Darling in the Franx: Alternate Core

Chapter 21: Punishment and confessions in the aftermaths.

Chapter 21, the one before the Assault on the Grand Crevasse occurs. How is everyone in our show dealing or coping with the resulting attack on the Garden and the events that happened because of it? What will be the fate of Naomi and Raven, will both live? And what about Squad 13? What will happen to them with Zero Two gone and their mentors soon to follow? Read to find out!

On with the show!

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A few days later, on the Cosmos...

Papa: - How much was the damage? –

Gorilla: - Bastards hit us hard... with their attack on the Garden PLUS their previous attacks against the Eastern Plantations, we have lost approximately a fourth of our total forces, and our capacity to replenish them has been diminished by 15%, they managed to hit some of the labs. –

Lemur: - It would have been a lot worse if it wasn't for the SMC mentors. Their rally and leadership allowed our units to minimize the losses and repel the attackers... -

Gorilla: - I think it is imperative that we formally send an actual diplomatic envoy for them and, in consequence, their army. We could use their help for... -

Marmoset: - It is impossible now; captain Orion alongside Admiral Dassia had declared that after they escorted the 'Cerasus' towards the Garden they would prepare immediately to return towards the SMC jurisdiction. Any more attempts for diplomacy would have to be done by contacting their government body... the one that 'Monkey' himself did. –

Tarsier: - I said it before and I will say it again, we must force them to... -

Vice-chairman: - No, we already discarded the idea because of the costs it would bring, and it will stay that way. Because of the recent losses, we cannot afford a confrontation against them. –

Papa: "At least not without revealing our true plan." – He is right on that statement, the preparations for the attack had been delayed enough as it is. Fortunately, most of our forces are finally in position with the last one's left being the ones stationed on the Garden when the attack happened. We cannot delay this any further or our nemesis will have more than enough time to reinforce her position. –

Everyone nodded in agreement just as Baboon said: - And what about code 002? Is she fit for the battle ahead? –

Papa: - Alpha has reported to me that she seems indifferent lately. Even so, her combat capabilities have been enhanced a lot, thanks to the mentorship she underwent. With her Stamen or not, she will be placed on the frontline. –

Baboon: - And what about our "subjects of interest"? –

Tarsier: - After running the simulations, extracting them is impossible to perform. Not to mention that the possibilities of them surviving without everlasting injuries that would cripple their effectiveness is low, so it is basically a wasted effort. –

Papa: - A shame... under our possession, they would have been key elements for the attack. "And also, the key for some answers... what exactly are you planning to do, your Majesty?"

Undisclosed location beneath the Grand Crevasse...

The familiar figure of the Shepherdess was seen kneeling below another smaller figure that seemed to impose more authority than her and she was angry...

???: - So, defying my orders and risking the future of our race wasn't just enough for you, but to also reveal yourself right at the doorsteps of our enemy AND 'donating' your blood to the 'Lost Raven' and his Dove too?! ARE YOU EVEN AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES THIS WOULD CAUSE!? –