While you were out, I tried to sort the documents on your desk for you... It shames me to admit it, but... I haven't made much progress when it comes to desk work.

I ran into Franka and Liskarm on my way to the dorms. Even though I hadn't seen them in so long, we talked like we were never apart... Um, Doctor, do you think, maybe, I c-could apply to serve on missions with them?

I don't have as much money on hand these days. I argued with my father a lot about pioneering in the barrenlands. And so... I stopped drawing from the family trust fund. But I can still earn some money out there pioneering, at least enough to maintain my equipment.

When I was little, everyone always had so much on their plates. Only my retired grandfather could stay at home with me. He would tell me stories about his time in the army, so that he can cheer me up this way. Even though his past never stopped tormenting him, he was still willing to fluff it into tidy little stories, just to make me smile.

There was a soirée a while ago where someone brought up the war in Victoria. I chimed in with my own experiences. Only a few words, but enough to ruin everyone's time. You know, Doctor, that was the moment I finally realized why Blacksteel mercenaries rarely talk about themselves.

I'm nominally still employed by Blacksteel, but it's been a while since I've done any mercenary work. No, it's not that I regret the decision I made back then; I'm just tired of responding to disaster, always one step behind. This time, I want to be there to protect something from the beginning.

Doctor... Would you mind coming to the training room with me? I don't need a spotter, it's just... new operators keep coming to me for advice, and facing them alone makes me feel a— a little nervous.

Oh... You want to know about the flower on my chest? Actually... it wasn't an accessory to begin with. It was a shard of metal that got lodged in my leg. After it was surgically removed, I... decided to turn it into a buttonhole flower instead of throwing it away. Y-Yeah, I guess it is kinda weird. I'm not sure what I was thinking.

I know now that there's no shame in crying... or having a soft heart. If you're sad about something you can't put into words, why not express your feelings with tears? It's part of being human, so there's nothing to be ashamed of. Um... Am I right, Doctor?

You look a little worse for wear every time I see you... Are you doing alright these days, Doctor?

It's been a while since we last met, Doctor. I'm glad there's still something I can do for you. That's right, I have changed a lot. If you could find the time, I'd love to sit down with you and catch up...

I just dug up my old combat records, which proved to be pretty useful. Comparing my before-and-after, I at least know what mistakes I shouldn't be making again. Ugh, I really looked like a... bumbling idiot back then.

I'm just glad to receive your acknowledgement, Doctor. The rewards are secondary.

Doctor, are you giving me a promotion? Then, can I... make a teensy tiny extra request? It's nothing big, just... Can I... have a hug?

Come in, Commander, this is Jessica. On the line and ready to roll.

Rally on me.

ETA six mikes.

Hostiles sighted, over.

In position.

Roger, wilco.

I'm headed into the thick of it.

With all of you behind me, I won't take a single step back.

Drawing a bead on the target.

Don't come any closer…

Requesting permission to fire.

Be adviced. Target… eliminated.

No resting on your laurels now... We've got more fighting ahead of us.

That was close, I almost... A-Anyway, good thing I managed to pull through in the end... Sorry, Doctor. Please, give me a minute. I need to get my emotions under control.

I think... a minor setback is no big deal. It's already enough that none of our people got hurt.

Doctor, an apology doesn't even begin to cut it... I'll try to make up for this failure on subsequent operations.

How I miss the time I spent on this landship... If only I could've stayed longer...

Go ahead, Doctor.

You looked a little surprised shaking my hand just now... D-Did my calluses scare you, Doctor?

Arknights.

For me, Doctor, it's already like a dream, get to sit here with you and say 'happy new year'. I remember that time in Bolívar, the only thing I had to share the New Year with was a gun thiiiiiiiis big. Yeah, bigger than me.

Glad to see you again, Doctor.

Goals and achievements to score in the future, those were what I used to be so preoccupied with. But my experiences in recent years have shattered those fantasies. It's already good enough, if you can grant some happiness and dignity to the people around you.