Ancient Wreckage

## Introduction

**Melia:** How strange that such a ship crashed here.

**Reyn:** You know what this thing is?

**Melia:** How could I not? This is an Alcamoth trading ship. It would have been used to transport Ether Cylinders.

**Reyn:** What?! So you’re saying this is a High Entia ship?

## Gain (+8)

**Melia: *[I am saying exactly that.]*** Do you not recognise the design? You saw many similar ships in Alcamoth.

**Reyn:** I dunno. We were tied up a bit.

**Melia:** True, you were rather preoccupied. In any case, I can’t help but wonder...

**Reyn: *[If there were any survivors?]***

**Melia:** Yes, precisely. It is possible that one or more people survived the crash. But it would have been a tall order from them to get back to Alcamoth.

**Reyn:** It’s a long trip, that’s for sure. And if they were High Entia they’d stick out like a sore thumb.

**Melia:** They would be easy prey for monsters. The ship must have crashed here a very long time ago... But even the High Entia of old should not have come here. They should have known better.

**Reyn:** This sounds pretty complicated. But I can tell you’re upset. How about we give these guys a break? Whoever they were.

**Melia:** You are getting to know me well. I do say some harsh things. And yes, perhaps it is to mask my own distress. I am grateful for your presence, Reyn. Without you here by my side, I fear I would be far more upset.

**Reyn:** Oh, great! I was just gonna ask if there was anything I could do.

**Melia:** Do not act so surprised, Reyn. You know full well that you’ve cheered me up. Was that not why you came over and spoke to me in the first place? Teehee. I can see why Shulk holds you in such high regard.

**Reyn:** Wait, hang on! What was that part about why I came over in the first place? Even if you figure stuff like that out, you’re not meant to say it! I mean... er... Right! Let’s get out of here!

**Melia:** You know, you still look like a silly brute even when you blush. Perhaps it might be advisable to stop doing so? Now, let’s rejoin the others. Thank you for all your help, Reyn.

## Net 0 (+4, -4)

**Melia: *[I am saying exactly that.]*** Do you not recognise the design? You saw many similar ships in Alcamoth.

**Reyn:** I dunno. We were tied up a bit.

**Melia:** True, you were rather preoccupied. In any case, I can’t help but wonder...

**Reyn: *[What the ship was doing here?]***

**Melia:** Indeed. It was before my time, so I cannot know the circumstances. But it seems odd to me that this travelled to the lower regions. Why was it necessary to transport all these cylinders here?

**Reyn:** There must have been some kind of reason.

**Melia:** Yes. But what it was, I do not know. All I can be sure of is that this ship is a very old model.

**Reyn:** I bet a ship this big got attacked by tons of monsters. All those cylinders on board and stuff.

**Melia:** That is very likely. But the ship would have had defence systems on board.

**Reyn:** What if it got hit by one of those Telethia things from up your way? I bet the defence systems would be no match for it at all.

**Melia:** Perhaps. But it does not appear to be damaged. We shouldn’t worry over things that are in the past. Come. Let us find the others.

**Reyn:** Hey! Hang on a minute! We still don’t know anything. Aaand... she’s gone. Well, no use me stewing it over either I guess.

## Net 0 (-4, +4)

**Melia: *[Does this come as a surprise?]*** I feel my explanation is quite reasonable. Do you find something amiss with it?

**Reyn:** Er... amiss... Does that mean wrong? Nothing’s wrong with it exactly. It’s just... I mean... you know...

**Melia:** Well, that was a cryptic response if I ever heard one.

**Reyn:** All right, fine. We kind of... took the cylinders from the ship. And used them.

**Melia: *[Hmm. I see.]*** Then I must send a request for payment to your colony’s leader.

**Reyn:** You’re gonna charge us?!

**Melia:** I should think that obvious, Reyn. This ship was quite expensive. We cannot provide it free of charge. Is it not a crown princess’ duty to collect monies owed to Alcamoth?

**Reyn:** Oh, so it’s like that, is it? And how do you expect us to pay off our bill? The colony’s flat broke!

**Melia:** Oh, hush, Reyn. I am merely jesting with you. Did you honestly think that I would demand payment?

**Reyn:** You were joking?! That’s not fair! You’re too good at keeping a straight face!

**Melia:** The ship appears to have crashed here a very long time ago. I am not sure whose property it is. But they are unlikely to claim it. If you needed the Ether Cylinders, then so be it.

**Reyn:** Phew! That’s a relief. You really had me going there for a minute.

**Melia:** A little of you and the others has rubbed off on me. I have learnt many new things from you, Reyn. Thank you.

**Reyn:** Whoa. You’re making me blush! There’s one thing you gotta know about me. I don’t need no thanks. But I don’t mind a pat on the back every now and then.

## Loss (-8)

**Melia: *[Does this come as a surprise?]*** I feel my explanation is quite reasonable. Do you find something amiss with it?

**Reyn:** Er... amiss... Does that mean wrong? Nothing’s wrong with it exactly. It’s just... I mean... you know..

**Melia:** Well, that was a cryptic response if I ever heard one.

**Reyn:** All right, fine. We kind of... took the cylinders from the ship. And used them.

**Melia: *[And what of it, Reyn?]*** You seem embarrassed to admit this. Do you feel there is something wrong with the colony’s actions?

**Reyn:** Nah, not really. If you’re all right with it, then fine by me!

**Melia:** Hmph. Did you think I would be so miserly as to object? I am offended.

**Reyn:** Wait a second! I didn’t say that! But, you know... This ship must belong to someone. Whoever flew it here could still be around somewhere, right?

**Melia:** Perhaps. We cannot be sure. If they are alive, I would assume they have returned to Alcamoth.

**Reyn:** And if they’re dead, then they’re at one with the Bionis. The family’s gonna want to know what happened. And that’ll cause all kinds of hassle for you, right?

**Melia:** Hassle? I fear your concern is misplaced, Reyn. The people of Colony 9 have my gratitude, not my ire. After all... You have saved me numerous times and will continue to do so. At least, I hope that you will.

**Reyn:** That’s A-OK with me. We’re on the same team. You need any help at all, just say the word. And you’ll do the same for me when I’m in a tight spot, right?

**Melia:** You need not even ask, Reyn. The sense of unity in our group means a great deal to me. I would not sacrifice it for anything.