I Need Rest
I need rest. Seeing Sirius III beaming with a gummy smile, my own lips threaten to curve up in the same joyful arc.
No, hold it together!
I desperately suppress the corners of my mouth, which feel ready to betray me at any second. There's a question I have to ask.
First things first: why was the baby here? I'd only been watching the outside world from inside that high-rise building, so I had no idea a child even existed.
And I was the one who found the kid first—how did they end up in the hands of 1st Platoon? There was definitely a mother searching for her child.
She'd clung to me, bawling her eyes out like a faucet.
As if she didn't care whether I was a monster or a human! Or maybe she was too desperate to even notice.
Either way, someone that frantic wouldn't just hand over her baby easily.
"What is this?"
Whoops, that came out wrong! I meant to ease into it, but it sounded so emotionless.
"The baby's mother begged us to bring her inside the Sector."
I was honestly worried he'd misunderstand, but luckily, our righteous platoon leader grasped the gist of my abbreviated question perfectly.
"Is that allowed?"
They rarely let outsiders in, no matter what.
It wasn't even a matter of begging. People inside distrusted outsiders just as much as outsiders wanted in.
"Tests showed no P.V. virus detection. And the baby's mother—though not from here—apparently underwent the Stellar Adaptation Procedure in another sector. No virus means the child must have inherited her immunity."
That's fascinating. Someone from 'another Sector'?
Getting here from there takes hours even by vehicle. How did she end up drifting all the way here? And with a newborn— she must've given birth recently. Come to think of it, no sign of a husband either.
Anyway, it's clear the mother has led a tragic, bizarre life. I get why she handed over the baby.
After getting attacked by a 5.0 Stage Cadaver, she probably lost all confidence in protecting it. The outside world's a death trap—unless you're as strong as 1st Platoon, you could die anywhere, anytime. Even we can't guarantee survival against something like an Overlord.
She must've handed the baby over with her heart breaking. What a tearjerker. Loving something so much you have to let it go to keep it safe!
"Ahboo, ahbooboo."
The baby flails its arms and legs excitedly. Aww, so full of energy. Does it recognize me or something?
Nah, probably not. Though there's that saying babies can spot pretty people. Maybe this one's smitten with my looks?
Anyway. I've got the gist of the situation now, and heading home sounds great.
But what about Sirius III in my arms? This wasn't in the plan. Babies are best in short doses.
Like a puppy café or cat café, you know?
The longer you're together, the more responsibility piles up!
How long will the drive take? We rushed here at top speed, but now it's nighttime, and we have to escort—might be more than half a day, maybe a full day stuck in the vehicle.
And babysit the whole time? Changing diapers, feeding, crying—all inside the car?
Suddenly feels like karmic payback. Isn't there anyone else? Really?
Nova's busy with the detectors, and Carlos slyly claimed the driver's seat.
Hey, wasn't Bboongbboong mine? Why are you so comfy there driving!
Ugh, so unfair.
Of course, outwardly I'm just the inspector who handles odd jobs, but inwardly I've been shouting that I'm an all-purpose secretary who can do anything... except I didn't sign up for babysitting.
What can you do? I'm the only one available.
Nova's the surveillance type, Carlos handles cover fire. I've seen him drive and shoot plenty.
But driving while babysitting? No matter how good your multitasking, it wouldn't reassure anyone watching.
Carlos was inwardly uneasy.
Sure, the situation left Nera in charge of the baby, but he doubted she'd handle it well.
Her performance this time was impressive, but that didn't mean he trusted her as a colleague.
If anything, she was a capable subordinate. Too valuable to neglect, that's all.
Nera was undeniably competent. But babysitting required a different skill set—one involving understanding, empathy, and emotional judgment for caring for others.
Where she'd shone was purely against Cadavers. And her unflappable calm in any situation—perhaps a total lack of fear.
Her expertise with Cadavers made sense. If she was from Dr. Licht's side, it'd be suspicious if she didn't know.
In a way, her competence proved she was one of them.
That only amplified his unease. Those emotionless red eyes showed not a shred of affection for the fragile life in her arms.
Nera just stared at the baby, holding it.
His mind flashed to an absurd image: Nera suddenly dropping the child.
Carlos barely stifled a scoff. The scenario was ridiculous no matter how he replayed it.
His gaze flicked to Nera. Naturally, nothing so absurd was happening.
He'd expected clumsy pretense at best, but she cradled it fully, like it was her own.
Carlos floored the pedal. Even while driving, his eyes kept drifting to Nera.
Thankfully, the baby didn't cry the whole way back to the Sector.
If anything, it stayed quietly nestled in my arms.
No mental exhaustion there. But I was tired now.
No matter how well-behaved, a baby can't sleep deeply in a cramped military vehicle.
It's tough and comfortable enough, but barreling over rough wasteland? Bound to shake.
Alone, I'd have conked out amid the jolts... but not while holding a baby.
I'm shameless by concept, but I haven't abandoned my humanity!
So after 24 hours straight, our Sector entry felt delayed.
In front of the massive walls, Carlos chatted with the woman who seemed to be the mother, who clutched the baby tenderly.
What were they talking about? At the moment of reunion, maybe she couldn't bear to take it back?
After watching a few minutes, the Sector gates opened.
The mother bowed repeatedly. Carlos stiffened, looking burdened—almost posing awkwardly.
Soon he returned to the vehicle. The woman boarded a military truck with the baby.
I figured different affiliation meant no entry for her, but Ark's not that stingy.
Cheers erupted from the truck. Laughter bloomed in my heart too.
What a relief! If I'd carried the baby all the way, I'd have gotten stuck with every related chore!
What do you call that? Right—responsibility without pleasure! If you're saddling someone with duty, at least toss in some fun for fair trade.
·····Hmm, that feels off. Saying "pleasure" with this body stirs weird fantasies.
Yeah, reward. I need a reward. Anyway, huge relief!
My imagined nightmare didn't happen. Everyone's happy—truly a blessing.
I finally reached my beloved home (personal quarters).
Not much of a "home," but it's where my mind settles best.
I strip off the uniform without hesitation. Not a sweaty type, so no real grime, but the stiff fabric binds my chest.
Bluntly: uncomfortable. Hard to breathe! I barely resist ripping the seams to free myself.
I flop face-down on the bed.
Without showering, rolling on the soft sheets stirs guilt.
But what can I do? Shower room's packed. Can't wedge in.
I've accepted this female body, but not mentally. Staring at it feels sleazy and lewd somehow.
Not that anything reacts—it's just the vibe! And same gender or not, facing nudity is embarrassing, right?
Anyway, wait till it clears. Till then, collapsing on the bed is inevitable.
Body forgot fatigue ages ago, but mind's still human.
Working standing makes you crave sitting; sitting makes you want to lie down; lying down means sleep.
This time was especially draining.
Not my first all-nighter outside, but using power left me drained.
Yeah, just sleep. Someone'll wake me. Wait—no one will? Then shower after!
Getting sleepy now······.