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Difference between revisions of "Orbital Bunker Observation Diary"

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{{:Translation Message}}
 
{{:Translation Message}}
 
{{Infobox
 
{{Infobox
  | above = Memory Thorn
+
  | above = Orbital Bunker Observation Diary
 
  | label1 = Written by
 
  | label1 = Written by
  | data1 = Eishima Jun
+
  | data1 = [[Eishima Jun]]
 
  | label2 = Printed in
 
  | label2 = Printed in
  | data2 = [[Strategy Guide]]
+
  | data2 = [[World Guide]], [[A Short Story]]
 
  | label3 = Translated by
 
  | label3 = Translated by
  | data3 = [https://www.reddit.com/u/Merutan /u/Merutan]
+
  | data3 = [https://www.reddit.com/u/ilfans /u/ilfans]
 
  | label4 = Date of copy
 
  | label4 = Date of copy
  | data4 = 01.10.2017
+
  | data4 = 02.10.2017
 
  | label5 = Source
 
  | label5 = Source
  | data5 = [https://docs.google.com/document/d/148fzzBcSJA_loQc9KkReOImbDXNisEJ98mowLvnHkCE/edit?usp=sharing Full translation]
+
  | data5 = [https://mintychu.dreamwidth.org/711.html Full translation]
 
  | label6 = Discussion
 
  | label6 = Discussion
  | data6 = [https://www.reddit.com/r/nier/comments/69kjm4/translation_memory_thorn_spoilers/ <nowiki>[Reddit post]</nowiki>]
+
  | data6 = [https://www.reddit.com/r/nier/comments/6908rq/translation_orbital_bunker_observation_diary_from/ <nowiki>[Reddit post]</nowiki>]
}}<onlyinclude>A story about one of 2B and 9S missions together. Takes place after Memory Cage novel and before the game's events.</onlyinclude>
+
}}<onlyinclude>A story about life in the Bunker, taking place most likely shortly before the game events.</onlyinclude>
  
== Chapter 1 ==
 
In a flash, a close-quarter weapon cut through the sandstorm. It is the type 4O sword - a state-of-the-art blade bestowed to only the elites fighting at the frontlines. The blade surges with lightning, knocking away a round object in an arc.
 
  
The now headless machine lifeform ceased its movements. A few seconds later, its cylindrical body toppled over on the sand and exploded. The explosion engulfed the bodies of two previously defeated machines and turned all into a shower of scrap metal.
 
  
Only the telltale sound of desert winds remain after the fiery explosion faded away.
+
== [TB 13:30] ==
  
As the sandstorm settles, a humanoid silhouette appears. You could tell that the silhouette belonged to an adult female by the gentle slope of its shoulders, its slim and tight waistline, as well as the well-shaped legs extending from its skirt.
+
<WHERE IS THIS?>
  
However, the silhouette is neither an ‘adult’ nor a ‘female’ in the strictest sense. She is neither a human, nor does she have a sex in a biological sense. She is a type YoRHa android number 2 B type, or 2B for short. A model optimized for battle.
+
<WHO IS THAT?>
  
It’s been a long time since humans have left the earth. Humans had no choice but to flee for the moon in face of an alien invasion. Currently, the earth is nothing but a battlefield for the alien’s machine lifeforms and the androids tasked to destroy them.
+
2B likens it to trying to climb up a rocky slope.
  
2B sheathed her sword and directed her attention behind her.
+
Her left leg feels heavier than lead, and with just one step, she's already winded. When she's finally able to complete that step, her right leg's joints are the next to begin creaking.
  
“Is this all of them?”
+
From practically tumbling out of the flight unit, exiting the hangar, riding the elevator, and finally to reaching the hallway, the distance is only about a few meters. But when she thinks about the amount of time it takes her to do just that, she's dumbfounded. The Development Department is right at the end of this hallway. Thinking about how much longer it'll take to get there, 2B feels as though she's going to faint.
  
In response to her question, an object floating about three meters above the ground began its descent. It is a support unit called the pod. Composed of a rectangular head and four arms of varied sized, pods spend most of their time in the air, but can be deployed underwater if need be. They’re equipped with various functions in order to support YoRHa type androids, including long-range attacks against enemy units, analysis of the situation at hand, communication, as well as first aid.
+
The orbiting Bunker is the front line base for YoRHa troops. Although it contains all the necessary facilities for battle and travel between itself and the Earth, as well as living spaces for its inhabitants, it can't really be considered big. Nevertheless, 2B feels as though the distance between herself and her destination is endless. As the floor is merely a gradual slope, there aren't even any steps for her to overcome, so it's a place that should be so easy to walk in that one could do it with their eyes closed.
  
“Affirmative: No enemy signals detected within a 5 kilometer radius of the access point.
+
This only acts as proof that the current problems with her motor functions are serious. She tries to up her pace a little, as she thinks about how badly she needs to reach the Development Department for repairs.
  
''I see'', 2B replied, and started to make her way to the metallic box slightly taller than her. Access points camouflage themselves as a relic of human civilization, but it is an important facility both as a method of communication with the headquarters as well as a source of information regarding surrounding lands.
+
Just then, the Commander approaches her from the front. 2B attempts to move her left hand to her chest for a salute, but she can't even manage that correctly. She grimaces, as it seems that the malfunctions weren't only in her legs like she'd thought, but her arms as well.
  
It’s unclear whether they’re aware of that fact or not, but machine lifeforms tend to gather around access points. Be it in a corner of some ruins, or the middle of the desert. Their behavior resembles insects gathering around a fallen fruit.
+
"It's all right. At ease."
  
Therefore, YoRHa units have to destroy nearby machine lifeforms whenever they want to check their mail or retrieve geographical information about their surroundings. This happened so often that it became procedural for them.
+
She'd noticed the extent of 2B's damage through that awkward attempt at a salute, and she gestures for her to lower her arm.
  
After going through the motions of destroying machines, 2B was finally able to accomplish her original goal. She selected the newest message from her inbox and opened it. Her eyes skimmed over the sender and the words ‘top secret’ in the title, and was just about to read its contents.
+
"You look to be in pretty bad shape."
  
“2B!”
+
"I wasn't able to receive the necessary repairs on the ground, so I was forced to suspend the mission in order to return here for them. I apologize."
  
YoRHa unit number 9 type S, or 9S for short, appeared out of nowhere. Unlike 2B, who has the form of an adult female, 9S was created after the imagine of a young boy.
+
"Your apology is unnecessary. Are there others who've been injured?"
  
“Is it a message from the commander?”
+
"Due to the battle that broke out with the machine lifeforms during early morning, 1D has taken damage to her right arm and shoulder, and 4B's left thigh has sustained minor injury. However, 12H's first-aid treatment has managed to repair them so that the operation would not be hindered."
  
''Not really'', 2B answered curtly, and tried her hardest to cover up how shaken she felt.
+
"I see."
  
“More importantly, why are you here?”
+
With that, the Commander moves to the side, out of 2B's line of sight. This hallway, which connects the hangar to the Development Department, faces the "outside". The darkness of space, the scattered stars, and of course, mankind's original home, Earth, can all be seen from the windows.
  
“Huh? What do you mean, 2B?”
+
Even now, upon that beautiful blue planet, YoRHa androids were engaging in combat against the machine lifeforms. No matter how many times they crush them, just like little mechanical bugs, the machine lifeforms tirelessly reappear.
  
“It’s not time for the mission yet.
+
"There just aren't enough YoRHa troops to handle the number of machine lifeforms ... But calling them the elite few sounds nice, I think."
  
Since the pod notified her of a new incoming message, 2B decided to make her way to the access point earlier than planned. Even though she lost some time dispatching the machine lifeforms, she still expected to be able to finish reading the message before 9S arrived.
+
Although there's an overwhelming difference in their numbers, androids have been able to make up for it through strategy and updated technology. However, they have yet to fully overcome their disadvantage, and thus the fighting has been prolonged. 2B believed that maybe, if they were to just push their efforts further, it could all end, but she realized she was wrong in that idea.
  
“Well...the operator told me that 2B is in the middle of combat. So I thought…I should help out.
+
"Just make sure you don't push yourself," the Commander says, her lips forming a smile.
  
“That’s unnecessary.
+
Occasionally, the Commander smiles in such a gentle fashion that it confuses 2B. After all, she tends to be rather cold, her speech is usually as rigid as one would expect from a leader, and her judgement is as sharp as a blade.
  
2B shook her head slightly, trying to rid herself of something that was neither irritation nor anxiety.
+
There were probably countless amounts of anguish and conflict hidden in the depths of that occasional smile.
  
“I guess that’s true.
+
"Commander ..."
  
9S gave an exaggerated shrug. 2B finally understood what she was trying to rid herself of. It was something borne from her piled up memories of past conversations and past actions.
+
2B stops herself from finishing her thought. This is her problem, not the Commander's.
  
“Well, now that we’ve met up with each other, we might as well head towards the destination.
+
"Never mind. It was nothing."
  
It was deja vu.
+
The Commander's smile vanishes, before quiet words escape her lips.
  
== Chapter 2 ==
+
"No matter how cruel the mission, we must complete it. That is the duty of us YoRHa members."
“Urgh, sand in my shoes again?”
 
  
He just couldn’t bring himself to like the desert, and it’s all because of the sand. It’s annoying when the wind blows and makes things hard to see, and his shoes are just full of sand as he walks. It’s pretty fun to slide on the sand slopes, but walking on anywhere but the slopes is a pain in the ass. 9S scowled, and glanced at 2B. However, 2B walked on without any change in her expression.
+
Those final words echo within 2B's mind. There've always been difficult times for her, or even times when things were so painful she couldn't stand it. But 2B has never been dissatisfied with her duties.
  
“2B, don’t you mind?”
+
"However, no matter the mission, all responsibility for it lies on my shoulders. Do not forget that."
  
“Mind what?”
+
It's as though the Commander was able to read her mind. 2B had always been thinking that the weight she'd accumulated each time she finished one of her duties was hers and hers alone to carry. No, even now, she still believes that. Even so, the Commander's words echo within her heart.
  
“The fact that your shoes are filled with sand, 2B.
+
"Glory to mankind."
  
“While it does feel strange, it doesn’t interfere with walking.
+
This time, 2B manages to salute properly.
  
“Don’t you hate it when the sand sloshes around in your shoes? Sure, it’s not a hindrance, but it’s a matter of feeling!”
+
"Glory to mankind," the Commander repeats in kind.
  
“Emotions are prohibited.
+
2B fights under her command. She always has, and she always will. Until the day Mother Earth returns to the hands of its rightful owners, mankind.
  
“Yeah, yeah.
+
As she listens to the Commander's systematic footsteps fade behind her, 2B continues on towards the Development Department's room.
  
''You’re one to speak'', 2B, 9S thinks to himself even as he responds.
+
<WHAT WAS THAT JUST NOW?>
  
2B isn’t as good at holding back her emotions as she thinks. At least, that’s how it appeared to 9S. It’s just a guess, but 9S thinks that her spiel about emotions being prohibited is more directed to herself than to 9S. She’s scolding herself by saying it out loud. It’s definitely a very 2B-ish thing to do.
+
<WHAT WAS THAT? JUST NOW?>
  
9S thinks that she doesn’t have to try so hard. She doesn’t exactly have to walk the talk. Just how many YoRHa units actually follow the clause of not having emotions, anyways?
+
<SHOULD WE FOLLOW HER?
  
...but even if he says that out loud, 2B won’t change the way she is. 2B isn’t skilled enough to untangle her true feelings from how she acts on the surface.
+
<LET'S FOLLOW HER!>
  
9S glanced over at 2B again. He saw something behind those tightly shut lips. 2B was never very good at hiding things, after all.
+
== [TB 13:40] ==
  
“Nines?”
+
As the Commander enters the command room, she finds that she can't walk another step. A bunch of operators have rushed over to her and blocked the route.
  
2B gave him a strange look. She’s probably wondering why he’s staring at her.
+
"Commander! About the arrangement of materials in the Bunker ..."
  
“Oh, it’s nothing...just...there’s so much sand...it’s so hot...I’d really love to take a bath right now.”
+
"Please allow me to report the situation in the city ruins ..."
  
No. That’s not what he wanted to say.
+
"Please approve the supply container to be sent to the moon ..."
  
“We have no need for baths.
+
"It appears the transmission bandwidth in Sector F Ward 3d is failing ..."
  
“That’s what I thought…”
+
It seems that the operators believe that if one merely holds the title of "Commander" then that means their processing power must be higher than anyone else.
  
''What are you hiding? You’ve been acting strange lately. Anything on your mind? Or…?''
+
"With regards to the material arrangement, submit a map presenting three plans that take into account the movements of everyone in charge. After you've done that, I'll consider it."
  
9S knew that he won’t get an answer even if he asked those questions. They’ve been working on missions together for months, after all. Instead, 9S simply raised his voice.
+
"Understood!"
  
“Oh! Is that the target for this investigation?”
+
"I'll listen to your situation report in 330 seconds."
  
He saw the hulking form of what appeared to be a huge building beyond the sandstorm. They’re very close to the desert’s end.
+
"Understood!"
  
“Affirmative: The large building to the front is the target of our current investigation.
+
"Supply container approved."
  
The pod beside him answered. It is pod 153, 9S’s personal support pod. 2B’s support pod, 042 simply floated behind her in silence.
+
"Thank you very much!"
  
“They call this building a temple. I think the official name is the “Stone Temple”? Something of great importance was transported here - I guess like a god’s statue or something? And they’ve used this as a temple ever since.
+
"Direct any troops in the F sector to move to the access point and investigate the cause."
  
Silence. 2B stood frozen with her mouth open.
+
"Understood!"
  
“2B? What’s wrong?”
+
"Finally, that's finished ..." the Commander thinks to herself, but in actuality, it's not. None of the operators move from where they're standing. It seems there's still something they need.
  
Her lips moved as if to form words. ...but 2B changed her mind at the last second before speaking again.
+
"Is there something else?"
  
“No. It’s nothing.”
+
"Yes," the operators answer in unison.
  
Of course it’s not nothing. She clearly struggled to come up with an answer. But 2B had no intention to tell 9S why. Even though she addresses him as “Nines” now, he still feels an insurmountable distance between them.
+
"Commander! Please accept this!"
  
“Let’s go, 2B!”
+
All at once, they present her with small gold and silver packages.
  
9S made himself sound more cheerful than he’d liked. He took off right away, making it seem like he was excited about the prospect of an investigation.
+
"What are these?"
  
No matter how he asked, 2B probably won’t give him an answer. He knew that from the very beginning.
+
"Today is February 14th! That date is also known as Valentine's Day, which is a day where you give brown objects to those you adore!"
  
It was unbearable.
+
"Valentine's Day? A custom from the Old World?"
  
== Chapter 3 ==
+
"Yes! It appears that both the senders and receivers of gifts were made very happy by it. It also appears that it was customary to give brown objects wrapped in gold and silver paper."
The Stone Temple was built in a deep valley. Because it was surrounded by steep cliffs, it took quite a bit of time and effort to reach the temple.
 
  
“Of all places they could’ve built a temple in...why here? I don’t get it.
+
"Ah, no wonder," the Commander thinks to herself. All of their packages are different shapes and sizes, but all of them shine brilliantly. Indeed, it seems that humans gave presents like this long ago.
  
Reaching the temple was no easy task, as they had to descend to the very bottom of the gorge, cover a significant amount of ground, and then climb up the cliffs just to get to the entrance. 9S is completely within his rights to complain.
+
She opens one of the presents to test out its contents, and it ends up being a dark brown ribbon. She wonders what to do with it, but for the time being, answers with a "thank you" instead of voicing that.
  
“Conjecture: The remains were surrounded by a “lake” or a manmade “canal” in the past, and access was made possible by ships or bridges.
+
Many of the customs of the Old World elude her. While humans are the ones who created androids, it's ridiculous that they try to understand them, and not recommended that they mimic them. Therefore, she cannot officially authorize this attempt at mimicking Valentine's Day customs, but ...
  
9S thought pod 153’s answer made sense. He knew that buildings which contained important people or objects were often surrounded by water. Perhaps that would explain the temple’s cylindrical shape as well - it was trying to get as much space as possible from its limited land mass.
+
She won't say such cold things for now. The operators here have very different hardships from those units fighting on the front lines.
  
“But that doesn’t explain...this.”
+
"Commander, um ... may I ask for your permission on something?"
  
9S looked up at the huge tree in front of him. Clearly, it had withered a while ago, and its blackened trunk leaned powerlessly against the spiral staircase.
+
The one who asked that is an operator known as 6O, the one in charge of communications with 2B.
  
“What’s the point of planting such a huge tree inside a building?
+
"What is it?"
  
The cylindrical building had an open ceiling, and the spiral staircase that extended all the way from the first floor crumbled away right before the topmost floor. Perhaps the staircase had once connected all the floors, but it’s hard to tell from its current sorry state.
+
"I'd like for your approval on experiments regarding implementing new equipment for flight units."
  
“2B, what do you think?”
+
Regarding the matter of new equipment, the Commander had received reports from the Development Department several times about that. When dealing with experiments like this, a back and forth between operators and other members is required. It seems that 6O here is in charge of compiling those communications.
  
No reply. She didn’t even realize that 9S was talking to her until 9S turned to face her. Startled out of whatever daze she was in, she blurted out a response.
+
"Ah, yes. That. The preliminary investigation. The one who was assigned to that operation was ..."
  
“What?”
+
"9S, ma'am. If no problems occur with the preliminary investigation, it'll be the descent force's final experiment."
  
“It’s a spiral staircase.
+
Upon hearing that, the image of 2B from not long ago appears on her mind.
  
9S deliberately chose to not repeat himself.
+
"I see, 9S ... That's right."
  
“What...what about it…?”
+
The words that she'd repeated so many times before echo within her heart, "all responsibility lies on my shoulders".
  
As expected, she wasn’t listening at all. If she even caught a bit of what 9S said before, she would’ve probably replied with something like “But that’s not what you said”. The only reason she didn’t do so was because she wasn’t listening.
+
"Approved."
  
“Let’s see how far up we can make it.”
+
"Thank you very much!"
  
Deciding to not point out their failed communication, 9S made his way towards the spiral staircase. 2B followed in silence. Something is wrong. It’s not like 2B at all.
+
6O gives a bow and leaves the room. The Commander then turns her head to look over her shoulder.
  
2B is tasked with a mission, so why is she acting like this? Or is her mission the reason behind her current behavior? 2B has been acting strange lately, and 9S decided to stay silent on the matter ever since he figured out why. He pretended that he was none the wiser, and interacted with 2B the same way as before. Contrary to 2B who can’t seem to keep a secret, 9S found it pretty easy to keep up the masquerade. Otherwise, he wouldn’t try to access the main server illegally. Not even once, but multiple times.
+
"Now then ..."
  
Well, enough about himself. He’s going to be disposed of soon enough, anyways. He knew that. And he knew that 2B will be the one to do the job.
+
It's been exactly 330 seconds.
  
He knew that ever since he received orders for the current mission. The investigation is just a farce, and there’s no doubt that 2B had been given a separate mission.
+
"Let's hear that situation report on the battleground."
  
The commander’s orders...must be to eliminate 9S. Me. Right, 2B?
+
<BATTLEGROUND? SITUATION REPORT?>
  
But even then, 2B’s actions just seem...off. She’s so distracted, and 9S doesn’t feel a shred of tension from her. He didn’t think 2B could undertake a top secret mission with such a lackluster attitude. S types can’t match B types in close-quarter combat, but they can and will counterattack, and they can let their pods provide long range support as well.
+
<BATTLE ON THE GROUND? TO REPORT ON THE SITUATION, RIGHT?>
  
So...maybe there’s another reason for 2B unnatural behavior. A reason unrelated to 9S’s illegal accesses.
+
<AH. WHAT DOES NEW EQUIPMENT MEAN?>
  
2B, who was walking in front of him, suddenly lost her balance.
+
<WE DON'T UNDERSTAND.
  
“Watch out!”
+
<SHOULD WE TAKE A LOOK?>
  
9S reached out hurriedly and caught 2B with his arms.
+
<LET'S TAKE A LOOK!>
  
“What’s wrong? I’ve never seen 2B trip on a staircase.”
+
== [TB 14:00] ==
  
It’s true, the quality of the spiral staircase left much to be desired, years of wear and tear leaving holes and bumps. But there’s no way that 2B, with all her athletic ability, would let herself be caught off guard.
+
Operator 6O rushes to the hangar. She believes she'll be in trouble if she misses them. Well, actually, if she does, she can just contact them through a transmission, so she won't be in that big of trouble.
  
“Are you alright?”
+
She slides herself through the door she'd just opened — it feels like the more in a hurry she is, the more slowly it opens. Because quick movement is necessary for a quick installation, she believes it's a point of hers that she should improve on.
  
“Ah….yes.”
+
"21O, are you there?"
  
She replied absentmindedly.
+
From behind a flight unit equipped with a catapult, 21O's face emerges. She's still in the middle of her inspection work, it seems. What good timing. 6O immediately gets down to business.
  
“I guess we’re lucky there aren’t any enemies around here. That could’ve been fatal if machine lifeforms attacked.”
+
"The implementation experiment's been approved!"
  
“It could’ve...been fatal…?”
+
However, 21O's reaction is unexpectedly weak. 6O wonders if she's just forgotten about what the experiment entails.
  
9S doubted his eyes. 2B was smiling. Her lips were curled unnaturally in a very strange smile. There’s clearly something wrong.
+
"You know, the new equipment? For the flight unit!"
  
“What’s happening? Are you feeling unwell?”
+
21O knits her eyebrows in an almost shocked expression.
  
“No...I’m..I’m fine…”
+
"That's all?"
  
2B wobbled as she tried to stand. Seems like she couldn’t control her strength very well.
+
"What do you mean ... that's all?"
  
“Do you hear what you’re saying!? You’re clearly not fine!”
+
This time, it's 6O's turn to show a strange expression on her face. She can't figure out what's up with 21O's expression.
  
Why didn’t he catch the signs of her worsening condition? But no, all her checks were green before the mission.. 9S was responsible for 2B’s maintenance, so he would’ve requested to cancel the mission if he found anything wrong.
+
"You could've just told me that through one single transmission. You didn't have to come all the way here."
  
“Let’s retreat for now.
+
"Yeah, but ..."
  
However, 2B ignored 9S’s words and began making her way up the stairs again.
+
21O wears an expression that suggests she believes she's done something useless, while 6O tries to think of how to refute that.
  
“2B!
+
"But, but! We're always just talking through transmissions, I need more exercise!"
  
9S raise his voice and grabbed 2B’s arm.
+
21O raises an eyebrow at that, as if to say, "so, what?"
  
“Warning: Enemy signals detected above.
+
"And besides! Isn't it more important to check the actual equipment with my own eyes? What is it we say again ... It's our duty? To do it perfectly? Er, what was it ... um ..."
  
“Warning: Multiple signals at 2 o’clock.
+
"It's the duty of us operators to carry out everything we do with perfection."
  
The two pods simultaneously warned them of danger. The chances of running into machine lifeforms were supposed to be close to zero according to the headquarter’s prebrief.
+
"Right, that was it!"
  
Yet here they are, six aerial units approaching them from above. Their shapes resemble what 9S liked to call ‘small fry’, but they seem to possess the ability to emit jamming signals. That’s how they were able to avoid detection until they came within range…
+
21O finally nods her head at 6O's spirited response.
  
“Dammit.
+
"I guess you're right. Whenever he asks about new equipment, he seems guilty. 9S is just a ball of curiosity."
  
They were certainly opportunists, choosing to attack when 2B wasn’t at her best. Retreating is made difficult by the fact that there is an open ceiling above the spiral staircase - 9S and 2B would always be in the machine’s range of fire.
+
21O's tone may sound like she's verbally shrugging her shoulders, but in actuality, it's meant to be gentleness. She's always like this when she talks about the unit she's in charge of, 9S.
  
“Nines! Get back!”
+
6O leans over, suggesting she understands just what she means. Even though they serve different units, operators share the same sorts of feelings.
  
A sharp cry. 2B ran up the stairs as if a switch flipped inside her. Unlike the past few moments, her movements were smooth. She’s back to the usual 2B.
+
"2B's the same way, always doing unreasonable things."
  
“I’ll provide support!”
+
S-Type's tend be guilty due to their intense curiosity, while B-Types are guilty of their lack of consideration for themselves. Though that's probably why they're able to fight on the front lines without hesitation.
  
Then the only thing left for him is to provide support as usual.
+
"I guess you could say they're running us ragged."
  
“Pod! Analyze enemy units’ flight patterns!”
+
"I get that there's no helping their characteristics, however ..."
  
Careful to not get in the way of 2B’s personal pod 042, 9S issued a command to 153. Machine lifeforms generally move in patterns specific to their overall shape. If those patterns can be predicted, then 9S could inflict the most amount of damage while sustaining the least amount of injuries.
+
"You wish they'd act with a little more restraint, right?"
  
153 used its long range attacks to strike down a machine that was trying to approach 2B from the back. The machines weren’t that fast.
+
"But even if we tell them that ..."
  
Just when 9S thought they had a chance, the two pods again issued their warnings in unison.
+
"It won't change a thing!"
  
“Warning: Enemy signals detected in overhead corridor.
+
"So," the two of them speak in unison. "Advanced preparations are especially important!"
  
“Conjecture: Multiple non-aerial units. Enemy form and numbers remain unknown.
+
As is the exchange of information between operators. Even if it's an insignificant conversation, there could be information within it. The accumulation of all that meager information could inform important decisions, or help units avoid danger. In short, everything in an operator's everyday life can connect back to a mission. Every day is their duty.
  
The aerial units are interfering with the pods’ ability to obtain enemy data. That’s something that needs to be taken care of first.
+
After checking some notes and changes on the new equipment, the two of them chat a bit. Of course, 21O never stops working, however.
  
“2B! Go on ahead! I’ll take care of the aerial units!”
+
"Okay, sorry to keep you waiting."
  
Type B units are better at dealing with with non-aerial types due to their strength in close-quarters combat.
+
21O returns the flight unit to a fixed position after the inspection, and makes room for 6O. Since the catapult can only be equipped to one flight unit at a time, they'll have to be checked one by one.
  
“Understood. I leave this to you.
+
"Well then, I'll go ahead and contact 9S."
  
2B jumped over the handrail, took ahold of 042’s arm and glided towards the corridor. There was no hesitation in her movements.
+
"Okay! I'll leave you to that."
  
“Pod! I’ll be hacking to take control of the enemy!”
+
6O fixes 2B's flight unit in the open space, and begins her inspection work.
  
“Understood: Providing support.”
+
<THAT MACHINE SURE IS BIG!>
  
9S rushed up the stairs and closed the distance between him and the enemy. Luckily, the enemy was slow to react and 9S managed to launch his invasion in no time.
+
<IS THAT THE NEW EQUIPMENT?>
  
Once he’s in, machine lifeforms are often left defenceless. They’ve picked up a great variety of physical attacks, but they haven’t quite learned how to deal with hacking internally.
+
<WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT?>
  
Having found the control unit, 9S overwrote the system settings. As long as he gained control of one unit, the rest was easy.
+
<WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT?>
  
9S used his controlled unit to attack the remaining five aerial units. None of the aerial units responded in kind when attacked. Maybe the machine lifeforms don’t have a concept of friendly fire - because even when 9S approached them with his controlled unit, they did not evade and were shot down immediately.
+
== [TB 14:30] ==
  
Having destroyed all five units, 9S activated self-destruction on his controlled unit and returned to the physical world. He ran up the spiral staircase, aiming for the corridor that 2B was fighting in. He thought he could provide some support, but it was clear that it was no longer needed.
+
Locating 9S is an easy task for Operator 21O. When he's on Earth, there may be issues with the satellite resolution or the communication area, so sometimes the position information can be wrong. However, when he's within the Bunker, there's no mistake. "9S is right here," 21O thinks to herself, as she stands in front of the door.
  
“I guess you’re all done here.
+
The server control room — the room within the Bunker where a large terminal is installed. 9S has been in here analyzing enemy barriers and new hacking patterns. He loves that sort of detail work.
  
2B was surrounded with various pieces of scrap metal - what remained of the non-aerial units. They couldn’t let their guard down completely because there might be enemy units in the floors above, but they’ve certainly cleared out their immediate surroundings.
+
Whenever he isn't being sent out on missions, he's always, always, always guaranteed to be working in this room. Due to his intense concentration, he doesn't even hear the sound of the door opening.
  
“Are you hurt?”
+
"I knew it," 21O mutters, as she enters the room, without even gaining the attention of 9S, who's focused on the terminal. Despite being unable to see his eyes, she's sure they're shining as he immerses himself in his work.
  
“I’m fine.
+
Often, human beings seem to have become absorbed in the act of playing with their toys, forgetting about time entirely, and that's exactly how 9S feels in this very moment.
  
Before he could even relax from hearing that, 2B abruptly dropped her sword. 9S ran towards her. He had a bad feeling.
+
Actually, even before heading to the hangar, 21O had stopped by here. Since he seemed so absorbed in his work, she didn't call out to him, but even at that point in time, he'd already been in the room for over three hours.
  
“2B!”
+
She feels as though she should tell him to cut it out and take a break already, but all of a sudden, his shoulders tremble in shock, like someone had just come up from behind him and shouted in his ear.
  
“Don’t worry. My hand...just slipped…”
+
"Oh, it's just you, operator."
  
Strange noises accompanied her voice. Her hands, shaking uncontrollably, scratched at her own neck.
+
He drops his shoulders, and turns his gaze towards 21O.
  
“Logic virus!?
+
"What do you mean 'it's just you'? You've been working in here without even a single break for how many hours now? You need to quit doing that sort of thing."
  
2B fell down on her knees. 9S tore off 2B’s goggles - 2B’s eyes were shining a bright crimson. No doubt. She was infected by an enemy unit.
+
"Yeah, yeah."
  
“I’ll remove the virus through hacking!”
+
"One confirmation will suffice."
  
“Wait….don’t…”
+
"Fiiiine," he responds, as though he's dissatisfied.
  
2B shook her head in pain.
+
"Please disconnect from the terminal. I need to brief you on your next mission."
  
“What are you saying? We have to remove the virus now!
+
"Seriously? I can just listen like this!"
  
He can’t afford to waste any second. Once the infection reaches her personality data, there’d be nothing that he could do. 9S laid down 2B on her back, and forcibly hacked into her despite her still shaking head.
+
"That's unacceptable. You won't get sufficient exercise like that."
  
== Chapter 4 ==
+
Suddenly she finds herself diverting the conversation in the same way 6O did not long ago. Though it is true that 9S requires exercise more than 6O does.
What used to be a pure white hacking region was stained black at various parts. A classic effect of the logic virus.
 
  
A logic virus takes over an android’s memory area and logic circuits, effectively taking control of their personality and body. If left to its own devices, the infected android will destroy its surroundings and even attack its comrades.
+
"Let's take a little walk."
  
“I have to hurry…”
+
9S reluctantly disconnects from the terminal.
  
Luckily, 9S has seen this type of virus before. He had already succeeded in combating this virus in the past.
+
"Soooo, where's the next mission?"
  
“But the infection is progressing too fast. Plus…”
+
"Within the factory ruins. You'll need to survey the ruins as well as their surroundings."
  
An orange light whizzed past 9S’s personality data. It was an attack from the virus.
+
"So that means I'll be alone again, huh? Sure is lonely like that."
  
“Such a pain.
+
9S drops his shoulders in a manner that suggests he's uninterested, but in the next moment, he lifts his head to look over at 21O.
  
But since the virus didn’t appear to be irregular, its attack patterns remained the same as before. 9S had no problem tackling the virus while avoiding its attacks.
+
"Think you could come with me, operator?"
  
It didn’t take long before he removed all traces of the virus. All he needed to do was to make sure that no viruses were hibernating inside 2B’s logical circuits. As simple as performing a quick scan.
+
21O knows he's not being serious with that. It may be true that he's lonely, but bringing an operator along on a mission is completely out of the question.
  
“Huh? This is weird.
+
"Absolutely not. This is your job. Stop behaving like a child and just complete it on your own like you're supposed to."
  
As he was scanning over her logical circuits, he discovered cracks in 2B’s personality data. In general, hacking regions appear as ‘pure white walls without a single crack’, but what he saw in front of him resembled the cracked walls of an abandoned building. He just didn’t see it before when the virus’s black color covered up the cracks.
+
"All right, all right! Sheesh ..."
  
“Is this an aftereffect of the virus?”
+
9S puffs his cheeks up. She can hear he's a bit disheartened. She wonders if she should give him some "candy" to cheer him up.
  
He had to find out more. He began a deep search, and was immediately met with the sound of rushing wind. Words filled his entire field of vision.
+
"The next mission will also serve as an experiment for the newly implemented equipment."
  
''“You are ordered to terminate 9S.”''
+
"Wait, really?!"
  
It was a fragment of 2B’s memories. These words were probably part of a mail’s contents. The sound of the wind is probably reflective of the location itself - the desert. 9S remembered the sight of 2B receiving mail in front of the access point. That wasn’t too long ago.
+
She can hear the liveliness in his voice now. Just as she thought, the word "new" would have tremendous effect on him.
  
9S paused his scanning activity and accessed the memory at hand. He felt a pang of guilt, but since his own name was mentioned, he should probably be privy to its contents.
+
"I'll provide you with a more detailed explanation in the hangar while we check out the equipment."
  
“...has attempted illegal access to the main server multiple times. We found traces of him having accessed the most confidential layer in the past few days.”
+
"All right!"
  
The words are wavering. The sounds of the wind are no more. It seems like 2B was shaken to the core during this memory.
+
Suddenly, 9S makes a strange expression, like he's taken aback by something.
  
''“Therefore, you are ordered to terminate 9S.”''
+
"Is something wrong?"
  
2B refused to have her virus removed because she didn’t want him to see this memory.
+
Come to think of it, he seemed a bit strange a little while back, as well. She'd thought it was because she surprised him by suddenly being in the room with him, but at the time, his gaze wasn't even facing towards her, but in another direction entirely. Something else had his attention.
  
“You shouldn’t even let that bother you. I knew that you were an assassin sent by the commander.
+
"Er, I just feel kind of uneasy."
  
The only thing he didn’t know was the when. But he knew it from the moment he met up with her at the desert’s access point. He felt something from 2B as she read her mail with her back turned towards him. The final nail in the coffin was how she didn’t even realize 9S was approaching until he called out to her…
+
"About what?"
  
''“Destruction of the head.”''
+
9S turns his gaze towards the interior of the room, like he feels as though someone's watching him from it. He shakes his head a few moments later.
  
The sound startled 9S. Fragments from a different time were intermingled with the memories of 2B reading the mail. It was a low, emotionless voice. But since it sounded so much like 2B’s voice, 9S couldn’t help but follow that voice.
+
"No, there's no way. It's probably just my imagination. I wonder if I'm tired or something ..."
  
“This is 2B. I have accomplished my mission.
+
"That's why I've been telling you to take regular breaks."
  
It’s the same voice. If the previous words were from 2B as well, whose head did she destroy?
+
"Yeah, yeah."
  
9S approached the scattered memory fragments.
+
"One confirmation will suffice!"
  
“What...is this?”
+
After finishing the explanation of the new equipment, she'll have to remind him again to rest. If his fatigue accumulates, it may compromise the mission.
  
Upon first glance, these fragments appear to be scattered, but they were actually bent and connected in unnatural ways. What’s more, every single fragment had thorns protruding from them. 9S had never seen memory data like this.
+
While thinking about that, she and 9S leave the server control room. But before she leaves entirely, she turns to look about the room one last time. Of course, there's no one there.
  
They were full of thorns, they were disfigured, they were intermingled...they were 2B’s memories.
+
<That was a close one!>
  
Maybe he shouldn’t see them. Maybe ignorance is bliss. Logically, he knew that, but couldn’t stop himself anyways. He was slightly resentful of his natural curiosity as an S type.
+
<We were almost caught!>
  
He touched one of the fragments and was immediately wracked with pain. But the pain helped him make up his mind - he needed to see this.
+
<But what does "lonely" mean?>
  
''“But there’s no way an S type can win against a B type.”''
+
<No idea!>
  
This voice belonged to no other than himself. Since this is 2B’s memory, he must’ve said those words to her at some point. But he couldn’t recall anything like that. His memories were erased at some point.
+
<Androids are just full of mysteries, aren't they?>
  
By whom? For what?
+
<That's right. Full of mysteries ... and very interesting.>
  
Seeking for answers, 9S accessed another piece of memory.
+
<We want to play with them a little more.
  
''“Goodbye, 2B.”''
+
<Yes ... Play with them a little more.>
  
His own voice again. Hearing such a frail voice, 2B tried her hardest to keep her emotions in check. 9S didn’t get any visual information, probably because 2B had shut her eyes tightly at this point.
+
Two words appear on the large terminal within the server control room, despite the complete lack of anyone's presence.
  
''“Goodbye, 2B.”''
+
End Transmission.
 
 
''“Goodbye, 2B.”''
 
 
 
''“Goodbye, 2B.”''
 
 
 
These same words repeated themselves. When 2B read the message from the commander at the desert access points, these were the words that she heard in her mind.
 
 
 
But when and where did he say that?
 
 
 
Another piece of memory began its playback at that point. It took place during the mission at the so-called Sand Temple. It was the first time 2B executed 9S. She trapped 9S in her hacking space, cut off his escape routes via a wall created by a self-closing algorithm and erased his data.
 
 
 
Those were 9S’s parting words, right before he was about to be annihilated in 2B’s hacking space…
 
 
 
“2B has killed me before.”
 
 
 
That makes sense, he thought to himself. It certainly explained the sense of wrongness felt all along.
 
 
 
He attempted to access the next fragment. Again, he felt pain, but there’s no way he could stop now.
 
 
 
That particular execution happened in outer space. 2B destroyed 9S during their descent to earth. Another execution happened at the Sand Temple. Having learned from her previous mistake, 2B immediately killed 9S with a flash of her sword once they stepped into the temple. A few of the executions also happened right here, in the Stone Temple.
 
 
 
Sometimes she executed him after undertaking missions together. Sometimes she attacked and executed him while they were “total strangers”.
 
 
 
No matter how many times he’s executed or how many times his memory got wiped, 9S will always reach the same conclusion - that the commander is hiding something. And to sate his curiosity, he will always attempt to access the main server.
 
 
 
2B tried to stop him. Multiple times. When she got the chance to work with 9S, she tried her hardest persuade him to not suspect the commander. When she had to execute him without a chance to interact with him, she erased his memories and tried to nip his suspicions in the bud.
 
 
 
But all of her efforts were fruitless. No matter what she did, she couldn’t change the end result. It didn’t matter if she treated 9S with affection or indifference. It didn’t matter whether she called him “Nines” or not. At the very end, 2B will always receive orders to kill 9S.
 
 
 
“So that’s how it was…”
 
 
 
He’s been wondering about this ever since he first met 2B. 2B sometimes seemed like she was talking to someone else while they were alone. Back then, he concluded that 2B must’ve worked with other S types in the past.
 
 
 
His conclusion wasn’t completely right, nor was it completely wrong. 2B didn’t work with another S type - she worked with 9S. But not the “current 9S”.
 
 
 
''“That could’ve been fatal if machine lifeforms attacked.”''
 
 
 
He now knew the reason behind 2B’s peculiar actions after he said those words. Because a previous 9S said the exact same words in the exact same location in the past. He was killed by 2B right after that. His words triggered 2B’s memories of that time and caused her suffering.
 
 
 
And not just this once. Every memory she had of 9S brought great pain to her. So much that her own personality data is in tatters.
 
 
 
''“I won’t apologize, because this is my mission. I won’t feel any guilt. Not now. Not ever.”''
 
 
 
9S looked over 2B’s personality data again. It was pure white, but looked like it could crumble to dust at any moment…
 
 
 
== Chapter 5 ==
 
Her consciousness surfaced from the darkness. She blinked, and saw 9S’s face close to her. He had a downcast expression. Or did she imagine it? 2B blinked and looked at him again.
 
 
 
“Nines…?”
 
 
 
That’s right, they were attacked by machine lifeforms. She fought them but became infected with the logic virus. Her last memory was of her trying desperately to stop 9S.
 
 
 
“I have removed the virus.”
 
 
 
She didn’t manage to stop him. 9S forcibly hacked her and dove into her memory regions.
 
 
 
“So...you’ve seen it all, huh?”
 
 
 
9S nodded silently.
 
 
 
“I see…”
 
 
 
She wasn’t surprised. She knew that this day was coming. S types are very insightful. 9S has already seen through her secret mission multiple times.
 
 
 
“2B wasn’t your actual name, huh.”
 
 
 
But this scenario had never happened before.
 
 
 
“2E.”
 
 
 
This was the first time 9S called her by her real name. E type number 2. Tasked with pursuing and executing deserters or rebels, as well as finishing off fellow androids that could no longer function on the battlefield. She is a YoRHa type android specializing in such dirty jobs.
 
 
 
2B drew her sword. 9S’s shoulders were shaking. He knew that 2B had killed him countless times before.
 
 
 
“I don’t intend to kill you anymore.”
 
 
 
She pointed the tip of the blade towards herself and gave the handle to 9S.
 
 
 
“So kill me.”
 
 
 
Her mission ended in failure. She failed as an E type. She’s now a defective product that can’t even justify her own operating costs.
 
 
 
“At the very least, I want to die by your hands…”
 
 
 
She had no illusions about this being any form of atonement. But if she could even give back a sliver of what she’d taken from 9S...there’s nothing much left for her to give. This is the only thing that she had to offer.
 
 
 
She saw 9S tighten his grip on the sword handle. She smiled and awaited her last moments.
 
 
 
The sword flashed. However, the blade was not aimed at 2B.
 
 
 
“Nines!?”
 
 
 
2B widened her eyes in shock, her head covered in a shower of blood. 9S, having sliced his own throat, slowly fell over. She cradled his body in her arms, her own screams of ‘Why?!’ sounding distant to even herself.
 
 
 
“Because...I had fun.”
 
 
 
She doubted her ears. He had fun? That’s impossible. There’s no way that’s true.
 
 
 
“I really enjoyed the time we had together. I think...that goes for all my previous selves as well.”
 
 
 
“Nines…”
 
 
 
''I’m sorry'', she wanted to say, but 9S interrupted her unspoken apology.
 
 
 
“Don’t apologize. Instead…”
 
 
 
Even with his rough breathing, 9S was smiling.
 
 
 
“Next time...don’t hesitate...to kill me. Because we….will meet again.”
 
 
 
As long as he wipes his memory regions and re-installs his personality data, he will get to meet 2B again. Even if he won’t be his current self anymore.
 
 
 
“I want….to see you...again…”
 
 
 
Even if their next meeting is nothing but a preface to another execution.
 
 
 
“I understand.”
 
 
 
Her vision blurred, and she couldn’t discern 9S’s last expression.
 
 
 
The body in her arms became heavier. The hand touching her cheek fell limply to his side. His black box signal was weakening by the moment. It would be cruel to let this drag out any longer.
 
 
 
She laid down 9S’s body and thrust her sword through his chest. His black box signal disappeared completely.
 
 
 
“I promise you.”
 
 
 
''That I won’t hesitate to kill you.'' The next time, or the time after that. Not because of her mission, but because that’s what 9S wanted. To grant his wish of meeting again...she’ll kill him.
 
 
 
2B silently withdrew her sword from 9S’s chest.
 
 
[[Category:Translations]]
 
[[Category:Translations]]

Latest revision as of 22:40, 24 October 2017

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Orbital Bunker Observation Diary
Written by Eishima Jun
Printed in World Guide, A Short Story
Translated by /u/ilfans
Date of copy 02.10.2017
Source Full translation
Discussion [Reddit post]
A story about life in the Bunker, taking place most likely shortly before the game events.


[TB 13:30]

<WHERE IS THIS?>

<WHO IS THAT?>

2B likens it to trying to climb up a rocky slope.

Her left leg feels heavier than lead, and with just one step, she's already winded. When she's finally able to complete that step, her right leg's joints are the next to begin creaking.

From practically tumbling out of the flight unit, exiting the hangar, riding the elevator, and finally to reaching the hallway, the distance is only about a few meters. But when she thinks about the amount of time it takes her to do just that, she's dumbfounded. The Development Department is right at the end of this hallway. Thinking about how much longer it'll take to get there, 2B feels as though she's going to faint.

The orbiting Bunker is the front line base for YoRHa troops. Although it contains all the necessary facilities for battle and travel between itself and the Earth, as well as living spaces for its inhabitants, it can't really be considered big. Nevertheless, 2B feels as though the distance between herself and her destination is endless. As the floor is merely a gradual slope, there aren't even any steps for her to overcome, so it's a place that should be so easy to walk in that one could do it with their eyes closed.

This only acts as proof that the current problems with her motor functions are serious. She tries to up her pace a little, as she thinks about how badly she needs to reach the Development Department for repairs.

Just then, the Commander approaches her from the front. 2B attempts to move her left hand to her chest for a salute, but she can't even manage that correctly. She grimaces, as it seems that the malfunctions weren't only in her legs like she'd thought, but her arms as well.

"It's all right. At ease."

She'd noticed the extent of 2B's damage through that awkward attempt at a salute, and she gestures for her to lower her arm.

"You look to be in pretty bad shape."

"I wasn't able to receive the necessary repairs on the ground, so I was forced to suspend the mission in order to return here for them. I apologize."

"Your apology is unnecessary. Are there others who've been injured?"

"Due to the battle that broke out with the machine lifeforms during early morning, 1D has taken damage to her right arm and shoulder, and 4B's left thigh has sustained minor injury. However, 12H's first-aid treatment has managed to repair them so that the operation would not be hindered."

"I see."

With that, the Commander moves to the side, out of 2B's line of sight. This hallway, which connects the hangar to the Development Department, faces the "outside". The darkness of space, the scattered stars, and of course, mankind's original home, Earth, can all be seen from the windows.

Even now, upon that beautiful blue planet, YoRHa androids were engaging in combat against the machine lifeforms. No matter how many times they crush them, just like little mechanical bugs, the machine lifeforms tirelessly reappear.

"There just aren't enough YoRHa troops to handle the number of machine lifeforms ... But calling them the elite few sounds nice, I think."

Although there's an overwhelming difference in their numbers, androids have been able to make up for it through strategy and updated technology. However, they have yet to fully overcome their disadvantage, and thus the fighting has been prolonged. 2B believed that maybe, if they were to just push their efforts further, it could all end, but she realized she was wrong in that idea.

"Just make sure you don't push yourself," the Commander says, her lips forming a smile.

Occasionally, the Commander smiles in such a gentle fashion that it confuses 2B. After all, she tends to be rather cold, her speech is usually as rigid as one would expect from a leader, and her judgement is as sharp as a blade.

There were probably countless amounts of anguish and conflict hidden in the depths of that occasional smile.

"Commander ..."

2B stops herself from finishing her thought. This is her problem, not the Commander's.

"Never mind. It was nothing."

The Commander's smile vanishes, before quiet words escape her lips.

"No matter how cruel the mission, we must complete it. That is the duty of us YoRHa members."

Those final words echo within 2B's mind. There've always been difficult times for her, or even times when things were so painful she couldn't stand it. But 2B has never been dissatisfied with her duties.

"However, no matter the mission, all responsibility for it lies on my shoulders. Do not forget that."

It's as though the Commander was able to read her mind. 2B had always been thinking that the weight she'd accumulated each time she finished one of her duties was hers and hers alone to carry. No, even now, she still believes that. Even so, the Commander's words echo within her heart.

"Glory to mankind."

This time, 2B manages to salute properly.

"Glory to mankind," the Commander repeats in kind.

2B fights under her command. She always has, and she always will. Until the day Mother Earth returns to the hands of its rightful owners, mankind.

As she listens to the Commander's systematic footsteps fade behind her, 2B continues on towards the Development Department's room.

<WHAT WAS THAT JUST NOW?>

<WHAT WAS THAT? JUST NOW?>

<SHOULD WE FOLLOW HER?>

<LET'S FOLLOW HER!>

[TB 13:40]

As the Commander enters the command room, she finds that she can't walk another step. A bunch of operators have rushed over to her and blocked the route.

"Commander! About the arrangement of materials in the Bunker ..."

"Please allow me to report the situation in the city ruins ..."

"Please approve the supply container to be sent to the moon ..."

"It appears the transmission bandwidth in Sector F Ward 3d is failing ..."

It seems that the operators believe that if one merely holds the title of "Commander" then that means their processing power must be higher than anyone else.

"With regards to the material arrangement, submit a map presenting three plans that take into account the movements of everyone in charge. After you've done that, I'll consider it."

"Understood!"

"I'll listen to your situation report in 330 seconds."

"Understood!"

"Supply container approved."

"Thank you very much!"

"Direct any troops in the F sector to move to the access point and investigate the cause."

"Understood!"

"Finally, that's finished ..." the Commander thinks to herself, but in actuality, it's not. None of the operators move from where they're standing. It seems there's still something they need.

"Is there something else?"

"Yes," the operators answer in unison.

"Commander! Please accept this!"

All at once, they present her with small gold and silver packages.

"What are these?"

"Today is February 14th! That date is also known as Valentine's Day, which is a day where you give brown objects to those you adore!"

"Valentine's Day? A custom from the Old World?"

"Yes! It appears that both the senders and receivers of gifts were made very happy by it. It also appears that it was customary to give brown objects wrapped in gold and silver paper."

"Ah, no wonder," the Commander thinks to herself. All of their packages are different shapes and sizes, but all of them shine brilliantly. Indeed, it seems that humans gave presents like this long ago.

She opens one of the presents to test out its contents, and it ends up being a dark brown ribbon. She wonders what to do with it, but for the time being, answers with a "thank you" instead of voicing that.

Many of the customs of the Old World elude her. While humans are the ones who created androids, it's ridiculous that they try to understand them, and not recommended that they mimic them. Therefore, she cannot officially authorize this attempt at mimicking Valentine's Day customs, but ...

She won't say such cold things for now. The operators here have very different hardships from those units fighting on the front lines.

"Commander, um ... may I ask for your permission on something?"

The one who asked that is an operator known as 6O, the one in charge of communications with 2B.

"What is it?"

"I'd like for your approval on experiments regarding implementing new equipment for flight units."

Regarding the matter of new equipment, the Commander had received reports from the Development Department several times about that. When dealing with experiments like this, a back and forth between operators and other members is required. It seems that 6O here is in charge of compiling those communications.

"Ah, yes. That. The preliminary investigation. The one who was assigned to that operation was ..."

"9S, ma'am. If no problems occur with the preliminary investigation, it'll be the descent force's final experiment."

Upon hearing that, the image of 2B from not long ago appears on her mind.

"I see, 9S ... That's right."

The words that she'd repeated so many times before echo within her heart, "all responsibility lies on my shoulders".

"Approved."

"Thank you very much!"

6O gives a bow and leaves the room. The Commander then turns her head to look over her shoulder.

"Now then ..."

It's been exactly 330 seconds.

"Let's hear that situation report on the battleground."

<BATTLEGROUND? SITUATION REPORT?>

<BATTLE ON THE GROUND? TO REPORT ON THE SITUATION, RIGHT?>

<AH. WHAT DOES NEW EQUIPMENT MEAN?>

<WE DON'T UNDERSTAND.>

<SHOULD WE TAKE A LOOK?>

<LET'S TAKE A LOOK!>

[TB 14:00]

Operator 6O rushes to the hangar. She believes she'll be in trouble if she misses them. Well, actually, if she does, she can just contact them through a transmission, so she won't be in that big of trouble.

She slides herself through the door she'd just opened — it feels like the more in a hurry she is, the more slowly it opens. Because quick movement is necessary for a quick installation, she believes it's a point of hers that she should improve on.

"21O, are you there?"

From behind a flight unit equipped with a catapult, 21O's face emerges. She's still in the middle of her inspection work, it seems. What good timing. 6O immediately gets down to business.

"The implementation experiment's been approved!"

However, 21O's reaction is unexpectedly weak. 6O wonders if she's just forgotten about what the experiment entails.

"You know, the new equipment? For the flight unit!"

21O knits her eyebrows in an almost shocked expression.

"That's all?"

"What do you mean ... that's all?"

This time, it's 6O's turn to show a strange expression on her face. She can't figure out what's up with 21O's expression.

"You could've just told me that through one single transmission. You didn't have to come all the way here."

"Yeah, but ..."

21O wears an expression that suggests she believes she's done something useless, while 6O tries to think of how to refute that.

"But, but! We're always just talking through transmissions, I need more exercise!"

21O raises an eyebrow at that, as if to say, "so, what?"

"And besides! Isn't it more important to check the actual equipment with my own eyes? What is it we say again ... It's our duty? To do it perfectly? Er, what was it ... um ..."

"It's the duty of us operators to carry out everything we do with perfection."

"Right, that was it!"

21O finally nods her head at 6O's spirited response.

"I guess you're right. Whenever he asks about new equipment, he seems guilty. 9S is just a ball of curiosity."

21O's tone may sound like she's verbally shrugging her shoulders, but in actuality, it's meant to be gentleness. She's always like this when she talks about the unit she's in charge of, 9S.

6O leans over, suggesting she understands just what she means. Even though they serve different units, operators share the same sorts of feelings.

"2B's the same way, always doing unreasonable things."

S-Type's tend be guilty due to their intense curiosity, while B-Types are guilty of their lack of consideration for themselves. Though that's probably why they're able to fight on the front lines without hesitation.

"I guess you could say they're running us ragged."

"I get that there's no helping their characteristics, however ..."

"You wish they'd act with a little more restraint, right?"

"But even if we tell them that ..."

"It won't change a thing!"

"So," the two of them speak in unison. "Advanced preparations are especially important!"

As is the exchange of information between operators. Even if it's an insignificant conversation, there could be information within it. The accumulation of all that meager information could inform important decisions, or help units avoid danger. In short, everything in an operator's everyday life can connect back to a mission. Every day is their duty.

After checking some notes and changes on the new equipment, the two of them chat a bit. Of course, 21O never stops working, however.

"Okay, sorry to keep you waiting."

21O returns the flight unit to a fixed position after the inspection, and makes room for 6O. Since the catapult can only be equipped to one flight unit at a time, they'll have to be checked one by one.

"Well then, I'll go ahead and contact 9S."

"Okay! I'll leave you to that."

6O fixes 2B's flight unit in the open space, and begins her inspection work.

<THAT MACHINE SURE IS BIG!>

<IS THAT THE NEW EQUIPMENT?>

<WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT?>

<WHERE SHOULD WE GO NEXT?>

[TB 14:30]

Locating 9S is an easy task for Operator 21O. When he's on Earth, there may be issues with the satellite resolution or the communication area, so sometimes the position information can be wrong. However, when he's within the Bunker, there's no mistake. "9S is right here," 21O thinks to herself, as she stands in front of the door.

The server control room — the room within the Bunker where a large terminal is installed. 9S has been in here analyzing enemy barriers and new hacking patterns. He loves that sort of detail work.

Whenever he isn't being sent out on missions, he's always, always, always guaranteed to be working in this room. Due to his intense concentration, he doesn't even hear the sound of the door opening.

"I knew it," 21O mutters, as she enters the room, without even gaining the attention of 9S, who's focused on the terminal. Despite being unable to see his eyes, she's sure they're shining as he immerses himself in his work.

Often, human beings seem to have become absorbed in the act of playing with their toys, forgetting about time entirely, and that's exactly how 9S feels in this very moment.

Actually, even before heading to the hangar, 21O had stopped by here. Since he seemed so absorbed in his work, she didn't call out to him, but even at that point in time, he'd already been in the room for over three hours.

She feels as though she should tell him to cut it out and take a break already, but all of a sudden, his shoulders tremble in shock, like someone had just come up from behind him and shouted in his ear.

"Oh, it's just you, operator."

He drops his shoulders, and turns his gaze towards 21O.

"What do you mean 'it's just you'? You've been working in here without even a single break for how many hours now? You need to quit doing that sort of thing."

"Yeah, yeah."

"One confirmation will suffice."

"Fiiiine," he responds, as though he's dissatisfied.

"Please disconnect from the terminal. I need to brief you on your next mission."

"Seriously? I can just listen like this!"

"That's unacceptable. You won't get sufficient exercise like that."

Suddenly she finds herself diverting the conversation in the same way 6O did not long ago. Though it is true that 9S requires exercise more than 6O does.

"Let's take a little walk."

9S reluctantly disconnects from the terminal.

"Soooo, where's the next mission?"

"Within the factory ruins. You'll need to survey the ruins as well as their surroundings."

"So that means I'll be alone again, huh? Sure is lonely like that."

9S drops his shoulders in a manner that suggests he's uninterested, but in the next moment, he lifts his head to look over at 21O.

"Think you could come with me, operator?"

21O knows he's not being serious with that. It may be true that he's lonely, but bringing an operator along on a mission is completely out of the question.

"Absolutely not. This is your job. Stop behaving like a child and just complete it on your own like you're supposed to."

"All right, all right! Sheesh ..."

9S puffs his cheeks up. She can hear he's a bit disheartened. She wonders if she should give him some "candy" to cheer him up.

"The next mission will also serve as an experiment for the newly implemented equipment."

"Wait, really?!"

She can hear the liveliness in his voice now. Just as she thought, the word "new" would have tremendous effect on him.

"I'll provide you with a more detailed explanation in the hangar while we check out the equipment."

"All right!"

Suddenly, 9S makes a strange expression, like he's taken aback by something.

"Is something wrong?"

Come to think of it, he seemed a bit strange a little while back, as well. She'd thought it was because she surprised him by suddenly being in the room with him, but at the time, his gaze wasn't even facing towards her, but in another direction entirely. Something else had his attention.

"Er, I just feel kind of uneasy."

"About what?"

9S turns his gaze towards the interior of the room, like he feels as though someone's watching him from it. He shakes his head a few moments later.

"No, there's no way. It's probably just my imagination. I wonder if I'm tired or something ..."

"That's why I've been telling you to take regular breaks."

"Yeah, yeah."

"One confirmation will suffice!"

After finishing the explanation of the new equipment, she'll have to remind him again to rest. If his fatigue accumulates, it may compromise the mission.

While thinking about that, she and 9S leave the server control room. But before she leaves entirely, she turns to look about the room one last time. Of course, there's no one there.

<That was a close one!>

<We were almost caught!>

<But what does "lonely" mean?>

<No idea!>

<Androids are just full of mysteries, aren't they?>

<That's right. Full of mysteries ... and very interesting.>

<We want to play with them a little more.>

<Yes ... Play with them a little more.>

Two words appear on the large terminal within the server control room, despite the complete lack of anyone's presence.

End Transmission.