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The crew marvels over the unearthed machine (Masaki: "Wh-what d'you suppose we call it? The Tiger-Dragon-Kaiser-King-Great?"). Bullet and Kusuha recount their experience in communicating with it; even if the Mechanoid is alive, it seems we can count it as an ally.

Kirk and Eri have been going over the mech's body. It looks like when it absorbed the Type-3, it incorporated the smaller unit's systems into itself. The drill that came out of the KoRyu's hand, for instance, is probably its own version of the Type-3's Boost Knuckle. Either way, both versions, tiger and dragon, are integrated within the same machine, although Excellen thinks it'll take some time to get the naming scheme down. Also, the cockpit is essentially the same as the Type-3's - and it looks like it's fused with the T-LINK system as well.

Rio: "Fused. Kusuha, Bullet... are you sure you're all right?"
Bullet: "Yeah, I had a checkup right before this. No problems... I'm just exhausted."
Katina: "Yeah? Sounds like it's time for a tall glass of Kusuha Juice."
Kusuha: "...Juice?"

Stop smirking.

Eri listens with keen interest to Kusuha and Bullet's account of the Mechanoid's words, particularly its reference to the imminent arrival of the "gods of calamity." In onmyodo, "calamity" means a path that leads to a curse and ill fortune (like the namesake for the Grungust's sword, Excellen points out). Given that the Einst attacked Cheu Hill themselves, it seems likely that they are the Hundred Evils spoken of in legend - although Eri doubts that's all there is to it. Furthermore, if there's anything even approaching a hundred of them, there must be other Einst of higher power than Alfimi. The notion that the Einst leader is coming to Earth is not a comforting one.

In any case, there's still the question of what to do next - but if Kusuha and Bullet are willing to use the Mechanoid, Lefina is willing to authorize it. That means Eri will be coming along with the Hiryu to gather data. Meanwhile, Kirk and Rob will have their hands full trying to piece together all the ways it interfaces with the Type-3's systems.

Sean breaks in on the intercom.
Sean: "Captain, please come to the bridge at once. A matter has come up."
Lefina: "Huh? Y-yes, all right. I'm on my way."

-----

Sean: "...We've just received word from the Hagane. The Shirogane has been captured in a battle with NDC forces."
Lefina: "Huh!?"
Kyosuke: "What about the crew? Captain Lee?"
Sean: "I'm afraid their fate, and that of the Shirogane, are unknown."
Kyosuke: "....."

Lefina: "Do you think the Neue DCs... wanted it for their own forces?"
Sean: "It may be. In the worst case, we must be prepared to face it as an enemy."
Kyosuke: "....."

Kyosuke: (The ones who took the Shirogane... could they be...)