Command Center

Master?

Master, how do I look?

Right?

There was no water in the bathroom in our dorm, so I tried to fix the pipes and ended up like this.

I also wasn't able to fix anything. We still have no water.

So, I came here to take a bath.

I'm sure your bathroom's water is fine.

Thanks a lot, Master.

Ha... This feels so good.

Thanks for letting me use your bathroom. I'm going back.

Okay. Have a good rest, Master.

Commander!!

It's unfair! It can't be only Neon who gets to borrow your bathroom!

I want to use it too! BATH-ROOM!

Don't mind if I do!

Whoa! Hot water!

La la la ♪ La la la la la ♪

Nikke ♪ saying hello to you ♪

Nikke Nikke Ni... ♪

Niiiiiiii... ♪ KKeeeeee... ♪

Ah, feels so good!

Commander, do you have anything to drink?

Oh, is that soda? My, my, my. You've got good stuff in here!

This is so nice of you, Commander! You're so cool!

Aaahh!

Ah, so nice!

Can I come again next time?

Thanks. Sleep tight, Commander.

Commander? I am coming in.

Sorry to bother you...

... Huh?

... Thanks for your concern, but now's not the time.

We have 30 minutes until the start of the operation.

Please get ready and come downstairs ASAP.

See you.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday!!

Happy birthday.

Judging by the look on your face, you didn't expect a thing.

It's a surprise birthday party, just for you!

Now then, time to hand out the presents!

It's been a long time since I've gotten a gift for anyone, so I put a lot of thought into it...

And I came to the conclusion that nothing is better than firepower!

It's something near and dear to my heart, so make sure you open it when no one else is around.

You should have told us it's your birthday!

I was running around like a headless chicken getting this present ready.

It's nothing expensive, so don't get too excited.

I hope you like what I got you.

We're not being deployed tomorrow, so you can sit back and relax.

Happy birthday, Commander.

You can thank Emma for the cake.

I bumped into her on the way of buying a cake.

But she insisted on making it herself.

She was so bummed that she couldn't

be here in person.

Quick, before the candles go out.

All the candles go out.

Then!!

You look really shocked! Haha!

But then again, it is a surprise party.

I saw that you'd circled the

date on your calendar.

You only do that if it's a special day.

So I figured it must be your birthday!

Isn't that right?

I knew I could count on my intuition!

You're such a blank slate right now. I was worried it wasn't your birthday.

We all spent a lot of time getting everything ready in time.

Should we continue then?

We've saved the best part for last.

Wait, it's not your birthday?

Then what was that date you circled on your calendar?

A... meeting?

I'm going to use a red heart to mark the days when we have to leave on an assignment.

Well, we did go through all this trouble getting you these gifts...

Let's just make today your birthday. What do you say, Commander?

Yeah, today's your new birthday!

Or if you'd prefer, we can just call it a surprise party.

It's important to enjoy yourself every once in a while.

Yay! Then let's do this!

Toss it, of course.

We can't eat a cake that Emma made.

I've always wanted to do that!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the main event!

You should see your face, Commander! Hahahaha!

...

Huh? W-wait, Master-

Ach!

Aw man, I just took a shower before you got back...

Food fight!

It's meeee!

I got the note you sent me.

I can hardly believe you called for me so late at night.

I see you're finally ready to spend the night together!

Haha, don't be shy.

Now, then...

Should we get started? It is rather late, after all.

Hm? What's wrong?

Oh...!

I'm sorry, I was too hasty.

I'll go wash up. Just wait here for a bit.

I know you won't be running away from your own room,

but if I didn't do this, I'd feel nervous.

You understand, right?

Just a moment, my love.

Believer, I'm coming in.

Didn't keep you waiting, did I?

My apologies, I was somewhat taken aback by your note.

I didn't realize you were so... forward.

Well then, shall we begin?

Gasp...!

What is this on your wrist?!

And your shirt is open!

I didn't realize you were into this kind of thing.

Sure, I'll help remove it for you, hehehe!

Oh come now, it's more fun this way.

...!

You really don't waste time, do you?

My oh my... just what kind of a night do you have planned for me?

Take as much time as you need, I'll wait.

I'll stay under the covers, no matter what.

Hey, Rookie! I came as soon as I finished work.

Got held up in meetings, you know how it is.

Huh?

What's going on here?

What's with the rope? And your shirt is half open...

No need to rush, the night is still young!

Let me take a shower first...

Hmm?

Is the shower already running?

You didn't...

Well, I suppose hearing the shower running

in the background does lend a certain atmosphere.

So absent-minded! You really must not want to waste any time!

You're quite the sly old fox, you know that?

Well then, let me "help" you as you asked.

What's wrong?

Huh?

...

Oh!

You naughty little devil! It'll be too cold outside.

Then again, it's the middle of the night, so no one will see.

I'll play along.

Let's go to the rooftop.

*Zing*

Privaty?

Y-Yan? What are you doing here?

I could ask you the same thing!

The Commander asked me to come.

What?

You're a fox all right, the most cunning of them all!

I'm not the only one you called over?

Oh, Oh my gosh...

Commander! What is going on here?

You didn't...

already start with Yan before I arrived, did you?

I'm afraid not.

We were about to head outside for some fun, then I ran into you.

What of it?

Hmph...

I didn't know it would be the three of us, but I'm not opposed to it.

Let's go.

Wait.

I'm sorry, I know you told me to stay under the covers.

But I need an explanation.

...

I see you're quite popular with the ladies.

I need to take you somewhere so we can be alone.

...der!

...mander! Are you... okay?

Commander, are you awake?

Yes, Commander.

Yes?

I heard a loud banging sound, so I came rushing over.

It looks like you fell from your bed. Are you okay?

Did you have a bad dream?

Hello, No. 7. I'm here for your regular checkup.

Or should I say experiment?

Whatever. I'm exhausted. Just take this medicine so we can get this over with.

It doesn't matter.

It's always been like this.

Oh, these?

I've gotten used to them by now.

Syuen gave us a week's worth of work yesterday, and they're due by the end of today.

*Yawn* Thanks to her, I haven't gotten a wink of sleep.

Thanks, that'd be nice.

Coffee is a lifesaver for anyone working overtime

Coffee. Here.

Hey, Burly Bear! It's been a while.

I heard there was some kind of wonder drug in the Ark that helps you sleep,

so I came here looking for it.

Turns out, I ran into someone delivering the very thing I was looking for!

That's the stuff!

I think you may be barking up the wrong tree.

Coffee is loaded with caffeine. It's designed to keep you awake, not help you fall asleep.

?

No. Not Cream Coffee.

Drink it. Sleep heavy.

Here. Look.

...

I'd like to see this.

If this works, we'll be spitting in the face of years of scientific evidence.

One gulp. Important.

Zzzzz...

...!!

Huh?

This is most intriguing.

To be fair, outliers like Frima shouldn't be factored into the equation.

She always falls asleep the moment her head rests on some kind of surface.

Hmm...

How about I test it out?

I know, I sleep an awful lot.

However, I just had a great cat nap in the elevator on the way here.

If I drink this and it doesn't put me to sleep, that'll prove it's not all it's cracked up to be.

Very well.

I'm a busy woman, so let's get this show on the road.

You got it!

Whoa... this stuff... is...

Zzzzz...

...!!

What on earth?

Have they laced this with tranquilizers or something?

...

Then I can't find a rational explanation for this phenomenon.

Should I ask HQ to inspect the ingredients?

No, we're busy enough as is...

You and I can taste-test it.

If this coffee really does contain sleep inducers, then it'll negatively affect my work performance, but...

You of all people should know, No. 7. At M.M.R., our curiosity is insatiable.

What do you want, a written contract?

Come on, consider it a favor to a researcher who's hungry for the truth.

I'll go first.

...

I feel like I'm burning up.

My heart is racing. My body feels amped up.

This stuff is clearly loaded with caffeine.

What about you, No. 7?

Mas----ter----!!

Let's----hang out----!!

Master, Master!

The Maid Cafe isn't open today, so I don't have to tend to any customers.

Waddya say we go there and play house?

I can be the Mom, and you can be the Dad.

I'll make us a delicious omurice with ketchup.

Of course it does.

Ingredients so precious that they can't be found anywhere.

It's okay.

Any maid worth her salt is good at waiting,

and that includes me.

Sure, I'll go amuse myself outside for a bit.

Newbie. Got a job for you.

HR wants you in charge of publicity for an upcoming government marketing event.

The event's in 3 days,

and the script is due tomorrow.

You think I don't know that?

When have our superiors ever had any consideration for us?

Do you have to ask?

Of all the commanders out there, you're the only one that's making a semblance of an impression.

Anyway, all the information you need is on this USB.

I leave the rest in your hands.

Master, what's our operation status? Over.

Please report, over.

...

It's okay.

A true maid never leaves a comrade behind.

I'll be at the back until your work is done.

Client, got something for you.

We've been ordered to provide a report detailing

exactly how all the supplies entering the Outpost are being utilized.

I'm in charge of distribution, but I don't know what each and every last item is meant for.

I was hoping you could help me write that down. Should be pretty common sense.

Yesterday.

It was supposed to be turned in yesterday. But if we say it was done by a human, we can get away with being a day late.

On that note, if you could complete it by midnight, that'd be great.

Well, I'm off. I've got a meeting at Royal Road in an hour.

Master, give me a status report.

No.

It's okay.

I knew this would happen.

So, I brought along plenty of napkins and crayons.

I'm going to make paper airplanes out of napkins and color them using crayons.

That way, the hours will fly by.

Okay. Good luck, Master.

Commander. I have something to report.

Sorry?

??

That's not what I came to tell you about.

Well...

You should step outside for a moment.

Zzzz...

Master and Cocoa...

Cafe... airplane party...

Sleeping like a baby.

What should we do?

Pit Boss!

Pit Boss!

We came because we missed you.

Also because we've got something to tell you!

Yep!

We like you, Pit Boss.

Not just as our superior, but really, honest-to-goodness like you.

Thanks to you,

I've learned what it means to be fond of someone.

So,

do you feel the same way about us?

C'mon!

We just confessed how we feel about you, Pit Boss.

Don't you feel the same way about us?

Huh?

Which part doesn't make sense?

If you don't like us,

or if we've made you uncomfortable...

Of course!

If you like me, then you'll obviously fancy Noir as well.

And vice versa.

Duh!

According to who?

Who cares what society thinks of us?

We like you, so what's wrong with you liking us back?

Don't worry about what other people think.

Well?

What's it gonna be, Pit Boss?

...!

Woohoo!

What happens next is that the three of us

live happily ever after.

Um...

Th-there was something I wanted to do if the three of us all felt the same way about each other.

A luck...

recharge!

No, that won't suffice anymore.

The three of us are one now,

so just holding hands won't cut the mustard.

We've gotta take it to the next level.

Yeah, something more intense.

We'll teach you.

Noir and I have been wanting to do this with you for a while,

so we practiced really hard.

It'll probably be comfortable if we all lie down on the bed.

Now, spread your fingers like this...

Wowee, you've got big hands, Pit Boss. Your fingers are super long, too.

That'll help with the recharge.

Now, just put your hand here on Noir.

That's it!

J-just not so tight...

As for your other hand, that'll go here, on me.

Gently now.

That's the spot.

You're a natural at this.

Now, if I do it gently like so...

Sssh!

Everything that happens here is our little secret.

Kept between you, me, and Noir.

So,

you've got to keep quiet.

It'll only complicate things if someone from outside hears.

Noir and I will keep our voices down as well.

Now, let's top you up for real this time.

We're here, Commander.

Heya, Old-Timer!

Have you eaten yet?

Aw man, you've already eaten?

Oh, no worries at all!

We've got some yummy desserts with us too.

Phew, that's a relief!

We brought you some tasty treats, hehe.

It's dessert though, so it might not be the most filling thing.

Well...

Emma was teaching me how to bake cookies,

but I'm not great at it,

so I'm not entirely confident how good they are.

But... I still really, really wanted to share them with you, so I brought some!

Hehe, no problem!

Isn't Mica a cutie-pie?

Oh, and also...

Here, a little something from me.

While I was teaching her, I made some of my own as well.

Give them a try! They're fresh from the oven, so they should still be warm.

And they taste even better that way!

I've got an idea, Commander.

How about we spice things up a bit?

This way, you won't be sure which ones are baked by whom.

It'll add a bit of excitement.

We used different ingredients, so you'll be able to tell the difference right away!

Wow! That's like a quiz or something!

Sounds super fun, hehe.

I know, right?

Which one would you like to try first, Old-Timer?

Oh, I think that's the cookie I made!

I added a splash of lemon juice for that extra zing.

How is it?

Whoa, really?

I'm glad you like it!

... mander... Commander?

Are you okay, Old-Timer?

You suddenly passed out and gave us quite a scare!

Well, you look awfully exhausted,

so I added some ingredients into the cookies to help relieve your fatigue.

Go on, take another bite, I promise it'll do wonders!

Which one would you like to try next?

Hello, Commander!

Sorry for being late! I was caught up finishing some tasks, and...

... Gasp!

Gah!

Look at all these bugs!

G-get away from there, Commander!

Let me take care of this!

T-take this, you pesky creepy crawlies!

Mission complete!

No! The cookies!

Oh dear...

What? That's impossible!

Those were 100% bugs. I saw it clear as day.

Wait a...

They really were cookies!

I-I'm so sorry!

Ah, Commander.

You're awake.

You must have been rather exhausted.

You've been sleeping for exactly 18 hours and 11 minutes.

I disagree. You've been bogged down with all manner of tasks ever since we got back to the Outpost.

This is a rare opportunity for you to relax, and you need plenty of rest.

I do.

I...

I was sitting here, resting.

Yes.

... Well, if I'm being honest,

something about this place felt a bit different, so I was looking around.

Nothing about this room has changed, but you were sleeping so soundly.

That seems to be the case.

We've spent a lot of time on the surface, where we can't afford to let our guard down even for a second.

But it's strange.

I've come back to the Ark after long spells up on the surface numerous times,

but I've never felt this way before.

Why do you think that is?

Familiar...

That makes sense.

The very fact that it's so familiar and comfortable makes it feel a bit strange to me, because I'm not used to feeling that way.

This feeling of peace here is worlds apart from the life we lead up on the surface.

Hmm...

...

Ah.

I think I understand a little now.

Perhaps it's because

I'm simply not used to things being so quiet.

Yes.

Usually you've got Anis noisily rummaging for a soda.

Neon passionately shouting about firepower.

Me letting out a belabored sigh as I watch them both.

And amidst it all, you smiling.

That's the kind of atmosphere I'm used to experiencing in this place.

Hehe.

But the fact it's so quiet now is what allowed you to sleep as long as you did.

Are you feeling recharged?

I'm glad to hear it.

Would you like to go somewhere together?

I'm still having a hard time adjusting to a tranquil Commander's Room.

Understood.

I'll wait outside.

Commander. You missed this section here.

It's perfectly alright.

When you're dealing with such a heavy workload, it's natural to lose your ability to concentrate fully.

That's why I'm here to help.

Hehe... go on, hurry up and finish what you've got in front of you.

It's not like I had a say in the matter!

Great work, Commander.

Once we're done here, I'll need to go file a report.

While I'm doing that, you'll be able to take a break.

...

After handling something mentally taxing,

it's important to take a breather before diving back in.

It might be boring for you to be on your own during a break.

If... if you'd like, I could join you.

Master Captain, are you here?

Hello, Master.

What else would a pair of maids be doing here?

We're paying you a visit to serve you.

What the...?

Why does this kind of stuff always happen when I'm around?

!

I get it now! You're plotting to force me into the maid business!

I knew it!

I'm not some mindless automaton, you know? I won't just do whatever you want me to.

I'm here as a member of the Central Government, not as a maid.

I don't care who you are, you can't force me into being a maid!

...

Although, if you asked me nicely,

I suppose I could dabble in it for a little while.

Jeez, Privaty, quit making a scene.

Haha, we didn't mean anything by it, Privaty.

Master has been incredibly busy for the past few days.

He hasn't been able to rest or eat properly, so we decided to come see him.

Oh... I-I see.

I'm sorry. I misunderstood.

No, you were spot on. We are paying a house call to provide maid services.

We just didn't know you'd be here.

But since you are, would you like to join us?

I don't know...

If we had a legendary maid like yourself chipping in, it'd be perfect.

... Did you say, "legendary maid"?

You mean you don't know?

At the Maid Cafe, you're a living legend.

What are you talking about?

Even though you became a maid against your will,

you nonetheless worked hard to satisfy the customers, and eventually became the best maid around.

AKA, a living legend!

...

I'm also striving to become a pro maid.

When it comes to embodying romance and adventure, I can't let anyone else show me up!

Gaze upon my majestic uniform, and weep!

...

Come on, don't be like that, Privaty.

Mast and everyone else all mean well.

... Hmph.

So, are you in or what?

Absolutely not! I already told you, I'm not a maid, but an employee of the Central Gover—

Wait!

?

A maid from the Central Government... I like the sound of that.

What are you talking about?

I recently read a manga about something like that.

There was a maid whose master worked in the Central Government.

She hid her identity and got a job in the Central Government in order to also assist her master while they were at work.

During the day, they were coworkers, boss and subordinate,

but after hours, she served as his maid.

The maid proved to be so capable, that she eventually went on to become her master's boss at work.

!

I certainly wouldn't consider the Commander my subordinate...

But that does sound intriguing.

...

Could you let me know the name of that manga?

Sure thing! I can also recommend you ones that are similar.

Master. Let me prepare you a meal first.

Hello?

Don't mind me, Mr. Gourmand!

Yes! Ms. Arcana asked me to help prepare the lunchboxes.

I had such a wonderful time with everyone at the M.M.R. Vocational School, so I wanted to pack them some lunches.

That's why I came to see you, Commander. I was hoping you could do a taste test.

Do you mind?

I figured you might be getting hungry around now anyway.

Thank you, Mr. Gourmand!

You can keep doing your work for now.

Once we're done making them, we'd love for you to give them a try!

Even to my eyes, these lunchboxes look very well made!

And they all pass the taste test too.

But the most impressive thing is how much heart and soul have been put into them.

Wow, really?

Hearing that from a professional really means something! Go me, hehe!

These are absolutely worth bragging about.

They're so perfectly made

that I think anyone who eats them will enjoy them.

Thanks for all your help, Crust.

You taught me so much today.

Not just about cooking, but also about how to plate the food beautifully.

It really made me realize how impressive you professionals are.

I'm super interested in cooking, so I really admire people who are skilled at it.

Think nothing of it! This is what I do, after all.

It's only natural for me to know what I'm doing, and even I have a lot left to learn.

I must say, your cooking skills are quite impressive, Ms. Arcana.

I was really surprised by how you handled the ingredients.

When you rolled the omelet, you didn't tear it even once.

And octopus-shaped sausages require extremely precise scoring,

but the ones you made are incredibly neat!

I wanted to take photos of my cooking and show them to people,

so I tried really hard to keep everything neat and tidy throughout.

You truly do understand the importance of proper knife technique!

At this point, I'm starting to think you have a real talent for cooking!

Hehe, I wouldn't go that far.

Oh, that reminds me!

Would you potentially be interested in a cooking study group?

A cooking study group?

Is that something you organized yourself?

Yes. We don't have that many members yet,

but I thought it might be nice to have a little get-together where we share cooking tips.

It's a study group meant only for people who truly love cooking.

So I was wondering if you might like to join us.

Of course I'll join! I'd love nothing more!

I absolutely adore things like that!

I actually feel like I've learned all I can from teaching myself.

I was even considering enrolling in a cooking class somewhere.

Hehe, it warms my heart to see how happy you are.

If you joined, I'm sure it would be a great help to everyone else too.

And I'm sure it'll help me a lot too.

Of course!

I'm really looking forward to it!

When's the next meeting?

I'd love to join as soon as I can.

Just a moment.

Let me check my schedule.

...

Monday would be perfect.

That happens to be my day off.

Okay then, Monday it is.

Is there a fee for joining?

Or anything I should bring?

I'll prepare everything, so all you have to bring is yourself.

I started this group out of passion, so there's no membership fee either.

But this is such an amazing thing you're doing! I'd feel bad if I didn't do something in return.

What better way is there to repay someone

than by making some delicious food and enjoying it together?

Hey, you're right! Well said!