Chapter 211

"I just arrived, specifically to deliver the materials before your meeting even started... I've already arranged the reasons why the Rhodes Island members will travel to Ursus... Although this choice isn't ideal for Folinic, she herself has agreed to provide cover for the team..."

Amid Kal'tsit's somewhat rambling explanation, Medic took the document from the emerald Feline, and after flipping through a couple of pages, his brow furrowed.

"Using the opportunity of sending Folinic to Chernobog to pay respects at her mother's grave... and her mother's colleagues' graves... to use this as a pretext for Rhodes Island's high-ranking officials to arrive in Chernobog, thus legitimizing Rhodes Island's relationship with Ursus, the country most harsh on the Infected... isn't that a bit of a stretch?"

"Yes, it's a reason we came up with on the spot, and it'll definitely seem baffling to those who don't know the full story. To the militant the Infected groups, it looks like we're currying favor with the persecutors... But as long as we publicly declare that we're working to ensure the humanitarian treatment and human rights of all the Infected in Ursus, other countries won't pay much attention to our actions... After all, for the sake of the Infected, Rhodes Island will fight against Catastrophes, against the Empire, and against feudalism... That's the persona we've always had."

At this point, Kal'tsit looked at Amiya was hiding behind Blaze:

"Originally, I planned to act as Medic's cover and negotiate with the Ursus high command, while Amiya would lead Warfarin and Closure as a diplomatic team to Lungmen to discuss evacuation and support arrangements..."

"Now it seems that if Amiya is determined, then having Amiya, as the CEO of Rhodes Island, handle the difficulties caused by those Old Nobility might be a better option, while it would be safer for me to go and discuss Rhodes Island's docking and support with the Governor of Lungmen."

Following Kal'tsit's instructions, Saria had quickly revised the initial design of the Emergency Pacemaker casing, nodded in agreement: Eight

"An escape route is very important. With Ms. Kal'tsit in charge, we frontline personnel will feel more at ease." (Bar)

Although Medic rationally agreed with the arrangement, looking at Amiya's stubborn eyes, he felt that even with a commander in his team, he wouldn't be able to control her, and scolding her might backfire... Having a subordinate who was also a minor was something Medic was genuinely reluctant to do.

Seeing Amiya's gaze gradually shift from tearful to anxious as she looked at Medic, Kal'tsit probably guessed what Amiya was doing.

"I understand your concerns, Medic, so we need to clarify a few things with Amiya here... Although you Amiya, have completed all the training for advanced operators, you still lack practical experience."

"So even though Amiya went to Chernobog as the CEO of Rhodes Island with the team, you, Medic, are the one in charge and the highest authority for the operation... Just treat Amiya as a friend of your adopted daughter; that's part of the tactical deception."

Clearly, no matter how much Medic disagrees, since it involves strategic planning, Medic must proceed according to the plan, no matter how dissatisfied it may be.

At this point, Amiya beamed with joy, and even, with Kal'tsit's support, immediately approved the production license for the prototype of the emergency defibrillator—a device that had made Blaze tremble with fear and was 'enough for a quarter's turnover for a mid-sized Columbia enterprise's business's revenue.

Leaving aside the question of why Rhodes Island possessed blank Orundum chips, Medic silently sent the designed chip spell configuration to the Medical Department for review, then reopened the Human Resources Department's team allocation interface.

"So, aside from the newly added Saria and Ptilopsis... and the addition of the medic Folinic, and..."

"Warlock."

"After the Caster Operator Amiya... we only need one more person to complete the full team of twelve... Folinic is a member of the Medical Department, so she can fill in as a surgical nurse... So, the last one is..."

Seeing Medic's thoughtful expression, Saria crossed her arms and immediately said:

"The Mechanist maintains the team's vehicles and weapons... well, although I had someone to recommend this time, that colleague is currently still working for Rhine Lab... her arrival at Rhodes Island is probably next quarter."

Seeing Saria looking at her, Kal'tsit understood that if she didn't perform well at this moment, the former Rhine Lab section chief might lower her opinion of Rhodes Island as a whole.

After performing some operations on PRTS, Kal'tsit added a 'Senior Engineer' to Medic's team roster.

"A month and a half ago, Weedy, a senior engineer in the Engineering Department, completed her field personnel training and obtained her special agent badge... With her accompanying us, we should be able to handle whatever mode of operation we choose."

"... Using Exploration Vehicle too?"

Seeing the light in Medic's eyes upon hearing the name Weedy, Kal'tsit probably guessed why Medic wanted to call in the Exploration Vehicle:

"Agent Weedy possesses extensive experience in maintaining and operating automated drone equipment, so as a senior engineer, she can single-handedly handle the maintenance of large vehicles that previously required an entire team... Exploration Vehicle are certainly within her capabilities as well."

"However, choosing Exploration Vehicle basically indicates that Medic, you've abandoned your low-profile infiltration plan..."

"Well, after all, our reason for entry doesn't allow for a low-profile entry... But Kal'tsit, have you thought this through? With the Ursus Royalist Faction and the Old Nobility Faction already in a de facto war, allowing Amiya to enter Chernobog is actually..."

After a moment of silence, Kal'tsit lowered her head slightly and continued Medic's words:

"In effect, Rhodes Island, the organization that treats the Infected, appears to be hedging its bets and kowtowing to the group that persecutes the Infected the most in this land... Of course, I know this will damage the brand image... But, aside from the fact that the VIPs are in Chernobog, which is why we had to go there, as a de facto area controlled by the Old Nobility... does Chernobog really not need Rhodes Island?"

Following Kal'tsit's words, Medic and the others imagined the situation of the local the Infected. After a few seconds of silence, Blaze tapped the conference table:

"No... it's precisely because that's the area most hostile to the Infected that we must go there! Kal'tsit, is that what you mean?!"

Nodding, Kal'tsit checked the PRTS projection time:

"It's about time. From now on, you'll be in charge of everything. Medic... I still have a few surgeries and experiments to keep an eye on... Amiya and the Doctor, I'm counting on you."

Nodding, she watched Kal'tsit leave the conference room... As the door opened, the Human Resources Department staff in the corridor, who had been hesitant to enter because of Kal'tsit's presence, saluted in unison. Kal'tsit nodded in response and quickly left.

With Franka patting her chest in a tense sigh, all the members of the team who had been called out by Nana yesterday, except for Weedy, who was only urgently mobilized today and would arrive in a few minutes, including the sullen-faced Folinic, were present.

Seeing the Human Resources Department staff relax after Ms. Kal'tsit left, seemingly unfazed by Franka's carefree attitude, Saria initially frowned slightly... but whether it was Medic's persuasion from yesterday or Ptilopsis's own seemingly cheerful demeanor during the Blacksteel Team's conversation... in any case, faced with this noisy scene that usually wouldn't exist in Rhine Lab's meeting room, especially when Saria was present, Saria ultimately said nothing.

A moment later, Weedy, the last one, also arrived at the lounge:

"Sorry! I was looking at new equipment orders when I received Ms. Kal'tsit's mobilization order and came immediately... I didn't miss anything, did I?"

"It's alright, Weedy, you didn't miss anything. We're just about to begin."

As Medic stood up, the previously lively meeting room fell silent. Medic began to demonstrate her unique popularity and ability to control the situation, which were unmatched in the Human Resources Department.

"Well then, although I'm very sorry to have disturbed everyone's annual leave, the situation is urgent, so let's skip the pleasantries... Everyone open PRTS and check the action documents I sent you. Listen to me while you're reading them; that will be faster."

"Due to the deteriorating situation within Ursus, we will form an emergency task force to provide long-term protection for the VIP and ultimately bring the target safely back to Rhodes Island."

"The mission objective is 'The Doctor'... The Doctor of Rhodes Island. Those who know her already know, and those who don't will find out later. We won't discuss it here; you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know her in the future."

"What we need to talk about and do now is the advance preparation and deployment of the mission... First, let's introduce the new members."

As he spoke, Medic pointed to the two people who couldn't sit together because their arrival times were different:

"Saria, Ptilopsis... the former is Shieldguards, the latter is a support... those familiar with Columbia might recognize the Rhine Lab markings on their equipment. Don't worry, they are former Rhine Lab members. But now they have completed their Rhodes Island induction agreement, so they are now official Rhodes Island members and our comrades."

"Among them, Ptilopsis will serve as the Human Resources Department's data administrator to assist the operators in their work, PRTS permission level five."

"Furthermore, because she has considerable medical expertise and experience in hormone therapy, she could be transferred to the Medical Department at any time. So, we shouldn't be surprised if she changes into the Medical Department uniform in the future."

"The same applies to Saria. Although she is currently serving as Shieldguards in the field operations, she has extensive experience in medical research, so she will act as my medical assistant in this mission... PRTS clearance level six."

"Because Kal'tsit has affirmed their abilities, in terms of battlefield first aid, the order priority is given to me and Saria at level six), followed by Ptilopsis and Folinic both at the same level)..."

"As for the latter two, who are non-emergency medical professionals, since your specialties do not overlap, I will not differentiate between your priorities... However, if there is a dispute regarding treatment, then the judgment of Authority Six will prevail."

Hearing this, not only Saria and Ptilopsis, but even Weedy herself raised her hand in surprise:

"Well, although I'm just someone who works with medical equipment and don't know much about medicine... is this kind of bureaucracy really acceptable in a life-or-death situation? Rhodes Island's authority levels, if I understand correctly, should just be a standard for salary assessment... This arrangement is practically like..."

"Like the military? Perhaps... because our team's operations are military in nature."

Seemingly sensing that Medic's overly blunt words were displeasing to their new engineer, Franka chuckled and said:

"Well~ Blacksteel is a mercenary, after all. Battlefield healing in the wilderness and urban environments is different from regular small-scale battles... There's no safe environment like a hospital in those environments... Oh dear!"

He tapped Franka on the head, interrupting what was making the newcomer even more uneasy. Liskarm, sitting upright and seemingly trying to appear taller, said in a calm tone:

"Nevertheless, we, as the front line, will do our best to ensure the safety of non-combat personnel... And as this guy said, because the situation on the front lines is so unpredictable, sometimes decisiveness is very important... It's not that medical discussions are unimportant, but in that situation, it would be irresponsible to everyone to spread responsibility and judgment among ourselves... So, trust the experience of high-authority personnel, trust Ms. Kal'tsit's trust, and trust the judgment of Medic Commander."

"Rhodes Island isn't a bureaucratic organization; it's an organization that prioritizes meritocracy. Weedy, you're in the Logistics Department, so you might not feel this very clearly, but Ptilopsis immediately rose to the rank of Level 5, and Saria even went straight to Level 6, a high-ranking operator... This is exactly how Rhodes Island judges your abilities."

Medic nodded gratefully to Liskarm and Franka, then looked at Weedy, who seemed lost in thought.

"If it were a discussion about treatment plans in a safe environment, I naturally wouldn't interfere. But on the battlefield, actions must be carried out strictly according to orders... especially for you, Amiya ..."

Seeing Medic's serious gaze, the Little Bunny tensed up, swallowed hard, and then nodded emphatically.

"Please rest assured, I'm not going to cause trouble... I... I've already lost His Highness, so this time... I'll protect the Doctor."

"It's us."

To correct that childish, thoughtless statement, Medic then begins to introduce Weedy:

"Finally... Weedy will join this operation as a senior engineer from Rhodes Island. Although she will primarily be responsible for logistics, she is also a Level 6 special operations operator... Her greatest strength is..."

Weedy looked at Medic with a questioning gaze, then stood up and greeted everyone.

"My expertise lies in mechanical engineering applications and biomimetic engineering research... Of course, when it comes to the field skills of the action team, I excel at area control and riot suppression... My High-Pressure Water Cannon can achieve good combat results when non-lethal environments are required. This is also the first time that my research equipment has been put to use. I hope we can cooperate happily in the future."

Amidst a very formal round of applause, Weedy's self-introduction concluded successfully, and Medic then turned to the next page of the proposal:

"Well then, we have one more day to prepare. According to Kal'tsit's urgent order, Rhodes Island's Engineering Department Minister Closure, has begun final checks on our Exploration Vehicle before departure. Before we begin packing personal belongings, I need everyone to confirm the travel packing list now... Among the items I can think of that must be brought are the following—"

"One active-duty system and three backup systems, with a certain level of proficiency in weapon systems and spell units."

"Summer, spring, autumn, and winter clothing... Remember, it has to be winter clothing from the cold regions of Ursus. Don't let anyone tell me they're planning to buy it there. To be frank, we might not be able to find it there, so we absolutely have to get everything we need here in Rhodes Island."

"A will for high-risk operations, along with the contact information of the corresponding person... Of course, make two copies, one kept by Ms. Kal'tsit and one for yourself. I suggest inserting it into the compartment of your Rhodes Island operation identification document for easy identification at the end."

"Finally, regarding personal belongings and backpacks... You can bring whatever you want with you. I don't mind if you bring your own dorm room up, since our Exploration Vehicle has a lot of space, including a mobile maintenance workshop. But I want to emphasize that all pockets in your backpack and emergency backpack for outings should contain tourniquets."

"Make sure that no matter where you are or what you're doing, if something happens, you can always find it in one of your pockets... This will greatly reduce the panic you and your teammates will feel when someone is injured and you're looking for a tourniquet... After all, if you have it in every pocket, you can always find it."

"Finally, I request that from now on, everyone will eat and live in the Human Resources Department's lounge... There are enough rooms on the Human Resources Department floor for everyone to rest, and I also hope that everyone can get to know each other as soon as possible... I don't expect everyone to have any tacit understanding in just three days, but at the very least, as future comrades-in-arms, everyone should get to know each other."

"Now, everyone is free to move around. We have a dedicated team preparation page in the PRTS system. Please remember to register your personal item list on the team page... Since it includes the overall calculation of medical supplies, don't be shy. Sometimes knowing what your teammates have in their pockets helps you cooperate better."

"This mission is a classified operation. When you are free to move around, please pay attention to the confidentiality regulations. For details, please refer to Chapter 8 of the Rhodes Island Employee Handbook regarding the confidentiality agreement. Everyone, please prepare yourselves... I won't disturb you any longer."

PS: Waaaaaaah!

PSS: Hmm, I guess we still need to write some preparations... mainly the farewell before departure and stuff... some previously hidden characters will come out and say a few words, and then we can let Medic prepare to begin our version of Arknights ' 'prologue'.

6th Patriot's Gun: 231 Leaking secrets will result in execution! (Just kidding)

Medic's task assignments were concise and efficient. However, for Amiya, who was used to a morale-boosting session during similar activities, Medic's meeting process may have lacked some of the humanistic care typical of Rhodes Island.

But as Rhodes Island's last line of defense, as described by Dr. Kal'tsit, Amiya understood that only an army with this kind of organizational capability could turn the tide to the greatest extent possible...

I don't know why the Human Resources Department is responsible for this task at Rhodes Island; perhaps it's just because Medic works for the Human Resources Department.

Amiya... are you watching?

Medic, startled awake by the sight of the Little Bunny ears drooped slightly when it was daydreaming, shook the tourniquet in his hand.

"Have you learned how to use a tourniquet?"

"Ah... um! Disconnect the emergency strap, then slip it over the upper part of the injured limb, then elevate the injured area, and rotate the handle according to the pressure gauge indicator..."

Watching Amiya skillfully manipulating the medical training mannequin, Medic frowned slightly but sighed helplessly.

"For untrained personnel in an emergency, this level of skill is sufficient... and then what are the key points to note when using it?"

"Um, a tourniquet can only temporarily stop the bleeding, not treat it. Regardless of the situation, find the nearest medical operator after using a tourniquet."

"If it's confirmed that support from our team cannot be obtained within half an hour, then we need to go to the local Medical Department for assistance. Also, tourniquets cannot be worn for extended periods; they need to be loosened for ten minutes every three hours at most..."

Watching Amiya recite the tourniquet usage instructions in just twenty minutes, Medic looked at the somewhat nervous Amiya, lowered his eyes, and nodded.

"Hmm, Amiya's got a good head on her shoulders, but Rosemary's memorization seems a bit lacking; Cole's complained about it a lot... But these things, just 'knowing' them isn't enough; the most important thing is mindset... To reiterate, what are your rules for engaging the enemy?"

"Following Medic is the top priority! In 'engagement' mode, obey the captain's orders unconditionally. When possible, refer to the advice of Level 6 operators. When going to public areas, you should have at least three Level 5 operators with you... And, without permission, you cannot leave Medic's sight."

Seeing that the Little Bunny had indeed kept his requests in mind, Medic was still worried about whether her condition could remain stable in Ursus, but in her current state, it seemed that he couldn't ask for anything better.

Medic could only get up and begin the next phase:

"So, next, let's prepare your personal items. Amiya, are you still using those spell units?"

Amiya didn't recognize Medic at first when he gestured to his neck, but then she remembered that it was the ring-shaped spellcasting unit necklace that Medic had strung together for her when she met him years ago.

But... the original ring limiters were prepared by Princess Theresa for Amiya; those were original Kazdel items, and their size was naturally very unsuitable for young Cautus.

Extending her hand for Medic to examine, Amiya revealed that the ring limiter she was wearing was a modern, more powerful product specially customized by Dr. Kal'tsit according to Amiya's constitution.

With the Rhodes Island Orundum Processing Workshop now operational, even precision spellcasting units can be modified and altered independently... The spellcasting units Theresa provided in the past have naturally become backup products after modification.

Therefore, Amiya no longer wears a long 'necklace' around her neck like she did when she was a child.

"Amiya? Daydreaming again..."

"Ah, sorry, I was just... thinking about things from the past."

Squatting in front of the Little Bunny, I checked the condition of each ring one by one. These were spellcasting units, and also devices for suppressing Amiya's Originium Arts and Originium activity. Pull...

Kal'tsit repeatedly emphasized in the files... that these were inextricably linked to Amiya's life, safeguards to ensure that the Originium activity within her body wouldn't be rapidly eroded by a certain legacy from the Teekaz.

Medic paused his work only slightly when Amiya mentioned the 'past,' as Medic's 'past' was simply too vast. Even with Amiya's mention, all Medic could think of was his past when he was on guard against everything... everything, on this Landship, in order to protect the Little Cat.

Shaking his head, Medic set aside his 'past,' which he rarely spoke of, and decided to change the subject:

"The past is the past, look forward... Now you need to pack your luggage, are you sure you can handle it yourself? If you're unsure, you can refer to what other people on the team page are carrying... Do you need my help?"

"Hmm... Medic is such a worrywart. I'm fine on my own. I'm twelve years old now, old enough to be a CEO."

Seeing the Little Bunny, who only reached his chest, protesting so much, Medic smiled and rubbed the girl's ears as she tried to straighten them, reminding her that even if she tried so hard, her actual height wouldn't increase at all.

Afterwards, Medic waved goodbye to Amiya, having spent the entire morning giving the Little Bunny an emergency crash course.

According to his usual mission schedule, there were less than three days left before departure... which was about the time he should start preparing his equipment. But clearly, compared to his old buddies who were still in good condition, Medic was more worried about the others.

After a moment's thought, Medic decided to directly commission Closure through PRTS to install the armory module from the Human Resources Department's lounge into the vacant area of Exploration Vehicle...

Of course, this is very unfriendly to Closure, who has already calculated a considerable amount of space for the Exploration Vehicle module, because Medic's sudden decision may render the large-scale material transportation plan unusable... But Rhodes Island is incredibly automated, and the drones won't complain.

So after being bombarded with text messages from Closure, Medic agreed to bring the Bloodfiend some Ursus -style honeydew soda... and shortly afterward, accompanied by the distinct sound of the hydraulic locks unlocking in the Human Resources Department's break room, the armory's secret room, which was usually sealed off, was disconnected from the break room.