"Quite the show you put up there stranger!" The black haired one exclaims before taking a bite out of a pink frosted donut.
Only if I could understand what they're saying anyway. Trying to talk wouldn't do much good, so I gesture with my hands that I'm unable to speak their language. Took them a minute to get the gist of what I was trying to get at. After a few exchanged murmurs between them, the white haired one pointed to herself.
"Ki-ri-no." She mouths out.
"Kee-ree-no." I try to sound out, my accent not helping in the slightest.
She shrugs and motions to her black haired companion. Finishing off the rest of her donut, she wipes off whatever crumbs were left around her mouth.
"Fu-bu-ki." following Kirino's lead.
"Foo-boo-key." I grimace under my helmet. It's like they are trying to teach a damn toddler to talk. I shake my head and hold out my hand for a handshake.
I go out on a limb and try introducing myself, hopefully one of them understands. Maybe get them to sound out my name.
"Artyom." I say, exchanging handshakes with both.
"Arr-tee-um." Both sound aloud. I give a brief chuckle at their attempt.
"It's Artyom." I emphasize.
Both take turns attempting to pronounce my name properly, to no avail. I shrug it off and tap Kirino's shoulder. She looks up expectantly as I point towards the robots I disassembled. Looking over, she sighs and pulls out a walkie talkie and communicates to someone. Probably leadership or something. Leaving her to it, I walk back to the robots, ready to loot-, ahem, "repurpose" the equipment they had. After all, they won't have any need for it.
I kneel down to get to work on one of the robots, but not before looking back at the crowd that formed from behind the sandbags and barriers, all their eyes on me. I look back down at the robot then back at them and give a brief wave. A few returned the sentiment before running off, while the rest stayed and watched as I skillfully pilfered anything noteworthy amongst the robots.
I took exceptional care when handling the guns they had, they were practically new, and looked expensive, nothing alike to the weaponry back at the Zone, but not outside of my capabilities. Ammo on the other hand, wasn't anything particularly noteworthy, but handy nonetheless. 5.56 FMJ through and through, although I couldn't use it, I could never say no to free ammo. Stacking the magazines to the side, I happily took whatever else looked valuable and placed them into my pack.
I get up to attend to the other robots before I am ultimately stopped by what looks like their leadership.
"士官候補生を助けていただき、ありがとうございました。" One of them says. Presumably leadership, judging by the security detail behind her, I take note of her appearance. Blonde hair, sharp eyes, as well as teeth, and as expected, all were haloed. The most prominent feature was her ears, akin to the dog people earlier, but a lot more human. Of course, I am totally unable to understand her, so I give a simple nod and extend my hand out. Slightly surprised, she returns the sentiment with a firm handshake.
"Artyom." I say mid-handshake.
"Ar-tee-yom." She pronounces. I shrug, close enough for me.
In that instance, an idea came to me, partly because I want to see how people here might react. I hold up a finger, motioning her to hold on while I dig around in my pack. Once more, I pull out a Zone classic, a pack of cigarettes, still in plastic too. Presenting it to her, she looks at the pack, then at my visor. It was blatant that she wanted to refuse, but ultimately accepted my gift. A few murmurs could be heard from her entourage, but were soon silenced as I glanced over.
Shame, looks like smoking isn't well received. They are younger folk, I suppose, a stark contrast to the Zone, where cigarettes are highly sought after amongst all. I sigh, not being able to communicate was starting to become a huge pain in the ass. That is, before I rush to bring out my PDA. Navigating the tabs, I eye one that wasn't there before.
"Translator." I say aloud, catching the attention of a few girls. They surround me, mostly curious about me, some curious about the PDA. Strange, I thought, usually folks are turned away from the intimidating presence a full exoskeleton would exude, but looks like they got used to it fast. Shrugging, I attempt to operate my PDA's new function.
A simple microphone icon could be found in the middle of the screen and not much else. Curiously, selecting it causes it to change from a dull gray to a vibrant green. I stare at it before it changes back to gray.
"Hmm." I sound as I place a hand on my chin. Selecting it again, I decide to speak into it.
"Hello." A few seconds pass as the translator does its thing. Like magic it translated my greeting to Japanese in a robotic voice.
This quickly caught the attention of everyone, as all eyes were on me. Not used to all this attention, I shuffle a little before talking into the translator once more.
"Do you understand me now?" A few seconds pass before the message is relayed. Most of the crowd replies vocally or with a nod. Interesting, maybe this'll work on them. I kneel down and make eye contact with one of the girls. Taking a step back, they look at me expectantly.
"Could you try speaking into this for me?" Another moment passes before the message is translated. As soon as it ends, they give me a nod.
"Great." I say as I hold out the PDA for her to speak into.
"こんにちは、私の名前はさやです!" They exclaim into the PDA.
I wait a moment before it is finally translated.
"Hello, my name is Saya!"
Now this was very intriguing, I ponder as I stare at the PDA. Either someone tampered with it while I was knocked out, or there's something beyond me going on. I recall the moments when I stepped into the anomaly before I brush it off and shrug. I've dealt with things stranger than this.
After exchanging introductions with Saya, the blonde haired leader of this, police force, I presume, taps on my shoulder. I hold my PDA up to her before she speaks. Caught off guard, she stares at the device then back to me, before getting the gist of what's going on. Clearing her throat, she leans in forward a little before speaking into it.
"I'm Ogata Kanna, Chief of the Public Security Bureau. I assume you couldn't catch what I said earlier, so I'd like to thank you again for assisting my cadets," She holds up the cigarettes I gave her, "And, er, thank you for the gift."
I nod before speaking in turn.
"Not a problem, always happy to lend a hand."
As soon as the message was conveyed, Ogata's ears flickered. Curious. I ponder over the animalistic feature before speaking into the PDA once more.
"You wouldn't happen to know a place called Chernobyl or Ukraine, would you?"
She opens her mouth to talk before being interrupted by another uncharacteristic ping from my PDA. I apologize as I look over at the notification, specifically, a message notification. Odd, thought I was well beyond the limits of the Zone network. Traversing over to messages, it was from the same person or faction that tasked me back at Meadow.
The sender, I half expected, was this "GSC". Less expected was what the message held in store for me.
"What the hell is a "Sensei"?" I say aloud, regathering everyone's attention onto me.
Ignoring their gazes, I read through the message.
To: Artyom-Sensei
From: GSC
Hello Artyom,
Or should I say, Artyom-Sensei. By the time you receive this message, you've more than likely have gotten acquainted with Kivotos and a few of its inhabitants. I'll set aside the formalities and tell you the details, Artyom-Sensei. I need your help. Kivotos needs your help. My absence has proven to be… less than ideal for the wellbeing of the city. And for that, I need your help to stabilize and guide the city and its academies. To do so, you will have to assume the role as advisor for SCHALE, an extrajudicial club that holds power comparable to mine to manage the city and its academies in my stead. While you might doubt that your skillset is not tailored for this position, I assure you that you're more than well equipped to help us.
Should you agree, take this message to the General Student Council Headquarters and find Vice-President Nanagami Rin. I left my role in her care, but it has proven to be more daunting for her than expected… She will be able to assist from there.
Effective Immediately, I bestow upon Artyom-Sensei the role of advisor of SCHALE.
This decision was not made lightly, and should not be considered as such.
I'm counting on you, Artyom-Sensei. Kivotos is counting on you.
(P.S. Should Rinny be reading this, please remember to take a break once in a while. :D)
I place a hand on my chin, pondering over my decision. On one hand, I'm not fully on board with this whole "Sensei" and "Kivotos needs you" thing, on the other, my eyes wander back towards the unpilfered remains of the robots. This place does have some nice stuff. I wonder if I'm going to be able to haul all this back.
If I am able to get back.
I doubt I'm going to be able to figure out a way home, if that even exists, on my own. I sigh as I turn towards Ogata, changing over to the translator.
"Think you could guide me over to the General Student Council Headquarters?" I foresee that she's about to ask why, so I preemptively shove the message in her face. A few minutes pass as she reads and digests its contents. It's obvious this letter was distressing as she immediately started barking orders to her subordinates before turning to me. I suppose that my PDA automatically translates according to the user, considering the fact there was no problem with her reading it.
"I have an armored transport inbound." She exhales, her eyes not leaving mine, "If that message is indeed real, we need to get you over ASAP."
"What does this message entail?" I ask, watching the cadets scramble to head out.
"If that message truly is from the GSC President, then Kivotos is on the edge of falling into complete destabilization. But it seems our last hope falls onto you, Artyom-Sensei." She emphasizes the "sensei" in her statement.
She sighs. "For whatever reason, the GSC President gave you the role of advisor for the SCHALE club, this essentially means that all the power she held is ultimately in your hands. I don't mean to pressure, but if you do accept, you will have the entirety of Kivotos under you. I, for one, don't understand why she picked you," She stares deeply into my visor, "But I trust it's for a good reason."
Now this was not what I had in mind. I've led other Stalkers around, sure, even entire squads to wipe out mutant nests and Bandit camps, but an entire city? If it weren't for my helmet, my shock would be on display for everyone.
"I know we've just met, and more than likely you've just arrived…" She pauses to contemplate, "But quite frankly, we're almost out of ideas, and hope. I won't try to convince you, not my place to do so…"
She pauses as if she wants to say more, instead she continues to stare into my visor. I ponder over her words. I mean, shit, out of all the places the anomaly could've sent me, it brought me here.
The sudden addition of an all too convenient translation function to my PDA, the direct message to me from the GSC, hell, even the task all the way back in Meadow.
But I'm sure as shit ain't no godsend.
Although, it does seem like I was brought here for a reason. I sigh as I look back at Ogata. As if right on cue, the rumbling engine of an armored transport comes within earshot.
"Your call, Artyom-Sensei." Ogata says, emphasizing the "Sensei" once more.
"Lead the way."
To say the least, the ride to the GSC Headquarters was a bumpy one. It was no understatement to say that the city was nearing complete destabilization, as the streets were rife with, how I see it, mostly crime. From what I've observed throughout the ride, pretty much everyone owned a firearm, much to my dismay. To that end, all bore a halo as well. I assume this somehow grants the owner a great degree of bullet resistance, as the ensuing scuffles resulted in firefights, but with no one dead, and a whole lot less blood.
This gives me some sort of grim hope. I suppose anyone I shoot can't die, but it doesn't exactly sit well with me that I'm shooting underage schoolgirls. I brush away the thought as I continue to watch through the APC's peephole.
That is, until a tap on my shoulder pulls me away from the view. It was Ogata wearing a stern look on her face.
"We're nearing the GSC Headquarters, we'll set up a cordon around the entrance so you can get in without too much hassle."
I give her a thumbs up as I rise from my seat. Giving my gear a quick overlook, I stumble as the APC brakes before coming to a halt. The hatch drops and Ogata walks out, motioning to me to follow. As I step out of the APC, I'm met with the impressive sight of the GSC building, filling in the skybox as I approach.
The following APCs in the convoy too come to a halt as they deploy their cargo, a bunch of schoolgirls armed with shotguns and riot shields, certainly a strange sight to behold. Never did realize it until now, but many, if not all of the girls look exactly the same, from the haloes to pretty much all their physical features.
Falling in beside Ogata, we approach the main entrance. A camera above the door locks onto us, its beady eye watching us.
"Doesn't seem open." I infer aloud, staring at the camera.
She points to the intercom next to the door, another camera can be seen embedded in its frame.
I walk up to it and press the button, a dim light turns on before a female's voice speaks out. I hold up my PDA in hopes it works.
A sigh escapes her lips as she reads over a document, her desk piled high with paperwork and complaints.
The situation couldn't get any worse. With rising reports of damaged infrastructure, failures in the city's power grid, increases in riots and general discontent and the absolute horror that is the Eden Treaty between Gehenna and Trinity, she's starkly reminded of the various representatives of all the major academies ready to break down the doors and demand reparations for failing to meet their needs.
Following the disappearance of the GSC President, she had left a letter informing that an adult would be able to stabilize the city and restore functionality to the Sanctum Tower should the need arise. That, and they would assume the role as advisor for SCHALE, an extrajudicial club holding authority over all academies and to resolve conflicts within Kivotos.
Problem was, the president's disappearance occurred weeks ago, and the city is barely hanging on by a thread.
Another sigh escapes as she looks over at a photo frame of her, alongside the GSC President.
"A-Acting President Rin!" The intercom comes to life, the voice on the other end states in a haste.
"Go ahead Ayumu." Rin replies as she holds the bridge of her nose.
"I apologize for interrupting, but there's someone outside the building, requesting permission to enter."
Her schedule was already filled to the brim as it is, any walk-ins would simply have to be turned away.
"Any and all academy representatives I'm aware of have already arrived and have been informed that they will be attended to shortly. Kindly turn her away for me please-"
"B-but Rin, the problem is that they're an adult, an adult male without a halo is waiting outside. T-that, and a hefty escort, courtesy of the Public Security Bureau."
Silence.
"U-uh, Vice-I mean, Acting President?"
"Put me through to them."
"Y-yes!"
"Uh, hello?" I ask, holding up the PDA close to the intercom.
"Please state the purpose of your visit."
"Yes, uh, my name is Artyom, on recommendation from the GSC President, I was told to come here and meet a, uh, Nanagami Rin?" I state, not exactly too confident in my response.
More than a few moments pass as there's no response from the intercom. I begin whistling before turning to Ogata, who seems restless in her shoes.
I move to tap on her shoulder before being stopped by the voice behind the intercom.
"Please follow my secretary, Ayumu, into my office. We have much to go over, Artyom-Sensei."
There's that "Sensei" thing again, I wonder as the doors slide open. I look over to Ogata, who takes a few steps back before looking at me.
"I'll stay out here and get situated, you go on ahead and… deal with business upstairs."
I nod before walking into the lobby.
The place was nice, to say the least, clean, maybe too clean and with a glaring lack of color outside of white.
So this was the GSC Headquarters? Hopefully I can find some answers here, and maybe a way back home. First off…
My head turns to the blonde haired girl standing a few meters away, she looks as if she's seen a ghost. Now I've seen everything. A pair of black wings flanked her sides, a stark contrast to her bright blonde hair and white uniform.
I stop staring and take a step forward towards her before she takes a step back of her own. Much to her dismay, she trips over an office plant behind her, taking a tumble as her wings flapped on the way down.
"I-I uh, apologize for that, I am supposed to escort you to the Vice-er, Acting President's office." she says, pushing away her hair from her face and fixing it.
I wonder if I'm cut out for this whole thing. A sigh escapes my lips as I approach the girl, extending a hand out.
She stares at me then my hand before accepting.
"T-thank you." She says meekly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks as she pats herself off.
"Now then, what's this about meeting the Acting President?" I ask, PDA in hand.