Dialogue/Orca Date Contest Sub Story: S, Salute! Second Lieutenant Habetrot Reporting for Duty...!

Translated by Khosen

S, Salute! Second Lieutenant Habetrot Reporting for Duty...!

Part 1.

Habetrot:

I'm sorry, Sir!

Commander:

...Hmm? (Choice)

Habetrot:

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm sorry for not knowing what I should have known, Sir!

Commander:

Habe...trot? (Choice)

I woke up to Habetrot apologizing in my room.

What's wrong? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Though I've been commissioned recently, I'm still a uniformed officer. And yet I made this crucial mistake...

I don't deserve my title, no! I'm a disgrace to Steel Line! I'm sorry again, Sir!

Commander:

Uhm, so what's wrong...? (Choice)

A few potential scenarios went past my head.

Were you disrespectful to Impet? (Choice)

Habetrot:

H, how could I ever be disrespectful to her...!

Never! That never happened!

I may be newly commissioned, still know my ground rules.

Commander:

Well, uhm... (Choice)

Oh, is it this?

Did you make a billing error? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Sergeant Gnome and Corporal Silky's been helping out with supplies. There's no issue with it.

Although, I should really take control and end with this transition phase...I feel sorry for the two.

Commander:

That wasn't the correct answer too? (Choice)

Well then...

Did Brownie do something again? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Ahhhh! No, Private First Class Brownie didn't do anything!

Any...

...

Commander:

So she did do something. (Choice)

Habetrot:

There was a slight miscommunication...it's alright, Sir.

She only ruined my uniform...and I know she meant no harm.

I was really touched by her benevolence. Once again, I'm truly honoured to be serving under the great Steel Line...

A, and I had the audacity to make such a huge mistake...!

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Sir!

Commander:

Hmm... (Choice)

I'm really clueless as to what she might have done wrong.

Just tell me, what happened? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Well...

Recently, Orca threw a 3rd-anniversary party for you, right, Sir?

Commander:

Ah... (Choice)

I remember. From the moment I woke up, the two who were with me from the start took me to a place where everyone was there to celebrate my birthday.

With a giant cake in the center.

Yeah, I was really grateful that they did that for me...but what about it? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Including General Marie, every member of Steel Line was there to celebrate your birthday, Commander...

And, a meager Second Liuetant, I...!

Commander:

So that's why? (Choice)

Habetrot was not there as she only joined us fairly recently.

But that wasn't her fault; there was no need for her to apologize.

You don't have to worry about it. (Choice)

Habetrot:

But...

Commander:

The party was over when you joined us, Habetrot. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Pardon?

Commander:

So you don't have to beat yourself up about it. (Choice)

Habetrot:

No, it's not because I wasn't present at the party, Sir.

Commander:

Hmm? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Well, that's part of the reason, but I think I'm a disgrace because...!

I've never personally congratulated you or prepared a gift for you...Sir.

Commander:

Well, I mean, I know her plate's already full as she just joined us, so I think it's understandable.

Hey, don't worry about... (Choice)

Habetrot:

I was informed of the great things you've done so far, Sir!

Not only did you rescue General Marie, but you planned thoroughly so that Steel Line became the great troop it was once again!

Commander:

I shouldn't take all the credit for... (Choice)

Habetrot:

I've heard the first thing you've done when you opened your eyes in this world was to fight those Iron Parasites. You've not only defeated the Star Child, but you've also rescued all those refugees against the Lemonades of PECS!

And on top of that, I know you spend tirelessly day and night accommodating everyone aboard Orca...and here I am, not even repaying you for all the things you've done for us...

Urghhh...

Commander:

I shouldn't be taking credit for everything Habetrot had said. I would not have accomplished any of those without the help of everyone else.

I appreciate how she highly regards me, but I think she slightly deifies me...

It's all right... (Choice)

Habetrot:

Please give me a few days, Sir!

I, Second Lieutenant Habetrot of Steel Line, will do whatever it takes to come up with a gift you'll enjoy, Sir!

Commander:

No, you really don't have to... (Choice)

Habetrot:

I'll excuse myself now, Sir!

Commander:

I blinked my eyes a few times as I stared at Habetrot leaving and decided to sit up straight.

I've been getting reports about her. I heard she's spending her free time pulling all-nighters, getting used to her position and studying field manuals.

I hope she can go a little easy on herself. (Choice)

She reminded me of how I used to brim over with enthusiasm and failed to improve our supplies situation.

... (Choice)

Well, I should get changed first since I'm awake.

Habetrot:

M, my apologies...I mean! S, Salute!

I forgot to salute on my way out, urghh...I'm sorry, Sir!

Oh...?

Commander:

... (Choice)

I was bare naked when Habetrot came back in, and we made eye contact.

Habetrot:

Whoooooooooooooahhhhhh!

E, excuse my intrusion, Sir!

Commander:

With a face redder than a tomato, Habetrot rushed out of my room.

She's still new here...and I know she's still getting used to everything, so I understand...but.

It would have been nice if she had closed the door on her way out... (Choice)

A chill wind blew in from the corridor.

Part 2.

??:

...Ma'am?

...Ma'am.

Silky:

Lieutenant!

Habetrot:

Yes?! What's wrong? Are we under attack?!

One moment! Let me check our equipment...

Oh...?

Gnome:

Are you alright, Ma'am?

If you're unwell, we can wrap up here. You should get some rest.

Silky:

I've noticed how you'd doze off standing still, Ma'am.

I can handle the military supplies as that's been my job till now. So please don't push yourself too much.

Habetrot:

I, it's alright!

I know how you two were in charge as there was no one in charge, right? It's my job now, and I should learn faster.

Let's get going.

Silky:

...What do you think, Sarge?

Gnome:

I was told she frequently pulls an all-nighter. She's definitely over-pushing herself.

Silky:

I'm worried for her.

...Should we report this?

Gnome:

...We should, as a family, we should look out for one another.

I'll notify him.

Habetrot:

Phew! Now I understand. So this is how it's done.

Highlighting here...and ah! I should also go over what I learned yesterday.

And read more training manuals and battle logs, and come up with something Commander would enjoy...

...

AHHHHHHHH!

I don't know, what would the Commander want!?

It wouldn't be as great as the birthday party, but I'm sure he'll like something!

What would General Marie or Colonel RedHood have...? What would everyone else here prepare him as a gift...?

Urgh...

I'll write down anything that comes to my mind first and eliminate the list. And if all else fails...

Hmm...

These pair I have, they're just big...and it's impossible to find a bra that fits my size...

But would he...like these...?

...Urrrrrrrghhhhh~!

That would be insane! How dare I possibly imagine someone like me doing all sorts of things with him...!

Let's create a list first!

Hmm...well, since I'm going to eliminate things as I go...

Maybe I should write myself down as a potential gift for him...

A, and I'm done...now let's try eliminating things one by one on this list!

...

Huh! I almost fell asleep again. I still have a lot to do...

I...Shouldn't...doze...off...

But maybe just a power nap...

Commander:

As I came by to turn off the light, I saw Habetrot sleeping.

... (Choice)

I asked Gnome and Silky to give me a heads up if they thought Habetrot needed some assistance a few days ago.

They did tell me how she literally fell asleep standing up straight. (Choice)

At first, I decided to give her a visit the next morning as I also had some paper works to do, but I chose not to wait just in case and...

She stayed here until this hour, huh. (Choice)

And then I took a peek at the sheet of paper she had on her desk. It was a list with things like 'Cooking Contest,' 'Valentine Gift,' 'Idol Project,' and many other redacted ideas.

This was kind of her, but I'm also worried about how she's overworking because of me.

Hope she doesn't get sick. (Choice)

Instead of waking her up, I covered her body with my coat.

One gift idea stood out as I was about to leave after writing a memo to remind her to take a break.

And I circled around it after a slight chuckle.

Goodnight, Habetrot. (Choice)

I sneaked out after turning the lights off.

Part 3.

Habetrot:

S, salute! Good morning, Sir!

Commander:

Hey, good morning. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Ah, yes! It was a good morning after waking up with...

No! That's not what I was trying to say!

I apologize for making you worried, Sir!

Commander:

I grabbed Habatrot by her shoulders as she continuously moved her head up and down to apologize.

Habetrot:

Hiya?!

Commander:

There's no need for you to lower your head like that. You don't have to apologize. (Choice)

Habetrot:

But...I still made you worried...

I don't know how I should apologize for the inconvenience I caused...urgh...

F, first off, I've washed and dried the coat you lent me. Here it is, Sir!

Commander:

The coat she gave back to me was as good as new. Just how hard did she try washing it?

Habetrot:

I brought it back as soon as possible as I figured you'd need it in this weather, but...

If! If you would kindly give me another day, I'll make sure it's even cleaner...!

Commander:

Nah, this is great. (Choice)

I changed into the coat she brought.

Thanks, this feels like brand new. (Choice)

Habetrot:

D, does it? Ehehe, I'm glad...

Ah! Were you trying to say how you preferred your coat before I washed it?

Commander:

Huh? (Choice)

Habetrot:

I made yet another mistake! I was so preoccupied with the thought of making it look clean...!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Sir!

Commander:

Haha... (Choice)

I reached out to my drawers and grabbed a few candies.

Habetrot:

Sir? Candies?

Commander:

Eating something sweet helps you relax, apparently. (Choice)

Habetrot:

I, is that true...

Well...Thank you, Sir.

Commander:

I could tell she was getting relaxed as she ate those candies. Maybe next time, I should have some sweet dessert prepared in my room.

Habetrot:

It's sweet...tasty...

Commander:

Aren't you tired of all the overtime you pull off every day? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Oh, pardon?! How did you know, Sir...?!

Commander:

Out of everyone aboard, I should be the one to stay on top of things. (Choice)

Well, Marie and RedHood know about it too, but I guess I'll stay quiet as I don't want to burden Habetrot.

Habetrot:

I, I see...as expected from you, Sir, the all-knowing.

But no, I'm not tired. In fact, I enjoy it.

I still have much to learn... but I know I'll be able to assist others one day, and that thought keeps me going!

Well, there's still a long way ahead of me...

Commander:

How's your gift idea coming along? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Gift ideas...Ah!

I, I was about to brief you on it, but, before that... if I may...

Commander:

Habetrot began to mumble and looked at me, blushing.

Habetrot:

Did you...circle around that item on the list, Sir?

Commander:

You mean if I circled around 'Me'? (Choice)

Habetrot:

I, I knew it!

I was just following my train of thought, urghhh! I didn't expect you to visit me at that hour...! I, I'll remove it.

Commander:

But that's what I want. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Pardon...?

Commander:

I'll make a few calls. (Choice)

I'm pretty free today. I finished all Orca Date Contest related work last night.

I sat up straight and stretched and asked.

See you in maybe two hours? (Choice)

Habetrot:

...

Paaaaaaaardoooooon?

Part 4.

Commander:

I was a little early.

But Habetrot seemed to have come out earlier than me as she was waiting for my arrival.

She was wearing the same uniform, but she looked different. Maybe those are new?

I said hi as I approached Habetrot was using the fountain water as a mirror to fix her attire.

Did I keep you waiting? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Kya?! Commander!

Commander:

I caught Habetrot as she was about to fall off.

Whoa, watch out. (Choice)

Habetrot:

T, thank you. No, Salu -

Commander:

No saluting today. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Pardon?

Commander:

Isn't it a little odd to salute one another on a date? (Choice)

Habetrot:

A, a date...! A Second Lieutenant on a date with the Great-One-And-Only-Commander...!?

Commander:

Wait, it's not a date? (Choice)

As I pretended to be disappointed, Habetrot closed her eyes.

Habetrot:

Ah...! No, it is a date!

I won't salute! So, uh, Sir...

Commander:

Her hand was trembling as I held on to it to help her relax. She's really nervous, huh.

Date it is then? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Uhm...

Yes...it is...

Commander:

Is there anywhere you'd like to go? Or eat? (Choice)

Habetrot:

I, I was designed to be a soldier...I'm not aware of what to do in situations like this...

Commander:

Mind if I bring you to where I looked up then? (Choice)

Habetrot:

You did?

Commander:

It looked neat. Let's go. (Choice)

We spent time walking around the Ark.

At first, she was stiff as ever.

But as we began riding rides at a mini amusement park, ate delicious snacks, and went sightseeing, I knew she was having a blast.

Soon, it was sunset, and the stores began to close one after another. And only the source of light in the Ecology Sector were the street lamps.

We decided to go for a walk before calling it a day.

Habetrot:

Wasn't that amazing, Sir? I didn't expect a giant tiger to appear from a chakram like that!

Not to mention how good the parfaits tasted! Sergeant Gnome knows how to cook.

Commander:

Did you have fun today? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Yes, I had -

Commander:

But suddenly, Habetrot froze still.

What's wrong? (Choice)

Habetrot:

...You did this for me.

I should have been the one who should have made you happy. But I ended up being spoiled by...

Commander:

That's not true. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Sir?

Commander:

I really had fun today. (Choice)

Habetrot was rich and honest with her emotions. They were the same old snacks and entertainment, but everything was new for her.

She would laugh to her heart's content when she found something amusing or jump out of her skin when something frightened her.

And just looking at her having a blast made me happy.

How're things back at Steel Line? (Choice)

Habetrot:

I still have a lot to learn...

Commander:

You don't have to hide anything from me. (Choice)

Habetrot:

...

Commander:

Tell me what's really on your mind. (Choice)

Habetrot:

You're right. I shouldn't hide anything from you, the Commander.

Well, I guess I'll open up.

The truth is, I was originally designed to assist in administrative and telecommunication duties. Engaging in battle was far from my specialty.

But, being assigned here in Orca, I learned I'm not a great help in battle, and my specialty is not really my strength compared to others. And that made me anxious.

'I really need to start doing my part. That's how I won't burden others.'

'Why am I like this? Why am I not enough?' And began self-hating.

Commander:

You're really fast with your transition, though, Habetrot? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Yes? I am?

Commander:

I was a complete joke when I first started. (Choice)

Habetrot:

...Whaaat?!

Commander:

And so I told her everything I've done, all my failures for the past three years, to Habetrot, who seemed to only know my success stories.

From my failure to secure supplies

To how I passed out from over-work one Christmas, trying to be a Santa Claus. Or how I assigned my crew to a team without thinking about their synergy.

Habetrot refused to believe I had to deal with trial and error, but soon, she began listening to what I had to say.

Habetrot:

You...also went through what I went through, Sir?

Commander:

Do you think I'm lying? (Choice)

Habetrot:

No! I didn't doubt you. I was just...I can't possibly imagine...

For the perfect Commander I've always known to have gone through such a phase...

Commander:

We all go through that phase. (Choice)

Habetrot:

We all...

Commander:

That includes Marie or RedHood. (Choice)

Anyone who joins us goes through that transition phase, anyone. And that's natural.

They're just getting used to a new environment.

It's not their fault, and it's alright. Time does its trick. To help one go through onboarding, others will be there to support and assist. For Habetrot, I know she has the entire Steel Line behind her back.

So don't get anxious over it. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Commander...

I'll try extra hard to live up to your...!

Commander:

No more 'extra-hard.' (Choice)

Habetrot:

Urgh!

Commander:

It's good to be enthusiastic, but it's equally important to look after yourself. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Well, Sir. If I may, then...

Commander:

Yeah? (Choice)

Habetrot:

May I still work until midnight?

I was fine until now. It was just I was pulling an all-nighter or... two this time, so...

Please...?

Commander:

... (Choice)

I gently stroked her hair as she asked for my permission.

Just promise me you'll take care of yourself. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Ah...

Yes! I promise.

Commander:

Good. It's a promise then, okay? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Now...I understand.

Why...everyone would say all those things about you...Ehehe.

And, Sir...?

Commander:

Habetrot began playing with her fingers, and her face turned pinkish as she called me.

Habetrot:

Since we're still dating...may I call you, Sir, Uhm...O...

Commander:

O? (Choice)

Habetrot:

O...O...!

...This is too much!

Thank you for today! Goodnight!

Commander:

She bent over to say goodbye as I thought her head was about to blow up from how red it had gotten and rushed back to her room.

I wonder what she wanted to say, though, hmm, curious.

Anyways... (Choice)

I just hope what I've told her will guide her.

And I also walked back to my room, thinking about what other stories I should tell her the next time I ask her out.

Part 5.

Brownie:

Did you get rid of all those enemies alone? You're amazing, Ma'am!

Leprechaun:

I knew I could count on you on the battlefield, Ma'am.

Silky:

I'm so happy you're part of the Steel-Line, Ma'am!

Right, Sarge?

Gnome:

Exactly! She's the best family member anyone could ask for.

Efreeti:

It's an honour to become a non-commissioned officer...and serve you...

Impet:

You've grown so much...

You're amazing, Ma'am.

Habetrot:

It's nothing. This is to be expected from a Second Lieutenant of Steel Line.

Compared to General Marie, Colonel RedHood, and Colonel Pheonix, I'm nothing...

??:

All wrapped up already?

Phoenix:

You did it this quickly? Are you sure you did this all alone?

Red Hood:

I knew I could count on you, Lieutenant.

Brilliant.

Marie:

I've always known how much effort you put in.

I knew you would grow into something great...but I guess I was wrong.

You've become someone far greater than I've ever imagined.

Habetrot:

General...Colonel...everyone...!

*Sniff...* Thank you!

The sole reason how I could have reached where I am today is that everyone around me waited patiently and supported me!

If it wasn't from you all, I would...ah, and of course, I can't forget about Commander...

Commander:

Habetrot!

Habetrot:

Commander?! But this is the front line, why are you...?

Commander:

Because I worry about you.

Habetrot:

Yes? You do?

Commander:

How can I not worry about my girlfriend?

Habetrot:

Huh...?

Whaaaaaaaat?! I'm your what?

Commander:

Will you marry me, Habetrot?

Habetrot:

T, this is all too sudden...! and how could I ever marry...

Commander:

My life is nothing without you, Habetrot. Please, I beg you.

Habetrot:

...Well.

The truth is, ever since our first date, I've envisioned this happening with you, Commander...no, Oppa...! Oof?

Oppa:

Shh, say no more, my cute little Kitten.

Habetrot:

Uwogh?!

Oppa:

I love you. Will you let me hug you?

Habetrot:

...Oppa!

Yes! I love you too!

You...Ehehe...I love you...

Oppa...

Commander:

Oppa? (Choice)

Is she referring to me?

Hmm... (Choice)

After our first date, Habetrot never dozed off standing still.

I was told she was more relaxed and getting more familiar with her work. However, I was also told how she still pulls all-nighters. So I thought I would come by to check up on her.

And I guess the reports were true. (Choice)

I gently patted Habetrot's shoulders in between a pile of paperwork.

Habetrot, wake up. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Uwogh...Oh? Commander...

Commander:

You have a bed for a reason. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Whaaat...I must be still dreaming...

Commander:

Hmm? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Oppaaaa~ hug me again like earlier...ehehe...come on...

Commander:

Uhm... (Choice)

Habetrot:

...Hmm? Uhhh?!

Wait...? Is this not a dream, but, ahhhhhhhhh!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

I made another mistake. I'm a disgrace...

Commander:

It happens, don't worry about it. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Urghhh...please forgive me, Sir.

Commander:

By the way, I thought we had a promise? (Choice)

Habetrot:

Practice? Uh...Wait, what's the time?

I, I was too focused to check the time...

Commander:

I'm hurt... (Choice)

Habetrot:

Ahhhhhh! My apologies, Sir...

Commander:

I almost burst into laughter from how Habetrot reacted.

What were you studying? (Choice)

I looked at the page of the field manual she was looking at. Hmm, that part would be hard to understand on her own.

Ask me if you don't understand something. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Sir?! No! Please, go get some rest. I'll wrap up right away.

Commander:

But you don't understand it, right? (Choice)

Habetrot:

T, that's true, but...

Commander:

I can't do this every day, but I'll help you out whenever I can. (Choice)

Habetrot:

S, still...

Commander:

I'm pretty free today. (Choice)

Habetrot:

Well...

Commander:

Habetrot began asking away as she calmed down a little.

She had the same inquiries I had when I first started working as the Commander.

Habetrot was confused when I began chuckling, as she thought she made a mistake when I chuckled because she reminded me of the old me.

The truth is, I have a ton of paperwork I need to deal with later...

But I decided that I'll deal with it later as watching Habetrot smile when learning something new made my day.

End.