>Write-in

While the two factions stare each other down, you pull Astamon aside for a quick talk. He squats down to whisper in your ear in return, and the two of you come up with a plan as quickly as you can. Finally, right when the nearest Commandramon is getting particularly twitchy, you walk back to Hi-Commandramon to continue your exchange.

"You said you'd be willing to do anything to help your companions out of this."

"Right."

"So do what a boss ought to, and take the punishment for them. Make it your responsibility, not theirs. Say you all failed and escaped into the network."

"Or you could pin as much of it on Sealsdramon as possible. Not like he'll be around to defend himself."

"What exactly did you do to him? He may have been a real bastard, but that finishing move felt wrong to look at."

"I sent him somewhere he's not coming back from. I don't know any more than that."

Squid looks like she wants to ask some questions, but the urgency of the situation stops her from butting in. You decide to make use of that greed to try and get her on your side.

"Don't you want a chance to find out more about City-sanctioned Digimon? We have one right here who's willing to talk. While you work out what you need to disable to keep us safe, you can ask plenty of questions. I'm sure Hi-Commandramon here can answer SOME. Isn't that right?"

He nods.

"I'm not against taking the fall for my subordinates. Send us into the Network, and I'll just find an exit point far enough away that it's of no concern."

That seems to do the trick. Squid heads over to Wind, now intent on discussing that path. He looks frustrated as they speak, but at least he's hearing her out now. You use that time to get Hi-Commandramon in a corner.

"In exchange for conveniently forgetting to mark our location, we wouldn't be opposed to helping you out in the future."

"Help me out?"

"You got anyone with my level of firepower under your command? I'm offering myself. And you've seen what I can do."

"The Cargodramon, for one."

"They can hardly work on the ground, can they? How high up the ranks do you think you could climb if you had extra assistance from the two us?"

"You'd really offer me that?"