f12yin

Care to elaborate?

The way you talk grates on my nerves just as much as Midnight, only in a different way...

Well, I could tell you, but you will know what I mean in a minute.

Orchid stops in front of a dorm room and knocks on the door.

Oh, good afternoon, Orchid.

Yes, hello.

May I ask who this is...?

I'm a new operator here, codename Mountain.

Oh, nice to meet you. I'm codename Bibeak.

Do you have any missions today?

Yes, but it isn't for another two hours.

Um, did you need me for something?

Two hours are plenty. Here's the thing...

Oh, I see. So Mountain wants formalwear that he can fight in!

If it's too much to ask for...

Not at all!

Actually, please let me work on it!

I need only to use fabrics suitable for combat... No, that isn't quite right. That would affect the beauty of the end product...

Bibeak, let's not stand here and talk about that. Give it a try.

Oh, yes!

I'm sorry. I haven't tried something like this before. It might take a while.

Not a problem. If this will lead somewhere, I am willing to give it some time.

Then please come with me.

What about you, Orchid? Will you come?

I still have a pile of documents to finish... as well as my cake... though I guess I could stay to take a look at the design.

I'm pretty curious how this outfit will turn out myself.

Is there something that makes you so insistent on wearing such formal attire?

No, I wouldn't say that.

Ever since I was a child, my father has made me dress in this particular manner, and I grew accustomed to it after a while.

Besides...

Oh, if you'd rather not talk about that, you don't have to. I'm just being curious.

No, not at all. I'm merely wondering whether I truly want to myself.

I've lived far away from my family for a very long period of time.

During that time, life has been... hard to say the least. I never had the opportunity to wear anything like this.

When I was finally able to leave that place behind and come to Rhodes Island, I bought myself a set of formalwear.

I can't say for certain whether this is partly because I miss my family... my parents.

I see... so you still can't see your parents, even now?

That's correct. One of the reasons I came to Rhodes Island is because I hope to be able to see them one day.

At the beginning of those difficult times, I very much missed my parents.

But as time went on, I also grew accustomed to life without them.

That is why I'm not certain whether this attire is something I choose to wear because I'm used to it or because I want it to serve as a reminder.

Why not both? That doesn't seem too odd.

You're right...

Speaking of which, are you a dressmaker, Bibeak?

Oh, I'm not. I just like to do some sewing on my off time.

It's been a while since I joined Rhodes Island, and many of our operators know about this hobby of mine, so they sometimes come to me for this.

And, Orchid, you mentioned being a designer yourself?

That's right. I used to be an editor at a fashion magazine.

Most of Rhodes Island's uniforms are mass-produced, but many of the folks here have got interesting personalities and want something different.

And that's when Bibeak and I shine.

*Sigh*... I used to do this pretty willingly, but, as time went on, I started to feel like we could just keep everyone in their uniforms if they all have to come to me with their weird requests.

Compared to all the other ones, this request is probably on the normal side.

But isn't it really fun to make clothes for others? Some of our requests may be a little weird, but it's actually pretty fun to make those designs come true.

Oh, my sweet child. Most everyone who says that ends up working themselves dead. Don't be so tolerant of others.

I think you're pretty tolerant of everyone in A6, though...

The moment she hears that, Orchid rolls her eyes.

You've been pretty quiet. Something the matter?

No. It's just your conversation has left me feeling like I'm taking a stroll down some busy street.

I'm thinking of introducing you to a certain Midnight later.

Is that an operator?

He is, and I'm looking forward to the conversations you two will have with each other.

Oh, there we go.

Is this... a storeroom?

Yes, this place is normally a storeroom, but I also use it to sew.

Now, Mountain, I'd like to take your measurements, if that is okay with you.

Okay.

Right, and that takes care of it.

By the way, do you have any preferences about your outfit's design?

Not at all. Something like what I'm wearing will do.

What about the color?

White will do.

Okay, then. Just leave the rest to me.

I'll come get you once it's ready.

Is that it?

Yes.

Even though you don't have any specific needs, we should probably work on a new design.

Oh, maybe I could modify the design I worked on last month!

The one you showed me?

Right.

Nothing wrong with that design, but I'm afraid it's far too refined for Mountain.

Hmm... You're right.

We're not in a rush with either designing or making the outfit, and the choice of the fabric is what's important.

I'll ask the Logistics operators in charge of uniforms. I'm sure they know what kind of fabrics are the right choice for combat suits.

I'll come with you.

Formalwear needs to be pleasing to the eye. I'm not sure the fabrics they normally use for combat uniforms are good enough aesthetically.

Well, I don't mind a little company, but isn't it about time for your mission?

Oh, shoot! I almost forgot!

I'm very sorry. Is it okay if we go together after I come back?

Of course, but you should report in for your mission.

Right!

Well, you heard her. Go home and wait. If Logistics get their hands on the right fabric, we should have something for you in a week.

Very well...

One week later...

Mountain, are you done yet?

One more second.

Here we go.

How does it feel?

Very comfortable.

I like the design, and the fabrics you used are very sturdy.

Much appreciated.