-1: 43
In his office, Burningum's eyes flitted across various screens and angles as he watched Hoopa's performance. "Hm... He's a dangerous one."
On the surface, it seemed to be pure conviction. A complete extemporaneous speech that came straight from the heart.
But Burningum could see it. Every word, the rhythm, the flow and language used to tug and pull at the heart strings...
It was intentional.
"...I understand why Andersen said to meet him." Burningum idly twirled his mustache, thinking. "...He's similar, but different to me."
Burningum lacked talent for combat. But he was gifted with the ability to organize information, maneuver in political intrigue, as well as shape perception of the masses.
The same was true for this fledgling commander, it appeared. The way he so easily converted such a brutal and harsh reprimand as well as clear killing intent... the way in which he didn't deny any of his previous words, but instead alchemized the brutality into raw emotion to propel his words beyond reason and into pure conviction...
"Dangerous. Very dangerous."
Burningum paused and replayed the footage again.
*Let's aim for it. The day where the only label, the only title we choose is this: Human.*
"...Yes. Very dangerous."
It seemed fine. After all, there was nothing wrong with that sentiment. As a general rule, equality was indeed, the ideal outcome.
But the problem was in his intentions. The motivations.
The masses may have missed it or forgotten it. But Burningum certainly didn't.
To confirm, Burningum rewound the footage to replay Hoopa's words to John Doe.
*I fight for humanity. And humanity consists of people who treat others as they wish to be treated. So. Since you are slandering the brave women who devoted their entire beings for just a sliver, a SLIVER of hope that the Rapture threat will be neutralized... I'll treat you the same as you treat them.*
"...His definition of humanity is not the same." Burningum murmured.
To him, and indeed, to a majority of the Ark, 'humanity' consisted of strictly the people in the Ark. And for good reason. Without the Ark, there was no humanity.
However, Commander Hoopa defined humanity as 'people who treat others as they wished to be treated.'
Burningum could tell. That commander was a man who was very particular about his words.
The fact that Commander Hoopa had defined humanity as 'people' instead of 'humans' means that he didn't limit it to humans.
Of course, it included Nikke.
But...
"...Dangerous indeed."
...Burningum could tell.
That one. This Commander.
If there came a day where a Rapture could communicate. If there came a day where a Rapture abided by that definition and treated humans as equals... where they were sentient and sapient beings who truly desired coexistence.
Hoopa would side with them. Them, and Nikke.
If a day came where the Ark crossed him directly. Where they continued to treat Nikke as tools instead of people. Where any part of the 'humanity' he had declared as his wards was harmed...
That man's wrath would fall directly on the Ark- No. On the portion of the Ark that were against his definition of 'humanity.'
But that wasn't the problem.
Although it would be a difficult fight, considering their forces, Burningum was fairly certain the Ark could survive that man's wrath in a frontal collision.
...But that man was no mere fool. No brutish knave who would rely on pure forces.
No.
Commander Hoopa was a man who understood the power of charisma and words. He was a man who clearly saw the value of conviction. And he was a man who could turn even a clear intention to murder into a righteous cause.
So Burningum could see it.
Turning Hoopa into an enemy would not just mean facing a formidable opponent.
No, it would mean splintering the Ark completely.
That man said it himself. He was willing to die a dog's death. That meant he understood the power of becoming a martyr. And he would CERTAINLY arrange things to become a martyr if he was taken out.
In short...
"Incredible. This is the first time I've been in check." Burningum chuckled.
It wasn't a complete victory.
There were still pieces that Burningum could play to rearrange the board. Moreover, the Commander-in-chief had yet to make their move either.
But this was very much a Morton's fork.
The moment the Ark moved against Hoopa, the status quo would be irrevocably shifted. Nikke, citizens, commanders...
In a place like the Ark where the guillotine of the Raptures always hung, the masses were desperate to cling to an anchor. A cause and a pillar.
And, in both life and death, Hoopa would become that. Even if killed, he would become a symbol for 'unity' as 'humans.' And so the fight would turn internal, those of the Ark who sought 'unity of Nikke and others as humans' and those of the Ark who sought 'humans alone.'
A knock at the door. A young man's firm but respectful voice. "Deputy Chief Burningum. Commander Hoopa, reporting for our meeting."
Burningum moved back to sit behind his desk.
For a moment, he considered putting on his usual timid demeanor.
But he could sense it. If he did that, Hoopa would immediately discount the Ark in its entirety.
So instead...
"Come in."
...Burningum replied in a voice just as firm.
===
I could sense the tension in the air the moment I entered Burningum's office.
I expected it though.
Even if I was a Special Commando, I was still low on the totem pole.
But I'd gone out of my way and made that giant mess in the city.
Although I had tied it up nicely, it could still be viewed as sparking insurrection.
Still, I simply entered calmly and observed Deputy Chief Burningum.
On a first glance, he seemed suspicious. Deputy Chief Burningum was definitely not like Chief Andersen. Unlike my normal superior, Burningum was rotund, had a completely villainous mustache, and even wore his hair in a middle-part.
But his eyes revealed his true nature. They were sharp. Calculating. But also firm. Not the sort of person who enjoyed evil or malevolent deeds, but a man with steely resolve because he had clearly defined what could and could not be lost.
Just like me.
"...Permission to sit?"
"Granted."
I sat down across from Deputy Chief Burningum, quietly observing him.
And as I did, I noticed him doing the same to me, his eyes calmly moving from my empty sword sheath to my shield, then zweihander on my back.
After a brief silence, Burningum said, "Normally, Commanders wear the standard uniform. Especially when meeting superior officers."
"Speaking frankly, Deputy Chief Burningum, I'm far from normal standards."
"...That you are." Burningum stared at me.
I stared back at him.
"...Let's cut to the chase. There's no point in wasting each other's time." Burningum looked at me and said, "Commander. Do you intend to make the Ark your enemy?"
Ah. Good. That saves us time.
I sat up straight and said, "No. I would like to make it my ally. But if that's impossible, then I will leave it alone. The Ark will not become my enemy unless it defines me as one. The blade cuts both ways, after all."
"Hm. Pretty words to say you'll immediately turn on us if we go against you."
"I'm a fan of softening harsh words when I can."
"How human of you."
"Indeed."
Burningum stared at me.
I stared at him.
After another beat, Burningum sighed. "Enough of this foolishness. Let's speak plainly."
I nodded. "I agree. I sense we're similar people. So let's just find our boundaries."
"Good." Burningum nodded. "The Ark. It must persist. Its people as well. We are humanity's last bastion. If we fall, it is the end. I will do all I must to ensure it continues."
"I understand. And I agree with your sentiments. It's needed."
"You say this, but you clearly think differently."
"Not differently. Additionally." I looked Burningum in the eye and said, "The treatment towards Nikke, as well as the 'definition' of humanity. It needs to expand. At the current status quo, a spark is all it will take for Nikkes to turn their backs on humanity."
Burningum nodded. "I see your point. But it's too soon. The anti-Nikke sentiment is deeply entrenched. Although it's flared up recently, it's an old issue. And one that will always be an issue."
"Absolutes are only absolutes because they're believed as such... but I see your point as well. That's why I'm moving the way I am."
"So that the perception of humans and Nikke are equal, yes? Moreover, your reminder that Nikke were humans who dedicated their lives... You are aware that is not completely true, yes? A good portion of Nikke were not willingly turned."
"I know. But the bottomline is that they ARE dedicating their lives for humanity's sake. And they WILL die for it. So they should at least be treated as human."
"Hm. That is a hard sell."
"I'm aware. That's why I'm doing a soft sell."
"..."
"..."
Burningum looked at me.
I looked at him.
Then Burningum said, "Hm. Similar indeed. Is that your bottomline? Humane treatment of Nikke?"
"Mm. One of my bottomlines. But it's negotiable. After all, the Outpost exists. I've opened a pressure valve for the tension for Nikkes by giving an option for them. If they flee to the Surface, they can join the Outpost, nominally fulfill their duties while being free to act on their own."
"...Smart. You've thought this through."
"I have. And you also have thought this through. You aren't drawing hard lines."
"I'm no fool." Burningum stared me in the eye. "You are dangerous. You have charisma, combat potential, intelligence, wit, and an uncanny ability to sense killing intent."
My eyes immediately sharpened. "You noticed that."
"I had my suspicions-"
"No. You noticed that. It wasn't a confirmation just now."
Burningum stared back at me, his eyes sharpening as well. "...I see. You can see through lies. Is it microexpressions? No. You're greatly attuned to intentions and emotional states. Interesting."
For a beat, we stared at each other in silence, quietly assessing each other.
But Burningum broke the stand off first, taking a step back. "I cannot speak for Andersen. But at the least I will not make myself your enemy. You are a far more valuable ally than foe."
"I agree." I relaxed and said, "I'd rather not have an opponent like you- Wait." I blinked. "'You cannot speak for Andersen?' What does that mean?"
Burningum paused. Then he chuckled. "Interesting. You can read me, but not him?"
"...What does that mean?"
"Hm." Burningum looked amused. "I'll leave you to figure it out. But do beware. Like ourselves, Andersen is a man of conviction and pure will. His interests nominally align with the Ark and with Nikke. But he is a much more 'selfish' man than you and I who are looking upon humanity as a whole."
...Okay. That was suspicious. And the fact that a rational man like this was saying it was concerning.
But still...
"Noted."
Burningum hummed and said, "Very well. Since we have come to an agreement, shall we get to business?"
"Of course."
Since the tension had dissipated and returned to a normal atmosphere, I focused on the task at hand.
Burningum nodded and said, "As Shifty has no doubt informed you, for the time being, I will be the one in charge of your deployments. Speaking frankly, you are a valuable resource. I have reviewed your files and the information Deputy Chief Andersen has left me. There are quite a few missions that have been postponed which would align with both your goals and the Ark's."
I nodded. "That's fine. I'm not opposed to taking on more difficult missions. I would also like to help the Ark if I can. Although I'm of the opinion that we would be more useful deployed on the Surface than internally."
"Agreed. As such..." Burningum pulled out a map with various circles. "You said it yourself to the masses. 'May we walk beneath the true sky together as one united humanity.' The momentum is strong. So reclaim it. Either one of these locations, or one of your choosing. But either way, create a foothold for humanity on the surface." He looked at me, a faint smile on his face. "You can do it, can't you? Commander?"
I took the map from him, memorizing the locations. Then I nodded and looked back at him. "Of course, Deputy Chief. Leave it to me."
"Hm. We will see. Ah, for now." Burningum slid over a piece of paper. "Sign this."
"Huh?" I blinked, staring at the paper. A blank piece of paper. "...Sure?" I took my pen and did a fancy signature of [Commander Hoopa] with a sword piercing it.
"Hm. A natural." Burningum let out a content smile and took the piece of paper back, adding it to a folder of other signatures. "Good. I anticipate you will be using that often in the future."
"Ah, for PR." I nodded. "It'll be good to spin it that way. Kind of like the Goddess Squad in the past, right?"
Burningum paused. Then he stared at me before saying, "Yes. Like the Goddess Squad... How much do you know of them?"
"Huh? Well, a little. I know that Snow White used to be a member and that there were a few others. I don't know too much though, only that they were the first, the best, and humanity's first hope against the Raptures."
"Hm..." Burningum tapped his fingers on the table. "...Show some more results. Prove that you are on the side of the Ark, at least for now. Do so, and I may share more information about them with you. It could prove useful."
"I'll consider it. Then... Permission to be dismissed?"
"Granted. Ah. And Commander." Burningum called out to me as I stood up.
"Yes?"
"I do not know what you are planning. But I do know you are quite brilliant. Regardless, try not to outshine the Big Three. It is not the CEOs you must be concerned about, but those who are slightly below them. The ones without a name."
My eyes sharpened. "...I see. So the situation is like that, huh?"
"Yes. I would rather not have you stain the Ark red with blood. So do your best to either avoid or outmaneuver them."
"...I'll keep that in mind. Until then, Deputy Chief."
"I expect positive news, Commander- No, Special Commando."
I paused at the edge of the door hearing that title. Then I chuckled. "I'll live up to it." I waved my hand and then walked off.