ACT
025. INT. CHELONIA – COMMAND ROOM – AFTERNOON
Neku
and Inu enter the Command Room. Everyone is already waiting, seated
around a long table with a large monitor on the far wall. Nicholla
sits at the head, Irie Meilin standing behind her. Danny is next to
Clair, reviewing data. Nyssa sits alone, arms crossed and face tight
with anger. Brandt is present beside an old man known only as the
Librarian. Several other figures — unknown, silent — observe
without speaking.
NEKU
(as she sits)
Sorry we’re late.
NICHOLLA
(nods)
You’re not late, so please don’t worry.
(she
looks at the door and back to Neku)
Paige?
NEKU
(looking directly at Irie, a bite in her voice)
I’ve left her
somewhere safe.
Irie
nods. Nicholla smiles. Danny glances up from the data slate and
offers Neku a small smile.
NICHOLLA
(with a deep breath)
Lets
start. Clair and Danny have been analysing the data from Skarfi’s
drone. We also retrieved footage from a drone-controlled Pteras we
dispatched for recon. (she gestures to the monitor)
The
monitor flickers to life. Virodahaka walks below, slow and ponderous.
As it brushes against trees and rocks, chunks of greyed Zoid fall
from its body, only to be retrieved and re-assimilated by thick
tendrils. Wild Zoids nearby flee at its approach. An Astray Zoid
willingly walks into the creature and is absorbed.