An "Ordinary" Commander

Chapter 5: Banished

The three individuals walked wearily towards Ark. Despite the disappointment of their failed mission, their main concern was to ensure Rapi received a new body and some much-needed rest. 

Upon entering the military headquarters, they were met by Andersen, who had a stoic expression. Although his tone conveyed his disappointment, he did not express it overtly.

"Two months of power. Do you have any idea what you've done? You were ordered to investigate the power plant, not destroy it. Thanks to you and your Nikkes, the Ark has lost a potential asset. Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Andersen asked.

"You can go fuck yourself," Y/n spat.

Andersen was briefly stunned as he wasn't expecting a response like that.

Anis and Neon were the most shocked to see their commander disrespect a deputy officer.

"We did as we were told. Raptures had control over that place, so it was a lost cause. That was a suicide mission from the beginning. So, don't blame us as we were trying to survive against a Tyrant class Rapture," Y/n glared at Andersen.

"I see... You are, at this moment, banished from staying with the government district. You'll be transferred to the Outpost, known as no man's land. No one will be around to help you out there. It would be best if you were grateful I'm not throwing you into a rehabilitation center," Andersen scornfully said.

"Take these and get out of my sight," Andersen said, giving the young man a paper and key.

"If Rapi doesn't rejoin us after her repairs, I will raise a ruckus," Y/n threatened.

Andersen was surprised as Y/n had the gall to say that and leave the room.

Y/n walked in silence with Anis and Neon.

"Master... You're different," Neon said.

Anis snorted, "Different is an understatement... You did bring up a good point. I bet they picked a hard mission on purpose to screw us over."

Meanwhile, Andersen was reviewing the most recent battle report with Ingrid, reading its contents with fascination and curiosity.

"This would be quite the revelation if this report is true," Andersen stated.

"The new commander... He mentioned to Einkk that the Raptures seemed more intelligent than the ones in the simulation," Ingrid said.

Andersen was silent as he took in the information.

"Raptures were operating human machinery... It doesn't sound real. What could they be aiming for?" Ingrid asked.

"Perhaps once they eradicate all of mankind, they're preparing to take our place. Anything could happen at this point," Andersen answered.

"What exactly were you planning on doing with them earlier? You said you had something lined up with them," Ingrid inquired.

"I sent them to the Outpost, a person that didn't go to a military academy and hasn't been a commander for a single day, who has proven to be capable of neutralizing several Tyrant class Raptures is one that needs to be kept out of sight and mind from the Central Government," Andersen said.

Andersen continued, "I've sent them there for this exact purpose. No one should be snooping for them over there. Who knows what others may want from them?"

"The new commander isn't a pushover, though. He could give others a headache," Andersen added.

"I got a similar feeling about him, too," Ingrid agreed.

The squad exits the military HQ.

"We smell like shit," Y/n commented.

"I've had my olfactory sensors off for so long that I didn't notice. We can use one of the public baths," Anis said.