Kitty Killer Isn't Very Cold

As the Little Cat on the other end of the network lost her mind, the Council moderator offered an explanation:

[Well... this contract, while the evidence you submitted is certainly extensive... I must say, it is impossible to make so many nations act according to our wishes... No, it has nothing to do with ideology or national conflicts. It is simply that a report covering such an enormous scope... We do not have enough personnel to follow through and verify whether the contract has been fulfilled... The scope is too broad, and there are far too many parties to coordinate with. At most, we can issue Originium dust warnings to these regimes... Until Catastrophes actually strike, we can only mobilize our limited strength to save as many people as possible.]

[...You ask whether those governments will rescue their own mobile cities? If it truly happens within a parked city sector, then they certainly will not stand by... As everyone knows, mobile cities are extremely valuable assets... As long as the Originium Engine core has not been completely destroyed, they are worth repairing... In short, we will forward your evidence and contract application to our professional meteorological observation team. Should the situation develop, we will immediately notify the relevant parties... Next...]

"Please wait..."

Seeing the one-eyed Feline below raise her hand to speak again, the moderator placed the contract document in the "Observation" category and turned the livestream microphone back on.

[All right. Is there anything else you would like to say?]

Looking at the staff present, Medic spoke heavily.

"The situation is critical. Assuming there are no errors in my calculations, then Ticarondo... Ticarondo, where the probability of a Catastrophe has increased by three thousandths in six hours, is about to suffer a Catastrophe..."

Before Medic could finish, the moderator tapped the table with a wooden gavel, silencing the uproar in the hall.

[...Miss Medic, predicting Catastrophes is a complex discipline involving the lives of tens of thousands and affecting every aspect of society... I understand a scholar's confidence when speaking of her own theories, but our work... the work of Catastrophe messengers, is something in which we cannot make rash declarations until the very last moment... Given your young age, we will not pursue this mistake any further... But next time, we hope you will be more cautious... Do not let a city fall apart on its own before a Catastrophe can bring it down.]

"...I apologize. I misspoke... But we need help..."

[Sorry, could you be more specific?]

"...Our company's mothership... the Landship Rhodes Island, is currently docked at... Ticarondo.

"And all of you are professionals. Once an Originium-based Catastrophe Cloud exceeds its threshold, the disaster begins explosively... It is different from earthquakes, volcanoes, cold waves, or heat waves... Once this kind of disaster begins, its violent dispersal process inevitably causes damage.

"Mobile cities can at least rely on their enormous compartmentalized spaces and national reserves, but our Landship has just reached the point where it needs supplies. There are also Oripathy patients aboard receiving treatment under the terms of unfulfilled contracts... I do not wish to put it so pragmatically... But as an accomplished and widely recognized expert on Oripathy, I believe Rhodes Island absolutely cannot sink here."

As she faced the quiet, silent gazes of employees from the various companies partnered with Contingency Contract, as well as the steadily increasing number of livestream viewers behind the screens, Medic knew Kal'tsit would probably scold her when she got back.

Making such an arbitrary decision and causing Rhodes Island a public relations incident at Contingency Contract... She did not know whether she, the head of personnel, would still be able to sit peacefully in the office, loaf around with Su Sulo and Blaze, and drink tea.

Standing on a globally broadcast platform alone was enough to ruin her career as an assassin... Even in the worst-case scenario, Medic would seek aid from the Columbian government as a Security Bureau agent if she had to, just to bring enough support back to the Little Cat.

Clenching her fists, Medic spoke to those around her with the shameless air of someone trying to freeload off both spectators and business partners.

"We need help. At minimum, another Landship and a fully staffed damage control crew... We can pay for the contract with Oripathy-blocking medication more effective than what is on the market, as well as the services of our professional action teams... So..."

Watching Medic grow less confident the more she spoke, until even her cat ears drooped at the end, the Leithanien Contingency Contract reception hall remained solemn and dignified, as though even Catastrophes could not alter the stern expressions on their faces.

[So... you are Rhodes Island.]

Just as Medic bowed and prepared to leave the stage, a woman's voice suddenly joined the network channel.

Turning around, Medic could only tell from the public reception hall's network and screens that the other party was a Feline like herself, with long, lustrous black hair tinged purple. The note attached to the incoming signal was the only thing that indicated her identity.

After all, anyone able to interrupt in such a setting had to be a Contingency Contract partner... Yet what puzzled Medic was that this long-haired Feline's organization was classified. Only the affiliated organization one level below bore the logo of Raythean Industries.

[Well... the moderator is getting a little unhappy, so let us keep this brief... You need a fully equipped Landship and corresponding Catastrophe response specialists. While I cannot provide you direct assistance, there is a very suitable target near Ticarondo, along Ironforge City's route...]

[Yes, allow me to recommend Blacksteel Worldwide's Biological Protection Specialist Department... The Blacksteel-affiliated Landship they are stationed on should be near you... And as far as I know, they also happen to need the assistance of an expert on the Infected.]

[This would be mutually beneficial. Contingency Contract will forward the relevant contact information to you... All right, that is all I have to say. Moderator, you may continue. I hope I have not interrupted your work...]

After the Feline from that classified department disconnected, the moderator looked at Medic, who had worn a stiff face and frightened eyes ever since entering... Her expression as she stared at her phone suddenly brightened completely. Though the moderator's expression did not change, they nodded in agreement.

[It is all right. Contingency Contract was founded for mutual benefit and mutual assistance...]

Watching Medic and her companions leave, the moderator immediately opened the next contract application.

They remained as serious as before, but they were not as hard-hearted as they appeared. Everything they did was for Contingency Contract's original purpose.

So that more lives might survive.

PS: Wuwu, kitty.

A happy kitty: "Purr purr~"

An unhappy kitty: "Eek—"

PS2: The next perspective will be an adorable kitty surviving a Catastrophe... Of course, there will be no tragedy this time... Though it probably will not be pleasant either... After all, Rosemary cannot punch a Catastrophe Cloud apart in one blow.

PS3: Feedback from the comments made me realize that everyone still has not sorted out the timeline...

It is currently the transition between autumn and winter of 1091, meaning after the Loken Watertank Incident ended and when Kal'tsit took Rosemary in.

We added a Medic here... Although Medic is also a character from the original work, but she has a lot of issues. We will talk about that slowly later.

In 1094, Doctor was severely injured, and Theresa died.

The main story begins in Chernobog in December 1096... That is the information everyone should know in advance.

The Mystery of the Second Medic: 038 It Rained

"So! What even is a Catastrophe?!"

Pedaling the tricycle with all her strength, the cracking shout of this local Ticarondo courier showed just how panicked she was... Yet venting verbally did not slow her pedaling in the slightest.

The little three-wheeler traced a smooth drifting arc across the mobile city's surface streets as she followed Amiya's request to find someone who could organize the people of this district to take shelter.

Gentle Amiya understood the little courier's burden, so after giving an awkward laugh, she said nothing more. But Matilda was not going to indulge her... The Little Cat, accustomed to speaking her mind, held her friend's hand and directly voiced the question in her heart.

"We wanted to ask too. What do you mean when you say the officials are no good? Is there no police station here?"

"The police? Ah... Everyone in the Infected district is undocumented. Because they fear the risk of Oripathy infection, the police station has assigned trainee officers to patrol here, but they do not actually handle anything! We need to find the local gang... They are called the Red Hand Gang! They are the actual controllers of the Infected district, and the organization currently capable of properly preparing for a large-scale evacuation... Ah! That is them up ahead..."

Following the local employee's gaze, the three passengers—one adult and two children—leaned out from the cargo bed. They saw a group of well-dressed adults chasing a child...

"A gang that bullies children... doesn't seem very good..."

"Definitely not good... Xia..."

"...Amiya, you decide what happens next... There are still a few years to go, but you really should start getting used to making decisions as Rhodes Island's CEO."

Listening to the three behind her mutter about things like "prioritizing the survival of Rhodes Island operators," "rationing," and "what to watch for during Catastrophes"—all of which sounded rather terrifying—the courier hurriedly interrupted them.

"Who said those adults were gang members? The one being chased is! She is the adopted daughter of the Red Hand Gang's boss!"

"...So she is the Red Hand Gang contact you were looking for..."

"Ah... I was not actually looking for her, but she will do, right?!"

Amiya nodded at her little employee's words, but watched the Lupo girl lead the group into an alley... The fierce appearance of the pursuers made her deeply uneasy.

"It looks like the vehicle cannot get in any farther. We should get out and follow them... But... it looks like there may be a conflict... And there do not seem to be any police."

As she spoke, Amiya anxiously touched the ten rings strung around her neck... Under Kal'tsit's guidance, Amiya could use some Arts, but she was only an ordinary Sarkaz. If a conflict really broke out, could she control the situation?

Seeing the Little Bunny look at her so helplessly, Theresa kept smiling and turned to Matilda, who seemed puzzled as to why everyone had stopped moving.

"Amiya... There is nothing shameful about borrowing the strength of your companions, but remember this: you are the company's leader. You are the beacon. What you need to do is let those following you understand why you are doing this... Not leave your friends completely confused while we say things they do not understand."

"...I... do understand... Amiya needs me, right? To deal with them?"

Feeling the simple, sincere killing intent coming from the Little Cat, Amiya helplessly tugged the corners of her mouth into an awkward smile. She was beginning to understand why Kal'tsit had repeatedly told her over the past week to be Matilda's "safety rope"... Judging by this, the Little Cat might truly be far too innocent when it came to "common sense."

"No... There is no need to do anything so frightening... We are only here to find someone, so try not to hurt anyone if possible... Ah, just saying it plainly may be hard to understand, but..."

Looking into Amiya's eyes, the Little Cat tilted her cat ears, and an idea suddenly came to her... As ripples stirred by their Originium Arts wrapped around them like blue silk, the Little Cat nodded in sudden understanding.

"Mhm... I understand. Mama did say I rely too much on the Thought Chain Ring... But... I will listen to Amiya here. You command me. I will hold back and try not to hurt them."

Seeing their CEO still gazing deeply into her little friend's eyes, the thoroughly bundled-up local employee had no choice but to remind them.

"Even though I think the atmosphere between you two is very nice, I still have to interrupt... Our target has been caught. That alley is a dead end."

"Then... let us go negotiate."

Just as Amiya gripped her ring necklace and prepared to step forward, three figures in police uniforms suddenly rushed past them, shouting, "Police enforcement!"

The girl at the rear of the group wore round glasses, had her red hair neatly braided into twin braids, and carried a riot shield. She even bowed apologetically to the four of them...

Had they not said the police did not handle matters in the Infected district?

Just as Amiya was wondering about that, the blonde Cautus girl in the middle of the trio, also dressed in a police uniform, suddenly stopped.

"Oh~ Aren't you from Rhodes Island... What are you doing here?"

"We need to speak with that young lady, but it looks like bad people have cornered her! Officer, please hurry and help her!"

Apparently struck by a sudden idea, Amiya called out "officer" especially loudly. Everyone in the alley turned to look outside as well.

"Huh? Police? This is between Mama John's and the Red Hand Gang. What does it have to do with you?"

"We can handle matters in the Infected district because we are police officers... Even if we are only trainees, violence is forbidden here. Whether you are from a corporation or a gang, you must obey that rule. Do I need to remind you?"

As the blue-haired horse girl leading the three officers—the Kuranta girl—shouted sharply, Matilda, who had unconsciously blocked the alley entrance, looked at the local employee hiding behind Amiya and unwilling to step forward.

"What is 'Mama John's'? Whose mother is that?"

"No... It is the name of a Ticarondo company... Its business overlaps with ours somewhat, and it does not have a very good reputation..."

Which meant it sold fake medicine, perhaps fake medicine specifically to the Infected...

The Little Cat did not quite understand the implication, but Amiya did. And Matilda clearly sensed Amiya's urge to hit someone.

While the four from Rhodes Island chatted amiably, the three trainee officers' sudden arrival caused the suited men, who had previously targeted their "objective," to instantly change targets. The atmosphere took a sharp turn for the worse.

Just as the blonde Cautus girl muttered, "This is bad, this is bad," a man among the suited group with half his left ear missing stepped forward.

"Officer Fang, we are merely recovering stolen medicine. How can you say we are engaging in violence?"

"...Then the injuries on your faces were not inflicted by Elva? You just fell while chasing her?"

Fang sighed softly, holding the folding gun in her hand as she continued.

"At the end of the day, Mama John's needs the Red Hand Gang's permission to sell goods in the Infected district. Elva has no reason to steal from you at all... Unless..."

Seeing the blue-haired Kuranta girl look at her, the Lupo girl with injuries on her face nodded.

"Yes, they are selling shoddy fake medicine! I already told them they were not allowed to sell things that harm people, but they agreed to it openly and kept selling them behind our backs... Anyone unaware of the situation might think the Red Hand Gang authorized this... How could I possibly stand by and watch that happen?"

As she spoke, Fang, who clearly knew the Lupo girl, nodded, lightly struck the ground with her long gun, and spoke as though she had already reached a decision.

"I cannot say anything about your contract because of my position, but violence is forbidden. You can discuss everything else at the police station. Everyone, disperse!"

Seeing Fang move to shield the other girl behind her, the suited men would have had to be blind not to realize she was clearly taking sides... Especially for the local corporate representative, seeing a government official defend a gang instead of a business was an unprecedented experience.

The man was beside himself with rage.

"What kind of joke is this?! I am Mama John's representative!! Even your security captain has to show me some respect, you know?!"

Seeing him curse loudly, Fang's expression immediately stiffened.

"Hah... I do not know. I am only a trainee officer."

Amiya could tell at a glance that the little officer had been angered too. Otherwise, she would not have put on such an act by asking the blonde Cautus behind her.

"Kroos, do you know anything about that?"

"Um... It was not written in the trainee handbook..."

As she spoke, she actually pulled out a little notebook and seriously flipped through it. At that, the half-eared man's expression twisted viciously.

"If you do not know how to behave, then you can join her! There are so many of us; we will not be scared off by a few words from you—!! And you! Rhodes Island people, get lost if you have nothing to do here!"

Seeing the suited men pull short blades, daggers, and similar weapons from their pockets and waists, the three trainee officers immediately assumed a combat formation, protecting Rhodes Island's target in the middle.

As two of them approached their side, Matilda tilted her head.

"...Amiya?"

"No, do not panic... Um, I think we have something more important to discuss than business matters..."

"Nothing is more important than our goods right now. If you do not plan to get involved, then stay out of the way!"

"...What if what I need to say is about a Catastrophe?"

Amiya's words immediately drew everyone's attention. The Little Bunny anxiously refreshed the Contingency Contract website again. Ticarondo's Catastrophe threat index had risen from two-thousandths to one percent... While the Catastrophe threat indexes in other cities were also rising, Ticarondo's upward curve left them all far behind.

To explain what that curve meant in one sentence... Other cities could still be said to be on the edge of a Catastrophe, but Ticarondo was practically at its very center.

"Your name is Elva, right... I am Amiya, CEO of Rhodes Island. We need the Red Hand Gang's help... This city needs someone to organize the evacuation, activate the city sector separation procedure, and move the entire sector away from the Catastrophe... You should not have time to keep arguing."

Though Amiya felt she had spoken with sufficient sincerity, Half-Ear disdainfully scratched his ear canal with his little finger.

"Huh? A Catastrophe? Even if the Sankta Pope descended in person today, you still have to return our goods!"

"...You can forget about getting these harmful things back!"

Seeing Elva raise the case as though she intended to smash it onto the ground, Half-Ear, knowing it was full of injections, immediately panicked. The suited men charged toward the thin defensive line formed by the three trainee officers.