A small disturbance at The Outpost quickly spread to the Central Government.
A few hours later, several Deputy commanders from Ark successively entered the conference room. In addition to the Deputy Commander, the CEOs of Elysion, Missilis, Tetra Company, and other companies also arrived in sequence.
As the top figure of the Ark.
Everyone present could be said to be a high-ranking and powerful elite.
Even Enikk, the AI that governs the Ark, sometimes has to follow their advice to make appropriate decisions.
"Because everyone is here."
Seeing that everyone had already come, Andersen cleared his throat and said, "in that case, I will explain the reason for holding this meeting."
"Just a few hours ago, The Outpost on the first underground floor suffered a terrorist attack. The perpetrator of this terrorist attack was named Jeff, who held a logistics position in the Central Government. In addition, he was promoted by Deputy Commander Doban of the Outer Rim. On this subject, Deputy Commander Doban, is there anything you need to clarify?"
Andersen's sharp eyes pointed directly at Doban.
In response to his accusations, this burly man in a military cap only snorted sarcastically: "don't look at me, I'm also a victim. Jeff said he was going to the Outer Rim to take on a group of terrorists. As you can see, this confused person immediately led the people to attack The Outpost. I don't know why he did that."
Andersen asked, "Is that your explanation?"
Doban raised his eyebrows: "yes, is there a problem?"
"It doesn't matter. President Ingrid closed her eyes and continued in a dignified voice, "but after all, as Deputy Commander, aren't you also responsible for failing to supervise your subordinates properly?"
Doban sneered coldly and denied, "President Ingrid, look what you said."
"My subordinates are humans, not Nikke whose memories can be changed at will. About what Jeff thinks, How do I know?"
"After all, I don't think this incident can be categorized as a terrorist attack, right?"
As soon as these words are spoken.
The atmosphere in the conference room became a little restless.
There is nothing new in Ark.
Regarding the return of Punishment, the high-ranking officials in Ark basically knew about it, but due to military resistance, they were unable to act for the time being.
A moment of silence in the conference room. Mastin, president of Tetra Company, was the first to speak: "then, tell me, why can't this incident be defined as a terrorist attack?"
Doban slammed his hand on the table and said loudly " " isn't the reason simple?"
"Nikke named Marian from Counterattack Squad, we deployed almost all of Ark's Supreme combat power to defeat her. But now, with just a word from Elysion, he had been transferred to the Commander of The Outpost."
"To be honest, aren't you worried that all this is a rapture conspiracy?"
What if one day, that Nikke suddenly betrays us again? How much damage will it do to the Ark? Didn't you think of that?
"Therefore, I am convinced that Jeff is not organizing a terrorist attack, but rather protecting the Ark."
"Protecting The Ark?"
"Ck ck ck, you really like to twist words. CEO Syuen of Missilis pouted and criticized mercilessly, " picking up some Outer Rim thugs, killing your way to someone's doorstep, and then fabricating evidence to detain them—if such behavior can be called Protecting The Ark, is there something wrong with your brain?"
Doban glared at him: "What did you say?"
Syuen pinched his nose, a snide smile flashed across his face, then sneered, "I said there's something wrong with your brain, what's wrong? Do you have an opinion? You moron who rose to the position of Deputy Commander by selling information about the Outer Rim, every time I hear you talk, I smell a stench."
"You...!"
"Everyone, stop this meaningless debate."
Burningum, also Deputy Commander, who spoke with a slight stutter, coughed and ended their argument: "regarding Jeff's terrorist attack incident, Enikk has already made a judgment, so there is no need for anyone to argue anymore."
"But, but what Doban said also makes sense."
"How important is that Nikke named Marian, you all know, right? His body, his body clearly contained the most advanced Rapture technology. If we can get this technology, Nikke's technology from Ark might be able to advance another hundred years."
"So, Ingrid..."
Burningum looked at Ingrid with a pleading look: "you, as CEO of Elysion, should know this better than anyone. If possible, I hope you can hand over Marian and let Ark's most advanced research team do an anatomical study of her body."
Ingrid was silent for a while before saying, "Marian is Commander Grim's exclusive Nikke. Apart from Enikk and the Commander himself, no one else is authorized to do this."
"Is that so?"
Burningum took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat on his forehead. Although he looked like a shy fat man, his questions were incessant: "but, but Commander Grim and Elysion have a close relationship, right?"
"As long as the President persuades him..."
"Enough, Burningum."
Andersen's sharp rebuke interrupted Burningum's talk.
Burningum turned to his old friend and couldn't help asking, "An-Andersen, what's wrong?"
Andersen said indifferently, " I'm just reminding you that Commander Grim, as the hero of the Ark, is an irreplaceable figure in the military. If you want to get rid of him after he completes his task, you should first consider whether you have the strength to do so."
"An-Andersen, what do you mean? How can I throw it away after he's done his job?"
"Burningum, you should know better than I what the Ark place is like."
"Please leave this matter to Enikk to decide. No need to discuss further."
"Today's meeting has been postponed."
After Andersen forcibly suppressed all the topics that concerned Marian, the people, each with their own ulterior motives, dispersed and left.
On the way home, Burningum leans on his wand, and his exclusive Nikke, Papillon, follows him closely. After walking for a while, Burningum stopped. The stuttering that he had previously pretended to disappear completely, was replaced by a piercing gaze. After a short pause, he turned to his Nikke and said, "Papillon, help me."
"Please tell me," said the charming, fox-like Nikke, bowing slightly.
Burningum said, " First, spread the word about Marian. It's worth informing all factions in Ark that there is a high-tech Nikke at The Outpost. Not only that, the rumors should also be exaggerated as much as possible."
"Also, contact reporters to put public pressure on Elysion, making it difficult for them to transport supplies to The Outpost."
"Then, aren't you worried that Nikke will be captured by people from other factions?"Papillon asked back, a little curious.
"Don't worry, one day the commander named Grim won't be able to bear it," Burningum shook his head. "She is also an intelligent person, and therefore, her best option is to hand Marian over to the Central Government."
"If this plan doesn't work, then directly send Triangle Squad to make arrests on behalf of Ark Government."
"Of course, that's the worst-case scenario. Unless absolutely necessary, I don't want to fight with that Commander."
"Heh, as expected of Master Burningum, you are really astute and experienced," Papillon chuckled, complimenting him.
"This is only for the future of the Ark and all of humanity. I believe one day, they will understand me."
"Let's go, Papillon."
....
A storm is brewing.
However, The Outpost, which was at the center of the vortex, experienced a brief period of peace.
Perhaps it was because the 'kill on the spot' warning written at the entrance of the elevator did make many people a deterrent, and for the time being, no organization dared to take the elevator to make trouble for Grim.
However it was only a matter of time.
And Grim once again feels the Ark tradition—the sense of being discarded after serving his purpose.
"Sure enough, no matter how high their status is, consumables are still consumables."
"Although I have rendered so many services to the Ark, I am still held hostage by various excuses, forced to make sacrifices."
"....."
"Should those who devote themselves to humanity be held at gunpoint?"
Daylight.
Inside the Outpost firing range.
Grim was holding Nikke's assault rifle and practicing target shooting.
The firearms used by Nikke were different from those used by humans; not only did they have more bullets and more powerful firepower, but the beat was also enormous.
Grim once used Snow White's anti-ship rifle, and with one shot, he instantly rolled over several times due to the impact.
It is difficult to imagine that Snow White usually fights with such weapons, and on the Surface there are no provisions.
"Da da da da da..."
After emptying the magazine, Grim's mood finally improved slightly.
As usual, he put away his gun and went to the consultation room. However, as soon as he opened the door, Marian, who was hiding behind it, jumped out: "Commander—"
"Ouch!"
Although this wasn't the first time Marian pounced on him to hug him tightly, Grim was nonetheless flung to the Surface by him.
Marian's weight is similar to Anis, about 200kg.
And with his 200-kilogram body pressing down on him, Grim couldn't do anything about it.
After all, children do not know better; they just play.
Marian dropped Grim onto the Surface, sniffed his shirt and giggled, "Commander, why are you in this room every day?"
Grim stroked his head and said, "that's because I need to give counseling to the other Nikkes."
Marian tilted her head curiously: "counseling? What's the point of doing that?"
Of course, to help them live the days happily and joyfully.
"Then I also want counseling! Hehe~"
It's called counseling.
In fact, Marian just sat at the table, supporting her head with both hands, smiling and looking at Grim.
It seemed that as long as Grim didn't speak, he could continue to observe her like that indefinitely.
Grim reviewed the documents that had been neatly stacked for a while, then suddenly asked, "Aren't you bored?"
Marian smiled foolishly and replied, "As long as I see you, I don't feel bored at all."
But before long, a glimmer of complaint appeared on his face: "but, Commander, it's still a bit boring if you don't talk!"
"Well then, let's play rock-paper-scissors."
Grim held out his fist.
Marian immediately nodded happily: "Commander, LET's start Rock-Paper-Scissors!"
"Rock, Paper, Scissors~!"
"Clang! Clang!"
Marian's hands form a paper shape.
And Grim showed scissors.
"Wow, I lost! It's an amazing Commander!"
Although Marian said she lost, a very happy expression still appeared on her face.
Afterwards, Grim plays rock-paper-scissors with him a few more times.
Without exception, he always wins.
It was as if Marian could predict his movements, always choosing the wrong option.
"Marian, how can you always lose to me?"
After playing rock-paper-scissors once more, Grim asked.
Marian pursed her lips before smiling: "did the Commander already know about it?"
"Because my eyes are so sharp! As long as I see the Commander's gesture, I will make the appropriate rock-paper-scissors move, and I can lose to the Commander!"
"Why are you so determined to lose to me?"
"Since the Commander looks a bit sad, I want to make the Commander Happy!"
"....."
Grim closed his eyes. Inexplicably, seeing the girl in front of him doing such innocent and sweet things for her, his eyes felt a little wet.
Marian sensed something was wrong. The worried girl immediately grabbed his hand and asked, "Commander, why are your eyes glazed over? Are you sick? Or what is it?"
Grim shook his head: "it's just sweat coming out of my eyes."
Marian frowned, then replied, " No, Rapi said that only tears come out of the eyes, and people only cry when they are sad. Is someone bullying you outside?"
"Please tell me who that person is, I'll beat him up for you!"
Although it was a good intention.
But Grim could only keep his kindness in his heart.
After all, with Marian's level of understanding, she would have absolutely mercilessly set up a machine gun and slaughtered all the bad guys on the Ark she didn't like.
At that time, there was no way he could say, "that kid doesn't know anything, he's just playing," right?
Grim could only pat her on the head and comfort her, "Don't worry, Marian, no one bothers me."
Marian looked up, looking at Grim in bewilderment: "then why are you crying?"
Grim explained, "Marian, people don't just cry when they're sad; they also cry when they're happy and excited."
"Then is the Commander very happy now?"
"Yes, when I am with you, I am very happy."
"Me too, Commander! When I'm with you, I feel so close and happy!"
"Oh, yes, Commander, you still haven't answered one of my previous questions: Why do the women in the magazines you often read wear underwear outside?"