Arknights: Starsfall I

Chapter 40

"To protect them"

Pvt James Ramirez

Ramirez's dorm felt a little more lively. The young man was now able to spend more time with Lana due to his team's 'On Leave' status.

It was something he enjoyed greatly, for now as he played more with the kid, he realized how much he genuinely cared for the kid. He's always coming back to make sure that she's okay. He's been there to ensure that Komi-6 can take care of her while he was gone.

And he always made sure that she's fed and in a good mood.

Of course when he wasn't on a mission.

Now he's on a break and he can work to further that bond.

Exusiai had to go to her room. Texas wanted to converse with the Penguin Logistics operators about some matters, and it had to involve her.

She left, not before giving him a high five and a wave. Such an Angel- No! Bad!

"Now Lana," he pulls up a tablet, his standard issue one, and shows a picture of an apple tree, "What's this?" He points at it. He had relaxed his face and put enough effort to look friendly and alright. He watched as Lana tilted her head adorably, and he visibly saw the gears in her head moving by how her ears twitched.

"Tee!" Lana said, jumping a little. Ramirez shook his head, "No no, Tree."

"Tee!" Ramirez just sighed, Kids, always so hard to teach them some things, but hey, it's to be expected.

"Fine, Tee then." He was about to swipe the tablet to pull up the next image, which was a Tank of homogenous design - or a stock tank, when at the slightly ajar door, a figure appeared.

Foley tapped on the door. Ramirez had stopped playing patty-cake with Lana. Getting up he smiled at her, "Don't worry, it'll be quick."

Ramirez stepped out, crossing his arms. "What do you need Sarge?" Foley reached into his pocket and passed him a letter.

"Another meeting is happening at Rhodes Island, some of us has been voluntarily invited to go."

Ramirez raised an eyebrow, "Another one?"

"Correct," Foley crossed his arms too now, "The United Nations and whatever organization that runs politics here are going to try and introduce themselves on more official channels than last time, for what reasons? Completely beyond me."

"Ah..." Ramirez hummed, "That's interesting... and we are supposed to go?"

"Although we are invited, we can decide not to go. I opt to not go," Foley turned to Ramirez, "But I am not stopping you and Lana, or anybody else for that matter."

Ramirez hummed in thought, taking the letter. He stops and looks at Lana, "That girl..." He then reached intro his own pocket and pulled something out. Foley raised an eyebrow in interest. Ramirez offered the paper to Foley, who takes it and looks it over.

"Are these..?"

"Yes sir, adoption papers."

Foley looked it over, silent. His eyes scanned every bit and every written piece on the paper. Once he was done, he looks back at Ramirez. "So you officially adopted the kid?"

"Yes sir."

Foley had an approving nod, giving the papers back. "I know for a fact that you'll take good care of her." Ramirez smiled at him.

"Thanks sarge," he replied uncrossing his arms and going to take the letter. "Oh, and I'm going, I think its about high time we get to know this world more."