Chapter 200
"Little Cat, have you made any plans for the future? What about your studies? What about combat practice...? Flying? Flying at 200 kilometers per hour doesn't count as combat training. You need to have a clear goal like mastering the timing of entering and exiting supersonic combat..."
Although Medic was only going all out against the Little Cat, Huang and Su Luo were still uneasy because of its appearance, which seemed to have been traumatized yesterday.
When the two women tried to say something for the Little Cat, they both froze when they saw Medic's heterochromatic eyes with their fiery brilliance... They held a certain amount of awe for the stern Medic.
Surprisingly, Rosemary, who usually ignores all reprimands from any instructor, was unexpectedly obedient when faced with a stern Nana today...
Huang initially thought it was because the deceased lady was keeping a close watch on him... but after Medic said, "I have something to do, I'll be leaving now," Huang gasped when he saw Medic, who was even bare-legged today.
Seeing the Little Cat's dejected look despite fulfilling all of Medic's requirements, the big cat knew the problem might be more serious.
"Rosemary, what's wrong with you today... Did you upset Medic?"
Regarding Huang's baseless slander, the cloud-like little Feline glanced at the black-haired big cat with her usual light gaze, then sighed... Rosemary explained with a rare display of emotion that seemed to possess gravity:
"Nana... she's just worried that she might not be able to see us for a while again..."
"... Medic, does she have another dangerous mission?"
Compared to Huang's unfounded guess, Su Sulo, who knew that the entire floor of automated operating rooms in the Medical Department had been emptied today, realized something:
"Yes, that surgery..."
"Huh? What kind of surgery?"
"It seems like it's a surgery that requires Medic to use some special equipment... Didn't you go with her to choose her uniform?"
Faced with Su Sulo's questioning gaze, Huang shoved the breakfast into his mouth and swallowed it whole, then stomped his foot, whether choking or expressing his anger, it was unclear.
"No... it's just changing equipment... why does it sound like a life-or-death situation... Little Cat, do you know what's going on?"
Rosemary shook her head and used the small spoon Amiya had given her to scrape the bottom of the bowl.
Just as Medic advised, she no longer wastes a single grain of rice.
"... It's just that, very naturally... Nana will treat every day with us as if it were her last."
Medic handed the Liquid Fabric container that needed modification to Weedy, Orchid was waiting there. He looked at the messages that popped up on his Terminal communication screen. The text message preview showed a reminder for the remaining payment on the clothing, as well as a message from Orchid asking about paperwork in the Human Resources Department.
Because the surgery was about to take place, Medic skipped the preview... but after thinking about it, the cat still opened the payment app and paid.
As for the communication software, since the preview is simply swiped away, there's no read status.
I can only hope I can respond to them soon... Or, even if something unexpected happens to me, the other departments in the Human Resources Department... whether it's Folinic from the Emergency Medical Department, Jessica from the Human Resources Department Action Team, or even the Little Cat that's been with me... just like the three years that flashed by in the blink of an eye last time, Medic believes everyone can handle everything.
"The design drawings have arrived, so I'll go manufacture your new Medic outfit now... I can use all these materials, right?"
Weedy nodded in affirmation.
Currently, Medic only requires Non-Entropic Applications to function properly; therefore, the wear and tear on other equipment can be considered normal consumption.
What caught Medic's attention was that, waiting for him outside the operating room, besides the personnel involved in the equipment modification and adaptive surgery, he also spotted a patient in a hospital gown Vulpo, with a golden Halo around his head next to Kal'tsit.
"That Halo... you are... Seia?"
"We've finally met, Zero... no, you're called Medic now?"
Seemingly uncomfortable using his current form of address to communicate with Medic, and looking at this Little Fox who seemed to be the same type who would never grow up, just like Su Sulo, Medic habitually put on a smile... and that expression alone was enough to leave the other person dumbfounded.
"Medic is a code name, but you can call me Nana... Nana Ivy... that's my current name."
Seeing that Medic seemed to have a long talk ahead of her, Kal'tsit turned and went into the operating room. Medic, seeing this, tugged at his Rhodes Island trainee uniform one last time.
"It's good news to see you safe and sound... but I have other things to do right now... we'll have time later."
"... Yes, I know... and then, it was my final 'Foresight'..."
The Little Fox in the wheelchair called out to Nana, who was looking at her childhood friend... or rather, another 'mother' figure among the three of them. The golden-haired Little Fox earnestly recounted the last scene she saw before she fell seriously ill:
"Someone awaits you in the not-too-distant future, in a small, dark coffin. The power you gain from this will be key—it is... a 'sword' capable of tearing through the darkness and the cloud-filled sky!"
The Little Fox said a few words in a hurry and then started bleeding from its nose, looking dizzy and disoriented.
Medic hesitated for a second, then immediately turned back, took out a handkerchief, and treated Seia's injuries:
"Thank you... but please don't push yourself..."
Subconsciously, Medic nuzzled against her as if he were with Rosemary, before releasing the slightly flushed Seia.
"Leave the rest to me."
Although the Kitty Killer comforted the Little Fox in this way, whether things went smoothly or not in the operating room was really none of Nana's business.
After taking off his worn-out uniform, Medic changed into a surgical gown and lay on the operating table, letting Kal'tsit mark something along his spine with a pen.
Neither of them said anything until the surgery officially began.
Medic trusted Kal'tsit, so she didn't need to say anything more to Kal'tsit until the mission was complete.
As another green-haired lieutenant put an anesthesia mask on Nana, Medic finally turned his head to look at Kal'tsit one last time.
Under the bright lights, the emerald green Feline even had its eyes obscured by its bangs...
"Surgery begins."
PS: Waaaaaaah!
PS: So here's a picture of Nana in her modified bodysuit.
The white area represents the slit section... while the four nerve attachment points on the black metal component at the waist are alternative access points when the neuroexoskeleton is inconvenient to use... Of course, sometimes when the back equipment feels cumbersome, the weight can be shifted to the waist in this way.
6th Patriot's Gun: 218 Pull out the adult's card
On December 29, 1094, Medic began equipment adaptation surgery.
That day, Rosemary, who had been scolded by Medic, barely behaved herself for the rest of the day.
He diligently completed his coursework, ate meals in the cafeteria obediently, washed the cat-ear-decorated cutlery set he had taken from Amiya and returned it to her, and unusually, he completed the training tasks assigned by Instructor Dobermann with a down-to-earth and serious attitude (in physics).
Because the Little Cat's behavior was truly astonishing, Amiya, who was walking home from school with it that day, even touched the Little Cat's forehead with concern.
"... Amiya?"
"Rosemary, are you alright? You seem a bit strange today..."
"... Does that surprise you so much that I can wash dishes?"
Reaching out to take the Little Bunny's hand, the two of them, carrying the day's schoolwork books on their backs, walked out of the meeting room that served as a high school classroom, just as usual... or perhaps a little differently. The fact that Rosemary could walk on her own was enough to make those who knew her frown in amazement.
And at this time, which is usually when departments change shifts, Red, who goes to school with Amiya, always disappears very quickly.
In the past, by the time Amiya left with the floating Little Cat, it was always too late to grab any meat or vegetables from the cafeteria. Amiya had long since gotten used to cooking for herself... If the two of them were feeling lazy at the same time, they could go to the garage and eat the ever-expanding stock of canned food from the Exploration Vehicle.
But today, the Little Cat's first words startled Amiya, because Rosemary, with a serious expression, pointed to the corner of her mouth and said:
"Speaking of which, how about I cook dinner tonight?"
"... Is... is tomorrow going to be the end of the world?!"
"Amiya is so mean! I grew up watching my sister make bread, how come I can't cook?"
Ignoring the bewildered looks on her older sister's and her parents' and brothers' faces, Rosemary continued:
"The end of the year is almost here... I don't know if Medic will be able to make it for the New Year's Eve dinner, but if possible, I'd still like to cook for her myself..."
"Hmm, I see. So I was the test subject?"
Seeing the bunny's droopy ears and tearful face, Rosemary tilted her head:
"Amiya was the first to eat my cooking, isn't that a good thing?"
"... It's not that it's bad, it's just that I suddenly realized, Rosemary, you really only seem motivated when it comes to things related to Medic..."
Hearing Amiya's exclamation, the little white Feline stroked its chin, its cat ears twitching and spinning involuntarily as it pondered.
"If Amiya were also... in that situation where she was cut open, with her mother's cries still echoing in her ears, and suddenly found herself being picked up, and then saw the blue sky again... Amiya would also love Medic just as much as I do."
"... And we also have to add the guilt you felt for hurting Medic back then."
"Oh, right... But Amiya, you remembered them all..."
Seeing the Little Cat's oblivious state, the rabbit Empathy the sorrow in its companion's heart, its ears drooping and its smile forlorn.
"How many times do you think you've said it, how many times have we witnessed that event in our dreams...?"
"... Sorry, I made you feel bad again... So let's talk about dinner. I'll cook dinner, consider it a rehearsal for New Year's Eve dinner. We'll go buy enough food for three days, and then invite our close friends over for a party, how about that?"
After calming her pent-up frustration and smoothing her bunny ears to make them perk up again, Amiya raised a smirk at her friend, whom she didn't have a good opinion of:
"Oh? ~ You didn't leave me alone at the supermarket with all these bags again, and then sneak back to the dorm by yourself, did you?"
"No, this time I'm inviting everyone, including Kal'tsit- sensei... I'm really serious."
Seeing the Little Cat nod seriously, the rabbit raised an eyebrow and said with a smile:
"That's rare... it's genuine Rosemary. I'll leave my bag in the dorm and then we'll meet at the supermarket."
After saying their goodbyes, the two quickly dealt with their personal matters.
After putting down her textbooks and homework, the Little Cat changed into dry clothes. Logically, to ensure her energy for studying, the instructors hadn't arranged very intense combat training, but Rosemary just couldn't stand the sticky feeling...
Because Kal'tsit certified that this was PTSD caused by Medic's blood when she left the Loken Watertank, everyone was very accommodating to Rosemary, even though she was a bit of a germaphobe.
No matter where she is or what state she is in, Rosemary is always the cleanest of all, seemingly forever that little Feline like a cloud.
Considering that she would be going to the public area to make purchases, and in order not to attract attention or be mistaken for a staff member by people seeking medical treatment, Rosemary never wore her uniform and wandered around the ship at times like this.
The Little Cat never wants to experience again being grabbed by random people and bombarded with questions about directions and treatment details, like she used to.
"Speaking of which... I wonder if that young lady's treatment went smoothly."
"What young lady? The daughter of that perfume merchant from Victoria last time?"
Looking in the direction the sound came from, and seeing Amiya with a large shopping bag slung over her shoulder, leading two little devils, one in red and one in green, on either side, Rosemary simply nodded:
"Hmm, I remembered the time she mistook me for a member of the Medical Department and ended up talking to me for half an hour... By the way, are Little Peach and Little Green coming too?"
"Come--!"
"We're already here. Also, could you please stop distinguishing us by the color of our clothes... Sister Xiaobai?"
Seeing that Xiya, also known as Little Green, still dared to speak sarcastically to her... Rosemary picked her up and then used Invisible Hand to pinch and rub the brat's head for a while:
"Aren't you becoming less and less lovable? You couldn't even pass middle school subjects, and now you're still learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division..."
"Waaah... My sister and I were just busy running around... What are you so smug about, you who only got 60 on the placement test?"
"Hmph~ I call this not expending even a fraction of my strength."
"Oh, really? Then next time Nana checks the report card, don't destroy the evidence..."
As she spoke, feeling the invisible hand moving on her face, Little Green also reached out and pinched Rosemary's cheek. The two of them remained frozen in this awkward silence as they walked down the street, leaving Amiya speechless.
So Rabbit pulled Aili a little closer to her, pointed to the side, and said with an expression that said, "It's the New Year, and your little sister is still arguing with a child. Don't be like her."
"Aili, your sister really likes Rosemary..."
"Those two are like this... Anyway, they didn't use knives or guns, at most they'll just have a video fighting game match tonight, let them argue if they want... Amiya, you're carrying such a big bag this time, you must have bought a lot of delicious food, right?!"
"Hmm~ Let me guess what you want to eat... Probably meat, meat, meat, and more meat..."
As she spoke, she picked up boxes of chilled meat from the refrigerated section, which was limited in quantity each day but ended up in the cafeteria's large pot dishes due to price issues, and stuffed them into the large cloth bag slung over her shoulder... Amiya carefully selected the ingredients based on her cooking experience accumulated over the years.
While Little Peach, who grew up in the mountains, looked at the scales in the freezer with a curious yet fearful expression, Amiya quickly stuffed four or five bags of priced cabbages from the vegetable counter behind her into her handbag...
If I were to stuff it into the bag right in front of Little Peach, that carnivore, I'd probably get bombarded with her starry-eyed gaze the whole way...
As the CEO of Rhodes Island who is already familiar with the personalities of all the little ones around her, Amiya can now confidently say that she can properly handle the problem of these people not eating their food properly.
The portions given to everyone are calculated precisely; if you don't eat, you'll go hungry.