Story Reader / Interlude / Flawless / Story
Cap...
Captain.
Captain! Captain!
I...
Kamui's pestering snaps Chrome out of his deep thoughts. The destination of this mission now lies right before Chrome's eyes.
The objective of this mission is to occupy this Corrupted spawning ground. Strike Hawk and the other teams will stay behind in Zone C to attract and contain any and all hostile entities.
(This other team is... actually...)
You've briefed me on the mission countless times, remember?
Countless times, you say?
You've been saying the same thing over and over since we got on the aircraft. Oh, and you also said: "If anything happens, you get out of here. I'll take care of the rest."
...I said that? Well, in that case, this command...
I wasn't going to follow it anyway.
...Where are the others? Why are their signals outside this area?
For Smith, one sidekick is enough.
You—
Chrome realizes from this conversation that Kamui noticed his concern and figured out his plan for the day, but he doesn't know when.
He instantly feels something—not nervousness, not animosity. Chrome can't really tell what it is. It's something he hasn't ever experienced before... something that seems to have burst his bubble.
What do you want?
I just hate to see...
Kamui slowly softens his tone.
I mean, I'm just trying to get that frown off your face.
Did I frown?
That looks like it's all scrunched up with paper and wrinkles... The one you're making right now, chief. You aren't aware?
—! —!
Ah, they're on the move. I'll go take 'em down.
Before Chrome can say anything, Kamui has already rushed off towards the Corrupted. He's about to pull out his weapon when he turns around, as if suddenly reminded of something.
Captain Smith! Well, you're not Smith yet, but I'll call you that for now anyway. Captain Smith! sit tight for my good news!
...
Looks like the battle's already started. Chrome, I'll arrange for the support forces to pick you up at a location nearby. Retreat immediately.
And then I'll become Smith?
I'll have to climb to the position I need first. But you did carry out the responsibility of "Smith". Soon, I believe, you'll become Smith, like you wanted. Now, retreat.
Do I want to become Smith?
Hm?
No, Smith... No, father.
It's not that I want to become Smith, but I NEED to...
Isn't it the same thing?
No. I've always followed your orders. The reason my goal is to become Smith is because I have no other choice.
Every action of mine is determined by your will...
That is the price of your existence. What's the point of bringing it up now?
I'm bringing it up because I want my autonomy back.
Once the shell called the body is abandoned, what does the human leave behind?
The part that's left behind in me is Chrome. Not Langston. And certainly not Smith!
I'll meet up with the other squad members that departed early. After that, we'll defend the place until our very last breaths!
