Disclaimer: Refer to "The Dogfish Sharks".

EK

It was the end of the day under the sea, and bedtime was drawing near. Down in the Launch Bay, Elekai and Kitsune were discussing their work.

"Tweak showed me how to repair the airbags in the GUPs," said Elekai, who was tightened a screw back into a radio. "I got hit in the face a couple dozen times, but at least I got it done."

Kitsune nodded as she sewed a loose button back onto her blouse.

"You know, it's always been my dream to be a mechanic." Elekai continued. "My father always wanted me to follow in his footsteps, but y'know, military life isn't for everyone." He put down the radio. "Say, why did you want to be a medic?"

Kitsune cut the string off of her newly-repaired button. "Well, I wanted to get back into the workforce now that my son is older and my husband has lost his job." She pushed her plait off of her shoulder. "As for why I specifically went for the medic position..."

KAI (blast to the past)

It was the middle of the night in Iwaki, Japan, three years prior. Kitsune was in bed with her husband Akio by her side when she heard a phlegmy cough coming from her son's room. She got up to check on Ichiro and found him hacking and wheezing. She picked him up and felt his forehead. He was burning up. She checked the medicine cabinet, only to find it empty.

At that moment, Kitsune went straight into Mom Mode. No doubts, no hesitation; just pure, motherly power.

She bundled Ichiro into his coat and rushed out into the streets in pursuit of Nobara Pharmacy, but it was closed and would not open until nine o'clock the next morning. Since all of the clinics were too far away, she put a call in to her neighbour.

"K-konichi'a?" Fusayo mumbled sleepily into the phone.

"Fusayo, my friend, I'm sorry to wake you at this hour, but I need help. My toddler has a cough and a fever, and I have no medicine to make him better."

Fusayo yawned. "I might have some Esutakku Ibu Fine stashed somewhere."

KAI

Kitsune arrived at Fusayo's door in a matter of minutes. Fusayo produced the promise packet of pills. Kitsune filled a glass of water and gave little Ichiro his medicine. Ichiro took the pill and settled down. "Arigato," he mumbled sleepily. Fusayo smiled and pet his fur. "You're welcome." Kitsune bowed to her friend and returned to her house. When she arrived, Akio was in the kitchen.

"There you are," said Akio. "I woke up, and your bed was empty."

"I had to fetch medicine for Ichiro," said Kitsune. "He was ill."

Akio took his son and tucked him back into bed, and he and Kitsune returned to their room.

EK (back to the present)

"It was a very scary experience as a mother," said Kitsune. "When I was looking for employment, I saw this position and thought of that night. I decided to take it, because then maybe I could pay forward the kindness that Fusayo showed me."

"I like that story," said Elekai. "Well, good night, Kitsune."

"Good night," said Kitsune. She went up to her quarters for the night.

EK

Information about Iwaki and Japanese customs taken from Pharmacies Worldwide, Nobara Pharmacy's website, Hospital By, and Tsunagu Japan