Darling in the FranXX: Insurrection

Chapter 2- A Step in the Right Direction

"Now that you are a parasite of Plantation 13, there are several things you will need to know," Hachi states to you. You currently stand in the room he calls his office, a room characterized by computer monitors, a desk, and lots of loose paper. "First, being a plantation parasite carries with it a certain duty that you may not have had when you were still on reserve in the Garden." Hachi folds his hands and leans forward against his desk. "I am aware of your record. You may have failed to connect with your original partner, but let me say now that I expect results. Dr. Franxx may have hand-picked you for this position but if you prove to be unreliable then I will have no choice but to send you back."

Dr. Franxx picked me specifically for this, you ask yourself. I know he usually came to see me when I was still a kid in the Garden. He was the one to administer most of my maintenance, but I haven't really seen him in the year I've been in the replacement division. Why would he ever want a washout like me to be part of this plantation? Hachi's voice snaps you from your reverie.

"Second," Hachi continues, "as you might be aware, you are partnered with Squad 13's leader. Code 015." You nod once, before succinctly replying to his statement. "Yes sir, Code 016 informed me last night she was the squad leader." Hachi stoically nods once and proceeds. "Then you are aware that even more will be expected of you than if you had been assigned as one of the other FranXX's stamen."

"Delphinium is the lead FranXX, and as a result Code 015 often must split her attention between both piloting and leading the squad. It will be your responsibility to ensure that she is kept safe, and to remove some of the strain by carrying more of the load while piloting. You must prove to her that you are capable in combat so she can focus on leading the squad. She must allow you to shoulder the burden, and you must be capable of sharing it."

"Yes sir," you nod. Behind you, the door to the office swings open. In the doorway, beside Nana, stands your blue haired partner. She still refuses to look at you and her posture tells you that she must be exhausted. Guess I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep well.

"Good, you're here," Hachi says as he stands. He walks out from behind the desk and toward the door. "It is time we get the testing underway."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You walk alongside Code 015 in silence as Nana and Hachi lead you through the plantation. She looks so sad and downcast. Should I say something to her? you ask yourself. No, I may just upset her ever more. It's probably best I just stay quiet.

After walking for close to fifteen minutes, Nana and Hachi stop you before a pair of doors. Without a word, Code 015 proceeds into the one on the right. "Your dressing rooms," Nana explains as you look to the two doorways. "Pistils on the right and stamen on the left. Hachi will wait for you to get changed and then lead you to the testing center." "Yes ma'am," you nod, then proceed into the door on the left.

Inside, you find a typical dressing room. Lockers line the exterior of the room and several benches lie in the middle. Five of the lockers have an active holographic display with a number. You search for a moment and find lockers 016, 214, 326, and 666. Beside Code 016's locker is another that has an active display but doesn't list a number. You assume this codeless locker to be yours and approach.

When you open the locker, you find a parasite suit with a blue stripe against its mostly black exterior. You inspect it and determine that it is indeed intended for you, given that its dimensions perfectly match your own. Without a second thought, you strip out of your uniform and quickly don the suit.

Afterward, you exit the dressing room to find Hachi standing opposite the door. "Follow me," is all his monotonous voice says before turning and walking away. You quickly fall in line behind him as the two of you navigate the numerous halls of the plantation.