Two Wrongs Make a Right Ch.30

AN: All characters depicted/showed/represented in the story and chapter below is a consenting legal adult over the age of 18

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Atago sitting on the edge of my bed with a naked Asanagi, bound with what appears to be silk ribbons and gagged, her face flushed crimson with obvious embarrassment as she attempts to wriggle free.

Yes, this wasn’t in my mind. Or trying to play tricks with me.

I cross my arms, studying the situation in a little more depth. "What exactly is this?" My tone remains neutral, though a hint of exasperation seeps through because I hope this isn’t some sort of elaborated prank to get a reaction out of me.

"Fufufu~" Atago's laugh is a strange mix between musical and mischievous as she gently strokes Asanagi's hair before she pinches an ear, causing the petite woman to jerk a little. "Asanagi-chan has been quite naughty lately, Commander. She's been skipping her classes with Miss Belladonna."

Asanagi makes muffled sounds of protest, her big ears becoming flat against her head, shaking her head vigorously and attempting to deny the accusation.

The wolf girl gently shushes her, playfully poking her nose. "Now, now, I found you sleeping in that not-so-secret place behind the Manor library. And then stealing some sweets from the fridge, the same one that Miss Belladonna was preparing for everyone. There's no use denying it." She looks up at me, her brown eyes gleaming with a particular blend of innocence. "I thought a small punishment was in order—to correct her attitude a little. Nothing severe, of course! Just a quick spanking, maybe more, since she isn't a child but a full-grown woman."

She tilts her head, her fluffy ears twitching slightly. "But then my wonderful Commander went and performed another amazing feat—slaying a Behemoth! So I thought, why not combine celebration and correction into one special occasion just for you?"

Right at those words Asanagi renews her struggles, making indignant noises through her gag and attempting to break her ribboned bindings.

"Now, now, my dear," Atago says soothingly, though the playful glint never leaves her eyes. "You have nobody to blame but yourself for this predicament."

I sigh deeply, unfolding my arms. This isn’t the sort of situation I would have expected from Atago's message. She looked the most professional of the trio of shipgirls right after Kawakze. So now I should assume that her ideas of "gifts" should involve these elaborate scenarios.

"Please put her on the bed." I say, gesturing with my hand.

"Of course, Commander." Atago giggles and gently deposits Asanagi onto the mattress. The younger shipgirl immediately tries to wiggle away, but the bindings look to be tighter than they look.

I move closer, looking down at Asanagi's flustered form before turning my attention back to the cruiser. "I assume this was your idea of a welcome home celebration?" I ask, one eyebrow raised.

"Partially," Atago admits, standing and smoothing her outfit. "But I also thought you might appreciate handling this little discipline matter personally. After all, everyone in our household should respect their educational obligations, shouldn't they?" She leans slightly closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Besides, you've had such a stressful day. Sometimes a little... authority exercise... can be quite relaxing."

I consider her words. The stress defense prevents or at least mitigates the whole stress buildup and other mental afflictions, but there's something to be said for unwinding in a more... organic manner. Especially after facing down a Behemoth, dealing with more political maneuvering, and contemplating the implications of living Grimm all in one day, all of that combined with managing an entire kingdom.

"I suppose I could use a moment to decompress." I admit, rolling my neck.

Atago's smile widens, a victorious gleam in her brown eyes. She backs away with a self-satisfied smirk and walks gracefully to a plush pillow chair that I'm certain wasn't in my bedroom before. 

"I'll just observe from here, Commander," she says, settling into the chair. "To ensure proper... discipline techniques are applied."

She likes to watch?

Whatever…

I turn my attention back to Asanagi, who's now blushing so furiously that it almost looks like her entire body became red. She stares at me with wide, intense eyes, and I can see beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Despite her predicament, there's defiance in her gaze.

"Perhaps we should hear her side of the story first," I suggest, reaching for the gag. "Everyone deserves a chance to defend themselves after all."

I slowly remove the cloth from her mouth, expecting perhaps an explanation or a plea for leniency.

What I get instead is an eruption.

"YOU ABSOLUTE BEAST!" she shouts the instant her mouth is free. "BRUTE! PERVERT! MONSTER! LEECH! What kind of commander ties up his subordinates!? When I get free, I'm going to punch you so hard in the stomach that you'll be tasting your breakfast again!"

"Y-You think just because you killed some overgrown lizard that you can do whatever you want? H-how dare you see me like this! This is all a misunderstanding! I wasn't skipping anything! I was... conducting independent field research! And now you're both just standing there l-looking at me with those lecherous eyes! FIEND!" Her tirade continues, each insult more colorful than the last, her voice rising with each accusation.

Without changing my expression, I calmly place the gag back in place, cutting off her stream of invectives mid-sentence. I sigh in exasperation, dragging a hand across my face. Despite being bound and at a clear disadvantage, she still has that fire to fight back.

"That went about as expected," I comment dryly, glancing over at the woman responsible for this situation, who covers her mouth to suppress a giggle.

"Asanagi-chan has always been... spirited," Atago offers, her eyes dancing with amusement. "It's part of her charm, don't you think?"

A troublemaker then?

I study Asanagi again. Her face remains flushed, but her eyes still flash with defiance even as she squirms against her bindings. Despite her situation, she refuses to show fear or submission—only indignation and a complex of superiority she first showed up when she arrived.

It's annoying in its own way, but as well... refreshing. Her straightforward reactions—however exaggerated—carry a certain authenticity.

"You're enjoying this far too much," I tell Atago, though there's no real rebuke in my tone.

"Guilty as charged, Commander," the shipgirl replies with a wink. "But then again, aren't you as well?"

I don't answer that directly. Instead, I move closer to the bed, looking down at Asanagi, whose muffled protests have resumed with renewed vigor and struggling to break free.

"So," I say, my voice taking on the authoritative tone. "What should we do about a naval officer who neglects her educational duties?"

The ship girl responds with theatrical indignation. She whips her head to the side, clenching her eyes shut and turning her nose up as much as her restrained position allows. It's a childish gesture of defiance—refusing to even acknowledge the question, much less answer it.

I can't help but chuckle at the display. 

"Defense noted." 

From her chair, Atago's laughter joins my own. "She's quite the performer, isn't she, Commander? So much passion in such a modest package."

Asanagi definitely got offended by that comment.

I move to the edge of the bed where Atago had been seated earlier; the mattress dipping under my weight. Asanagi's eyes snap open at my proximity, but she stubbornly maintains her turned head, though I catch her sneaking glances at me from the corner of her eye.

So I just place a hand on her rump, causing her to become stiff, her ears perking up as she slowly turns her head.

The petite woman flushes further, a myriad of emotions running across her face. A mixture of anger, indignation, embarrassment, and finally, reluctant resignation. She takes a deep breath, letting out a long exhale through the gag. Then she gives a quick nod, averting her eyes from mine.

"I think she wants you to begin, Commander," The wolf girl quips in.

I roll my eyes and grab Asanagi by the waist, lifting her petite body without any problems and seating her in my lap, mindful of her fluffy tail so she can lean back on my chest. She tenses, squirming slightly as she adjusts herself but eventually fits in my lap comfortably, but otherwise doesn't protest. Her long fox ears flutter slightly, brushing against my nose. And her hair cascades everywhere which I can feel that she really takes good care of it.

So I start simple and reach around her slender form, cupping her small breast in one hand and running a finger up her exposed thigh with the other.

Her body trembles in response.

Taking that as a good sign I proceed to massage her tiny chest, gently squeezing the soft flesh between my fingers. She makes muffled noises into the gag, but I feel her nipple hardening beneath my palm.

Asanagi's ears twitch again, and I can't resist the urge to lean closer and nibble on them. This time she moans outright, her entire body quivering in response to my touch.

"Your ears are sensitive, aren't they?" I whisper huskily.

She whips her head around to glare at me, her face even redder than before, and attempts to mumble something through the gag. It's all garbled nonsense, though.

I give her a smirk and resume playing with her breast with greater intensity, eliciting more muffled sounds and twitches from my captive. I run my free hand down her side, tracing the curve of her hip before resting it on her bare stomach, applying some light pressure.

She squirms as if trying to escape my grasp, but her bindings and my hands keep her firmly in place. My fingers slowly move lower, tracing circles on her navel before sliding back up, moving towards her breast again and giving them a squeeze.

Asanagi makes another noise of protest, but it turns into a moan halfway through when I pinch her nipple. Her body trembles in pleasure as I continue to tease her, alternating between stroking her inner thigh and massaging her chest.

Knowing that I need to step up, I lean forward and kiss the back of her neck, causing her to shudder. A reaction I very much like.

My hand continues its journey downwards, reaching the junction where her legs meet and brushing against the short hairs of her bush. That’s the moment when the fox girl stiffens, but doesn't attempt to pull away or close her legs to prevent me from going any further. Instead, she leans back against me, her body relaxing slightly.

With her implicit approval my fingers dip lower, sliding over her moist folds and eliciting a gasp from her. She bucks her hips, grinding against my hand and shamelessly asking for more. I oblige, rubbing her clit before moving back to her slit and pushing one finger inside.

Her whole body jerks as if struck by electricity, and she lets out a strangled cry of pleasure. However, I cannot push deeper as my finger meets resistance, a barrier. So she is a virgin... That's not surprising.

I take my finger out, which causes Asanagi to let out a groan of disappointment. Then I move my hand to her front, slipping my hand past her bush and finding her swollen bud once more.

She shudders again, grinding her ass against my crotch in an unconscious gesture of lust. Her eyes are clenched shut, and I can tell that she's getting close to her first orgasm.

Which is actually way faster than expected.

She must be really sensitive.

So taking that new information I move to kiss her neck again, nipping at the tender flesh and causing her to gasp. Then I slowly trace circles around her drenched labia with my fingers before gently pinching her bud, building up the tension in her body until it's ready to burst.

"Come for me." I command.

And she does, arching her back and letting out a muffled scream. Her entire body convulses as the waves of pleasure wash over her, causing her to cry out again and again.

And to increase her high, I hold her tightly, my arms wrapped around her petite form and keeping her steady as her orgasm subsides. She slumps against me, panting heavily and trembling slightly.

"What a lovely sight," Atago purrs, taking my attention and notice that she has partially undressed herself and her left hand was playing with her breast while the right one was between her legs.

"She's quite the performer, isn't she?" She adds, giggling at Asanagi's mortified expression. "Fufu~ Now then, Commander..."

I look down to see a big tent in my pants and poking against the fox girl's soft butt.

I could pull down my zipper and fuck this woman silly. Do I want to?

Yes.

But... Should I?

That's where I'm actually conflicted about because, I'm getting mixed signals from my instincts about how to proceed from this point, as if just taking her virginity would be the worst possible thing to do but at the same time she is soaked down there and she isn't resisting and also have the feeling that she wants me to take her right here, right now. 

Maybe it is my talents and lures having problems interacting with each other?

In simple words, it's a mess up there.

So after some thought I decided to not complicate this any further and gently cup her chin to lift her gaze. She still looks in a daze. So I took the time to undo my blindfold with one hand so we could see each other eye to eye.

To show my sincerity.

Her big, yellow eyes stare into my blue ones. And that seems to snap her back to full attention.

"Asanagi, you know what will happen next, right?" I ask, my hand moving back between her legs causing her ears to perk up again as my fingers tease her entrance once more.

She makes more muffled sounds, shaking her head vigorously. But I can see the excitement and anticipation in her eyes. A different kind of hunger.

"But I already had my fun, what matters if you actually want this." I tell her, pressing the tip of my finger against her hymen, causing her to moan loudly and buck her hips. "Do you really want me to take your virginity right here and now?"

She doesn't answer at first, her entire body trembling as I continue to tease her, a small whimper escaping her lips.

So I let go of her chin so I can slowly pull down her gag

"It's up to you." I whisper huskily into her ear before gently kissing her cheek. "So, tell me... Do you want to be my woman?"

I could have phrased that better, I admit.

She hesitates for a moment, looking away from me with a blush on her face, clearly considering my words and actually thinking for a while before turning her gaze back towards mine.

"I-I'm not ready." She says in a shaky voice, trying to sound defiant but failing miserably.

"Are you sure about that?" I ask, continuing to rub her clit, causing her to gasp and squirm in my lap.

She bites her lip, her body trembling as I slowly increase the pressure of my fingers on her sensitive nub.

"P-Please..." she stammers. "N-Not yet..."

I sigh softly, withdrawing my hand and placing it on her bare stomach. I lean in and kiss her cheek before whispering into her ear. "I understand, don't worry."

The fox girl lets out a disappointed sigh, her body sagging against me. I hold her close, gently stroking her hair as her breathing slows. After a few moments, she closes her eyes and leans her head back against my shoulder.

I chuckle softly, resting my chin atop her head and gazing at Atago. She is still playing with herself, but her expression is a lot more serious now as she studies me.

"You're quite the gentleman, Commander," she says, her brown eyes flashing with amusement. "I didn't expect you to stop just because she said so."

"I'm not going to force anyone." I reply with a shrug. "Besides, I did say that it was up to her and that I wasn't going to do anything she doesn't want me to do."

The wolf girl laughs softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're really something else, Commander." She glances down at my still prominent erection, then back up at me with a smirk. "I think we both know that you're not getting rid of that anytime soon, though."

I glance down as well, but shrug again. "I can handle it."

One cold shower and it would be gone.

Atago shakes her head again. "No, no. You don't have to. Allow me."

With that, she stands from the pillow chair and moves closer, kneeling in front of me. Getting the message I gently lift Asanagi's body and have her seated next to me. Only then Atago reaches for my zipper.

"It's alright, Commander," she says reassuringly. "Let me take care of you."

I watch as she unzips my pants and pulls out my painfully erect cock, giving it a few strokes before taking it into her mouth without further ado. Her warm tongue swirls around the tip, eliciting a groan of pleasure from me.

Taking that as encouragement she quickly bobs her head up and down, taking me deeper into her mouth with each motion. Her eyes flutter shut as she hums softly, sending vibrations along my length that make me groan again.

Asanagi lets out a soft squeak at this, her full attention now on the older woman. causing Atago to stop her ministrations and look up at me with a questioning expression.

I give her a simple nod, but rather than continue she pulls out with a wet pop.

"Do you want a taste too, Asanagi-chan?" She asks with a mischievous grin, causing the petite woman's face to turn bright red again. "An appetizer when you finally get the full thing."

"W-What!? Why would I want to..." She trails off as Atago turns her attention back to my shaft, giving it another long lick from base to tip before taking it in her mouth again. Asanagi watches silently for several moments, then slowly leans forward.

Atago looks up at me with a smug grin and moves her to capture only my tip, bobbing her head slightly as if encouraging me to thrust into her mouth. I comply, slowly rocking my hips while she continues to suck and tease me with her tongue.

Asanagi bites her lip, staring intently at the scene. Trying to move her hands but she can't since she still has her binding, restricting most of her movements.

So I simply place my hands on top of the woman's head, grabbing her wolf ears and pushing her down. Causing her to take the entire length of my cock all the way to the hilt in one swift motion. I held her there for a few seconds before letting her go and pulling out.

She gasps for air, coughing and sputtering slightly but quickly recovers, licking her lips and looking at me expectantly.

"That was... hot," Asanagi comments quietly, blushing furiously and biting her lip again.

I grin, nodding to Atago who immediately goes back to work on my shaft. This time she sucks even harder, swirling her tongue around my tip as she bobs her head up and down. I groan, bucking my hips a little as I feel reaching my end.

Asanagi watches intently, her hands balled into fists as she squirms in her seat, clearly wanting to join in but unsure how.

I grunt loudly as I finally reach my limit, pulling out just before I climax and releasing all over Atago's face and breasts. She lets out a gasp, closing her eyes as thick ropes of cum cover her features.

Asanagi whimpers softly, her gaze fixed on Atago's dripping face.

I pant heavily as I recover from my orgasm. After a few moments Atago slowly opens her eyes and smiles at me. "Well, that was certainly enjoyable, Commander." She stands up and turns towards Asanagi, walking over to her and leaning down so they're eye-level. "And what about you, dear? Do you want a taste?"

Asanagi bites her lip, hesitating for a moment before giving a small nod. "Y-Yeah."

Atago smiles sweetly and moves closer, placing a hand under her chin and tilting her head up. "Open your mouth." She commands gently.

The petite woman obeys without protest, parting her lips slightly as Atago leans in to kiss her. Their tongues briefly touch before Atago pulls back, smirking at me. "See? Tasty, isn't it?"

I watch in fascination as Asanagi licks her lips, tasting my cum. A blush creeps across her face as she swallows the fluid, and she looks away shyly. "Uh, huh."

Atago giggles softly, patting her on the head. "Good girl."

With a sight like that it makes a lot of fucking sense why people would get trapped in an eternal cycle of non-stop sex with their waifus.

I sure as fuck feel very tempted to just that.

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I slouch on the couch in the living room of Kali's home, staring at the ceiling with a half-empty cup of tea cooling in my hands, this is just a short break I have taken out of whim. The house is quiet with Kali gone to her teaching duties, and the shipgirls are out in her normal patrol routes with no hiccups or problems arising. So that leaves me alone with my sounds and the distant sounds of Kuo Kuana filter through the open windows. But one stands out in particular and that’s children's laughter and that alone brings a faint smile to my lips.

It's been several days since I have slayed another Behemoth. And I cannot help but recall the public ceremony that followed, displaying the massive head of the Gulping Terror, further expanding my influence and getting more factions or clans coming under wing, submitting to me and accepting centralization. Eventually, I will have very few factions to deal with and that is a situation a lot more manageable. 

Also, I have left Pod to prepare everything necessary so I can go and forge a new weapon meant only to fight the behemoths because Wilt and Blush was simply not made to fight creatures of that size. 

Life in Menagerie moves forward with its usual rhythm, soon the first road will be completed. And the Pods are working to prepare everything, at least on paper with the new projects. Another big step for progress and I should be content.

And yet, something feels off balance. 

Because Ilia still hasn't reached out to me.

I sigh heavily, setting the teacup on the table. Is the news about Sienna's pregnancy more shocking than I initially thought? Or perhaps it's that I decided to do this without asking her?

My childhood friend has always been sensitive and emotional, her emotions display literally on her skin if they are overwhelming, hence she has learned ways to control herself. Whatever she's processing, it must be a lot more complex for her to stay away for so long.

I've decided to give her a few more days before seeking her out myself. Waiting too long is never a good thing—unresolved feelings fester, misunderstandings deepen and things end up happening. If she doesn't come to me soon, I'll go to her. 

Some things are too important to leave to chance.

Sitting up straight, another thought crosses my mind. I've barely spent any time with Nines since her arrival now that I think about it. 

Yeah, while I have zero doubts about her loyalty I cannot leave her alone and let her figure things out by herself or she might pick up things that might be dangerous or detrimental to the mission. Indirectly, not directly.

Moreover, I've been confined to Menagerie for so long that I'm starting to feel disconnected from the larger world—particularly the cyberpunk aspects of Remnant. The reports and images I've received are informative but sterile. There's no substitute for firsthand experience, especially if I intend to restore the White Fang's position in Vale.

I check the time: 10:00 AM on Sunday morning. Weekend. Nines should be free from her classes, though knowing her dedication, she's likely engaged in some extracurricular activity or self-assigned research. Nothing she couldn't skip without consequence, though.

Making a decision, I compose a brief message.

‘Nines, come to the manor.’

‘Understood.’

I stand up and roll my neck, feeling the tension release with a satisfying series of pops. The portal forms with a thought. I step through, and in an instant, the modest living room of Kali's home gives way to the grandeur of the dimensional manor.

Brutus comes bounding toward me the moment I appear, his massive form moving with surprising agility. Between his jaws is what I immediately recognize as the Gulping Terror's leg bone, now thoroughly gnawed upon, the once-smooth surface pitted and scored by his powerful teeth.

I grab the oversized bone and toss it across the yard. Brutus wheels around, charging after it with single-minded determination. He leaps for it, miscalculates, and lands face-first on the grass, tumbling in an ungraceful roll. Unfazed, he rights himself and immediately returns to chewing his prize, apparently untroubled by his less-than-elegant retrieval.

A small smirk forms on my lips. For all his ferocity in battle fitting for a proto-Ork, Brutus can be remarkably dog-like in these quiet moments.

I make my way deeper into the manor, heading straight for the master bedroom. The walk-in closet contains an extensive wardrobe for various occasions. I bypass my usual combat attire and formal wear, selecting instead a set of casual clothes that wouldn't draw attention in any kingdom: dark jeans, a charcoal button-up shirt, and a leather jacket in a deep burgundy.

More importantly, I grab a plain black beanie, carefully adjusting it to cover my horns completely. The final touch is removing my trademark blindfold, revealing blue eyes that few have ever seen.

The world knows Adam Taurus as a masked revolutionary or terrorist with distinctive horns—a symbol more than a man. And now everyone thinks he is dead. Without these, I become just another face in the crowd. My covert talent and trace defense is another layer of protection.

Preparations complete, I exit the manor to find Nines already waiting outside. She's kneeling in front of Brutus, who sits patiently as she curiously pokes at his flat nose. Her long silver-white hair catches the light as she tilts her head, examining my unusual pet with analytical interest.

However, she isn’t wearing her black uniform, today she's dressed in casual clothes—a loose-fitting white button-up shirt over a black tank top, paired with dark shorts and knee-high boots. Her black choker with the small silver pendant remains, as does the black blindfold covering her eyes. 

"You can pet him, you know?" I say, amused by her hesitation.

Nines startles at my voice, springing to her feet with a yelp. "Commander!" she exclaims, then immediately composes herself, offering a quick salute.

I shake my head, chuckling. "At ease. And don't worry about it."

She lets out a sigh of relief before a smile returns to her face. "Sorry, Sir! I just find his biology fascinating. Brutus is clearly a Terrorfang, but he has changed so drastically that he cannot be considered a Grimm anymore but an entirely new species." She turns back to Brutus, who has abandoned his bone to sniff at her boots. "Is he an animal now? The readings I'm getting are puzzling."

"Technically speaking he is a fungi." I admit. “But he isn’t releasing any spores otherwise this whole place would have been covered in green and more of him would have popped out.”

So he is just an animal, a weird one. Also, I’m glad that he isn’t a full-fledged squig otherwise this world would have been doomed.

“How has Beacon been treating you?" I ask, trying to shift the topic.

Her expression brightens immediately. "It's been incredible! The curriculum is quite comprehensive, though some of the theoretical frameworks are... primitive compared to the standards I'm accustomed to." She catches herself, looking slightly embarrassed. "Not that I'm complaining! I've been learning more techniques to help me comprehend my aura better."

"And how is Weiss? Still convinced you're her long-lost relative?" I ask, a strategy maneuver that might pay off later.

The scanner model nods. "Correct. Although she doesn’t want to take DNA due to security reasons, she believes we are distant cousins from her mother's side. And she's been quite helpful. She's been tutoring me in many new subjects and always recommending to me what I should see next." She pauses for a moment, tilting her head. "Should I continue encouraging this misunderstanding?"

"Absolutely," I confirm. "Having good connections will guarantee you many benefits in the short and long term. Besides, your position at Beacon has already provided us with valuable intelligence."

Her expression sobers slightly. "Speaking of my team, our bearer—" she stops abruptly when she looks at me, wincing as she realizes what she's about to bring up. "I apologize, Commander. I didn't mean to mention—"

Did I make an ugly expression?

I haven’t noticed it. But I refuse to examine too closely. For Kali's sake, who still is unaware besides that Blake is alive, I've tried to keep my feelings about her daughter contained, but the bearer system—remembering that Blake was reduced to a servant for human students, and is drugging herself to cope—stirs a particular mix of emotions, anger, vindication, regret, etc.

"It's fine," I say curtly, more sharply than intended. I take a breath, moderating my tone. "No need to apologize. Your reports have always been... informative."

Those were a lot more detailed than Sienna's own intelligence was able to obtain after all. A poor attempt to allow faunus join the academy as hunters to fight the ever living and encroaching threat of the Grimm but they are a little more than servants.

Seriously, how did Ozpin let things deteriorate to this degree?

The android nods quickly, eager to move past the uncomfortable moment. "Yes, Commander. Thank you."

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The heart of Vale's commercial district pulses with energy—a stark contrast to the natural rhythms of Menagerie. Gleaming skyscrapers reach toward the clouds, their surfaces alternating between reflective glass and holographic advertisements that shift and change in dizzying patterns. Flying cars weave between buildings in orderly lanes, while below, masses of people flow through the streets like currents in a river.

It's overwhelming after the relative simplicity of Kuo Kuana—the noise, the movement, the sheer density of humanity and technology all merged together.

"I'm marking locations of interest, Commander," Nines says quietly beside me, her fingers moving through the air as she manipulates a display only she can see.

"Call me Blaze for now," I remind her, adjusting my beanie slightly. Public places require caution, even with my disguise.

"Understood!" she replies with characteristic enthusiasm. She's fitting in perfectly—another young person enjoying a day in the city, nothing to suggest she's an advanced combat android model expert at gathering intelligence, intelligence that a revolutionary organization will use.

My vision overlay flickers as a map appears, focusing on the industrial district. Each marker Nines has placed contains detailed notes on what can be found there: manufacturing facilities, research labs, supply depots. I'm impressed by the thoroughness of her reconnaissance, though frustrated by the limitations of what I can actually acquire. My pocket space is very restricted by what I can fit in that room.

"These are helpful. Thank you, Nines," I say, closing the map with a thought.

We begin walking in no particular direction, taking in the surroundings. The city is a monument to excess—too many buildings, too many lights, too many people. I find myself wondering about the energy requirements for such a metropolis. Vale must have solved or significantly improved the power generation problem to sustain this level of consumption, or they were just going into deficit just to keep things running and some sort of financial bubble was forming.

As we move through the crowds, I notice the increased presence of Vale Police Department officers. They stand at corners, patrol in pairs, watching but rarely intervening. Their very presence seems to be the point—a visible deterrent.

"I’ve been told that it is better to steer clear from them." Nines comments, following my gaze to a pair of officers. "VPD has a high number of wrongful arrests. And shootouts and casualties, but these only occur in the less… privileged zones." There's a subtle edge to her voice as she adds this last part.

"Then we won't learn much here," I conclude. "We'll need to move elsewhere."

I won’t even attempt to start a minor post in this district. The industrial and residential district are the best if not the only options where I can realistically set up an outpost.

But in my thoughts I get a call, so I quickly check the caller ID, it’s Fennec Corsac.

Meaning, it is important.

I raise a hand and Nines gives me a nod, stepping aside to take the call.

"High-Leader," Fennec's voice comes through clearly, respectful as always. "Miss Lil Malachite has delivered all vehicles and medical supplies as promised, along with more of our people. They are in good health, though clearly traumatized."

"I'll send an escort to pick everyone up," I reply.

Yes, I know this in a busy place with a lot of people, a lot of people that might have enhanced hearing so talking about anything military related would be beyond stupid if not outright retarded as I would be outing myself.

But I’m not talking with my mouth, but mentally answering, like directly vocalizing my thoughts without the need to use my lips. But well it is the same when I send messages, just a rather curious discovery. Best explanation is like turning my thoughts into signals, but that must be the whole First augmentation for trans-humanism heritage.

"Thank you, High Leader."

"What about the plantations, any progress?" 

Those were part of the deal after all.

"We will send you the preliminary attack plans tomorrow."

"I'll be waiting."

After ending the call with Fennec, I switch channels and contact Atago.

"Yes, Commander?" 

"Talk with Sienna to dispatch our cargo ship to pick up the Spider Clan delivery."

"Leave it to me! I'll handle all the arrangements." 

And I end the call.

I return to Nines, who has been waiting patiently, pretending to examine a store display while keeping watch over the surrounding area. I give her a quick nod.

"Take me to the industrial district," I say.

Also want to see if I can find anything interesting or good spots besides mapping out more routes when I move into free Roman.

"Nines!"

We both stop and turn at the high-pitched, enthusiastic call. Running toward us, one hand waving wildly and the other clutching a collection of shopping bags, is a girl in a red hood and combat skirt. Ruby Rose, Nines' team leader at Beacon.

Her silver eyes are wide with excitement, a grin stretching across her face as she skids to a stop in front of us. "I thought that was you! What are you doing in town? I thought you were studying at the library all day!" Her gaze shifts to me, curiosity evident. "Oh! Who's your friend?"

This is an unexpected encounter, but potentially useful.