Chapter 207

Listening to Huang's introduction, Medic initially thought that this Sarkaz, who maintained a mask and sunglasses even indoors, was a rather introverted person. After all, many of the ICA's sniper and scout personnel were not very talkative in front of him.

But after shaking hands, Scout started complaining to Huang:

"Huang, you've already rattled off everything yourself, how am I supposed to introduce myself now...?"

"Hey? Could you talk about something else, like the top contenders for the office chair roller skating race around the ship?"

"Could you please give me some face in front of the Human Resources Department... I'm still hoping to hook up with Medic to get me some extra staff..."

Watching the two of them, as if they had a grudge against each other, start pouring strong liquor into each other's beer mugs, Medic, feeling he should say something, could only weakly raise his hand. "Um... I've already started working on the recruitment and redistribution of manpower, really... Kal'tsit has agreed that I can select suitable people from those who have signed medical contracts for professional training, and a new action team should be formed soon..."

"Really? Then everyone needs to be very careful in their selection, since Rhodes Island's action teams aren't easy to get into."

As an unfamiliar voice spoke to him, slightly cold but gentle, before Medic could even begin to wonder who it was, Huang once again launched into a familiar introduction:

"Ah~ Pith, I know about you. It's because your selection criteria are too strict that all the action teams are short-handed... Medic, don't worry, this guy may look cold, but he's actually one of your subordinates. She is..."

Stepping directly forward past Huang's protective arms, which resembled those of Little Cat, Liberi was about the same height as Medic, removed his goggles and dust mask, and smiled at Medic:

"I am Pith, Rhodes Island's warlock instructor and headhunter for action team members... By my job description, I should indeed be a member of the Human Resources Department."

"Hello, nice to meet you. However, Elite Operator should all have independent operational authority..."

"Yes, so it's called a function, but essentially it's just a side job to find suitable people to recommend to Rhodes Island during missions. It's really just my personal interest... Now that you're working on a systematic recruitment, it's actually a relief for me."

Seeing Pith quickly build rapport with Medic and clink glasses, Blaze, who had now truly entered the Elite Operator circle, hurriedly squeezed back to Medic's side, leaving Pith bewildered.

"Anyway, just remember that Pith is actually in the same department as you, Medic. Now let's look at this one..."

Whether it was intentional groping or the height difference, as Huang touched Medic's chin to make her turn her head to look at the other side, Sargonfidia, who had been observing the two's obviously overly intimate actions while holding a wine glass, stroked his stubble and said:

"Sharp, you can also call me 'Sharp' in Yan... I've been wondering before, Huang, your relationship with Medic seems to be better than your relationship with ACE... Who exactly is your captain?"

"Now I can be the captain myself!~"

Seeing that although Huang Na was quite tall for a woman, she was still slightly shorter than him, and that she was trying her best to hold her head high and puff out her chest, with even her tail held high, Sharp grinned:

"Alright, let's practice again sometime? I think ACE spoils you too much... You still need to understand that Elite Operator perform differently depending on their combat style..."

Seeing Sharp, who also frequently handled assault and decapitation missions, challenge her, and knowing that ACE had gone easy on her, Huang hesitated for a moment, but still puffed up her cat ears and stomped her foot:

"Bring it on! I'll show Sharp that I'm not the Little Cat I used to be... But... come to think of it, none of you guys seem to have mentioned wanting to compete against Medic?"

Seeing Huang's puzzled look, ACE, who had been happily drinking with the others, almost spat out his drink.

While ACE was coughing, Touch, who had just refilled Medic's glass with beer, said helplessly:

"It's like why nobody would compete with Rosemary... If it were the old Medic who only used Firearms Arts, that would be one thing, but now the Medic has four heavy weapon units, can fly, can stay airborne, and can provide suppressive fire. Who would be so foolish as to compete with an airborne gunship... You'll pay for the ammunition?"

"Then, what if we don't use Tactical Unit and guns?"

"Isn't this the same as you trying to duel someone without your chainsaw...?"

As he spoke, the Sarkaz man, carrying a longbow and quiver and sporting a slicked-back hairstyle with his gray hair, raised a toast to Medic. Medic returned the toast and then noted the nameplate on the shoulder of the man's uniform— Stormeye.

"However, even without guns, Medic uses classical magic... ah, I'll just say it directly... he's a master of Teekaz Witchcraft. In terms of magic, the only ones here who can rival Medic are Pith and Touch... What kind of female-only event is this? Where's Logos? Why isn't he here when we need him to support our male operators?"

"That brat said yesterday that he'd have it easy since he's not mentoring any newbies, and today he's saying he's going to sleep in... I'm a little annoyed."

"Is that so? Shouldn't we drag him out and show him to the newcomers?"

"Um..."

Seeing that ACE's face was flushed and he seemed to be seriously considering dragging her out of the dormitory to attend the party, Medic suddenly realized that, in the midst of setting up the party, the Elite Operator present had already had a few rounds of drinks and were starting to get tipsy.

Or to put it another way, anyone who saw Huang hugging Su Sulo while hiccuping and saying nonsensical things like, "How are you feeling? How are you feeling right now?" would probably realize that everyone was already quite drunk.

Medic welcomes everyone who comes to toast him, whether they are his subordinates, just there for the fun, or specifically to get to know him. He drinks it all down in one gulp. However, perhaps due to his constitution or the modifications, Medic is completely unaffected by alcohol. It's just that his Halo keeps reminding him that he has replenished his fuel, which is a bit annoying.

Just as Medic rescued Su Sulo from Huang's schascha and began watching Huang and Sharp practice the traditional drinking games of the Yan, Medic suddenly spotted a linen-colored girl in a white dress with a cross decorated on the hem in the crowd... It was Nagisa.

Seeing the file folder, which was more than 20 centimeters long, darting around in her hand, Medic could only hand over Su Sulo was also a little tipsy from being forced to drink by Huang, to Touch, and then leave the Elite Operator's area of activity with a forced smile.

"Are you getting along well with your new colleagues?"

"It's alright... Actually, I'd like you guys to get to know everyone a bit better... That would be good for you too."

As she spoke, Nagisa took the folder that was handed to her, her eyes crinkling slightly with a smile:

"Don't worry about us. With Mika's outgoing personality, you'll probably see her hanging out with other people very soon after she leaves the Medical Department... And Seia and I know our limits. But more importantly, there are those things you have..."

"What happened?"

After a hesitant, low inquiry and confirming with his eyes that it was a non-classified document that could be opened in a public place, Medic began to review the first batch of findings from his Intelligence Department... Seriously, it's only been less than a week, and they've already connected with the ICA?

"Something's happening all the time on this land, my dear Minister Nana... First, there's the follow-up to the Loken Watertank you mentioned before. What we can confirm now is that Williams himself is no longer in the prison where he was supposed to be serving his sentence. Someone has processed his parole. It's quite likely that he's continuing his research, but as for the specifics... the ICA says the cleanup is complete, so it might take some effort to investigate."

"Then there are some remnants from previous events in Raisington City. We have a large amount of equipment and specialized devices left behind Laisenton. Although most of them can be converted into funding for Licorice Cafe through ICA's 'depreciation,' using Rhodes Island's public lines doesn't meet our security and confidentiality requirements... So even if we have to go through Dr. Kal'tsit's channels, even if it's required to be done under the supervision of Rhodes Island's higher-ups, it's fine. I hope we can quickly recover or procure the items needed on the new list... This is your job, Minister, so please apply for funding as soon as possible."

Medic memorized the application form that Nagisa had stuck out her tongue and tried to shove into his coat, intending to hand it to Kal'tsit later. But looking through the documents, it seemed the information only occupied a few pages; what was the whole thick stack of documents for?

It seemed Nagisa understood Medic's confusion, and this, mentioned last, was clearly the most important thing the Investigation Department had after she took over the Intelligence Department... At this point, even Nagisa's expression tightened:

"Finally, there's Ursus... that Ursus where everything is terrible. To be honest, I don't even know how to describe the chain of international repercussions caused by their situation. I just hope that when you upload this information, Nana, our boss doesn't have a heart attack and pass out..."

Is it really as exaggerated as Nagisa described?

With these thoughts in mind, Medic turned a page, but when he saw the opening line on the first page, "Confirmed: The Fourth Army and Fifth Army of the Ursus Icefields have effectively begun a civil war," Medic felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

No, let me look at it more carefully...

"... Patriot's Fifth Army clashed with members of the local Fourth Army over the legality of the mine closure, resulting in a standoff that lasted for over three months... Finally, in December 1094, information about the Fifth Army firing naval guns on the Intercity Network was confirmed..."

Seeing Medic's still somewhat incredulous expression, Nagisa nodded seriously:

"Although we can be certain that the conflict between the two sides did not just erupt in December, they should have consulted before because of the Reunion Movement... or the issue of the Infected... However, judging from the complete lack of follow-up, it is estimated that neither side reached a conclusion at that time."

"And don't forget, while both sides are focused on the 'The Infected,' what's actually worrying is the Ursus army itself, which has begun to take action."

"The anomalies at various transportation hubs and cargo routes have caused great concern across the land. There is evidence that the Third, Sixth, and Eighth Armies of Ursus may be secretly assembling in southwestern Ursus."

"It is said that the strongest Campaign Knight force in Kazimierz, the 'Silverlance Pegasi,' has already assembled in the northeastern salient of Kazimierz. The Great Yan Celestial Master has also announced his itinerary to visit and comfort the people of Ursus, the closest Lungmen to Ursus... Even our country, no... Columbia Army, has begun a partial mobilization of its powered armored units and officers. And Columbia's actions have also led to Bolivar starting a similar mobilization of veterans... The entire land has been thrown into chaos by the unusual situation in Ursus."

"Although it appears to be an increasingly fierce civil war between Royalist Faction and Old Nobility Faction, in reality, for a country that once expanded wildly through war, no amount of defense is surprising..."

However, at this point, Nagisa pointed somewhat doubtfully to the section about Victoria in the document and showed it to Medic:

"Another puzzling thing is the situation with our old adversary, Victoria. Not long ago, Victoria mobilized its Steam Knight forces, but with the tension rising rapidly across the land, Victoria's elite armored units have shown no reaction. It's hard not to wonder if they have some shady deal with those Russians... perhaps a secret non-aggression pact?"

Seeing Nagisa's wildly imaginative guess, Medic rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Victoria and Ursus don't border each other, so they'd never sign a non-aggression pact..."

However, as he said this, Medic thought of Kazimierz, which was sandwiched between Ursus and Victoria, one in the south and the other in the north:

"Probably not?"

As he said this, Medic glanced through the materials in his hand, then tucked them under his arm, intending to bring them directly to Kal'tsit later.

"Thanks, Nagisa... even though this should be my vacation time..."

"It's okay, that's just how my job is... Also, if you really want to make it up to me, remember to attend your own coffee shop's opening ceremony... Don't make a fool of yourself by saying the owner isn't there when we open for business."

After waving her hand and handing over the batch of urgent intelligence she had gathered to Medic, Nagisa left the slightly noisy place.

Touch, who had witnessed the whole thing, covered Su Sulo with a small blanket and then came to Medic's side, patting the hesitant girl on the shoulder.

"Work? Don't worry about it, just leave first... We often have situations where we're on holiday and then suddenly we're called up for an emergency. Luckily, it's not an emergency field mission, is it?"

"Ah... um... sorry, I might have to go to Kal'tsit's place."

As he spoke, Medic glanced at the already sleeping Su Sulo and the drunken Huang, and shook his head helplessly:

"I'm leaving them in your care."

"Well, Su Sulo is, after all, one of my trainees, and Huang is the group's darling. Don't worry about them, everyone will take good care of them."

They exchanged a knowing smile, and Medic, with a wry smile, left with the file folder... As the lights flickered on and off, and Medic strode into the corridor, the little black cat who had been smiling in front of everyone reverted to its indifferent demeanor.

PS: Waaaaaaah!

P. S.: Subscriptions are visibly dropping... It seems like people aren't really into the Rhodes Island short story... So let's get straight to the main story...

6th Patriot's Gun: 226 The Love-Hate Relationship Between Kal'tsit and Ursus

Rhodes Island's corridors have an automatic lighting system that monitors surrounding sounds and adjusts light brightness accordingly, but this system might present some challenges for Nana in using it.

The black cat walked silently, and the dark environment, coupled with the LED strip lights illuminating the path ahead, perfectly mirrored Medic's current mood.

Fortunately, Medic didn't have the habit of venting her emotions on others. Although her sudden appearance in the Medical Department's administrative area still startled some of the SWEEP members, Red, whose tail was standing on end, reluctantly let Medic into Kal'tsit's office because of Medic's initiative to inform her.

Coincidentally, Kal'tsit was having a routine call with a certain worrying group of people who were still on fieldwork at the end of the year. For Medic, this was just the right time... or rather, because he sensed something and rushed over, Kal'tsit nodded and let Medic sit down first... The 'Sacred Remains' curled up in the dark green crystal pillar next to him stretched out a claw, picked up an electric kettle, and made Medic a cup of coffee.

Does Kal'tsit only offer coffee and no other drinks?

Wait a minute... how can you make coffee with this Sacred Remains?

Faced with Medic's curious gaze and the restless little hands fidgeting, the dark green crystal pillar tilted back slightly, then floated back two steps.

Medic felt this might be because he had been too aggressive during the previous exercise... Kal'tsit, watching Nana and Dark Crystal's interaction, slightly curled the corners of her mouth: crying

"... It's nothing, Medic is here with me too, Outcast, you can continue with your report..."

As she spoke, she thoughtfully switched the phone to speakerphone. Medic turned the cat ears on her head, and she could now hear the crunching sounds of someone else on the other end of the line, besides the older woman, seemingly eating some snacks.

[Oh~ Medic's right here? Well, let's talk about what Medic's more worried about first... The Little Cat's been doing well so far, and the mission... well, it's progressing smoothly.]

Regarding Outcast's somewhat ambiguous statement, Medic tilted his head:

"Is it...?"

[Ha, sort of... we've made contact with the local police... naturally, the authorities don't welcome outsiders like us who were hired by the victims' families to represent them in a 'pathetic' way... The first day ended with interviews and intelligence gathering, without any substantial progress... but Little Cat's performance is already showing signs of a proper action team, so I said...'sort of.']

Hearing the faint, indistinct meows of Rosemary chewing something coming from beside the microphone, a sound like "I tried my best too," even Medic, whose mood was somewhat uneasy due to the troubles in Ursus, couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you for your help, Outcast..."

[Oh dear, it's not a big deal... Although the task itself makes me very uneasy... While Columbia was one of the first to ban child labor, and organizations like the Melander Children's Rights Foundation are making efforts, the overall success rate of reuniting children with their families in child-related cases is still very low...]

[I'm not entirely sure if this is a legal issue or simply a matter of malicious intent... Anyway, I will continue to investigate this matter... Also, I hope Rhodes Island can keep one of them, 'Good Little Five Billion' or 'Bad Boy,' on standby for us... I don't rule out the possibility that the current situation might require Rosemary to use force.] Liu

Seeing Medic's puzzled expression, Kal'tsit readily explained:(

"Those are two ancient... um... repaired helicopters used by the Rhodes Island operations team for rapid deployment... but Outcast, you know how much noise helicopters make. How about I send my team members to transport them by vehicle?"

[... This brings me to another issue: traffic in Columbia seems to be severely congested right now... When I entered the country, the Customs officers seemed very tense, and today, while we were investigating a case in the city, we saw military truck convoys transporting something to the port more than once.]

[I asked around, and it seems the urban militias in Columbia have raised their alert levels, and Rosemary's Tactical Unit aren't things you can bring into the city under the pretext of 'personal weapons'...]

Seeing Kal'tsit frown in confusion, Medic put down his coffee cup and handed the documents to Kal'tsit at the opportune moment:

"That's likely military supplies mobilized by the Columbia government and being transported eastward. Now, due to unusual signs of troop buildup in Ursus, countries across the region are conducting inspections of their frontline outposts and defense equipment..."

"Ursus?"

Frowning as she flipped through the documents Medic handed her, and amidst Kal'tsit's bewildered expression, Outcast's voice, suddenly realizing something, came through the microphone:

[I see. I was wondering why Columbia wouldn't send a convoy of a dozen vehicles to deal with those unsolved disappearances... But Ursus... you can't be too careful there... They caused chaos in other countries during the previous emperor's reign.]

Although Outcast might not have seen it, Medic clearly did: Kal'tsit's slightly dazed expression at that moment... Did she have a different opinion of the Ursus emperor?

Although somewhat curious, Medic considered that this was ultimately Kal'tsit's private matter and decided to cover up Kal'tsit's current situation, taking over the conversation:

"The key issues are the ground transportation lines occupied by military transport and the National Guard, which has been placed under heightened alert. Although they are publicly declared as 'militia,' they are actually the bases of most of Columbia's combat-ready personnel after the war with Bolivar, due to the de-militarization of the military in public opinion..."

"Even if Columbia were to reorganize its army now, it would inevitably select demobilized soldiers from these 'militia'... Their equipment, apart from lacking powered armor and heavy weapons like Mechanical Hunter, is no different from that of the regular army, and they should not be underestimated."

[So, in other words, we still have to rely on aircraft, right?]

"... However, aircraft also have hidden dangers..."

[Hidden danger?]

"Yes, Outcast, you just said that the police department doesn't welcome civilian investigation teams... So, what is the government's attitude towards us? Although the aircraft is very valuable, given our neutral company status, the police will certainly not open fire indiscriminately."

"But if the government does not have a clear flight permit, then the moment it confirms that we are illegally entering the city... about fifteen minutes after approaching the city center and three minutes after entering the range of the city's garrison artillery, the aircraft will be met with anti-aircraft fire."

"The advanced underlying logic of the Columbia Firearms Arts system is entirely based on the engineering analysis of the Victoria Landship system, and urban close-in weapon systems mainly use small-caliber rapid-fire cannons. In terms of defensive capabilities, do our helicopters have the ability to cross the remaining twelve minutes of flight time to enter the city and deploy Tactical Unit?"

I don't think that will work.

While listening, Medic glanced at Kal'tsit, who was also shaking her head, and thought for a moment before continuing:

"So now we have two solutions in front of us... either start public relations immediately and begin negotiations with the local government on the possibility of obtaining aviation permits."

"At the same time, prepare a covert transport and delivery system that can arrive in a short time after response, without triggering too much of a reaction from Columbia, and preferably without even an alarm."