[D4 EA Briefing Room] Of engines and reports.

[Aloysius Jones]

"That's my job, captain." he replied. "As long as the Winters sisters are a part of the situation."

[Alexei Herald]

"I see."

He sighed. "Of course, you may be aware the younger of the two is... likely part of that game."

Rubbing his eyes, he then held up the origami cat.

"If you had spent any time inside the house intelligence agencies, you would have heard rumors about an organization known as the Nekokami. They're an ancient secret society of assassins who work to further the well-being of the Coordinator. They're also labeled enemies of the state by the ISF, have never been taken alive, and have never been proven to be more than a convenient excuse for mysterious deaths. This cat is their calling card - but it isn't left for the victim... it's left for the one they believe they are serving."

He turned the cat over in his hands.

"The night after the sabotage, I found one of these in my office. I believe that these... Nekokami... are on my ship. At least one of them. And whoever that person is, they killed your sensor operator before he could do any more damage, and they removed the body in one of a dozen ways that will make it impossible to ever trace or find."

Steepling his fingers, he added, "So I assume the Winters didn't hire them, and I assume Anastasia, for all her concealed malice, is not a combine agent. That leaves me with a number of questions, all of which threaten the well-being of my ship and crew, Mr. Jones."

[Aloysius Jones]

"As well as my clients." he sighed. "Evidence of the tech's involvement in the sabotage was left in his locker. They wanted to leave little doubt that he was responsible. I have my doubts that he acted alone, though."

He stared at the cat. "Are you suggesting this one was left for Anastasia, then?"

[Alexei Herald]

"Or whoever came to examine the room."

A soft chuckle.

"This individual seems to be claiming that helping thwart this 'Black Dragon' is in the best interests of the Coordinator. I can't say I entirely follow, but it still makes me nervous."

[Aloysius Jones]

"Regardless, I'll still be looking for anyone else who may have been involved in the sabotage." he nodded. "I did look around a bit this morning, to see if anymore weapons or explosives had been hidden away in the storage bays."

[Alexei Herald]

"I see. My storage holds have been an object of fascination for this company in a way they have not been for any other."

He chuckled. "I should've known archaeologists wouldn't be able to resist."

Glancing at the man, he added, "I hope you didn't find any bombs."

[Aloysius Jones]

"I didn't." he shook his head. "I did find some older weapons and armor. I apologize, if I disturbed something I shouldn't have."

[Alexei Herald]

"I suppose if I cared, I should have posted things as off limits."

Alexei sighed.

"If anything in there is useful... I suppose it may as well be put to use. No point being sentimental."

[Aloysius Jones]

"Given the situation, any asset may be useful." He said. "Thank you, for your understanding and trust. If you need me for anything, or if you receive anymore messages, please let me know."

[Alexei Herald]

"Mhmm."

Alexei smirked faintly. "Do be careful, Mr. Jones. Some of these people are dangerous amateurs, and some of them are professionals."