"Nikkes fought alongside humans during the first invasion, and you risk your lives fighting for us now," Noah said, his voice firm. "Even within the Ark, Nikkes work tirelessly for humanity. You're no different."
"Our 'lives'… We are not living beings, Commander. We are weapons," Rapi stated, her tone flat and matter-of-fact. "You don't need to concern yourself with us to this extent."
"Does saying that make you feel better?" Noah shot back, a flicker of anger in his eyes.
"This isn't about feelings. It is a simple statement of fact."
Her words, though spoken with honesty, were laced with a self-deprecation that grated on him.
"Rapi, do you remember what happened with Marian?" Noah asked, his voice low.
"Sir?"
"Do you have any idea how furious I was at myself after we lost her? I couldn't save a comrade, I just… left her there. It doesn't matter that she's a Nikke, she was my comrade. I lost Marian, and I've lost so many others before her. I don't want to lose anyone else."
"Commander…"
"You are all fighting in place of humanity now. And for that, I am grateful. So please, stop putting yourself down like that."
Rapi was so moved by his words that she couldn't find a reply. A commander who fought for them, standing right here in front of her. She didn't argue anymore. She wanted to believe him. If this commander was truly different, then she wanted to follow him.
"I understand," she said softly. "Perhaps I was being too blunt."
"I'm grateful to have you watching my back," Noah said, his tone softening. "I still don't know much about Nikkes. I was hoping you could teach me."
"I will tell you everything I know, Commander."
"Alright. I've got stuff for Anis and Neon. Are you absolutely sure there's nothing you want, Rapi?"
"I am fine. I will let you know in the future," she replied.
"Then shall we head back?"
Together, Noah and Rapi carried their bags and returned to the outpost.
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Outpost, Kitchen.
Noah and Counters were preparing dinner together. Tonight, however, Noah was making something special.
"Whoa!" Anis exclaimed.
She was setting the table when she saw the dish Noah was plating: a perfectly cooked steak accompanied by button mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions. It was a meal that could have come from a high-end restaurant.
"I can't believe we're eating like this at the outpost!"
"Well, I got paid. Figured I could splurge a little," Noah said with a grin.
"You're the best, Master!" Neon cheered.
"It's almost ready, so finish up over there."
"We're already done!" Anis announced.
Once the steaks were cooked, each member of Counters Squad received a plate. Noah brought his own portion over and sat down with them.
"Alright, dig in."
"Thank you for the food!" the three Nikkes said in unison.
Anis and Neon cut into their steaks. The meat was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the flavors of the sauce and pepper creating a perfect harmony on their tongues. It was a world away from the bland combat rations they ate every day.
"This is seriously delicious!" Anis declared.
"I never ate anything like this back at Elysion," Neon added. "Master, you're an amazing cook."
"It's nice to have something different from the usual rations every once in a while," Noah said.
"Did you learn to cook somewhere?" Rapi asked.
"No, I just picked it up on my own."
Noah had earned a reputation as a good cook back in his Task Force days as well. They, too, subsisted mostly on combat rations, and whenever they managed to secure fresh ingredients, his squadmates would practically beg him to cook.
Years ago, during a mission, Noah had stumbled upon an abandoned cookbook. He'd never had any interest in cooking before, but as he experimented with the recipes, he found he had a real passion for it, and his skills grew over time.
.
.
.
After they finished the meal, Anis and Neon wore expressions of pure satisfaction.
"That was amazing!"
"I really enjoyed that!"
"How was it, Rapi?" Noah asked.
"It was delicious. Thank you, Commander," she replied.
"So, Commander," Anis began, a sly look on her face. "What's the catch?"
Noah looked at her, surprised. "The catch?"
"You cooked us this amazing meal. You must want something from us in return, right?"
"No, not at all," Noah said, shaking his head. "Just relax and make sure you're prepared for tomorrow's mission. That's all I ask."
He stood up and took his empty plate to the sink. Anis leaned over to Rapi and whispered.
"Rapi."
"Yes?"
"You did… 'that thing,' right?"
"Not completely, but yes."
"And he's still like this?" Anis whispered back, amazed.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Rapi's lips. "Yes."
"Wow… If that's the case, then he really is different."
"What are you two talking about?" Neon asked, trying to lean in.
"Oh, it's a secret," Anis teased.
"What?! A secret!" Neon pouted.
Anis got up from the table and walked over to Noah. "I'll take care of the dishes. I just need to wipe the grease off with a paper towel first, right?"
"Sure, if you don't mind," Noah said. "Wipe them down, then wash them."
"I'll help too!" Neon offered, jumping to her feet.
Noah left the cleaning to Anis and Neon and went to take a short break. Just then, Rapi approached him.
"Commander, do you have a moment?"
"Yeah, of course."