Ms. Voss: “Let's see… all set. Here, keep this safe. Don't lose it.”

Rover: “Would it be a big problem if I did.”

Lynae: “Absolutely. That card's your lifeline. It gives you access to gates, the cafeteria, even hot showers. Lose it, and you'll be roughing it.”

Ms. Voss: “That said, if you're fine with missing out on these little conveniences while waiting for a replacement, I suppose it's not that bad. Since you're a Synchronist, it's also the only pass linked to your simulator cockpit.

Rover: “Simulator cockpit?”

Ms. Voss: “Our goal with the Exostrider is to take on the Threnodian causing the Void Storm. You know about it, right? The Exostrider... Even after all these years of research, no one knows which civilization built it. Some think it shares the same origin as the Sentinels, but no Sentinel has ever confirmed that.”

Rover: (Same origin as the Sentinels? I haven't gotten that feeling. Maybe it's too far away?)

Rover: “Where is the Exostrider?”

Lynae: “Not here. But you saw that giant sword, right? That's its weapon, keeping Threnodian "Aleph-1" contained beyond the Stridergate.”

Ms. Voss: “We've collected enough Exostrider components to build exclusive simulator cockpits for Synchronists. With training and fine-tuning, you'll boost your synchronization rate with the Exostrider. That'll be one of your key courses going forward.”

Rover: “Sounds like you're attempting... some sort of artificially induced Resonance?”

Ms. Voss: “It's a multinational project. It's inevitable some New Federation methodologies get in the mix. Don't worry. We've filtered out the extreme techniques. You can trust us.”

Rover: “And you mean…? It’s hard to follow the technical part.”

Ms. Voss: “When I say you can trust us, I mean... It's safe. The whole project passed the Black Shores' safety evaluation. All the nations involved approved it as well. Besides that, the Exostrider is also linked to the upcoming New Solar Ceremony...”

(Two different responses, two different outcomes)

Rover: “Okay, okay. Easy on the lecture.”

Lynae: “Teach, don't you have another class?”

Ms. Voss: “I do. And you, young lady, if you know the schedule so well, why aren't you on time for your classes?”

Rover: “That’s alot to take in. I need time to process.”

Ms. Voss: “Hehe, I suppose I got carried away. The Academy’s Repository is open to all students. If you’re curious, feel free to explore. Any pursuit of knowledge is encouraged here.”

Ms. Voss: “Well... welcome to Startorch Academy. With your student card, you can now burn your Cassette at the Research Institute. Miss Lynae, if you have time, take our new student there.”

With the administrative stuff done, they leave the building.

Rover: “How do we get to the Research Institute?”