Chapter Four
Transferring Command
Everything was dark as I slowly opened my eyes and faced the ceiling of my room. It was then when I felt something scurry across my chest and I looked down to see my bedsheets rustle as small lump sat on my chest. The lump then moved up my chest towards the opening in the sheets and I felt as sweat rolled down my forehead, I felt as my breathing grew shorter. Then a furry head popped out from underneath the covers and I felt my body move on its own as I jerked backwards in my bed. A massive pain shot through the back of my head as I hit the headboard.
"Owe…" I murmured as I rubbed the back of my head, my head throbbed immensely.
"Fou?" Was all I heard in response.
"Tch, Four you almost gave me a heart attack..." I said stilling rubbing the back of my head where it throbbed and I looked up too see Four's head sticking out from underneath my bed sheets. Four let out a yawn apparently unconcerned that he almost gave me a concussion. I watched as the rest of the furry white creature emerged out from underneath the covers and jumped down from my bed. I saw the outline of Four trot his way towards the door having apparently done what he came here for.
"Next time I'll make sure I lock my door!" I said shaking my fist at him. "I already have enough problems in my life and I don't need you to be another one Four!" I exclaimed. Four paid me no mind as the door swooshed open and he disappeared into the hallway. The door swooshed shut once Four exited, plunging the room back into darkness. "If he accompanies us to the next singularity, this time I'll make sure we leave him there." I murmured as I lowered my head back down onto my pillow.
A few moments passed me by since that life threatening encounter with Four. In those moments I laid there in bed staring at the ceiling determining whether or not I wanted to go back to sleep or get up. I closed my eyes for a moment before I opened them and made up my mind. Pushing myself upright with my elbows, I pulled back the covers and swung around in my bed. Once my feet touched the ground they felt their way around in the dark until I slid my feet into my shoes. My hand made its way over to my nightstand which lit up as it grew nearer, and I tapped a button on the illuminated panel, light flooded my eyes as the rooms lights turned on. I lifted my hand up to my mouth as I yawned and then proceeded to rub my eyes. Sleep aside I pushed myself off the bed and made my way over to the closet by the door. The door slid open and I pulled my shirt over my head tossing it into the suitcase at the bottom. Reaching up I grasped a white collared shirt and slid into it comfortably, I buttoned up and reached up grabbing a black suit jacket where I proceeded to do the same. I took off my shoes and changed into a pair of suit pants, and then put my shoes back on. Once all that had been said and done I stood there adjusting the cuffs of my shirt. I looked around the room and I noticed the absence of a certain hostile presence in the room. Scathach and I had not talked since our chess game, which had been a few days since now. However even then she could usually been found here.
"Where is she?" I murmured as I did a three hundred and sixty degree circle looking around the room. Sure enough there was no sign of her to be found. "What does it matter Chris? She hates you anyway, it would be better if both of you didn't speak to one another. Scathach has already made it quite clear she wasn't interested in speaking with you." I thought to myself, but even still she had been willing to hear me out over that chess game. That was likely just a rare exception though. "Yes it was just best if we left each other alone, our relationship should be strictly professional and worked related. That way neither one of us ends up murdering the other and by that I mean that way I don't get murdered." I thought to myself as I looked down at my hand, curling it into a fist, and then I looked back up. After I brushed my teeth I made my way over to the door and reached over tapping a button on the door panel. The door slid open and revealed a familiar face that I had not seen for some while.
"Why hello there Christopher, long time no see!" Doctor Da Vinci exclaimed with a wave of the hand. My hand immediately reached over and tapped the panel again, the door swooshed closed in Doctor Da Vinci's face. "HEY!"
"No one's here!" I said through the door as banging immediately followed afterwards.
"I literally just saw you!" Doctor Da Vinci replied.
"No you're just seeing things, you're delusional! Just like the voice inside of your head right now!" I replied through the door.
"NO I'M NOT!" Doctor Da Vinci decried. A few moments passed and I remained silent which led much to Doctor Da Vinci's dismay. "Don't you want to talk to a beautiful woman?" Doctor Da Vinci asked.
"No Thanks, I'll pass." I replied and I heard an hmph from the other side. There was more pounding on the door for several more moments. Then eventually the sound of boots clicking was heard and eventually it got further and further way. By the sounds of it Doctor Da Vinci had finally given up and went on her way. "Thank god, that woman is nothing but trouble and I don't want any part of that trouble." I thought to myself as I placed my hand on my chest taking a deep breath. I reached over tapping the panel on the door once again. The door slid open and I peeked my head out into the hall, looking left to right I saw the hallway desolated. Once confirming the coast was clear, I stepped out into the hall. "Now what am I going to do today?" I thought to myself as I scratched my cheek.
After a few moments I was left standing there bewildered as I couldn't think of what I should do. I was still stuck on base until the Director cleared me to go home, and I couldn't just go to the Director whenever I pleased. She was my boss and I was just an employee, so marching into her office would be out of the question. So here I stood with no standing orders, and nobody to talk too. "I guess I'll meander my way down to the Security department and go talk with the guys, maybe check up on Anderson and see how he's doing. I'm sure the Director has been breathing down his neck since the attack a year ago." I thought to myself as I felt my feet carry me in the direction of the Security Department. Yes I think it would be good of me to get down there and check up on the guys, I've spent far too much time with women. There were only some things you could talk about and do with other guys. With my mind fully made up I made my way down to the security department with my hands in my pockets.
A Few minutes later.
After what felt like forever, I made my way towards the Security Department. The only reason why it took so long to get anywhere around Chaldea was because of the Chaldea Security checkpoints, and who knows if this extra security actually did any good or if they were just an illusion of security. It's not like anyone was going to do a study to find out whether or not they did any good. So there was no point in bitching about it, it was just an evil that I had to deal with. As I was having these thoughts I suddenly felt as someone grasped my arm and abducted me into a room.
"A-Ah!" I exclaimed as I was thrown back into the room. When I swung around I was greeted by the familiar face of Jeanne. "Oh Geez I didn't even make it out of the residential quarters. I'm never gonna be free." I thought to myself with a mental sigh.
"A-Ah to you too!" Jeanne said with her hands on her hips. Jeanne was wearing a white sweater with a large open neck, and she was wearing a pair of black leggings along with brown boots. "Where is she getting all of this clothing? I bet it's coming out of my paycheck. Curse you Director." I thought to myself angrily. "So you finally decided to come out of your room. It's been at least two days since we last spoke." Jeanne added.
"Roughly two days yes. When you're sleeping you don't really keep track." I said as I rubbed the back of my neck. "I'm already regretting my decision." I thought to myself. "Ahem, anyways is there a particular reason why you abducted me into your room?" I said as I glanced around the room. Jeanne's room was a light coffee color. Jeanne's bed was exactly the same as mine except she had a cream colored comforter, and the reading chair in the corner was brown, and her carpet matches the color of her walls. Another thing that stood out is that there was a small altar with a cross and some unlit candles. Other than that, her room wasn't that different than mine.
"I didn't abduct you; I simply brought you into my room." Jeanne said.
"It was against my will, so that's considered abduction." I said jokingly and Jeanne rubbed her temples.
"Whatever, all that matters is you're here now." Jeanne exclaimed. "You finally arose from your eternal slumber." Jeanne said and I raised an eyebrow.
"Eternal slumber..." I said.
"N-Nothing!" Jeanne said waving her hands. "Ugh this is just going wrong in every single possible way. I simply just wanted to talk to you, not make you think I was abducting you!" Jeanne said as she grasped her head and crumbled down to the ground in the crouching position. I chuckled and made my way over down to Jeanne, crouching down I reached out and patted Jeanne on the head.
"There, There Jeanne. It's fine." I said rubbing Jeanne's head. "I was only teasing you." I said and Jeanne looked up at me looking a tad irritated.
"W-Why must you always tease me Chris?" Jeanne asked.
"Because you're so cute when being teased." I said with a smile. Jeanne's face flustered and she looked away pouting.
"C-cute…" Jeanne murmured and I chuckled.
"Come on now Jeanne, you said you wanted to speak with me." I said as I rose to my feet with Jeanne. Jeanne looked back at me and nodded her head.
"Yes, please take a seat." Jeanne said gesturing towards the desk by the wall. I nodded my head and the two of us took a seat from across one another. "So what caused you to crawl out of bed this time? Mashu didn't say anything about the Director needing to speak to you." Jeanne inquired.
"No I choose to leave on my own volition." I said. "I was actually heading down to the Security Department to go chat with my friends there." I said as I rested my hands on the table.
"O-Oh! My apologies! I snatched you away when you were going somewhere." Jeanne said apologetically.
"It's fine Jeanne, It wasn't an arranged meeting or anything. I was just going to drop in on them." I said dismissively with my hand. "So anyway Jeanne, your room seems rather… kind of homely." I said looking around.
"Ah Yes I'm glad you like it Chris." Jeanne said as I returned my glance to her. "I choose everything out myself. The Director said I could choose the colors and furniture and that Chaldea would pay the bill." Jeanne said as she rubbed her hands. "At first I refused not wanting to burden Chaldea, but the Director was very insistent." Jeanne said as she closed her eyes and smiled at me. "So due to her persistence eventually I agreed." I couldn't help but chuckle as I put on a smile.
"That sounds like you Jeanne." I said still chuckling. "Ahem, but I like it. I really do, it has a very calming and relaxing atmosphere. It fits your personality Jeanne." I said nodding my head.
"T-Thank you!" Jeanne said as a red line went across her face. "The colors drew me in as they make me feel comfortable when I'm in my room." Jeanne added.
"Yes I feel the same way." I said.
"You seem so surprised by my room Chris, is yours not also to your suiting?" Jeanne inquired.
"Ha! I wish. The Director wouldn't allow it, and besides she'd never pay the bill for me." I said and Jeanne was taken aback surprised.
"That makes me feel like I'm getting special treatment now…." Jeanne murmured as she scratched her cheek.
"Don't fret about it Jeanne. Just accept the Director's kindness, she rarely gives it out." I said with a smirk. "Besides it's likely a repayment for helping us out in Orleans or it could be her way of saying she's sorry for the future Hell we're going to have to go through." I said with a chuckle, Jeanne once again rubbed her hands shyly.
"I could hardly say I did anything worthy of such thanks in Orleans." Jeanne murmured. "I just charged into battle like a big idiot and almost got you and the others killed several times, because I didn't stop and think about my actions." Jeanne said sorrowfully.
"Don't be stupid Jeanne, we've been over this plenty of times." I said and Jeanne looked up at me. "You saved our lives several times with Luminosité Eternelle, not to mention you were the one who defeated Alter Jeanne. I would have been dead several times over if it had not been for you." I said reaching over and patting Jeanne on the hand.
"You wouldn't have been put in danger in the first place if it had not been for me." Jeanne murmured and I could only laugh.
"Trust me Jeanne, I don't need you to try and get myself killed. Just ask Lancer." I said, Jeanne nodded her head and cracked weak smile. A few moments passed by before Jeanne spoke up.
"Speaking of Orleans, I wished to speak to you some more about you and my Alter self." Jeanne said looking up at me with a serious expression. I motioned with a nod of my head for her to go ahead. "I'm still a little upset that you did not divulge to me your dream that you had with my Alter self! Something like that shouldn't have been kept from me, it put me at a major bind during my battle with my Alter self. Moral and Mental wise." Jeanne said raising her fist up and I sat back blowing out air.
"Jeanne I can't stress enough how truly sorry I am." I said sincerely. "I told you that I was going to tell you about it….eventually." I said and Jeanne narrowed her eyes at me.
"Eventually being when Alter Jeanne told us in the middle of our battle." Jeanne said puffing out her cheeks as she crossed her arms. "You also saw my past and my memories without my permission too."
"It's not like I really went digging for that information, I didn't really have much of a choice but to see the things you went through. Alter Jeanne forced me too so I had no control over that dream." I exclaimed and Jeanne's eyes softened after I finished my sentence.
"Y-Yes you're right Christopher." Jeanne said with the nod of her head. "I apologize, I realize now that you didn't intentionally seek them out and they were forced upon you by my Alter self." Jeanne said apologetically.
"Thank you for understanding Jeanne, I promise you that I did not seek those memories out on my own accord and that I sincerely had planned on telling you about my dream with Alter Jeanne." I said and Jeanne nodded her head in understanding. "You also can't expect me to divulge everything to you Jeanne." I added.
"I am aware, you still have yet to reveal Lancer's identity to me." Jeanne said crossing her arms.
"I told you that if you want to learn that, you're gonna have to get Lancer to tell you." I replied throwing up my hands in response. "It would be against her wishes for me to divulge that information, and right now I'm already on thin ice with her." I said. "I think you should understand that. You didn't want me to see your memories or past, and Lancer doesn't want me to tell you her name." I said and Jeanne nodded her head agreeing with what I had said.
"What happened between you two? Your relationships seems unhealthy." Jeanne inquired.
"I don't know to be honest with you." I said throwing my hands back. Actually I had somewhat of an idea as why she hated me or was angry with me, but if that was the sole reason. Then it was a pretty stupid reason. "It's a long story, and I myself don't really understand what's going on through that woman's head. It would just be best if I left her alone." I said and Jeanne looked at me with concerned eyes.
"I-I see…" Jeanne said as she looked at me still concerned. Knowing Jeanne she was concerned about Scathach and I's relationship being so bad and was afraid that it might worsen or that we might start fighting. Then again she wasn't the only one, but I didn't really want Jeanne to worry. I smiled and reached over and patted Jeanne on the knee.
"Don't worry about it Jeanne. I'm sure things will sort themselves out in time." I said as I patted Jeanne's knee. Jeanne didn't look convinced, but hesitantly nodded her head.
"If you say so Chris." Jeanne murmured and I rubbed her knee before standing up.
"Now then, if there are no more issues. Would you like to accompany me to the Security Department?" I said looking down at Jeanne. "I'm sure the guys down there would love to meet you." I said.
"I really don't think I'm all that interesting." Jeanne said waving her hands in front of her. "Surely you'd be better off going without me, they are your friends after all." Jeanne said cracking a weak smile.
"Don't be like that Jeanne." I said grabbing Jeanne's hand and pulling her up to her feet. Jeanne gasped as I pulled her up and she stumbled forward. "Come on Jeanne, you said you wanted to learn more about this world and meet new people. And you're not going to do it in here." I said and Jeanne looked up at me with widened eyes.
"Y-Yes! You're right!" Jeanne exclaimed and I nodded my head with a smile.
"Well then let's go Jeanne! Since you're going to be working here and living here, you should meet the people work here." I said as I turned around and made my way towards the door.
"Wait Chris! Aren't you forgetting something?" Jeanne said and I stopped in my tracks before I turned around to face her, Jeanne had her hands on her hips and apparently I had forgotten something that had irked her. I scratched my cheek as I stood there thinking for a few moments on what Jeanne could possibly mean.
"Am I? I thought we had cleared everything up now regarding Orleans? Is there something else you wished to discuss?" I inquired. Jeanne rose her hand up to her face and sighed.
"No it's not about Orleans. I told you that I've come to accept and understand why you did what you did and bear no more frustration or bad feelings." Jeanne said.. "I am however referring to the promise you made back in Orleans…" Jeanne said as she tapped her fingers against her arms. I stood there continuing to scratch my cheek. After it was apparent that I wasn't sure what she meant a vein popped on the back of her head and she stepped in front of me and hit her finger against my chest before wagging her finger in front of my nose.
"I can't believe you forgot Chris!" Jeanne decried. "You promised you would teach me how to read and write!" Jeanne exclaimed.
"I didn't forget…" I said as I scratched the back of my head and Jeanne looked at me unconvinced. "I'll teach you I promise, but you can't just sit down and start teaching someone how to read and write immediately. I have to get the proper reading and teaching materials." I said as I lowered my hands and crossed my arms. "Besides I've literally only been up for an hour now." I added and Jeanne sighed.
"...Yes you're right. I apologize." Jeanne said taking a step back. "I'm just eager to start!" Jeanne added.
"Yes I know Jeanne, but we've got plenty of time though! So don't worry." I said placing my hand on her shoulder. Jeanne gave me a comforting smile and I returned my hand to my side. "We'll talk more about it later, come on then." I said jerking my thumb over my shoulder before I turned around and head towards the door.
Several Minutes Later
Jeanne and I made small talk as we made our way towards the Security department.
"Jeanne have you seen Mashu or Lancer?" I inquired deciding to start the conversation back up again and steer it away from the past and to the present day. Jeanne turned her attention to me and rose her finger up to her chin and after a moment shook her head.
"No I haven't, I'm sorry." Jeanne replied. "I've only been to breakfast, then the chapel, and then I returned to my room." Jeanne said. "Was there something you needed to speak too them about?" Jeanne inquired and I shook my head.
"No it's nothing. I was just curious as I had not seen Lancer in my room when I woke up today, and she is almost always there." I said.
"Well perhaps she is having lunch? It is almost that time." Jeanne said.
"Yeah, you could be right." I said scratching my cheek. "It's not really important, Lancer doesn't need me constantly keeping tabs on her." I said tucking my hands into my pockets. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jeanne still staring at me.
"I...I know you aren't going to divulge Lancer's true identity, but if I may at least ask you this: Did you make a pact with Lancer in Fuyuki or…?" Jeanne asked.
"No Lancer was who I originally summoned in the beginning to fight with, I was pacted with her before I made a pact with Mashu." I replied which caused Jeanne to cup her chin.
"That doesn't make any sense then, the servant you summon is supposed to be similar to you in nature when a catalyst is not used." Jeanne murmured into her hand.
"I'm not sure if I could say if we're similar in nature, but I know for certain that both of us aren't crazy. So we've got that much in common." I said jokingly. "So stop worrying about it Jeanne. We might not get along, but when it comes to work, we take our job seriously." I said placing my hand on Jeanne's shoulder. Jeanne glanced at my hand and then her eyes widened.
"Chris your command seal!" Jeanne exclaimed. "Isn't that Lancer's command seal?" Jeanne asked and I retracted my hand to look it over.
"Yeah it is…" I said.
"Didn't you use a command seal on Lancer in the battle with Gilles?" Jeanne inquired and I rubbed my hand in response.
"Yes." I replied once again.
"Then why do all three command seals still remain?" Jeanne inquired.
"Well it's hard to explain, as I really don't understand it myself." I said. "But from what I do understand, command seals under the Chaldea summoning system called Fate, they replace themselves almost instantly no matter how many times I use them. But I've only used Command seals a limited amount of times!" I exclaimed not wanting Jeanne to think I was just using Command seals all willy nilly.
"And what about my Command Seals." Jeanne inquired and I reached up to where Jeanne's command seal was and rubbed it. "Yeah I figured she would ask about hers, it would be best if I told her now." I thought to myself.
"Your Command seal…. Well your Command Seal has not returned since I used it. So they sit at two right now." I said and Jeanne narrowed her eyes. "I don't understand why yours has not returned, but when we got back and I checked. It had not returned to me, but Lancers has. I haven't used a Command Spell for Mashu so I don't know if she is the same way." I said lowering my hands back into my pockets. "I don't really want too either." I added.
"I see well perhaps the Director or Doctor might know?" Jeanne suggested.
"Perhaps, I'll have to ask her whenever I get the chance." I said.
"In the meantime you should be careful." Jeanne said.
"Yeah I know, I try to be conservative with my Command Seals anyway. You don't need to remind me." I said just as we reached the security department wing and the doors swooshed open. The Security department looked deserted with only a few people's heads poking out from their desk and a few guys chatting in the corner. We must have caught their attention, because as soon as we did they waved at us. I returned their wave with a smile and I felt the wind on my back as the doors closed behind me.
Jeanne and I walked up to them greeting them with friendly smiles.
"Gerald, Adam, Erik." I said greeting each one of the guys.
"Hey Chris." Gerald said with a friendly smile. I extended my hand and Gerald grasped it firmly and we shook.
"What brings you down here to grace us with your presence?" Adam said as he slapped me on the shoulder with a cheeky grin. Adam and I shook hands as well.
"Well I still work here believe it or not, my office is even somewhere around here last time I check." I said. "Unless you guys used my desk for firewood to warm your asses during the Chaldea Winters." I said jokingly and all of us laughed.
"It's good to see you Commander." Erik said extending his hand. I reached out and grasped his hand as well giving it a firm shake. Erik was a blonde haired white male while Adam was a brown haired white male, lastly Gerald was a taller gentleman of African American descent. Each of them was wearing white collared up shirts with black pants and shoes, while they each sported a different collared tie. The usual attire for off duty Male Security officers at Chaldea.
"It's good to see all of you. I was just dropping by to make sure you guys were staying out of trouble." I said with a cheeky smile as the guys all chuckled at the joke. The guys would regularly be getting into mischief around the base.
"So Chris are you going to introduce us to the beautiful young lady behind you or are you just going to leave us grunts in anticipation." Adam said and I looked over my shoulder to see Jeanne standing partially behind me silently.
"Oh sorry about that." I said clearing my throat as I stepped to the side. "This blonde lady is my friend and partner." I said.
"I am Jeanne D'arc. It is a pleasure to meet some of Chris's friends." Jeanne introduced herself and extended her hand. Adam reached out and grasped her hand, shaking it.
"Ms. D'arc it's a true pleasure to meet you. You're far friendlier than Chris's redheaded partner." Adam said with a warm smile. I could only roll my eyes as I imagined Adam had tried to talk up Scathach.
"Please just call me Jeanne, Ms. D'arc is far too formal." Jeanne said with a flustered faced as she retracted her hand.
"Jeanne, it's nice to meet you." Erik said as Jeanne and he shook hands. "Thank you for keeping the Commander safe during the Singularity." Erik added.
"Of course Erik, I will always do my best to make sure Chris is safe." Jeanne said with a nod of head.
"Jeanne as a Catholic it's a great honor to meet a Holy Saint such as yourself." Gerald said extending his hand; Jeanne grasped his hand and firmly shook.
"Please don't think so highly of me, I'm just an ordinary girl. There really is nothing special of me." Jeanne said with a wave of her hand as she closed her eyes and smiled. "Jeanne is still as humble as always." I thought to myself with a sigh.
"You shouldn't think so lowly of yourself Jeanne, I have nothing but the greatest respect for you! As do all of us who believe in the Catholic faith." Gerald said and added. "You are a revered Saint after all."
"Thank you, your kind words mean a lot to me." Jeanne said as she cupped her cheek. "But please just think of me as an ordinary girl, I would appreciate it greatly." Jeanne said.
"You are most kind and modest Jeanne." Gerald said. "If that is what you would prefer than I shall treat you as such." Gerald said with a smile.
"Thank you." Jeanne replied with a nod of her head. The Five of us continued chatting for at least half an hour talking back and forth. Our conversation mostly revolved around Jeanne as the guys asked questions about her as a servant, her abilities, and powers. It was also apparent Gerald wanted to talk to Jeanne about the Catholic faith, but I guess decided now was not the time or the place to talk about it. We also discussed the Singularity in Orleans, at least as much as we could divulge without getting in trouble. There were also some laughs when Jeanne told them about some of the times Jeanne came to my rescue. Eventually it was time for the guys to get back to work. Jeanne and I said our goodbyes and watched as the guys went off back to work.
"Your friends seem really nice Chris!" Jeanne said turning around to face me after watching the guys disappear into the armory.
"I'm glad you liked them, I'm sure you'll be seeing them more." I said crossing my arms in amusement. "They're your friends now too by the way, they seemed to enjoy speaking to you. Especially Gerald, he seemed like he wanted to talk to you about the Catholic Faith." I said and Jeanne smiled in response.
"Yes it seemed so, I'll have to speak with him later." Jeanne said.
"You know Jeanne you really are humble." I said and Jeanne looked at me with a curious expression. "Anytime anyone talks about you being a Saint or praises you, you always downplay yourself." I said as I stroke my cheek in amusement.
"That's because I don't want to be treated like a Saint! I just want to be treated like a normal girl." Jeanne exclaimed with raised fist. I only chuckled in response which earned me a pout from Jeanne.
"You certainly are a normal girl Jeanne, a Normal girl with the strength of 20 men." I said as I turned around and made my way down the line of desk. I heard Jeanne's footsteps follow in behind me.
"I don't make the rules of Heroic spirits or the Throne of Heroes." Jeanne exclaimed. "I never used to be this strong you know." Jeanne added.
"Yes Yes I know Jeanne. I'm only teasing you." I said amusingly as I stepped into an office cube where my desk and computer were. I pulled out my chair and sat down before I swiveled around to face Jeanne who was standing into the entrance of my office cubicle. Jeanne glanced around my office space before stepping into the cubicle.
"Is this where you work Chris?" Jeanne inquired.
"Yeah this is it." I said as I leaned back in my chair with my hands behind my head.
"It seems rather cramped." Jeanne murmured and I could only shrug.
"It is what it is." I replied. "We're only security officers so they don't give us large offices as we spend very little time here." I explained. "Well except when you're me and they dump tons of paperwork on you." I murmured under my breath and Jeanne tilted her head.
"Paperwork? Did you not see much combat beforehand?" Jeanne inquired. "That wouldn't make sense though, as you seemed very capable in Orleans." Jeanne added and I sighed.
"No I saw plenty of combat beforehand, but I ended up getting pretty injured before I started fighting in these singularities. So they put me on desk duty for several months, nothing to do but paperwork." I explained and Jeanne emitted an ohhh sound from her lips. Jeanne propped herself up and took a seat on my desk as she looked out over the walls of my cubicle. Her gaze eventually returned back towards me as she kicked her feet back and forth, it reminded me of another certain girl who use to always sit up on my desk…
"Chris, Erik referred to you as a Commander. Is that really your rank?" Jeanne inquired and I snapped back to reality.
"It's hard to explain the ranking at Chaldea, but yes my rank within our organization is Commander." I said. "It's not like an actual Commander rank in the military where I would be commanding hundreds if not thousands of soldiers, instead there are at least several commanders in the security department who head up several different divisions of around 20-30 men and women each." I explained. "Below of Commander there are Lieutenants who serve as second in command and then there are the Sergeant Majors who command all the Sergeants, then there are the Sergeants who lead squads of five. Commanders are obviously in charge of the entire unit. Commanders however report to Colonel Anderson who heads up this Security Department." I said and Jeanne nodded her head in understanding. It was no surprise that she understood, considering Jeanne was once in the Military. Albeit a Military at a different time and a different country, but I'm sure she understood the basics of Command.
"Who is your Lieutenant?" Jeanne inquired. I felt myself flinch as I froze up and I felt a lump in my throat. I sat there in silence for several moments just staring at Jeanne as I was unable to speak. "Chris?" Jeanne exclaimed with a worrisome expression on her face.
"... I don't have a Lieutenant." I finally managed to spit out and my eyes blinked rapidly.
"O-Oh… Why is that may I ask?" Jeanne inquired.
"I guess… I guess Chaldea just never got around to assigning me one." I said. "Probably because nobody wants to have to put up with me." I said laughing it off, Jeanne however didn't seem very convinced. Despite that, a few moments passed and Jeanne apparently decided not to investigate any further.
"So what exactly does the Security Department do?" Jeanne asked and I finally felt myself able to breathe seeing that Jeanne was changing topics.
"Well the Security Department is basically the Chaldea Military, it's a bit difficult to explain." I said as I scratched my cheek. "The overall Military of Chaldea is comparable to that of a small Private Army. We have at least a few thousand soldiers spread across our bases around the globe." I explained. "The Security Department is as the name suggest tasked with with the Security of the bases, however it's not accurate to say all we do is protect the bases." I said before continuing. "We are tasked with carrying out special operations or missions handed down to us by the Director…" I explained. "The Security Department here at the main base is usually tasked with carrying out the more dangerous and highly specialized operations." I went on. "These usually are missions that are carried out by partners of two or squads made up of 5 people, or all 20-30 people as a strike force if need be…. We are like the scalpel of the Security Department. We are made up of several highly skilled mages who are specialized in different types of magecraft" I said as I rubbed my hands. "However if an operation calls for a hammer instead of a scalpel you have the General who heads up the entire Security Department. If the hammer is ever needed she will lead the main force of the Security Department who are made up of lesser skilled mages, but are still trained deadly soldiers." I explained and took a deep breath after finishing my explanation.
"So that means if you were chosen for this specific Security Department you must be specialist in a certain magecraft." Jeanne inquired. "So if so then what are you a specialist in?" Jeanne asked and just I was about to open my mouth to respond. Someone interrupted me...
"He's a specialist at slacking off." A familiar voice spoke up and I snapped my attention at the man who stood to the entrance. Jeanne turned to face the voice as well and we were greeted by a sharply dressed male who stood straight around my height if not a bit taller.
"Speaking of the man in charge, here he is. Colonel Anderson." I said introducing the striking British fellow.
"Mr. Anderson, it's a pleasure to meet you. Chris was just explaining to me about the Security Department and the Personal here." Jeanne said as she got off the desk and extended her hand. Anderson grasped Jeanne's hand and they firmly shook.
"Hopefully he was only telling you good things." Anderson said glancing at me.
"Oh Yes! Of course!" Jeanne exclaimed.
"That's good to hear." Anderson said with a smile and nod of his head. "Now I hate to cut the formalities short Ms. D'arc." Anderson said as he retracted his hand to his side. "But the Director wishes to speak to you, Chris. In her office." Anderson said looking at me. I blew out air and grasped my knees as I pushed myself up out of my seat.
"Understood, Thanks Anderson." I said with the nod of my head. "Come on Jeanne, its best if we don't keep the Director waiting." I said walking past Jeanne and Anderson.
"Okay Chris!" Jeanne said. "It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Anderson, I hope we meet again." Jeanne exclaimed with a bow of her head before she hurried to catch up to me..
A Few Minutes Later
It was a silent walk for the most part with some idle chatter between each other, but eventually we reached the hallway leading towards the Directors office with it's many glass windows that revealed the snowy conditions outside. Jeanne looked my way to look outside and after a moment she turned her gaze at me. Jeanne rose her hand up to her mouth and then out of the blue started to chuckle.
"What? What are you laughing about Jeanne?" I said with an inquisitive tone.
"Oh it's nothing Chris, it's just that you're starting to look like a caveman with that beard you're growing." Jeanne said as she chuckled. "You really should shave." I scratched my cheek feeling the rough stubble that was beginning to form.
"It's not a beard…. I mean sure I haven't shaved in 3 weeks. But I could probably go a month and half or two without having a full beard." I murmured still scratching my cheeks. "But I'll shave if you prefer me clean shaven." I said which caused Jeanne to blush a little and she twirled her finger around in her hair.
During our short talk we had arrived outside of the Director's door where two Soldiers stood guard outside. Jeanne and I presented our identification to the guards and they waved us through. The doors swooshed open welcome us to an overwhelming feeling of comfort. It engulfed Jeanne and I in a soft warmth that you couldn't help but unravel too. The source was none other than the blazing fireplace across from the couch in her office. The Director was found sitting at her desk as always. I felt as the door closed behind us and we stood in the doorway waiting for the Director to take notice. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as Jeanne's gaze wandered around the room in awe.
"I see you two, no need to await for my approval to come over here." Olga said and our attention snapped towards her. Olga seemed to have her nose down in her work as she was writing something. "Come on now, I don't have all day." Olga said. Jeanne and I glanced at each other before we hurried over to her desk and stood at attention in front of her.
"You needed me Director? We came as quickly as we could." I said and Olga finished whatever she was writing and placed her pen down. Olga looked up at us and crossed her arms.
"Yes, this won't take long." Olga said. "I just wanted to let you know that you won't be needed for a while until the next singularity. So you're now free to head on home, as always I'll contact you when it's time for the next singularity." Olga said.
"Understood Director." I said as I placed my hands behind my back.
"W...Wait go home?" Jeanne murmured and her gaze averted towards me.
"Yes Jeanne, It's not like I live here." I said. "My home is back in America, it's where I spend most of the year when I'm not working." I explained.
"Will I be accompanying you to America?" Jeanne asked eagerly. Before I could even respond the Director interrupted me.
"About that. Christopher, I discussed it with Doctor Roman, and we both feel it would be best if you only have Two Servants pacted with you outside of the Singularities." Olga said. As soon as Olga finished her sentence I immediately saw out of the corner of my eyes a frown form on Jeanne's lips and her eyes saddened. "This is too mitigate the mana draw on your body. While your body has adjusted to three servants drawing on your mana, we still feel it would be in your best interest to keep it at two outside of the Singularities for health reasons." Olga said and then her eyes seemed to flicker. "...We also feel it would be in Chaldea's Security interest to keep one servant on the base at all times." Olga said and turned towards Jeanne. "Jeanne I hope you'll understand, but we must take Chris's well being and the security of Chaldea into account." Olga said. Jeanne remained silent for a few moments standing there with a saddened look on her face.
"I...I understand Director." Jeanne eventually spurted out as she kept her gaze downwards.
"It is only while Christopher is away from Base. Please don't fret, during missions your Command seals will be returned back to him." Olga said.
"Director speaking about Command Seals, there is something I wanted to ask you." I said and the Director snapped her attention towards me.
"Yes what is it?" Olga said with a raised eyebrow.
"Well it's about Jeanne's Command Seal…. You remember how I used one during her fight against Alter Jeanne?" I asked and Olga nodded her head. "Well the Command Spell I used hasn't returned, but the one I used for Lancer has." I said as I reached up and rubbed the spot where Jeanne's Command Seal was. Olga sat there in silence for a few moments as she cupped her chin and a low hmm emitted from her lips.
"Well I think I have a good idea of why that is." Olga said finally speaking up. "Lancer's Command Seal was the one you received from Chaldea correct?" Olga asked and I nodded my head. "And the Command Seal for Jeanne was received by forming a Pact with her in Orleans. So since it was not a Command Seal given to you by Chaldea that means that it acts like a Normal Command Seal, simple as that." Olga said I scratched the back of my head. "Geez it was that simple? I feel like an idiot for not being able to figure that out on my own." I thought to myself.
"I understand now Director. Thank you." I said.
"All it means is you will have to be careful with Jeanne's two remaining Command Seals, and I think it's safe to say the same can probably be said for Mashu." Olga said and I nodded my head.
"Understood." I said. Jeanne had remained quiet during that entirety of that conversation, seeming to be distraught.
"Now then, report down to Doctor Roman's office where he will transfer Jeanne's Command seal to himself until you return for the next singularity." Olga said. "I assume you'll be rest assured that Jeanne will be in safe hands with Doctor Roman?" Olga said raising an eyebrow.
"Of course Director! There isn't a man I wouldn't trust more with Jeanne's Command seals than Doctor Roman." I said.
"That's worrisome that you'd trust that man…." Olga murmured. "But No matter. That's all I have to say to you for now. So I hope you enjoy the rest of the year home. I have no doubt you will, after what you went through in the singularity." Olga said. "You're dismissed Operative. Your flight home leaves tomorrow." Olga said and I gave the Director a salute. The Director returned my salute with a dismissive salute of her own. I lowered my hand back down to my side once she did.
"Come on Jeanne let's go." I said placing my hand on Jeanne's shoulder. Jeanne didn't say anything, but only nodded her head silently. I lead Jeanne to the door and we left with the door closing behind us…
We had put distance between ourselves and the Director's office. However even then Jeanne had continued to remain silent with a her lips locked into a frown and her eyes saddened. Seeing Jeanne like this was starting to depress me so I decided to speak up.
"Jeanne I know that you're unpleased with having to be left behind, but I wouldn't have been able to bring you home with me anyway. My home couldn't fit four people, there's barely enough room for three people." I said. Jeanne's face only appeared to sadden more, and I mentally smacked myself in the face in realization at what I had said. "That was a stupid thing to say Chris." I thought to myself.
"I'm fine Chris honest, I understand. I don't want to put your health at risk." Jeanne said looking up at me with a weak smile. "I'll be fine here at Chaldea until you get back, honest."
"You're a bad liar Jeanne." I said. I wasn't buying Jeanne's weak smile and words for a second, Jeanne was clearly not happy about leaving left behind.
"I-I'm not lying!" Jeanne stuttered.
"You can't even lie about not lying!" I exclaimed and Jeanne ruffled her eyebrows. "Listen Jeanne I understand you're upset, but I promise that I'll keep in touch with you." I said reaching over and ruffling her hair. "And I'll spend the rest of the day with you." I added. Jeanne only grumbled and rose her fist up.
"I want to see what the world has become and I can't do it here at base." Jeanne said pouting.
"I promise Jeanne, I'll take you away from Chaldea whenever I can." I said. "Nothing is stopping me from coming back to base and visiting you and taking you away from here from time to time. Until then please just bear with it and get use to the modern world. When things settle down and you're use to things we'll go on a vacation the four of us." I said.
"O-Okay, but promise me!" Jeanne said stepping in front of me and getting up in my face.
"I promise Jeanne, you have my word." I said placing my hand on my chest.
"Very well then, I'll be holding you too that promise." Jeanne said.
A Few Minutes passed.
After our promise, Jeanne and I chatted along the way to the Doctors office. It wasn't long until we had reached our destination and stood in front of the door. Jeanne glanced at the door and then back at me, something seeming to bother her.
"Chris are you sure that your Command Seals will be safe with Doctor Roman?" Jeanne asked. "While he seems like a good man, I've had limited interaction with him." Jeanne said and I stroked my chin.
"Well I've known Doctor Roman ever since I started working here. He's a pretty upstanding guy, although be it he can be a bit weird from time to time." I said. "However I've never known him to do anything bad or mistreat anyone. Roman is pretty much friends with everyone." I said. "Mashu has known him longer than I have it seems, so if you have any questions she might be able to answer them." I added.
"...Okay Chris, If you'll vouch for him. I'll put my faith in him till you return." Jeanne said nodding her head and she prepared to enter the room. I rose my hand up to her chest and stopped her from going in. Jeanne snapped her attention to me a little taken aback.
"I trust Roman, but to be on the safe side. Just don't take any orders from him unless Chaldea comes under attack. Okay?" I said and Jeanne nodded her head.
"Please rest assured Chris, my loyalty lies with you so it is only you who I will take orders from. I would never betray you, I swear that on my honor as a Knight." Jeanne said placing her hand on her chest.
"I know you never would Jeanne." I said placing my hand on her chest. "I don't think Roman would ever betray I or Chaldea, I only say that incase Roman tries to make you do anything weird." I said jokingly as I scratch my cheek. Worry overtakes Jeanne and she ruffles her eyebrows. "Don't worry Jeanne, if he does try anything just ignore him and be sure to tell me about it. I'll give him a good thrashing." I said with a hearty laugh.
"Th-That won't be necessary Chris, if he does give me any trouble I'll handle it." Jeanne said and she stepped inside of the Doctor's office.
I follow Jeanne inside and we find Roman sitting at his desk shifting through paperwork. Once we enter Roman looks up from his work and stands up.
"Chris, Jeanne there you are!" Roman exclaimed. "The Director informed me that you were on your way." Roman said as we walked up to his desk. "It's nice to see the Mountain Man has left his cabin." Roman said jokingly and Jeanne chuckled. I rubbed my cheek with a less than amused expression. "Alright geez I guess I really should shave, if this many people are hounding me about it. Scathach doesn't seem to say anything about it to me… though I doubt she notices or cares." I thought to myself.
"Do you have a Doctor's Degree in Medicine or Comedy, Doctor?" I replied jokingly. "Because whenever you're done being a Comedian, we'd like the Medicine Doctor back." I said which only earned me an amused look from the Doctor.
"The Medicine Doctor will come out whenever you lose the Mountain Man look Christopher." Roman said chuckling.
"Geez could you stop harping me about it, you two both act like you've never seen bearded men before in your life. They're plentiful in the Middle of America, parts of Europe, and Russia." I said tucking my hands into my pockets.
"It's not that I've never seen guys with beards before Chris, it's just that having a beard doesn't suit you." Jeanne said with her hand up to her mouth chuckling.
"It's not even a full beard yet!" I exclaimed. Roman and Jeanne both just chuckled in response. "Psh I didn't need to worry about anything, these two seemed like they were going to get along just fine." I thought to myself.
"Well anyway. You guys didn't come here to hear my bad jokes." Roman said and stood up, walking around his desk he made his way over to one of the hospital beds. "Let's start the Command Seal transfer like the Director ordered." Roman said.
"Right." Jeanne and I both said simultaneously.
"Jeanne take a seat on the bed over there, and Chris come over here." Roman said. Jeanne nodded her head and walked over to the bed taking a seat, I walked over and stood in front of Roman. "Jeanne I know you probably have reservations about having your command seals transferred to another person, but I promise you that I won't do anything to you other than supply you with mana." Roman said trying to reassure Jeanne who still seemed to be a little hesitant. "Once Chris returns I shall transfer your command seals back to him." Roman said and Jeanne nodded her head.
"I understand Doctor Roman, Chris has vouched for you so I will put my life in your hands until he comes back." Jeanne said and Roman glanced at me with an amused grin.
"Now then Chris roll up your sleeve and show me your command seals." Roman said and I obliged. Rolling up my sleeve I presented the two command seals left on my shoulder. "This won't take more than a minute. You both consent to the transfer?" Roman asked.
"Yes." Jeanne and I said in unison.
"Hmm the Director mentioned that Jeanne's Command Seals were now down to two." Roman said rubbing his chin. "Well it can't be helped. Now then. I'll begin the Command Seal Transfer." Roman said reaching out with his right hand, he placed it on my shoulder where Jeanne's command seal was. Roman closed his eyes and a full minute passed us by and then a there was red flash that came from underneath Roman's white gloves. Roman opened his eyes and retracted his hand back to his side. "The Command seal transfer is complete. There should now be less of a drain on your mana levels Chris, you'll now feel a little more refreshed and less sleepy than usual." Roman said and I glanced down to my shoulder to see Jeanne's Command seals had disappeared. I rolled down my sleeve and looked down at Jeanne.
"Jeanne how are you feeling?" I asked and Jeanne looked up at me.
"I'm feeling fine Chris, the transition went smoothly without any problem." Jeanne replied. "I'm in your hands now Doctor Roman." Jeanne said glancing at Roman.
"Please pay me no mind, you don't even need to talk to me or come and see me. I'm just here to simply supply you with mana until Chris returns." Roman said waving his hands. "As far as you need be concerned, Chris is still your Master." Roman said. Jeanne stood up and nodded her head at Doctor Roman.
"Thank you Roman." Jeanne said. "Now if there's no more to be done, Chris promised he'd hang out with me the rest of the day." Jeanne said.
"Well I'd like to check your vitals and mana levels to make sure everything did indeed go smoothly, but if you say there are no problems I won't press you on it." Roman said tucking his hands into his pockets.
"Jeanne why don't you and I go have lunch together." I said directing my attention towards her. Jeanne's face brightened up at my words and she clutched my side with excitement.
"Yes I'd like that very much!" Jeanne exclaimed.
"Alright then, why don't you run along to the cafeteria. I'll catch up with you in a minute." I said and Jeanne nodded her head a little bit reluctantly.
"Okay!" Jeanne said. Jeanne let go of my side and headed out of the room.
Once I watched Jeanne leave the room and a few minutes had passed I turned around to face Roman who had taken a seat behind his desk.
"You better take good care of Jeanne. If I hear you did anything weird to Jeanne I'll tell the Director about all those times I covered for you while you were slacking off." I said jokingly and Roman chuckled.
"Don't worry Chris, she's in safe hands with me." Roman said "...It's good to know you're saying nice things about me to other people. Especially so if Jeanne was okay me having her command seals." Roman said.
"Well don't let it get to your head Roman, I was just reassuring Jeanne." I said with a grin as I tucked my hands into my pockets. "If she knew you as well as I did, she would have been half way across the arctic by now." I said and Roman laughed. A few moments passed by and Roman intertwined his fingers and stared at me.
"So what is it that you wish to speak to me about Chris? It must be somewhat important if you wanted to speak to me in private about it." Roman said and I started at him silently for a moment.
"It's not that big of a deal. I have a favor to ask of you Roman…" I said.
"A favor?" Roman said raising an eyebrow.
"Yes a favor Roman." I repeated. "I promised Jeanne that I would teach her how to read and write back in Orleans, but I can't do that if I'm going to be home most of the time. So I'd appreciate it if you could teach her how to do that while I'm away." I said.
"Woah Woah, you want me to teach someone how to read and write? Do you know how much time that would take?" Roman said. "I've already got my work cut out for me with work and also I gotta work with Doctor Da Vinci on Shiva and Chaldea." Roman said waving his hands.
"Come on Roman, please!" I pleaded. "I'll repay you the favor, no matter what it is that you want, within reason, I'll repay you. I'll owe you a favor, and you know I'm good for it!" I exclaimed. I had to keep my promise to Jeanne, so no matter what Roman wanted I'd repay it so long as he helped me fulfill my promise to Jeanne.
Roman stared at me intently for a few minutes as he seemed to ponder on my request. Finally Roman lifted his head up from his hands and spoke up. "Alright Chris, I'll make time to teach Jeanne." Roman said and my face brightened up. "But you better repay me when the time comes." Roman said leaning back and pointing his finger at me.
"Thank you Roman." I said nodding my head. "Whenever it is that you want to cash in your favor, I'll repay the favor! I promise!" I said.
"Yeah, Yeah. Now get out of here, I have to get back to work." Roman said waving his hand at me dismissively. "You best enjoy the rest of your day with Jeanne, before you go back to being tormented by Lancer." Roman added before he turned to face his computer monitor. I rose my hand up to my mouth and chuckled. Wishing Roman farewell, I turned around and made my way towards the door leaving the Doctor to his work...
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