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"Finally!" Syuen's voice echoed from the tablet. "I can't believe you ignored me for so long, you stupid commander! I'm dead because of you, you know! Take some damned responsibility!"
I chuckled and propped up the tablet on my desk. "You know, I keep hearing that a lot these days. But people aren't prepared for if I say yes."
"Grk?!" Syuen immediately blushed. "What kind of- Ugh! Shameless! You're too shameless!"
"I mean, have you seen how my dad used to act?"
"...Dammit. I can't argue with that. And I hate that I can't..."
Rapi, Marian, and E.H., had left with Shifty to calm her down.
Not with alcohol, since that would only make things worse.
But instead with firing some guns.
After all, blowing things up was always great stress relief.
Neon was heading along too, apparently.
...That mildly concerned me, but it should be fine.
"Anyway." I looked at Syuen and squinted. "...Are you in like a rendered 3D environment?"
"...Are you unironically a genius? How can you figure this stuff out so quick?"
"I mean, it's obvious isn't it? You'd be a floating voice in the void and probably lose your mind if you weren't. But did you render the environment ahead of time? You're pretty quick on the draw if you did."
Syuen blushed. But she noticed she was blushing and stomped her foot. "Argh! Stop that!"
"Stop what~?"
"You!" Syuen's face was a bright red and she said, "You get off on making woman flustered, don't you?!"
"I can't deny that considering how I treat Anis, so yes."
"WHY ARE YOU ADMITTING IT?!"
"I mean, it's working. ...Also, it's a shame I don't have any cameras on me. Maxwell would definitely get a kick out of seeing you like this. Drake too. Laplace would try to back you up though. Maybe."
Syuen paused. Then she slowly composed herself and said, "Don't tell them."
I tilted my head. "You don't want me to tell them you're still alive?"
"No. I mean, yes. ...Ugh. Don't tell them I'm like this until I get a body back. They'll blame themselves for it." Syuen paused. "Well, Maxwell won't really care. Drake and Laplace will though."
I stopped to think about that. And remembering Laplace's reaction before I headed into the Ark...
"Yeah, that's fair... Wait. Why would Maxwell not care? Do you two not get along?"
Syuen's ears turned red and she said, "Well... She's like us. She's smart and capable. She'll probably just make fun of me or something."
"Ah, fair. I mean, I'm roasting you already for not seeing the obvious instakill flag of contacting me on a non-secure line and talking about confidential tech. You could have just come to the Outpost in person, you know?"
"Sh-Shut up! Hindsight is 20/20, okay?!"
"And so is common sense..."
"Ugh! Are you seriously going to make fun of a teenager who got herself killed?"
"Yes."
"...I hate you."
"That's a lie."
"...Fuck off."
"Cursing isn't going to change the truth~"
"Argh! Fine! Whatever!" Syuen crossed her arms. "You win! Just stop making fun of me so we can talk about the important stuff!"
I chuckled. "Alright, alright." After that, I composed myself and said, "...So how did you die? And do you know who stole your face?"
Syuen winced. But she let out a slow breath and shook her head. "...No. I still don't. But whoever did, they're good. All I know was that one moment I was on the phone with you, and in the next my backup STL harmony cube went online. Then I was stuck inside of that. Luckily, I made sure it could connect online, so I managed to make arrangements... but it could have been bad."
It was out of character for her. Instead of her usual abrasive self, Syuen looked genuinely terrified.
And that made me realize how close of a call that was.
So instead of teasing her, I put on a soft smile and said, "I'm glad you're still alive."
Syuen's breath hitched. And then she looked to the side, embarrassed. "O-Of course I'm alive. A genius like me can't die that easily. Not like my older sister."
I paused. "Older sister? Wait, you have an older sister?"
Syuen blinked. "...Yes. Didn't you know?"
"Of course not. You think I keep up to date on what goes on in the Ark when I'm trying to conquer- I mean reclaim Earth?"
"I heard that." Syuen gave me a blank stare. "...But you really didn't know... then you don't know about the M.M.R. either, do you?"
"The what now? Is that like a secret three letter agency in Missilis?"
"...Sometimes I wonder if you're genuinely a fool or just have selective strokes of genius."
"Both. Definitely both."
Syuen rolled her eyes. "At least I know you're 100% a clown."
"And the whole circus."
Syuen gave me a blank stare. "...Even without the DNA tests, I'm sure you're related to the Legendary Commander. You act JUST like him. Or at least, the records of how he acted."
I hummed and said, "You know, you're not the first to say that."
It was kind of funny. I wasn't actually related to Andersen... well, I mean considering who 'I' was. This body was related to him, but the way I was acting was how I usually acted back on Earth.
'Maybe whoever brought me here picked me because I had similar vibes?'
Probably something like that.
Not that I minded though.
If Andersen had flipped from his serious self back to a fun guy who liked a bit of trolling, I was 100% up for it.
"...But anyway." I looked back at Syuen and said, "We're still a bit behind on the autonomous Nikke-like bodies. Sophia's prototype is working, but if you want something like Endless or Eternity, that'll take a bit. I could give you a set of Helper Bots to pilot around though if you want. Maybe you could pass it off as doing research in a remote lab somewhere to put Matis at ease?"
Syuen paused to think about that. "...I suppose that's not the worst idea. And I AM in a remote lab. Of sorts. And I'm also doing research..."
"Right?" I nodded. "Win-win."
"...You are WAY too light-hearted about this."
"Live a little- Oh wait."
"...If I could strangle you, I definitely would right now."
"Don't worry, Shifty did that already."
"...I won't dignify that with a response." Syuen sighed and then said, "Anyway..." She frowned. "...I have a favor."
"Considering I technically got you killed, I'm all ears."
Syuen rolled her eyes. "I won't let you take credit for that one. You have enough stupidity. That stupidity was mine."
"Wow. Death ACTUALLY humbled you."
"...I hate you."
"Liar~"
"...Ugh. Listen, okay?" Syuen frowned. "If I'm right, then whoever is playing as 'me' in the Ark right now used to puppet around my sister's body after she was turned into a Nikke." She looked guilty and said, "...I didn't realize. But my older sister probably had the same thing happen to her as me, but she didn't have a back up. If that person acting as me jumped to my body though, she probably has her mind and body back... but as a Nikke."
I paused, thinking about the implications and what had just happened in the Ark. "Uh. Just out of curiosity. How close were you with your sister?"
Syuen fidgeted in her seat and said, "...We aren't close at all these days. But when I was younger, Jien... my big sister used to protect me a lot. She was worried and tried to cover for me. And then she suddenly changed one day and tried taking over Missilis, which led to her being turned into a Nikke." She sighed. "...I regret it now. Because I realize what happened to her."
"...Okay. Yeah. So, a lot of things make sense then. Your sister is deeefinitely the one who turned Exotic into Heretics."
"EXOTIC GOT TURNED INTO HERETICS?!"
"...Oh right, you probably missed that. Let's start from the top..."
===
The Central Government HQ, Burningum's office.
Andersen walked inside, taking off his cap. Wearing his old commander uniform, as well as the gleaming 'Masked Rider' belt over his waist, he looked like he had stepped out of the past and into the present as the Legendary Commander.
So seeing that, Burningum couldn't help but pause for a minute in awe. Especially when he saw Dorothy, Scarlet, Snow White, and Rapunzel walk in behind Andersen.
"Sorry for the trouble, Burningum." Andersen chuckled. "As you can tell, I had an opportunity I couldn't afford to pass up."
"No, no. I quite understand. But before then..." Burningum straightened his back and gave a crisp salute. "I sincerely thank the Goddess Squad."
Dorothy's breath hitched.
Snow White paused, mixed emotions on her face.
Scarlet nodded, a faint smile on her face.
Rapunzel let out a warm smile.
And as for Andersen...
He chuckled and said, "I think that's a bit early, Burningum. Red Hood isn't here yet."
Burningum paused. "...I beg your pardon?"
Andersen laughed. "So even you can be caught off guard, huh?" He pulled over the chair and sat down, kicking his legs up on the table. "It's a long story. But let's just say the only one we're missing is my son's mother, Lilith."
Burningum slowly blinked. Then he furrowed his brow, clearly running some mental calculations. Then he said, "...I see. Yes, that would explain Rapi's anomalous readings, as well as why Ingrid kept her files redacted. Of course, considering Commander Hoopa would never allow Rapi to be harmed, I presume he found a way to separate Red Hood from Rapi?"
Andersen looked amused and said, "You're as sharp as ever... a shame about your weight."
Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Really, Commander? You're going to make a jab at a man's weight?"
Burningum just chuckled and said, "Well, the weight does come in handy when it comes to interacting with others." He lightly tapped his belly and said, "It's quite easy to underestimate a man who doesn't seem to be able to even run down the corridor, you know?"
Dorothy paused. Then she gave Burningum an understanding look. "Ah. You've had to deal with Commander's antics all these years. ...My condolences."
Burningum waved his hand and said, "No need. He's been an idol of mine since my grandfather introduced us. It's an honor to be able to banter with him... but let us focus on the matter at hand, shall we?" He composed himself and looked at Andersen. "Considering you brought them all here, Andersen, may I presume you're making your own moves?"
"...Yeah." Andersen nodded and pulled his legs down, sitting up straight. "Last time, we missed the Queen because of Anachiro. And also because we were the only ones that could fight. But this time, we have my genius of a son who inherited his mother's ridiculous combat capabilities as well as my astounding intuition. Somehow. So we can clear it in one go."
Dorothy spoke up and said, "Even if not for our nephew-"
Burningum tilted his head. "Nephew? ...Ah, I suppose Commander Hoopa would consider the Goddess Squad as his aunts... Carry on."
"...As I was saying, even if not for our nephew aiding us here in the Goddess Squad, Eden will definitely align with us. At least when it comes to defeating the Rapture Queen." Dorothy hesitated and said, "...Saving or helping the Ark is a lost cause. But if it's just us, the Goddess Squad, and the Commander... it should be fine."
Snow White adjusted her scarf and looked over at Dorothy. "Are you sure Johan and Inherit will help?"
Scarlet frowned. "Not to doubt your claims, Dorothy. But from the last I recall, New Hope was quite adamant about reclaiming the surface on his own."
Rapunzel looked concerned and said, "And isn't Eden meant to be a paradise? If its main forces are deployed, won't its citizens be in danger?"
"That's true." Dorothy nodded. "However..." She shifted her gaze to Andersen and said, "Our Commander is back. And his son... our nephew, already succeeded beyond Eden's wildest dreams." She sighed. "I hate to admit it, but the Outpost is already beyond Eden in terms of being a paradise between Nikkes and Humans. Although Cecil brought Eden's technology decades ahead of the Ark's..." She furrowed her brow. "...Our nephew has technology that nobody has even conceived."
Snow White chuckled. "You're still caught up on the food fabricator, aren't you, Dorothy?"
Dorothy blushed. "Wh-What? As if! A-And wouldn't that be you? I saw how many donuts you printed!"
"I'm not ashamed to admit it. I'm a foodie. But I saw you print out tiramisu, cheese cakes, cookies, caramel fudge brownies..."
"Q-Quiet! Now is not the time for that!"
Burningum smiled, watching the Goddess Squad banter.
Andersen smiled as well, looking amused. "Everything you dreamed of, huh, old friend?"
"And more. And more." Burningum let out a soft sigh. "...If Grandfather or my Aunt were here to see this..."
Andersen paused. "...Huh. Actually, that's a good point."
Burningum blinked. "What is?"
"...Hey, Snow." Andersen looked over at Snow White. "You talked with Red for a bit about how her body works, right? And Scarlet, you talked with your sister about how she's alive, right?"
Snow White frowned. "...Yes, Commander. But why?"
Scarlet tilted her head. "...I did indeed speak with my eldest sister about her continued existence. But for what matters would you like to know about it?"
Andersen slowly blinked. "...Still getting used to that weird speech pattern again. But anyway." He clapped his hands and said, "Pretty's body exists still. It was converted into an armament by the V.T.C., but considering that my genius kid managed to revive Red Hood... do you think he could do the same for her?"
Silence.
Burningum was the first to break it. "...Andersen."
"Yeah?"
"...You want to test the limits. Don't you?"
"...I dunno what you're talking about." Andersen idly played with his glasses.
Scarlet and Rapunzel looked confused.
But Snow White and Dorothy caught on.
Snow White spoke first. "...You want Lilith back."
Dorothy spoke next and said, "...And her body is in Eden. Commander... are you suggesting...?"
"...I'm not suggesting anything." Andersen spoke with a calm voice. "I'm just saying that we should see if my kid can pull off some more miracles. If not, fine. But if he can... well." He smiled. "...Wouldn't it be nice? To rewrite this tragedy with a happy ending in the sequel?"