Ch'en stood at the head of the briefing table, her mind on a buzz. I can't keep track of everything that's happening. The press are going crazy over this and would thrill of they found even the smallest hint that the Logistics is responsible. I can understand their fear. A society kept under wraps suddenly slips and injures numerous people. But they won't question the facility at fault, of course. Their the victim, so the press's main focus is on the Penguin Logistics.

The whole room was alive with nervous chatter. Doctor had gathered everyone he could find, which was a daunting task in itself. Most of the Operators were pretty rough and preferred the quiet rather than sitting in a room filled with people they most likely didn't like. Others sat uncomfortably in the blue plastic chairs, their eyes darting around the room. Ch'en blew out a breath and sat down slowly. Immediately, all conversation stopped the second she sat down. 

 "Everyone, I'd like you all to remain calm. I understand this situation is important, but we can't afford to lose our heads at the moment." Looking around, she saw some of them visibly relax, some sinking into their seats.

 "What are we gonna do?" Jessica asked in her quiet voice .

 "I say we attack the press. Their a real nuisance." Cliffheart said, pounding her fist onto the tabletop. Her snow leopard tail flicked in excitement and anticipation.

 "We won't be attacking anybody. Hasn't this situation proven that violence has consequences?" Ch'en said pointedly. Cliffheart huffed and crossed her arms.

 "Maybe we should just try and talk to the press about what happened. I mean, they have to eventually hear our side of the story, right?" Meteorite suggested with a wave of her hand. 

 "Yeah, but that doesn't mean they'll believe it." Schwarz pointed out.

 "This isn't fair!" Gummy pouted. "All we ever do is help, and now their acting like we're annoying mice that deserve to get stepped on."

Ch'en listened to them argue, taking in each of their opinions. They all want the Logistics to stay open. As do I, but of course, there is the matter with Texas that must be addressed. I still cannot understand why she would just leave. Was this 'mission's so important that it outweighed the matter with the Logistics? She has always been a determined and unshakeable girl. Ever since she joined, she's been headstrong and courageous. Her eagerness to protect is admirable, but it will ultimately get her killed.

Amiya, who sat close to Ch'en, gently rugged at her sleeve. "Are we going to mention Texas? If your planning to go after her, can I come with you?"

 Ch'en sighed and stood, her hands flat on the table. "Everyone, I need your attention." The room fell into an awkward silence that was so strong they could make out each other's breathing. Ch'en cleared her throat and began. "I have just received word that five of our Operators have left Rhode Island."

 Several people gasped, some grew wide-eyed, others showed no reaction at all. Amiya felt even more guilty. 

Ch'en continued. "Among those five are Texas, Lappland, and Exusiai. The other two are Croissant and Sora. Whatever their up to, I have yet to find out. I would like to assemble a team to go out, find them, and bring them back."

 A scoff sounded at the back of the room. Heads turned to see W, a top Operator, leaning against the back wall with a smirk. Ch'en locked eyes with her, the two at eye level. W kicked off the wall and came over to the first chair she saw, leaning against the back of it. "May I interrupt?" She asked in a rhetorical form.

Ch'en looked around the room, then back at her. "I see no reason to stop you."

 W smiled. "Thanks. Now, I say we forget forming a team. Let one person go and bring them back. That way, you don't spare more Operators than you need. Plus, it will avoid making the Logistics look even worse than it already does. Besides, if we send six or seven Operators after them, it will most definitely end in disaster." She flashed another smile and looked down at the occupant of the chair she was leaning on. " What do you think? "

The occupant, Dobermann, slowly nodded. "Yes, in a way, it does make sense. But what if something were to happen to that one person we were to send? If an injury were to occur, no one would be there to assist them."

 W waved away Dobermann's inquiry. "I'm sure whomever we send will know to take care of themselves. After all, it was the first thing we were taught. "

"I say we go for it," Angelina chimed in with a relieved smile. "

Ch'en looked thoughtful. W did make a solid point, and everybody else seemed to go along with it. With a sigh, Ch'en nodded. "Alright. Who do you suggest?"