Léon: The Cat Killer

Seeing this enormous film, which seemed to be two heads taller than her and whose chest she could only bump against with her head, rushing towards her, it was hard to say whether Nana took a step back to look up at its full size or to avoid its lunge. In any case, Nana instinctively dodged this enthusiastic guy.

"Huang... you're being too enthusiastic, and besides, this... Dr. Nana has already been assigned to the medical department."

"Huh?! Isn't she a special agent? And the kind who single-handedly stormed an illegal laboratory? She wiped out half of the experimental site!"

Seeing that the big black-haired cat was still trying to pounce on her, Nana could only reach out and support its face, which was so overly familiar that it wanted to get close to her the first time they met:

"...Um, I didn't do the leveling of the park...I'm just an ordinary person, I couldn't do something so violent..."

"Then, could it be..."

Following Nana's gaze, the black cat named Huang (II) turned its attention to Matilda, and the previously noisy creature instantly quieted down:

"...This child...is she alright?"

"It's hard to say... Although the preliminary examination indicated no problems, I brought her to Rhodes Island specifically for a more in-depth understanding..."

At this point, Nana suddenly began to doubt the necessity of bringing her kitten to Rhodes Island. This shabby place isn't even finished being renovated yet... Could it really just be a shell company that's actually a place of exile?

Okay, if no one's here, then take the kitten back and kill all those idiots who like to do human experiments.

Having made this decision in her heart, Nana looked at ACE, who had no obvious racial characteristics and was wearing sunglasses late at night:

"Anyway, please take me to the medical area first... We can take our time with the onboarding and other miscellaneous things later."

"Hmm, your luggage and weapons have been registered... Come to think of it, you have quite a lot of dangerous goods..."

"Yes, that's my job... so do I need to temporarily store the hazardous materials?"

Seeing how cooperative Nana was, Ace was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand:

"It's alright, it's alright. You're from the medical department, so you can bring these things... Besides, the head of the medical department said before that as long as you want to cause damage, whether you have these things or not won't reduce your destructive power in the slightest. You just need to keep your luggage and belongings safe and not let other people get these dangerous items without your knowledge... After all, we have medical services, and there will definitely be more than just company people on the ship in the future."

"...I see? I understand."

Since that's what they say, Nana will just listen to them:

"So, next up is the medical department? I've heard Touchmark mention the... head of the medical department before."

"Yes, your employment negotiation was handled by that person who directly contacted and finalized the deal with the Security Bureau. He will be your direct superior from now on."

"...Directly subordinate..."

Listening to the other person's description, Nana felt as if she had been given a new manager... so it must be that her manager didn't want her anymore.

Thinking this, Nana subconsciously tightened her backpack... The potted plant inside, peeking out from behind the zipper, attracted the attention of a certain large cat behind her. Nana also felt the gravitational feedback from a biological preservation jar in her suitcase... This thing, it seems, is going to be given to Matilda for cultivation along with her later? Eek!

Thinking about this, Nana starts to worry about her eyes again. (Rin)

As if her whole being had turned melancholy, even Nana's tail drooped listlessly... The ACE leading the way didn't notice, but the big black cat behind her patted Nana's shoulder: 1

"Don't worry, although Dr. Kal'tsit seems like a serious person, she's definitely the best doctor in the world... She'll heal the kitten, and she'll heal you too."

"...I hope so." (Private)

P.S.: I'm late... Sorry... This isn't an April Fool's joke... It's not funny anyway... *sobs*

PS2: Next up is... the Rhodes Island part... As you can see, Kal'tsit, upon hearing about the eccentric Nana, quickly put a shell around Rhodes Island and rushed over... After all, according to the Arknights setting, Nana's character is at least on par with a female lead. Guilt

PS3: Thus, Volume Two officially begins, and our Agent 77's journey continues. (Part Four)

PS4: Today's cat... scratch that, it's a little fox picture.

The Mystery of 2nd Medic: 025 Onboarding & Oath

Rhodes Island Medical Center... This is probably the only room with a sign that Nana has seen along the way.

In a situation where other accommodations, including dormitories, involve sleeping on the floor or even 'room camping,' it was quite unexpected that this empty shell of a Rhodes Island ship would have medical facilities that surpassed the level of a public hospital in Lexington.

"Omnidirectional high-definition imaging, isotope scanner... and an automated operating table... were these specially prepared for this child?"

Seemingly oblivious to the unsettling tone in Nana's voice, the large cat named Huang enthusiastically began to introduce the situation:

"Of course, although the ship itself hasn't started the equipment installation process yet... but we've come to pick you up, and all of this equipment is prepared for the last survivors of the Bruce family of 105..."

Seeing Nana's previously satisfied expression turn sour as she looked at the operating table through the tinted glass, Ace sensed something:

"What's wrong with you, Erjiu? Is there something wrong with these devices?"

"...Columbia's latest automated surgical system...the same model as the Loken water tank."

After a brief silence, Huang scratched his cat ears:

"Hmm, does that mean...it might scare the child?"

"I'm not sure, but until we've confirmed Mia's mental state... let's not let her see that thing..."

"...Indeed, you have a point."

Just as Nana and the members of the E3 action team were standing outside the operating room, a voice suddenly came from behind, making the cat killer prick up her ears. When she turned around, Ace, who was leading the way, and Huang, who was beside her, both gave a military salute at the same time... a military salute?

Just as Nana was wondering why it was a military salute, a woman with a tired face and dark circles under her eyes, green-haired Film, waved her hand as she emerged from the room behind her.

"...This is Rhodes Island, so don't bring your Kazdel habits back with you..."

"Ah...I forgot..."

"I was brought along by Captain Ace, I didn't mean to... Oh, right, Kal'tsit! She's the one you're looking for..."

“I can see that, and besides, this isn’t the place to talk… and Huang, you really let one child carry another child all the way up the elevator?”

Faced with the man in green clothing with unique transparent components that protected against Originium, and whose hair and attire reminded Nana of the person in charge of her bonsai, the big cat wearing a Rhodes Island-marked coat immediately looked strange...

Huang first pointed her finger to draw Kal'tsit's attention to this area, then opened her arms to signal Nana. Nana immediately and reflexively hid the kitten in her arms behind her back, while reaching for the messenger bag slung to her side.

Having just gone through security, everyone knew that the bag contained weapons besides two guns. Seeing this, Huang could only look up at Kal'tsit and shrug.

“You see, it’s not that I haven’t tried… but… I can also understand that Nana just went through the whole incident during the day and her nerves are still on edge…”

Seeing that Nana seemed to be forcing herself to let her get close to the child in her arms after she came to her senses, the green-haired Feline only briefly checked the simple data monitoring watch on the kitten before immediately focusing her attention on Nana:

“That person did tell me that you had some stress reaction because of the child’s accident… but it seems that your condition is much more serious than I thought. I will prepare additional psychological intervention treatment for you later… but if you are not even willing to give me the most basic trust, then let alone treatment… I'm afraid even living a normal life will be very difficult.”

Having said that, the doctor, whose color scheme resembled that of a bonsai plant, shrugged at Nana:

"The brainstem and spinal cord reconstruction surgery that Matilda underwent was too much of a burden for a child. She should now be placed in a gravity-free ward to avoid the secondary effects of gravity on her... instead of being held by you in this constantly wary posture."

“You’re a doctor yourself, you should know what she needs.”

"...But we haven't established a relationship of trust yet..."

Seeing Nana's furrowed brows and increasingly wary expression, the indifferent green-plant doctor tilted his head:

“Building a relationship of trust is never easy. I originally thought we could gradually trust each other normally, but if we can’t even take the first step, all the subsequent treatment and work plans will just be castles in the air.”

"Besides, the child's health is more important right now, so let's skip the pointless probing... ICA agent, Colombian Homeland Security agent, Killer Number Seventy-Seven..."

Seeing Nana suddenly fall silent, Ace, who was watching from the sidelines, was not surprised. But when Huang saw Nana finally nod in agreement, he felt that his previous "mutual understanding" had been in vain.

"Ugh! What?! Kal'tsit, did you just say something that made her obey?"

"...On the contrary, those were the words that would most likely provoke her rebellious spirit... But I just want to show that I am not completely ignorant of you. In fact, the reason we found you in such an incomplete and anxious state is essentially because you have a very close connection with 'us'..."

As she spoke, she turned and led the way, but the destination was right next to the room Kal'tsit had just left.

This is another ward with reversible glass walls, and the main colors are white and blue... It's clear that the setup was rushed, and there are several similar rooms here.

"...Next, I will activate the anti-gravity system. Just think of that light screen as a bed and put the child on it."

The ticking of the instruments seemed to amplify the assassin's frustration, and the invisible gazes in the corridor, which was largely made of one-way transparent material, appeared to be magnified... Nana could feel something 'watching' her.

Something is 'looking at' me.

What is trying to 'enter' my...heart?

Is it a primitive skill similar to that used for cats?

Not knowing where the source of these gazes was hiding, Nana glanced hesitantly at the many blacked-out windows around her, and ultimately decided to ignore them.

As for Dr. Kal'tsit's words, Nana hesitated, as if trying to believe something. She first reached out to check the state of the 'zero-gravity bed' and, after confirming that she could 'sit' on it, she hugged the kitten with the blanket placed next to her and then let it float on the fluid composed of light.

"Yes, everything is normal. She will use this zero-gravity device for the next three months to ensure the proper healing of her bones and flesh... However, the equipment is currently occupied for in-depth examinations, so we will schedule Bruce's examination for three days later... In the meantime, we have plenty of time to answer your questions, but the top priority is to get your onboarding done."

With that, Kal'tsit immediately turned and led the way away. Seeing that Nana was still hesitant and unwilling to leave, the green-haired Feline sighed and turned back again:

"So hurry up and finish this, then come back to her... My time is precious, and I know everything that person knows about you... After I mentioned the name Seventy-Seven, do you still have any privacy left?"

Seeing Kal'tsit mention 'that person' so many times... Nana subconsciously thought of someone who sold her and her kitten to Rhodes Island:

"Is the person you're talking about my manager?"

"...Agent...Does she refer to herself that now? But I don't want to talk about her here...My relationship with her...is rather complicated."

She shook her head, seemingly lost in thought, but Kal'tsit maintained a calm yet weary expression... Yet her actions showed no sign of stopping since their meeting, as if she were being chased by something:

“But our relationship can take time… Let’s start with what we both need right now. I will complete your and Bruce’s treatment this year, and in return… I hope we can achieve… the most basic level of trust.”

Seeing that the other party had gone this far, and not being the ungrateful type, the cat killer immediately gave her response:

"If it is a contract, I will abide by it."

“...But I want you to understand the cause that Rhodes Island pursues. After all, contracts have limitations...just like the fundamental breakdown of the contract between you and the ICA this time...I don’t want a similar situation to occur between Rhodes Island and you.”

At this point, Nana finally understood what the green-clad doctor was emphasizing:

"...I understand, I will seriously try to understand Rhodes Island..."

"Next, it's time for your onboarding process."

As if being chased by something, Kal'tsit turned and left, and Nana quickly left a note for the kitten before catching up... After confirming that Nana would be joining Rhodes Island, ACE also dispersed the E3 action team, who, although they did not show any hostility, were on guard. Only Blaze cared about Nana and was still prepared to follow and watch Nana complete her onboarding procedures.

The only difference between the two and the beginning was that they weren't carrying weapons. Nana left her rifle case in the cat's ward and, carrying only her shoulder bag, followed Kal'tsit up the elevator to the top floor.

Huang: "Speaking of which, this is the first time we've sent someone to bring dangerous goods to the bridge control center, isn't it..."

Nana: "...Having to go to the bridge hub to sign a contract is a big problem in itself..."

Kal'tsit: "Because the ship's internal systems are not fully installed, currently only the bridge can input your information into the system... However, I have prepared your identification documents in advance."

As he spoke, the green film handed Nana a name tag with a medical practice mark on it.

"(____) is skilled at providing medical treatment to operators on the battlefield. According to the decision of the field operations department, she is classified as a medical operator in field missions and performs the duties of a physician. This badge is specially issued to certify that... the name part is still blank."

Instead of complaining about the fact that she was hired as a doctor but had to go on fieldwork, Nana's attention was immediately drawn to the blank space at the beginning.

However, it was Ace who answered this question:

"Because at Rhodes Island, many operators have difficult pasts to face... so when we accept someone, we usually have them choose a codename to use instead of their real name and enter it into their file..."

"Eh... a past that's hard to face... I don't seem to have that kind of thing."

Seeing Nana's casual demeanor, Kal'tsit, who was walking at the front, asked without turning her head:

"But that person told me that you have no memory of what happened ten years ago..."

Nana shrugged, showing no reservations about the topic:

"So I have no unbearable past... My agent is very good to me, and I have no regrets about the business I've handled."

"...That's fine, but the name 'Nana' is probably still on the records in Colombia...you still need a code name."

Nana glanced at Hoshino and Ace beside her at Kal'tsit's statement, and saw that they were nodding as if it were a matter of course. If it weren't for the fact that she had joined the Security Bureau and her file was still in a quantum state, Nana would have had no choice but to agree with Kal'tsit's statement.

Nana looked at her work ID, read the instructions on the back about life on the land-based warship, and casually said:

"Then... let's call him 'Medic'... simple and easy to understand. I hope the work I'll be handling will be just as simple."

Hearing the codename Nana gave herself, Huang and Ace exchanged bewildered glances, while Kal'tsit seemed unfazed.

After everyone arrived at the bridge hub, the green-haired Felin first checked the usage of the codenames. Seeing that no one was using the silly codename to name herself, and seeing that Nana didn't seem to want to consider it any further, Kal'tsit went along with her wishes.

"...System login complete...From now on, Nana is Rhodes Island's medical operator Medic."

"That's it? There wasn't any ceremony?"

Seemingly in response to Nana's question, Kal'tsit, who had just handed the voucher to Nana and was about to leave, suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Then, this color scheme, no matter how you look at it, seems to be something else, like something your own bonsai's superior, who hesitated for a moment and said:

"...As for the ceremony...there is one...It's a swearing-in ceremony that's usually only held after you've completed your internship and officially joined Rhodes Island...But for you, the internship is probably the least necessary part of the process...I suppose you're being given the official credentials, so let's follow the formal steps and take the oath together..."

"Swear an oath?"

"Um... just one sentence..."

As she spoke, Nana looked in the direction Kal'tsit pointed, at the Rhodes Island insignia on the shoulder of the weary doctor's coat: