Word began to spread of the beast rider project's selection process.
Two-thirds of all female mech pilots were eligible to take part in this selection process! The only ones who didn't receive permission were those piloting essential mechs such as the Akkara heavy mechs and those who served critical roles such as the mech officers.
Due to the considerable risks and dangers involved with attempting to interface the mind of a mech pilot with the mind of an exobeast, Captain Byrd and Commander Lydia only agreed to let their more expendable mech pilots become Qilanxo's partners.
Ves wanted to proceed with the selection process soon because he figured that letting Qilanxo grow close to her new partners would help make her more cooperative to the Flagrant Swordmaidens.