Under Azure Skies
>Summer in Aomizu on this island is a poem composed by the chirping of cicadas.
Under the serene sky with rosy clouds, a warn breeze gently touches the town.
You stand on the plaza near the beach, waiting for Babylonia's transport craft.
Not long ago, you accepted a mission and came here to help with the reconstruction of a conservation area called Aomizu.
Lucia, Lee, and Liv didn't follow. They're still back at Babylonia.
Yesterday, you received a comms message saying that Karenina will come today as a representative from the Engineering Force.
It all goes back to the mission the day before yesterday.
You must be exhausted lately. I guess you haven't had a proper rest for a while.
Our mission this time is pretty easy. Judging from the schedule, you can take four or five days off if you complete the mission on time.
Don't get too relaxed. We have missions to finish before that.
...
I've had this question on my mind for a long time: Why unexpected things always happen around you?
Beaches are where young people should go in summer.
Now, the details about the mission.
The location is a conservation area called "Aomizu" on an island.
This area is in dire need of reconstruction in many places.
Your mission is to help with the reconstruction of the area and provide guidance to the local armed defense forces.
The overall difficulty is not high. Celica will walk you through the details.
President Hassen's voice is drowned by the noise of propeller cutting through the air.
A transport craft comes from a distance and lands slowly on the plaza.
Meanwhile, you notice that something is off.
The hatch opens. An unexpected figure appears.
Summer—! Vacation—!
The energetic voice has revealed the identity of the speaker.
Nanami is standing triumphantly at the hatch with her hands on her hips. Behind her is Haicma and some mechanoids.
Ha! We finally meet again, Commandant!
Nanami runs toward you in an extremely fast speed from the transport craft.
I feel it's been ages since we last met, Commandant.
I sneaked a peek at Celica's mission schedule and know that Commandant will be here, so I came over as well.
Such a rare summer vacation, and Commandant didn't even think of Nanami!
But Nanami forgives Commandant.
I'm sure there will be many activities since this is a seaside vacation!
The sea, the beach, the spring, and the test of courage! I've got so many things to do!
Nanami speaks so fast that no one can keep up.
My—!
Commandant's really got a lot to do.
Then I'll go find a hotel. Don't slack off, Commandant!
She then walks off toward the town with the mechanoids.
Haicma walks over to Nanami, exchanges a few words, and walks up to you.
Commandant, it's been a while.
You point at the mechanoids, asking Haicma about who they are.
They are guys from the Church of Machina.
Haicma confirmed your guess. After all, there are some familiar figures.
Nanami said this is a "team building" activity.
The others are leaving.
I shall take my leave, then.
She pauses and then adds.
Have a nice vacation.
Nanami sprints back from a distance, kicking up a cloud of dust behind her.
Com—man—dant!
Nanami is still speeding up!
She jumps up and darts into your embrace with open arms.
The powerful impact sends you sprawling backward, but thanks to Nanami's perfect control over her power, it doesn't hurt.
A bear hug for Commandant!
I'm passing on sunny energy to Commandant.
Now you have the energy to work.
Let's have a good celebration after work. I will prepare a big cake for you.
Then I'll see you later.
Nanami runs off quickly.
In the distance, Cervantes gently tips his hat. You return the gesture with a nod.
It's just that a female mechanoid with black and white hair is giving you a weird look.
Zavier hits the female mechanoid hard on her head. You could almost see stars circling above her head.
He then holds the mechanoid by her neck and walks off into the distance.
Stop thinking about those things while you are on vacation.
Zero, play a summer song.
The female mechanoid's body starts to play music. It seems there's a music module in her body.
The sea and the beach would mean... swimsuits, surfboards, and swim rings...
I guess anyone could make a fortune running a swimming equipment company here.
As you look at their backs in the distance, a thought emerges in your mind—
The Church of Machina really is full of talents.
The sound of the transport craft comes again from a distance.
The transport craft lands, and the hatch door opens.
The sea—!
An unexpected figure appears again.
You're here as well, Commandant.
My popularity radar detected a long absence of me.
If this continues, I will gradually lose my influence and popularity.
Even the Kowloong idol is ending up sleeping on the streets...
I won't allow this to happen!
Pulao has to be number one on the popularity leaderboard!
Haha, it's actually a summer heat bonus vacation.
Lady Qu specially picked this vacation spot to thank us for our hard work.
Just asked about where you are after the remote meeting with Hassen.
Qu walks slowly out of the transport craft, accompanied by Hanying, Chaofeng, Yazi and other guys.
I've learned from the church that you're here as well.
The peaceful summer day is starting to get noisy.
But, in a way, it's also a proof of vigor and life.
Another transport craft comes after you sent the second group of guests away.
Karenina appears at the hatch of the transport craft.
Can't believe I'm two hours late...
Karenina points over her shoulder.
Have a look yourself.
Thank you so much, Karenina.
A familiar voice comes.
She was on the way anyway.
Um... The Engineering Force seems to have a bit of a problem. I've gotta go. You guys can carry on without me.
Karenina leaves in a hurry.
Lee and Liv took some of my work. We were a bit worried about you, so I came here to help you with the mission in the conservation area.
I submitted an application to President Hassen. I was two hours late but managed to catch Karenina's transport craft.
We decided to give you a surprise.
Let's spend the summer together, Commandant!
Breeze comes from the sea, bringing a touch of warmth.
Summer will come again, but it will never be this clear, blue, and heartwarming.
A few days later.
This one's next, Commandant.
Almost done.
There's going to be a summer celebration in the conservation area. How about we go together?
The terminal beeps just in time. You have a bad feeling seeing it's from Celica.
I hate to bother you during the vacation, but unfortunately, we've got some urgent tasks.
Um... I'll make it short.
There are two tasks. One at the Aomizu Private School.
The other... Let me check... is about the optimization of the conservation area's defenses.
I've sent the briefs to your terminal. Feel free to contact me if you need any help. I will explain in detail.
Then I'll leave you to your work.
I'm terribly terribly sorry...
Celica rushes through her words and terminates the call in a hurry.
You open the mailbox and see two briefs.
