Nikke: Nullable Type

The Fitness Club on the Outpost. A few hours after the intervention.

"...And that's why I'm grounded."

I sighed as I put a few plates on the benchpress for Ark Ranger Black.

Ark Ranger Black chuckled as she got into position and said, "It's understandable." She placed her hands on the benchpress bar while she waited for me to get in position to spot her. As she did, she said, "Your drive for justice and heroism is inspiring, Commander. But there's a difference between being a hero and being a martyr."

A soft chuckle echoed from nearby as Ark Ranger Blue walked over, holding a smoothie. She took a sip from it and said, "That's pretty ironic coming from you, Black."

Ark Ranger Black blushed and said, "I-I know better now. A hero is only as helpful as they are when they're healthy." After that, she started her workout set.

I held my hands under the bar to help spot her, and said, "I'm not trying to be a martyr or anything. It just literally never crossed my mind that it might be bad if I was like bleeding out."

Ark Ranger Blue rolled her eyes and raised her cup towards me. "And that right there is why Black has such a crush on you. The two of you get along like peas in a pod."

Ark Ranger Black gasped and almost dropped the benchpress bar.

But I managed to help her move it to the safety rack before it fell on her.

Ark Ranger Black immediately sat up, her face a deep red. "I-I-I do NOT have a crush on Commander Hoopa!"

"Riiight. Sure you don't. Just like how Red doesn't still yearn to be a real life hero."

"Bluuue!"

I chuckled and said, "Well, even if you do, I'm afraid it'll have to be on a waitlist. I'm already in hot water with all the lovely ladies who love me, so if I start any more drama, I might actually get strapped into bed for a year."

Ark Ranger Black huffed and grabbed a nearby towel. "I'm taking a shower!"

Ark Ranger Blue teased and said, "Better make it a cold one~"

Ark Ranger Black dashed off without a response.

I smiled and said, "She's cute."

Ark Ranger Blue raised an eyebrow and said, "Should a man with a child on the way be making comments like that about other women?"

"Probably not. But it's objectively true, isn't it?"

Ark Ranger Blue laughed. "Oh, you're a dangerous one." She sipped on her smoothie and said, "Bold, shameless, and with a silver tongue that whispers sweet nothings... you would make a killing in the entertainment industry."

"I think that if I worked for Tetra Line, I'd be making a killing in more than one way considering how Mustang operates..."

Ark Ranger Blue laughed again. "Witty too. Mmhm..." She sipped on her smoothie and said, "I feel sorry for Anis. She's going to be fighting off women from her man with a stick and it's still not going to work. Especially when the man himself isn't the sort to say no."

"I mean, I would say no. But if I objectively can make a gal feel loved and treat them better than other guys..."

At that time, Rapunzel's voice echoed from nearby. "And that is the greed spoken about in the Bible, Commander." She giggled as she walked over, wearing tight yoga pants and a sleeveless black top. "...But I don't judge. Why don't you confess your sins to your dear Aunt- Gyack?!"

Snow White tugged Rapunzel back by the collar of her shirt and said, "Don't mind her, Nephew."

Like Rapunzel, Snow White had changed into work-out attire, wearing a plain white t-shirt and gray sweatpants.

Because of that, I realized that Snow White's right arm, which I thought had sleek black armor over it, was completely mechanical. "Huh. Is that a prosthetic?"

Snow White let Rapunzel go and then nodded, looking proud. "That's right." She tapped her prosthetic right hand and said, "Repurposed Rapture components, but with biometric and haptic feedback. It's mechanical, but to me, it might as well be flesh."

"Interesting..." I rubbed my chin, already getting ideas in my head.

Snow White noticed and said, "...Don't tell me you're planning to become someone like Darth Vader with all his implants."

"...No. Well, maybe if I could use the Force. But no. I was just curious since Syuen- I mean, since 'Wisteria' is in a similar boat."

Snow White raised an eyebrow. "There's a Nikke under your command with cybernetic prosthetics?"

"Not really cybernetic... It's hard to explain. Have a chat about it with Sophia if you have time. It might be useful."

After that brief comment, I decided to quickly make a retreat since Rapunzel was giving me literal heart eyes.

===

While I was leaving the Fitness Center, and having finished my workout for the day, I was planning to head back to the recycling center to see if I could help speed up the research on how to synthesize a compatible blood transfusion type for me.

But it seemed like my dear aunts and Pops knew me well now, since I was intercepted by Scarlet and Rose.

Scarlet nodded at me and smiled. "Ah, there you are, dearest Nephew."

Unlike usual, Scarlet was wearing a black and red checkered croptop hoodie over-

...Practically nothing at all.

It looked like it used to be a leather one-piece bodysuit in the past. But there were giant holes all over it, like it was deliberately cut out to show off her body in the kinkiest way possible, leaving only just the barest bits behind for modesty.

I did a double take and said, "...Uh. Not to judge. But do you... like wearing that?"

Scarlet smiled and said, "This garb was wrought for dancing with blades. A fine make, verily."

"...Right."

Rose sighed and said, "She was inspired by something she saw in one of Red Hood's books. Apparently, it looked comfortable." She gestured towards Scarlet's outfit and said, "...She cut the holes out herself."

Scarlet nodded. "T'was a bit of a waste in terms of material. However." She twisted and turned, gesturing at how her outfit didn't strain in the slightest... somehow. "It is quite a sight to behold, is it not? Movement, maneuvering, mobility... all three are present in this attire."

I couldn't help but stare. Mostly because it looked like the material was hanging on for dear life and one swift breeze away from a full wardrobe malfunction. "Uh. Right." I coughed and averted my gaze.

Rose noticed and teased me. Wrapping her arms around Scarlet's shoulders, she said, "Oh, Commander~ Are you enraptured by my lovely younger sister's trained physique? Or is it her curves~"

Scarlet blushed and quickly shoved Rose off. "R-Rose! Pray thee cease thine- Kyah?!"

Rose pulled her finger back after poking Scarlet's ribs. "Got you~"

"Tsk! Even to this day, you rely on cheap tricks..."

Rose chuckled, letting Scarlet compose herself. In the meanwhile, she looked at me and said, "Anyway, Commander!" She gave me a pointed look and said, "Is it true? Are you not able to receive blood transfusions if you're injured? If so, I have to say you're awfully brave to still be rushing into combat against the Raptures with just a sword."

I coughed. "Well... I have faith in my armor? And senses?"

Scarlet stared at me and said, "...Is that so?" An amused smirk crossed her face. "...Then I suppose it falls unto me to test your skills personally, dear nephew."

Rose's eyes lit up. "Oh, this will be good~"

===

Late in the evening. Central Government Office headquarters.

There, Andersen, Burningum, Dorothy, Ingrid, Mustang, and 'Syuen' had gathered for a discussion with Enikk about events going forward in the Ark.

Specifically...

"You wish to declare the Third Surface Reclamation War?" Enikk tilted her head as she looked at Andersen.

They had all gathered together in the war room in the depths of the Central Government Office building, seated around the 'U' shaped table with Enikk at the head via a holographic display.

Andersen nodded and said, "That's right. Not this instant, but we should at least begin the preparations for it. Morale is high, my son has set enough seeds to make the citizens of the Ark think it's possible, and we have an excess amount of resources for once due to both the recaptured Fifth Weapons Depot as well as the power plant."

Burningum nodded and said, "I second the notion." He shifted his gaze to Dorothy and let out a warm smile. "Considering that the Goddesses themselves have returned to grace the Ark's presence, if not now, then when?"

Enikk was quiet, frowning as she ran through calculations in her head.

'Syuen' rolled her eyes and looked at her fingernails. "What's the hold up, scrapbucket? It's a simple calculation. The Ark has resources. The Raptures are on the backfoot. And we've expanded means to fight beyond just Nikkes with that Commander's power armor development."

Mustang glanced at Syuen. It was clear that he didn't quite trust her... but it seemed that he agreed with her words as he nodded and said, "Oui. The Commandant has set the board quite well, no? Though we should take spécial measures to make sure, there is no reason to delay, oui?."

Ingrid rubbed her side, still recovering from her injuries. Even so, her eyes were wide in excitement as she said, "We're really going to do it, huh? We're finally launching another surface reclamation war..."

Andersen looked amused and said, "I suppose you, of all people would be the most excited for it."

Burningum glanced over at Dorothy and said, "Lady Dorothy. You had mentioned that Eden would be amenable to cooperation... how amenable?"

"Hm?" Dorothy paused. "...Well, I doubt they would ever work directly with the Ark. There is just a bit too much bad blood there... and if I'm being honest, I don't really want to work with the Ark either. But since Commander himself is deploying again, and since my reckless Nephew will rush onto the field unless we can convince him it's fine..." She hummed and said, "I'll return shortly and have a proper discussion. But I don't anticipate any resistance as long as Eden can acquire some land for itself."

'Syuen' clicked her tongue and said, "Eden wants to just hang on and reap the rewards without doing much, huh?"

Dorothy wrinkled her nose and said, "I said no such thing. I am simply saying that it would be best if the Ark and Eden each reclaimed their own territories... though trade with resources and intelligence would not be out of the question."

'Syuen' crossed her arms and looked smug. "Well, in that case, if the Ark manages on its own, then there's no need to give up any territory, is there? Missilis has plenty of cutting edge technology to deploy still."

"You...!"

"Enough." Andersen cut it off and said, "Bickering about land is pointless. The Third Surface Reclamation war is mostly to put the citizens at ease." His blue eyes sharpened and he said, "The goal is still the Queen."

A tense silence fell over the war room at Andersen's words.

Even 'Syuen' settled down, looking focused.

Andersen continued and said, "I recently received intel from a trusted source. Despite Goddess's failed attempt to engage in battle against the Rapture Queen, a certain force did. Because of that, the connection between the Lift and the space station was severed."

Burningum's eyes widened before narrowing in calculation. "...I see. That would explain why the old accounts of Rapture attacks differ so much from the current situation."

Andersen nodded. "Correct. Back then... it was definitely close to infinite." He let out a frustrated sigh. "There were so many Raptures that it was like trying to hold back the ocean with a paper cup. But... it's different now. We don't know the exact situation, but we're definitely in a situation magnitudes better than when Goddess first set out."

Dorothy nodded. "That's right. As Commander said, it should be possible to win. Moreover... I cannot give the full details. But if necessary, Eden should be able to help with a decisive blow against the Rapture Queen as well, so long as we can draw her lower into the atmosphere."

Mustang's eyes lit up and he said, "A battle in le Space... Oui. What better opportunity to deploy the stars, non?" He rubbed his chin. "The commandant spoke of le 'megazord'... giant mechanical animals that shapeshift into mechanical robots. I had started plans for some to use for the Ark Rangers show... but it appears that it would be best to seriously develop some, no?"

Andersen's eyes lit up. "You have megazord plans?"

"*We* have megazord plans, mon amie." Mustang winked.

'Syuen' rolled her eyes. "Why bother waste so much material and resources when we can just make the Ark fly?"

Ingrid shook her head. "Too risky. Even if we could get the Ark spacebound, there are Raptures that would target it. Gluttony still exists somewhere out there."

Andersen paused. "Gluttony... Gluttony." He rubbed his chin. "...Where have I heard that before?"

Dorothy frowned. "...It was the reason why the United Forces of Humanity didn't use ICBMs or nuclear weapons, Commander. And why Lilith never got too close to the Lift after we fought Anachiro. That energy eating Rapture made its base near the floor of the Lift."

Andersen paused. "...I remember now. That's right. But that's not why it's familiar."

"Hm?" Dorothy tilted her head. "Then what are you talking about?"

Andersen snapped his fingers. "Right. Siren mentioned that Gluttony spat them out."

Silence.

Then 'Syuen' slammed her hand on the table. "Gluttony spat something out?! No, not something... Gluttony spat *Nikkes* out?!"

Andersen shrugged. "I guess?"

Burningum massaged his temple. "Old friend. Could you be serious? I understand that you've regained some vigor, but you ARE a Deputy Chief."

"Right, right. Sorry." Andersen chuckled. Then he focused. "But yes. Gluttony may not be as much of a threat as we believed... More on that later. Since we still need to treat Absolute and deal with the Heretic-converted Exotic squad, attacking the Queen and launching the Third Surface Reclamation war will take some time. A more pressing concern is resolving the situation within the Ark."

Mustang sat up straight, looking serious. "Oui. Although le commandant helped resolve ze tensions from the breach, it must still be addressed."

Burningum nodded. "CEO Mustang is correct. Moreover, everyone saw the return of the Goddess Squad." He looked amused and said, "It was quite hard to ignore considering how all of you descended like true goddesses back into the Ark from above."

Ingrid frowned and said, "...They also saw Absolute being corrupted and the Heretic versions of Exotic."

'Syuen' clicked her tongue and said, "How annoying... They're going to blame Missilis about this, aren't they? That'll make things more difficult considering we're using all our resources..."

At that time, Enikk spoke up. "I have a proposal."

Andersen glanced at Enikk and said, "Go ahead, Enikk."

"Why not just blame Doban? He abused his authority to deploy commanders and mass-produced Nikkes to exterminate the Outer Rim. And it was only stopped by Commander Hoopa's actions. Moreover, he appeared to be acting according to insider information and has the sufficient authority to be have framed a breach in the Dome of Eternity to blame Heavenly Ascension."

Silence filled the room.

And then 'Syuen' looked amused and said, "Is Enikk, the impartial judge of the Ark and meant to work towards the benefit of humanity... Is she really suggesting to toss a Deputy Chief into the fire to clean up this mess? Without looking into the real root cause?"

Enikk calmly responded and said, "Deputy Chief Doban has committed enough wrongs to qualify for execution already. Moreover, in a situation where he should have deployed resources to protect the Ark citizens, he redeployed them for his personal interests. A threat such as this should be neutralized. And if a means to neutralize such a threat as well as gain utility arises, it should be performed, should it not?"

Burningum tapped his fingers on the desk and said, "...It's rational. I see no error in this judgment."

Ingrid pursed her lips. "...I don't like Doban. But to pin him for all of this..."

Mustang shrugged, his eyes cold behind his sunglasses. "Deputy Chief Doban deployed quite a few of my girls from Tetra Line in his latest act. They were mass-produced Nikkes, oui. But they were my girls. And he also planned to take out my Queens." He nodded to Enikk. "You have my vote for it."

'Syuen' hummed and said, "Well. This is letting the real culprit get away scotfree." She looked amused and said, "I suppose that lets them act bolder next time. It'll be easier to catch them then, so... Missilis approves."

Andersen placed his hand on his chin, thinking.

Enikk turned to him and said, "Deputy Chief Andersen?"

Dorothy glanced at Andersen and rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you're going to take the high road on this, Commander? Weren't you the one who took out all of V.T.C. after you woke up from your coma?"

'Syuen' flinched.

Something everyone except for Ingrid noticed.

But nobody commented on it.

Instead, they waited for Andersen's response to Enikk.

And when he did respond...

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking that we'll need to be careful about how we frame Doban being responsible."

Dorothy raised an eyebrow. "...I'm surprised you'd be that considerate. Is it to save face for the Central Government?"

"Hm?" Andersen chuckled. "No. I'm just worried that if we make it too convincing, my dear son might come down here himself to make an example out of Doban considering that would mean, indirectly, Doban is responsible for putting Marian and her unborn child in danger."

Silence filled the room.

And then Andersen realized what he just said. "Ah. I forgot. That hasn't come out yet, has it?"

Dorothy groaned. "No, Commander. It hasn't. My dear Nephew has been very private about that fact for obvious reason..."

Andersen chuckled. "Ah, well. All the more reason to make sure we resolve this properly then before my son decides to run a coup."

"SHOULD YOU BE JOKING ABOUT THAT, COMMANDER?!"

"I'm just saying, there was a point in my career where I considered it, so I KNOW my son has actual working plans to do it."

"COMMANDEEEEER!"

Burningum let out a long and exhausted sigh.