Andris gets to work fixing the mecha. He is able to make use of the machinery installed in the hangar, and schematics provided by the Decision Trees, but he estimates the repairs will take about a month. Véný begins to set up an overwatch, climbing up to the top of the hangar and scanning the horizons for intruders. This activity proves immensely boring, but she is well used to it, and passes the time chatting with Poll on matters of romance, philosophy, and trust. Mari formalises her friendship with Branch for the umpteenth time, this time by inventing a secret handshake that Branch, being an image on a screen, cannot reciprocate. She also asks the other party members to be her friend, and is answered by a resounding silence. Anastasia gets in some target practice. She prints up large targets emblazoned with Maou's image and sticks them up to form a mini shooting gallery. Her mind is now fully focused on her new mission: to destroy Maou at any cost. Interrupt thinks this is the perfect time to repair his shaky relationship with his pilot, Andris. He finally introduces himself, and rather grandiosely at that, though Andris shrugs off his amateur theatrics. Each day, Ivan informs the party he will be heading out; that under no circumstances is anyone to follow him, because it might be dangerous; and that he will be back by nightfall. The rest of the party are indifferent, and barely notice his absence, but no one can fail to notice the slowly-accumulating pile of bear skins just inside the hangar doors. Véný asks Mari to help paint the mecha, offering her friendship in return. Mari's background is in portraits, but her skills seem to transfer directly to point jobs. Funny, that. Véný doesn't trust Mari to work on the Awestrider, but after seeing Véný's attempt, Mari is obliged to..."adapt" it. A few weeks into the repairs, Andris has repaired a few of the mecha to the extent that Véný and Mari can have a sparring match. Mari uses soft metal poles instead of swords, and Véný disables the spin of her drill and loads the Osiris Cannon with paintballs. The two clear a space to use as an arena, but while Véný is confirming the rules, Mari strikes! Mari does not cease her advance, and keeps forcing the Awestrider backwards. Their melee skills are evenly matched, but ultimately Véný's Osiris Cannon, which Mari can not parry, gives her the upper hand, and she wins the match. As the mecha are approaching complete repair, Véný approaches Mari. She is acting oddly. "Can I trust you?", she asks. Mari asks for clarification, but Véný is purposely obtuse. She seems rather dismayed, and not at all her usual self. She tells Mari that she may have to do some things that seem odd, but that Mari should trust her. Mari agrees, they are friends after all. Véný seems satisfied by this response, but still upset. She returns to her mecha with a determined look.