orchid

Because that's how things are. There are just so many things that can keep someone from smiling.

That's true.

Thanks. What about you, Catapult?

Oh, there are plenty of things I hate. A boring life, bad food, tedious missions. Oh, and those knights carrying their swords and shields!

How did you live for so long with so much hate in your heart?

Because I live to spite the things I hate!

Never mind me. I think you might hate even more things than I do, Spot.

No way.

Unlike you, my hatred is directed towards very specific things. Cheerful people, arrogant people, smooth-talking people, people with too much energy...

You might as well say that you hate everyone. Besides, you're obviously talking about us!

Let me finish.

You guys are a lot like the people that I hate, but I guess you're the exception that proves the rule.

Whoa, we've got a weirdo here.

You're the last person I want to hear that from.

So Spot hates everyone, except us. Does that sound better?

I think I'm already having second thoughts.

What about you, Popukar?

I... I... I hate...

Getting sleepy? Come, you can rest on my lap.

No... I wanna... hang out...

Alright, alright.

I think that's enough for tonight.

You're not running away, are you, Captain?

Are you?

It would be most dastardly.

I...

I hate Oripathy. I hate not being able to sleep because of the pain.

I hate that I'm forced to accept all of this, when I never asked for it.

Is that why you wanted to deal with us in your own way, so that you could feel like everything's normal?

I don't know. But I assure you that I've given up on being a good captain.

I won't put what happened tonight in my reports.

I'll still give my orders in the next test, but I'll let you act as you see fit.

That's good news.

I think that's enough drinks for tonight. It's time to go to bed.

One last toast before we go?

Sure, sounds fun.

...Alright.

...You guys weren't like this earlier today.

It's a worthy night for a toast, isn't it?

To what, though?

To all of us hurting like hell right now.

Oh, come on, really?

But you know what? I like it.

Not bad.

It hurts like hell. But it feels better when you know there are people hurting together with you.

You know, Orchid... all those friends of mine who keep themselves bottled up, until they decide to pour out a little bit of their true selves to a stranger under the influence... they all had one thing in common.

They all thought their pain was unique, until they poured it out.

Did you really think I wouldn't get angry?

You wouldn't, because you know exactly what I'm talking about.

...It's hardly a positive thing to know that one's pain is not unique. And sharing one's pain is just that, nothing more. Bottling up isn't so bad.

Try something simpler the next time you're trying to comfort someone.

We just happened to gather here tonight because of a common reason. It doesn't mean anything.

But I wouldn't have had this drink, if not for this coincidence.

You have good taste in wine.

Thank you.

Armored units approaching.

High-energy Originium detected.

Heavies, 12 o'clock! Get on it, Spot!

I was already on my way!

Quit posing, Midnight! Are you trying to get me killed?

Patience, patience, I'm looking for an elegant angle.

You're blocking the light, Spot.

Midnight!

Enough talk! Cut inside from the left flank! Stop the two light units!

Aye-aye, Orchid-sama.

Catapult! There's a sniper behind the bunker!

Blow him to smithereens! Don't worry about the bunker!

Out of the way if you don't want to be well-done!

Catapult! You almost took out my hair with that grenade!

Well, your hair's still there, isn't it? Quit complaining!

That's more like it. Popukar! Help Spot push that big guy away!

Okay!

I won't let you hurt Mr. Spot!

(Together) Orchid!

I know! Don't rush me!

Tactical flag—

Got it!

Simulation concluded.

All units safe.

Rating: <color=#00ff00>C-</color>

Congratulations, Reserve Op Team A6. <color=#00ff00>You passed the test</color>.

I'm exhausted—!

C-? Hard work really doesn't pay, does it?

Look happier. At least you're alive.

The score was not very elegant, but I did strike the perfect pose with my last move, didn't I?

Everyone was so cool!

You guys...

Heh, I thought Spot was gonna phone it in for sure.

As for me, I always thought Orchid made a perfect captain. At least she helps me think up excuses for my reports.

Brown-noser. I thought YOU were going to phone it in.

Besides, I never said Orchid wasn't a good captain. She helped me look for a comic the other day.

As for me, I've always felt that Orchid was my goddess of victory.

Spot.

Yeah, on three. Three, two, one.

Disgusting slug!

Orchid!

You came too?

I was worried about you.

But it looks like A6 is in much better shape now. Did that method you were talking about work?

Not even a little bit. It's a long story.