[The episode begins aboard the Utnapishtim's ship. Sensei and the crew have climbed to high altitude and are halfway there to the Ark of Atrahasis. Rin commands the crew of the incoming danger that will occur once they are in range of the Ark.]
Rin: We're minutes away from being in range of the Ark's countermeasures. Be ready!
Hanako: The multidimensional analysis calculations is matched with the Ark's.
Himari: But remember, once we're close, the state of the Ark will deviate from the Utnapishtim's value and change the quantum superposition state. In order to get past it, we'll need to act preemptively and deploy our own countermeasure to match theirs.
Yuuka: Right! Arisu, are you there?
(In the ship's corridor...)
Arisu: (confident expression) Mmhmm! Arisu is ready to go!
Midori: Are you sure you can do it without Kei's help?
Arisu: Mmhmm! I have obtained the inherited skill to access the Atrahasis protocol from Kei. The memory of our bond is not easily forgotten!
Midori: (sweating face) Uhh... you make it sound like she passed on for you to learn it.
Yuzu: So, you have the protocol memorized?
Arisu: As Momoi said before, through New Game+, everything that happened is ingrained in memory and feeling! Hence, my feelings shall guide me!
Momoi: (shocked face) What?! You're going to wing it?!
Arisu: (sparkling eyes) Yes!
Midori: Oh no, I knew we should have talked to everyone when we had the chance...
Yuuka: (long-range comms) Hey! What's wrong? Why isn't anyone coming?
Yuzu: (nervous expression) Ah! Yuuka-senpai!
Momoi: N-Nothing's wrong! We're just... warming up Arisu's railgun!
Yuuka: Warming up? Well, hurry it up. It's almost time to go out.
Momoi: G-Got it! We'll be there!
Yuuka: And another thing, what was that about Kei? Did you say she wasn't there?
Momoi, Midori, Yuzu: (shocked faces) !!
[The scene transitions back to the bridge deck...]
Yuuka: Guys? Hey, say something! Don't just ignore me!
Rin: We're coming up range in less than 2 minutes!
Yuuka: Hold on! Something is going on with Arisu!
Ayumu: (surprised face) !!? P-President!
Rin: What's the issue? Can it be fixed?
Yuuka: I think so... They said something about warming up the railgun and Kei.
Hanako: "Warming up Kei?" My, what an interesting statement. Are they doing stretches together before their big moment?
Ako: (annoyed expression) What? Why would they need to do that? They're firing a railcannon, not running a marathon...
Yuuka: (embarrassed face) N-No! That's not what I'm saying!
Rin: Everyone, please focus. This is a serious moment-
Ayumu: Rin-sama!
Rin: ...! Ayumu!
Ayumu: Look!
[Ayumu points to the direction of the main screen. Peering through the ship's main front camera, the Ark's barrier slowly dissipates, revealing the entire structure for all to see...]
Rin: (shocked face) !!?
Ayumu: The Ark's defenses... they're completely down!
Himari: There's more. The multidimensional analysis is shutting down its quantum superimposition.
Ako: (sweating face) The Ark... is entirely vulnerable.
Momoka: (baffled expression) What in the world...
Kayoko: (doubtful expression) I don't like the look of this...
Rin: (baffled expression) How... Why?
Sensei:
- "I think it's trying to invite us in."
Rin: (serious expression) ...
Momoka: It's obviously a trap...
Himari: No, it most certainly is a trap. One which we have no way of avoiding.
Momoka: Eh!? Really?
Himari: There's no choice. We know the source of the calamity event is still inside. Turning back is not an option. Going forward is the only way to put an end to this mystery, and our adversary must also know that too. A risky but calculated move by them.
Hanako: The Guide of Chroma must be changing their tactics. First the early arrival, now this. A true battle of wits.
Ayane: Or... maybe they want to have a chat?
Kayoko: We already went over this. No one approached anyone before the Ark arrived, the Guide or their partner, and they haven't approached now.
Ako: Ugh... I hate to admit it, but our options are limited. Is there anyway to see what's inside from here?
Himari: Nothing can reach 50,000 meters above ground, not even Millennium's best telescopes are that good. And even if we are able to send scouting drones inside, too much time will have passed by then.
Ayumu: Rin-senpai... What should we do?
Rin: (deep expression) ...Take us in.
Momoka: Seriously?
Rin: Whether we like or not, this was always going to be the answer. We can't afford to waste more time studying for every possible move.
Ayumu: Mmhmm. I trust you Rin-senpai.
Momoka: Well, for better or for worse... Shame we won't be able to see the rail cannon fire again.
Rin: Ayane-san, take us in, slowly.
Ayane: Roger! Going half-speed forward.
[Meanwhile on ground in the GSC meeting room, Aoi speaks with the Rabbit Platoon on an important mission for them...]
Aoi: Thank you for taking the time to meet, Rabbit Platoon.
Miyako: It's no problem, Administrator Aoi. We're more than happy to help.
Aoi: I understand everyone is still busy readying for the False Sanctums as well.
Saki: Y-Yeah... (More like sitting around on overwatch doing nothing...)
Moe: *sigh* There's barely anything left to do. Since Valkyrie never attacked, the landmines are still where they were and we have plenty of supplies to use. (excited face) Maybe I can prepare a big surprise when the enemy arrives!
Saki: That's not happening! We don't need to waste all our explosives like last time!
Miyu: U-Umm... Everyone, the meeting is still going...
Miyako: Excuse us. The Rabbit Platoon have been on standby for the past hours waiting for an attack to happen. So far, our regular requests have been cancelled and the stores were closed, including the Angel's 24. We've been on edge ever since.
Aoi: I see... Then I hope this mission will alleviate your idleness. I need a team to investigate a special matter for the GSC. Please pay close attention to the screen. (directs everyone's attention to the screen with the anomaly reading) Around XX hours ago, an anomaly signature was spotted within the D.U. district... The GSC has been attempting to uncover the mystery behind it until we were interrupted by the calamity threat.
Miyako: And you believe the anomaly may be connected?
Aoi: No. The emergency response committee already theorized the same anomaly were present before the Ark's appearance, and highly likely related to the repeat phenomenon's timeline. Moreover, they are also believed to be responsible for the catastrophic events of the Library of Lore rampage and the destruction of Kaiser Corp HQ. As such, it's best to take extreme caution during the investigation.
Miyu: (nervous expression) U-Uhh... Destroying Kaiser... C-Can we even handle something so powerful?
Saki: Of course we can! It's the perfect challenge to showcase our SRT training and experience! We can do this!
Miyako: Rabbit 2 is right. The Rabbit Platoon is more than equipped to handle any potential threat, even the unknown.
Aoi: That is good to hear. Kaya recommended the members of SRT Academy take on this important task. While FOX Platoon is still nowhere to be found, you were the closest to respond. While the mission parameters doesn't specify to combat the anomaly, you are free to act at your discretion as long as the main objective of discovering the anomaly is complete.
Moe: So, all we have to do is find it and the mission is done?
Aoi: Correct.
Saki: That's it? Doesn't seem that difficult...
Aoi: I would prefer if you could take evidence or bring back the anomaly so we can study it. If all goes well, I'll see if there's a chance to restore the SRT Academy.
Rabbit Platoon: (Surprised faces) ...! Really!?
Aoi: Yes, but ONLY if the anomaly is found and reported. The threat of the Ark may be present, but this is task is also of significant importance. We must understand why the anomaly had returned even though the rest had disappeared. Whether it is foreshadowing an imminent danger or worse...
Miyako: Please leave it to us, Administrator Aoi. The Rabbit Platoon will get to the bottom of the mystery.
Aoi: I understand. I'll leave the rest to you. Here are the latest coordinates. Let me know if there's anything else you need. Take care. (leaves the room)
Saki: (cheerful expression) Did you hear that! A way to bring back the academy!
Moe: (cheerful expression) And it's for some easy scouting mission! This'll be way easier than what we worked for back last year!
Miyu: (happy expression) Y-Yeah! Does this mean we can start at the academy earlier this year?
Saki: Probably!
Miyako: Everyone, please stay focused. Remember what Aoi-san told us? We must use the utmost caution against the target. Based on what we know, this unknown mystery could have combat power beyond our understanding. I propose we remain vigilant and keep a safe distance once we discover it.
Saki: A distance? But we need to search and retrieve evidence, don't we?
Miyako: Photographic evidence will suffice to meet the main objective.
Saki: Ooh, but think about it! If we find and bring the target here, they'll probably give us an even bigger reward thanks to our efforts!
Miyako: Maybe... But we're getting ahead of ourselves. After finding the target, we can decide what to do next.
Miyu: Umm... I wanted to ask, but do we know what we're looking for, or what it looks like?
Miyako & Saki: (realization) ...!
Saki: Ugh... no...
Miyako: Our only hints are that it is a mystery never before seen, possibly has a high level of power, and possesses a high degree of intelligence. Can we simply track them based on its unique signature?
Moe: We can use the same sensor program the GSC used, but it won't pinpoint the exact location. But... if we get close enough, I can use a proximity sensor to tell us if it's the same signature. It'll be like a game of hot and cold! The closer we are, the hotter we're on the trail!
Miyako: Then we'll go ahead with Moe's suggestion. Rabbit Platoon, Operation "Hot and Cold" is already go!
[Meanwhile in Area 4 of the Ark of Atrahasis, Phrenapates stands silently as they watch the ship of Utnapishtim enter the Ark without any resistance. Then, Shiroko Terror appears and approaches Phrenapates...]
Phrenapates: ...
Shiroko Terror: Sensei... No, Phrenapates. The students have arrived. It's almost time...
Phrenapates: ...
Shiroko Terror: ...I know you might not understand what is it we're doing, but it will be clear soon. The Ark will be in for a long fight. During that time, please remain here. I will handle the rest.
Phrenapates: ...
Shiroko Terror: No. Save your strength. This task is my responsibility, and my fault. I can do it. (hesitant expression) I can...
[Within Shiroko Terror's mind, she recalls the words that Pseudos spoke to her recently...]
Pseudos: (flashback) ...Do as you are told. All of us must act for the benefit of the Chroma.
Shiroko Terror: (closed eyes) ... Yes. (serious expression) I will do what must be done... for Sensei. For the Chroma...
[At the same time in an unknown room completely covered in the veil of darkness, noise of footsteps and cane tapping echoes inside. Pseudos reveals himself in the darkness and pulls out an unknown device in their hands...]
*Echo footsteps*
Pseudos: All the pieces are in place. Now... Let us begin. Aboard the bus, and into the inferno.
[Pseudos places their device down on a surface, locking it into place and starting up an unknown system within the room...]
*Vroom* *System starts up*
[The episode ends with the Ark coming on in full power. Its interior and exterior lights turning from its original dim lighting to an ominous bright red glow that flows through the structures power lines...]
To be continued... Episode 8: Raiders of the Ark