sidero

Hm?

Ahh!

(Don't grab my tail!)

Sorry, Sideroca. I think I might've caught a cold.

Achoo!

That's a huge deal! Have you been to Medical yet?

N-Not yet. I didn't want to give anyone any trouble.

I was going to get a little rest and then go there myself.

Now that won't do. I'll take you to see a doctor right now.

It's okay, Sideroca. It's not a big deal. I feel okay. I'm fine by myself.

(Takes out a handkerchief and rubs nose)

Are you trying to save money?

Eh? Eh?

No, I'm not!

Hmm...

I see, so that's how it is.

(What's going on? Did she notice me?!)

(Is there some misunderstanding here...?)

I know how it feels, Suzuran. Where I am from, there are a lot of people who don't go to the doctor just to save a little money. Sadly, that's how a lot of them die.

You're still young. That's not something you should have to worry about.

If you can't afford to see the doctor, I'll pay for you.

(What is she talking about?)

No, it's okay. Besides, Rhodes Island operators get free consultations... Eeep!

(Oh no. Oh no!)

(Can't see me, can't see me, can't see me!)

It's all okay. I understand. I'll take you to Medical now.

Eh? Eh?

You got it wrong, Sideroca! My mom and dad send me money every month for my living expenses. They also send me pictures—

Please! Listen to me—

P-Phew.

That was close. I've got Suzuran's big tails to thank.

Good job, Suzuran! I'll repay the favor!

That night.

Training Center Entrance.

So Bubble just disappeared after that?

Yes...

I couldn't find her after I took Suzuran to the clinic, so I thought I'd come to you...

I'm sorry. This is all my fault, Instructor Dur-nar! I couldn't keep my eye on her.

Please, punish me however you want!

No, no punishments...

I talked to the dorm staff already. Bubble is probably trying to get some rest there.

They said it's not normal for Bubble to be this well-behaved. We've got you to thank for that.

Haha...

Thanks for your work today. If there's nothing else, you should head back and get some rest.

Actually, Instructor, there's something I wanted to ask.

Go ahead.

How do you think I'm doing in the tracking and trailing courses?

You're doing fantastically. Excellent. Is there a problem?

I've been thinking I'm not doing very well in this particular area. I'm always losing track of my targets.

Are you sure I'm performing okay?

Ugh...

Those are just exceptions. Right, exceptions.

Our day-to-day environment is very different from the battlefield. I am sure there is nothing wrong with your ability to track enemies on the field.

Really?

Yes, I'm sure of it.

I'm very happy to hear that.

Yeah.

In that case, would it be okay if I apply for courses that teach me how to track people down in our day-to-day living environments? I think this is a very important thing to learn.

Uh—Hm?

Oh, um... Well, about that.

It's getting late, so why don't you head home and get some rest? I'll talk to the other instructors about that over the next couple of days. I should have some good news for you later.

Okay, Instructor. Thank you, Instructor! I'm heading back now!

Yeah, get home safe!

What do you think about that, Instructor Dobermann?

Looks like she's kind of figured it out already.

We should still be able to handle it if we piece together a few cases.

We won't be as lucky next time.

I'm certain we'll have a solution ready before this happens again.

As long as she doesn't learn the most destructive tracking methods, then everything is still well in order.

If she actually learns that, though, forget the Doctor, none of us will get out alive.

How about Bubble? Any improvement on that end?

I looked at the camera footage already.

You really should watch it yourself.

According to the dorm staff, Bubble has been holing up in her room the whole time, leaving only to shower. She didn't even come out for dinner; her roommate had to bring her her meal.

My guess is that just hearing the name Sideroca is going to send her shivering to no end for a good while.

Did you just say my name, Instructor?

How come you're back?!

Oh, you're here too, Instructor Dobermann. Are you finished with your field op already?

Yeah... I was just looking at prospective sites around the landship.

That's wonderful to hear. Actually, I came back because I wanted to ask something. Would it be okay if I get started with the course tomorrow?

About that—

Let me talk it over with Instructor Dobermann first.

(Whispers) Think of something to dodge the question. You're good at that, aren't you?

(Whispers) Dur-nar?

(Whispers) I've actually talked to someone who knows Sideroca really well.

(Whispers) She's surprised about Sideroca's current condition, but she did give me some constructive advice.

(Whispers) She'll listen to me.

(Whispers) Okay, I'm counting on you.

Sideroca.

Yes!

Here's the deal.

I was actually just discussing that with Instructor Dobermann.

We don't think more training will satisfy your needs.

(Whispers) Hey, what's the big idea?!

(Whispers) Just trust me this once!

What do you mean...?

I know you sometimes work as the Doctor's bodyguard, and the Doctor slips away from you a lot.

That's all my fault. I'm so sorry!

That's why I need to—

That's why you need to help the Doctor out, manage some of those problems, am I right?