One summer day...
MC: (door slam!) HOLY CRAP IT'S HOT
Mokdai: Y-you okay?
Ryekie: We're back! It was so hot today that just walking worked up a sweat!
Sui: I'll bring towels.
Akashi: Wow, you're sweating buckets MC. Get some water before you faint.
Ryekie: I got through it by thinking of it as training!
Mokdai: Wow...just getting here from home tires me out. Here you guys go! Mineral barley tea.
Ryekie: Thanks! It's nice and cold!
Sui: I brought the towels and wet them. Here you two go.
MC: Ooh...thanks Sui! / Aren't you hot, Ryekie? / Do we have anything cold to eat, Mokdai?
(A) Sui: Make sure you don't get heatstroke. I'll chill the towel for you if it gets warm.
(B) Ryekie: Yes, but that's why I'm enjoying it! Cold showers on hot days are the greatest! Wanna take one together?
(C) Mokdai: I thought this would happen so I bought tons of ice cream! We got vanilla, chocolate, matcha, and fruit flavors!
Huckle: Hi guys. You're back early.
Melide: Welcome back. Want some salt candy since you're so sweaty?
Exio: Welcome back you two. Business must've went well.
The three of them came out of a meeting room.
Ryekie: Yep, MC did great! I'm so proud!
Exio: Good to see you're doing well in office work too, MC.
Melide: But don't push yourself too hard in this weather.
MC: Thanks Melide / I'll submit the report, Director
(A) Melide: I know how hard you work, you know. And how you help explain the work to me.
(B) Huckle: Thanks MC. But how about taking a break first because you just got back from the heat?
Break time!
Exio: ...huh, Crowne's not in today.
Mokdai: Yeah she's busy at her spacecraft workshop. She said before that summer is busy, but she's doing her best to make the schedule fit hero work too.
Akashi: A lot more people traveling and tuning up their spaceships this year, huh?
Sui: Lots of Orient City's residents had to evacuate in recent times too, so now that things have calmed down they want to go have fun somewhere on a trip.
Akashi: Hmm...going to the resort ship again sounds nice.
Mokdai: It's perfect for hot times! I hope they call us again!
Akashi: I wonder how Pubraseer and the others are doing? We can only see them sometimes...
MC: Summer vacation!
Exio: ...well MC seems to like summer retreats, so wouldn't that make them perfect for what we were talking about? (looks at Huckle)
MC: What? / Business trip!
Huckle: Yes, we have a job I want to ask you do too. It's at some planet's lake shore. We were just discussing it. (sips and puts tea down)
Huckle: It's a security task, but they're asking for Operators instead of heroes.
MC: Just Operators? Huh.
Huckle: The planet is near the Earth Sphere Zone, and it's called Samaad or something. They've got a tourist spot lake that has mystery buildings appear out of nowhere one day.
Mokdai: Oh I saw that on the news! They say the building is made with future tech! "What if the Space Buildings on Lake Rubul are related to the legends of Russie the Space Nessie!?" and stuff. I thought Crowne might like it! It sounds like an adventure.
Sui: I get why people would be talking about it, but it sounds kind of sus actually
Huckle: Some people think it's bad that it's being talked about too. There's demands that patrols be done to make the investigation area safe.
Ryekie: So they want people on the scene in case of thieves or Monsters! Shouldn't they be asking for heroes too then!?
Huckle: I've heard they already have enough heroes over there, which is why the client archeological investigator organization is looking for Operators that can go out on a business trip. And fortunately someone recommended us.
Akashi: ...wait, you mean Marfik?
Huckle: Yep. Remember that last survey you and MC went with him on? I personally admire him. His books are what sparked my young adventurous heart. (basks in nostalgia for a second) Whoops. Anyways, I felt we shouldn't waste Marfik's vote of confidence.
Flashback!
Marfik: I HEARD THE NEWS, EVERYONE! ...oh, did I interrupt something?
Researcher A: Well well well, Professor Marfik. We just finished up our meeting and were about to call you.
Marfik: About Samaad's new buildings? I heard they sprang up from the lake bottom! How fascinating! And it's at the lake with the cryptid legend! Are you planning out the trip? I want in!
Researcher A: Haha, you never change. Yes, you're included. But...it's likely there's future space comm jamming at the research site. We put out a request call to local and Earth adjacent hero agencies, but we don't have many Operators able to go into the field.
Marfik: Hmm... unknown tech isn't really my jam as a hero, but there should be plenty of Operators who mainly work remotely.
Researcher A: Yes, it's true people still believe Monsters appear wherever Observers are, so they remote work for that and to avoid actual Monster attacks.
Marfik: Discrimination sucks...
Researcher A: Remote Operators is the usual way of things with bigger agencies too.
Marfik: Especially with less jobs that need Operators on site. I hear lots of Operators like that...but I have a plan!
Researcher A: ...you know someone?
Marfik: The Operator that once came with me on a trip! Have you heard of Parallel Flight? They got new Operators too!
Present
Sui: Oh, so that's how that happened.
Mokdai: Makes sense they'd ask you to go out there then.
Akashi: Yeah most Operators in other agencies don't head out much. And this job as at a lake? Should be a nice, cool place! Wish I could go too.
Huckle: Since they went through the trouble of contacting us, I'd like for you to go if you're willing, MC. (opens contract form on phone)
MC: Lakeside workcation! / Aww, I'm by myself? / Kinda nervous about going alone...
(B) Huckle: Haha, don't worry. You won't be going alone.
(C) Exio: Wow, I didn't expect you to balk at work like that.
Ryekie: HAHA, it's cool! You did great today, after all!
Sui: I agree, I think you're fine with things like that.
Huckle: I could have gone too if I were an Operator.
Melide: (gets up from her seat) ...I'd like to go along.
Exio: We've been talking about getting Melide experience as an Operator since this seems like a good time. I can stay here to handle Operator work while you two are out. Let Melide watch you while you work. She can assist too.
Melide: I'm a little scared to be away from Exio...but I'll be okay with you MC. I personally want to go too. What do you think?
MC: Sure thing! / Looking forward to it / I'm excited to see the lake
Melide: (smiles)
Title card: Lakeside Workcation
Several days later
MC and Melide land on Samaad.
???: There you are, MC! Long time no see!
Marfik: Your bones look just as healthy as before!
MC: Prof. Marfik! Long time no see. You haven't changed either.
Marfik: Haha, I knew you'd come! Thanks for helping! And you must be Melide. I heard from Huckle how you're way better than your age suggested.
Melide: Thank...you. I'm still learning, but I'll do my best.
Marfik: Nice! I should work hard too! But speaking of, work actually starts tomorrow. Today I'm doing a prelim check, so you two can relax. Lemme show you to your hotel!
Outside the spaceport
MC: It's beautiful! Wow the lake is big.
Pretty lake.
Marfik: Those buildings are right over there in the center! Wish we could start investigating sooner!
Melide: Our job is to keep the area secure for the investigation team. But wow this lake is big as an ocean.
Marfik: Yeah, you'd think so if you couldn't see the mountains inside. Not like Earth has lots of lakes this big. The local area was developed as a tourist spot.
Marfik points at some buildings around the water and cottages on top of the water.
Marfik: You guys will be staying over there at that hotel. It's new for us, but the standard design here. Samaad's civilization is supposed to be similar to Earth's, but it's interesting how the differences express themselves.
MC: That's a hotel? / That place looks high class... / Go, archeology professor!
(C) Marfik: Haha, thinking about stuff like that's habit to me.
Marfik: I'm in that hotel too. It's pretty nice, but the researchers get stuck in the hotel annex all day for work.
Marfik continues as the three continue on.
Marfik: I'm glad you guys came, but I'm going to be on the research team. You two will be on the security team and doing working elsewhere, but you can still tell me if anything goes wrong.
Melide: Thanks Marfik, I'll do my best.
Marfik: Cool! You're just as great as I've heard! Still, I guess I should say something to the young...
Upon reaching the hotel, Marfik squats so he's eye level with Melide.
Marfik: You're a bright cookie, so you should relax on occasion. Studying's fun! Do what you want, do what you think of, and share what you learn with people sometimes. Don't overthink things, and I'm sure you'll have fun. I hope your studies go well.
Melide: Okay, thank you. I'll keep it in mind.
Marfik: Good girl! Thanks for listening.
Marfik stands back up and looks at MC. He looks excited.
Marfik: Okay sorry MC, I gotta get back soon. Here's your room key. I'll call you tomorrow. Things are going good, so I want you to be excited as you work tomorrow!
MC: Okay, cool! / You seem excited too.
---
(B) Marfik: Haha, you found me out! Kinda embarrassed. I'm still studying too! Unknown buildings are so exciting!
---
Marfik: Okay bye guys! (runs off)
Melide: He seems happy...um, I was wondering. Did I do a good job talking to him? I haven't talked with people much before...
MC: Perfectly! / Nervous?
(A) Melide: Oh, good. I have to be able to do my work too.
(B) Melide: Not really... I was just thinking that I wasn't used to talking to anyone besides you guys.
MC thinks back to what Marfik said.
MC: Relax! Be yourself.
Melide: ...thanks. Oh, but it's also something Exio asked me to do.
???: ...huh? Is that you, MC?
Hisaki is waving!
MC: Hisaki! What a coincidence.
Hisaki: How ya been? I was thinking the heat in Orient City knocked you out. And long time no see, Melide! You two here for the investigation thing? (gets key from an automatic machine)
Melide: Hello, the research group sent us a job request.
Hisaki: Oh, I'm here for that too. I wondered if I'd see someone I knew, but wow it's you guys! Work starts tomorrow, right? How about we take a walk around?
MC: Okay! Let's put our things down first. / Wanna go together, Melide? / I'm calling Crowne if you hit on me.
---
(A) Hisaki: Yessss, a date at--I mean, nothing! I'll be by the entrance!
(B) Melide: Well if you're okay with it. Mapping the layout tomorrow would be convenient too.
(C) Hisaki: I-it's just an invite to walk around! You're such a kidder, MC! ...please say sike.
---
And so the party goes to put their stuff away.
Later
Hisaki: Mmm! Nice and cool. Speaking of, you okay in that jacket Melide?
Melide: Yes. Direct sunlight burns. I do have sunblock, but I left it with my things.
Hisaki: Oh. Well let's stay in the shade then. And there's a cafe up ahead.
Melide: ...thanks. You're nice, Hisaki.
Hisaki: Hehe, thanks Milady! I'll escort you!
MC: You're like a big brother / How thoughtful
HisakI: Aren't I? You thinking any better of me?
MC: Hmm...
Hisaki: Wait, what does that mean!?
Hisaki: You know, those buildings are so huge and built so precisely that it'd take tons of time to make them with Earth's tech.
MC: So it surprises even you. Happy as an engineer?
Hisaki: Yep! New stuff to learn, new things to see!
Hisaki's excitement resembles Marfik's.
MC: Such curiosity.
Melide: Does that mean you're on the investigation team instead of the security team?
Hisaki: Both actually. I was originally asked for tech help because there'd be underwater work. I got picked for the water breather tool I made! (poses proudly) And I'm on the security so it'll be easier to tune up and get feedback on the devices. Lots of data for me! And as a hero, I can't stand by if there are illegal scavengers or Monsters around!
Melide: We were called for that too. Also, can I ask you a question?
Hisaki: What's up, Melide? I'm happy to answer whatever I can!
Melide: Thanks. I was thinking that if those buildings had sunk to the lake bottom, wouldn't they have been found when the planet was being developed?
Hisaki: Good thinking. I had the same thought at first. The planet was always habitable, but I heard the Archimedes Group did some terraforming. And as big as they are, they never saw the buildings back then. All we know now is that there's super strong jamming around the buildings.
Melide: So the jamming hid the buildings back then?
Hisaki: Yep. Things are gonna be fun if the jamming could hide things that big, and we don't even know why they hid them in the lake! I have my guesses, and...
MC notices something in the water.
MC: ...huh?
That something doesn't seem person-shaped.
Hisaki: What's up, MC?
MC: I just saw--
MC points at the lake...at nothing.
Melide: I don't see anything.
MC: You didn't see it? It didn't feel off so...maybe I imagined it.
Hisaki: Tired? We should relax then! Look, the cafe! (leads Melide in)
MC: ...
Nope, still nothing there in the lake.
End of Episode
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