Author Notes: Please allow me to say just one thing - I got tired of writing this story (mainly in the latter part)
-----
"─I had heard the report of your discharge from the hospital, but you seem even more 'extraordinary' to me now."
"─Your Excellency, may I take that as a compliment?"
Upon Moore's first visit since his hospitalization, the room's owner uttered words that could be interpreted as either veiled criticism or praise. Anderson, in his military uniform, observed Moore's appearance. There was no significant difference from before, except for a scar that grazed his right cheek, a scar on the right eyelid from the removal of shrapnel, and the obvious exoskeleton that served as a replacement for his amputated right leg, covering the fabric of his uniform.
Anderson gestured for Moore to sit on the reception sofa, and after recognizing that it posed no hindrance, he also took a seat facing him. It would be unreasonable to let a recently amputated individual stand for too long.
"Let's get straight to the point. I want you to head to the northern regions on the surface."
Anderson issued his command to Moore. He operated a terminal to display terrain information and other data on the screen, albeit with information from a few 'years' ago.
"...All of this information is quite outdated."
"That's unavoidable. We have sent reconnaissance teams, but the northern regions are extremely cold. Collecting the latest information is a challenge, especially during this season when blizzards and snowfall cause constant changes in the terrain."
Information has its own freshness, much like avoiding eating expired food to prevent stomach upset. Moore frowned at the outdated information displayed on the screen, and Anderson did not miss it.
"You witnessed the Nikke that repelled the Talkative. It seems she has appeared in the northern regions. Please take a look at the most recent images captured by surveillance cameras."
Following Anderson's instructions, Moore tapped a point on the screen. The image was quite grainy, but it showed a figure that seemed to be walking through a blizzard.
"...She might be able to help us find the whereabouts of the Talkative. It might be good to meet her."
"...I don't deny that I want to meet that Talkative basta*d. We fought to the death, and he left the battle on his own accord. I REALLY want to kill him off... ---My apologies."
Was this Moore's true personality, or was it his current tone? Anderson watched Moore's sudden transformation, unsure if he should interpret it as an apology or something else, and chose to nod as if accepting his apology.
"...Personal grievences aside, to be honest, there's no merit in engaging in combat with it. I acknowledge that it's a unique individual, but..."
"Hmm..."
This opinion was quite reasonable, and the Vice Commander nodded in agreement.
After some thought, Anderson turned his gaze toward Moore, who sat opposite him.
"...Lieutenant Moore, you asked me in the past if I knew anything about Marian's corruption. Do you remember?"
"Yes. Although you did not explicitly state it, Your Excellency, you assured me that it was highly likely that the infection code was embedded within the Ark."
Anderson breathed a sigh of relief that his intentions had been conveyed succesfully. However, this was also a way for him to atone for his actions.
"─I see. Alright, If you promise to keep it a secret, I can tell you."
"...What kind of 'reward' would be considered as a promise? Should I lend you my rear end as payment? I don't have those kinds of hobbies, but if that's what it takes to find out why she ended up like that, it's a small price."
(Tl notes: Yes, it's THAT kind of...'services' Moore offered. The mental images...*shudder*)
"...There's no need for that. By the way, I don't have such hobbies either, so you can rest assured."
Anderson also understood that it wouldn't be wise to tease him any further. Moore's left eye—the iris of his deep brown eye in its natural state—suddenly widened. To avoid any misunderstandings, Anderson cleared his throat before adding a few more words.
"In Ark, there are individuals who have embedded intrusion codes into Nikke, allowing them to interfere with our operations and missions once she's on the surface. Referring to them as 'they' might not be entirely accurate. Whether they are individuals or part of an organization is unclear. Nevertheless, we have reason to believe that they are collaborating with Rapture."
"...Collaboration... meaning that Rapture can communicate with the enemy... I see."
─Therefore, Moore understood that he needed information that would enable him to track, contact, and capture Talkative, the unique entity capable of understanding language, thinking, and sensing, and control its will as needed.
"─Embedding codes into Nikke's brain to manipulate her will freely. This so-called intrusion is a technology that humanity cannot handle. It's highly likely to be a technology unique to Rapture. Such technology has been embedded in Nikke within Ark and sent to the surface. We can only think of it as the work of an insider."
"...And it's highly likely that this insider within Ark holds a considerable position and authority, right?"
When he inquired, Anderson nodded. Embedding an intrusion code into Nikke was not something an ordinary citizen could mimic. Limited individuals had the authority to manipulate robust protective barriers and use unmonitored and untraceable communication lines.
"...---A wolf in sheep's clothing, then."
"I want to catch them, or catch him/her if possible. Lieutenant Moore, I believe you share the same sentiment."
"...I'm grateful that you believe so... but... I need confirmation first."
"What do you mean?"
.
.
.
─"I would like to receive evidence that Your Excellency is not the insider."
.
.
.
The atmosphere quivered, and tension filled the room.
Anderson carries a handgun for self-defense, but Moore is unarmed. Undoubtedly, the advantage lies with Anderson. However, he couldn't find a single prospect of winning against the Lieutenant before him.
"...I don't mind your suspicion. It certainly applies. Unfortunately, I can't provide concrete evidence... I can only 'ask' you to believe me."
"...There are few replies more difficult to trust than that. ---I've spoken out of turn. Forgive me."
"No, it's alright. That's fine."
Anderson showed understanding for Moore's suspicion. His understanding was a positive affirmation, hoping that it would lead to trust in Moore.
"The insider might have a connection with the Talkative. So, from now on, I want you to focus on tracking the Talkative. That way, you'll naturally get closer to the truth."
"Understood. ...But going back to the topic, what about the one who repelled the Talkative?"
"She's known as the Pilgrim. It refers to the Nikkes living on the surface."
"...Pilgrim, I see. I recall the Talkative mentioning that as well. ...Refers to 'them' as more than one?"
They hadn't forgotten the unsettling words that leaked from a grotesque mouth during the recent battle with the Talkative, but Moore had a question about Anderson's use of the plural form.
"We don't know the details either. There are unverified rumors, but what is certain is that they are operating on the surface. So far, there has been no proper contact with them. They are elusive, making it impossible to track them."
"...Impossible to track, you say..."
He directed his gaze to the screen of the terminal in his hand. Although it lacked freshness, the screen displayed terrain information. The scale and scale indicators showed just how vast the area was.
"Wandering aimlessly like this, if we happen to get lost, being solid frozen is the least problem to face then."
"Don't worry. There's a research base. I've already given Shifty the coordinates, so when you arrive, she'll tell you what to do."
"Understood. I'll prepare and set out in the morning."
"I'm counting on you. Please, do your best not to kill it. We need to hear what it have to say."
"I can't promise to hold back. It depends on how it react... May I ask one more question?"
When he asked, Anderson nodded slightly, urging him to continue.
"Why are you disclosing this much information and providing assistance to me? I've only recently become a commander, and from my perspective, I haven't achieved any significant victories... In fact, I see myself as a troublemaker, wielding a gun alongside Nikkes and engaging in gunfire with the Rapture."
Moore asked a very natural question. He had recently taken on the role of commander, and from his perspective, he hadn't achieved any visible major victories. Instead, he saw himself as what he said, 'reckless troublemaker'.
He couldn't understand why someone in the position of the Vice Commander would pay attention to him, someone with such a self-destructive demeanor.
"...Think of it as an offering to those who, despite having senses and memories, cannot control themselves and are manipulated by the selfishness and arrogance of us humans."
Satisfied with this response, or perhaps not entirely, Moore stood up, saluted the Vice Commander, received a returned salute, and then left the room.
As he disappeared from view, Anderson muttered quietly to himself,
.
.
---"And a modest helping hand from myself. ...Though, I doubt he'll believe in this."
.
.
.
The next day at 5:30 AM, Moore, dressed in cold-weather combat gear and body armor that matched the color of the snow, was heading towards the elevator that would take him to the surface. Walking beside him were Rapi, Anis, and Neon, who were dressed in their usual attire.
"It's unusual to see you wearing sunglasses, Commander."
"The sunlight reflects off the snow and can be blinding."
While there was always a headset beneath his helmet, this time Moore also had half-rim sunglasses with shining black lenses covering his face.
"So, this time it's a solo mission for the Counters only?"
"Yeah, the same number as always. ...I wonder if there will be any reinforcements. As a Field Commander, that's what concerns me the most."
"Hahaha. But I think I'm fine just the way I am. No need to watch my 'words'."
"Yeah, that's true," Moore and Rapi both nodded in agreement. Having too many personnel can sometimes work against them when it comes to sharing 'secrets'.
"By the way, Commander. Are we going to the research base in the north?"
"Yeah. Do you know anything about the research base?"
"Well... from what I know... you can't even enter without a permit."
"---What? I never heard about that."
Moore glanced sideways at her through the black lenses of his sunglasses as Anis recalled this information. He had no recollection of such condition.
"Even though it's a research base, they have substantial defensive weapons."
"So it could turn into a hornet's nest, huh?"
"...I'll go to the armory for a bit. I'll get some high-performance explosives C-5 or a portable multi-purpose recoilless launcher before I leave."
"Commander, you're feeling a bit extreme today. Are you planning to break through by force..."
"Indeed, a true firepower specialist!"
Was he always such a fan of firepower? Rapi couldn't help but sigh. Perhaps the stay had been too long - just ten days in the hospital, but enough to accumulate frustration for him.
"Please, Commander, stay calm. Did Vice Commander Anderson give you anything?"
"Just encouragement and explanations."
"Is that old man forgetful or something?"
"Wait for me in front of the elevator for a moment. I'll make a quick trip to the armory...---What's this drone mirror ball?"
.
.
"NO! There's absolutely NO NEED for that!"
.
.
A drone with a sprinkling mirror ball appeared out of nowhere, floating in the air. As it reached above them and started emitting colorful lights into the sterile corridor, the atmosphere began to resemble some sort of stage.
Simultaneously, a voice with an indescribable yet captivating quality reverberated, and Anis was the first to recognize its true nature.
"...This mirror ball's lights and voice... could it be..."
"Yes! That's correct, DESU!!"
"..."
The sudden appearance harked back to a time hundreds of years ago, dating back to an era preceding humanity's retreat underground, during the heyday of what was called the medieval period. Entertainers known as 'jesters' used to perform during that time.
The modern adaptation of jester attire, though it might have been a bit excessive, featured a tall figure dressed in shimmering clothing. Moore, not knowing how to react to this unusual situation, was momentarily caught off guard, a rare occurrence for him.
"I am the CEO of Tetraline, responsible for Arc's Entertainment – Mustang DESU!!"
"...OHH..."
Strange. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, it felt dazzling.
"Everybody! Say! Entertainment!! エンタァァァァテイメントォォォォ!!"
(TL notes: The Japanese text is what it is. Entertainment~~)
...At this point, he's really out of reaction from surprises .
Almost as if to emphasize his point, Moore instinctively reached for his cigarette holder and lightly tapped the cigarette against the oil lighter. He then began the process of packing the tobacco even more tightly into the holder.
"Ohhh No. My Anis. What happened to the applause, please?"
"Um, hello, President... It's been a while..."
Observing Anis' awkward smile as she returned the greeting, Moore couldn't help but be astonished inwardly at the fact that the person before him, dressed so oddly, was indeed the CEO. Well, if taken in a positive light, the company's top executive wearing such attire could serve as excellent advertising.
Probably.
(Tl notes: NO. hell NO. If my boss is like that, then I'm going to die of shame or cringing from awkwardness.)
"Your face looks good, Ne!"
"Hahaha... really?"
"So, are YOU ready to return?"
When the CEO, Mustang, asked this, she shifted her gaze to Moore first, then to Rapi, who probably shared his bewildered expression, and finally to Neon, who was brimming with curiosity.
"Eh!? N-No, not yet... just a little longer..."
"--- Oh..."
In response to Anis' answer, Mustang appeared visibly disappointed but quickly regained his composure and confidently declared:
"All Right! Anis, I can wait, Yo!! And You! You're Commander Moore!?"
"Yes, sir. I'm Lieutenant Moore, sir."
With a sound of "Zubish!" Moore found himself pointed at by Mustang's finger. The other person was the CEO with special privileges, so he nodded and added "sir" twice in his response.
"Oh! Cross Fire Hurricane! Good Answer! You're going to the North research facility, Ne?"
To this question, Moore nodded, and Mustang leisurely reached into his chest and, with two fingers, pulled out a card.
"Me! I'm giving you the pass, Lieutenant Shaw!! But! This pass is a bit Special, DESU!!"
—Well, to Moore, it looked like an ordinary card from any angle.
As Moore's gaze shifted to the card held by Mustang's fingers, he pocketed his cigarettes and the oil lighter he had been fiddling with.
He wondered what could be so special about it. Right at that moment, a drone equipped with audio equipment appeared, playing a poppy tune that seemed to perfectly match the flashing lights of the mirror ball.
"Watch carefully, Commander Moore! I won't show it to you more than once, YO!!"
And then, to the synchronized music and flashing lights, Mustang demonstrated a dance that was undoubtedly meant to match the iconic dance from a famous show in the olden days, every Saturday night.
It wasn't a genre of music that Moore was particularly familiar with—or rather, it wasn't to his taste—but somehow, he managed to remember it instantly. Much to his chagrin.
"Wow!!!"
As Neon clapped enthusiastically, Mustang, still looking satisfied, pointed his finger at Moore once again.
"Did you see it clearly? Now, look at this Pass again, please!"
Doing as he was told, Moore removed his sunglasses to get a better look at the card held between Mustang's fingers. Suddenly, the card's surface began to shine like a mirror ball.
"Now, if you perform the action I just did, the Pass will Activate!! It's a Pass that combines the Technology of My Company Tetraline, DESU!!"
"Wow! Technology~~!"
"What a ABSOLUTE waste of technology..."
"...Eh?"
Neon innocently praised, Anis displayed a mixture of astonishment and resignation on her face while letting out a sigh, and Moore, on the other hand, had a look of despair.
—Do I REALLY have to dance THAT?
With a bewildered and despairing expression, Moore hesitated. He seriously didn't want to accept it. Rather, he just wanted to rush to the armory right now.
"Commander, it's a kind offer. Let's accept it," urged Rapi, and Moore turned his gaze toward her, as if pushed into a corner. Whether she noticed his perplexity in his deep brown eyes or not, she extended her hand towards Mustang to accept the pass.
"That dance you just did, if you want, I can show it again..."
"No, I've learned it already... Thank you," Moore replied with the hint of a forced smile.
"Oh! You can remember a dance like that in one go! Very Good!!"
Moore hadn't expected to feel this way, even if he wasn't fond of dancing. He put the pass he had received into the pouch of his body armor without a smile.
"Um... Why did the CEO suddenly appear now?"
"Good question, My Anis. Counter's. You guys might not know, but in Ark, You guys are HOT! Very Hot! As the leader of Entertainment, it's better to owe a favor to those who may become future STARS!!"
When Anis asked about Mustang's sudden appearance, he explained and then turned his gaze, or more accurately, his right leg, which had an imposing black exoskeleton, toward Moore.
.
.
"––Also, I wanted to see someone THAT Ingrid is fond of with my eyes."
.
.
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"Hm? Nothing! ...Well then, do your best on the mission! Entertaaaainment!!!"
Mustang bid his farewell with a grand gesture, accompanied by several drones. As their echoing presence lingered in the ears, Anis let out a deep sigh.
"...Hah... My eyes are still dazzled..."
"Tetra's CEO is quite flashy!"
"Now, to the research facility... Commander, which way are you going?"
"I was going to the armory..."
"We're running out of time, Commander. You've learned the dance, right?"
"Indeed, I have, but... Give me 10 minutes, no, 7 minutes. I'll be right back."
"No, we can't. Let's go."
---Recently, it feels like my subordinates are becoming less flexible.
As he stepped into the elevator, Moore couldn't help but think this.
Author Notes: Please allow me to say just one thing - I got tired of writing this story (mainly in the latter part)
-----
"─I had heard the report of your discharge from the hospital, but you seem even more 'extraordinary' to me now."
"─Your Excellency, may I take that as a compliment?"
Upon Moore's first visit since his hospitalization, the room's owner uttered words that could be interpreted as either veiled criticism or praise. Anderson, in his military uniform, observed Moore's appearance. There was no significant difference from before, except for a scar that grazed his right cheek, a scar on the right eyelid from the removal of shrapnel, and the obvious exoskeleton that served as a replacement for his amputated right leg, covering the fabric of his uniform.
Anderson gestured for Moore to sit on the reception sofa, and after recognizing that it posed no hindrance, he also took a seat facing him. It would be unreasonable to let a recently amputated individual stand for too long.
"Let's get straight to the point. I want you to head to the northern regions on the surface."
Anderson issued his command to Moore. He operated a terminal to display terrain information and other data on the screen, albeit with information from a few 'years' ago.
"...All of this information is quite outdated."
"That's unavoidable. We have sent reconnaissance teams, but the northern regions are extremely cold. Collecting the latest information is a challenge, especially during this season when blizzards and snowfall cause constant changes in the terrain."
Information has its own freshness, much like avoiding eating expired food to prevent stomach upset. Moore frowned at the outdated information displayed on the screen, and Anderson did not miss it.
"You witnessed the Nikke that repelled the Talkative. It seems she has appeared in the northern regions. Please take a look at the most recent images captured by surveillance cameras."
Following Anderson's instructions, Moore tapped a point on the screen. The image was quite grainy, but it showed a figure that seemed to be walking through a blizzard.
"...She might be able to help us find the whereabouts of the Talkative. It might be good to meet her."
"...I don't deny that I want to meet that Talkative basta*d. We fought to the death, and he left the battle on his own accord. I REALLY want to kill him off... ---My apologies."
Was this Moore's true personality, or was it his current tone? Anderson watched Moore's sudden transformation, unsure if he should interpret it as an apology or something else, and chose to nod as if accepting his apology.
"...Personal grievences aside, to be honest, there's no merit in engaging in combat with it. I acknowledge that it's a unique individual, but..."
"Hmm..."
This opinion was quite reasonable, and the Vice Commander nodded in agreement.
After some thought, Anderson turned his gaze toward Moore, who sat opposite him.
"...Lieutenant Moore, you asked me in the past if I knew anything about Marian's corruption. Do you remember?"
"Yes. Although you did not explicitly state it, Your Excellency, you assured me that it was highly likely that the infection code was embedded within the Ark."
Anderson breathed a sigh of relief that his intentions had been conveyed succesfully. However, this was also a way for him to atone for his actions.
"─I see. Alright, If you promise to keep it a secret, I can tell you."
"...What kind of 'reward' would be considered as a promise? Should I lend you my rear end as payment? I don't have those kinds of hobbies, but if that's what it takes to find out why she ended up like that, it's a small price."
(Tl notes: Yes, it's THAT kind of...'services' Moore offered. The mental images...*shudder*)
"...There's no need for that. By the way, I don't have such hobbies either, so you can rest assured."
Anderson also understood that it wouldn't be wise to tease him any further. Moore's left eye—the iris of his deep brown eye in its natural state—suddenly widened. To avoid any misunderstandings, Anderson cleared his throat before adding a few more words.
"In Ark, there are individuals who have embedded intrusion codes into Nikke, allowing them to interfere with our operations and missions once she's on the surface. Referring to them as 'they' might not be entirely accurate. Whether they are individuals or part of an organization is unclear. Nevertheless, we have reason to believe that they are collaborating with Rapture."
"...Collaboration... meaning that Rapture can communicate with the enemy... I see."
─Therefore, Moore understood that he needed information that would enable him to track, contact, and capture Talkative, the unique entity capable of understanding language, thinking, and sensing, and control its will as needed.
"─Embedding codes into Nikke's brain to manipulate her will freely. This so-called intrusion is a technology that humanity cannot handle. It's highly likely to be a technology unique to Rapture. Such technology has been embedded in Nikke within Ark and sent to the surface. We can only think of it as the work of an insider."
"...And it's highly likely that this insider within Ark holds a considerable position and authority, right?"
When he inquired, Anderson nodded. Embedding an intrusion code into Nikke was not something an ordinary citizen could mimic. Limited individuals had the authority to manipulate robust protective barriers and use unmonitored and untraceable communication lines.
"...---A wolf in sheep's clothing, then."
"I want to catch them, or catch him/her if possible. Lieutenant Moore, I believe you share the same sentiment."
"...I'm grateful that you believe so... but... I need confirmation first."
"What do you mean?"
.
.
.
─"I would like to receive evidence that Your Excellency is not the insider."
.
.
.
The atmosphere quivered, and tension filled the room.
Anderson carries a handgun for self-defense, but Moore is unarmed. Undoubtedly, the advantage lies with Anderson. However, he couldn't find a single prospect of winning against the Lieutenant before him.
"...I don't mind your suspicion. It certainly applies. Unfortunately, I can't provide concrete evidence... I can only 'ask' you to believe me."
"...There are few replies more difficult to trust than that. ---I've spoken out of turn. Forgive me."
"No, it's alright. That's fine."
Anderson showed understanding for Moore's suspicion. His understanding was a positive affirmation, hoping that it would lead to trust in Moore.
"The insider might have a connection with the Talkative. So, from now on, I want you to focus on tracking the Talkative. That way, you'll naturally get closer to the truth."
"Understood. ...But going back to the topic, what about the one who repelled the Talkative?"
"She's known as the Pilgrim. It refers to the Nikkes living on the surface."
"...Pilgrim, I see. I recall the Talkative mentioning that as well. ...Refers to 'them' as more than one?"
They hadn't forgotten the unsettling words that leaked from a grotesque mouth during the recent battle with the Talkative, but Moore had a question about Anderson's use of the plural form.
"We don't know the details either. There are unverified rumors, but what is certain is that they are operating on the surface. So far, there has been no proper contact with them. They are elusive, making it impossible to track them."
"...Impossible to track, you say..."
He directed his gaze to the screen of the terminal in his hand. Although it lacked freshness, the screen displayed terrain information. The scale and scale indicators showed just how vast the area was.
"Wandering aimlessly like this, if we happen to get lost, being solid frozen is the least problem to face then."
"Don't worry. There's a research base. I've already given Shifty the coordinates, so when you arrive, she'll tell you what to do."
"Understood. I'll prepare and set out in the morning."
"I'm counting on you. Please, do your best not to kill it. We need to hear what it have to say."
"I can't promise to hold back. It depends on how it react... May I ask one more question?"
When he asked, Anderson nodded slightly, urging him to continue.
"Why are you disclosing this much information and providing assistance to me? I've only recently become a commander, and from my perspective, I haven't achieved any significant victories... In fact, I see myself as a troublemaker, wielding a gun alongside Nikkes and engaging in gunfire with the Rapture."
Moore asked a very natural question. He had recently taken on the role of commander, and from his perspective, he hadn't achieved any visible major victories. Instead, he saw himself as what he said, 'reckless troublemaker'.
He couldn't understand why someone in the position of the Vice Commander would pay attention to him, someone with such a self-destructive demeanor.
"...Think of it as an offering to those who, despite having senses and memories, cannot control themselves and are manipulated by the selfishness and arrogance of us humans."
Satisfied with this response, or perhaps not entirely, Moore stood up, saluted the Vice Commander, received a returned salute, and then left the room.
As he disappeared from view, Anderson muttered quietly to himself,
.
.
---"And a modest helping hand from myself. ...Though, I doubt he'll believe in this."
.
.
.
The next day at 5:30 AM, Moore, dressed in cold-weather combat gear and body armor that matched the color of the snow, was heading towards the elevator that would take him to the surface. Walking beside him were Rapi, Anis, and Neon, who were dressed in their usual attire.
"It's unusual to see you wearing sunglasses, Commander."
"The sunlight reflects off the snow and can be blinding."
While there was always a headset beneath his helmet, this time Moore also had half-rim sunglasses with shining black lenses covering his face.
"So, this time it's a solo mission for the Counters only?"
"Yeah, the same number as always. ...I wonder if there will be any reinforcements. As a Field Commander, that's what concerns me the most."
"Hahaha. But I think I'm fine just the way I am. No need to watch my 'words'."
"Yeah, that's true," Moore and Rapi both nodded in agreement. Having too many personnel can sometimes work against them when it comes to sharing 'secrets'.
"By the way, Commander. Are we going to the research base in the north?"
"Yeah. Do you know anything about the research base?"
"Well... from what I know... you can't even enter without a permit."
"---What? I never heard about that."
Moore glanced sideways at her through the black lenses of his sunglasses as Anis recalled this information. He had no recollection of such condition.
"Even though it's a research base, they have substantial defensive weapons."
"So it could turn into a hornet's nest, huh?"
"...I'll go to the armory for a bit. I'll get some high-performance explosives C-5 or a portable multi-purpose recoilless launcher before I leave."
"Commander, you're feeling a bit extreme today. Are you planning to break through by force..."
"Indeed, a true firepower specialist!"
Was he always such a fan of firepower? Rapi couldn't help but sigh. Perhaps the stay had been too long - just ten days in the hospital, but enough to accumulate frustration for him.
"Please, Commander, stay calm. Did Vice Commander Anderson give you anything?"
"Just encouragement and explanations."
"Is that old man forgetful or something?"
"Wait for me in front of the elevator for a moment. I'll make a quick trip to the armory...---What's this drone mirror ball?"
.
.
"NO! There's absolutely NO NEED for that!"
.
.
A drone with a sprinkling mirror ball appeared out of nowhere, floating in the air. As it reached above them and started emitting colorful lights into the sterile corridor, the atmosphere began to resemble some sort of stage.
Simultaneously, a voice with an indescribable yet captivating quality reverberated, and Anis was the first to recognize its true nature.
"...This mirror ball's lights and voice... could it be..."
"Yes! That's correct, DESU!!"
"..."
The sudden appearance harked back to a time hundreds of years ago, dating back to an era preceding humanity's retreat underground, during the heyday of what was called the medieval period. Entertainers known as 'jesters' used to perform during that time.
The modern adaptation of jester attire, though it might have been a bit excessive, featured a tall figure dressed in shimmering clothing. Moore, not knowing how to react to this unusual situation, was momentarily caught off guard, a rare occurrence for him.
"I am the CEO of Tetraline, responsible for Arc's Entertainment – Mustang DESU!!"
"...OHH..."
Strange. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, it felt dazzling.
"Everybody! Say! Entertainment!! エンタァァァァテイメントォォォォ!!"
(TL notes: The Japanese text is what it is. Entertainment~~)
...At this point, he's really out of reaction from surprises .
Almost as if to emphasize his point, Moore instinctively reached for his cigarette holder and lightly tapped the cigarette against the oil lighter. He then began the process of packing the tobacco even more tightly into the holder.
"Ohhh No. My Anis. What happened to the applause, please?"
"Um, hello, President... It's been a while..."
Observing Anis' awkward smile as she returned the greeting, Moore couldn't help but be astonished inwardly at the fact that the person before him, dressed so oddly, was indeed the CEO. Well, if taken in a positive light, the company's top executive wearing such attire could serve as excellent advertising.
Probably.
(Tl notes: NO. hell NO. If my boss is like that, then I'm going to die of shame or cringing from awkwardness.)
"Your face looks good, Ne!"
"Hahaha... really?"
"So, are YOU ready to return?"
When the CEO, Mustang, asked this, she shifted her gaze to Moore first, then to Rapi, who probably shared his bewildered expression, and finally to Neon, who was brimming with curiosity.
"Eh!? N-No, not yet... just a little longer..."
"--- Oh..."
In response to Anis' answer, Mustang appeared visibly disappointed but quickly regained his composure and confidently declared:
"All Right! Anis, I can wait, Yo!! And You! You're Commander Moore!?"
"Yes, sir. I'm Lieutenant Moore, sir."
With a sound of "Zubish!" Moore found himself pointed at by Mustang's finger. The other person was the CEO with special privileges, so he nodded and added "sir" twice in his response.
"Oh! Cross Fire Hurricane! Good Answer! You're going to the North research facility, Ne?"
To this question, Moore nodded, and Mustang leisurely reached into his chest and, with two fingers, pulled out a card.
"Me! I'm giving you the pass, Lieutenant Shaw!! But! This pass is a bit Special, DESU!!"
—Well, to Moore, it looked like an ordinary card from any angle.
As Moore's gaze shifted to the card held by Mustang's fingers, he pocketed his cigarettes and the oil lighter he had been fiddling with.
He wondered what could be so special about it. Right at that moment, a drone equipped with audio equipment appeared, playing a poppy tune that seemed to perfectly match the flashing lights of the mirror ball.
"Watch carefully, Commander Moore! I won't show it to you more than once, YO!!"
And then, to the synchronized music and flashing lights, Mustang demonstrated a dance that was undoubtedly meant to match the iconic dance from a famous show in the olden days, every Saturday night.
It wasn't a genre of music that Moore was particularly familiar with—or rather, it wasn't to his taste—but somehow, he managed to remember it instantly. Much to his chagrin.
"Wow!!!"
As Neon clapped enthusiastically, Mustang, still looking satisfied, pointed his finger at Moore once again.
"Did you see it clearly? Now, look at this Pass again, please!"
Doing as he was told, Moore removed his sunglasses to get a better look at the card held between Mustang's fingers. Suddenly, the card's surface began to shine like a mirror ball.
"Now, if you perform the action I just did, the Pass will Activate!! It's a Pass that combines the Technology of My Company Tetraline, DESU!!"
"Wow! Technology~~!"
"What a ABSOLUTE waste of technology..."
"...Eh?"
Neon innocently praised, Anis displayed a mixture of astonishment and resignation on her face while letting out a sigh, and Moore, on the other hand, had a look of despair.
—Do I REALLY have to dance THAT?
With a bewildered and despairing expression, Moore hesitated. He seriously didn't want to accept it. Rather, he just wanted to rush to the armory right now.
"Commander, it's a kind offer. Let's accept it," urged Rapi, and Moore turned his gaze toward her, as if pushed into a corner. Whether she noticed his perplexity in his deep brown eyes or not, she extended her hand towards Mustang to accept the pass.
"That dance you just did, if you want, I can show it again..."
"No, I've learned it already... Thank you," Moore replied with the hint of a forced smile.
"Oh! You can remember a dance like that in one go! Very Good!!"
Moore hadn't expected to feel this way, even if he wasn't fond of dancing. He put the pass he had received into the pouch of his body armor without a smile.
"Um... Why did the CEO suddenly appear now?"
"Good question, My Anis. Counter's. You guys might not know, but in Ark, You guys are HOT! Very Hot! As the leader of Entertainment, it's better to owe a favor to those who may become future STARS!!"
When Anis asked about Mustang's sudden appearance, he explained and then turned his gaze, or more accurately, his right leg, which had an imposing black exoskeleton, toward Moore.
.
.
"––Also, I wanted to see someone THAT Ingrid is fond of with my eyes."
.
.
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"Hm? Nothing! ...Well then, do your best on the mission! Entertaaaainment!!!"
Mustang bid his farewell with a grand gesture, accompanied by several drones. As their echoing presence lingered in the ears, Anis let out a deep sigh.
"...Hah... My eyes are still dazzled..."
"Tetra's CEO is quite flashy!"
"Now, to the research facility... Commander, which way are you going?"
"I was going to the armory..."
"We're running out of time, Commander. You've learned the dance, right?"
"Indeed, I have, but... Give me 10 minutes, no, 7 minutes. I'll be right back."
"No, we can't. Let's go."
---Recently, it feels like my subordinates are becoming less flexible.
As he stepped into the elevator, Moore couldn't help but think this.
