A targeted comms burst sounds out into the vastness of Cevanti's wilderness

[Roy Mustang]

"-those power spikes don't seem like anything we've got on record, Sir, but the rest of the energy signatures on the target matches the profile we were reading during the Siege."

"How close are we talking, Sergeant?"

"About eighty-five percent match. I don't see how something could've survived being ground zero for an explosion like that, maybe it's just a similar model?"

"I wouldn't put it past her at this point, can we get comms boosted out that far?"

"if that target is using the same array as she was, you're probably already audible."

"... I see..."

There is the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"This is Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang of Cevanti, requesting a response from the unknown power signature in this sector. Your energy profile bears a striking resemblance to a former ally of mine. If that is in fact you, Ashe-0, respond with your condition and intent at your earliest convenience. I don't know how the hell you ended up out there, but we've got work that your talents would be exceptional for. If you are a different entity, I'll still be wanting to know your name and intent. You're putting off quite a lot of power for a lone signature way out in the jungle."

"This frequency will be monitored for your response within the next twenty-four hours. That is all"

The comm channel goes silent, except for the occasional pinging to note changes in the vicinity of the signature's last known location.

 

[The Future Warrior]

For a long few moments that probably seems much longer than it is, there's no response coming. Just as it's beginning to stretch into near an hour, however...there's a quiet spattering of static, and a simple, "Lieutenant Colonel Mustang. This...is Ashe-0." Just as neutral and unreadable as ever, but there is a trace of something almost like...relief.

A second voice cuts in, more fluidly and natural sounding, "Do we really have time for this, Ashe? We shouldn't be worrying about whatever this is, we have other—"

"We will make time," Ashe cut in, more forcefully than normal. "My apologies. I have acquired a new...companion who is less than enthused about our predicament," she went on, more softly and reverting to her normally neutral tone. "My condition is...in acceptable parameters. I have suffered some damage from encounters with roving creatures — I believe you refer to them as 'zoids' — but repairs are progressing smoothly."

"With this signal as a means to gain a heading, I am now changing course to return to the city. My best estimates from the signal strength put my arrival within the day, but I cannot gauge any more exact than that." There was a long pause, filled only by the sound of droning wind and the occasional creak and crunch of disturbed metal and earth underfoot. "My talents are at your disposal, Lieutenant Colonel. My intention is to put them to a good use, as always. I will see you soon."