Where on Earth...?

[gravitons]

[On a less important note, some may have noticed that a certain amnesiac professor is now missing from the bases as well. In fact, the last time you've probably seen him was after that death-trap of a mission in La Gias.

There is a note on the local terminals however. It reads:]

Hey there!

If you're reading this, Master and I have finally gotten permission to go off on a quick trip. There's something really important that we need to take care of, and we took the Granzon with us, obviously.

We'll be back as soon as we can, promise!

- Chika

PS: I had nothing to do with rigging the stoves to explode. It was obviously the scarecrow!

Comments

[prismphantom]

Rigging the stov-

That stupid bird!

[And Elma's going to try to send its manipulator arm through the terminal that it was reading from. Unfortunately those things are built to last and Elma's limb cracks and then falls down to the ground.]

O-oh no! Oh nonononononono! Help! Please, someone help!

[tiger_ken]

[Ken's walking along, hands in his pockets and his mind deep in thought... when his foot brushes against a small metal limb, and a small robot is hovering in front of him.]

...Huh? Oh, sure.

[Ken bends down to pick it up, wincing slightly, but when he has the arm back up to Elma's level...]

...What now? Does it just pop back in?

[prismphantom]

[Elma's grateful for this savior good Samaritan, but his spirits sink as he looks over it.]

No, no there's a hairline fracture in it. I'd need a mechanic to repair it in time.

But more importantly... it's very much almost time for breakfast!

[tiger_ken]

Maybe Dido then...

[And at the mention of breakfast...]

...huh. Hadn't... really realised. Was up all night. You got a clock in there?

[prismphantom]

Of course! I also have connection to the internet, combat logistics, a list of recipes to cook for Selena-

Ah! That's right! Selena!

We need to cook breakfast for Selena!

[Wait. "We"?]

[tiger_ken]

...Who are you talking 'we'? That other guy who works with you and Selena, or...?

[Ken has a bad feeling about this.]

[prismphantom]

Well I'm very, very sorry... I'm not asking for much but if you could at least help to try to-



Elma.

[Selena's voice makes the subot visibly shudder for a moment, but the woman just raises a hand.]

I appreciate your motivation but it's not something to panic about. Besides, Albhard woke me up when he heard the news.

[tiger_ken]

The news being...?

[Ken seems... distracted.]

...Sorry, been thinking about some things. Your bot asked me about helping him make breakfast for you. I mean... if that's still an issue, I could maybe...

[prismphantom]

The news regarding Shu. Since Albhard and I are his handlers, finding out he up and left with the commander's blessing was a bit of a surprise.

And I wouldn't ask you with making breakfast. It's been a hard week for you, hasn't it?

[tiger_ken]

...Hard for all of us, I'd say.

[Ken dodges quite answering the question as he clutches his other arm, now looking slightly awkward.]

I-Its no trouble though, really...

[prismphantom]

Hardest for the people who lost teammates and close friends.

[She's not going to ease off here.]

I haven't had to deal with that personally, but it's not hard for me to imagine.

You had breakfast yet?

[tiger_ken]

...Yeah. Pudding and a couple of other things. Haven't had the best appetite though.

Why?

[prismphantom]

If you'd be up for it, there's a story I think you should hear. I'd been hoping maybe to share it with you over breakfast.

Even if Elma needs repairs it's not like I cant fend for myself.

[tiger_ken]

...Sure, I guess. Just so long as you're better at it than Mizuki probably is...

[Ken'll walk along to wherever they need to go. He's curious how exactly the young woman has her breakfast if a robot normally prepares it.]

[prismphantom]

[And she does it in the most utilitarian way possible: a bowl of cereal.]

If you want one for yourself feel free to pour yourself a cup. Just try to pay attention... because the story is about someone who -from a certain point of view- would be considered a ninja just like you.

A man who lost the closest person in the world to him.

[tiger_ken]

...

[Ken... simply pours out the cereal, puts in some milk, and stays quiet to listen.]

[star_of_sad]

[Setsuko reads the note, and wonders loudly what a lot people are probably thinking:]

Dr Shirakawa... just what are you up to?