Chapter Text
An Unique Woman
Episode 1: The Darling of V.II. (Part 1)
-- I first met Maeterlinck in a conference room at Arquebus.
“Wu Huahai, here’s your supervisor V.VI Maeterlinck. If you need anything, please talk to her.”
At the sound of V.VIII Pater's voice, a dignified-looking female soldier in an Arquebus uniform greeted me respectfully. She gave a clean textbook saluted and clicked her heels crisply.
“V.VI Maeterlinck, present.”
Age, probably in the mid-twenties. Short, almost black brunette hair and cat-like blue eyes. She has peachy cheeks and red lips. She was unreasonably forcing her face, which naturally should be youthful and cute, to appear more mature - my impression, at least.
She is somewhat tall for a woman and has good posture; her body is the type chased after by rich old men. If there is a market, I think she would be a premium - B+ or A- at first glance.
“Please call me G3 Wu Huahai. Honored to meet your eyes.”
I took off the sunglasses I use for hiding my gaze and hooked them in my breast pocket; putting out a smile, I reached out. Maeterlinck looked embarrassed and surprised for a moment, then dubious, before offering her hand and shaking mine in response, albeit with puzzlement.
She must be thinking, “Wow, he’s cool,” right before “What? Why call himself G3?”
Hmmm, guess I have alarmed her a bit.
“Pardon my sudden career change, I must have given you all kinds of inconveniences. Please, do not have any reservations.”
“No, ...They’re naturally my responsibilities as supervisor. You can come to me anytime if you have questions.”
I let go and put my sunglasses back on; gripping my own hand subtly, I recalled the touch: …It's a hand that doesn't know hard work. The fingers and the back of her hand were pristine, the few marks on it were formed by AC piloting – not shaped by a lifestyle tired of life but still has to work.
The way her body is built, she may have trained like a soldier, but she doesn't look like she has been fighting at the frontline, never covered in mud nor blanketed by dust. Perhaps, she has it “by choice” and to “specialize” as an AC pilot.
(It's easy to understand, I should call her “your elite highness”.)
In appearance and gestures, she was born and raised for upper class life - such an aura is plain as day. Also visible, is a determination to present strong self-control. She seems to be highly proud of her capacity to stay expressionless. However, since her guard is plainly worn on her face, her lack of experience shows itself. So, the matter is...
(I see... Guided as a pet by V.II Snail...)
Furthermore, I could find no tics in her phrasing or pronunciation to pick up on, nor any unnaturalness indicating forcible correction. In short, all evidences of refined etiquette training and education since childhood. Because her parents are elegant, she also has an elegant way of speaking. I'm sure--no doubt--that she was born in the upper class.
(Would such a daughter of high society have undergone augmented human… Surgery?)
A receptacle at her temple was slightly visible through a gap in her hair, certainly evident of Human Plus, raised even more questions. Whatever her birth, it seems that she has had surgery directly going into her brain.
(Such an elite lady is my boss, huh?)
The chief operating officer of Vesper, or rather Arquebus on Rubicon 3, is V.II Snail. He has assigned a subordinate to watch over the defector who escaped from Balam to make sure they do not become a toxic intrusion within the organization.
But to place such a fresh young lady to keep an eye over the former Redgun… In the case, perhaps her loyalty to Arquebus is the only thing she is recognized for, while her other abilities are “unassuming”.
Their contingency scenario would be me starting an internal rebellion; if it gets ballistic, they could afford to lose her. In other words - her use is to stall me. If not, at least she could sound the alarm and die trying.
In short, she is a canary in the coal mine, an alarm that won’t be missed after serving its purpose.
“I’ll leave the rest to you, V.VI.”
“Acknowledged. Now, Wu Huahai, let me show you around. This way, please.”
“Of course.”
After splitting from Pater, Maeterlinck and I left the conference room and went around seeing the main locations of the company building. It’s quite amusing to watch passersby notice the Redgun jacket on me then back off in shock, before double checking reality when they see Maeterlinck next to me with a nonchalant expression.
“This is the dining room, and on the other side is the PX, Post Exchange. The serving is cafeteria style, you’re free to choose your own food, and please return the tray.”
"I expect nothing less from the esteemed Arquebus. Creature comforts at HQ is truly impeccable! Balam provides only the bare minimum. Your corporate culture makes the real difference, even the cafeteria can be this clean and stylish. Never the case at Redguns.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, well, the taste was not bad. The lady who runs it is famous for home style cooking. We have a lot of young, rough people, so the strict cafeteria lady is like a mother to us all – ”
I think about that cafeteria, which I can no longer visit. The old lady was a good person. A good person.
“…That’s the memory, miss Maeterlinck. I'm a mid-career hire, but it doesn't sound like you've ever changed jobs.”
“What? You’re right. I joined Arquebus right out of college.”
“I see. So it must have…”
“What do you mean?” She looked up at me miffed, must have felt like I was sarcastic. So? She was well aware of the fact that others thought she was spoiled much.
“Must have been hard work to win a Vesper Number at such a young age, diligent and faithful work since the day you entered the company. Truly admirable.”
“I see. No, I still have a long way to go…” She was clearly embarrassed, but happy. Her shy smile had real happiness to it.
Once her façade cracks, in my opinion her "real" face shining through is truly adorable.…Hmmm, now I understand. V.II Snail's preference is this kind of woman. Unexpectedly down-to-earth, isn't she?
“-- Ah… Commander Snail…”
Following Maeterlinck's gaze, I saw a man coming from across the hallway surrounded by underlings. His majestic air made everyone in front hang their heads and give way.
(Oh, the famed second highest ranking Vesper is on scene.)
I followed the others and bowed my head lightly. Maeterlinck, on the other hand, was staring at Snail, who was coming straight over with his chin up high. Her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks rosy. …Well, well, well? What's this, the so-called workplace romance?
“Commander Snail, sir.” Maeterlinck saluted formally, but Snail paid no attention to it.
“…Who's that?” Oh? He ignored his subordinate's greeting. I guess that's not the relationship I pictured…?
“Wu Huahai, the new mid-career hire starting today. I’m showing him around the station.”
“Oh, the leftover from Balam? I heard he surrendered at Watchpoint Alpha Depth 2, tail between his legs.”
The air around me froze at his cold dismissive words. I didn't dream of a friendly reception, but this was too blatant even for a first impression. The Arquebus executive accountable for all Rubicon 3 was V.II Snail, but with this tone of voice, was he really the guy who cleared me to join Arquebus…?
(-- no, I see… this guy…)
Perhaps he thinks that courtesy isn’t required when dealing with me. To him, I am a “disposable ship jumper with short usefulness expectancy”, it doesn't matter if he walks over me. Worse, maybe Arquebus took me in because they want to play up the defection for propaganda against the remaining Redguns members: “Even the top numbers have surrendered to Arquebus”, “Resistance is pointless, lay down your weapons”.
Afterwards, they're going to disappear me if I’m no longer needed.… He’d say: “The guy who betrayed them once will betray me next.”
(Can’t let it go that way…)
The point is to get Snail to recognize my merit, “too good to turn away” if I may. I lifted my drooping head and straightened my back. Feet together, chest out, I took a big breath in and looked Snail squarely in the eye.
--Nobody can brush me off!
“Well then. I am Wu Huahai, third of the Redguns.” I announced to him loud and clear, giving a Chinese traditional folding hands salute. My name echoed throughout the hall. Since I already walk around with open pride in old colors, it's a bad idea to be humble – it draws suspicion in contrary.
I must act with dignity and never stop fighting for recognition as an equal party. These dignified people are always concerned about saving their own faces; if they feel they’re seen in company with wretches, then they themselves could be looked down upon next. That’s the way to make their minds tick.
“You nuts be the Vesper's vice director, Mr. Snail? It is a great honor for me to meet you. I am awestruck that you have graciously, generously accepted my departure from Balam. My blood is dedicated to Arquebus from today on. I look forward to your continued direction, commander Snail.”
“Huh, apply yourself and don't be a drag.” Snail took one look at my deep bow and left. The group he was leading turned down the corridor and disappeared – the frozen air finally thawing.
“Fine, fine, there’s not much space for people outside his clique.” I shrugged with a smile at Maeterlinck.
She returned a look where her nervousness has melted away: “For better or worse, Vesper is a meritocracy. The future depends on your efforts.”
“Meritocracy”…, huh? The word felt like a prick coming from Snail’s subordinate. It's never hard to suck up to my superiors… But Snail's attitude just now showed that he won’t be moved the way. So… What next?
(How do I achieve my goals in Arquebus - recovering the Redguns and reorganizing them for combat readiness?)
Balam is a sinking ship. Sooner or later, we’re all going down with it. I can't just watch them die. We all know our side is going to be crushed.
(I will not let them destroy the only place I want to stay.…)
I would like to bring in Commander Michigan first if possible; if he is willing to announce it, perhaps they will all nod with him.
It would not be a bad offer to Arquebus either; they have been fighting on this planet for years, and Arquebus is well aware of the Redguns' capabilities. - even Snail knows this, he should be very happy to receive all the remaining Redguns without any trouble, even if not via an unanimous vote.
Some may be reluctant to switch sides of course, but even Mean Old Michigan started out at Furlong. All the Redguns, including him, have done more than enough carrying Balam. The tide has already risen… I will be the first bridgehead and then take in the others.
“I see. I will put in all my effort… For my merit to be recognized by everyone around.”
“That's good to keep in mind. We shouldn’t have… Spent too much time chatting. Let's keep moving.”
“Understood.”
(To be continued)