Author Notes: It seems that there have been successive scrambles in the air forces of various countries. I've heard that even though fighter jets are showing up on radar, they can't identify the nationality of the unidentified aircraft they've launched to intercept. Could it be the Rapture, perhaps...?
-----
Inside the elevator that continued to ascend, a busy metallic sound reverberated as individuals performed the final inspections of the firearms they carried.
Normally, smoking was prohibited inside the elevator, but Moore was aware that he might not be able to smoke for a while and was in the midst of savoring a cigarette while he had the chance.
After smoking three cigarettes in quick succession and reluctantly throwing the last one into a portable ashtray, he stowed it away in the pouch of his body armor.
For the next few hours, he contemplated the possibility of not smoking, let out a sigh of disappointment, and unfastened the Velcro on the fabric case he was carrying on his shoulder belt, from which he retrieved a protective mask.
First, he removed the helmet and headset he had been wearing. He noticed the multi-purpose CBRN canister attached, pressed the rubber facepiece tightly against his face, and tightened the straps.
If he could seal off the exhale valve with his palm, it was a sign that breathing would be difficult.
He put the headset back on and donned the helmet, and Moore's preparations were complete.
"Human beings are such a hassle. I envy you girls."
Although he had a voice emitter loudspeaker, his voice was slightly muffled due to wearing the protective mask. Anise couldn't help but laugh, apparently finding his voice amusing.
In the midst of going to the surface for the first time in a while, their destination was a military manufacturing facility. The facility had been abandoned for quite some time, and it had literally produced military supplies.
This meant that harmful chemicals might have been left behind in the facility. In the manufacturing process of not only military supplies but also industrial products, such substances were commonly used. They may have stored or disposed of hazardous substances generated during the process, but the possibility that the entire facility had been abandoned and left behind could not be ignored.
Considering the risk of contamination throughout the facility, Moore, being a human, soldiered on by wearing the protective mask.
"Should we have requested Shifty's cooperation...?"
"That wouldn't be a good idea. She's part of the intelligence division. For us, and especially for Shifty, it would be a hassle."
Neon finished inspecting his shotgun and addressed Moore, who stood in front of the door that was about to open in a few minutes, but Moore just shook his head as he nonchalantly put on his helmet.
This time, it was a special operations unit, Counter's, conducting the investigation on their own. They were technically scheduled to receive Exia's support, but that was still just a plan.
.
.
----
They were about to reach the surface in less than a minute.
"Only one minute left!"
The commander, wearing a protective mask, urged everyone to be vigilant, and Rapi, Anis, and Neon put their fingers on the safety switches of the firearms they carried.
Moore also positioned his finger to be ready to disengage the safety switch on his assault rifle, awaiting the moment.
The countdown displayed on the LCD panel in the elevator was less than 10 seconds.
With the countdown continuing to zero at the corner of their field of vision, they lowered the muzzles of their assault rifles slightly, and as the air escaped, the doors opened. Simultaneously, everyone disengaged the safety switches on their firearms.
The scene that spread out beyond the open doors was literally a scrapyard. Various industrial machines and vehicles that appeared to be on the verge of disposal were stacked high, and unidentified drums were rolling around. They could only hope that stickers indicating the presence of radioactive waste or other hazardous materials were not absent in that mess.
First, Rapi and then Moore jumped out, searching for any signs of enemies, their gun barrels and gazes aimed in all directions.
"Clear."
"Good. Squad, assemble."
Fortunately, it seemed they wouldn't face immediate combat upon landing. After re-engaging their safety switches and surveying the surroundings to ensure safety once more, Moore raised his index finger on his left hand, making a circular motion to prompt them to gather.
"Commander, there doesn't appear to be any detection of harmful substances in the atmosphere. It seems safe to remove the masks."
"...That's good news."
He felt genuinely relieved by Rapi's report and removed the protective mask he had been wearing while hanging it on his arm after taking off his helmet and headset. Breathing in the surface air after a long time, he stored the protective mask in its case and then put back the removed items, before taking out a handheld device from his pouch.
"Our destination is right here. It's 3 kilometers to the northwest. Not too far, not too close, but we don't know how rampant the Rapture is. Be vigilant, all three of you. Rapi takes the lead, followed by me, then Anis, and Neon. Keep your distances. I'll say it again: maintain constant vigilance in the surroundings. Any questions?"
Despite the rapid verbal instructions, it seemed there were no questions. Having confirmed this, he closed the map projected on his handheld device and stowed it in the pouch.
Everyone was ready. Moore was about to signal the start of their advance by raising two fingers on his left hand when a sudden noise from the depths of the headset housing signaled incoming communication.
[Hello! How was your rest?]
"Shifty?"
[Long time no see!]
Anis, her right fingertip pressed to her right ear, let out a surprised voice at the unexpected appearance of someone.
The voice that echoed from the depths of the headset was a familiar one. It was the soothing voice of an operator, which could act as a kind of mental stabilizer in the ongoing tense battlefield on the surface.
However, Moore furrowed his brow in a puzzled manner. With the same expression, he looked at all three of them in turn, acknowledging that they were all receiving communication from Shifty.
----Did anyone talk about it?
In response to this question, all of them shook their heads from side to side.
"Long time no see, Shifty. It's good to see you're doing well."
[Yes! Congratulations on your promotion , Captain Moore!]
.
.
"...Ah, thank you. By the way, do you need something?"
For a moment, Moore felt a sense of wrongness in his heart. If it were Shifty—given her personality, it wouldn't be surprising for her to express concern and mention his missing left arm and health from the mission a month ago before congratulating him on his promotion. Nevertheless, there was also the possibility that she just wanted to congratulate him on his promotion.
[In fact, I volunteered to become the exclusive operator for Counter's! There were no other volunteers, so I was approved right away.]
Now Rapi turned her crimson eyes toward Moore, questioning him.
---Did you hear about this?"
---No, not at all."
The effectiveness of a month of training and rehabilitation might have brought them to a point where they could communicate through just eye contact and subtle gestures.
"Wow, so does this mean you'll be with us all the time from now on?"
"Yes!"
Anis turned her hazel eyes towards Moore. Her gaze spoke volumes, essentially saying, "Leave it to me," and he nodded in response.
"Oh, having two spies in one squad is a bit extravagant, don't you think?"
[Huh? Why do we have two?]
"You and Shifty."
"Oh! I completely forgot! Yes, I'm Ingrid's spy!"
.
....You shouldn't forget about something like that.
.
Since he had entrusted Anis with this, Moore refrained from saying it out loud, but he was on the verge of making a retort to Neon. However, it was a reflection of how well she had become accustomed to the squad, and as the squad's commander, he couldn't help but feel pleased for it.
On the other hand, Shifty seemed a bit bothered by Anise's use of the term "spy."
[...Uh, Anis, even if it's a joke, calling us spies is a bit...]
"Do you think it's a joke?"
As soon as Anis's tone turned serious, Shifty behind the housing fell silent. However, Anis quickly shifted gears and started teasing her.
"Of course it's a joke! Why are you reacting so seriously? You're acting like a real spy!"
[Haha... Y-yes... I suddenly got a bit scared... So, where is everyone's destination? I haven't received any official information since I was appointed to the Special Operations Unit. It would be great if you could let me know in advance each time there's a mission. Of course, it would be even better if you could tell me now!]
Despite Shifty's seemingly eager request, there was still a lingering sense of unease. While it was entirely possible that excessive paranoia had made Moore a bit overly cautious, he thought about this while using the fingertips of his left hand, which was clad in a glove, to massage his furrowed brow.
"We're here for a little change of scenery and, of course, for Commander's rehabilitation."
[For a change of scenery... and rehabilitation?]
"Yep, that's right. We haven't been on the surface for a month, and our bodies were starting to feel it. Besides, the Commander also mentioned wanting to get back into the feel of real combat!"
.
.
...Did he really say something like that? Well, he did mention wanting to regain a sense of real combat.
.
.
Suddenly, Moore recalled his statement from the data center yesterday, and indeed, those words did come to mind.
However, without paying attention to Moore's sudden shift, Anis, with an exaggerated flair, commented on how "the air is so fresh" while stretching her back and limbs.
"We're about to head back, but I'd like to stroll a bit more. Being in the Special Operations Unit is nice. Even without permission, we can come to the surface."
[...Is that so? Then, may I take my leave? It's because a special episode of the Arc Rangers is airing today, and I want to watch it in real-time.]
"Oh, really? Can you record it for me? I like it too. Goddess Squadron Arc Rangers."
[Yes, of course! Well then, goodbye. I'll contact you again the next time we're heading out!]
"Sure, see you later!"
In the end, Anis and Shifty exchanged cheerful remarks before the communication was cut off. Acknowledging this, Moore let out a small sigh.
"Um..."
Neon directed alternating glances at Moore and Anis, who had both sighed, preparing to ask what was going on.
But before that, Anis raised her finger to her lips, gesturing to keep quiet. She then silently pointed to the building that could be seen from the shadow of the various debris piled in the scrapyard.
...Let's move.
With their gaze directed there, Moore nodded and signaled to Rapi to take the lead using hand signs.
As Rapi gripped her assault rifle and began moving toward the building Anis had pointed out, Moore and the others followed, maintaining vigilance in the surroundings.
Author Notes: It seems that there have been successive scrambles in the air forces of various countries. I've heard that even though fighter jets are showing up on radar, they can't identify the nationality of the unidentified aircraft they've launched to intercept. Could it be the Rapture, perhaps...?
-----
Inside the elevator that continued to ascend, a busy metallic sound reverberated as individuals performed the final inspections of the firearms they carried.
Normally, smoking was prohibited inside the elevator, but Moore was aware that he might not be able to smoke for a while and was in the midst of savoring a cigarette while he had the chance.
After smoking three cigarettes in quick succession and reluctantly throwing the last one into a portable ashtray, he stowed it away in the pouch of his body armor.
For the next few hours, he contemplated the possibility of not smoking, let out a sigh of disappointment, and unfastened the Velcro on the fabric case he was carrying on his shoulder belt, from which he retrieved a protective mask.
First, he removed the helmet and headset he had been wearing. He noticed the multi-purpose CBRN canister attached, pressed the rubber facepiece tightly against his face, and tightened the straps.
If he could seal off the exhale valve with his palm, it was a sign that breathing would be difficult.
He put the headset back on and donned the helmet, and Moore's preparations were complete.
"Human beings are such a hassle. I envy you girls."
Although he had a voice emitter loudspeaker, his voice was slightly muffled due to wearing the protective mask. Anise couldn't help but laugh, apparently finding his voice amusing.
In the midst of going to the surface for the first time in a while, their destination was a military manufacturing facility. The facility had been abandoned for quite some time, and it had literally produced military supplies.
This meant that harmful chemicals might have been left behind in the facility. In the manufacturing process of not only military supplies but also industrial products, such substances were commonly used. They may have stored or disposed of hazardous substances generated during the process, but the possibility that the entire facility had been abandoned and left behind could not be ignored.
Considering the risk of contamination throughout the facility, Moore, being a human, soldiered on by wearing the protective mask.
"Should we have requested Shifty's cooperation...?"
"That wouldn't be a good idea. She's part of the intelligence division. For us, and especially for Shifty, it would be a hassle."
Neon finished inspecting his shotgun and addressed Moore, who stood in front of the door that was about to open in a few minutes, but Moore just shook his head as he nonchalantly put on his helmet.
This time, it was a special operations unit, Counter's, conducting the investigation on their own. They were technically scheduled to receive Exia's support, but that was still just a plan.
.
.
----
They were about to reach the surface in less than a minute.
"Only one minute left!"
The commander, wearing a protective mask, urged everyone to be vigilant, and Rapi, Anis, and Neon put their fingers on the safety switches of the firearms they carried.
Moore also positioned his finger to be ready to disengage the safety switch on his assault rifle, awaiting the moment.
The countdown displayed on the LCD panel in the elevator was less than 10 seconds.
With the countdown continuing to zero at the corner of their field of vision, they lowered the muzzles of their assault rifles slightly, and as the air escaped, the doors opened. Simultaneously, everyone disengaged the safety switches on their firearms.
The scene that spread out beyond the open doors was literally a scrapyard. Various industrial machines and vehicles that appeared to be on the verge of disposal were stacked high, and unidentified drums were rolling around. They could only hope that stickers indicating the presence of radioactive waste or other hazardous materials were not absent in that mess.
First, Rapi and then Moore jumped out, searching for any signs of enemies, their gun barrels and gazes aimed in all directions.
"Clear."
"Good. Squad, assemble."
Fortunately, it seemed they wouldn't face immediate combat upon landing. After re-engaging their safety switches and surveying the surroundings to ensure safety once more, Moore raised his index finger on his left hand, making a circular motion to prompt them to gather.
"Commander, there doesn't appear to be any detection of harmful substances in the atmosphere. It seems safe to remove the masks."
"...That's good news."
He felt genuinely relieved by Rapi's report and removed the protective mask he had been wearing while hanging it on his arm after taking off his helmet and headset. Breathing in the surface air after a long time, he stored the protective mask in its case and then put back the removed items, before taking out a handheld device from his pouch.
"Our destination is right here. It's 3 kilometers to the northwest. Not too far, not too close, but we don't know how rampant the Rapture is. Be vigilant, all three of you. Rapi takes the lead, followed by me, then Anis, and Neon. Keep your distances. I'll say it again: maintain constant vigilance in the surroundings. Any questions?"
Despite the rapid verbal instructions, it seemed there were no questions. Having confirmed this, he closed the map projected on his handheld device and stowed it in the pouch.
Everyone was ready. Moore was about to signal the start of their advance by raising two fingers on his left hand when a sudden noise from the depths of the headset housing signaled incoming communication.
[Hello! How was your rest?]
"Shifty?"
[Long time no see!]
Anis, her right fingertip pressed to her right ear, let out a surprised voice at the unexpected appearance of someone.
The voice that echoed from the depths of the headset was a familiar one. It was the soothing voice of an operator, which could act as a kind of mental stabilizer in the ongoing tense battlefield on the surface.
However, Moore furrowed his brow in a puzzled manner. With the same expression, he looked at all three of them in turn, acknowledging that they were all receiving communication from Shifty.
----Did anyone talk about it?
In response to this question, all of them shook their heads from side to side.
"Long time no see, Shifty. It's good to see you're doing well."
[Yes! Congratulations on your promotion , Captain Moore!]
.
.
"...Ah, thank you. By the way, do you need something?"
For a moment, Moore felt a sense of wrongness in his heart. If it were Shifty—given her personality, it wouldn't be surprising for her to express concern and mention his missing left arm and health from the mission a month ago before congratulating him on his promotion. Nevertheless, there was also the possibility that she just wanted to congratulate him on his promotion.
[In fact, I volunteered to become the exclusive operator for Counter's! There were no other volunteers, so I was approved right away.]
Now Rapi turned her crimson eyes toward Moore, questioning him.
---Did you hear about this?"
---No, not at all."
The effectiveness of a month of training and rehabilitation might have brought them to a point where they could communicate through just eye contact and subtle gestures.
"Wow, so does this mean you'll be with us all the time from now on?"
"Yes!"
Anis turned her hazel eyes towards Moore. Her gaze spoke volumes, essentially saying, "Leave it to me," and he nodded in response.
"Oh, having two spies in one squad is a bit extravagant, don't you think?"
[Huh? Why do we have two?]
"You and Shifty."
"Oh! I completely forgot! Yes, I'm Ingrid's spy!"
.
....You shouldn't forget about something like that.
.
Since he had entrusted Anis with this, Moore refrained from saying it out loud, but he was on the verge of making a retort to Neon. However, it was a reflection of how well she had become accustomed to the squad, and as the squad's commander, he couldn't help but feel pleased for it.
On the other hand, Shifty seemed a bit bothered by Anise's use of the term "spy."
[...Uh, Anis, even if it's a joke, calling us spies is a bit...]
"Do you think it's a joke?"
As soon as Anis's tone turned serious, Shifty behind the housing fell silent. However, Anis quickly shifted gears and started teasing her.
"Of course it's a joke! Why are you reacting so seriously? You're acting like a real spy!"
[Haha... Y-yes... I suddenly got a bit scared... So, where is everyone's destination? I haven't received any official information since I was appointed to the Special Operations Unit. It would be great if you could let me know in advance each time there's a mission. Of course, it would be even better if you could tell me now!]
Despite Shifty's seemingly eager request, there was still a lingering sense of unease. While it was entirely possible that excessive paranoia had made Moore a bit overly cautious, he thought about this while using the fingertips of his left hand, which was clad in a glove, to massage his furrowed brow.
"We're here for a little change of scenery and, of course, for Commander's rehabilitation."
[For a change of scenery... and rehabilitation?]
"Yep, that's right. We haven't been on the surface for a month, and our bodies were starting to feel it. Besides, the Commander also mentioned wanting to get back into the feel of real combat!"
.
.
...Did he really say something like that? Well, he did mention wanting to regain a sense of real combat.
.
.
Suddenly, Moore recalled his statement from the data center yesterday, and indeed, those words did come to mind.
However, without paying attention to Moore's sudden shift, Anis, with an exaggerated flair, commented on how "the air is so fresh" while stretching her back and limbs.
"We're about to head back, but I'd like to stroll a bit more. Being in the Special Operations Unit is nice. Even without permission, we can come to the surface."
[...Is that so? Then, may I take my leave? It's because a special episode of the Arc Rangers is airing today, and I want to watch it in real-time.]
"Oh, really? Can you record it for me? I like it too. Goddess Squadron Arc Rangers."
[Yes, of course! Well then, goodbye. I'll contact you again the next time we're heading out!]
"Sure, see you later!"
In the end, Anis and Shifty exchanged cheerful remarks before the communication was cut off. Acknowledging this, Moore let out a small sigh.
"Um..."
Neon directed alternating glances at Moore and Anis, who had both sighed, preparing to ask what was going on.
But before that, Anis raised her finger to her lips, gesturing to keep quiet. She then silently pointed to the building that could be seen from the shadow of the various debris piled in the scrapyard.
...Let's move.
With their gaze directed there, Moore nodded and signaled to Rapi to take the lead using hand signs.
As Rapi gripped her assault rifle and began moving toward the building Anis had pointed out, Moore and the others followed, maintaining vigilance in the surroundings.
