Monday, 0800
In front of the headquarters building at the Forward Operating Base, in a parking lot that could not be described as spacious even by generous standards, Nikkes belonging to the base gathered.
"──Form up by each squad. Hurry."
She, the leader of the Counter's Squad, naturally took on the role of emcee in the weekly Monday morning assembly.
Looking across the entire Forward Operating Base, the foremost individual among the Nikes is a unit known as Soldier E.G. Type Eagle, but according to her, "She's better at organizing and has a higher rank than me, so I left it to Rapi-san," and Rapi assumed that role.
Putting that aside, the Counter's Squad and the mass-produced Nikes lined up in formation for each unit, hands clasped behind their backs.
"──Any announcements from each unit?"
"Yes."
One of the mass-produced Nikkes rushed out, and as soon as they moved in front of the assembled Nikkes, they all turned to face.
"──After the morning assembly, Alpha Squad will be conducting inventory work in the supply warehouse. It is expected to continue until the evening, so if anyone is available, please provide support. That's all."
"Anything else?"
"Yes! From Bravo Squad!"
In a changing manner, another mass-produced Nikke stepped out of line.
"──Good morning. The payment deadline for this month's dormitory drink fees is today. If you haven't paid yet, please do so by 1630 today. That's all."
"Anything else?──None. Let's proceed with the morning assembly. Each unit, be vigilant."
"──Be vigilant!!"
Under Rapi's clear voice command, instructions were given to each unit. With a crisp sound, everyone's heels were aligned, and amidst the motionless posture, a tall young man in a military uniform emerged from the front entrance of the building, stopping in front of them.
"──Salute to the commander."
"──Right, salute!"
"──Center, salute!"
"──Left, salute!"
A raised hand salute and a bow towards the recipient were simultaneously carried out. In response to the salutes from them, the young man raised his hand in a salute, responding to each Nike one by one and scanning the entire assembly. Eventually, he returned his head to the front, and the right arm was lowered.
"──Attention!!"
"──Good morning!"
"──Good morning!"
"Rest! ...First of all, I apologize for causing inconvenience during my absence. Despite being absent, I deeply appreciate that all personnel carried out their respective tasks. Those who took on special duties on the weekend, it was hard work. After the morning assembly, I will issue outing permits, so don't forget to bring your outing request forms."
This was the morning assembly that marked the beginning of the week, and everyone was well aware of the young man—Moore's discharge and return.
----
.
.
.
"... The workload wasn't as piled up as I thought... But to think..."
"──During the commander's absence, we all divided the administrative tasks among ourselves."
"Thank you.──Go and have some fun. Return by 2250."
"Yes."
"Is it okay if the souvenir is a white hair dye?"
"... Is it that noticeable?"
Five mass-produced Nikes entered the commander's office, and although their civilian clothing was becoming familiar, it was quite refreshing. Each wore their own style of clothing and makeup—facially well-structured but strangely resembling ordinary girls of the town.
After seeing them off with salutes and acknowledgments, Moore sat on the reception sofa.
Loosening the tie of his military uniform and unbuttoning two buttons of his shirt, he became more relaxed.
The newly acquired prosthetic leg and prosthetic arm were both in perfect condition. They had seamlessly adapted to his body without any discomfort.
Thinking that this would be sufficient to retrain his body, which had dulled during the six days of hospitalization, the mobile device in his pocket vibrated.
Searching through the pocket of his slacks, he pulled out the scratched mobile device and unlocked it with fingerprint recognition. Upon confirming the call, it was from Rapi.
"──Did it arrive?"
It seemed that Headquarters' Anderson had kept his promise. A message had arrived, informing that various supplies such as a large amount of ammunition, rations, and fuel had been brought in from the Ark.
The message also included a request to check the inventory of supplies, and Moore responded with an acknowledgment. He lit a cigarette with an oil lighter.
Rapi, or more precisely, they arrived at the commander's office just after finishing smoking two cigarettes.
She, the leader of the squad, handed over a tablet device, and he began checking the inventory of supplies displayed on the LCD screen.
"──Sensei, what's that? Is today a special day for something?"
"... It's my birthday."
"──Eh!? Really!? Why didn't you tell us sooner!?"
"... Just kidding."
She must have seen the numerous containers of supplies brought to the forward base before Moore. Neon, unable to contain her excitement, asked her mentor, and an unexpected joke slipped out.
However, without changing his expression, she probably didn't realize it was a joke. Anis appeared visibly flustered.
"What... a joke, huh?"
"Well, setting jokes aside... all of that is regular supply. From His Excellency Anderson."
"Yes. I confirmed that, but... at this time of year?"
"Could it be that? A celebration for the commander's return to the rank of major?"
"... I don't have that close a relationship with His Excellency. ──Rapi, thank you. Confirmed."
Having finished signing the receipt with a touch pen, Moore handed the tablet device back to Rapi. After acknowledging her acceptance, he pulled out a new cigarette from the soft pack and lit it.
Then, Neon rummaged through her pocket, took out her own lighter, and immediately lent it to him. Moore's right hand created a windbreak, and once the flame was lit, he toasted the tip of the cigarette.
"... I applied for the transportation of supplies in preparation for long-term operations to investigate the Unchained Research Institute. It's much more... than I had imagined, though."
Despite that, why wasn't Moore's personal lifeline, cigarettes, included in the supplies? He checked every corner of the inventory, but naturally, cigarettes were not listed.
Could it be due to health promotion reasons? Who cares about that. He couldn't live without smoking. Complaints about this negligence were tucked away in his chest.
"... Mary-sensei also recommended a smoking cessation clinic."
"... Huh?"
"No, it's nothing. Just a personal matter."
During the hospitalization period, it seems that Mary, his attending physician, had been advising him. It started with a lecture on the harmful effects of smoking on the body and health, and in the end, she even recommended the hospital's smoking cessation clinic. Not to mention small kindness, it was more like meddling.
However, leaving that aside, a problem arose.
How to transport all these supplies?
"If only we could carry it with firepower...!"
"You might run out of energy before it arrives, you know?"
Neon's opinion—or how delicately it could be expressed was questionable—but when she stated it, Rapi immediately countered.
The squad leader's opinion is valid.
However, considering the possibility of some kind of incident, there is a growing unease about leaving the majority of supplies at the forward base while departing.
"... How about attaching trailers to the armed vehicle, the Humvee?"
"Oh! Commander, nice idea!"
"... However, the amount we can carry is limited."
From ammunition to rations, drinking water, fuel, various consumables, and spare tires of various types—just listing the necessary items seemed to exceed the limit.
"... Well, we won't depart immediately."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"I'm still recovering from illness. And you all have just completed body replacements and adjustments. Lately, we've been continuously fighting on the ground multiple times. Moreover, this time it's going to be a long-term mission. We won't depart until we take a little break and have a change of mood."
No matter how you look at it, it has been a series of consecutive missions.
While physical fitness might not be a problem, mental recovery—creating a brief period of recuperation for both mind and body before heading into a long-term mission would be safer.
When proposing this, unexpectedly, Anis's mobile device played a cheerful melody indicating an incoming call.
"Already, at a time like this... Oh, it's the president?"
Taking out her mobile device—a seemingly latest model—she tapped on the displayed call on the LCD screen and directed it to one ear.
"──Hello, hello. ...Gee, you seem lively... Well, I'm doing okay, bit by bit..."
──I'll talk at outside.
This would still serve as a form of briefing. Even in the midst of it, Anis, feeling it's unavoidable to have a phone conversation, considered leaving the commander's office and settling it in the corridor as a considerate gesture.
She exchanged glances with Moore and the others, and as Anis was about to leave the commander's office, unexpectedly...
"──Huh? Now? At the forward base... Commander?"
"... Me?"
When his flaxen eyes were directed with a puzzled expression, he tilted his head.
----
.
.
.
"──Oh! Major Moore! Long time no see, Ne!"
"... President Mustang, it's been a while."
In military attire, Moore, who had been directed to the president's office at TetraLine headquarters, was welcomed by the room's owner with arms outstretched to express a warm welcome.
──My eyes could go blind with all the lights.
Would it not be possible to have a function in the mechanical prosthetic right eye to shut down intense lights even with just the artificial eye? Moore seriously considered this impractical idea. After acknowledging the CEO of the major corporation, Mustang, who was sitting on the reception sofa recommended by him, he took off his military cap.
"How's Anis ?"
"She's doing well. As the mood maker for the squad and the forward base, she's an invaluable person. As a commander and personally, I find her very handy."
As a prelude to getting to the main topic, they discussed Anis—she was a Nikke manufactured by TetraLine, the company whose president was Mustang.
Responding to his answers, Mustang nodded several times, and a slight smile appeared on his face, accentuated by the neatly arranged light beard around his mouth.
"──Actually, Major Moore. There are some missions I would like to ask you for, DESU!"
"... Missions?"
"──That's right! ...I think supplies have arrived at your forward base, have you confirmed it?"
"I have confirmed and received them. ---Please wait. Why do you know about it?"
He had a question, but it was quickly resolved.
"Since it's the supplies I arranged, it's natural, DESU!"
"Thank you for your trouble; I express my gratitude."
"No! You are the commander who has taken care of my girl Anis! If I don't do something like this, it's 'drumstick hits,' DESU!"
Is it a matter deserving divine punishment?
In any case, despite his eccentric appearance—no, he was probably promoting his company with an attention-grabbing outfit—he gave the impression of being fundamentally reasonable.
Anyway, despite his extremely unique clothing and behavior, he seemed to have a sense of reason. It created a somewhat inconsistent impression.
"...I'm also under Anis's care. If you've arranged for supplies to be transported for me, I don't know the details of the mission, but I am more than willing to cooperate with the mission."
"Oh! Good! Very good! Major Moore, please take care of it! ──Hm, but..."
"...Is something wrong?"
Initially displaying a delighted smile, Mustang, after thoroughly examining Moore's military attire from top to bottom, released a deep sigh.
"I can't accept that fashion, Ne. Come, follow me."
"...Haaa?..."
Is it really that bad?
For the meeting with Mustang, the CEO of TetraLine, at the headquarters of the major corporation, and as a CEO, Moore had his dressing checked several times by Rapi and others at the forward base. Yet, what went wrong?
In any case, he was prompted to follow when Mustang stood up from the sofa.
Reluctantly, Moore also stood up and followed Mustang.
The handsome man who had left the president's office headed to a room on the same floor.
When the door automatically opened, inside, there were mass-produced Nikes, and a middle-aged man who seemed to be a designer was working on tailoring suits, wearing a measuring tape around his neck.
"Oh, President. Do you have some business? Today, you've brought a charming gentleman with you."
The slightly exaggerated feminine language, spoken by the middle-aged man with a deep voice, felt a bit odd, but ultimately, it was a matter of personal freedom.
Moore chose not to mind.
"Yes! Make him sooooooooo hot!"
"Is it okay to play with such material? I'm getting excited."
"... Please be gentle."
At this point, there was probably no room for refusal. Sensing that, he could only manage to say that much.
Monday, 0800
In front of the headquarters building at the Forward Operating Base, in a parking lot that could not be described as spacious even by generous standards, Nikkes belonging to the base gathered.
"──Form up by each squad. Hurry."
She, the leader of the Counter's Squad, naturally took on the role of emcee in the weekly Monday morning assembly.
Looking across the entire Forward Operating Base, the foremost individual among the Nikes is a unit known as Soldier E.G. Type Eagle, but according to her, "She's better at organizing and has a higher rank than me, so I left it to Rapi-san," and Rapi assumed that role.
Putting that aside, the Counter's Squad and the mass-produced Nikes lined up in formation for each unit, hands clasped behind their backs.
"──Any announcements from each unit?"
"Yes."
One of the mass-produced Nikkes rushed out, and as soon as they moved in front of the assembled Nikkes, they all turned to face.
"──After the morning assembly, Alpha Squad will be conducting inventory work in the supply warehouse. It is expected to continue until the evening, so if anyone is available, please provide support. That's all."
"Anything else?"
"Yes! From Bravo Squad!"
In a changing manner, another mass-produced Nikke stepped out of line.
"──Good morning. The payment deadline for this month's dormitory drink fees is today. If you haven't paid yet, please do so by 1630 today. That's all."
"Anything else?──None. Let's proceed with the morning assembly. Each unit, be vigilant."
"──Be vigilant!!"
Under Rapi's clear voice command, instructions were given to each unit. With a crisp sound, everyone's heels were aligned, and amidst the motionless posture, a tall young man in a military uniform emerged from the front entrance of the building, stopping in front of them.
"──Salute to the commander."
"──Right, salute!"
"──Center, salute!"
"──Left, salute!"
A raised hand salute and a bow towards the recipient were simultaneously carried out. In response to the salutes from them, the young man raised his hand in a salute, responding to each Nike one by one and scanning the entire assembly. Eventually, he returned his head to the front, and the right arm was lowered.
"──Attention!!"
"──Good morning!"
"──Good morning!"
"Rest! ...First of all, I apologize for causing inconvenience during my absence. Despite being absent, I deeply appreciate that all personnel carried out their respective tasks. Those who took on special duties on the weekend, it was hard work. After the morning assembly, I will issue outing permits, so don't forget to bring your outing request forms."
This was the morning assembly that marked the beginning of the week, and everyone was well aware of the young man—Moore's discharge and return.
----
.
.
.
"... The workload wasn't as piled up as I thought... But to think..."
"──During the commander's absence, we all divided the administrative tasks among ourselves."
"Thank you.──Go and have some fun. Return by 2250."
"Yes."
"Is it okay if the souvenir is a white hair dye?"
"... Is it that noticeable?"
Five mass-produced Nikes entered the commander's office, and although their civilian clothing was becoming familiar, it was quite refreshing. Each wore their own style of clothing and makeup—facially well-structured but strangely resembling ordinary girls of the town.
After seeing them off with salutes and acknowledgments, Moore sat on the reception sofa.
Loosening the tie of his military uniform and unbuttoning two buttons of his shirt, he became more relaxed.
The newly acquired prosthetic leg and prosthetic arm were both in perfect condition. They had seamlessly adapted to his body without any discomfort.
Thinking that this would be sufficient to retrain his body, which had dulled during the six days of hospitalization, the mobile device in his pocket vibrated.
Searching through the pocket of his slacks, he pulled out the scratched mobile device and unlocked it with fingerprint recognition. Upon confirming the call, it was from Rapi.
"──Did it arrive?"
It seemed that Headquarters' Anderson had kept his promise. A message had arrived, informing that various supplies such as a large amount of ammunition, rations, and fuel had been brought in from the Ark.
The message also included a request to check the inventory of supplies, and Moore responded with an acknowledgment. He lit a cigarette with an oil lighter.
Rapi, or more precisely, they arrived at the commander's office just after finishing smoking two cigarettes.
She, the leader of the squad, handed over a tablet device, and he began checking the inventory of supplies displayed on the LCD screen.
"──Sensei, what's that? Is today a special day for something?"
"... It's my birthday."
"──Eh!? Really!? Why didn't you tell us sooner!?"
"... Just kidding."
She must have seen the numerous containers of supplies brought to the forward base before Moore. Neon, unable to contain her excitement, asked her mentor, and an unexpected joke slipped out.
However, without changing his expression, she probably didn't realize it was a joke. Anis appeared visibly flustered.
"What... a joke, huh?"
"Well, setting jokes aside... all of that is regular supply. From His Excellency Anderson."
"Yes. I confirmed that, but... at this time of year?"
"Could it be that? A celebration for the commander's return to the rank of major?"
"... I don't have that close a relationship with His Excellency. ──Rapi, thank you. Confirmed."
Having finished signing the receipt with a touch pen, Moore handed the tablet device back to Rapi. After acknowledging her acceptance, he pulled out a new cigarette from the soft pack and lit it.
Then, Neon rummaged through her pocket, took out her own lighter, and immediately lent it to him. Moore's right hand created a windbreak, and once the flame was lit, he toasted the tip of the cigarette.
"... I applied for the transportation of supplies in preparation for long-term operations to investigate the Unchained Research Institute. It's much more... than I had imagined, though."
Despite that, why wasn't Moore's personal lifeline, cigarettes, included in the supplies? He checked every corner of the inventory, but naturally, cigarettes were not listed.
Could it be due to health promotion reasons? Who cares about that. He couldn't live without smoking. Complaints about this negligence were tucked away in his chest.
"... Mary-sensei also recommended a smoking cessation clinic."
"... Huh?"
"No, it's nothing. Just a personal matter."
During the hospitalization period, it seems that Mary, his attending physician, had been advising him. It started with a lecture on the harmful effects of smoking on the body and health, and in the end, she even recommended the hospital's smoking cessation clinic. Not to mention small kindness, it was more like meddling.
However, leaving that aside, a problem arose.
How to transport all these supplies?
"If only we could carry it with firepower...!"
"You might run out of energy before it arrives, you know?"
Neon's opinion—or how delicately it could be expressed was questionable—but when she stated it, Rapi immediately countered.
The squad leader's opinion is valid.
However, considering the possibility of some kind of incident, there is a growing unease about leaving the majority of supplies at the forward base while departing.
"... How about attaching trailers to the armed vehicle, the Humvee?"
"Oh! Commander, nice idea!"
"... However, the amount we can carry is limited."
From ammunition to rations, drinking water, fuel, various consumables, and spare tires of various types—just listing the necessary items seemed to exceed the limit.
"... Well, we won't depart immediately."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"I'm still recovering from illness. And you all have just completed body replacements and adjustments. Lately, we've been continuously fighting on the ground multiple times. Moreover, this time it's going to be a long-term mission. We won't depart until we take a little break and have a change of mood."
No matter how you look at it, it has been a series of consecutive missions.
While physical fitness might not be a problem, mental recovery—creating a brief period of recuperation for both mind and body before heading into a long-term mission would be safer.
When proposing this, unexpectedly, Anis's mobile device played a cheerful melody indicating an incoming call.
"Already, at a time like this... Oh, it's the president?"
Taking out her mobile device—a seemingly latest model—she tapped on the displayed call on the LCD screen and directed it to one ear.
"──Hello, hello. ...Gee, you seem lively... Well, I'm doing okay, bit by bit..."
──I'll talk at outside.
This would still serve as a form of briefing. Even in the midst of it, Anis, feeling it's unavoidable to have a phone conversation, considered leaving the commander's office and settling it in the corridor as a considerate gesture.
She exchanged glances with Moore and the others, and as Anis was about to leave the commander's office, unexpectedly...
"──Huh? Now? At the forward base... Commander?"
"... Me?"
When his flaxen eyes were directed with a puzzled expression, he tilted his head.
----
.
.
.
"──Oh! Major Moore! Long time no see, Ne!"
"... President Mustang, it's been a while."
In military attire, Moore, who had been directed to the president's office at TetraLine headquarters, was welcomed by the room's owner with arms outstretched to express a warm welcome.
──My eyes could go blind with all the lights.
Would it not be possible to have a function in the mechanical prosthetic right eye to shut down intense lights even with just the artificial eye? Moore seriously considered this impractical idea. After acknowledging the CEO of the major corporation, Mustang, who was sitting on the reception sofa recommended by him, he took off his military cap.
"How's Anis ?"
"She's doing well. As the mood maker for the squad and the forward base, she's an invaluable person. As a commander and personally, I find her very handy."
As a prelude to getting to the main topic, they discussed Anis—she was a Nikke manufactured by TetraLine, the company whose president was Mustang.
Responding to his answers, Mustang nodded several times, and a slight smile appeared on his face, accentuated by the neatly arranged light beard around his mouth.
"──Actually, Major Moore. There are some missions I would like to ask you for, DESU!"
"... Missions?"
"──That's right! ...I think supplies have arrived at your forward base, have you confirmed it?"
"I have confirmed and received them. ---Please wait. Why do you know about it?"
He had a question, but it was quickly resolved.
"Since it's the supplies I arranged, it's natural, DESU!"
"Thank you for your trouble; I express my gratitude."
"No! You are the commander who has taken care of my girl Anis! If I don't do something like this, it's 'drumstick hits,' DESU!"
Is it a matter deserving divine punishment?
In any case, despite his eccentric appearance—no, he was probably promoting his company with an attention-grabbing outfit—he gave the impression of being fundamentally reasonable.
Anyway, despite his extremely unique clothing and behavior, he seemed to have a sense of reason. It created a somewhat inconsistent impression.
"...I'm also under Anis's care. If you've arranged for supplies to be transported for me, I don't know the details of the mission, but I am more than willing to cooperate with the mission."
"Oh! Good! Very good! Major Moore, please take care of it! ──Hm, but..."
"...Is something wrong?"
Initially displaying a delighted smile, Mustang, after thoroughly examining Moore's military attire from top to bottom, released a deep sigh.
"I can't accept that fashion, Ne. Come, follow me."
"...Haaa?..."
Is it really that bad?
For the meeting with Mustang, the CEO of TetraLine, at the headquarters of the major corporation, and as a CEO, Moore had his dressing checked several times by Rapi and others at the forward base. Yet, what went wrong?
In any case, he was prompted to follow when Mustang stood up from the sofa.
Reluctantly, Moore also stood up and followed Mustang.
The handsome man who had left the president's office headed to a room on the same floor.
When the door automatically opened, inside, there were mass-produced Nikes, and a middle-aged man who seemed to be a designer was working on tailoring suits, wearing a measuring tape around his neck.
"Oh, President. Do you have some business? Today, you've brought a charming gentleman with you."
The slightly exaggerated feminine language, spoken by the middle-aged man with a deep voice, felt a bit odd, but ultimately, it was a matter of personal freedom.
Moore chose not to mind.
"Yes! Make him sooooooooo hot!"
"Is it okay to play with such material? I'm getting excited."
"... Please be gentle."
At this point, there was probably no room for refusal. Sensing that, he could only manage to say that much.
