoppai]

I mean, yeah, but Team Galactic's as much our problem as we're yours, and apparently so is this.

[azumods]

We're not relying on you guys for help. We're not allies. Don't go getting the wrong idea.

[niceoppai]

I mean, yeah, we're enemies, but if something weird's going on, it could get you or us next.

[voluptugust]

Especially you. Do you think you'll be alright, dear...?

[Mars is weird and a staunch supporter of club no feelings, but she also doesn't wish ill-will on her.]

[azumods]

[...uh.]

You shouldn't care what happens to me. We're not exactly on the same team here.

[??????]

[azumods]

You've got no reason to care about what happens to me. Besides, I'll be fine.

[niceoppai]

Reason or not, there's common decency. This is all a little too big, but trying to save the world kinda necessarily means caring about the whole world, doesn't it?

[discutio]

I think that's more than fair. As it stands, I feel we share a common concern; I for one would like to know what what may have happened to your colleagues as well as assure their safety if possible.

[azumods]

I doubt you really care all that much. We're not exactly friends. I'll handle it myself.

[discutio]

If you'd allow me to finish, I'd appreciate it.

[ignis...]

What I was going to say is this. On our current course, it's very likely we'll again cross paths with one or both of them. So if you'd allow us to leave here with what we seek, then I think we would all be willing to pass on the message that you've lost contact and they should reestablish that promptly.

[azumods]

[She'll consider it, but it seems she's got a question first.]

[perfectselfie]

You sound awfully worried for someone who doesn't call people friends.

[azumods]

I just don't want to be stuck with all their work, that's all.

[perfectselfie]

...is that really it? I get it, that would be really annoying, but...

[She manages a little laugh. It isn't mean-spirited at all, but Aya was just reminded of someone back home.]

...you sound like Yukina right now. She wouldn't - and I don't agree with this - call people friends, but she'd worry about them just the same.

[azumods]

Saturn and Jupiter aren't my friends. I wouldn't deal with them at all if I didn't have to. I'm just annoyed that they've disappeared. That's all.

[enjoymyatelier]

...

How about this... I don’t know if we will, but if we do happen to encounter them, we let them know they should contact you? I’ll admit, I’m used to colleagues back home suddenly going missing, and while I don’t generally care that much for them, it can be mildly disconcerting that they’re just gone.

[azumods]

It's a nice offer, but surely you don't think I'm going to let you have a look around here just for something like that.

[enjoymyatelier]

Ah.... well, I was going to offer regardless...

[anythingforyou]

[kayneth, you're a disaster]

[azumods]

...Oh.

[...She very visibly has no idea what to do with that, give her a moment...]

Well, if you want to do it anyway, I'm not going to stop you.

[enjoymyatelier]

Right. I’ll make a note of it, then.