orchid

Simulation concluded.

All units KIA.

Rating: <color=#ff0000>Failure</color>

Popukar... Spot can't cover you if you're too far forward.

And you were completely out of position, Catapult.

That cover was in a lousy spot.

How was I supposed to blast those slugs if I didn't have line-of-sight?

Besides, I wouldn't have gotten jumped if Spot wasn't holed up in the back.

Me? Holed up in the back?

Open your eyes, sister. That was simulated Originium artillery.

You and Midnight would've been dust if I didn't have my shield up there.

Not that things turned out much different, in the end.

While the result was less than elegant, my magnificent swordplay brought low at least three foes before I fell.

I think there was plenty of entertainment to be had.

I'm sorry... I didn't see the one behind...

I just wanted to cut through that bad guy for Miss Orchid...

It's not about how many enemies you took out.

It's about teamwork.

We are Reserve Op Team A6.

We are a—

A motley crew of misfits.

I heard that, Catapult.

Never mind. Let's call it a day. Dismissed.

Why the long face, Orchid?

Why do you think?

Spot, Catapult, Midnight. All good people, but why can't they get along when you put them together?

Beats me. They're hardly the weirdest, by Rhodes Island standards. People generally like them.

I know.

Maybe some people just don't mix well.

Weren't the reserve op teams supposed to be experimental anyway? You could always apply for a transfer to Logistics Department.

(Mutters) But I only volunteered for the front lines because I got tired of sitting in an office pushing papers.

What was that?

You're right. When I was named captain of A6, HR told me not to feel pressure about it.

Then why do you—

Still...

Rhodes Island must have put me in charge so I can help them figure out what a team is.

Individuality is all well and good, but it must be established on the basis of mutual respect. It's not ability they're missing; it's respect for each other.

Right now, A6 isn't a team; it's just a pile of strangers tossed into the same room.

Wait a second, Orchid. There are so many bright minds on Rhodes Island; surely you don't have to be the one who has to worry about it?

It's normal for me to worry, isn't it?

I just feel like they should get to know each other, because we talk about stuff like teamwork. Not as operators, but simply knowing each other as people.

If they can establish basic social relationships, sit down and talk to each other calmly...

You've always been soft-hearted.

Let me try again.

Are you sure? You might be disappointed again.

I'm not sure I can drink this hot cocoa in peace, if I don't at least try.

That's the last card, Catapult!

No peeking at Spot's cards!

It's called tactical recon!

You have the Joker in your hand, don't you, Spot?

I can tell, the way your face froze!

That's my poker face, you idiot. Besides... I win.

Straight.

Hey! You must've cheated! How did you get so lucky?

I guess fate isn't smiling on Catapult today either.

A magnificent play by Spot, though.

Even I got fooled.

Spot's so good!

Just lucky.

Next round?

No rush. I prepared some snacks.

Mm... you really do know how to make a cup of tea, Orchid. I don't think I've had a cup this good in months.

Thanks, Midnight. By the way, these magazines are for you. I think you'll find the styles you're looking for in them.

Oh, you're too kind.

Hey, these cookies aren't bad.

Better than the ones I buy, at any rate.

I'll get more next time. You should eat more, Spot. I don't see you outside often lately.

Tea parties are kind of a bother, but I don't mind free food and drink.

They're great! You're awesome, Orchid!

Glad to see you guys looking relaxed.

We really should be able to get along with one another, shouldn't we?

If we can enjoy afternoon tea together...

I'm sure we can learn to trust each other on the battlefield.

I think... we can try to get to know each other better.

Not as operators, but as friends.

Maybe we can talk about our interests, for example?

Captain, I'll be frank with you.

What is it?

I think you're a decent person. You bought us stuff, helped us write our reports, even put together a nice tea party.

But there's a one thing that's been bugging me—why do we have to look like a team?

We're a team only because Rhodes Island happened to put us together. Sometimes a bad fit is a bad fit.

You know I'm usually on your side, Orchid.

But I have to agree with Catapult, even if her words are a little blunt.

There's no need to force things. We could be cordial colleagues, friends even. But there's no need for us to act the part of family.

It's not necessary, for you and for us.

All I can say is don't be too hard on yourself, captain.

Why did everyone go away, Miss Orchid?

Was Popukar a bad girl?

No.

You're a good girl, Popukar.

It's a bunch of grown men and women who are bad...

We screwed up.

I like summer.

The summer outfits column was one of my favorite jobs when I was still a fashion editor.

I'm not an outdoorsy or social woman, but I loved the feeling of vitality that models wearing those outfits gave off.

It's proof that someone is living a life.

And it helps me want to live mine.

How did it come to this? Maybe I should put in a transfer request with HR tomorrow.

Still...

I...