Chapter 198

Medic was pleased that the Little Cat was willing to do something productive, but then, as was his habit, he asked:

"Well, good luck with your work... But do you have Central Core position?"

Then the Little Cat's words infuriated Cole even more:

"No, but I can go to the Central Core and play video games on the PRTS console... and then eat in the cafeteria with Amiya without paying..."

Seeing the Little Cat make a V sign and then be chased away by Cole, Medic exchanged a speechless glance with Huang, who, although unable to see what was going on, had a pretty good idea... After a moment of silence, Medic, taking a sip of milk tea to calm himself, said with a sigh:

Raising a daughter... doesn't seem to be such an easy thing after all...

"Really."

Just as the two watched the Little Cat flee like the wind, a sudden sound beside them made Medic turn his head to look in the other direction.

"Um, are you a Medic agent?"

"I am... you must be... Operator Orchid."

"Yes, I'm Orchid, and I used to work for a magazine in Columbia. Let me make it clear that even for consultations, I charge by the hour... I'd like to confirm if it was indeed you who submitted the application for clothing design reference? If not, I've booked a small tea room where we can discuss this in more detail."

Looking at the white-haired woman with blue highlights in front of him, even though she was wearing a pencil skirt commonly used in Columbia business negotiations and had an upright posture, he could feel her confidence just by standing in front of him.

However, the dark circles under her eyes that even concealer couldn't completely cover, and her slightly listless tone, all indicated that she might not be in a good state.

However, Medic wouldn't be so oblivious as to directly point out that the other party was putting on a brave face.

After exchanging a few polite words with Orchid, Hehuang and the others entered a private room in the newly opened teahouse. After taking a few sips of water, Orchid immediately took out a measuring tape and other tools.

"Well then, let me first gather your body information... Hmm, just a simple measurement will do, and then... what are your requirements and the occasions you'll be attending?"

"It's for my own use... but for some reason, I might have to wear backless dresses from now on... could you make it less conspicuous?"

Hearing Medic's explanation, Orchid, who had previously looked exhausted, seemed to unexpectedly perk up a little.

After slightly tugging at the scarf that made it a little hard for her to breathe, Orchid sat up straight, pen in hand:

I would like to hear the details.

PS: Waaaaaaah!

PSS: I tried to find the person who designed Ayanami's ship rigging for me to borrow Neko's character design... but it seems they haven't read this book... I'm a little disappointed...

PSS2: Let me briefly describe Nana's new uniform... Keywords: black stockings bodysuit, short skirt, sleeveless shirt, hooded vest, hard backpack (with four omnidirectional mechanical arms)...

While there are options like shoulder-mounted cannon interfaces and rocket launchers, it seems unnecessary to link these to outfits; carrying them by hand would also be fine.

The main feeling is probably... like a heavily armed La Pluma?

6th Patriot's Gun: 216 Slightly helpless.

"... Hmm, I see. So you feel the style of the new equipment doesn't suit you?"

After listening to Medic's complaints for a while, Orchid glanced at the timer on her phone, then said with a business-like smile:

"Has Medic never had the idea of expressing individuality?"

"I never thought of such a thing... Being too conspicuous will not help in completing the mission."

Seeing that Medic's words made Orchid's expression stiffen, Huang chuckled and patted Medic on the shoulder... but missed, as the cat nimbly dodged away.

After an awkward cough, Huang continued as if nothing had happened:

"The past is the past. Medic, you're not some nobody anymore. Rhodes Island's Human Resources Special Operations Team is a top-tier team even in Contingency Contract. Wearing your distinctive uniform, just your presence can boost your teammates' morale, which is quite impressive."

"But..."

Watching the two Feline flirt with her as if she were invisible, Orchid carefully analyzed the personality of her client, her tablet already filled with several impressions of Medic.

'She seems to be a very serious person. When it comes to clothing, she prefers practicality to individuality... How about a functional style with sporty designs? But if she doesn't want to be too flashy, it feels like there's not much room for her to express herself...'

In the few minutes that Huang and Medic were arguing, a set of clothes with a strong sense of tactics appeared in front of them. It had a simple line drawing of a ribbon at the waist that could be used as a backpack strap, but was essentially a decorative ribbon.

"Oh! So this is a professional fashion designer? They look pretty good!"

Orchid simply smiled at Huang's supportive remarks, after all, the client himself hadn't spoken yet.

"Since the design of the clothing is already fixed, all I can do is adjust it as much as possible to enhance personal comfort and character... Although I'm still not entirely clear about the performance of those 'new equipment' you mentioned, as a professional appearance designer, I do have some suggestions for your outfit..."

"Please speak."

"... First of all, there's the issue of adapting your outerwear to your needs. If it can fully meet your storage requirements, then you should give up that somewhat outdated shoulder bag... Although I know that it's only natural for Catastrophe Messengers and medical personnel to carry large-capacity containers, I'm just making a suggestion."

"And then there's the jacket you're wearing to match your new gear... Do you have some kind of particular preference for these short jackets?"

Seeing Orchid's indication of the Rhodes Island internship uniform she was wearing, Medic naturally shook her head... or rather, quite the opposite, it was precisely because she had absolutely no preference that she was having such a difficult time making a choice.

Seeing Medic's reaction, Orchid breathed a sigh of relief and immediately drew a completely new outfit:

"So, given your personal style, Medic, I actually recommend a dress rather than a more androgynous business suit... If a bare back is a must, then you can use a choker to secure your clothing, wear a Rhodes Island blue lining underneath, keep the church cross decoration on the outside of the petticoat, and then lengthen the original collared coat to make it act as a faux skirt... While adding cute ribbon decorations, the mature black and white color scheme will show composure and personal style without losing elegance."

"The final details, such as the sleeves, ribbons, and tactical hooks on the jacket, can be retained, paired with a nurse's cap styled with a cross decoration... This creates a suit that can be worn to formal occasions while also fully showcasing individuality."

Seemingly inspired, Orchid saved the sketch she had on hand and created a new folder:

"If you prefer to use that Liquid Fabric as your signature outfit, then stick with the original short jacket design, but make the Liquid Fabric semi-transparent, wear it like a competition swimsuit, and then wear a short skirt over it..."

"... Wait, wait, wait! The back and waist are completely exposed... Is this an outfit I can wear out in public?!"

"Well, if you're Medic and you're concerned about your body lines being exposed, then try adding thickness to the sides of your high-slit athletic swimsuit. It might only increase the coverage by a third, but it will reduce the exposure a lot, so you can wear it out."

"Although you're of average height, not particularly tall... your leg proportions are excellent, so you can wear silky footed stockings with high heels... and as for swimwear, it's naturally a sailor uniform... umm!"

Seeing Orchid spiraling out of control, Medic stared at her for a while before the former magazine editor, who seemed to have had her fashion sense awakened, finally returned to normal.

After awkwardly taking a sip of tea, Orchid sent a second overview image:

"How about this?"

"Both outfits are beautiful... but the thought of wearing them makes me feel... conflicted."

"Ha..."

After a moment of silence, Orchid tried to look up at Huang, who had been egging Medic on to wear a tight-fitting sailor-style coat, saying "This is the one~ This is the one~".

After rubbing his hands together, he said somewhat nervously:

"Well, if you don't intend to make any changes... you two can probably give me a deposit now, and I'll immediately discuss the details with the workshop. Also, this discussion took a total of twenty-eight minutes, which is the minimum fee... Here's the list. The deposit is three hundred Lungmen Dollar, and the remaining two thousand seven hundred will be settled upon receipt of the goods."

Seeing Medic nod and then readily transfer the money using his Terminal, Blaze, who had always enjoyed the benefits of being a high-ranking operator—eating in the cafeteria and sleeping in the dormitory—and had never spent much money, was somewhat unaccustomed to it.

"Three hundred Lungmen Dollar for less than half an hour?"

"After all, it's a one-to-one custom-made clothing service... and the expenses on Rhodes Island are also quite high. I admit that my fees are indeed higher than before, but if I can't get the money soon, my treatment may have to be interrupted."

"Is it that bad?"

Ignoring Huang's inappropriate ramblings, Medic, listening to their conversation, suddenly remembered that he had come to Orchid with work from the Human Resources Department.

"Speaking of which, Miss Orchid came to Rhodes Island through a medical agreement?"

"Yes... I was in urgent need of ore, and then I was ostracized at work. Leaving was the least I could do with any dignity... Why are you suddenly asking this? Is there something you need?"

Seeing that Liberi had slightly raised an eyebrow and seemed to be on guard, Medic waved his hand and then added some more tea to his cup.

"Please don't be nervous, Miss Orchid. As you know, I'm in charge of the Human Resources Department, and Rhodes Island Landship has always been understaffed... As the head of the Human Resources Department, my job is to do my best to place Rhodes Island employees in positions where they can best utilize their interests and strengths..."

"Um... assembly line work in pharmaceutical factories is out of the question, no thanks..."

Seeing Orchid's sensitive expression, Medic could only helplessly touch his cheek and explain: I

"Rhodes Island's pharmaceutical facilities are an independent system from the Landship. They primarily cooperate with the local government, so naturally they wouldn't ask Landship personnel to go to such lengths."

"I called you over mainly because you seemed to be facing some financial difficulties. After all, judging from Huang, the cost of living for Rhodes Island members isn't actually that high... But Orchid, you look like you're having a hard time. Is it because you haven't received the cooperative treatment agreement from the Medical Department?"

"... No, it's just that I haven't made up my mind... after all, how do I know if Rhodes Island is using the same system as Columbia..." (Wife)

Seeing that the other party was still wary, Medic exchanged a helpless glance with Huang. They decided to check the Terminal first to confirm that the deposit had indeed been paid.

"I understand how hard-won trust is, so besides hoping you can give us another chance, I have no other right to say anything else... As a client, I do believe Ms. Orchid's designs are unique... And Rhodes Island currently has vacancies in various positions; if our cooperation can be mutually beneficial, then I think we will achieve a win-win situation."

"If you are interested in any vacant positions at Rhodes Island, please feel free to contact me anytime... And to ensure that more people with skills like Ms. Orchid don't become unable to continue working due to focusing on their illness, I will release Rhodes Island job postings through PRTS as soon as possible... That's all for today, I look forward to the finished garments."

Seeing that Orchid was still somewhat hesitant, Medic prepared to get up and leave... But under Orchid's questioning gaze, the two Feline had just gotten up, but after a few seconds of silence, Medic pulled Huang back to sit in front of Orchid.

"I already said, if you're asking me to come to Rhodes Island to make a living, I'd need to think about it..."

"Ah... I'm sorry, it's not about that... it's just that, look at her."

As he spoke, Medic pushed Huang into the seat in front of Orchid:

"This girl is taking her final assessment as a Senior Operator at the end of the year... How about you design a custom Senior Operator uniform for her?"

"Medic?"

Ignoring Huang's questioning voice, Medic, unusually, continued speaking to himself:

"After all, it's better to be lucky than early..."

"I have my own clothes!"

"You mean those windbreakers that your Originium Arts dried out and made them brittle? Fine, consider it my belated Christmas present... The main thing is, who knows if a professional designer like Orchid will still be around after the New Year... You should just get one for yourself too."

As Medic and Huang sat down in front of her as if no one else was there, Orchid didn't even realize that a slight smile had appeared on her usually gloomy face, despite their seemingly unconcerned expressions. She wondered if they were concerned about her friend or about her, someone she had only just met.

After Medic insisted on paying the deposit for another person's treatment, Orchid suddenly realized that the cost of the course of medical treatment that had been giving her a headache seemed to have been resolved through the two Feline's playful banter?

Seeing the two of them still playing childish games like "cat push hands" despite their close relationship, Orchid smiled and picked up the measuring tape.

"Then let's take the measurements again."

Although Huang shyly declined several times, Medic's kindness was eventually accepted.

Or to put it another way, for Huang, receiving a gift from Medic to celebrate passing the Senior Operator assessment at a time as special as the New Year... with so many special moments that belong only to her, unlike so-called holiday gifts, this new uniform can be said to have been specially ordered for her by Medic.

Huang has absolutely no resistance to things created specifically for him.

Of course, if she could simply accept Medic's kindness and not make a big fuss about it... making it seem like the whole world knows that Medic sent her a custom-designed uniform on December 27, 1994, then everyone would be happy.

As for the trouble that Blaze's actions caused Medic, just look at the way White Rabbit stared intently at Medic when he went to check on Specter's recovery status that afternoon, and when he went to check on FrostNova.

"That's so nice... Huang actually got a special gift for him... That's so nice."

"FrostNova also wants one... then come join Rhodes Island... I'll personally sponsor you a custom uniform, and you can ask that designer to help you design it, how about that?"

Holding Medic's hand, feeling the weakness brought on by the loss of Originium's activity within her body, FrostNova's sickly face was flushed.

"Hmm... I'll ask the old man after my treatment is over. After all, I don't know if I can stay here... But why did you agree so readily, Medic?"

"Because after lunch I tried to get PRTS to help me compile a list of recruitment details for vacant positions... Rhodes Island's staff shortage is worse than I thought, so unlike last time, I'm now open to anyone willing to join Rhodes Island."

As he spoke, he turned on the Terminal in his hand and flipped to the job posting that had previously left him FrostNova...

Seeing the Ship Affairs Department recruiting crew members, the Engineering Department recruiting engineers, the kitchen recruiting cooks, and the logistics department recruiting equipment operators—a state where almost every department was operating at full capacity— FrostNova suddenly felt that it was truly absurd that Rhodes Island's Landship could still sail according to plan.

"Yeah, I think it's pretty outrageous too..."

As FrostNova flipped through the recruitment list, seemingly searching for a while, the Yeti princess frowned slightly:

"... But Rhodes Island seems to be recruiting mostly for technical positions... Aren't there any jobs that someone who dropped out of school or only graduated from elementary school can do? Even the least technically demanding Logistics Department is only recruiting mechanical wizards... Aren't the requirements a bit too high?"

Hearing the girl's words, Medic, who was writing FrostNova's medical record, immediately realized her intention:

"Are you trying to find jobs for Big Bear and the others on Rhodes Island?"

"Yes, given my current condition, the Yeti Squad probably won't be able to carry out missions for several years... If they want to help Talulah, at least Alina will take care of them, so I don't have to worry about anything... But if they insist on staying by my side, it's necessary to find them something to do."

FrostNova's parental-like manner in choosing a job reminded Medic of his earlier meeting with Orchid that morning, and the plight of Zilan living alone on Rhodes Island.

Rhodes Island is currently receiving a steady stream of patients, and excluding those with family members helping to pay their medical bills and those from well-off families... there must be quite a few patients like Orchid who have been hurt by their surroundings and have protected themselves like hedgehogs with 'questioning'.

Medic doesn't know how long the Medical Department's almost charitable state of providing drugs and treatments, which is practically like giving them away, can continue.

But just as Rhodes Island's revenue mainly comes from the various missions of its operations teams rather than the sale of medicine, as long as Rhodes Island continues to interact with various countries as an 'expert on the Infected issues' and continues to transform the implicit benefits gained from its interactions with national regimes into organizational capital... then Rhodes Island can support more the Infected at a lower cost and continue to maintain their treatment.

As FrostNova frantically searched for suitable positions for her team members, making adorable, conflicted noises, Medic's lips curled into a smile:

"If Rhodes Island's staff, even the most basic support personnel, weren't all mechanical sorcerers, this ship might actually have come to a standstill... Alright, that concludes today's inspection. FrostNova, keep it up... I still stand by what I said before: if you join FrostNova Rhodes Island, I'll give you a custom-made uniform... Also, with your abilities, FrostNova, you might even be able to have your own squad... In that case, wouldn't the job for Big Bear and the others be solved naturally?"

"... Hmm, that's quite an appealing point..."

"After all, our cafeteria is open to employees aged two (or three) for free."

FrostNova felt a pang of reluctance as she watched Medic pack up and prepare to leave, having only spent a little over an hour and a half with him.

"Are you leaving already?"