Chapter 219
"... I see. So Chernobog had already canceled evening study sessions at school two weeks ago?"
"Yes, and because of the notice issued by the city, the school dormitories are no longer accepting students... so Zhuoya and I have to rely on the light rail to commute to school... we are originally boarding students."
"As a result, evening self-study sessions were canceled to avoid dangerous nights for students, but they still couldn't escape targeted attacks...?"
Seeing that Fufu still seemed to be in shock, choking back sobs as she tried to shovel dinner into her mouth, Nana's stomach also gave a timely reminder... Although the body's perception of the passage of time in the Collapse the Dominion is based on the Collapse Paradigm of the Warp... considering the battle with the Inner Guards, Nana had indeed gone more than twelve hours without eating.
The white-furred bear had obviously heard Nana's noisy murmurs, so the girl belatedly handed the stainless steel lunchbox to Nana and whispered:
"Um, if you don't mind... please use it."
"It's alright, go ahead and eat. As Rhodes Island field operator, I've received comprehensive patience training... Compared to me, who can still wait, you guys are still in the growth stage, so eat more."
For a high school girl, Nana's subtext of "maybe we'll get it tomorrow" was perhaps too deeply hidden. Fufu didn't seem to realize it, her expression still blank... Just as the JK girl was quietly asking if she needed to ask for another prison meal through her friend's father, Loban, who had left Nana there for more than four hours, finally returned.
"Fufu, are you alright? I'm sorry for showing up so often..."
"... I'm alright, but Zhuoya seems likely to wake up at any moment. But Uncle Loban, um... what about Miss Medic's dinner...?"
Seeing Nana tilting her head and scrutinizing him, Loban's exhaustion was clearly visible. This burly man, standing eight feet tall, paused for a moment, then helplessly pulled three energy bars from his pocket and tossed them to Nana.
"Sorry, the cafeteria staff have also been reassigned to handle the emergency, so please make do with the emergency rations for now... Also, let me look at your statements... Miss Medic, it seems you didn't enter our country legally..."
"Well, it feels like Chernobog is doomed if we keep waiting, and I don't want to add a mission failure entry to my resume."
"So, I remember your purpose in coming to Chernobog was... humanitarian aid?"
Seeing that the other person's eyebrows were furrowed enough to trap a fly, Nana shrugged:
"The original plan was to ease tensions with the Ursus anti- the Infected forces and resume operations at the Chernobog office... but our main force was refused entry by the Third Army... If it weren't for the sudden unusual activity of the Nobles' Army, I probably would have continued providing medical advice to the villages outside the city..."
"... Grand Duke Baikal, he is indeed the kind of person capable of doing such a thing. Also, I'm curious, what exactly do you mean by 'humanitarian aid'? Aside from your own projects as experts on the Infected, does it include sheltering and protecting persecuted people?"
Listening to Loban's tired yet pointed question, Nana nodded earnestly, then said seriously:
"You might want to consider this further... Originally, my goal was to restore the Chernobog office and resume the supply of humanitarian medicine to the Infected in the area... But now, I'll consider anything that can stop the city's order from deteriorating... including the option of direct conflict with the Nobles' Army."
"That sounds like we're going to make an enemy of Ursus."
Nana remained noncommittal in response to Loban's probing. The teenage assassin subtly turned to the side, revealing the Contingency Contract badge on her jacket and the Light of Ticarondo honor armband on her shoulder.
"All of these measures are for the sake of more lives."
"... While I want to say that man-made disasters and Catastrophes are different, well, knowing that the Contingency Contract organization is trying to prevent war from breaking out in the city makes me feel somewhat relieved... What does the mayor say?"
Seeing Loban suddenly look at the glass in the room... Nana knew that it was naturally a one-way glass partition for others to listen in and record.
As the exhausted voice of the rapid reaction team leader faded, another voice, with a strong and resonant tone, came through the loudspeaker:
[I think it's great. The Nobles' Army that actively instigated the civil war is the enemy, and the enemy of my enemy is my friend... In fact, the establishment of Rhodes Island here was a project I was quite concerned about, but the blockade by the Third Army prevented any further progress...]
"However, Mayor... we currently have no way to verify this Medic's identity... all communications and surrounding transportation hubs have been..."
[It's alright. For others, she might indeed need to prove her identity, but 'The Medic of Rhodes Island'... that name is legendary to a neutral noble like myself.]
As he spoke, accompanied by the sound of a door opening and the crisp sound of leather shoes on the marble floor, a man from Ursus dressed in a suit and tuxedo, looking like a Victoria businessman, soon arrived at the gate of the detention cell.
It's worth noting his mustache; it seems to be due to excessive stress. Nana can clearly see that the right side of his mustache is significantly shorter than the left.
The reason for this is probably the movement of his right hand right now...
The mayor of Chernobog, Marquis Boris, seems to be unconsciously ruining his once well-maintained beard due to pressure from the Grand Duke Baikal.
Looking at Feline obedient young girl sitting in the fenced-off cubicle, Boris Boris's eyes widened, but the heavy bags and dark circles under his eyes still revealed that a middle-aged man's mental state was nearing its limit.
"I know your Contingency Contract style; you'll try anything to save more lives... I remember your brochure mentioned that your Landship are equipped with rare, large aircraft... How armed are they? How do Rhodes Island Landship compare to the Third Army's high-speed warships?"
"... Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company, and its Landship are not used for fighting, Your Excellency... Moreover, our Landship are still on their way here. At present, our combat capability consists of a full-strength special operations team, plus a large Exploration Vehicle."
"Because of my personal interest, it comes with some armament. But you'd better not expect it to confront warships head-on."
"So you only have one action team?! What can they do... beg Baikal to spare this city? Let me make this clear beforehand: if the Nobles' Army tries to force me to abdicate or forcibly take over this city, I will immediately detonate them... and the New Energy Core that countless organizations dream of... Didn't you say before that Rhodes Island came here to ease tensions between the Old Nobility and the Infected? You really didn't come here because the civil war broke out, thinking you could steal the Sarcophagus from me, did you?!"
Despite Boris Boris's inexplicably accurate intuition, Nana maintained her standard business smile:
"Personally, whether it's trying to ease tensions with the Old Nobility Faction, or my current decision to do everything possible to support the local people of Chernobog, these decisions are all made to fulfill Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals' mission of fighting against suffering... You might find this too idealistic and doubt my motives, but just like a year ago when we tried to get a breakthrough from the Emperor so that the Infected in Ursus could also alleviate their suffering... I hope you can judge our sincerity by our actions. After all, actions are the true embodiment of ideals, and some things cannot be explained by words alone."
As she stared at Boris, his raised eyebrow gradually turning into a serious scrutiny, Nana's smile remained unchanged.
Although it was surprising to learn that the mayor of Chernobog had come here with the captain of the front-line Rapid Response Force, she had indeed secured an opportunity to negotiate with the Chernobog leadership... But what Nana was worried about now was whether this nobleman before her would also possess that repulsive arrogance of Ursus.
If the other party were to tell her now, "Ursus can handle Ursus's affairs," and then shut out Nana and Rhodes Island behind her, then the assassin might really have no choice but to consider the final decision of inciting Amiya and others to take over the Black Coffin.
Perhaps Nana should be grateful for Boris Boris's experience studying in Victoria. His broader knowledge and perspective compared to other Ursus people ultimately led Boris to agree to Rhodes Island's 'humanitarian aid'... Although Nana can hardly say whether Boris's fence-sitting between the Loyalist Faction and the Noble Faction was influenced by the war against the abolition of the Victoria War of the Dead Kings, in any case, as long as the city's master is willing to accept Rhodes Island's help, then Nana can openly drive the entire action team into the Mobile City with vehicles.
In this way, even in the worst-case scenario, Nana can have the team carry the Doctor away in a car instead of wandering around the battlefield on foot with an unknown wounded soldier.
"Thank you for your trust..."
"Don't panic. Although I'm glad someone's come to help me, as you said, this city is being eroded by the Nobles' Army... Even with my warrant, the rebels who have already essentially betrayed us won't allow your vehicles into the city."
Sighing, Earl Boris's current demeanor was neither that of a businessman nor a nobleman, but rather that of a soldier.
"Recently, an unexpected battle involving the Sarcophagus caused a sudden power outage in the Core City. The outer industrial zones and intercity transportation hubs were occupied by the Nobles' Army. In less than two weeks, all areas surrounding the Core City are completely surrounded... Fortunately, the main gates remain under the control of the command tower."
"But agents report that rebels are now seeing them transporting war supplies into the city daily via elevators. Currently, I can only rely on military and police forces to block key intersections to barely stop their infiltration of the city."
"Miss Medic, unlike international organizations like the Contingency Contract, we in Chernobog cannot violently expel the enemy before they launch a substantial attack... This city holds a special place in Ursus, and I cannot afford the consequences of initiating an attack on the Ursus Army Group ..."
Of course, you're a fence-sitter after all... Dove
Nana silently went over the unspoken words in her mind, then took the equipment from Loban... She glanced at the phone Nana had automatically shut down after multiple attempts to unlock it due to the ICA's unique lock, glared at Loban, but said nothing.
"I understand, although I won't say things like Rhodes Island will help you retake the city... but my goal is to prevent things from getting worse."
"Chernobog is a crucial gateway connecting Rhodes Island to Columbia and the Great Yan. Compared to Grand Duke Baikal, who has treated us so poorly, we naturally support your more open business strategy."
Boris waved wearily, ignoring Nana's clearly somewhat polite words: g
"... So, how will Rhodes Island help us?" Qi
Following the mayor's words, Nana glanced at Loban, who was stroking her daughter, and tilted her head:
"Naturally, it's by hindering the Nobles' Army's actions that we're helping you... Now, Grand Duke Baikal is clearly trying to gain complete control of the Core City through various means... Aside from the regular army making direct war preparations, Mr. Loban's daughter was attacked, which is clearly an attempt by the Nobles' Army to undermine the morale of the military and police."
"I might not be able to interfere with the regular army's battle preparations until my teammates arrive. But if it's just a hired gang..."
While speaking, she checked her ammunition, and after comparing the value of the target with the Etch Rounds, Nana thought for a moment and looked at Loban's weapon belt: a
"Perhaps I still need some equipment support."
"Equipment? You've got such luxurious gear..."
Ignoring the resentful look in the eyes of the Chernobog Rapid Response Force captain, Nana stared intently at the baton on Loban's belt... That baton with the spellcasting unit chip wasn't some cheap trinket; Loban had bought it himself.
Now, it belongs to Nana.
Watching the girl quickly and skillfully handle what was originally her own baton, Loban's lips twitched as he said:
"... So, what kind of humanitarian aid is this...?"
"Well, we'll have to wait and see."
PS: Waaaaaaah!
PSS: A scene that may appear in this chapter ↑
PSSSS: Regarding the title... a complete explanation of the joke would be too long, so I won't go into details here.
6th Patriot's Gun: 242 Back to Basics
After completing negotiations with the top brass of Chernobog, Nana, under the guise of a 'medical volunteer,' meticulously treated Zhuoya's injuries.
The main issue was that Nana only retrieved her medical staff towards the end of the conversation, and Boris simply instructed Mr. Loban to coordinate with Nana's Rapid Response Force before anxiously leaving... presumably to try and put pressure on Grand Duke Baikal through other means.
However, the Grand Duke Baikal's Highview Refinery was simply not a good fit for Chernobog's new energy sources, and Nana was not very optimistic about Marquis Boris's operation.
"... I contacted the lower-level military and police forces. Although the main elevator and most of the civilian logistics hubs have been out of control, the unloading point in the industrial zone of the Core City is still usable, and the large equipment parking lot there can also be used for Exploration Vehicle."
"However, Chernobog doesn't have heavy troops, and we don't have armed vehicles to pick you up. Rhodes Island has to enter Chernobog on its own... Can you handle that?"
"I'll discuss this with my teammates in the Engineering Department... After all, as far as I know, the warships used by the Third Army are only second-generation products, lacking nighttime situational awareness capabilities. Aside from the warning spell towers for detecting high-speed warships of similar size, their nighttime search capabilities are limited to rudimentary equipment like searchlights... Their night combat capabilities can't be described as proficient; I can only say they're completely clueless..."
Seeing Loban's face gradually fall, Nana could only frown inwardly.
The pride of the Ursus people is such a problem; even when you're mocking the rebels on their behalf, they still show such an unhappy expression... even though you're telling the truth.
Nana decided to stop worrying about Loban and gave the spot next to Zhuoya to that troublesome father. It seemed that for the time being, he would keep his daughter at the police station under the guise of 'taking a statement'.
This place is currently serving as a military and police outpost, so it's definitely safer than the streets at night... However, if the external situation is allowed to continue to deteriorate, sooner or later this place will also become a target of attack.
Compared to being targeted and the collapse of the entire city's order, which is more dangerous?
Regardless of the circumstances, when it comes to taking action to solve the root of the problem, Nana has always been the one who takes the initiative.
As Loban, who was from a 'medical company' but carried four guns, began checking the magazines and confirming his daughter's condition, he suddenly seemed to remember something and called out to Nana was just about to leave:
"By the way, although the situation is special now, based on the mayor's order, you have law enforcement powers... but these powers are only granted to you at 5 a. m. today. After that, you may get involved in some lawsuits because of this time. If Rhodes Island has a legal department, it's best to prepare in advance."
"The lawsuit... ah, you mean that... 'good Samaritan' thing."
Seeing Nana look away with a troubled expression, Loban quickly waved his hand:
"Let me state my position first. As the child's father, I would say you did a good job... As an Ursus police officer, I personally witnessed the entire process of you stopping the crime... But even though the mayor doesn't seem inclined to pursue the matter, you did kill someone in Ursus. The investigation could be very complicated, and the victims' families won't let it go easily."
"It's alright. Although it might seem like hindsight now, considering the circumstances at the time, both of the victims I killed had clear violent tendencies... It's a pity I didn't have a better way to stop them then."
At this point, Nana tried out the baton-style staff she'd extorted from Loban again. This blunt weapon, which folded up to the size of a girl's palm, perfectly fulfilled Nana's need for non-lethal attacks... Seeing this, Loban raised an eyebrow and sighed:
"So that's why you're leaving... Anyway, your contact information and the communication codes for the Rhodes Island Exploration Vehicle and Landship have been entered into the Chernobog system. Although our mayor is a businessman, over the years he has proven to be a man of his word from Ursus, and he's made sure to keep his promises... As for you, do you need to rest a bit more?"
Looking out the window at the first light of dawn on the horizon, Nana uncomfortably zipped up her coat and adjusted her back and the revolver holster she had moved to her left leg.
"No, please inform Boris that I will take immediate action... Besides, you won't be able to sleep peacefully until you eliminate those social groups that are targeting Zhuoya."
Leaving Loban with a carefree back view, Nana waved the temporary job and travel permit she had received from the police station in her hand and then left.
Walking through the city streets, mingling with the Ursus people who still went to work with long faces even though civil war might be imminent, Nana first spent some time editing the encrypted letter to be sent to the Exploration Vehicle.
This is a document disguised as Catastrophe Messengers's diary report. Because they didn't want the Exploration Vehicle to be cornered by the Third Army, encrypted communication was necessary... But the encryption process was obviously much more time-consuming than a straightforward statement. After all, maintaining the full text's fluency while encrypting it was not something that could be done casually.
By the time Nana received Amiya's confirmation reply, the previously dim sky had already brightened.
"Next... Saria... is she under house arrest due to encrypted communication?"
Or rather, it was a cooperation tinged with a degree of wariness... But in any case, Saria was still directing some of the Chernobog Agents to seal off the Sarcophagus.
Judging from the fact that their own Tactical Unit remain silent, the Doctor's side should be relatively safe.
Next, it's Chernobog's turn to deal with the situation himself.
After walking for a while, Nana returned to the scene from last night. Because there were hostages under threat, she directly killed two people and wounded one... The scene was now cordoned off, and bloodstains remained on the ground.
In the distance, behind the white silhouette of the corpse, Ursus police officers were dealing with a small group of people holding signs... those must be the 'family members of the deceased' that Loban mentioned.
Like any ordinary bystander, Nana stopped and listened for a while... but soon, Nana lost interest in the group's endless refrain of saying things like "they are good kids," "they are usually very warm and shy," and "the police must give an explanation for killing such friendly kids."
In Nana's perception, these people didn't even seem to be speaking from the heart when they were saying those repetitive things.
Compared to the deceased's hands-on work for the nobility, risking their lives, these people seemed more interested in obtaining compensation through the death of their family members... Well, these people seemed to think that the Chernobog Military Police themselves were responsible for killing the two victims.
Like any ordinary bystander who has lost interest, Nana left in a very inconspicuous way.
But after leaving the street completely, Nana took the opportunity of stopping at a fast food restaurant to buy a hamburger to look back one last time... After getting away from the scene, looking back at that place, and considering the police's reassuring gestures that promised to prosecute the murderer, the relatives of the deceased seemed to be being a bit too persistent.
Whether Nana is a bit paranoid or she's trying to find out the channels through which the deceased were entrusted with something... Holding the enormous Ursus hamster, which is bigger than her head, and munching on it like a hamster, Nana decided to observe it a little longer.
"... The number of demonstrators kept changing, but the core members totaled six... Ignoring the police's attempts to calm them down and disperse them, their main intention was to get passersby to sign the petition...?"
Glancing at the group chanting demands for 'severe punishment of the murderer,' Nana's focus shifted to those who had contacted the protesters but neither signed the petition nor helped with the chanting...
Compared to the 'family members' who scuffled and yelled at the police until their voices were hoarse, in Nana's opinion, the Ursus man who spoke with the 'family members' twice while she was eating a hamburger and was treated with utmost respect seemed more like the initiator of this demonstration.
If last night's kidnapping of Zhuoya and Fufu was a tactic to demoralize the military and police, then now, by conveniently allowing the deceased's family members to hold up signs and solicit signatures in a protest... this act of sowing Chernobog and the government can be considered effective, at least for now.
Although it is still unknown whether this is merely a sudden whim of those families attempting to profit from death, or whether it is part of Grand Duke Baikal's plan for Chernobog... allowing public opinion to fester will inevitably lead to a decline in the credibility of Boris's government.
And order collapses through the accumulation of these small incidents.
If this were in Columbia, Nana would have directly asked the ICA to help her arrest people... But this is Ursus, a place she doesn't know well, and taking action against the protesters directly might alert them.
After tossing the hamburger wrapper into the trash can, the assassin finally focused her attention on the guy who seemed to be the 'mastermind' or 'contact'.
"... Yes, everything went smoothly. The Chernobog police did not try to take responsibility from their department. They did indeed promise to help bring charges against the Rapid Response Force. We have already had a reporter record the video, and we plan to release it via the Intercity Network once the power is restored."