Kitty Killer Isn't Very Cold

Subconsciously, Nana reached up to touch the bandage over her left eye, only to be glared at by Touch, who was standing nearby looking after the drowsy Little Fox. The little gray sheep's eyes seemed to say, "Don't touch the wound." ...Come to think of it, what was the name of that Rhodes Island operator who brought students along?

"Touch?"

That seemed to be the name on the special Yan Lungmen passport she had shown earlier... and she had produced several similar passports when entering the hospital. Honestly, she looked less like a doctor and more like someone in the same line of work.

[Yes, now... this is the aftermath of the Loken Watertank Incident, and it is also a Security Bureau mission... We paid quite a price to make the military leave obediently with the information they already had... The one most eager to demand "payment" was a partner organization under the Contingency Contract... Rhodes Island, the one that brought its Landship over to help with the livestream.]

"That 'Outcast'..."

[Don't say that in front of other people... Rhodes Island is one of the few neutral organizations we can trust to take you and Matilda in... Its neutral stance is very important...]

"But it looks like they want something from the 'organization'..."

[Yes. Their Landship was denied entry because it refused Columbia's boarding inspection. When the Contingency Contract suggested handing the Little Cat over to Rhodes Island, a neutral organization with medical services, for humanitarian care, they agreed somewhat reluctantly... Mainly because they said that if they were taking you and the Little Cat over, it would be best to finish within a day... They are about to weigh anchor and depart.]

"...Getting Matilda is equivalent to obtaining Loken Williams's greatest achievement... Taking Matilda in is profitable for them... but why are they acting so anxious?"

[Apparently, the Landship set sail before its refitting was complete, and they are in a hurry to return for repairs? Also... Rhodes Island's upper management said they hoped to enter an employment contract with you... In exchange, they would treat you with everything they had... Were you really that close to Outcast?]

"...Probably not that close... Why does it sound like the organization is happy that I can get in touch with Rhodes Island?"

[Mm-hm~ Like I said, we need operators who can stay active on the front lines... or rather, operators with long lives. The organization doesn't care whether Rhodes Island is an outcast settlement or some shell company, but the regions Rhodes Island is heading to are places Columbia cannot easily reach... On one hand, it can get you out of sight so you do not touch certain people's sensitive nerves. On the other, it lets you recuperate while completing the duties you should have completed anyway... For the opposition, it is a wonderful two-for-one deal.]

Nana did not immediately respond to her agent's arrangement, which sounded both mocking and faintly gleeful... though, on reflection, it was probably for her own good.

Assassins were, in the end, people who could not stand in the light. Though Nana had public training certificates for all kinds of professions, they were ultimately covers for her real work... Now that Loken Williams himself had made the military back off, the organization's attitude was clear as well... they wanted to suppress the lingering heat of the incident.

It was an understanding between government organizations. Let the public cry out every day about the illegal activities of tech companies... pulling up the Loken Watertank carrot might bring up a whole field of dirt. That was why her agent kept emphasizing that this matter ended here.

And perhaps Nana's persistence regarding the Little Cat had made them think she would next go after the organization's opposition faction and the military supporters of those experiments... But in truth, Nana, with only one eye left, no longer had the conditions to take the initiative.

Just the obvious feature of being "one-eyed" had basically ruined Nana's proud ability to disguise herself and infiltrate.

As for "recuperation"... the Little Cat's examination results looked normal for the moment, and since she could create Catastrophes through Arts, being sent to a Landship for continued observation was only natural...

But was there really a way to fix her own eye?

With a sigh, Nana silently wiped the potted plant completely clean... Then she put the WA2000 into its case... After shaking off the researcher's outfit she had stripped from some unlucky woman, Nana could only hope the woman would not mind after waking up and discovering that Nana had stepped on the flower her boyfriend had given her.

But when she took off the clothes and prepared to change into her own suit uniform, Nana discovered that what her fellow agents had sent was not her suit, but a set of "medical practitioner" clothes bearing the Rhodes Island logo.

"You can tell... they really are in a hurry."

[Exactly. We do not know what they are in such a rush about either... They call themselves a pharmaceutical company, but you hardly see any medicine. Other than that upper-level doctor who always likes to talk in circles, the only medical personnel we saw today were interns...]

"So investigating Rhodes Island is also part of the mission?"

[...Just write a report while you are at it, okay...]

"No problem. Just be prepared for the fact that if the Little Cat gets taken hostage, I will definitely tell them everything about you..."

[...You make it sound as if you actually know Security Bureau secrets.]

"Lastly, what is this?"

After changing into Rhodes Island's medical outfit, putting on the headband, and fussing with her bangs in hopes of covering the bandage over her left eye, Nana frowned slightly at the canister-like object at the bottom of the suitcase.

It was an eye. It floated inside the container along with its nervous system, like a jellyfish... If Kate's cheerful voice had not been saying beside her, "Oh my, isn't that my eye?" Nana might have felt like killing someone.

After all, its original owner and her family had been as dazzling as green diamonds... Nana remembered them vividly...

Seeing the "Kate Bruce" label on its surface made Nana's blood pressure spike... Sending over the Originium-corrupted organ of a Bruce family member like this—was it a provocation? Like the gangs everywhere in Columbia, sending a piece of someone important to the other party as a declaration of war?

But thinking it over, the military and the Security Bureau had probably just reached an understanding. They should not do something like this to provoke Nana's nerves...

[Don't overthink it... Williams asked for it to be delivered to you. During his interrogation, he entrusted the military with recovering the victims' body parts from this incident, then used those... "missing parts" to recreate the possibility of reproducing Originium-corruption technology... He also said that the current technology had higher requirements for recipients than modification technology... But he was absolutely certain that Number Seventy-Seven could use that eye, so he publicly entrusted the Security Bureau with delivering it to you... The military representative stated that, as a gesture of goodwill toward the Security Bureau, they agreed to Loken Williams's final request.]

"...Kate, stop talking..."

Cutting off the voice by her ear—the deceased woman herself, sounding as though she feared the world was not chaotic enough as she said, "Why not give it a try, Nana?"—Nana silently placed the battery-powered preservation container back into the suitcase as her agent leaned back slightly.

[...That Rhodes Island executive said she could perform this kind of difficult transplant and restorative surgery for you... That is the foundation for your "recuperation" assignment... You are also responsible for taking care of the Little Cat. I know you will not like hearing this, but as combat capability, she is on the Security Bureau's dependent roster anyway... Only after that come the additional tasks during your recuperation: cooperating with Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, and accompanying them to investigate their destination... Kazdel.]

"...Isn't that a bit too much for an injured person?"

[It is not like we are asking you to infiltrate anywhere. Just go get treatment like a good girl... But they want to sign a cooperation contract with you, and that is something you need to judge for yourself... Our stance is... as long as Columbia's interests are not harmed, you may act according to your own judgment.]

How free. Was this the treatment given to a senior Security Bureau agent?

Thinking that, Nana looked toward the door, where the two people who had treated her wounds earlier were now dozing on the room's sofa... Su Sulo and Touch were both sleeping deeply, and Nana changing clothes had not woken them at all.

But when Nana approached them, Touch, who was hugging her casting unit, woke first.

"Agent miss... Hm? Your clothes..."

"Regarding that, I think we have quite a few things to discuss."

As she spoke, medical practitioner Nana, her left eye covered by bandages and clad in Rhodes Island's blue-and-black uniform, shook the cat ears atop her head.

"It seems I will be going to Rhodes Island with that little one to recuperate... My superior sold me to you..."

[Hey...]

Ignoring someone's cool retort in her earpiece, Nana sat down beside Touch.

"Rhodes Island... what kind of place is it?"

PS: Information that can finally be made public.

PS2: Oh... she is still in a battle-damaged state...

The Mystery of the 2nd Medic: 024 I Hope So

"What kind of place is Rhodes Island? To ask a question like that... what you want to know is probably not the public information stated on our website."

Leaving the remaining troubles of Raisington City behind for important people like her agent to worry about, Nana held Matilda in her arms and rode through the night toward Rhodes Island with Touch, who had Su Sulo on her back.

When the highway sound barriers outside the vehicle disappeared, leaving only wilderness, Nana checked the newly issued watch Terminal from the organization... August 25th, 1091, midnight. Holding a document pouch containing approval for her Rhodes Island transfer procedures, Nana finally left that land full of memories with the Little Cat.

After leaving the Intercity Network, ICA's cat-ear clip-on Terminal and her connection with her agent were both cut off as well. But Nana still remembered her agent's meaningful words—"I hope we do not meet again so casually."

Yes... if they met again, the contact would probably only be for missions assigned by the organization. And even aside from the Homeland Security Bureau's duties, Nana hoped she could have a little peace and quiet.

Whether she would truly have peace and quiet in the future would depend on Rhodes Island's arrangements.

Nana did not know whether they were hiring her for professional security advice, or whether they had truly been fooled by the false identity provided by the Contingency Contract.

The assassin cat's medical certificate covered only trauma surgery. More precisely, it was authorization at the level of "battlefield first aid," perhaps with a specialty in clinical care added on... uh, end-of-life care, specifically... the kind of care that provided painless humanitarian treatment.

If Rhodes Island was recruiting her because of the "virtuous medical practice" she displayed in the Loken Watertank Incident, then they would most likely be disappointed.

Most importantly... Nana did not know whether they wanted to recruit "Agent Nana" or "Medic Nana"... That was the confusion of having both faces known.

Miss Assassin could not perfectly combine those two faces. After all, when she was not killing people, she was simply "Nana."

"So we will be colleagues soon. Is there anything I should avoid or pay attention to on that ship?"

"Is this an advance investigation into your future work environment?"

Touch, who was driving, seemed very relaxed. Was it because Little Fox Su Sulo's internship had gone so smoothly? After all, Nana and Matilda were already on their way to Rhodes Island's headquarters... That should count as quite a harvest...

[But... what if they are luring you and Mia over there under the pretense of treatment...]

Ignoring the strange voice beside her, Nana did not know whether it was her own thought, the twins, or Andy's soul acting up by her ear... She had to admit that she might really need some psychological examination and advice.

"Something like that. After all... I do not understand why Rhodes Island took an interest in me... Or rather, which me? You should know that I am with the Security Bureau. Even so, you still want to sign a contract with me?"

"...That is a personnel consideration. Even if you ask what the higher-ups are thinking, I can only say that I do not know... But..."

"But?"

"Identity, profession... or heavy things like one's 'past' are probably the least important things to Rhodes Island. After all, before we are 'doctors,' we are already 'Oripathy patients,' people who do not fit into modern society... Speaking of which, Agent miss, are you not afraid? Of Oripathy..."

"...Oripathy patients are just sick, in the end... Compared to illness and pain, human hearts are much more frightening."

The brief silence left only the hum of the Originium Engine in the vehicle. No one knew how long it continued before Touch finally broke it with a soft laugh.

"Is that how professional agents from great powers think... Indeed, if everyone's thoughts were as simple as yours, our work would not be so difficult... As expected of Columbia, currently recognized as the light of civilization."

"...Were you insulting me?"

"No, no, I was obviously complimenting you."

"...No, you were insulting me... After all, I am the only Columbian here who would think that way..."

Seeing Touch's gaze dart straight toward Matilda, Nana reached out and placed her hand between her and the Little Cat.

"This child does not count... She does not even know what Oripathy is."

"Mm... that is true..."

Before they knew it, the road beneath the vehicle's tires had disappeared. Touch slowed down, but even so, Nana could feel the so-called "wilderness."

"Look!"

The driver's excitement was obvious, and thanks to her excellent night vision, Nana saw the enormous shadow in the distance.

The six-hundred-meter colossus lay sprawled across the ground. The tower atop it and the red-and-green navigation lights at its corners brightened and dimmed rhythmically, as if the giant were breathing. As they drew closer, even its tracks—taller than an ordinary five-story residence—made it hard to breathe.

It was not as if Nana had never seen such peak creations of industry and technology before. But... every time she saw one, the assassin cat could not help feeling small.

"...A Landship..."

"It is only a half-finished mining vessel that has not entered service and has not even completed its outfitting... But this will be your future workplace, and your future home."

Driving the vehicle into the lift, Touch watched the yellow warning lights flash as the massive cargo elevator carried the small family vehicle upward. With the thick clouds of dust blocked beyond the elevator's panels, Touch—who had been on guard the whole time—finally gave Nana a relieved smile.

"Welcome to Rhodes Island."

"Ha... Though I want to say that, based on my work experience in Columbia, organizations that start calling one another family as soon as you join are nine times out of ten places you should flee from immediately... but yes, I am looking forward to it."

With that, Nana showed a shy smile as well, then turned her attention to Rhodes Island's interior... this warship that even Columbia's National Security Bureau had specifically labeled "unknown."

As a Landship, Rhodes Island was not as complicated as a mobile city module, but for a company, a Landship was first-rate... at least, it represented a company with the potential to become first-rate.

Touch had already told Nana that Rhodes Island had launched in a hurry because of the Loken Watertank Incident and that its interior outfitting was unfinished... But upon actually seeing this "unfinished" state, Nana had only one thought.

"...You really dared to take a ship like this out?"

At the lowest level, even the partitions were unfinished. Parts of the Landship's locomotion mechanism and power transmission shafts were still exposed in what was supposed to be the engine room. Nana silently watched the main shaft gradually accelerate... Should she be grateful that the power unit and Originium Engine's radiation-proof wrapping were at least ready-made?

With her cat ears drooping as she endured the roar of machinery starting up on the lowest deck, Nana and Touch hurriedly parked and secured the vehicle, each taking their respective "child," then fled the lowest level through the lift area surrounded only by wire fencing.

"...It is like this because the outfitting is unfinished... To answer the Contingency Contract's request, I heard the Engineering Department omitted every step they could omit... But the result is just what you saw. We do not even know how to handle the lower deck outfitting afterward... We can only return first, bring aboard the patients and equipment, then head to the Rim Billiton shipyards for further modification..."

Touch clearly did not know much about ship machinery either. Current Rhodes Island was less an unfinished vessel than a Landship chassis hastily fitted with a half-finished shell just to rush to the Loken Watertank scene...

And if they wanted to finish this ship afterward, they would likely have to remove the entire attached outer shell, then install bulkheads, pipelines, and equipment layer by layer using conventional shipbuilding methods.

Thinking about it made it obvious why Nana's pupils were trembling like this...

What Landship was she even on? This was clearly a four-wheel-drive vehicle... They had slapped on a carbon shell, secured it with a few clips, and driven it out here. When it was rebuilt later, whether that shell—temporarily attached to the chassis through makeshift connections—could even still be used was uncertain.

"...You people... Why does Rhodes Island want to hire me?"

Coming back to herself, Nana walked along the "upper deck" ship shell, caught up to Touch with a horrified expression, and asked.

"Honestly... Even Matilda is not worth interrupting the construction of a Landship, risking unnecessary damage to its locomotion mechanisms to rescue her. Even the detailed research data of Loken Williams is not worth it... What do you actually want?"

Seeing Nana's posture, somewhere between vigilance and terror, with her resistance suddenly at full force, Touch froze for a moment before revealing a slightly awkward smile.

"We... naturally have our reasons... and there are deep reasons behind them. All I can say is that those reasons are not only about the Little Cat. They are more about you yourself... If you ask whether you are worth what we have done, then as someone who participated in the original vote, all I can say is... yes, we believe it was worth it.

"But as for the deeper reasons we are watching you, and why we were willing to pay such a political and even industrial price to bring you aboard... I can only say that someone will explain it to you personally. The only thing I can guarantee is that we mean you no harm..."

"...You could have just explained it more clearly..."

Seeing Nana rub her head in distress, Touch could only turn her face away.

"Sorry, I do not have the authority... In any case, let us take the Little Cat to the Medical Department first. Our department head has already prepared a medical area for her... At least the soundproofing, shockproofing, water, and electricity there all work normally."

Feeling the massive thing beneath her feet begin to move, Nana could only keep following. By around the fourth deck, the assassin cat finally saw the proper interior fittings a Landship ought to have.

It was also here that Nana went through security. Just as her agent had described, Rhodes Island possessed the kind of Operations Teams a first-rate company should have. The group receiving Nana was called Operations Team E3.

"Hello, Agent miss. We are Rhodes Island Operations Team E3. I am Captain ACE... Welcome to Rhodes Island."

"Then I will leave Doctor Nana to you, Captain Ace. I will take Su Sulo to the dormitory first..."

Watching Touch wave goodbye, Nana felt no small degree of disdain for this group of uniformly dressed combat personnel. But she also knew that Rhodes Island definitely did not regard her as a mere "doctor"... It was perhaps only natural for them to put her with this bunch of burly men.

But just as Nana thought that, a Feline with equally black hair, a fiery red headband, and waist-length hair poked her head out from behind the hulking man called ACE.

...Wait, she had poked her head out from behind that hulking giant ACE?

"Hello~ Are you the new recruit joining us? So small... Ah, ahem, I mean, so cute!"