broca

That's Yato and the rest of the gang over there, right?

Yep, we've been looking for you two ever since you fell down there. It's such a relief to find you alive.

It looks like you're hanging in there okay. We can't let our guard down, though. Let's leave this place to the others and take Broca back first.

No problem!

Thanks.

Huh? What was that?

Nothing.

So how was your first field op, Broca?

It was fine.

Really? Great. I was worried you'd end up starting a fight. I guess I shouldn't have worried.

Yeah, I think... I can give this a try.

...Anything interesting going on, Aosta?

Wait, no, Aosta's out in the field.

I'm bored. Why won't anything interesting happen?

Got any ideas, Broca?

Hm?

Hm.

...What day of the week is it again?

Tuesday.

I'm done. Heading back.

It's Wednesday, though. Something's going on with him.

He's hiding something from me.

Now THAT is something interesting.

I should see what he's up to—

No, he wouldn't tell me if I asked. What I should do is—

There.

Broca's room is not particularly tidy for an operator.

Not that it is exceptionally messy, but it is filled with things. Parts, plans, and tools are scattered over the floor, on the desk, and even on the bed.

It is more workshop than dorm room.

Most prominent is the workbench in a corner.

Broca had earned recognition for his skills after joining Rhodes Island, and the Engineering Department had prepared a work area for him in its workshop.

But he turned the offer down, preferring to work in his own room.

So the Engineering Department instead provided him with a workbench and soundproofed his room.

Normally, Broca gets straight to work after returning to his room.

But he does not do so today, instead sitting on his chair and taking a look around the desk.

Numerous designs have been placed around the desk, all depicting his multi-function drill.

It's so hard to give up on any of these designs—

But I just got some new ideas today. I should make a few more versions.

Alright, let's get to work—

Operator Broca, please report to the Engineering Department immediately.

The Engineering Department? Did they finally get those materials I asked for?

I should go check.

Bravo, got him out of the way.

If Aosta were here, he'd shake his head over how simple-minded the guy is.

But I don't think being simple is so bad.

Alright, now, let's see what he was up to behind my back.

Huh? What's with these designs—

Ooh, this drill can be extended. Nice.

But I think I prefer the one with built-in speakers that can play heavy metal.

Mamma mia! This one's a masterpiece! It transforms from a drill to a chainsaw! Just like in that video game we played together!

I knew it...

It was you!

Welcome back, Broca.

Stop looking at them!

These plans aren't half bad.

Very creative.

And here I thought you were hiding in here 'cause you were up to something shady.

I wasn't trying to hide them. It's just that I had a lot of ideas...

This drill's been with me since I was in Siracusa. It's like another arm for me.

I just wanted to tinker with it a little.

So why hide it? Isn't your bro just like your arm either?

You don't use your bros to hold it steady when you take a leak.

Hey, I'm open to that too, just saying.

Seriously, I've thought this through. Once we're real old, we could—

Vaffanculo.

What I'm saying is that these are all just whatever dumb ideas came to mind!

I never planned on showing them to anyone!

Does it matter?

Of course it does!

Didn't we swear to keep no secrets between us?

That's not the same thing! If I wanted to show them to you, I would!

Well, I already saw them.

And since I have, why not let me help you mod your drill? Aosta's not around and I am SO bored.

Vai a cagare!

Hey, open the door, Broca!

What's the big deal?

I don't get it. Why even hide it? It's just a drill.

Well, I'm not taking no for an answer. Just you wait, Broca!

Okay, back to work.

Damn Chiave, that cretino.

How am I supposed to focus on the design now?

That completely killed my mood.

Dammit.

Guess I'll go for a walk. Maybe that'll give me some inspiration.

Whenever Broca has trouble focusing, he comes to the Convalescent Garden that Perfumer tends to.

The pleasant aroma surrounds him the moment he steps in.

He finds a corner to sit down, and then begins to take in the sweet air.

He takes a few breaths, and feels his mind calm down.

What if, when the drill's spinning—

Let's make it give off a sweet scent!

You—

What?

What are you doing here?!

I saw you come this way, so I followed you.

But I bet you were thinking the same thing, right?

No, I wasn't.

But you were talking about the drill, right?

You heard wrong.

Yeah right. Besides, we're bros. I know you. We were definitely thinking the same thing!

Even if we were, we definitely aren't now!