Mosin-Nagant (GFL2)/Profile

Mosin-Nagant (GFL2)

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"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."

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Journals

Record 1

In Griffin, the elite Tactical Doll codenamed Mosin-Nagant was well-known for her marksmanship. While she had great pride in her pedigree, she was secretly worried about the age of her frame. When Griffin was restructured, her fear of being rejected led her to choose reassignment to a different position. As a result, she joined POL-03’s Department of Public Security, where she adopted her former codename as her new name.

Despite her sunny, cheerful attitude and straightforward way of speaking, Mosin-Nagant is actually a highly rational Doll, to the point of being a pessimist at times. Her lively imagination often leads her to overcomplicate simple issues and lose herself in exploring potential worst-case scenarios. In addition, her long service record in combat assignments has made her clumsy and inept at interpersonal relationships. There was a period when her new role as a public security Doll almost crushed her with despair, and the nigh-unbearable stress of her position caused her to lose her way for a while. Drowning her sorrows with alcohol was a regular occurrence during that period.

However, the part of Mosin-Nagant that delighted in helping people and giving her all never once changed. After seeing a Doll colleague of hers being reset, Mosin-Nagant finally pulled herself together and decided to confront her problems head-on. She changed her attitude and actively worked to better her situation, even if the work was thankless and arduous. Her habit of overthinking things helped her deal calmly with unexpected developments, and her diligence meant that she handled even the smallest details with the utmost care. Eventually, her outstanding skills and unflagging determination won her the trust and respect of her new colleagues.

Even after becoming the leader of a PubSec squad, the specter of “negativity” occasionally rears its ugly head in Mosin-Nagant’s neural cloud. Despite that, she continues inspiring the people around her with her cheerful smile and passionate actions.

Record 2

Mosin-Nagant stared hard at the “Griffin Restructuring: Personnel Intent Form”. Her fingers unconsciously pinched at the edges of the paper.

“It’s okay, it’s okay…” she muttered, like she was trying to encourage herself. “Staying in Griffin shouldn’t be a problem. I mean, I meet all the requirements for it.” Her confidence grew as she spoke, until she clenched her fist and punched the air, as though victory was within her grasp. Then she picked up an old coin from the table and flicked it lightly into the air—

—Hang on. Before the coin could even reach the apex of its journey, her expression had frozen solid.

“I meet the requirements… but only just, right?” Her brow furrowed as she stared at the coin spinning end over end in mid-air. “My frame isn’t the latest model, and there are many comrades in Griffin who are more capable than me… If I were in charge of hiring, I’d definitely pick someone who was a better return on their investment.”

Mosin-Nagant tried to catch the falling coin, but due to her distraction, it slipped between her fingers with a sharp clink and skittered under the table. “(Groan) I can’t even catch a coin…” Mosin-Nagant bent down and felt around on the floor, a bitter smile on her face. “Should I go get my manual dexterity recalibrated?” After picking up the coin, Mosin-Nagant remained crouched below the table, her face shrouded in shadows. Her voice grew quieter as she spoke. “What if I don’t get any of my backup options after missing my first pick?”

Mosin-Nagant suddenly bolted upright, her eyes as wide as saucers. “—What if I can’t even get a job at all?!”

She began pacing around the room, her footsteps growing more and more frantic. “What if. and I’m saying IF… what if the Reassignment Department doesn’t want me either? Will I really end up as a roadsweeper?” She suddenly froze and grabbed her face. “…And what if they aren’t looking for roadsweepers? I’ll become an unemployed drifter… That would be a total disgrace.”

Mosin-Nagant slumped into her chair, like all the strength had gone out of her. She stared blankly at the form for a long time. In the end, she picked up the pen and forcefully ticked the box marked “Reassignment”. As she filled out the rest of the form, she tried her best to console herself.

Record 3

The beer was bitter, but not as bitter as how she was feeling.

While she knew working in PubSec wasn’t going to be easy, she hadn’t expected it to be this hard.

Mosin-Nagant muttered to herself, “When I greet them, they ignore me. When I make suggestions, they don’t care. When I comment on something, they tell me to shut up. When I keep quiet, they say I have a bad attitude… Why is it so hard to work with the people around here?”

Fortunately, the bar was always open to her.

While the people here weren’t very sociable either, at the very least you could pay for basic respect—be it a drink or blessed silence.

Unfortunately, someone was bothering her even in her isolated little corner.

“Hey you—“ a thuggish voice slurred, interrupting her thoughts. The speaker thumped on the table. “Go somewhere else.” How many times had she been asked to move already tonight? Mosin-Nagant had lost count. Anger blazed up in her heart, but after remembering the locals’ attitude towards Dolls, she picked up her glass and retreated to an even darker corner.

Just as she was about to order another drink, she saw the patron from before standing in front of her on unsteady feet. Reeking of alcohol, he slammed a crudely made beer mug down in front of her— “Dincha hear me? Get lost!” The drunk jabbed a finger at Mosin-Nagant, almost touching her nose.

In that moment, all the unfair treatment she had endured over the past few days merged with the sense of powerlessness that came from being told that everything she did was wrong. When that happened, something inside her snapped.

She didn’t look up, only stared hard at the beer that had splashed out of the mug and onto the table. Her reply was not loud, but it was incredibly clear, filled with a cold hardness she didn’t even realize. “No.”

The drunk didn’t seem to have heard her, or perhaps he hadn’t expected a reply like that from her. “Say what?”

Mosin-Nagant suddenly jerked her head up and stared straight into his eyes.

“I said, no. This is MY place. If you wanted it, you should have come earlier.”

A cold, choking silence began spreading through the bar. Clearly the drunk had not expected the girl who had always yielded in the past to stand her ground. After cursing under his breath, he actually stumbled away.

With the crisis averted, Mosin-Nagant leaned back into her chair as all the strength fled her body.

What she didn’t expect was that the barkeep, who usually never said anything to anyone at any time, silently handed her a fresh mug of beer.

“On the house.” The man was as taciturn as ever, but he nodded to her.

She took her time downing that beer.

Like a pebble tossed into a stagnant pond, that little victory had sent faint ripples through her heart.

Could she actually change herself?

Record 4

Mosin-Nagant stared at the ceiling, her body spinning freely in her office chair. Her neural cloud replayed her conversation with her new friends at the bar last night—

“Hiiii! Over here, Mosin-Nagant!”

“My name’s Chelsea, and this is Flinn. Thanks for that intel you gave us a couple of days ago!”

“Yeah, yeah! We’ve been searching for those guys for a really long time. Thanks to you, we managed to take them in. I heard you used to serve with Griffin. Mind telling us your story?”

“Oh, and feel free to come talk with us more often in the future, not just today. The other Dolls from your precinct aren’t exactly great conversationalists.”

…

For a moment, the hubbub around Mosin-Nagant made her imagine that she was back in Griffin, surrounded by her buddies/

Talking and being around others really did warm the heart. Mosin-Nagant couldn’t help but wonder how lovely it would be if her own squad were like that.

However, her repeated attempts to pierce the wall of silence around her chief and colleagues had met with failure time and time again.

“Less talk, more work!”

“As a Doll, I expect you to listen to on-site directions and behave as the Guidelines dictate. No going off and doing your own thing, got that?!”

“But…”

“No buts! Didn’t you hear the chief? Mind your own business and stay in your lane.”

…

With her passion and sense of duty crushed by reprimands and regulations, Mosin-Nagant felt more lost and frustrated than ever before. In the end, she chose to run away— She ran from the fire that pulsed in the bottom of her heart. She ran from the ever-mounting complaints in her precinct. She ran from all the responsibilities that weren’t hers. Even when Chelsea begged her for help, she hesitated, and then ran from that as well.

Mosin-Nagant thought she would run away forever.

At least, until she went to the bar for her usual meeting with the others.

The look in their eyes that met hers was utterly unfamiliar.

“Hello. Can I help you?”

It was then that she realized their neural clouds had been formatted—the excessive complaints and delays in clearing cases had led to their entire squad being deemed unsatisfactory.

For Dolls, having their neural clouds formatted was as close to death as it could get.

All those smiles that they had shared, those memories of high-fiving each other, the way they bared their souls to each other in the middle of the night… All of it was gone, like it had never been.

She froze on the spot. Her drink fell from her trembling hands and splashed on the ground. In that singular, frozen moment, an even more chilling thought came to mind: If… if her own squad ended up receiving too many complaints and their clear rates didn’t make the grade…

Drops of cold sweat began forming on her back.

From that day onward, Mosin-Nagant stopped running.

She followed the clues her former friends had left behind and rooted out the thugs who were hiding in the city.

She began walking beats on the streets with the most complaints and trained herself to communicate with the local residents. She burned the midnight oil to redraw patrol routes. She marked every single potentially problematic location and came up with ways to deal with them. She refused to let herself be deterred by the cold faces of her colleagues. She strove to greet them every morning and share what she knew, even if they only acknowledged her one out of ten times.

And in the end, her effort and drive were rewarded. Though she still felt afraid and confused from time to time, she no longer turned her back on the things that mattered. This was the beginning of Mosin-Nagant’s transformation into a squad leader renowned for her tenacity and professionalism.

Record 5

“Our shift’s been over for a long time now, so how come Leader’s still in the file room?” Papasha said as she poked her head inside and looked around.

“I know, right? She’s been at it for several days already,” Clara sighed. “It’s probably because she’s trying to nab those fugitives.”

“But didn’t the chief say that the neighboring precinct would be handling the case and all we’d have to do is support them?” Galina quietly added.

The office briefly fell silent. Mosin-Nagant was always like this—she wouldn’t let go of anything that might pose the least bit of a threat to the people’s safety.

“Leader’s going to wear herself out at this rate,” Papasha said worriedly. “Let’s help her out!”

“Don’t you think Leader stayed back by herself precisely because she doesn’t want us to get involved? I bet she’ll tell us to leave if we join in…”

“Hehe, that’s not up to her to decide…” Clara snapped her fingers. “As it turns out, it’s been almost a year since Leader joined us. I’ve got an idea.”

“Whew… Well, I’ve got a lead, at least.”

Halfway through another all-nighter, Mosin-Nagant stretched her arms as she rose from her desk.

“This line of thinking sounds like it could work out. I’ll confirm the suspects again tomorrow and then hand out assignments to everyone!”

“Still… Is it just me, or is there something a bit wrong with everyone lately? Clara and Galina have been acting all mysterious, and even Papasha disappears the moment she knocks off…” A hint of sadness flashed across Mosin-Nagant’s eyes as she pondered these developments. However, her face soon beamed with a bright smile again. “Oh, I get it. They must be doing some kind of secret team-building thing because they’re afraid of adding to my workload.”

“Oh well, that’s alright. As the squad leader, I can understand my squadmates’ needs! I’ll just handle the mission by myself. It’ll be fine! Hahaha!” Mosin-Nagant clenched her fist to encourage herself.

“What mission are you talking about, Leader?”

“Leader, according to the Guidelines, a squad leader isn’t allowed to conduct a potentially dangerous investigation by themselves without authorization!”

Mosin-Nagant scratched her head in confusion as she heard the voices from outside the room.

“Hm? Are those Clara’s and Papasha’s voices? …Did I do so much overtime that I ended up hallucinating?”

“What do you mean, ‘hallucinating’? This is backup from your squad!”

As Galina chimed in, the office door swung open and colorful streamers flew in from the outside, raining down on Mosin-Nagant’s head.

“Happy anniversary, Leader!” Galina said as she waved the streamer cannon in her hand. Meanwhile, Papasha had a tiny cake with a single candle on it, and Clara held up a file.

“Leader, we already checked out the targets you were going to investigate. Our reports are compiled here.”

“Ah! Wait, so you weren’t organizing some kind of secret team-building thing? You were actually—“

Mosin-Nagant facepalmed, seemingly having just recovered from the lively scene before her.

“Yup yup. Do you like your ‘first anniversary of joining the squad’ surprise?”

“Next time, you’re not allowed to secretly do overtime while keeping it from us.”

Memories

Labored Expression 1

Commander
(Yawn) So… sleepy…

(It’s early in the morning. As the first rays of sunlight spill across the Elmo’s deck, I walk out of my room while rubbing my shoulders.)

(I’m rarely up this early, and most of the Dolls are still asleep, so the corridor is filled with silence.)

(However, there is someone standing in the middle of the empty passage. It’s Mosin-Nagant, who’s leaning against a railing as she glances in my direction from time to time.)

(When she realizes I’m observing her, she nervously balls up her fists, as thought she were making up her mind, and then quickly walks over to me.)

Mosin-Nagant
Good morning, Comrade Commander!

Commander
Good morning, Mosin-Nagant.

(I greet her as usual, then carry on to the ops room.)

(However, Mosin-Nagant awkwardly follows me, trailing about half a step behind. There is a barely perceptible hint of nervousness in her voice.)

Mosin-Nagant

Ah… Comrade Commander! Today’s weather is… it looks stable, no? What do you think? The wind force is… 3, I think?

It seems a bit weaker than yesterday’s.

Commander

Oh yes, today’s weather is very good.

Since when were you so concerned about the wind speed, Mosin-Nagant?

(Perhaps I’m imagining things, but her face has turned slightly red.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ah, well, uh… I just thought that weather like this was perfect for… perfect for a walk across the Elmo. Yes, that’s right, a walk! The air’s very refreshing too. Wouldn’t you agree, Commander?

Commander
I’m of the same opinion. But, pray tell, is that REALLY what you want to tell me?

Commander
Are you facing some difficulties, Comrade Mosin-Nagant? Are you in need of assistance?

Mosin-Nagant
Er, actually… ahaha…

(Mosin-Nagant scratches her head and smiles sheepishly. Her eyes are darting around from side to side. It seems she’s very hesitant about what she’s going to say next.)

(Suddenly, a rapid ringtone breaks the increasingly awkward silence. A comm request comes through my tactical terminal. The caller is Groza.)

Groza
Commander, are you up? Our client just sent over a contract, and they want to discuss some of the clauses with you face to face. Please proceed to the ops room ASAP.

Commander
Roger that. I’ll be right over, Groza. Sorry Mosin-Nagant, we’ll continue this la—

(As I look back, I see what looks like a combination of relief and dejection in Mosin-Nagant’s eyes. However, it only lasts for a moment. She quickly returns to her usual sunny and reassuring demeanor, waving me goodbye in a loud voice.)

Mosin-Nagant
Please go! Your duties come first, of course. All the best, Comrade Commander! Please do your best when clearing today’s documents. May you work with efficiency!

Commander
Alright, see you later, then.

(I quicken my pace toward the ops room, but when I look back—)

I see Mosin-Nagant sighing. Her shoulders droop briefly, but then she straightens back up almost immediately before smacking her forehead in frustration.

(At long last, the contract negotiations are over. I drag my weary body to the crew deck. Right now, the only thing that separates me from a corpse is that a corpse no longer begs for death.)

(And as I turn the corner, Mosin-Nagant “just so happens” to be coming from the other direction.)

Mosin-Nagant
Oh my, what a coincidence, Comrade Commander! I didn’t think I’d run into you here.

(I turn my gaze from side to side. This corridor is not one of her usual haunts.)

Commander
Yes, what a coincidence. Comrade Mosin-Nagant, I seem to be “coincidentally” running into you very often today. Are you surveying the weather patterns in the corridors?

(Mosin-Nagant’s smile goes stiff for a moment and she has to force herself to remain calm.)

Mosin-Nagant
Y-you’re such a joker, Commander! Of course I’m… I’m performing a regular safety inspection! Yes, that’s right, an inspection! I need to check if the fire hydrant indicator lights in this corridor are bright enough… Hm, they look fine.

Commander
Alright then Comrade Inspector. So, might there be anything else apart from the lights? From what I can tell… hm, is there something weighing on your mind?

(Mosin-Nagant coughs heavily, and then her gaze begins shifting rapidly between the patterns on the floor, the texture of the walls, and the lights on the ceiling.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ah? No, of course not, what could possibly be bothering me? Everything is fine! Very fine!

Mosin-Nagant
Oh yes, Commander, did you know that the cafeteria is serving braised beef as a special lunch item today? Apparently, Qiuhua tried a new recipe that used special spices from the Yellow Zones. While I don’t need to eat, the smell was really tempting…

Mosin-Nagant
Also, Comrade Papasha found an extremely old model of a screw while performing equipment maintenance yesterday. Apparently it’s even older than the Elmo! Amazing, isn’t it? Also…

(Listening to her jump from topic to topic is actually quite amusing. I choose to not interrupt her, but it’s getting harder and harder to keep a smile from my mouth.)

(Mosin-Nagant spends two whole minutes on this. In the end, she clenches her eyes closed and stomps her foot with a wanton force, as though she’s exhausted all her excuses.)

Mosin-Nagant
…Based on the abovementioned reasons and after taking into consideration the critical manpower shortage faced by the precinct’s patrol complement, I would like to officially extend an invitation to you on behalf of Public Security Squad No. 7. We hope you can join us as a volunteer special constable for the weekend and join us on our daily patrol beats in POL-03…

(After getting all that out in one breath, she looks like she’s on the verge of bluescreening.)

Commander
Sure, no problem.

(I agree without hesitation. Frankly speaking, I’m quite curious about Mosin-Nagant’s assigned precinct too.)

(However, it seems Mosin-Nagant didn’t notice what I said due to her nervousness and my rapid reply. And so, she plunges on undeterred.)

Mosin-Nagant

I fully understand this request is a great imposition on you and the arduous nature of your daily work means you have practically no time to entertain such a trivial request.

Therefore, even your refusal is a perfectly reasonably and acceptable outcome, and I sincerely wish to express my understanding and support for your response.

Mosin-Nagant
In that case, I will not hold you back any further. Enjoy your lunch, and may we meet again, Comrade Commander.

(After that last burst of words not unlike machine-gun fire, she immediately turns on her heel and makes to flee the scene. I reach out to grab her arm.)

Commander
Mosin-Nagant.

Mosin-Nagant
…Yes? Do you have any further instructions, Commander?

(As I take in her red cheeks and the dejected look in her eyes, I repeat what I said earlier.)

Commander
I just said, “Sure, no problem.” I would be delighted to serve as a volunteer special constable with you this weekend.

(Mosin-Nagant’s head suddenly jerks up, her eyes wide and full of disbelief.)

Mosin-Nagant
Bweh? You… you said what? You said yes? You really said yes? Not no? Not, “please repeat your request again”?

Commander
Yes, I heard you very clearly the first time. You’re low on manpower and asked me to help serve as a volunteer special constable for the weekend.

Commander
And I accepted. Honestly, it sounds like a lot of fun and it’ll help me to better understand your daily work situation.

(Delight and excitement instantly overwhelm her tension and awkwardness. Mosin-Nagant’s face shines with an incandescent smile.)

Mosin-Nagant
That…That’s wonderful! Really? Thank you so much, Commander! I’m so happy to hear that! Ah, no no no, I mean, the squad greatly appreciates your support. You have our thanks.

Commander
Yup, it’s a date. So, when and where exactly do you need me?

(Mosin-Nagant is so excited that she’s barely coherent.)

Mosin-Nagant
Eight o’clock on Saturday morning! Please proceed to the main office of the Department of Public Security for Precinct W12 of Satellite City POL-03. I’ll be waiting for you there.

Mosin-Nagant
I’ve prepared three sets of equipment, patrol routes, and backup plans. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies and warm temperatures.

Mosin-Nagant
In short, it’s perfect for outdoor activities… Ahem, I mean, outdoor patrols.

Commander
Alright, eight o’clock on Saturday morning, at the main office of the Department of Public Security for Precinct W12 of Satellite City POL-03. I got it.

(Mosin-Nagant tries desperately to resume a dignified and sincere expression, but there’s no quelling the smile plastered across her face.)

Mosin-Nagant
Yes, Comrade Commander!

Mosin-Nagant
In that case, I won’t take up any more of your precious lunchtime. See you on Saturday.

(Mosin-Nagant salutes with exceptional force. I can practically hear the fabric of her clothes rustling with the wind as she does. With that, she turns and strides off, seemingly unaware of how stiff and awkward her movements are.)

(While I have my doubts about how “critical” that “manpower shortage” she touted was, they’re overruled by my anticipation for this weekend’s “duty”.)

(From the end of the corridor, I can barely make out a suppressed cheer: “YES! I did it!”)

Labored Expression 2

(It’s not eight o’clock yet, but I’ve already reached Mosin-Nagant’s assigned police station.)

(The metal door to the office slowly slides open with a quiet whoosh of displaced air.)

(I see Mosin-Nagant bending over a tactical desk covered in electronic maps and patrol diagrams, unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the table while occasionally glancing at the clock.)

(She’s clearly surprised and delighted that I came early and happily waves me over. Excitement raises her voice’s pitch by half an octave.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander! You… you came.

(She rushes toward me, but then she screeches to a halt just two steps away from me. Mosin-Nagant doesn’t seem to know what to do with her hands, one moment they’re at her sides, the next they’re halfway raised, like she’s about to salute. She’s as awkward as a recruit on her first day in boot camp.)

(Meanwhile, the two other PubSec officers—Clara and Galina—exchange meaningful looks and whisper to each other.)

(Galina lightly nudges Clara with her elbow.)

Galina
Take a gander at Leader. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen her act this way.

Clara
Is her neural cloud overloading?

(Mosin-Nagant most definitely heard that. She clears her throat more forcefully than she has to and tries her best to maintain her usual tone that would befit a calm leader. However, try as she might, she can’t flush the pink from her cheeks.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander! You…you’re right on time.

(Curious, Clara steps up and boldly examines me.)

Clara
Ohhh—! So you’re the Commander, in the flesh! Leader always…

(Before she can finish, Mosin-Nagant shuts her up with a stern glare.)

Commander
Good morning, ladies. It’s an honor to be a part of your squad, even if it’s only for a while. Now then. Leader Mosin-Nagant… What exactly is on the agenda for our work today?

(Hearing the words “work” and “Leader” seems to flip a switch in Mosin-Nagant. The awkward and nervous girl from before vanishes instantly. It is replaced by the focus and decisiveness of a capable Tactical Doll. This right here is the Mosin-Nagant I know.)

Mosin-Nagant
Alright, listen up, ladies! As mentioned in the plan, I’ll be leading Team A. Comrade Commander and I will be patrolling the central business district and the adjacent First Public Park.

Mosin-Nagant
Galina will lead Team B. You’ll be patrolling the outskirts of the industrial warehouse district. All personnel are to keep the comm channels clear and check in once per hour.

(Her gaze sweeps the room and finally lands on Papasha, who’s checking an equipment crate.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Papasha, what is the current status of our malfunctioning and damaged gear?

(Papasha doesn’t look up. She smacks a nearby metal box like she’s done this a hundred times before.)

Papasha
It’s fine, Leader! I’ve checked all our equipment. All malfunctions have been dealt with, and all damaged equipment has been replaced. It’s ready for use at anytime!

(Galina raises a hand, a teasing smile on her face.)

Galina
Leader, I’d like to confirm something. Our focus today is actual civil protection patrols and not an exclusive VIP tour, right? Are there really any “potential threats” at that observation deck which warrant you to go out of your way to visit it?

(Mosin-Nagant’s face flushes pink again, but she immediately straightens up and tries to mask her awkwardness with a firm tone.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ahem. Comrade Galina, that observation deck… boasts an ample field of vision and allows clear observation of the traffic flows on Public Highway No. 3. At night, it also serves as a hotspot for civilian foot traffic. Pre-emptive inspection of potential security issues is a legitimate intelligence task.

Mosin-Nagant
…In short, it’s a legitimate mission, so just do as I say.

Galina
Yeppers~ You got it, Leader, we’ll carry out the mission for sure.

Mosin-Nagant
Very good. Move out!

(The other squad members turn and stream out of the room with practiced fluidity. Their boots pound out a crisp, staccato rhythm on the ground which soon vanishes down the end of the corridor. Naturally, I pivot and prepare to head out with them.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ah! Comrade Commander, please… please hold on for a bit.

(I grind to a halt and turn back to look at her, a confused look on my face. Right now, we’re the only two people left in the office. The low roar of the air conditioning makes itself especially evident.)

(Mosin-Nagant’s hands rummage through her pockets as her face grows redder and redder.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ah… This is a volunteer special constable’s temporary badge. I… forgot to give it to you. A major oversight on my part.

(She finally pulls a small diamond-shaped alloy badge from her breast pocket. It shimmers with a soft blue light. Then, she pauses, as though she’s summoning up all her courage, before she looks up and meets my gaze.)

Mosin-Nagant
It’s for you. We’re finally fighting side by side again.

(Her voice is very quiet, but it’s filled with sincere anticipation.)

(I take the badge from her, but I don’t put it on right away. Instead, I keep looking at her.)

Commander
You looked and sounded like a squad leader just now. It fills me with joy to see you like that.

Commander
It feels strange, really. In the past, I was the one giving you orders, but today, I’ll be the one taking orders from Leader Mosin-Nagant.

(This sudden praise makes Mosin-Nagant’s face grow bright red all of a sudden. She frantically waves her hands in an attempt to humbly deny it, but her eyes are trained on me throughout the whole thing.)

Mosin-Nagant
No… that’s not true. I still have a lot to learn. I’m a long way from being like you, Commander.

Mosin-Nagant
Could I… could I help put that badge on for you?

(Mosin-Nagant reaches out and takes the badge from my hand.)

(I thrust my chest forward to make it easier for her. Mosin-Nagant takes a step forward and carefully pins it on the breast pocket on the left side of my uniform. Her fingers tremble slightly from nervousness, and she carefully adjusts the angle to make sure it’s perfectly straight. Her warm, faintly scented breath caresses my neck and the underside of my chin.)

(There is a subtle, almost intimate serenity in the air.)

(Just then, the sound of rushing footsteps draws closer. The door to the office slides open once again. It is Clara, who has returned after stepping out.)

Clara
Sorry, Leader! I forgot my—

(Clara notices just how close we are to each other and the flush on Mosin-Nagant’s face, as well as the way she’s carefully pinning the badge onto me. It twinkles under the light.)

(Clara’s words immediately die in her throat, but a knowing, mischievous grin immediately spreads across her face.)

Clara
—My helmet. Yesssss, just my helmet.

(Mosin-Nagant stumbles back, hands and feet flailing like an epileptic octopus before she tries to stiffen up her expression to hide her embarrassment.)

Mosin-Nagant
Ahem! Move fast, Comrade Clara! The others are waiting for you!

(Clara slowly and deliberately picks up the helmet sitting on her chair. Her eyes dart between us and a brief giggle escapes her lips.)

Clara
I’ll be going now, Leader. Far be it from me to interrupt this, er, solemn badge adjustment ceremony.

(As she passes Mosin-Nagant, she deliberately lowers her voice and speaks just loud enough that I can hear it too.)

Clara
VERY shiny badge, Leader. Perfect match for your face. Good luck!

(With those words, she whistles playfully before scampering off.)

(The office is silent again, perhaps even quieter than before. Mosin-Nagant averts her gaze, then clears her throat in an unnatural way. However, her fists are unclenched now.)

(I say nothing. All I do is step forward and reach out to place my hand over hers.)

(Mosin-Nagant seems surprised by this. After pausing for a moment, she reverses her hand and squeezes mine tightly. She looks at me and speaks. Her voice is very soft, but strangely clear and firm.)

(Mosin-Nagant’s voice is very soft, but strangely clear and firm.)

Mosin-Nagant
Let’s go, Comrade Commander. Today’s patrol… has only just begun.

Commander
Indeed, Leader. Let’s go.

(And so, we leave the empty PubSec office, hand in hand, out toward the sunlit streets.)

(Our personal, private public security patrol has begun.)

Labored Expression 3

(It’s a bright and sunny afternoon. Mosin-Nagant and I are walking side by side through the neighborhood on a daily patrol.)

(A breeze carries a floral fragrance to us. Suddenly, a faint yet clear sound of crying breaks the silence.)

Mosin-Nagant
Did you hear that, Comrade Commander? Three o’clock, behind those bushes.

Commander
Yes, sounds like a child.

(We follow the sound to a corner of a public park. There, we find a girl in a dress, roughly four to five years old, rubbing her eyes as she weeps.)

(Mosin-Nagant immediately crouches down to bring herself level with the girl. She tries to speak as gently as she can, although her voice still sounds a little stiff.)

Mosin-Nagant
Little Comrade, how… is something wrong? Please feel free to report anything to me. Shedding tears won’t solve your problems… Yes, you have to burn bright with bravery!

(The girl is startled by this sudden pep talk and goes stiff for a moment. Then her crying grows even louder.)

(Mosin-Nagant panics and becomes even more incoherent.)

Mosin-Nagant
Er, what? Wait! Please don’t cry, you’re brave, just listen to—

Girl
Uweehhh… Uwaaaaaahhhhh—

(I can’t help but burst into laughter as I watch Mosin-Nagant dig herself deeper with each word.)

(From my experience, talking isn’t going to help at times like these. I feel around in my uniform pocket, searching for the egg-shaped pendant inside, and open it. Inside is a small gyroscope. I start it up and it spins evenly, making a soft, pleasant hum.)

Commander
Hey, kiddo. See this? Doesn’t it look pretty when it spins?

Girl
Y-yeah, it’s pretty… uwehh…

(The girl’s crying slowly dies down as she is fascinated by the spinning, sparkling object. She sniffles, but her eyes are wide as she stares at it without blinking.)

(After seeing the girl settle down, Mosin-Nagant breathes a sigh of relief and whispers to me.)

Mosin-Nagant
My greatest thanks for your assistance, Comrade Commander. I’ll take it from here.

(She composes herself again and tries to make her voice sound as gentle as possible.)

Mosin-Nagant
Do you have a name, little one? Why are you out here by yourself? Do you know where your… parents are?

(The girl gazes at the spinning gyroscope, then at the big sister who still looks a little stern, but isn’t that scary anymore. She sniffles, and then she replies.)

Girl
My… my name is Bella… I lost my mommy… uweehhh…

(I gently place the pendant in Bella’s hand.)

Commander
I see, so your name is Bella. Don’t be scared, okay? This is Big Sis Mosin-Nagant, she’s the local police squad leader and she’s super awesome. Her job is helping people like you who are in trouble.

Girl
Po…police squad leader?

Mosin-Nagant
Yup, my job is to keep everyone safe. For instance… I helped Uncle Smith find his toolbox last week! And just yesterday, I stopped a bunch of big kids from messing around on the street! And I helped a cat down from a tree branch, and…

(Mosin strives mightily to describe her adventures to the child.)

Commander
See, Big Sis Mosin-Nagant is a good person who helps people. She won’t do bad things. That means you can trust us, Bella. Can you tell us your mommy’s name or where you were just now?

(Between my coaxing and Mosin-Nagant’s best “heroic” performance, we finally manage to get Bella to tell us her mother’s name and the rough location where they got separated.)

(Mosin-Nagant whips out her ceommunications terminal.)

Mosin-Nagant
HQ, this is Mosin-Nagant. We’ve got a lost child on the south side of Central Park. Her name is Bella and she’s around four years old. Her mother’s name is Anna, and we suspect they got separated in the nearby marketplace. Requesting assistance in finding and contacting her family.

(Things slowly calm down as we wait for a reply. Bella stares in fascination at the gyroscope spinning inside the pendant.)

Commander
Let’s find Bella a more comfortable place to wait. Mosin-Nagant, is there anywhere for a kid to sit down around here?

Mosin-Nagant
Yes, there is! Turn left 200 meters ahead. There’s a small community playground there with a seesaw and a slide. It’s good for… it’s good for kids!

Commander
Alright, then we’ll wait for Bella’s mom there.

(We take Bella to the playground. She’s soon drawn to a colorful slide and excitedly points to the fairly tall platform.)

Bella
Big Sis, I want to play on that!

Mosin-Nagant
Roger that! Hmm, site assessment suggests that assisted climbing will not pose any safety hazards.

(Mosin-Nagant steps forward and makes a clumsy attempts to pick up Bella. However, she’s not used to playing with kids. As such, she can’t control her strength well and her grip makes Bella a little uncomfortable.)

Commander
Let me help you out.

(I help Mosin-Nagant adjust her posture like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I hold onto Bella with one hand while my other guides Mosin-Nagant’s arm, forming a perfectly safe and stable support for her.)

Commander
Alright, Leader. Requesting permission for launch.

Mosin-Nagant
OK, permission granted.

(Mosin-Nagant and I lift Bella to the top of the slide. She whooshes down and giggles merrily.)

(Just then, an older woman who’s passing by notices Mosin-Nagant’s distinctive uniform. She waves to her with a warm smile.)

Old Woman
My, if it isn’t Leader Mosin-Nagant. I can’t thank you enough for helping me find my wallet back then. And this is… Oh, just look at you, what a happy family you make! And your child is such a cutie!

(Mosin-Nagant immediately freezes up as if someone hit the pause button on her. Her face is turning red in real-time. Her mouth hangs open, but she can’t muster a word. I can almost imagine the steam coming out of her ears.)

Mosin-Nagant
I… we… we’re not… it’s not…

Commander
Greetings, ma’am. This young lady lost her mother, so we’re taking care of her until her family comes to pick her up. Children’s safety comes first, after all.

Old Woman
Ohhhh! So you were actually on duty! Still, seeing the two of you does put my old heart at ease. Dear little Mosin-Nagant is a good girl. She’s responsible and she’s got a good heart, so don’t let her get away!

(The older woman laughs as she leaves. Left in her wake is a newly chiseled stone statue made in Mosin-Nagant’s image.)

(Just then, Mosin-Nagant’s communicator rings. She reaches for it as though she’s been relieved of some great burden and answers the call.)

Mosin-Nagant
…Have you contacted Mrs. Anna yet? She’s rushing to the playground? Got it! We’ll wait here.

(Not long afterwards, a harried-looking young woman runs over.)

Bella
Mama!

Anna
Bella! My baby! Thank you! Thank you so much, I was so worried I thought I’d go mad!

(The young mother scoops up Bella and bows to me and Mosin-Nagant.)

Anna
I can’t thank you enough! Thank you for taking care of Bella and playing with her… Thank you so much!

(Bella leans against her mother’s chest and carefully returns the pendant to me.)

Bella
Thank you, I’m giving it back now. And… thank you, awesome big sis.

Commander
You’re welcome. Stick close to your mommy in the future, okay?

(The mother and daughter duo thank us again before leaving. Mosin-Nagant watches them go and breathes a heavy sigh of relief.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander… Forgive me, I made a fool of myself just now. I… I’m not good at dealing with children. When I encounter them during my duties, it’s usually Papasha or my other colleagues who are far better with kids that’ll take care of them.

Mosin-Nagant
You, on the other hand, seem to be really good at handling them. I can’t believe you actually had such a fancy little toy on hand for her.

Commander
Hehe, well, I’m not really the caretaker type. It’s just… after spending so long with Helena and seeing how Colphne plays with her, I picked up a thing or two.

Commander
As for this… Well, I actually brought it for you.

(I hand Mosin-Nagant the pendant. She freezes up, her eyes going wide.)

Mosin-Nagant
For… for me?

Commander
Yup. I saw it several days ago. I thought it was pretty, sophisticated, reliable, and steadfast, always true to its core, keeping balanced and staying its course. For some reason, it reminded me of a certain someone who diligently patrolled the streets and kept her city safe.

Commander
Though I had to let Bella play with it just now because it was an emergency, I hope you don’t mind.

(Mosin-Nagant looks at the pendant, which sparkles faintly in the sunlight. Then, she looks at me, her face flushing red again. This time, however, her countenance is neither stressed nor harried; rather, she is delighted and moved.)

Mosin-Nagant
How… how could I possibly mind? Thank you so much, Comrade Commander! This is… this is the best gift I have ever received!

(She carefully, reverently takes the pendant form me, squeezing it tightly in her palm before carefully putting it on.)

(As I watch how she tenderly caresses the pendant hanging from her neck, I find myself reaching out to her, the same way I do before each patrol together.)

Commander
Now then, Leader Mosin-Nagant. Shall we continue with our patrol?

(Mosin-Nagant smiles and takes my hand without hesitation.)

Mosin-Nagant
Of course, Comrade Commander!

Labored Expression 4

(A week later, in the evening, the station is filled with an ambience of both ease and relaxation. Mosin-Nagant’s squad is holding a small farewell party to mark the end of my brief attachment to the squad.)

Papasha
Commander, thank you for your assistance. Thanks to you, our patrol assignments this week were much easier…

Clara
Oh, and you were totes a really good sport about it too. You didn’t complain at all, even after being put through a full week of Leader’s “special attention” style of patrols.

Galina
Indeed. You were a great help to us, Commander. And of course, our thanks to Leader Mosin-Nagant for introducing us to such trustworthy “outside help”.

(Mosin-Nagant stands off to the side, trying to keep a smile on her face. After hearing the praise from the others, however, there is a hint of distraction and anxiety in the undercurrent of her eyes.)

(She steals glances at me from time to time, her fingers unconsciously grabbing at the hems of her clothing.)

Mosin-Nagant
So the week is over… even though… even though I haven’t said the most important thing yet…

(As Mosin-Nagant spaces out, the party ends quickly enough, and the others leave, smiling and waving. Soon, only Mosin-Nagant and I are left in the office. She stares aimlessly at the view beyond the window.)

(The, Mosin-Nagant suddenly turns toward me, as though she’s mustered up all the courage she’ll ever have in her life. Her voice squeaks, presumably from anxiety.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade… Comrade Commander!

Commander
Hm? Is something the matter, Leader Mosin-Nagant?

Mosin-Nagant
Ah… I would like to thank you for your hard work and selfless assistance over the course of the week. Therefore… I would like to buy you a drink! There’s a bar I visit often, it’s got good ambience. Please give me a chance to repay you for your contributions.

(She rattles all those words off at warp speed, as though she’s afraid of the courage leaving her if she delays for even a second.)

Commander
Sure. Sounds like an excellent idea. I’d hate to make you go to all that expense, though.

Mosin-Nagant
It’s no trouble at all! It’s entirely warranted, actually! In that case… shall we meet at the “Veteran’s Rest” on 3rd Street in an hour’s time?

Commander
No problem. See you later.

(One hours later, I find Mosin-Nagant in a quiet corner of the “Veteran’s Rest”.)

(She looks like she’s been here for a while, because there are several empty glasses in front of her, and the pendant I gave her is still visible. Her fingers are unconsciously fiddling with it, while her eyes are flickering between expectant and apprehensive.)

(I call out to her, and she instantly springs out of her chair.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander! You’re here! This way, please.

(Perhaps it’s because she got up too quickly combined with the effects of her drinks, but she looks unsteady on her feet. She reflexively grabs the table with one hand, while her other hand grabs mine as I reach out to help her.)

(Mosin-Nagant’s face turns beet red the moment she makes contact with me. She quickly retracts her hand, as if she’d been scalded, but her touch seems to linger on my flesh.)

Mosin-Nagant
I… I’m terribly sorry, Comrade Commander! Please… have a seat! Would you like something to drink? You MUST let me buy you a drink tonight! It’s a matter of principle!

(She practically forces me down into my seat while repeatedly emphasizing that last part.)

Commander
Alright then, we’ll do it your way. I’ll have what you’re having.

(Several drinks later, the mood gradually relaxes under the bar’s dim yellow lighting.)

(Mosin-Nagant is playing with the little gyroscope in the pendant. Her face is flushed, her eyes are much brighter than usual, and she’s far more talkative than she normally is.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander… did you know that… when I first left Griffin, I had completely lost my way… It felt like I couldn’t do anything other than fight… hic… Then after I joined this place, I had to practice something as basic as greeting the local residents several times before I actually did it…

(Mosin-Nagant paints a vivid picture of how she slowly learned to settle neighborhood disputes, helped lost old folks, and won everyone’s approval. It gets her in such a good mood that she even tries to hum an old military song, but she forgets the tune after a couple of bars. In the end, she’s left scratching her head with a dorky smile on her face.)

Mosin-Nagant
Hehe… Yeah, I forgot how the rest goes… In any case, while it was tiring, it was all very meaningful to me. It was like… like I’d found a new battlefield, but the weapons had changed to… um… communication and patience?

Commander
You did very well, Mosin-Nagant. You managed to protect others in a way that suited you best. That’s very impressive.

Mosin-Nagant
Really? Well, hearing you praise me is… ehehe…

(Mosin-Nagant gives me a goofy grin as she holds up her glass. It’s late at night, she’s really drunk, and the bar is winding down. Mosin-Nagant looks at me, her gaze becoming abnormally focused.)

(She slowly puts down the gyroscope.)

(The, as though driven by all the drinks she’s had until now, she suddenly reaches out and places her hand over mind. Her voice is slightly slurred from the alcohol she’s consumed, but there’s an undeniable core of seriousness to it.)

Mosin-Nagant
Commander, did you know? You’re the bestest comrade… to me, you’re the most special person of all…

Commander
And you’re a very important and irreplaceable comrade to me too, Mosin-Nagant. I deeply cherish our friendship.

(Mosin-Nagant vigorously shakes her head to interrupt me. Her eyes are blazing.)

Mosin-Nagant
No! Not just comrades. And… it’s not just admiration for a superior.

(It seems she’s channeled all her courage into this, because her voice is trembling slightly.)

Mosin-Nagant
The… the reason why I want to be by your side is… is because… because…

(And at this most critical of moments, the sound of breaking glass and a male voice cursing comes from the other end of the bar. Looks like a brawl has broken out. Mosin-Nagant’s brow immediately furrows up. That tenderness which had required all her courage to muster up is replaced by a distinct annoyance and displeasure.)

Mosin-Nagant
Why now, of all times…

(She suddenly rises to her feet, her movements swift and sure. Her previous insobriety is nowhere to be seen; before my very eyes is the veteran PubSec squad leader, Mosin-Nagant.)

Mosin-Nagant
Pardon me, Commander, I’ll be right back.

(She heads over to the heart of the brawl, her voice calm, yet commanding.)

Mosin-Nagant
Cease this behavior at once! You are in a public place!

(Mosin-Nagant works with clinical efficiency and surgical precision, separating the drunks and subduing them before calling her comrades in to deal with them.)

(By the time she returns to her seat, however, the prior mood has been totally ruined by that little sideshow.)

(Mosin-Nagant lowers her head, utterly demoralized. Her fingers tremble as she picks up the little gyroscope from where it lies broken on the ground—it was an unfortunate casualty during the disturbance, now reduced to halves of what it used to be.)

Mosin-Nagant
Haha, I knew something was off when I stepped outside today… And I messed everything up after all… Even this…

(She tries her best to put on a facade of cheerfulness, but the sight is worse than if she’d burst into tears.)

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander… It’s getting late. Should we… head back?

(On the way home, the chilly breeze of the night passes us by, blowing our inebriation away.)

(Mosin-Nagant walks silently by my side. Force of habit drives her to walk on the roadside, filling her role of protecting me. However, a murky cloud hangs above her head like a guillotine, having drained all the courage she’d mustered on this fateful night.)

(After sensing her dejection, I gently tug on her arm as we pass under a streetlamp so she stops.)

Commander
Mosin-Nagant.

(Mosin-Nagant’s head is down. She does not answer me.)

Commander
You know… I heard what you said in the bar just now.

Mosin-Nagant
That was… it was just the alcohol talking… You don’t need to take it to heart.

Commander
But I want to hear the rest of it. You said you wanted to be by my side. I was very happy to hear that.

(Mosin-Nagant’s eyes suddenly widen and she looks at me in disbelief.)

Mosin-Nagant
R-really?! You… you’re not kidding, are you?

Commander
Of course not. Why would I joke around with you?

(I take the broken pendant from Mosin-Nagant.)

Commander
As for this… While what happened to it is a bit of a shame, it DID complete its mission by making you happy. Plus, it “participated” in keeping the peace during a key moment, didn’t it?

Mosin-Nagant
Even if you say that, I…

(Mosin-Nagant’s expression has softened considerably, but there’s still a look of regret in her eyes as she strokes the pendant she’s holding.)

(After seeing the look on her face, I take out another small item from my pocket, one wrapped in a soft velvet bag.)

Commander
Actually, I’ve got another token of my feelings here. Why don’t you open it and have a look?

(I place the little bag in Mosin-Nagant’s hands and watch her open it carefully—)

()The bag contains an exquisitely made pin lying on a velvet base. It’s design combines the PubSec insignia with Mosin-Nagant’s personal symbol; it glitters softly under the streetlamp’s light.

Commander
I hope this one will be sturdier.

(I carefully pin it on Mosin-Nagant’s chest with gentle and focused movements.)

Commander
This way, both my feelings for you and your pride as a Public Security squad leader will be united.

(Mosin-Nagant looks down at the pin on her chest, then back up at me. Her eyes are moist with tears, but her smile is bright with joy.)

(She takes a deep breath and squeezes my hand tightly once again, without hesitating or shrinking back.)

Mosin-Nagant
Yes!

(We continue walking back along the quiet streets, side by side. The street lights draw out our shadows and merge them together, never to be separated.)

Private Meeting Logs

Mosin-Nagant

Comrade Commander! The annual "Ant Market" is back!

It's the largest flea market event of the year. With enough luck, one may find some real oddities!

So... Could you sponsor me with some funds for the event, Commander?

Aha, thank you so much, Commander. Just wait and see all the goodies I'll bring back.

Reforged Glory I

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander, here’s the list of procured items from the Ant Market. Please have a look.

Commander
Vinyl records, antique pocket watch… Not bad, quite a haul, huh? Wait, what’s this “other” thing? You bought something with your own allowance?

Mosin-Nagant
I should make it clear in advance: it’s nothing extraordinary, so please don’t laugh at me.

(Mosin-Nagant carefully opens a yellowed paper box. In it lies a heavily worn, barely recognizable medal. Its silvery surface is mottled with dark stains from the passage of time.)

Commander
This medal… Is there anything special about it? It’s in terrible condition for a collectible.

Mosin-Nagant
I found it by the jeweler’s stall, right in front of the furnace… Though it’s hard to swallow this fact, most medals without an owner do end up on the market for various reasons.

Mosin-Nagant
And in the eyes of the merchants, most are valued merely for their silver or gold, save for a few exceptions.

Mosin-Nagant
Thus, being melted down and recycled is the ultimate fate awaiting the vast majority of these battered medals.

Commander
You mean, this one almost got…

Mosin-Nagant
Yes! To me, medals are the essence of honor forged from the courage of soldiers.

Mosin-Nagant
Though broken and forgotten, that significance shouldn’t be consumed by the uncaring flame.

Commander
You’re right. A soldier’s legacy always deserves its respect, even if it may never regain its luster.

Commander
Merely holding this medal makes me feel the lingering warmth of that soldier… and a trace of their unwillingness to accept this fate.

Mosin-Nagant
Unwillingness? So we do share the same feeling about this. But what can we do?

(I gently pick up the medal from the box and rub its rough surface.)

Commander
Perhaps we can try restoring it. Recover as much of its original appearance as possible.

Mosin-Nagant
Do you seriously mean that, Commander? Is this old medal really worth the time and effort spent to restore it?

Commander
It does. It embodies more than just history, it’s also your will, your unwillingness to let it disappear and fade away.

(I solemnly place the old medal back into Mosin-Nagant’s palm.)

Commander
Sentiments like that are what truly bestows this medal with meaning.

Mosin-Nagant
My sentiment…is it really that important, Commander?

Commander
Of course. This sentiment to guard and preserve past legacies is exactly the merit of the medal. You always seem to unearth these “significances” buried by time.

Mosin-Nagant
Very well, if the Commander says so, I will join you in protecting this honor.

Commander
Mmm. I’m sure it’ll shine brighter than it ever could in a crucible.

Reforged Glory II

Mosin-Nagant
Wonderful. Bringing the medal to the armory for restoration was indeed the right choice.

Mosin-Nagant
Like a slumbering star, with enough care and attention, it will surely shine again.

Commander
Come give it a try? It needs gentle wipes.

Mosin-Nagant
I won’t break it, will I? Time has already made it too fragile.

Commander
Don’t worry. As the old saying goes, time and patience will heal any wound. I believe in you.

Mosin-Nagant
I’ll give it a try then. Commander, you must watch out for me.

(Mosin-Nagant carefully takes the cloth, mimicking my movements. She gently wipes the medal’s dented engravings. For some reason, her fingertips faintly tremble.)

Commander
A little nervous, huh? Let me help you.

(I place my hand over Mosin-Nagant’s. This silent support steadies her trembling hand.)

Mosin-Nagant
Thank you, Commander. I think I’m just saddened by this medal’s past.

Mosin-Nagant
Had this medal not been found by me, it would have been melted in that crucible. Does that mean the legacy of the soldier it represented will also be lost to history? Does honor also fade with time?

Commander
Time washes away many things—names, faces, legacies…

Mosin-Nagant
Is oblivion the final destination for all then? Are our efforts meaningless?

Commander
No. Names and legacies might be forgotten, but the spirit represented by that honor will live on.

Mosin-Nagant
Spirit?

Commander
Yes. That stalwart, incorruptible spirit, and the heavy price paid in its name…

Commander
As long as someone still remembers its significance—someone like you, willing to still her steps for the honor of a soldier they’ve never met—

Commander
Then their honor and legacy will never truly vanish.

Mosin-Nagant
You mean… He… still “lives on” because I remembered?

Commander
Yes. Memory is a torch that need be passed on, and you have just lit one. See, it’s responding to your heart… This very glimmer is the proof.

(I turn my hand over and press against Mosin-Nagant’s palm. My fingers curl slightly without squeezing, merely clasping with a resolute yet gentle hold.)

Commander
Mosin-Nagant, this dedication to “remember” and this valiant perseverance… are in themselves the most dazzling embodiments of honor.

Mosin-Nagant
Comrade Commander… Thank you, for protecting this glimmer with me.

Commander
Not just this glimmer… I say, we are guarding something even more crucial. Something equally in need of being treasured and remembered.

Mosin-Nagant
You… you mean?

(I do not answer directly, only tighten my grip around her hand.)

Commander
Say… This very moment? Or… this mutual feeling of camaraderie and vigilance?

(Mosin-Nagant’s cheeks redden, but she does not recoil. Instead, she looks at the medal, straining to gleam under the light, before meeting my gaze. A gentle, resolute curve then lifts her lips.)

Mosin-Nagant
Yes… Commander. I will remember all of this by heart—this moment, your words, and this warmth.

Reforged Glory III

Mosin-Nagant
The restoration’s finally complete, Commander. The medal’s really shining once more.

Commander
Yeah. Its rebirth is all thanks to your persistence and gentleness.

Mosin-Nagant
Commander, it’s the courage that you gave me… Huh?

Commander
What is it? Something’s on it?

Mosin-Nagant
Look, Commander! While still a little blurred… the erased serial number is somewhat readable now!

Commander
Looks like we’ve got a clue on our hand now. Want to dig deeper into this, Mosin-Nagant? Maybe we can track down the original owner via this.

Mosin-Nagant
You think there’s still hope? Maybe we shouldn’t waste our effort, it’s been so long, the medal’s owner might no longer be alive.

Commander
Are you hesitating, Mosin-Nagant? Even just for the sake of this stalwart sentiment—

Mosin-Nagant
I get it, Commander. I’ll look up the archive for campaigns related to the medal.

(Mosin-Nagant calms down and concentrates on searching for relevant information. I quietly wait by her side.)

Mosin-Nagant
Good news, Commander! I found a follow-up report on a decorated individual. They mention this medal’s serial number and its owner!

Commander
Oh? The owner is still alive? Where is he?

Mosin-Nagant
He is! It’s an old veteran currently residing at a nursing home in the suburbs not far from here.

Commander
A nursing home? Looks like we still have a chance to return this medal to its rightful owner.

Mosin-Nagant
You mean, you plan to go to the nursing home together with me, Commander?

(I nod and gently tap Mosin-Nagant’s nose with my finger.)

Commander
Of course. Not only will we go together, but I will also bear witness to the moment this legacy you’ve protected is returned to its owner.

Mosin-Nagant
Spasibo, Commander! Thank you for guiding me through all of this…

(Mosin-Nagant instinctively grasps my hand. I squeeze back firmly as I meet her gaze.)

Commander
No, I didn’t do much at all—this was your wish to begin with, wasn’t it?

Commander
But now, Mosin-Nagant, there is one task one must carry out: be prepared and join me in heeding a hero’s story.

Mosin-Nagant
Copy that! Comrade Commander, when do we depart?

Commander
Hmm… I still have some tasks to attend to today. Let’s go with tomorrow morning. Before we leave, I’ll let you handle the preparations, Mosin-Nagant.

Mosin-Nagant
Tak tochno. I’ll go get ready now.

Mosin-Nagant
And patiently await for you to join me as we witness the legacy and the restoration of honor.

Reforged Glory IV

Commander
Here you are, Mosin-Nagant. I’ve been looking for you for a while… Are you alright?

(Sitting alone in the shadows, Mosin-Nagant clutches a bottle of liquor in her hand, with more empty ones lying by her feet. The restored medal lies alone in its box nearby.)

Mosin-Nagant
I’m fine. Doing the restoration work with the Commander was refreshing and meaningful to me.

(Mosin-Nagant tilts her head back and downs a good portion of the bottle—the sharp liquor making her choke.)

Commander
Well, I asked the caregiver in private, they said that the veteran passed away peacefully…

Mosin-Nagant
Peacefully? A soldier who dedicated his life to honor, yet he was ultimately forgotten by the world and passed away all alone.

Mosin-Nagant
Commander, do you still remember my question: everything we did—finding it, restoring it—what was the point at the end of the day?

Mosin-Nagant
No matter how bright and gleaming his medal looks now, it will always be overshadowed by his fate of being forgotten by the world! The honor and glory I looked up to was nothing but wishful thinking.

Commander
Is that really so? From what I know, someone did overcome time and oblivion.

Commander
In front of a crucible, someone stilled her steps for a soldier they’ve never met, pouring all her care and persistence into a broken medal.

(I take the bottle from her and drape my coat over her chilling shoulders.)

Mosin-Nagant
But, I wasn’t able to do anything…

Commander
You protected it. You made it shine once again. And more importantly…

Commander
You saved a symbol from being swallowed by the crucible and gave it back its name and story.

Commander
That veteran is no longer a cold, hard name lying in the nursing home’s uncaring files. Because of you, his honor has been rejuvenated.

(I close in on Mosin-Nagant and support her as she struggles to stand up. Her eyelashes seem damp while her lips carry a faint scent of alcohol.)

Mosin-Nagant
Commander, I… I just…

Commander
It’s not “just”. Remember: history does not vanish, it only falls into a deep slumber.

Commander
And, there will always be people as stubborn as you that will, at the right moment, unearth it like a treasure to wake it again—just like how you found this medal.

Mosin-Nagant
Thank you for telling me all this, Commander… Thank you for being here…

(Mosin-Nagant’s body stiffens, followed by a softness leaning into me. Without hesitation, I open my arms and embrace her completely, resting my chin lightly on her hair.)

Commander
I’ve always been here, and I will always be here.

Mosin-Nagant
If one day… I too am forgotten by everyone… Will you still remember me?

Commander
No.

Commander
I won’t allow that to happen. Mosin-Nagant—your name, your honor, even every tear of yours… They are engraved in my heart.

Commander
As long as I remain, you will never be forgotten.

(Mosin-Nagant stays silent. She squeezes me back with all her strength, burying her warm cheek deep in my chest. Beside us, that once-lonely medal gleams again with an everlasting warmth and shine.)

Tea Time

About Her Teammates

Commander
I heard Ksenia complaining about you taking up her break time with volunteer work?

Mosin-Nagant
That's correct, Commander. With Ksenia's assistance, the nursing home's roof has finally been patched up after leaking of years.

Commander
What I meant to ask is why are you taking up her personal time?

Mosin-Nagant

Because I've assessed that through adequate amounts of volunteer work, it can help Ksenia combat the tempting allure of money...

Unfortunately, I can't find any time during her work hours, Commander.

About Work

Commander
Y'know, I really envy you at times. Despite constantly working overtime, you're always so full of energy.

Mosin-Nagant
Are you under a lot of pressure lately, Commander? Is there anything I can help you with?

Commander
Just the usual, really. Say, if you ever run into an overwhelming amount of work with no end in sight, what would you do?

Mosin-Nagant
I would stop worrying about it and just start working. As long as you approach it positively, eventually you'll find a way. Don't you think so, Commander?

About Animals

Mosin-Nagant

I like the kind of animal that's intelligent, loyal, and able to obey commands. Their fur has to be thick, so that their fluffy round ears are nice to touch.

They also need to be big. Yes, they would be able to knock me to the ground easily, but as long as there's honey to feed them, they'll nudge my palm with their wet nose - so cute.

Commander
Sorry to interrupt, but do dogs even eat honey?

Mosin-Nagant
Of course not - I was talking about bears, Commander.

About Her Hobbies

Commander
What do you spend your free time on, Mosin-Nagant?

Mosin-Nagant
Hmm...I go on walks and try to find out if there's anyone who needs my help.

Commander
Now I'm a little curious. Do you expect anything in return when helping others?

Mosin-Nagant
Not really, but helping others is a joy in itself, it's already the best reward I can ask for.

About Alcohol

Commander
Do you get drunk when you drink, Mosin-Nagant?

Mosin-Nagant
Of course not, Commander. As far as I know, my frame's not installed with any module that could simulate drunkenness.

Commander
Then how come your personality shifts dramatically after just a drink or two?

Mosin-Nagant
Hahaha, how could that be...Must be your imagination, Commander.

About Gifts

Mosin-Nagant
A gift that I wish to receive? Yes, I would be happy if you could gift me one of these shiny medals, Commander.

Commander
Oh, I see that you're a medal collector. They're beautiful - truly an ornament that embodies human expression.

Mosin-Nagant

Emm...Comrade Commander, medals are no mere ornaments. Have you noticed the serial number engraved on their back?

Each number tells its own story, and I wish to track down these tales one by one.