Story Reader / Event Story / Chessboard Realms / Story
Within the space permeated by the scent of oil and metal, an incongruous figure occupies the desk that originally belonged to the captain of the Engineering Force.
Commandant Vanessa, here's your water.
A member of the Engineering Force respectfully extends a glass of ice water to Vanessa. However, she refrains from reaching for it, opting instead to pinch her nose with a handkerchief, seemingly unable to tolerate the pungent smell here.
Even without speaking, Vanessa's presence spikes tension among everyone present, making it even more agonizing than watching Karenina argue with Teddy.
Uh, Commandant Vanessa, you really don't need to keep waiting here... and that's Captain's—
Oh? How unwelcoming! The Engineering Force can't even spare a moment to attend to a guest?
Or is it that I'm being an eyesore to you and affecting your work efficiency?
That's certainly not it... It's just rare to see a client come to our workshop to oversee the working progress in person...
I have a lot of free time right now.
Besides, this is for my most cherished toy. Why wouldn't I keep a close eye on it?
The previous short-range drone didn't meet my standards in either flight distance or weight distribution. Your captain had promised me that it would only take two weeks to make the improvements I wanted.
We totally understand. Our designers are working diligently on it...
For the next fifteen minutes, the atmosphere remains unchanged with tension still lingering in the air.
Vice-Captain... what do we do now?
A Construct whispers to Teddy, who is quietly typing before a terminal.
Do nothing.
But if Captain comes back and sees her seat...
Wouldn't that be perfect? You're all probably sick of watching me and Karenina argue. So why not switch things up a bit?
Just leave her be. Don't bother me unless it's important. I'm busy.
You're the vice-captain of the Engineering Force? The Norman girl?
Clack!
That's the sound of Teddy forcefully pressing the enter key on the keyboard.
Why do you have to poke your nose around the Engineering Force? Shouldn't a Task Force commandant like you be minding your own Constructs?
As Vanessa approaches her, Teddy's previously indifferent tone becomes noticeably impatient.
There's no rule against outsiders here, and technically speaking, I can't really be considered one either.
The equipment the Task Force requested is intended for surface combat, so overseeing your work falls squarely within my responsibilities as your "client."
Oh, really? I was just thinking those sparks from welding might mess up that pretty face of yours. We can't afford the blame for damaging the image of an elite squad's commandant.
Oh, my bad. I guess that's no longer a concern because Egret got booted off the elite squad list for failing to recruit three members in such a long time.
Heh, so your name's Teddy, right? Since you seem so curious about the current state of Egret, I wouldn't mind having you as my reserve member.
Compared to hanging around the Engineering Force, my squad will definitely make you feel more at home.
Thanks, but no thanks.
And please, do me a favor and behave. Otherwise, I'll have to make you leave on behalf of my hot-headed captain.
What are you up to?
Oh? Are you interested in programming? Want me to teach you how to count in binary?
It's just that I can tell you're not doing what the Engineering Force is supposed to.
Listen, your request is more like one of those things we'd use for evaluating interns in the Engineering Force, not something I need to worry about.
What I'm working on also isn't your—
Teddy's typing comes to an abrupt halt, and the words she was about to utter are held back.
I'm coding software patches for Hamlet's second-gen model for the WGAA. Their tech team was drowning in work, practically begging me for help, so I had no choice but to step in.
Took the opportunity to squeeze some funds out of them. That's how we managed to get the lightweight carbon steel for your little drone.
Hamlet... That does ring a bell. I remember that for a while, [player name] was often seen hanging out with those WGAA people.
I think I heard about Hamlet from that person back then.
Hamlet is a holographic theatre simulation device. I recall that the WGAA specifically sought [player name] for assistance with the development of the subsequent model.
Oh? Why?
Who knows? I mean, that person is a "Chief", right? Must have some special talent that a regular commandant can only dream of.
Heh, don't you think it comes out a failure when the irony is too blatant?
So, is it really a failure?
My judgment was spot on, I must say. I'm more and more inclined to have you join Egret.
It's not like I mind it, but I can't guarantee that a certain someone's Blast Hammer would be on board with your request.
But the WGAA seeking [player name]'s help only proves that those art people have no eye for talent.
Let me guess. Your next line is going to be, "I have to go and correct their perspective," right?
So? Why not?
I happen to have a lot of free time right now.
