When Irenaeus arrived to the Command Room (accompanied by a very clingy Keziah), he was greeted by da Vinci, Ritsuka, Rika and a very embarrassed, yet angry Director Animusphere.
"So what's the problem?" He asked urgently, assuming something had gone horrifically wrong.
"Well…" Olga started only to be cut off by da Vinci, who wanted to get straight to the heart of the matter, knowing that she'd likely either tiptoe around saying the obvious or give a series of backhanded compliments before getting to the point.
"To summarize, we don't wanna do this, especially since you were civilians to start with, but we basically need you to remain on the front lines. Believe me, we don't like this any more than you do, but-"
"Let me guess: We caused this, didn't we?" Ritsuka asked.
da Vinci looked at them with a sympathetic smile. "No, I don't believe that to be the case. You see, you weren't necessarily the only non-mages brought on board here, let alone the only non-mage Masters who were considered. That said, you're really unusual."
Rika asked, "How come? What makes us specifically unusual?"
"Well, about the whole incident we had in that minor Singularity, you guys are unusual in how, well, you're the only ones up and walking. By all accounts, that poison that somehow spread inside the base should've killed or crippled you, but you're still standing here. Even if you hadn't shown up when you did and hijacked the mission, something tells me at least, that the... thing that incapacitated the majority of Team A was going to have done it anyway. And that's where the mystery lies.... and why we need you to fill in their shoes."
Irenaeus spoke up, "Was there no magecraft or anything of that kind that could revive them? Are they really just... gone?"
"Sadly, no. Whatever caused this, probably the beast you encountered before, is preventing anything we've done so far from working on them. They're still alive, but preserved in the Coffins."
Olga finally spoke up, trying to assert herself and actually fulfill an active role in the discussion, not wanting to let da Vinci steal her job, "I know this is a massive ask, but I'm asking you to help us. Not just for our sake but for the sake of mankind. We don't know what caused this, as of yet. But seeing as we're facing a distinct lack of options right now, I, on behalf of this whole organization, ask for your help."
Ritsuka nodded, a solemn look on his face, "Of course. I genuinely personally feel responsible for what happened. If anything else, I wanna help make up for what happened."
Rika looked thoughtful and was stroking her chin, and da Vinci looked at her in response, "Look, if it's about feeling cheated out of something important to you, you-"
Rika responded, "No. I want in as well. The both of us are a package deal, you get him, you get me too."
Irenaeus automatically nodded, "I don't know what I can do specifically, but… I'll try. I'm gonna try not to be the weak link here."
Olga nodded, unknowingly releasing some tension in her own body, "Alright then. You'll begin in earnest within the next few days. For now, you're going to have to prepare for your upcoming trials. As for the rest of the Singularities... I'm not gonna be able to accompany you the next time."
"If you don't mind, could you tell us--" Rika started, her voice full of worry, only to see the sharp look of the director, not seeming to want to say any more to her than what she had to.
"I do mind, actually. I'll thank you not to pry any deeper." Olga shot back, although her face suggested more embarrassment than actual malice or hatred.
"...I'm sorry. I won't pry." Rika said, her face red, as her own face darted away in embarrassment
"Anyways!" da Vinci broke the awkward silence, immediately picking up on the real motivations of the twins. "You don't have to worry about going at it alone, we have mission control and yours truly for the whole rest of the journey, and whichever Servants you find in the Singularities. Even though it seems scary, you are never alone. I promise you that. If a Servant doesn't want anything to do with you, they wouldn't fight alongside you."
da Vinci clasped her hands in joy, seeing the earnest resolve in their faces that remained as they walked off.
—----
As Ritsuka and Rika headed off to their rooms, they were greeted by the ever perpetually stern visage of Saber, who seemed slightly satisfied upon seeing their faces.
"Good afternoon. I came here to ask you to come train in the simulation room tomorrow, seeing as your schedules are cleared for the following day."
"How do you-" Ritsuka started, only for Saber to cut him off with the answer he was seeking
"I made sure of it. I recommend you both to get an adequate amount of sleep, since I won't go easy on you. Also, the simulator is physically draining, which you'll have to get used to for the rest of your journey. I've made an effort to get Alter Ego and Archer to come join us, as well as Shielder."
"Alright then! It's a date!" Rika said with a resolute look on her face.
"Hm. I'll be expecting you tomorrow at around 10. Make sure you arrive promptly." Saber said, a small smile playing at her lips upon seeing their earnest determination.
"Yes, Ma'am!" the twins shouted, while the other Master made his way to sleep, already informed of tomorrow's exercise.
(A/N: Really sorry that this is late!! Procrastinated real hard. Please check out my friend theppp_pppp, please!)