[b][u]Side 3, Cluster 26[/b][/u]

“That was a disaster…” Mikhail muttered returning to the UN Embassy after finishing maintenance. The pirates escaped, three Salamis were sunk, and multiple pilots were killed including student trainees.
‘A single MS and 2 fighters can only do so much…’ Mikhail paused as Doctor Elizabeth entered the Embassy’s lobby. 
“We’ve returned Doctor.”

“Welcome back Lieutenant, the Culture Club members are all safe upstairs. What happened? We received a note of thank you from the EF, but not the reason for it”

Mikhail wondered if Yahagi had anything to do with that as it was rare for the Federation to send such a note, especially without reason.
‘At least someone there still has sense’ 
“Pirates attacked 4 Salamis one of them carrying students from the training school Ecole du Ciel. Many students managed to escape in a shuttle however a few were in GMs at the time of the attack…. From the sound of it several of them were killed in action. The pirates escaped a short time after we arrived. Three Salamis were sunk, all personnel on board were lost.”

“How horrible…”

“The Earth Federation will hold a burial for them later, and hopefully release a statement regarding the attack…. I’m surprised they haven’t already. What about ourselves?”

“We will probably be delayed for at least another week before we can launch because of this incident… I’ll inform the rest of the Culture Club of what occurred.”

“Are you still going to request they move up the departure date?”

“We cannot keep our colleagues on Mars waiting for too long. We’re already behind by over a week now.” 

“This last attack only made it worse”

“I will still try, the pirates seem to be targeting the Federation correct? I still might be able to convince them we should be safe. If they are still in disagreement I will request additional security.”

“Understood, I’m heading back to the docking bay for now.”

[b][u]Ecole du Ciel Campus[/u][/b]

“No sir… there’s still been no contact.” Emilu reported to the principal inside the plush office. She had been summoned with the teachers assuming Asuna might have contacted her before or after her desertion, but their interrogation was in vain.
‘Asuna… never came back.’
“But I think I understand why…”

The principal stared at the trainee, hoping to finally get some answers as to the reason for her disappearance.
“So? Then tell me… Emilu Voigtlander.” 

“Asuna… she’s blaming herself!” she barely held back her tears in spite of being in front of the principal. “That’s why!”

“There’s still time” an elderly secretary informed the principal before turning to Emilu. “Just stick with it until graduation.” 

“Yes Ma’am.” 
Emilu could only gaze at the sky after leaving the main building. 
‘Asuna… where are you?’