Story Reader / Arcade Anima / Path of Remembrance / Story
How to Prepare Food for A Massive Group
>Three years after the Great Evacuation.
Three years since Watanabe left Babylonia and wandered on the surface.
Traveling across the globe, joining different camps, meeting survivors... The past few years have not been any quieter for him than the ones he spent fighting Corrupted.
Before he realizes it, he has gathered quite a group of companions during this turbulent time.
Soldiers that Babylonia could not take in, displaced people struggling in temporary shelters, collaborators when camps combined, folks abandoned by other Earth-based organizations...
And, most recently, the refugees who have roamed the surface for quite some time.
Boss.
Hmm.
Throwing the small bag of spice back to his companion, Watanabe takes off his gloves and dusts off his hands, praying that the large pot of boiling stew before him is enough to sustain the camp for just a little longer.
The soldier grabs the small bag and crudely stuffs it inside the gunnysack on his back. Ingredients and spices rustle upon his push.
Shoo, shoo. Stop staring. There will be enough food for y'all.
Stuffing the gunnysack, the soldier waves away the refugees waiting outside the food truck and staring at the food. They hunch a little bit away from the window, but they clearly have no intention to leave.
The mood in the camp has been tense since food was stolen for the third time in a month. The soldiers managing the camp are quite nervous, faced with the challenges of distributing food and earning the people's trust.
The food truck is not guarded to make resource access easier for non-military personnel, but soldiers on their breaks all hang around the food supply, keeping an eye out for thieves among the people or themselves.
Grrr...
Cough.
The constant anxiety has waned everyone's spirit, and they are starving before they realize it. Even when the soldier tries to cover his growling stomach with his cough, it does not escape Watanabe's ears.
Just hold on a little longer. Lunch is almost ready.
Sigh. Something to eat for once. We gave so much to that "Humanity Corp" and got so little food in return. We would have all starved if it weren't for the foraging team punching above their weight.
Enjoy your lunch, then, since we still have to negotiate a partnership with that camp. Suma has been gone for a few hours already, so the negotiation can't be going well.
As expected. They have plenty of supplies at their disposal, so they won't collaborate with us that easily. Just trust that our "diplomat" will do her best.
We still have a backup plan if the talk fails. It'll be a battle we have to prepare for later.
The battle is why we must keep you well-fed. The batch of MRE we got recently should give you enough energy to fight.
This MRE ration made by Easton Group used to get a lot of complaints for their quality, but years of fermentation have made them quite nutritious and more suitable for prolonged combat.
Combat... It's fine fighting that Corrupted Colossus, but fighting those people...
Stop sounding so defeated. There's never an easy battle. We all have our missions and objectives.
Let's eat first—Boss, get it going!
Alright. Almost there.
We're still an ingredient short, but we don't have time for that right now. We'll have to...
Are you missing this?
A small hand reaches out and opens before Watanabe, revealing a strange-looking herb.
...That's right. Dahurian angelica. Thanks.
It's a nutritious and beneficial herb rarely found in the desert. Where did you find this?
...I was just walking around.
...
Watanabe looks at the unkempt child in damaged gear before him. He saw many similar children when he roamed the surface, but he has never seen such an impassive boy with an indifferent gaze only found in adults.
He glances to the right, and Leon, who is guarding the supply, catches his hint and quickly takes stock of the inventory. Leon gestures that everything is in order afterward, ruling the boy out as a suspect for theft.
Alright, I suppose you're one of the lucky ones in this desert. Thanks for finding it.
Have you just joined the camp? Can you tell me your name?
You asked two questions. I don't like being asked two questions at the same time...
Warren! How can you talk to the boss like that?!
A panicking woman enters the food truck without waiting for the young boy to answer.
Why did you come to the food truck? I told you only soldiers can enter this place...
...I gave you the Dahurian angelica. Remember to use it.
The boy glances at the woman before leaving by himself without looking back. The woman chases after him for a little bit but quickly stops and pants, prompting Watanabe to walk up and help her.
Cough... cough... My apologies, Boss. My son just got here, and he still doesn't know his manners. Don't mind the kid. He's always too energetic to stay put...
That's alright. The kid is just unfamiliar with the new environment. It'll get better once he gets used to the place.
Watanabe peeks at the crowd outside as he says that. A wave of desperate eyes returns his gaze while watching each other with slight caution and hostility.
Sigh. I've forgotten how many camps we've been to.
I hope ours will keep you for a little bit longer.
Briefly wrapping up the conversation, Watanabe focuses back on his stew while still talking to the woman.
So how are you getting used to our camp?
Getting used to a place is a luxury... I'm not my husband... It's good enough that Warren and I have a place to stay.
I have to thank you for that, Boss. Thank you...
You don't have to thank me. We're not a shelter. We're just a group of people gathering for a common purpose.
We're all contributing to the fight to achieve that goal.
Especially you, Theresa. You must look after yourself. Our future depends on scientists like you and your research.
You're too kind...
Stop with the formality. This isn't a Babylonia shelter, and I'm no longer an officer from the Great Evacuation. There's no rank between us anymore.
Old habits. Just old habits... Aaargh...
A sharp pain in her abdomen sends her reeling. Watanabe dashes forward to support her.
Is the stomach ulcer back? We've got some medics at the camp currently. Ask them for a prescription first. I'll save you your meal for later.
It's alright... it's alright. This is nothing new. I just need to tough it out. I'd hate to bother you, Boss.
Perhaps we can't guarantee a full belly for everyone right now, but I hope we can keep most of you healthy.
Of course, of course. You're right, Boss... I'll go see a doctor...
Theresa nods a few times, avoiding Watanabe's gaze and turning to where her son went.
I really should go and look for my son now. He's never up to any good; I have to keep him from causing trouble...
My apologies, Boss. I'll see you around...
Seeing Theresa trotting away, Watanabe immediately steps forward.
And he blocks the entrance to the food truck with a hand, stopping a refugee who is attempting to barge in.
...What the hell?! The kid and his mom just went in there, didn't they? Why can't I take a peek as well?
You can look as much as you want, but you might miss what we're distributing later.
Leon, Pietro, let's take the things outside.
Yes, Boss!
The two squatting soldiers get up immediately, carrying the boiling pot outside the food truck where another large pot of steaming rice awaits.
The pot lands on the metal rack with a dull thud. The resting soldiers scattered within the food truck pick up their weapons and stand by around the car, leaving only a few of them guarding the supply.
Watanabe stands next to the metal rack and takes a deep breath.
He has done this many times, but what he is about to do still stresses him out.
Alright! Food's ready!
The ladle hits the metal pot, and the clanking sound reverberates. The dozens of people surrounding the food truck gather around instantly before being pushed back by the soldiers.
We've got enough for everyone! Line up! Don't push!
We're distributing ration. The third company will be passing out your fixed portion of main dish, and I'll give you your sides and extra supplies. Take your food and eat at the designated canteen. No jumping the queue!
Got it, got it! Get started already!
The people being pushed back moan with irritation. Watanabe sighs with relief silently, feeling grateful that at least the people still have the strength to talk and complain.
Not only are trained soldiers gathered here, but many starving civilians. Every single grain of rice they give out here is being eyed by dozens of hungry people.
Watanabe would have been more relaxed if there was not just an influx of newcomers. The slightest mishap will shatter the order he and the soldiers have carefully maintained, in which case they must prepare for violence.
Luckily, the people in this camp are yet to fight over food, as far as he can tell.
Now, one by one.
The dispersed Scavengers grab their dirty containers and form a long, crooked line upon Watanabe's order.
The first Scavenger in the line takes a portion of the stew before turning to Watanabe. Carefully he places his container before Watanabe, his gaze attentive as if worrying that Watanabe will take it away.
Here's yours. I've removed the seeds for you. If you still get an allergic reaction afterward, go find a doctor, okay? There's no need to act tough. Next!
Watanabe pours the steaming sides into the bowl. The Scavenger stands there, stunned for a few seconds.
...How do you know I'm allergic to it?
It's getting better, right? Don't worry too much about it. The doctor said it'd take you a while to get used to eating this kind of thing.
...How did you...
Your leader talked to me when our camps joined. I remember the dietary habits of every one of you.
Do you have other allergies? Better to register it with the doctors, then. It'd be too late otherwise, wouldn't it? We still need you for the fight ahead, so don't wear yourself out.
...I'm fine.
...Seriously? We're barely fed. Read the room...
Looking away, the Scavenger mumbles as he leaves with his meal. Behind him is a little girl.
C'mon, here's yours. If you still don't like the food today, find the old man at the foraging team on the east side and ask for some spices, alright?
I will... Thank you, pops.
Call me Watanabe.
Thanks... eh... Watanabe.
That's right.
May I have a little bit more, Watanabe...? I'm so hungry. I barely ate yesterday...
The girl holds up her bowl with tears in her eyes as if a drop of tear can magically multiply the food inside.
You'll have the ask the good folks waiting behind you. Are they willing to share their rations with you?
I seem to remember that this is the third time you've said something similar this week.
Remember, you can only fool those who trust you. Right now, the number of people that trust you...
...Tch, what a prick. Keep your food and save your lecture.
The girl frowns and interrupts Watanabe's speech. Sticking her tongue out, she makes a face at him before leaving the queue.
Remember to go to the foraging team on the east side and ask for some spices! See if they have a job for you! You can get some extra supplies this way!
Watanabe shouts at the girl and waves.
Alright. Next.
...Remember to take care of your body. That's all.
...I will.
Watanabe breathes a sigh of relief, watching the last Scavenger leave with his bowl. Nothing has gone wrong—the armed soldiers are still threatening enough to keep everyone in check.
The civilians have received their food. It's now the soldiers' turn.
Troop! Fall in!
The soldiers guarding the perimeter quickly put away their weapons and stand in formation upon hearing Watanabe's command.
We'll be distributing lunch now. Step to the front one by one.
The young soldier standing in the front follows Watanabe's order and walks up timidly to receive his rations.
Here, Zachery. This is yours.
Watanabe takes out a small pack of liquid after passing Zachery his bowl.
And this IV solution is for your brother.
Oh... Thank you, Boss... Hehe... heh...
Taking the solution, Zachery hunches and laughs.
Slap!
—Watanabe's hands sandwich Zachery's cheeks, forcefully relaxing his stiff smile.
We talked about this. Don't smile like that.
This won't buy you any favor. You'll only be drawing the attention of bullies who would have otherwise looked away.
And you don't have to butter up anyone here anymore.
Ah... Alright. Understood!
Watanabe lets go, and it dawns on Zachery that he should stand tall and hold his head high.
That's more like it.
Don't forget that this isn't charity. You've earned the extra supply for your brother.
T-thank you, Boss. I'll remember that...
Heh... heh...
...Sigh.
Watanabe waves him away resignedly.
Next.
Alright, that's the last one. I'll take care of the rest.
Yes, Boss!
Watanabe puts his hands down as the ladle clatters in the pot. The soldiers who have been in charge of passing out the food carry their bowls and walk away.
The remaining food... should be enough for those who weren't here.
He then turns toward a shadowed area.
You first, Suma. How long are you planning to stand there?
...Huh. You saw me?
A woman in military uniform walks out of the food truck's shadow. Watanabe fills a bowl with stew and pushes it before her.
You were back when we were halfway through the queue. You didn't make a sound, but I could still spot you from here.
Eat first. We'll talk later.
I should report first. The negotiation...
Eat. You haven't eaten in twelve hours, and you haven't touched the rations you brought with you. We've talked about this—you're no Construct. Everyone needs to take care of their body first with the resources we can procure.
...Fine. I'll eat and talk.
Suma puts her hands up in defeat and sits opposite Watanabe. Grabbing the bowl, she takes a few bites before continuing to speak again.
You guessed it, Boss. The talk fell apart.
I talked their ears off, and they still wouldn't believe that there's a giant mechanoid buried underneath their camp.
They even threatened me and said they would stop our established trade if I continued to spread these demoralizing rumors.
We lack resources, which they have plenty of. It's understandable that Humanity Corp doesn't trust us.
Watanabe raises a hand as he says that. A hologram is projected from his forearm, showing a map of the desert. Two large areas are circled, indicating the locations of the two camps.
If we don't warn them in time... our most important trade partner will perish before we know it.
Watanabe waves his hand and scrolls to another level underneath the dunes. There is nothing unusual beneath Watanabe's camp.
Meanwhile, a large red spot is seen underneath the camp of Humanity Corp.
Their base is built on a giant machine. Things are going to be really bad if it gets infected and restarts.
I would have preferred to take our time to establish a long-term relationship and take care of this hidden threat slowly. But time is running out.
Watanabe spins the map around, revealing a few more red dots in the upper right corner.
We've detected quite a number of Corrupted roaming in the desert. They haven't discovered us yet, and they don't seem to have an objective, but given the trajectory of their path, they will be here in a few hours.
That giant machine will definitely be infected then.
Yeah, I've told them the exact thing, but they wouldn't believe me.
With the amount of resources they have, asking them to retreat quickly is to ask them to abandon everything they own in the wild. This kind of trust can't be attained with just a few weeks of diplomacy.
Although we're just doing simple trading right now, we have bigger plans for our partnership with them in the long run.
This is the purpose of our operation later.
...Right.
Watanabe closes the hologram and pats Suma on her shoulder.
Alright. That's all for your report.
That's only one thing left.
Whatever you say, Boss.
Finish your meal.
...
...
...Fine. Fine. You win. Stop staring at me like that. Don't you have something else to do?
Plenty. So you better finish your food quickly and let me move on to my next task.
Alright, alright. I hear you.
Suma smiles wryly and grabs her bowl.
I've said this before—you aren't just our best diplomat. You're also one heck of a demolitionist. Don't waste your gift.
Sure. You don't have to keep repeating yourself.
Take care of yourself. A fight is on the horizon.
You'll regret not having a full belly then.
A full belly... A joke like this will damn you to hell.
Those refugees don't have to starve if we have enough food for full bellies. I've seen plenty of soldiers collecting greens to eat when they're on duty. Even you have to do the cooking yourself.
...
They fall silent. The rustling sand in the wind seems to be covering the cries of hunger; they can almost hear the refugees scraping the bottom of their containers in the canteen, not sparing a single grain of rice.
Look at the time. That's why I told you we should have kept the food—
This is the problem we are about to solve.
Dealing with the problem underneath their camp not only removes a hidden threat but also gains us their trust.
Sure. A partnership that only gets us supplies is just a short-term solution. Reaching out for Humanity Corp this time is me trying to fix our situation once and for all.
I can't promise any results, and I won't. But we will do our best to keep everyone alive. Will you trust the people of this camp?
What are you talking about? I've known you long enough. Of course I trust you.
Relieved, Watanabe reveals a hint of appreciation and approval in his gaze before shaking his head.
No. Not me. Trust the people of the camp. Every single person we have gathered here.
And that includes you, Suma, obviously. You are one of us, the people trying to survive, but also the people trying to achieve that goal. Maybe the people from Humanity Corp will be one of us too.
Hmph... Quite a visionary, aren't you?
Suma shrugs and puts down her bowl.
Okay, I'm done. Just tell me what my job is.
We'll start moving soon. I'll introduce you to your partner shortly.
The fight is happening in a few hours when the Corrupted arrive here.
This time, we won't be facing them directly. First, we'll guide them... to Humanity Corp.
