Kitty Killer Is Not So Cold

Seeing the enormous Feline, seemingly two heads taller than herself, dart over—so tall that Nana could only bump her head against the woman's chest if she stood before her—it was hard to say whether Nana's step back was to take in her full appearance or avoid her pounce. In any case, Nana instinctively dodged this overly enthusiastic person.

"Blaze... you're being too enthusiastic. And this... Doctor Nana has already been assigned to the Medical Department."

"Huh—?! Isn't she an agent? The kind who took down an illegal laboratory all by herself? She even wiped out half an experimental complex!"

Seeing the black-haired big cat trying to pounce on her again, Nana could only reach out and hold back the face that was trying to crowd close despite them having just met.

"...Um, clearing out that complex wasn't my doing... I'm just an ordinary person. I can't do anything that violent..."

"Then, could it be..."

Following Nana's gaze, the black-haired big cat named Blaze finally turned her attention to Matilda. The person who had been noisily carrying on just moments ago instantly quieted down.

"...This child... she's so young... Is she all right?"

"It's still hard to say... The preliminary examination showed no problems, but I brought her to Rhodes Island specifically for a more thorough assessment..."

At that point, Nana suddenly began to question whether bringing Little Cat to Rhodes Island had been necessary. This dump had not even finished its renovations... Could it really just be a shell company that was actually some kind of exile camp?

Fine. If no one here could help, she would take Little Cat home and kill every idiot who enjoyed conducting human experiments.

Having made that decision in her heart, Nana looked at ACE, who had no obvious racial traits and was somehow wearing sunglasses in the middle of the night.

"Anyway, please take me to the medical area first... As for onboarding and all that other messy business, I think we can take it slowly."

"Mm, your luggage and weapons have already been registered... Though, you really do have a lot of dangerous items..."

"Yes. That's the nature of my work... Do you need me to store the dangerous items elsewhere?"

Seeing how cooperative Nana was, Ace froze for a moment before waving his hand.

"It's fine, it's fine. Since you're with the Medical Department, you're allowed to carry those things... And the head of the Medical Department said earlier that if you wanted to cause trouble, whether you had those things or not wouldn't reduce your destructive potential in the slightest. Just keep your belongings secure and don't let anyone else get their hands on the dangerous items for no reason... After all, we have medical operations, and eventually the ship won't only have company personnel aboard."

"...I see. Understood."

Since that was what they said, Nana accepted it.

"So, are we going to the Medical Department next? Touch told me about the person in charge of the Medical Department before."

"Mm. That person contacted the Security Bureau directly and finalized your employment negotiations. She'll be your direct superior from now on."

"...A direct superior..."

Listening to the description, Nana felt as if she had merely gotten a new manager... So her old manager really had abandoned her after all.

Thinking that, Nana unconsciously tightened her grip on her backpack... A potted plant inside poked half a leaf of emerald green through the zipper, catching the attention of the big cat behind her. Meanwhile, Nana could still feel the weight feedback from a biological preservation canister in her suitcase... This thing seemed like it would also be handed over to that person along with Matilda for cultivation later?

And thinking of that made Nana start worrying about her eyes again.

She seemed to sink into depression entirely, even her tail drooping listlessly... ACE, leading the way, did not notice, but the black-furred big cat behind her patted Nana on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. Doctor Kal'tsit may look stern, but she's definitely the best doctor in the world... She'll cure Little Cat, and she'll cure you too."

"...I hope so."

PS: I'm late... Sorry... This isn't an April Fools' joke... It wouldn't be funny anyway...

PS2: Next comes... the Rhodes Island arc... As everyone can see, after hearing about an oddball like Nana, Kal'tsit hurriedly put a shell around Rhodes Island and rushed over... After all, given the Arknights setting, Nana's build is protagonist-tier no matter how you look at it.

PS3: So the second volume officially begins, and our killer Number Seventy-Seven's journey continues.

PS4: Today's kitty... crossed out, Little Fox picture.

The Mystery of the 2nd Medic: Onboarding · Oath

The Rhodes Island Medical Department... This was probably the only room Nana had seen along the way that actually had a sign hanging outside it.

While everywhere else, including the dormitories, consisted of people sleeping on the floor or even "camping in rooms," it was truly beyond Nana's expectations that this hollow shell of a ship possessed medical facilities exceeding even the standards of Raisington City Public Hospital.

"Omnidirectional HD imaging, an isotope scanner... and an automated operating table... Were these prepared specifically for this child?"

Apparently failing to catch the complicated undertone in Nana's voice, the big cat named Blaze enthusiastically introduced the facilities.

"Of course. Although this ship itself hasn't entered the equipment installation phase yet... We came to pick you up, and all this equipment was prepared for the final survivor of the Bruce family..."

Nana had seemed pleased earlier, but her face fell the moment she saw the operating table through the variable-tint glass. Ace seemed to notice something.

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with this equipment?"

"...Columbia's latest automated surgical system... The same model used at Loken Watertank."

After a brief silence, Blaze scratched one of her cat ears.

"Hmm. You mean... it might frighten the child?"

"I'm not sure, but until we confirm Mia's mental condition... it would be best not to let her see that thing."

"...That's true. You have a point."

Just as Nana and the members of the E3 Squad stopped outside the operating room, a voice from behind made Kitty Killer prick up her ears. When she turned around, Ace, who had led the way, and Blaze beside him both gave a military salute... A military salute?

As Nana wondered why they were saluting, the woman who emerged from the room behind them waved a hand. She was a green-haired Feline with a deeply exhausted face and heavy dark circles under her eyes.

"...This is Rhodes Island. Don't bring Kazdel habits back here..."

"Ah... I forgot..."

"I was following Captain Ace, I didn't mean to do it. Oh, right, Kal'tsit! She's the one you were looking for..."

"I can see that. Also, this isn't the place to talk... And Blaze, you let one child carry another child all the way from the elevator?"

Facing the calm rebuke of the woman dressed in green anti-Originium-contamination gear with distinctive transparent components—whose hair and attire both reminded Nana of the person responsible for her potted plant—the big cat wearing a Rhodes Island jacket immediately looked awkward.

Blaze first raised a finger to make Kal'tsit notice the situation, then opened her arms toward Nana. Nana instantly reacted by hiding Little Cat behind herself, one hand reaching toward the messenger bag at her side.

Everyone had just passed security and knew that, aside from two guns, that bag was also full of weapons. Blaze could only raise her head and spread her hands toward Kal'tsit.

"You see, it's not that I haven't tried... But... I can understand that Nana only went through the whole incident today and is still on edge..."

Seeing Nana seemingly suppressing something after realizing what was happening and allowing her to approach the child in her arms, the short-haired green Feline merely checked the simple data-monitoring watch Little Cat was wearing before immediately turning her gaze to Nana.

"That person did say that the accident involving this child had caused you some stress response... But your condition seems far more serious than I imagined. I'll arrange additional psychological intervention for you later. But if you refuse to grant even the most basic trust, then never mind treatment... I'm afraid even living normally will become difficult."

With that, the doctor whose colors resembled Nana's potted plant spread her hands toward Nana.

"Little Matilda underwent brainstem and spinal reconstruction surgery. The burden is too great for a child. She should be placed in a zero-gravity recovery ward to prevent gravity from causing secondary damage, rather than being held by you while you remain constantly on guard against your surroundings."

"You're a doctor too. You should know what she needs."

"...But we haven't established a relationship of trust yet, have we..."

Seeing Nana frown as though becoming even more guarded, the green doctor calmly tilted her head.

"Building trust was never an easy matter. I originally believed we could gradually develop mutual trust normally, but if we cannot even take the first step, then every plan for treatment and working together afterward will be nothing but a castle in the air."

"Besides, that child's health is more important now. So let's skip the pointless probing... ICA sales representative, Columbia Homeland Security Bureau agent, killer Number Seventy-Seven..."

Nana fell silent at once. Ace, who was watching, seemed accustomed to it, but Blaze felt as though her earlier talk of "mutual understanding" had been for nothing when she saw Nana eventually nod in agreement.

"Wha—what?! Kal'tsit, did you just say some spell that made her obey you?"

"...Quite the opposite. Those are the words most likely to provoke her defiance. But I merely wanted to make it clear that I am not ignorant of who you are. In fact, the reason we found you in such an incomplete and anxiety-inducing manner is essentially because you have a very close connection with 'us'..."

As she spoke, she turned and began leading the way, though their destination was the room next to the one Kal'tsit had just exited.

This was another ward with variable glass walls. Aside from white, its primary color was blue... It was obvious that the room had been arranged in great haste, and there were several similar rooms here.

"...I'll activate the anti-gravity system next. Treat that curtain of light as a bed and place the child on it."

The beeping and tapping of the equipment seemed to echo the killer's irritation. In this corridor that made extensive use of one-way transparent materials, invisible gazes seemed to multiply many times over... Nana could feel something "watching" her.

Something was "examining" her.

Something was trying to "enter" her... heart?

Was it Originium Arts similar to Little Cat's?

Because she had no idea where the source of those gazes was hiding, Nana awkwardly looked at the many panes of glass around her, most of which had turned black, before ultimately choosing to forcibly ignore them.

As for Doctor Kal'tsit's words, Nana hesitated as though she wanted to believe something. She first reached out to confirm the state of the "zero-gravity bed," and only after making sure she could "sit" on it did she wrap Little Cat in a blanket placed nearby and let her float upon that fluid made of light.

"Mm, everything is normal. For the next three months, she'll use this zero-gravity equipment to ensure her bones and flesh heal properly... As for the detailed examination, the equipment is currently occupied. Little Bruce's examination will be arranged for three days from now. We have plenty of time during that period to answer your questions, but the priority is handling your onboarding."

As she spoke, Kal'tsit immediately turned and took the lead out. Seeing Nana still hesitate to leave, the green Feline sighed and looked back again.

"So hurry up and finish this, then come back to keep her company... My time is precious, and I know everything that person knows about you. After I said the name Seventy-Seven, do you really have any privacy left?"

Kal'tsit had mentioned "that person" several times... Nana instinctively thought of the person who had bundled her and Little Cat together and sold them off to Rhodes Island.

"The person you mean... is my manager?"

"...Manager... Is that what she calls herself now? But I don't want to talk about her here... My relationship with her... is complicated."

She shook her head as if lamenting something, but Kal'tsit's expression remained calm yet weary... Still, her movements had not stopped for even a moment since they met, as if something were chasing her.

"But my relationship with you can be approached slowly... Starting with what both sides need right now. I will complete treatment for you and Little Bruce within this year, and in return... I hope we can establish... the most basic relationship of trust."

Since the other party had put it that plainly, Nana was not the sort to fail to appreciate goodwill. Kitty Killer promptly gave her answer.

"If it's a contract, I will abide by it."

"...But I want you to understand the cause Rhodes Island pursues. Contracts ultimately have their limits... Just like how the contract between ICA and you was essentially interrupted this time... I don't want a similar situation to arise between Rhodes Island and you."

Only then did Nana understand what the green doctor before her was emphasizing.

"...I understand. I'll seriously learn about Rhodes Island..."

"Then next are your onboarding procedures."

Still acting as though something were chasing her, Kal'tsit turned and left again. Nana hurriedly left a note for Little Cat before catching up... Once it was confirmed that Nana would join Rhodes Island, ACE dismissed the E3 Action Group, who had shown no hostility but had remained on guard the entire time. Only Blaze, who was very interested in Nana, continued following them to watch her complete the onboarding procedures.

If there was any difference between the two of them and their initial state, it was probably that they were no longer carrying weapons. Nana also left her rifle suitcase in Little Cat's ward and followed Kal'tsit onto the elevator to the top level carrying only her shoulder bag.

Blaze: "Come to think of it, this is the first time we've let someone carry dangerous items into the bridge core, isn't it..."

Nana: "...Isn't the fact that signing a contract requires going to the bridge core itself already a huge problem?"

Kal'tsit: "Because the internal ship systems have not been fully installed, only the bridge can currently enter your information into the system... But I prepared your identification in advance."

As she spoke, the green Feline handed Nana a badge bearing a medical symbol.

"(____) excels at providing treatment to Operators on the battlefield. By decision of the field operations department, she is classified as a Medical Operator during field missions and performs the duties of a physician. This certificate is specially issued as proof... The name field is still blank."

Rather than comment on the fact that she was hired as a physician but expected to go into the field, Nana's attention was immediately drawn to the blank at the beginning.

Ace answered the question instead.

"Because at Rhodes Island, many Operators have pasts that are difficult to face... So when we accept someone, we usually allow them to choose a codename to use in place of their name and enter it into the records..."

"Huh... A past that's difficult to face... I don't think I have anything like that."

Seeing Nana's casual manner, Kal'tsit, walking at the very front, questioned her without even turning around.

"But that person told me you have no recollection whatsoever of your memories from ten years ago..."

Nana shrugged, completely unconcerned about the topic.

"So I have no past that I can't face... My manager treated me very well, and none of the jobs I handled were things I need to regret."

"...That's good too, but the name 'Nana' likely still has records in Columbia... You still need a codename."

At Kal'tsit's words, Nana looked at Blaze and ACE beside her. Seeing them nod as though it were only natural, Nana—whose records had only remained in a quantum state because she had joined the Security Bureau—could only agree with Kal'tsit.

Nana looked at her work badge and read the notes on its back about living aboard the Landship, then said casually.

"Then... let it be 'Medic.' Simple and easy to understand. I hope the work I'll have to handle will be just as simple."

Blaze and Ace exchanged looks upon hearing the codename Nana had chosen, while Kal'tsit appeared entirely unsurprised.

After they arrived at the bridge core, the green Feline checked whether the codename was already in use. Seeing that no one had used this idiotic name for themselves, and that Nana had no intention of giving it further thought, Kal'tsit went along with her decision.

"...System login complete... From this moment onward, Nana is Rhodes Island's Medical Operator, Medic."

"That's it? There isn't some kind of ceremony?"

Nana's question seemed to make Kal'tsit react. Kal'tsit, who had merely handed Nana the credentials and prepared to turn away, suddenly stopped walking.

Then, the superior whose colors looked exactly like Nana's potted plant seemed to be trying to see something else through Nana. After hesitating for a moment, she said:

"...There is... a ceremony. It is an oath normally given after an internship, when one formally joins Rhodes Island... But for you, an internship is probably the most unnecessary process. Since you have been issued formal credentials, we may as well follow the formal procedure and take the oath together..."

"An oath?"

"Mm... It's only one sentence..."

As she spoke, Nana followed the direction Kal'tsit indicated and looked at the Rhodes Island armband on the exhausted doctor's shoulder.