Last time I was an assistant, I think I was still thirteen or fourteen, treating people with my mum. Of course, I can do much more than hand out herbals and sing well-wishing verses now. If you need my help, ask away! Don't be shy.

I think I've seen a few new faces this time after returning to Rhodes Island. Dr. {@nickname}, how does it feel to have more and more people under you? Do you feel that brimming and bursting vitality? We always say back home, rage against death with new life.

Rhodes Island Bridge-Climbing Competition? Dr. Kal'tsit shut that down midway, didn't she? Citing lack of safety ropes for all the contestants and so on. Well, I wasn't that likely to win it, and the look on Dr. Kal'tsit's face was a much greater sight to see anyway.

You look put out with all these reports on your desk. Don't worry, if there's any danger, I'll know it by the scent. But! If you just don't want to work, I can't help you there.

Of course it's much easier to gather intel when you're a lone operator. But every time I'm in the country, I pick a bag full of berries while I'm free, and I think to myself, maybe I want someone to share with after all. Otherwise, I've got no one to tell me how great I am at picking.

You get the sense I served from how I work? You only got that impression from seeing my files. Service members come in all shapes and sizes, too. Some only like to read and research their comms tech, some spend all day dreaming about going on holidays in the city to see idol concerts...

Dr. {@nickname}, you might be covering your face, but I can tell you've perked up a lot more compared to when you came back from Chernobog. But if you spend the whole time under this low of a ceiling, your mind'll get dull. Head out onto the deck every now and then. Get some fresh air. It's good for you.

When I looked after the ill back home, I ran across a couple Infected calling themselves 'Reunion'... and then I got into a fight with them. I can't stand it, seeing those children with firelight in their eyes lost in all the pointless violence, about to burn themselves through.

Those who depart us receive the land's forgiveness, and rest in her embrace... but some people go too quickly, the roots of the forests of their homes unable to hold onto their hands. Was that not like me, being so serious? You really should've seen me when I worked back home.

Not sure if the Doctor's a light sleeper... I'd better stand watch quietly.

Nice to meet you, Doctor. Call me Quercus. It's the first time we've met, but the intel on your desk about northern Victoria is straight from me... What, even you're going to tell me my reports aren't standard?

I wish I'd learned all this a little earlier.

What's this promotion come out of nowhere for? My candied fruit must make a strong impression.

In my hometown, you had to make a choice with Originium Arts. Whether to terrorize others, or to aid them... The result of my greed was that I couldn't commit properly to either. Even so, would you still have faith in me?

As long as it's your decision, I'll have no objections.

It's a major responsibility.

Shouldn't we consider marching routes other than on the ground?

The more defined a battle's goal is, the clearer tactics become.

Will the land shake with fury, or display her mercy?

If you're still hesitating, I can give some advice.

I will stand guard here.

Beginning collection of battlefield information.

The land will forgive all in the end, but not now.

The wind blows through; the leaves tell stories of those who sleep.

Arbor, reach your hands to me.

I remember your face as well, now.

Wow, incredible! I've got the urge to snap a formal salute just to show my respect.

That was a perfect operation! Once we're back, dinner will taste even better.

They can't be running far. Do you plan to pursue?

It's alright, let me organize the retreat. I leave our next counterattack to you.

It always feels a little hard to catch my breath when I'm shut in here for long.

Oh? Are you as much of a prank-lover as all those kids?

You want to hear me sing? Do you know who our songs are sung for? Usually, it's for the gravely ill.

Arknights.

Happy New Year, Doctor! I've brought candied berries, canned home-style sandworms, and some rose-filled flower biscuits, all specialties from Victoria. Pick out what takes your fancy, Dr.{@nickname}? My homebrewed fruit wine's done fermenting too, so you'll want to taste as soon as you can, or else your share will be gone before you know it!

You're back here in your office again, Dr. {@nickname}. Have you refreshed your body and mind well?

New buds break through the soil, and tender flowers blossom from vines, while those branches that have grown shelter and surround them, protecting them from the elements. Whether Rhodes Island, or back home, that is always what I hope to be—like the branches, a shelter for the young children.