ghost

Yes! Could it be... you're in the exchange too?

I am. We're both getting presents ready right now. Alright—there's no need for alarm, then. I may know a few things or other regarding this operator.

But why are you the only one who knows anything about Specter so far?

I've been searching so hard...

You're very diligent, Suzuran.

But here at Rhodes Island, there are more than a few people who have to hide themselves.

I only know of Specter because we once fought alongside each other.

But you're always on such difficult, dangerous missions...

Though it's a reluctant thing, to Rhodes Island, people like me who can 'cut through to the chase' are indispensable.

It's easier on myself, as well. After all, going on safe, secure work would've actually dulled me.

That said, as a 'chase-cutter,' Specter is certainly much sharper than I am.

Do you know... what kind of person Specter is?

We only worked together once.

She's a young woman from the deep sea. A presence whose mind is a bit of a challenge to comprehend for the rest of us.

Huh...?

Unable to carry out tactical communication. She takes up her weapon, hears an order, and then heed only that sole commander's orders until the mission is over and done with.

Is Specter... a very quiet person?

If you call not uttering a single word 'quiet.'

But silence is far from just an affectation, it is also a choice.

When she sees terrifying, murderous enemies before us, and monsters who roar as they charge us, she preserves that 'quiet' way of hers unbroken, with her mood completely unreadable.

After that... she wreaks her most unwavering destruction, as if from start to end she believes that she, on her own, is facing off against every single threat.

I imagine that, aside from listening to her commander's orders, she gives not one care for her own body.

Whether enemy or ally, alive or dead, she sees none of the emotional fluctuation between anything or anyone in her surroundings.

Yet, I wonder if her wordless self is ultimately aware of how she 'holds her peace,' and whether she hopes to communicate with others.

Th... Then, setting battle aside, would Specter have any relation to anyone else?

Now that's a difficult question... but, and I imagine, Specter's psychological state is far from suited to a normal life.

At the very least... I can't picture her dwelling ordinarily in the dormitories.

Then that means... maybe the Medical team has more...?

Ah! I get it.

Uh-huh. Now, I absolutely didn't just mention any significance-bearing clue.

Hehe, thank you, Meteorite. If we get another chance, I'd like to hear you share more of your war stories.

If conflict is unavoidable, if our only option to protect them is to fight... I hope I can protect the friends and family I hold dear too.

Hm? You want more war stories...? I'd need to spend some time to prepare for that.

But, if I were to guess, it'd be very difficult for me to ever cooperate with Specter on another mission.

After we left the mission zone, and until we were back at Rhodes Island to recuperate, the sight of her weightlessly, methodically tearing our enemies to shreds played back in my mind.

Her mind could only be barren, or else hold secrets dangerous enough to outweigh those atrocities.

Otherwise, how could she be so indifferent to the result of what she does with her own hands?

Right—come in.

Sorry to bother you—

Huh? Here at my clinic of your own accord, Suzuran? You wanted the same no-holds-barred health checkup as always, then?

No! Nothing that scary, Folinic.

Just messing with you. I'm on break right now; if you want to play something with me, I'm all ears.

So. What's on your mind?

Actually, I'm preparing a Christmas present for a gift exchange.

Mmhm, mmhm.

And also, my partner for the exchange is Specter.

Mmhm... mm? Did you say Specter?

Wait, she shouldn't have left the med bay recently. How could she...

Ah... so you do know something about Specter.

That's brilliant. I was afraid I figured it wrong.

I-I'm giving Specter a handmade memento doll, so I want to know some things about her.

Info about Specter... huh.

I can confirm I've assisted Dr. Kal'tsit in treating her before.

But her mental state has been overly unstable as of recent. A while's already passed without her leaving her treatment room.

Did she really sign up to a gift exchange?

I-I think anyone has the right to enter it.

But Meteorite said that Specter wouldn't take part in a game like this, too. Maybe... maybe somebody helped her sign up?

But no matter what, I'm not going to mess this up!

That's for sure. You're a goody-two-shoes, Suzuran.

By my guess, there's only the ones who visit her that... ahem, no, forget it, nothing.

Is Specter very ill, and unable to leave?

During her very few moments of lucidity, Specter might choose to head outside for a bit.

But her language systems have been greatly affected, and rather than saying anything someone might misconstrue, she chooses to be silent most of the time.

Hm... on the battlefield, she displays calm behavior exhibited through past muscle memory, and after her fill of combat, her period of over-fatigue allows her to soundly rest.

So don't worry too much. Specter leads her lifestyle in the manners she's able to choose.

If that's true, I want to see her...!

That's...

So I can't, after all...

Even I can't enter from her room at will, most of the time.

I understand you want to give your gift to her in person, but given Specter's current condition, that may be extremely difficult.

Hm.

But I just hope... even if I can't meet her, I can at least finish this present, and have it reach her hands.

I think there's a lot of meaning in giving and receiving gifts!

That's really, really great. Good on you, Suzuran. Make sure you hold onto that kind heart!

(Whisper) Actually, as long as the info's not too sensitive, it's not like I can't make an exception for you.

Hehe. Who made me Kal'tsit's trusted disciple?

Thank you, Folinic...! If it's okay, I want to gather any design elements I can use to make the souvenir Specter doll...

Yoohoo!

Well now, if it isn't little Suzuran?

Is Specter your topic of the day?

Ah, Dr. Warfarin.

Damn, it's her. Here we go...

Just overheard while I was passing by the door, that is all. You want to make a doll of Specter, do you?

Now isn't that such a cute notion! I'll help!

Even that couldn't escape your eavesdropping, Dr. Warfarin.

Honestly, I could give you her measurements: bust, waist, AND hips. Plus the precise material used in her clothes... my access far outstrips Dr. Folinic's here.

Y-You really know all those details...?

More than that, I could also help get your doll into Specter's hands.

Of course, my price... heh, heh, you peddling Penguin Logistician, I'll have that commemorative run of tomato juice out of your mitts yet...

I-I understand, I'll go right now and ask—

Don't make lackeys out of children, Dr. Warfarin!

Ah, Suzuran! You don't need to go right now—

Good, then! Our business is thus concluded!

Huh? What... do you mean?

Wasn't that a very dangerous spot you were just in? I don't think allowing Suzuran to know the present truth of things vis-a-vis Specter is any good idea.

She cares, that's all. She's a smart girl, and knows there are many things she shouldn't come to understand, nor need to be aware of.

Just a little curiosity can put one in an irreversibly sticky situation. It's a very well-worn warning.

Even so, I wonder what warm heart thought to offer Specter a little extra kindness—

I imagine they set Suzuran up to give the gift as well.

Quite. After all, anyone else raising Specter topics with no warning would raise some very clear-cut red flags.