Mandatory Contract

CONSTANT MONETARY NEEDS

Contract Holder: HANDLER 9S

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

Cerberus Co has double or tripled all prices across the board in their markets, yet they still retain the only commercially available market available to the public. I am unsure of why they would do this, but it is no doubt due to the Solstice. No matter the reason, we are unable to keep flying the dropship without fuel to sustain us, and food to feed the workers. We need money not only for that, but to also prepare you all for... well, our top contract.

We have enough money to retain our amenities for a few days, but you will need to begin doing contracts again like long ago when you first became LANCERs. I will handle all your contract affairs, and I will automatically deduct what pay we need to keep our home afloat. I will notify you when we are in need of more money, I will provide what contracts I can from different sources.

INTERNAL NOTE: I DO NOT LIKE TO WASTE TIME BY PARTICIPATING IN THE CORPORATE WAR WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING MUCH LARGER TO LOOK FORWARD TO; AT THE SAME TIME WE NEED TO PARTAKE IN ORDER TO SURVIVE. I LOOK AT THE PEOPLE ON THE SHIP AND I ONLY FEEL INDEBTED TO THEM, THEY HAVE GIVEN US A HOME WITHOUT ASKING FOR ANYTHING MORE THAN SHELTER AND FOOD. IN LOVE AND COMMUNION, DOES THE SAME RELATIONSHIP PARTAKE OR IS THIS ONLY MORE PREVALENT TO GODS AND WORSHIPPERS? WHEN DOES LOVING TURN TO WORSHIP, AND VICE VERSA? i LISTENED TO LANE TALK ABOUT THIS ONE NIGHT, THE ONLY THOUGHT IN MY HEAD AT THAT TIME WAS HOW I WISHED I COULD GIVE HIM AN ANSWER IN THAT MOMENT. I DID NOT HAVE THE ANSWER VERBALLY. STILL, I COULD HAVE SHOWN HIM A DIFFERENT TRUTH. MAYBE WE WOULD NOT BE IN THIS MOMENT AS IT IS NOW.

Mandatory Contract

NULL

Contract Holder: HANDLER 9S

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

NULL and Cold Call are still at large and have been sighted in Firdan alongside other Kingmaker like Frames. The threat that the TRC forces on us is palpable here, and there is currently no way into their highly defended position.

My prediction is that in time we will see NULL and/or Cold Call alongside these other new Frames as we partake in missions to regain money and support.

INTERNAL NOTE: EVER SINCE I HAVE BEEN REBUILT, I HAVE FELT DIFFERENT. I AM UNSURE OF WHAT THIS MEANS, NOR WHAT THIS ENTAILS; JUST THAT I FEEL DIFFERENT. NOT A GOOD DIFFERENT, BUT DIFFERENT REGARDLESS. MORE RESEARCH WILL BE NEEDED IN SPARE TIME WHILE TEAM NIGHTFALL GOES ON MISSIONS AND SLEEPS.

Mandatory Contract

ETHAN'S LATENT POWERS

Contract Holder: HANDLER 9S

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

Ethan is the son of Vaelun, what that means; I am unsure. I can sense powerful passive emission of A.R.M from him almost at a constant rate, we should see if there is somehow we can unlock this power within him.

Lane apparently has similar if not the same powers, perhaps if we can find a way to talk to him we can gather more information? Though, reaching out to him may end poorly given his state of mind.

If Ethan has the same abilities as Jacqueline or Lane, it would put my mind at ease for everyone's safety. As we are, we have no safety nets.

INTERNAL NOTE: I AM WORRIED FOR TEAM NIGHTFALL. MY HEART WRENCHES FROM ANXIETY. WHY DO I FEEL THIS WAY?

Mandatory Contract

A PLEA FOR HELP FROM THE BOUNDARY BENDERS

Contract Holder: BOUNDARY BENDERS PRESIDENT "Irshin So"

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

"Team Nightfall, we have watched you in the past and have helped you when you needed it. I know it might not seem like it, but our hands have been tied with The Research Court, our elder and bigger sister; but that time is over now. They've changed, for the worse. They've killed many of my people and I want both revenge, and to ensure my people's safety.

I'm sure you also want your own revenge for the things they have done, so let's make an agreement; you come to one of the Folx Islands, it's one of the last few safe places for us to be, and speak with us. We will not bring weapons nor Frames, we just want to talk; make an alliance even. If you help us retake our bases, and eventually our home of Arvadan we will reward you with tech and reserves you never thought possible.

Think about it. Let your handler contact me when you are ready, in the meantime we are safe but we may not be for long. Do not tarry for long. We, I, am counting on you Team Nightfall."

-- Irshin So

INTERNAL NOTE: HE SEEMS TO BE GENUINE IN HIS PLEA, I FEEL BAD FOR HIS PEOPLE. I'VE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND REPORTS FROM VOX EXPOSE OF THE TRC'S MASSACRE OF THEIR BASES AND MASS EXPULSIONS. WOULD IT BE BETTER TO DIE AT THE HAND OF SOMEONE YOU TRUST UNKNOWING OF THEIR POSITION, OR TO DIE NEVER KNOWING THEY HELD THE KNIFE TO YOUR BACK? WHAT IF THEY DID NOT KNOW THEY HELD THE KNIFE? I HATE THESE QUESTIONS, BUT I KEEP ASKING THEM.

Mandatory Contract

CONTACT WITH KATEY AND WHITE WOLF IN HELON

Contract Holder: HANDLER 9S

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

White Wolf has left dropship Sunrise Parabellum, intentions were unclear of why she wanted to leave. I asked her to stay and to wait for everyone to wake up before making her decision to leave but she insisted. Katey insisted that she leave with her, fearing she may come into danger alone; again no more information was given to me. I am unsure of their exact whereabouts, but according to our latest reports and Ethan's contact with Katey they have been located in contact within Empress territory at a southern peninsula on Helon.

We have one contact that has informed us they are willing to work with us to obtain their whereabouts. I believe you should talk to them personally.

Our team should focus on re-acquiring our members for our future efforts; I fear without everyone present we are woefully underpowered against Lane and his Solstice Frame.

INTERNAL NOTE: WHITE WOLF HAS LEARNED TO SUPPRESS HER A.R.M EMISSIONS AND HAS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TRACK HER. THANKFULLY KATEY KEEPS HER HEAD CLEAR AND OPEN FOR ETHAN TO TALK TO HER. THEY SPEAK EVERY NIGHT, TELLING EACH OTHER HOW THEY MISS EACH OTHER, HOW THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. MY CONNECTION TO LANE HAS BEEN SEPARATED, I HAVE LOST MY CHANCE.

Mandatory Contract

CONTACT WITH JORJE AND TIBURON IN SUNVALE

Contract Holder: HANDLER 9S

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Post-Solstice

Jorje has left dropship Sunrise Parabellum, little was told to me on the way out other than he would be at IronRoot to help rebuild. Tiburon would not allow him to leave alone and she has followed him. She said to me in private before leaving: "I can't leave the big guy alone, he might do something to himself. I'm worried for him." before she left with him.

The Research Court and Empress have made it increasingly more and more difficult to obtain access to their location and safety knowledge, nearly all of northern Sunvale has been taken over by TRC and Empress; which is where IronRoot's guild hall is located. We need to devise a plan to sneak in, or confront forces to find them again and ensure their safety.

We have no informants nor reserves available to us, and all communications have been disabled in TRC controlled zones.

Our team should focus on re-acquiring our members for our future efforts; I fear without everyone present we are woefully underpowered against Lane and his Solstice Frame.

INTERNAL NOTE: JORJE SEEMS TO BE EMITTING MUCH OF THE SAME EMISSIONS AS IN THE DREAD MAW, THOUGH THIS TIME HE IS MORE CONTROLLED IN HIS DEMEANOR. I BELIEVE HIS FEELINGS FOR MAYA HAVE DISSUADED RASH ACTIONS. I SAW THE LOOK AND KISS HE GAVE HER IN THE MEDICAL BAY BEFORE LEAVING. I DREAMT ONCE THAT LANE GAVE ME THE SAME LOOK.

INTERNAL NOTE 2: TIBURON HAS CALLED SEVERAL TIMES ASKING IF VAL IS AWAKE YET, WHICH SHE HAS NOT. I CAN TELL THE SADNESS IN HER VOICE WHEN I TELL HER THAT SHE IS NOT. LANE HELD THE SAME TONE BEFORE THE DREAD MAW WITH ME AS I LAID ON THAT TABLE AS HE REBUILT ME.IN SUN

Contract Holder: //-Cerberus Co.-//

Requirements: Asset Retrieval

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requests //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to recover a lost prototype weapon from a derelict facility on the outskirts of Sunvale. The prototype must be returned intact to Cerberus Co. headquarters.

_

I really need to gather money to get them back. I guess I can start here with Lane, we shouldnt need too many contracts to get enough money to get the machinery needed.

Contract Holder: //-Ironguard Industries-//

Requirements: Convoy Escort

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requires //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to escort a convoy transporting valuable NHP units from Avanor to a secure facility in Avelund. Protection against potential attacks is mandatory.

-

The last one wasnt enough, and I took too much damage to break even, and after getting food and housing for Lane and I I came out with barely 50 manna leftover. I need to get them back, I cant kill people like this.

Contract Holder: //-The Spiro Commonwealth-//

Requirements: Arena Participation

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder invites //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to participate in the annual coliseum matches in Spirolis. Performance in combat will be rewarded with prestige and monetary compensation.

-

I was invited to watch and attend this coliseum tournament. I cant help but feel like Ive seen the "Big Boss" fight before, they seem so familiar?. Well, at least I got up to third place thanks to Lane giving me callouts during the single fights. It was kind of fun, is this what Maya felt when she played blitzball?

Contract Holder: //-Wardens Isle Correctional Facility-//

Requirements: Prisoner Transport

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requires //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to safely transport a high-profile prisoner from Wardens Isle to a maximum-security facility in the Seol Islands. Security and discretion are paramount.

-

I saw this contract and I took it as fast as I could. High pay and low risk, but most importantly, the prisoner. Its a Jacob Faelen. We talked for a little bit before command stopped me. He seems okay, not like his siblings. I wonder what happened to Victor. Hopefully I can ask Val when shes back.

Contract Holder: //-Cerberus Co.-//

Requirements: Field Testing

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requests //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to field-test a new line of advanced weaponry in live combat situations. Data collection on weapon performance is essential.

-

Last contract went off great and I finally got some much needed upgrades. As a bonus to my purchase I was given a contract to try out some exotic weaponry. Lane told me to lie about the performance and doctor the footage of the field tests saying it needs more firepower behind it but that I am willing to continue to test it as long as I can keep it. They agreed! I cant believe it! I think Olivia would really like this weapon, it explodes. A lot. I think she would just laugh all giddy if she saw what it could do.

Contract Holder: //-Alleycat Orders-//

Requirements: Data Recovery

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requests //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to infiltrate a derelict facility and retrieve lost research data before it falls into rival hands.

-

Alleycat Orders, a low pay job but its been really slow lately with all of the higher tier LANCERS taking all of the good jobs and I REALLY do not want to help Agrotowers and their damned fake humanitarian aid. Lane just gives me the half-smile as I search through these low tier jobs. Im literally older than him. >:/

Contract Holder: //-Sunvale Environmental Agency-//

Requirements: Anomaly Investigation

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder needs //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to investigate reports of a monstrous creature sighted in the disaster zone. Collection of data and confirmation of the creatures existence are required.

-

The contract was just to investigate an outpost and gather any observation data I could on some large monster out in Sunvale and the damned thing snuck up on me and ruined several of my weapons and armor in one bite. It set me back so much money. I am going to get them back, and were going to come back to kick this stupid monsters ass. I think Chuck would be good at this hunting thing, he was a hunter when he was younger wasnt he? He probably wouldnt have let this thing sneak up on him.

Contract Holder: //-Boundary Benders-//

Requirements: Containment of A.R.M. Anomalies

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requires //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to contain and neutralize a series of A.R.M. technology anomalies causing disturbances in a populated area.

-

The only reason I am helping Boundary Benders is to try and get some more data on A.R.M disturbances. Hopefully the data comes in handy for getting them back. I hope.

-

Im starting to really get the hang of being in this mech. I wish my A.R.M. manipulations would come back fully though. They wouldve been back a long time ago if I still had it. This kind of brings me back to when I helped Andrew on his missions. Except I was where Lane was, and Andrew was here. I wish he was here.

Contract Holder: //-Agrotowers-//

Requirements: Intelligence Gathering

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder requests //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to gather intelligence on competitors suspected of industrial espionage.

-

Im taking this mission to spy on GrowCorp just as much as get some inside information about Agrotowers. Victor has been up to too much lately. I was hoping and not hoping at the same time to see that Lucius devil. Thankfully I didnt. Well get them back, Val, dont worry. Ill get you back too.

Contract Holder: //-Cerberus Co.-//

Requirements: Hostile Negotiation

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder tasks //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// with facilitating negotiations with a hostile group holding valuable assets.

-

This mission was horrible. I tried to talk the group down, and they wouldnt listen to me. Lane told me to stop trying to reason with them, but I really wanted to get them to lay their arms down. If Kitty was here she would just take them out while I talked to them and they were distracted. I wonder what her ears feel like. Are they soft? Has anyone pet her? Would she even like that? - I am really starting to think Im never going to get them back. I really miss them. What can I even give up to get them back? I keep thinking of what to give up to bring them back, but bringing back five people? Its too much for one person, even two. There has to be another way, right?

Contract Holder: //-Avanor Mining Consortium-//

Requirements: Cave Exploration

Mission Start Date: [INFORMATION NOT RETAINED]

Contract holder needs //-TEAM NIGHTFALL-// to explore uncharted cave systems for potential mineral deposits and ensure the area is safe for mining operations.

-

I did something a little bad. I couldnt do it anymore, Im tired of waiting to do the things I need to do for my little family. On the contract mission I pocketed about $500,000 worth of precious mineral, which might have caused a little disturbance with the local authority. I managed to make an escape, and Lane convinced me to spend the money to make the authorities go away. Goodbye all of my extra cash. It doesnt matter anyway, tomorrow, Lane and I are going into town to pick up the supplies we need.

-

I cant stand being beaten down at every turn anymore I need to get my family back. I need them, and they need me. I hope they still remember me. Its time to finally get them back. I think I know of a way to get them back without sacrificing Lane and I both. He doesnt approve, but what else can I do? I just want them back.

Contract Holder: //-Personal Contract-//

Requirements: $180,000

Mission Start Date: Undara, 14th. 2349 G.E.

Today is the day. 225 Days since I last saw them. Time to get them back.

I am so sorry for what I have to do.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: TEAM NIGHTFALL

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Undara 15th, 2349 G.E

We need to head back and secure our old things. Your old lives were frozen in time the day we left to that base. Its time we finally start moving forward again.

Weve been invited to the Tourney of Champions over at Spirolis by "The Big Boss". Were gonna check it out and see whats going on there and try to get back on our feet while were at it.

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: When we can get to it. Get some rest first.

Some of the locals in the Seol Islands are going to be hosting a memorium service for Andrew Percival, Snail. Not sure if it's something you would want to attend, but you all knew him more than I did and I figured some of you would want to go.

You don't have to go, I know this is a tough time already. I do think if you go, you'll be able to come out better on the other side of it but it's up to you all.

I suppose there was some "fun" to be had at the LANCER memorial. It was good to go, gives us some closure as to what happened.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now.

The people of Duluhar have asked for our help, some sort of "Oracle" has called for us specifically. No idea what it's about but if they're calling us out it's probably for a good reason. Might as well check it out.

Plus, Duluhar is a good place this time of the year, it will be good to get out and see the local land. It's probably good for the spirit.

Update: This "Oracle" keeps asking to meet us, it's starting to get to a point where I was going to block her until she mentioned a couple things that caught my ear, first she mentioned she has some old Yentainian scripture that The Research Court probably already has. Then the more interesting part. She mentioned the names Ethan, and Jorje. I think you know what you should do next.

Completion Update: We spent some time in Elysium after Jacqueline sent us there. Thankfully nobody is worse for wear. Oracle paid out and LANCERs continue to do what they need to do.

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Sooner rather than later

Nines survived the attack from Ethan, barely. We're lucky her personality chip and internals are somewhat intact. I'm working with the Queen's Guard as much as I can to help rebuild her, but she's heavily damaged and I don't have the resources to fix her up proper. There's a few things we should get our hands on to fully repair her.

She's gonna need a new power source. Looks like Ethan might've absorbed her cold fusion energy cells. Try to find a micro CFR energy cell.

A new blackbox reconsctruction device is needed in order to repair her old personality module. Without it, she'll be a completely new person and she won't remember us at all.

It looks like she was equipped with a Neural Overclocking Chip. We're gonna need to find a new one, and the only place I know of that might have one is in the grasp of the TRC.

Optionally, I can see there's some room for adaptibility, or at least room to rebuild with adaptability. If you can find a new Synthetic Redline Grade Frame, we could help outfit to better suit any battle in the future. It would allow her to rebuild herself for any situation, without any input from us and would let her bypass any license level restrictions. Held up pretty much just by us.

Until we can sort out at least the main problems, I am afraid she's pretty much bed bound and she won't be able to help us until then. If you bring any of the items to me, I can begin working on her but I will need all of the items to get it done.

J - Maybe we can try to look around that Black Market area in Avanor again? They had a lot of weird things in there :D

END UPDATE: Thanks to your search, we fixed her up and got her the upgrades we probably will need for the future. Good job kids. She'll learn her best to thank you as well, just give her some time.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now

The city of Spiro is pretty much alright, but I think there's a lot we can do here. Right now the Queen's Guard are helping the citizens get back to their lives, and most of the survivors have begun to camp outside of town. Last I heard from the Dropship when I was on there, The Research Court was going to make a contract with CERBERUS Co. to begin housing and construction. I think since they can't do it now, we should pick up where they left off.

Let's start by heading off to the east of Spiro, in The Black Oasis [76]. There's a local C Co. storehouse there, and see what we can do.

UPDATE: Thanks to a bit of effort and work on your part, we were able to secure the deal to the housing agreement. Good job. Now, when Tibby wakes up, we'll have to ensure she allows it.

UPDATE 2: We still need to get Tibby to agree to the contract deal. Maybe the concussion will help us persuade her to saying yes.

UPDATE 3: Tibby signed off on the plans to begin construction for the refugees. Cerberus housing should be available to them shortly. Good job team.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: Safely rescue and return White Wolf

Mission Start Date: Immediate

White Wolf has been taken by Team Soiree from Empress Corp. We are unsure of what they want with her, but it never ends up well for people like her. We need to get her back, even if she may tell us otherwise.

Tibby, we will get her back. You must learn to control your urges, or you will ensure not only her but everyone's destruction.

[ERROR CORRUPTED] UPDATE: th— te—m… c—ptur—d by… soir—e… team?rec—… sh—ld b— t—k—n imme—di—…i will fol—w… clos— prox—mi—yb—kup… ad—vis—d.**[#/@]* m—ght be ———comp—rom—zzzd—:: f—llow the vo— ::—can't… re—mem—ber wh—ch… s—gnal i— real—

[ERROR CORRUPTED] UPDATE: Sh—t, I l—st h—r… d—n’t kn—w wh—re th—y t—ok h—r… s—ounds l—ike they—t—ook h—r—t—a dr—dr⸝p—sh—ip o—ver H—H—el—on… G—d—⸝mn it—Y—Yen—ta—⸝n… ⁽ˢˢˢˢʰʰʰʰ⁾ [██████]… h⸝—ha—ve I… f—aile—-

Update: Nines and I have successfully retrieved White Wolf, and the rest of Team Nightfall, excluding Empress. More details to follow.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Any time.

Some Monster Hunters have been asking about our team. Say they "Heard about us in the Arena" and how we "fought off a monster". Guess they might be talking about Ethan or Solstice.

They say they have something in it for us if we help them with a monster problem. Some sort of ARM type monster they think the TRC is involved with. Might be worth checking out.

Regardless, I figured Chuck would be interested.

Update 1: Maya and White Wolf have been accepted into the guild. Good job to the both of you.

Update 2: We've been given details of our contract for The Red Devil. The Red Devil is a monstrous 2 headed beast, with mechanical parts to it, the ability to teleport short distances, and a hide impervious to most forms of conventional weaponry. Thankfully we have unconventional weaponry, as well as ideas.

Thanks to the regenerative properties of the Iron Tree within the halls of the guild, we are able to replicate the Aurium infusion in our weapons and outfit the rest of the Iron Tree Guild with weapons to combat The Red Devil. Now, we need to find the beast, and stick it with a tracking dart with the new Aurium ammunition.

Update 3: We have received news that Jacqueline and Cold Call will be in the surrounding area of our hunt. We need to be extremely careful when continuing our contract. We have to fulfill our contract or we forfeit our access to the Guild's armory and our only means of stopping V.5 so far.

Update 4: Cold Call and Null made their debut, but we still completed our mission. We took White Wolf's vision and made it reality, and through teamwork we achieved our goal. Good job team, I knew you could do it.

Update 5: The guild has given specialty privilege to everyone, as a testament to your dedication to the mission, and your resolve to finish the mission they have allowed all of you to join their ranks as initiates if you so desire.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now.

Agrotowers has recently begun stirring up again in North Fioria. Can't be good, and we should investigate it. Might be a good chance to get that tape of Ethan's too.

[UPDATE 1]: Preliminary scouting has shown that Agrotowers, The Research Court, and Empress Corp have all been seen occupying North Fiora. My shuttles are unable to get close without being spotted, so I have nothing else to share about them in the Northern Fiords at this time.

[UPDATE 2]: Agrotowers is hosting their tri-annual masquerade ball in a couple days time. This year's theme is "Exotic Animals", suggested, and planted by your newest leader. This will give our teammates who have exotic features the ability to attend, and blend in. Your jobs will be prepare for the ball, and to gather information about what Agrotowers is doing in Northern Fioria. There are 3 main targets we have scouted out;

-

Francis Boutierre, a veteran and newly appointed head of the Agrotowers Armed Escort Division. He's brutish, rugged, and able to see through the bullshit. We should scout this one from afar, and try to somehow tap into his conversations. Do NOT try to talk to him in great length.

-

Augustus Montclair, A man who revels in his lavish lifestyle. He has been known to host, parties, and to make sure he gets what he wants during them. This man, once he has his eyes on a prize, will do everything he can to ensure he gets it even if it means by force or coercion. This man is heartless, and dangerous, but he is also at the top of the food chain in the cooperation between Empress Corporative and Agrotowers. Get the information, and get out before he draws an interest in you.

-

Julien Amoret, someone who has been seen entering and leaving the Agrotowers building many times. It's been rumored that Julien and Victor have been romantically involved. We have no proof of this, but if the lead is true, he may be a good candidate to get information out of. Julien is a well known adult dancer in South Fioria, known for his feminine style of dance and image. Julien seems to be the most normal out of everyone listed, however do not let that break your guard. If Julien truly is involved somehow, he is dangerous still.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now.

We have details concerning our sortie into the Vael Fiords thanks to your intel from the Gala. From the datapads extracted from both Augustus and Francis we have a secure route from the north, through an unsecured inlet that's mostly unguarded and minimally surveilled. We also know a few things concerning our upcoming mission:

• There should be NO Agrotowers reinforcements available. What high level security there is what is there, nothing outside the area should arrive from Agrotowers. Agrotowers Security Sect are high level, elite fighters and should be treated with extreme caution.
• Empress and TRC are involved, and should be expected to be involved with supplies, defenses and initial or reserve forces. Reinforcements from them are unable to be determined at this time.
• Lucius' exact whereabouts and intentions are unknown at this time.

Our current mission steps are as follows:

• Approach from safe grounded distance. We will be fighting the front forces head on.
• Once the top level is cleared, we will begin the traversal down the spiral excavation hole. Depth is unknown.

Retrieve artifact, believed to be a Vaelun shard, subdue or eliminate Lucius, and return to the dropship via extraction point from manned shuttles.

FINAL UPDATE:

Team Nightfall has been recovered thanks to the efforts of Nines, who fought against Null and Cold Call to secure their reentries. Entire team is under critical condition, and currently undergoing critical resuscitation efforts. Victor has been recovered, and has allowed access to what remaining resources are left to Agrotowers; including Emily's song.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now.

Last Reported Sighting of V.5 Solstice:

Avelund

Detailed Report:

[REPORT 1]: Scouting shuttles have reported high ARM signals being emitted from deep within the Dread Maw. I have requested that the shuttles stay in proximity, and that none enter the cave mouth.

[REPORT 2]: While we've been in Sunvale, it seems that Solstice has been making rounds to and from The Dread Maw and the Fiorias. His movements are too fast to keep track of correctly in the scouting shuttles, but my guess is most likely to be where North Fioria was. The only remaining large corporation that occupies the space are Agrotowers, The Research Court, and Empress Corp. Alleykat Orders has been seen sending in excavation frames, and modified retrieval equipment but they are shuttled alongside Agrotowers ships. I do not believe AO is involved, other than to supply their equipment.

[REPORT 3]: Solstice was last seen after destroying the TRC dropship in the Vael Fiords, headed towards Avelund. ARM signatures indicate he is inhabiting inside the Dread Maw. He is unlikely to leave the area before the Solstice unless we approach beforehand. He has been sighted to attack anything that gets close to the Maw further than Ash Hill, and into the ravine that leads into the Dread Maw from what the Gate Keepers at Ash Hill have told us.

2 TRC Dropships have been sighted in the area, surrounding primarily the northwestern front from Firdan. They seem to want to keep a safe distance from Solstice, and are waiting for The Solstice. Our activity should be safe if we decide to investigate Ash Hill in the meantime.

Our current resources that are being used to defend against V.5:

Items:

• Anti-Solstice Systems - Anti-cascade devices for NHP users
• Spiro's Queen's Guards / The Forge
• Tectonic Anchor - Density Altering Weapon
• Emily's song data recorder.

Personnel:

• Fort Ironroot Guild Members:Fang King / Roar / Talon / Grim / Maul / Iron Tree Homunculi
• Agrotowers SecDef Team: Overwatch / Blade / Bulwark / Scout / Longbow / Heretic

Currently, we are stationed over the southern tip of Avelund so that we can quickly deploy to Ash Hill and The Dread Maw once Team Nightfall is back in the waking world. Agrotowers SecDef team has been given quarter on the Sunrise Parabellum, and Ironroot is set to land in Ash Hill the day of The Solstice.

We have only a few crucial moments before the Solstice, and we must prepare what we can. Once Team Nightfall has awoken, they will prepare their mechs and be given a debrief and the latest report of the situation. More than likely, we will have to delve into The Dread Maw, and Team Nightfall as well as the rest of our forces must prepare themselves to have an extended fight within an unknown and dangerous territory. Extra care and resources must be purchased or secured to ensure that an extended fight, or successive battles without rest or resupply is reasonable.

Before we head into the Dread Maw, at least some of Team Nightfall should investigate Ash Hill once more. The locals have been seen more actively roaming in preparation for a festival they have called "The Sun Eater Festival". Information on this, and maybe even information on the Dread Maw itself would be crucial.

Regardless, everything you have been fighting for up to this point has been in preparation for this last contract. This is the time to gain back control of Ethan, and finally put a stop to Solstice. Perhaps even somehow use or persuade Solstice to aid us against The Research Court, and whoever lies underneath them, as well as Throne who waits for you all at the end of all of this.

Mandatory Contract

Contract Holder: THE WORLD

Requirements: N/A

Mission Start Date: Now.

We've just received word and intel that there is a great likelihood Jacqueline, whom they now call Null, is being transferred to Sunvale along with someone they call Cold Call, who we now we know to be the remains of Andrew/Snail. This is something we need to contend with immediately, but we need to deal with the Guild's contract before we miss our chance to be able to capture Ethan. We need to focus our attention there, without a way to slow down V.5 we won't ever be able to properly take him down.

[UPDATE] We've faced Null and Cold Call twice now, and both times they have proved to be extremely hostile and effective on the battlefield. We have however learned several things regarding them:

1.) Cold Call can be temporarily shut down by Jamming him, we should find a way to permanently Jam him.

2.) Null has an incredible gift to react to things while under pressure. She is smart enough to know when to and when not to react to things accordingly, but I believe with enough pressure on her she will be forced to exhaust herself granting us time to deal with anything she and Cold Call may throw our way.

3.) Null will armament herself with additional power if Cold Call is ever taken off of the battlefield. This could hint at her using a large portion of her power in keeping Cold Call effective. If we can disable her, then perhaps Cold Call will follow suit.

4.) ʍ̷̨͕̘̟̜̜͍͉̘̻̺͇̙͚̎̏̆̐̃̏ȏ̴̢̨̻̭̗̪̳̣̰͚͍̰̞̥̒̉̑̂̃͐̾͂̃̂͝͝u̶̲̰̙̐̀̉ ̴̧̞͖̫͙̟͆̋ͅɥ̸̛̲͕͑͛̈́̆́̂̋͑͆͐́̚͘͝ʇ̵̢̠̣͎̪͈̃̊̔̀͑͐̋̈́̚n̴̡̦͍͙͎̪͇͊̊̈́̌̿̀͛͋̂̇͑̚͠ɹ̸͚̼̱̳̪͋̄͑́̐ʇ̵̨͓̼͓̹̥̖̖͕̉̌́̇̉͝ ̷̛͉̮̭̪̲̲͊̈́̀̀͆̊̓̑̈́̈́̚ͅǝ̷̢̜̙̯̯͍͙̠̩͍̬̪̑̇̀̅̏͆̒̈́̌̀̂͘͝ɥ̶̩̬̼͑́̉̈́̉̒̂̐͌̈́̄̚̚͝ͅʇ̸̠̰͕͉̦̥̫̟͇̪͉̈́͑ ̴̡̗̜̘̔̇͂̀̎̉̾̃̈́͝ʍ̷̛̗̲̠͆̇̿̀̐̈́̕͝o̶̱̘͉̪̠͔̝͙̥̳̼̩̠̎̑̽ŭ̴̧̝̦̬͓̺͙̻̼̟̤͓̈́̑̋̎͒͒̓̉͘ʞ̸̛̩͈͉̤̅̎͛̋͗͠ͅ ̴̞̰̹̥͈͙̩̱̻̟͚̅͊̓͠ͅņ̴͕̪̘͚̤̬̪̺̰͛͊̅̽̾͛́̔̔͝͠ͅö̷͙̲̰̯̙̭͚̗̦̼́̚̚͜͜ʎ̵̡̛̬̳̑̒͂̒́̑̎̚͘͝