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The crew has analyzed the rocks from the stone circle, but there's nothing remarkable about their composition. Once the gravitational anomaly vanished, the circle dispersed, and there's no longer any sign that it was ever there. Some force brought the rocks there, possibly the same one that warped the enemies into the area. At the very least, now we have some idea of how to detect their arrival.
There's still the question of the strange pilot they fought at the end. She spoke human language, so it's possible that she's commanding the other plant/skeleton units, if not a human herself.
Ryusei: "Say, Lieutenant... weren't you saying something to her during the battle? What was that about?"
Excellen: "Uh, um... are you sure you didn't imagine it?"
Leona: "....."
Excellen: (They might think I'm crazy. I've got to be careful with what I say. But, it should be safe to talk to Kyosuke about it...)
She changes the subject, asking about when Alfimi first appeared. Ryusei and Leona both confirm that they felt something immediately before she arrived - like a person's will. Neither of them heard voices from the unknowns, though. Excellen wonders if it could be related to Ryusei's telekinetic abilities.
Ryusei: "That reminds me. How did you know they were coming, Lieutenant?"
Excellen: "...I'm kinda wondering that myself. Maybe I'm psychic?"
Katina: "More like psycho if you ask me."
Excellen: "Aw, did I walk into a punchline?"
Tasuku bursts into the room without warning.
Tasuku: "Guys! We got trouble!"
Katina: "What, did the monsters come back?"
Tasuku: "Yeah, and they've brought the sexy women this time---"
Tasuku: "No, the monsters didn't come back! We've got word from Africa!"
-----
And the word isn't good: the DC remnants have completely evaded the Federation army, making their move before Operation Mole Hunt could begin. They've united with forces in the Niger district, and are en route to Algeria as they speak. Leona guesses that they're planning to control the southern shore of the Mediterranean, and Sean agrees.
After the rise of the Federation, many of the African nations became autonomous districts, in recognition of the long history of colonial domination of the region. Nonetheless, ethnic and tribal conflicts have continued in the region, and attempts at interference by the Federation government have only bred resentment. The DCs may be planning to channel this resentment, uniting the African states against a common enemy - and then possibly to invade Europe, seizing Paris and the President's office. It's like the first war all over again...
Excellen asks about the Federation forces; they were already mobilizing to strike in Ethiopia, so there has to be something they can do. But the fact is that the chain of command is now in total disarray, and they haven't even been able to contact the Hagane for more information. The Feds had planned to bring all their momentum down on the DC stronghold; now that the DCs are on the move, that momentum has been blunted and scattered. It's more like Operation Whack-a-Mole now than Operation Mole Hunt.
Leona's been silent for a bit, and Katina asks what she's thinking. By her estimation, the timelines don't add up. The DCs will need a large number of AMs to make their move, and there simply wasn't time to replenish their forces after the end of the previous war. The Earth Cradle's factories can only account for so much growth; somebody is supplying them with money and materiel.
Tasuku: "You mean they've got a sponsor on the outside? Like who?"
Sean: "There are a few suspects... but Isurugi Heavy Industries would be at the top of the list. I hear their new president, Mitsuko Isurugi, is as ambitious as she is lovely."
Tasuku: "Ooh, lovely? Really?"
Sean: "Indeed. It's difficult to believe that she's related to the deceased President Renji."
Tasuku: "Hmm... got a picture, XO?"
Leona: "Tasuku?"
Tasuku: "So like you were saying, XO, you think they're up to something behind the scenes?"
He's learning. Slowly.
Sean continues with some details we already know; Isurugi is known for their production of the Divine Crusaders' signature Lion series, which was just licensed out to widespread production. There have been allegations of shady dealings, but nothing has come of them yet.
Excellen points out that the situation is different now from the first war: the DCs aren't the only ones fielding large numbers of Lions in battle, and in a drawn-out conflict they'd end up at a disadvantage. Sean assumes they're aware of that fact; no doubt they have some sort of trump card up their sleeve. The green mechs Ryusei and Excellen fought on Earth, perhaps?
The situation is heating up, with new battles arising on Earth and in space, simultaneously. The Hiryu Kai will continue with its initial mission and head to Mao Industries. It looks like Excellen won't get the chance to tell Kyosuke about the girl she met, who seems to know them both...