Why Are You Doing This to Me?
-Vrrrrm!
I'd left my phone on the pillow, and now my head was ringing from the vibrations.
-Vrrrrm!
Who the hell is it? Can't a guy get some rest on the weekend? It's not even past 7 a.m. yet!
-Vrrrrm!
I stubbornly refused to look at the phone. I didn't even try to open my eyes—just shifted a little in bed.
How many times did it go off? Finally, the alarm gave up, exhausted.
My victory. Now I can enjoy some peace and sleep like a baby.
Thumping footsteps echoed. The door burst open.
"Observer Nera."
Ah.
"There's no regulation requiring you to wait in a specific location, but the principle is to don your uniform and stand by after 7 a.m."
Come to think of it, the mobile unit didn't have a concept of rest.
I turned my head slightly from my prone position and met those amber eyes.
"There's work. Change quickly and come out."
"Understood."
Carlos shut the door. That sound was definitely louder than usual—no illusion.
He's pissed? Gotta be pissed, right? He doesn't look like the type to tolerate this.
I bolted up and swiftly changed into my uniform.
But for someone angry, he's awfully composed. I figured he'd at least roar like a lion.
Well, good is good!
I opened the door, and Carlos was waiting ahead.
"Did you check the messenger...? No. Judging by that state, probably not."
Sharp eyes.
"Listen as you follow."
Carlos turned sharply and headed somewhere.
Not toward 1st Platoon? Something different today, then.
Good thing. If it were an emergency mission, I'd have no excuse.
I've been so diligent lately—that could've all gone down the drain.
"Your task is simple. Escort a specific person and help carry their luggage."
"Escort?"
Sure, it sounds straightforward, but who needs an escort for that?
"A survivor rescued from the previous Infiltration Core. Her Stellar Adaptation Procedure has been verified, allowing her and the baby entry into the Sector. Quarantine is complete, and she's waiting deeper inside."
Mm-hmm, got it.
"However, her injuries haven't fully healed, so carrying heavy luggage alone is difficult. We need someone to go outside urgently."
And that's me.
But doesn't going outside require quarantine? That's why the mother went through it!
"Go in."
We arrived at an unfamiliar spot—a lone massive gray door.
"What's this?"
Sudden "go in" is vague.
"A standard Decontamination Room. Pass through, and you can exit outside without issue."
Carlos opened the door. Inside resembled a bizarre shower room, with small holes of unknown purpose—not in the floor, but dozens in the ceiling and walls.
·····This isn't a decontamination room; it's that purification chamber.
Purifying what?······Really, really bad Cadavers? Or maybe for quietly disposing of secret rebels······?
I stepped in cautiously. Midway, Carlos casually spoke.
"It'll sting a bit."
-Bang!
The thick, heavy door slammed shut, shaking my body repeatedly with the roar.
A clank followed—meaning the room was fully sealed.
Fortunately, bright lights inside prevented total darkness. But it's too bright. Feels like heaven.
-Hiss...
Gas began leaking.
According to Carlos, that's the disinfectant······but it feels off. Like staying still means big trouble.
Soon the room filled with gas. But it's no ordinary disinfectant.
My skin tingled on the surface as a given, but it seeped into my pores, burning from inside.
Zapping everywhere. Eyes, throat, stomach—all of it!
'It'll sting a bit'? Saying that casually. This isn't stinging; it's torture!
After minutes, a clank—and the opposite door opened.
I rushed out to find Sirius III's mother waiting.
Escape success.
Hm. But this feeling—what is it? Like I've suddenly grasped the whole story.
I instantly knew why no volunteer came forward.
"Oh, miss, are you okay?"
No? Tears keep flowing.
As I sniffled and wiped my eyes, she offered a handkerchief.
I snatched it······but wonder if it's safe to use. Feels like it'll turn into a wet cloth.
"I'm fine."
I'm fine, she says!
I kept wiping snot and tears. Naturally, the handkerchief soaked quickly.
We arrived at the Orphanage between the city and slums via a familiar path.
The reason was simple: the mother had nowhere to stay.
Deeper into the city? Outsiders unwelcome. Dingy slums? No way.
In that sense, the orphanage was ideal. Sector-run, good security, plenty of other kids.
She'd recover from injuries here while caring for Sirius III for now.
Today was for the admission procedures.
But······these faces feel familiar. Like I've seen them somewhere.
I scanned the children. Most had red eyes.
"Ah······!"
I locked eyes with a woman tending the kids. She gasped, staring at me in surprise.
She didn't quite fit the atmosphere—elegant, classy, you might say.
"You're the one I met last time······?"
The kids seemed wary of me.
Then it hit me: this was where those slum kids from before lived. But they're not as scared this time.
The woman looked at me—alternating between me and Sirius III in my arms.
"Is that... your baby, Inspector...?"
A long silence followed.
"······No."
It took forever to clear up the woman's misunderstanding.
If Sirius III's mother had returned sooner, no mix-up!
No, wait!
Why assume it's mine after some incident?! And just accept 'no' without question—why that knowing look?!
"Sorry······! I really thought..."
Okay, her explanation makes sense.
Apparently, speeders often dump babies here.
But still not buying it. Looks-wise, sure, I'm cute, but too young to have a kid, right?
"It's okay."
Still dissatisfied, but she's sincerely apologetic—this time, forgiven.
She lingered, glancing at me—something to say.
But I was busy: Sirius III had woken.
"Um, hey... wanna be friends?"
I looked up, staring incredulously.
"I'm Lucia!"
New type. How does she read my stare as friendly?
I looked down, pretending nothing happened.
"Abubu."
I offered a finger; Sirius III grabbed it.
He's totally used to me now.
"That...! I saw your age on the ID last time······! We're the same age—why not?"
Lucia pleaded with puppy eyes.
Why so pushy? She was scared last time.
"Why?"
"Well, I'm curious about inspector life? I'm a cadet."
Cadet. Future superior, maybe.
"No thanks."
Even more reason to nope out.
"Come on!"
Lucia lunged, hugging like long-lost childhood friends.
Her ample chest pressed heavily on my head.
Ah, um. Er. Nice, but embarrassing.
I've hugged Emma plenty, but sudden hugs from other women? Unexpected.