Story Reader / Affection / Bridget: / Story
Bridget: Ardeo
>On your rare morning off, you finally put away your terminal, spread out lazily on the bed, and enjoy a moment of leisure.
It feels strange to have a completely empty schedule after being used to working 24/7.
While you know this is your well-deserved free time and it's okay to do absolutely nothing—a restless urge stirs in your heart, telling you to go out for a walk.
But... what would you do after going out?
As you ponder this question, someone knocks on the lounge door.
Hey, [player name]!
It's Bridget, wearing a coating you've never seen before.
Are you going to let me in?
Hmm?
Bridget raises an eyebrow, giving you an innocent smile that clearly says "Really?"
That's more like it. A commandant who can't read the room won't be very popular, right?
Bridget takes out a sealed folder after coming in.
Here you go. I was passing by, and the Science Council asked me to deliver this.
One hour ago.
With the hiss of gas dissipating, the maintenance pod opens, and Bridget gets up from within.
Frame inspection complete. All severely worn parts have been replaced. Frame diagnostics are within normal parameters. Everything checks out.
Thanks.
Bridget moves away from the maintenance pod and gently stretches her body. She then overhears a name in a conversation.
We need to give these documents to the Gray Raven Commandant tomorrow. Why can't we just send them digitally?
Oh, that. The digital version has already been sent. This physical copy was printed by mistake.
You know how it is—printing wasn't requested, but the handler just assumed it needed to be printed.
Was it the intern?
Yup.
We were going to put it in the archives, but the staff said they never received any notice to file it, also because it isn't important enough for archiving. Well... that last part is true...
Ahem... That's not the point. Anyway, we decided to send these documents directly to [player name].
She takes a small sip of her coffee and shakes her head.
Sigh... Newcomers...
Never mind all that. I heard there's a festival in the Education District. Want to check it out together after work?
Sure, I'd love to! I haven't gone out much lately—It'd be nice to get some fresh air.
Bridget sinks into deep thought as she listens in on the conversation.
(A festival, eh...)
Bridget has heard of this festival. It's an event co-hosted by the WGAA and the Basic Education Center.
The event started as the Golden Age Cultural Festival, a student-led event in the Education District. It celebrates the upcoming student graduation and reminds the graduates to always remember the Golden Age.
The festival grows grander each year. With the involvement of the WGAA and the Executive Court, it has gone beyond a student event and become a festival for the entire city.
Even members of Support Force take time off to join the festival.
Um... this document is for the Gray Raven Commandant? I'm going to see [player name] in a bit, so I could deliver it.
Hmm... That's not quite within the rules, but... this isn't classified information...
The other technician cuts him off.
Great, thank you for offering! That would be a huge help!
Bridget takes the documents with a smile and leaves, but stops in the hall in front of her own reflection in the glass.
She stands still, her gaze jumping between her reflection in the glass and the name on the files.
She finally makes up her mind.
(I gotta switch to a different coating.)
The door to the maintenance room opens once more as Bridget peeks in with a grin and looks at the two technicians.
Hey, it's me again! I was wondering if you might have time to help me change my coating?
...
Yep!
Bridget slaps her forehead and sighs loudly.
You numbskull...
For the festival, of course! The Golden Age Cultural Festival is super fun, and some of the games there are way more interesting when you play with someone else!
Also, you've been really busy lately, right?
It's your only day off! Why spend it cooped up in the lounge? Let's go out and have some fun!
A date! It's a date! A commandant who can't read the room won't be very popular, right?
Bridget fixes her gaze on you.
I do.
Yes.
Ahem. Anyway, I'll make sure you have a good time.
If you help me complete this festival-going mission, I'll remember your kindness and make sure to return the favor someday.
Doing me this favor will definitely be worth it. What do you say, [player name]?
Besides, this festival is really awesome!
Come with me! I promise you won't be disappointed.
The missions have been so stressful lately. This should help you unwind a bit.
You start to walk toward the door when Bridget calls out to stop you.
Hold on, [player name].
You're going to the festival dressed like that?
You look down at your outfit. They are clean, neat, and perfectly ordinary.
This is your work uniform, isn't it? You can't have fun dressed like that!
If you're going to have fun, you need to break from the workday routine, and it all starts with your outfit!
Why don't you change into something more casual? I'll wait for you outside.
You change into an outfit that matches Bridget's style and color and invite her back into the room. She cups her chin as she looks you up and down.
Mm-hmm, much better!
You've got quite an eye for fashion, Commandant!
But something still feels off...
Rumor has it Bridget has a great eye for fashion. She sometimes switches to more casual coatings, and her style often sets new trends.
Try these.
Bridget pulls out a pair of sunglasses from her pocket and gently puts them on you.
Perfect!
The opening ceremony is about to start. Let's get going.
