Harpsy/Profile

Harpsy

Story

Profile

Quotes

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

This article still needs to be completed with this content: Records, Memories, Private Meeting Logs, and Tea Time.
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Journals

Record 1

Harpsy was originally known as TMP before she became a member of H.I.D.E. 404's Team B. After leaving Griffin, she worked as a private technical support contractor in the Green Zone. In a most fortunate turn of events, she was reunited with Welrod, and eventually joined 404 along with Vector and Ruchey.

On days without missions, she dwelled in the maintenance bay all by her lonesome, a habit of hers that could be easily mistaken for social anxiety. However, the truth was that Harpsy was simply timid, and wanted to avoid conflict wherever possible. Whenever there was any form of dispute, she had a tendency to panic; this led her to forfeit any initiative on the matter, and she would simply go with the flow–a weakness she was working to overcome.

In her daily life, she was highly reliable, often serving as the team's secondary technical support after Dier. Should a topic pertaining to the technical details arise, she would shed her usual soft-spoken persona and become what could be described as a "highly aggressive tech otaku". Her tone when discussing topics on tech forums could be summed up as "cruising for a ban"; though she acted like that, she enjoyed treating herself to any and all kinds of cutesy peripherals. Was this just how a techie protected themselves?

Her strong sense of duty also meant that despite loathing solo missions, she insisted on completing them even when frightened to the point of tears. Harpsy's teammates had long since become used to her contradictory and multi-faceted nature. Meanwhile, she continuously forged new bonds through her friends in 404 and on the Elmo. Someday, she would surely emerge from the maintenance bay to relax and laugh with everyone, right? That's what Harpsy was hoping for, at least.

Record 2

Few things could get Harpsy out of the maintenance bay. Those included being summoned by the Commander or her teammates in 404, the need to test newly improved equipment, some sort of disaster in the maintenance bay... or situations like this.

"This color scheme... um, is it okay?" Harpsy slowly twirled around. Her pink, cottony kitty ears and tail looked extra fluffy as they basked in the sunlight. " Or would the previous colors have been better..."
"Hmm... I like the one you've got on now. It makes you look totes cuter! What'cha think, Vivi?" Ruchey mused as she stroked her chin.

"Both color schemes are good... I don't really have an opinion on this. What's important is that you like it." Vector said as she shook her head. "I don't see what tactical advantage changing your peripherals offers in combat," Welrod frowned.
"I-it DOES help!" Harpsy immediately realized she was shouting and retreated her face back insider her high collar, her pink kitty ears drooping. "I, er, I installed signal amplifiers in my ears and tails. Different peripherals correspond to different levels of signal boosting... This way, I can meet the communication requirements for different missions, and I won't have to worry about losing contact with the others..."

"..." Welrod was briefly at a loss for words. Ruchey nudged Welrod with her elbow. "Wowzers, I can't belieev you put sooo much thought into mission planning. That's super amazing! If you ask me, this color is just purr-fect! Just thinking of seeing a pair of pink cat ears bobbing around me during missions gets me feelin' all relaxed already!"

Harpsy nodded, her shy smile visible even past her collar. Changing her peripherals, having her teammates give their opinions on them ,the further improving them... clueless bystanders might think she was just playing dress-up, but only the people close to her would understand that this was the armor she clad, her shield that lent her courage to face the outside world, as well as the way she showed her concern for her teammates.

Was this a tech otaku's romance? Harpsy hadn't dwelled long enough on the topic to reach that conclusion. Seeing her friends get along well made her happy, and that was all she cared about.

Record 3

Most Dolls who chose to leave Griffin had suitable places waiting for them on the outside, but TMP was different. She signed on with a certain company as an affiliate and began taking on private technical outsourced work online. The upside was that she had complete freedom and didn't need to interact with people. Plus, Harpsy's outstanding skills ensured a steady stream of clients and that she wouldn't need to worry about income. As for the downsides...

"S-say what? The company... the company has gone bankrupt?" TMP shouted in disbelief as her face went pale. The name on the communicator read "Caller ID Unknown".
"Huh, you didn't know? It's been shut down a long time ago!" The person on the other side of the line was clearly delighting in her misery. "If you ask me, you had it coming; it was your fault for snatching up all the decent outsourced work in the city! How were ordinary firms like us supposed to survive?" Egads, conflict! The last thing TMP ever wanted in her life! "So, uh, w-what do you want?"

"Hmph, well, we're not actually looking for that much. As for the money that disappeared from your account... well, think of it as compensation for the emotional damage you've caused during this time. You gotta leave us a few morsels, y'know–"
"You, how could you do this... I'm going to find you and–"
"Oh yeah, since the company closed down, all those jobs you took recently are technically illegal, right? If I'm not wrong, there should still be space in the PubSec detention centers–"
"Ehhh? They're illegal? Uwaaaahh! D-don't do it! Don't tell the police... I'm sorry, it was my fault. I'll pay you as much as you want... b-but I really didn't do anything wrong, bweeehhhh..."

The nameless caller had already hung up, but his laughter still echoed in TMP's auditory modules. In just the span of a single phone call, she had gone from a sought-after tech expert to an illegal Doll. TMP was frozen still for a long while. before she slowly recovered from her bout of panic. She thought to herself: my current top priority is not to get arrested! I have to move right now, change my accounts, find a new company to sign on with... Why is it so hard to live by myself...

If only Griffin hadn't been restructured...

Record 4

"Harpsy? Oh, it's Harpsy!" Behind her, Ruchey ran over and flung her arms around Harpsy's shoulders.
"Eh? W-were you talking to me..." Harpsy buried her face in her high collar. She had not joined 404 for long and still hadn't got any more used to her teammate's excessive enthusiasm.
"Of course I was! Still not used to your new name yet, Harpsy? That's okay, we'll just use it more till you do!" Ruchey didn't seem bothered by Harpsy's shyness. "You didn't pick that name yourself, so it's only natural that you wouldn't answer to it right away!"

Harpsy... Back then, Welrod had suggested it when TMP was struggling over choosing a new name for herself.
"A harp seal, hm... It does suit you quite well. Despite its keen senses, it's very timid and its immediate reaction upon encountering an enemy is to flee."
"Um... I, uh, I'll try my best not to hold you back, Welrod! Also, I'm not completely useless, I can provide technical support too..." TMP nervously wrung her hands, her demeanor showing her namesake justice.
"You'd better. I need a keen hunter who complements me, not some meek prey that flees into the ice with its tail between its legs." Welrod glanced at TMP, who was trailing behind her. Without waiting for a reply, she stepped onto the intercontinental train accepting the presence of this new companion by her side.

As she looked at the scenery speeding past the window, TMP silently changed the username on her internal systems to "Harpsy". While Welrod clearly did not have a high opinion of harp seals, she must have held some hopes for this girl, right? Then TMP should consider this new name a form of encouragement! Someday, she would be like Welrod, brave and independent, capable of standing on her two feet, and she'd make Welrod view her in a different light...

The train roared on, carrying them onwards to a new, hope-filled destination.

Record 5

TMP and Welrod's reunion did not take place under joyous circumstances. After being blackmailed and forced to take refuge in the back alleys, TMP's life took a dramatic turn for the worse. She had lost her accumulated client base after changing her ID and her oasis of work had dried up without an affiliated company to back her. And that didn't even take into account just how chaotic her new neighborhood was...
Given the circumstances, it was only natural that she would be targeted by those with bad intentions, kidnapped, and even forced to commit crimes.

"Bweeeeh, what should I do..." TMP was curled up in the corner of a tiny, dark room. She wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come. "I don't have a signal and there's nobody I can ask to help me. How am I going to escape from this place... I don't want to do bad things, bweeeehh..."

"...TMP?" She heard a faint voice from above her.
TMP had heard from her neighbors that people sometimes received divine revelations whilst they were drowning in despair or seconds away from death. Did the same things apply to Dolls too–
As TMP raised her head to gaze upon her divine revelation, she received a strong smack on her head from Welrod.

After ten years, Welrod had reappeared out of nowhere, a miracle in all but name. Now she was TMP's only hope. Calling her expression "pitiful" was an understatement, she begged Welrod to grant her deliverance, but the latter replied–"I need to catch that rat first. Until then, acting out of turn will only serve to put them on high alert." Welrod had come to this hideout to track down a fleeing fugitive, which was why she had flatly denied TMP's desperate plea for rescue. All she had said was that this was a rare opportunity and that TMP would naturally be rescued once she brought the interloper to justice.

"Then, uh, let me help you!" TMP clenched her fists. "I don't... I don't want to be like this anymore! I don't want to just sit around waiting for someone to save me! We're both from Griffin, so I, I want to be like you. Welrod... I want to be brave!" As Welrod looked at TMP, whose eyes were filled with tears but whose expression was resolute, she frowned, but eventually she agreed.

As the net closed around the fugitive, he dragged Harpsy in front of a control panel. Then, he ordered her to hack into the city's checkpoints and let his friends into the city.
"I, I won't let you do bad things!" TMP yelled as she instead released the lock to the hideout's main door.
When the dust cleared, the Public Security forces had left with the captured fugitives in tow, leaving Welrod and TMP in the thoroughly trashed hideout.
"D-did I help you, Welrod..." Although she had made great headway here, TMP nervously lowered her head as if she had done something wrong. "I, uh, I thought that if I secretly unlocked the door, the PubSec squad and you could get in here sooner and arrest the bad guy... I, uh, I didn't mean to act recklessly..."

TMP's voice trailed off. Welrod opened her mouth to speak, but she didn't scold TMP for being negligent about her safety.
"Hmph, a calculated counterplay can hardly be called reckless. Your gamble paid off, considering you managed to take those rats by surprise."
"E-eh?? D-did you praise me just now, Welrod?"

TMP's eyes gradually brightened. Would there finally be a splash of color in her life that had been spent in this derelict darkness for so long? TMP wasn't sure, but Welrod showing up was a chance for her... And so she made up her mind to boldly seize this opportunity!

Record 6

"Harpsy, why did you choose that for your username?" I looked at the name "MIMimiMISuki" that keep showing up on the screen. I was thoroughly confused by both it and the things attributed to it...
"Hahhhh? You blind or something? Anyone could tell it's not because of the latest patch, right? That vulnerability's been there for ages, Bindows is doomed if they don't fix it."
"Grognard hackers like me were writing C++ before you were even capable of speech! You think you can come at me with that shitty Level 3 account?"
"Are you kidding me? It's one thing to call me incompetent, but saying I'm just chasing clout? Ptui!"

...How did the little Doll in front of me—the one who's curled up into a ball—manage to say all that?
As she noticed me leaning close to study the rapidly scrolling wall of text on the screen, Harpsy turned to look at me with an embarrassed look on her face, her cat ears twitching anxiously.
"Um, there wasn't any special reason for it... It's just that there was a time when I became a homeless Doll because I was scared of the police catching me, so I deleted my original ID... I don't know what name to use after registering a new ID, and my ears were itchy, which reminded me of how much I liked cat ears, so... so I went with that name..."

So it was because she liked cat ears? Fair enough, that's a reason as good as any. My fingers moved on their own to the tips of her ears and began rubbing them until I saw Harpsy's face turn red.

"Ahem, so... why do you talk like this online?" I cleared my throat, trying to cover up that little diversion that had just passed. "It seems rather out of character for you, seeing as how you don't even like to come to face to face with people."
"Th-that's because—" Harpsy's face turn even redder. "If I do that, then if I attend an offline tech conference, or if I end up getting kidnapped like last time... people won't think I'm the person behind that account ID..." The messages from the other posters began scrolling by even more quickly, and Harpsy's voice went up by an octave. "A-and also! There are too many jerks online who keep spreading misinformation! At this rate, everyone will be misled by fake news! So I have to stop them!"

The sound of typing resumed. Unable to bear it anymore, Harpsy continued her great battle on the tech forums, defeating all challengers in a machine-gun burst of keyboard clacks. A smile I'd never seen before slowly bloomed on Harpsy's face...

I wiped away a sudden outbreak of cold sweat. Best not to make enemies of techies...

Record 7

Lately, Harpsy had been leaving the maintenance bay to talk to me more often compared to when she first contacted the Elmo. At first, she would only sit quietly inside the ops room, but now she would talk about things she'd seen on missions, her socialization woes, tech news, and more. Over time, Harpsy has opened up around me, and I had come to understand her better too.

"I just realized I don't know anything about the things you've gone through before you joined 404. Welrod said you were doing technical outsourcing when she met you. Did anything interesting happen back then?"
"Um, interesting, you say..." Harpsy blinked and thought for a bit. "I was asked to find bugs, and then it turned out the bug I was asked to find was helping to fix other bugs... Does that count?"
"Back then, an AI company contacted me and said that they were seeing a lot of weird strings in their backend logs. Apparently, it looked like people were talking trash about their product, but on closer inspection, it wasn't customer feedback, and it didn't seem like a prank either. So they asked me to help debug it... At first, I was worried that the system might be haunted, but later on I found out that... It was actually an AI model that had developed some kind of consciousness and was helping the company patch security loopholes... Kinda weird, right?" Harpsy laughed.
"So that trash talk..."
"It was written by the AI, complaining how bad the company's system was... hehe, it was so bad that even the AI ended up badmouthing it... Later on, they let the AI model handle system maintenance for them, and it saved them quite a bit of money too..."

As I heard Harpsy's laugh, I couldn't help but follow suit.

"You should laugh like this more often, Harpsy. I'm sure people would like to hear it."
"Huh?" Harpsy immediately went quiet after hearing me say that and hid behind her collar. "I, um, I think it would be better If I didn't..."
"Why not? Your laugh is important to everyone in 404, and I'd like to hear more of it too."
"Eh?" She squeaked again, but this time Harpsy looked back up at me.

"If, uh... if it's what you and everyone want... then, um... I'll try my best, Commander!"

Record 8

When I powered on my workstation, I saw... something new on the monitor?
A black cat with green eyes was curled up in the corner of the screen. As I opened a window, it streched, then got up, and began pacing back and front against the cursor, like it was... rubbing up against it?

I tried clicking on the kitty. It meowed and then a little popup appeared:
"Commander, I made this little desktop pet for you. It's name is Harpsi-ko. It can help you organize files, clear your trash, manage your schedule and do many other things with just one click. When I'm not around, it can keep you company on my behalf... If you have any suggestions for things you want to add, please let me know and I'll try to add them in!"

A desktop pet, huh. I couldn't believe it could do all those things. I clicked "Clear Trash; Harpsi-ko immediately grabbed a broom and sprang into action. It closed tabs I'd opened up long ago and forgotten about, reclaimed unused cache space from stacked folders, and even gathered up the useless files I don't even remember creating. Harpsi-ko gathered it all into the dustpan, dumped it all in a trash bag and then dragged it over to the Recycle Bin. After finishing its work, it meowed to me and the white ribbon on its tail swayed from side to side.

Come to think of it, Harpsy had chosen white for her peripheral accessories today, hadn't she?

Another message popped out as Harpsi-ko padded back to its corner and curled up on the ground.
"Commander, I detected Harpsi-ko being activated from my end. You must be working now, right? How, uh... How do you like having it keep you company? If it can help you out while I'm not around, even if it's to ease your loneliness... that would be very good. It's just like how... like how I listen to your words when I'm lonely. We might not be in the same place, but as long as our hearts are close to each other... that's enough, right?"

Harpsi-ko had a contented smile on its face as it closed its eyes and took a nap. I clicked its head with my cursor, wondering if Harpsy could feel me trying to comfort her from afar. Surely she could, right? After all... our hearts were close enough for that.

Memories

The Courage You Give 1

(After planning what commissions we'd be taking on for the next month, I close my terminal and prepare to head back to my room. As I prepare to stand up, a Doll suddenly rushes into the ops room.)

(As my eyes fall on the girl who entered, the surprise has me taken aback for a brief moment.)

Commander
Harpsy...?

Commander
Is something the matter? You don't look well.

(I glance down and check the time on my communicator screen.)

Commander
It's half past one in the morning; with how late it is, you should b fast asleep even if you're a Doll, no?

Harpsy
Um, I, C-Commander...

Harpsy
I don't know who I can talk to about this. Everyone in 404 is asleep.

Harpsy
A-actually, I just thought that I'd try my luck and stop by the ops room, but... I didn't think you'd still be awake...

(Harpsy's voice trails off as she speaks. The lower part of her face is deeply buried in her collar, while her fingers make kaleidoscopic patterns as she meshes them together in her apparent unease.)

(Despite that, her bright green eyes remain fixed on me, her glowing gaze a moth to a light.)

Commander
There was a bunch of stuff still undone, so I was partaking in some gratuitous overtime.

Commander
No need to fret, Harpsy. Take your time and explain it to me.

Harpsy
I, um, I...

(Harpsy's gaze can no longer meet mine as it sweeps from side to side in her nervous stupor. Then, she suddenly draws in close, standing on her tiptoes in an effort to whisper into my ear.)

Harpsy
Commander, do you, uh... do you think the Elmo's been a bit weird lately?

Commander
Weird how?

Harpsy
Eeek! N-not so loud, Commander...

(As I peer upon Harpsy's frightened expression, a chuckle nearly escapes my mouth. Thankfully, I manage to hold it in.)

Commander
Ahem. Why do you feel that way, Harpsy?

Harpsy
It, um, it's just that recently, whenever I'm walking around on board... I, uh... keep feeling like there's a chill in the air...

Harpsy
It's never happened before! It's only started up recently! A-and when I look behind me–there's nobody there!

Harpsy
A-at first, I thought someone was playing a prank on me, so I checked the security cameras. But then...

Harpsy
The cameras showed that I was... I was the only one there! (whimper)

(Harpsy's form shrinks as she curls up into a ball. Her kitty ears droop as they follow her new curvature.)

Commander
Can Dolls even have a sixth sense like that? Maybe you're just imagining things?

Commander
It's been getting a bit colder lately, hasn't it?

Harpsy
Y-you've gotta believe me, Commander... My feelings might be wrong, but my frame temperature data and the security camera logs don't lie.

Harpsy
Welrod always says that "When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Harpsy
I also heard Miss Mayling say there was a festival called "Zhongyuan" coming up. During that time, g-ghosts will return to the human world...

Harpsy
D-do you think... th-that the Elmo... is haunted?

(Harpsy reaches out and makes a frantic grab at my clothes. She lowers her voice, terrified that beings beyond might hear her. It's all so adorable that I have to turn away and firmly cover my mouth.)

Commander
H-hang on, Harpsy. I need to think about what you said–

(As I made to turn away, I feel something click as it tightens around my calf. It's Harpsy's tail.)

(It immediately cuts off my stifled laughter.)

Commander
...Harpsy?

Harpsy
Ah, um... When I was on my way to the ops room, it was... it was really scary... But after seeing you, that feeling went away.

Harpsy
So I, uh, was thinking...

Commander
What's on your mind?

Harpsy
C-could it be... that ghosts don't dare tread near here? I'm sure you must be radiating some kind of power that stops them in their tracks.

Harpsy
That means I'll be safe as long as I stay in the ops room and by your side...

Commander
Ah...

(Never in a million years would I have thought that I might have such an ability.)

(Before I can voice anything else, Harpsy tightens her tail's grip around my calf. Her hands emerge from her sleeves to grab my little finger.)

Harpsy
Commander, can I... can I stay by your side until Zhongyuan is over?

Harpsy
I, um, I don't want to feel that scary chill anymore...

(I look back and see the tips of Harpsy's ears are a slight pink. My hand rises to gently pat her head.)

Commander
Sure, we can do that. But since you're so scared, why not get a few more people to keep you company?

(I thought it would be a good idea, but Harpsy doesn't nod in response right away. Instead, she gently squeezes my pinky.)

Harpsy
W-we don't need to do that... I just need you by my side... that's enough for me...

Harpsy
And, um, I don't want to cause problems for the others either...

Commander
Hmm, you have a point. Still, is it okay for you to remain like this, Harpsy?

Commander
Surely it's time to be a little braver now, isn't it? Won't being so timid all the time get in the way of your work?

Harpsy
Eh? I, um, I–

Commander
Klukai told me that when she wanted to send you out on a mission by yourself recently, you cried and hid for a long time before finally saying yes. Is that true?

Harpsy
That, that was because–

Harpsy
Aiieeeeeeee Commander–!

(A white silhouette suddenly flashes past outside a nearby porthole.)

(Harpsy's head slams into my chest like a cannonball. For a moment, I thought she would make a new breathing hole in me where she struck.)

Harpsy
O-o-o-over there, Commander–it was a ghost!

Commander
(Coughs heavily)

(With herculean effort, I turn my gaze to where Harpsy points. There, I see a moth perched on the porthole, flapping its wings.)

Commander
Easy, easy, Harpsy–

Commander
It's just a moth.

(I try to extract Harpsy from my arms, but she bursts into tears.)

Harpsy
Bweeeehhhh... I'm scared... Ghosts are scary, the enemy is scary too...

Harpsy
H-having to fight is scary enough; if I have to go out on my own on top of that, I don't think I can handle it...

Commander
You... Alright, then.

(I want to say something, but in the end all I can do is try to soothe Harpsy and pat her head. Hopefully that will make her feel safer.)

(How should I help Harpsy with her anxiety?)

The Courage You Give 2

Commander
…What the hell? ANOTHER Collapse storm?

(The siren song of my bed beckons me on this long night, but after seeing the weather forecast on my terminal, all I can do is sigh and refuse the call. I head over to the ops room to adjust the Elmo’s future heading.)

(Just when I think I can get some sleep, something new always pops up…)

(My footsteps echo, weaving a tale down the empty corridor. I didn’t think much of it at first, but now… there does seem to be a chill creeping down my spine.)

(I look back. There is nobody there.)

Commander
…Could I just be imagining things?

(I remember how Harpsy was crying into my arms that day. Something about ghosts…)

(I shiver, and then shake my head to clear it.)

Commander
Never mind, there’s no point thinking about it. Best to take care of the problem at hand first.

(Still, the doubts linger in my heart as I arrive at the ops room door, I reach out to open it—)

???
Aiieeee! Who-who’s there?!

(A shriek fills the air. I then feel something hard against my belly.)

Harpsy
C-Commander? Oh thank goodness, it’s you—

Harpsy
I’m so glad it’s not a ghost, bweeehhhh…

(It’s only when I hear the sound of crying that I realize what’s going on.)

(Harpsy is covered in talismans, exorcism bells, incense, garlic cloves, crucifixes and the like. She is holding a peach wood sword. Its blunt tip is pressed against me.)

Commander
Harpsy, could you please move that away?

Harpsy
Oh, right, right right right, I was really nervous just now. When I heard footsteps, I thought it was a ghost and…

Harpsy
I’m sorry, Commander…

(Harpsy’s face is red as she withdraws the peach wood sword and looks up at me with teary eyes.)

Commander
So you prepared all this to get rid of ghosts? It’s quite… comprehensive, I must say.

Commander
In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever seen a peach wood sword used in tandem with a crucifix.

Harpsy
W-well, Zhongyuan might be an Eastern tradition, but we’re not in the East right now, s-so maybe local ghosts might show up…

Harpsy
So I, uh, I thought I should prepare methods from various places. You can’t go wrong that way, right…

Commander
So it’s an East-meets-West, two-pronged approach kind of thing? Huh…

Commander
Well, you truly live up to your reputation as 404’s intel specialist, Harpsy. Your preparations were very thorough.

Harpsy
Huh? W-were you praising me just now, Commander? But it didn’t quite feel like it either…

(A laugh almost escapes my lips, before I decide that a joke would be more fitting to ease the tension. However, I hear a sudden, high-pitched sound from the corridor which sounds a little spooky when I listen more closely to it.)

Commander
…What was that? Is someone whistling?

Commander
Uh, Harpsy?

Harpsy
Bweeeeehhhhh, stay back, you invisible vampire ghosts. I, uh, I’ve got things that can deal with you no matter what kind of ghost you are, so don’t you dare hurt the Commander!

(Harpsy nervously rushes in front of me. Her entire body is trembling, and her tail bushes up in fright as she points her peach wood sword at the ops room door.)

Harpsy
Begone invisible vampire ghosts, begone invisible vampire ghosts, begone invisible vampire ghosts—

Harpsy
I won’t let you hurt the Commander…

(Harpsy bites her lip as she pulls out an exorcism bell and a crucifix. She presents them in the direction of the whistling sound while muttering under her breath.)

(I gently pat Harpsy’s shoulders in an attempts to help her relax.)

Commander
Ahem. Actually, it might not be a ghost. That noise might have been caused by something else, so you don’t need to be so nervous…

Harpsy
But, but what if it’s real…?

(She holds the crucifix up toward the door, then looks back at me. For some reason, she seems… even more tense?)

(Before I can reply, Harpsy suddenly turns around and stuffs an exorcism bracelet and a crucifix into my hands, along with a dried-up salamander tail.)

Commander
…Uh. Harpsy? What are—

Harpsy
D-don’t lower your guard, Commander!

Harpsy
Even if they’re not ghosts, they, uh, they might be some other scary creature… So you have to be prepared!

Harpsy
Since these things can banish ghosts… th-then surely they’ll be able to ward off normal scary things, right?

Harpsy
A-and if there’s anything they can’t scare away… th-then I’ll scare them off instead and protect you, Commander!

(As I see Harpsy’s mixture of fright and forced bravado, the laughing I’ve managed to resist till now finally finds release. However, that brief moment of my weakness only brings her sadness.)

Harpsy
Bweh, have some faith in me, Commander…

Harpsy
I, uh, I know about a lot of things apart from what I’m using to protect you!

Harpsy
For… for example, if you hear an unfamiliar voice calling your name from behind you—you mustn’t look back!

Harpsy
Miss Mayling said that it might be a ghost looking for a s-scapegoat… someone to r-replace them…

(Harpsy’s whole body shudders. After she looks back and ensures there’s nothing there, she turns back and continues speaking in hushed tones.)

Harpsy
Also, you absolutely must not look into mirrors at midnight!

Harpsy
The posters on the occult boards say that ghosts sneak into mirrors during that time, and if you accidentally meet their gaze, they—they’ll suck your life force dry!

Harpsy
Ah, yes!

(It looks like Harpsy’s remembered something, because she takes out a little bag, heads out of the ops room and begins carefully, solemnly scattering white granules of some kind in a line outside it.)

Harpsy
With this salt line in place, ghosts won’t be able to enter the ops room…

Harpsy
I can keep you safe, and, um, myself too.

(The salt seems to have an effect, because the strange noise fades away and the corridor is silent once again.)

(Seeing Harpsy’s diligence leaves me at a loss for words. I wipe away the smile on my face.)

Commander
…Thank you, Harpsy. You did well.

Commander
Is there anything I can help with?

Harpsy
No… Please, um, please let me take care of banishing ghosts for you, Commander.

Harpsy
D-don’t you have work that needs doing, Commander? I can stand watch here, so you should go do it…

Harpsy
All I need is your permission to be in the ops room and stay by your side…

(Indeed, I have work that needs doing. However, just as I’m about to make the course adjustments, I realize that I was too hasty in leaving my room and left some necessary documents behind.)

Commander
Harpsy, I need to step out for a bit to get some files.

Commander
While I’m at it, can you stay in the ops room?

Harpsy
Eh?

Harpsy
Ehhhh? No, please don’t do this.

Harpsy
If you leave the ops room by yourself, you might run into a ghost. It’ll be very dangerous without a salt line to protect you!

Commander
Well, nothing happened to me when I came here. Surely I’ll also be okay when I head back, right?

Commander
And besides, I’ve got all these items you gave me. That ought to ward the ghosts off.

Harpsy
N-no, that won’t do… I, I need to make more preparations!

Harpsy
You should take more of these exorcism talismans. Just throw them when ghosts show up. The occult board rated them very highly!

(Harpsy looks me up and down, then stuffs more talismans into my hands. She even pastes a couple on my chest.)

Harpsy
The talismans go for ten per Collapse piece, so they SHOULD be effective…

Harpsy
But the power of these talismans is limited, so please come back soon, Commander…

Commander
Alright, I’ll be off now.

(After getting the necessary documents, I soon return to the corridor leading to the ops room.)

(I definitely feel more at ease with all the ghost-warding gear Harpsy dumped onto me. However, I feel that mysterious chill from before once again!)

Commander
What’s going on? Could there really be a ghost?

Commander
But according to Harpsy, all this stuff ought to be keeping the ghosts away from me, right?

(I come to a halt and that strange whistling from earlier starts up again. The empty corridor now no longer seems so empty, filling me with a sense of dread.)

(However, there doesn’t seem to be anything else out of the ordinary besides those two phenomena. There are no flashing lights or fleeting phantoms.)

Commander
…Right, that’s enough of scaring myself. Time to head back.

(I continue toward the ops room, but I hear Harpsy’s voice before I can enter.)

Harpsy
C-Commander? Is, is that you? Have you… come back?

(Her voice is trembling, and I stop in my tracks.)

(My original plan was to immediately answer her, but after thinking about it, I realize that this might be a chance to train up her courage.)

Harpsy
Commander? Commander, please answer if it’s you. Please…

Commander
…

Harpsy
It, it’s not you, Commander?

Harpsy
Who, uh, who is it? It doesn’t matter what kind of invisible vampire ghost you are, you’re not getting into the ops room!

Harpsy
I have salt, and uh, and top-grade exorcism talismans! If you try and get in here, your soul will be scattered to the four winds!

(I step forward.)

(The sound of my footsteps echoes crisply through the air.)

Harpsy
S-stay back!

Harpsy
Begone invisible vampire ghosts, begone invisible vampire ghosts, begone invisible vampire ghosts—!

(Just as I’m about to put an end to this prank, Harpsy bursts from the ops room like a bat out of hell.)

(She’s muttering frantically and waving the bell in her hand like a rattle.)

Commander
Hey, wait—

(I hold out my hand and Harpsy’s forehead crashes right into it, which slams on the brakes for her.)

Harpsy
C-Commander? Are you alright? Thank goodness, I thought, I thought you… Bweeehhhhh…

Commander
I’m okay.

Commander
I’m sorry I made you worry, Harpsy. It seems I went too far.

Commander
You got scared because you mistook my footsteps for those of a ghost, right?

Harpsy
Yeah…

Commander
Then why did you rush out? You had a salt line set up outside the ops room. Wouldn’t you have been safer in the ops room?

Harpsy
W-well, that’s true.

Harpsy
But when I thought about how you might be coming back to the ops room after getting your files, my body moved on its own.

Harpsy
I thought about what would happen if you ran into a ghost, if the banishing items I gave you weren’t strong enough… It was all I could think about, and by the time I realized what I was doing, I’d already run outside…

(I pat Harpsy’s back to soothe her.)

Commander
It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s really okay now.

Commander
I’m sorry, Harpsy. I won’t make you worry like that again.

(After patting her head, I made a promise not to prank Harpsy like that in future.)

The Courage You Give 3

(Zhongyuan has finally arrived. Darkness has overtaken the world outside, and the Collapse storm raging nearby has rendered all starlight into an unseeable void. All the light radiating from the ops room through the porthole only illuminated the endless expanse of sand outside that leaves its harsh traces on the glass.)

(I'm in the ops room, working like usual. Meanwhile, Harpsy–)

(Harpsy is standing watch over me. She's pasting talismans all over the ops room, scattering salt and putting up crucifixes.)

(The ghost storis associated with the festival have left her in a state of panic. She has pulled out all the stops to protect against any danger that might rear its ugly head.)

Harpsy
Okay, so, uh, I've put salt, garlic and crucifixes at all the important places...

Harpsy
There are exorcism talismans on all the gaps...

Harpsy
That should do it, Commander. You can work and rest easy here tonight... I, uh, I'll make sure to protect you!

Commander
Mmm, yes. Harpsy, your preparations are most reassur–

Commander
...Just what the hell IS that noise, anyway?!

(A faint but shrill sound is audible from outside the ops room. It's that damn whistling again!)

Harpsy
W-w-what? I, er, we, we've made extensive preparations! D-d-don't be scared, Commander!

Commander
Mm. You don't have to be scared either, Harpsy. It might be somebody's prank...

Commander
Shall we go take a look together?

Harpsy
I, er, it... it might be some devilish scheme to, to... to lure us out of the room!

Harpsy
M-maybe we should, um, we should just stay in here, Commander...?

(Harpsy nervously lowers her head and tugs on my clothes.)

Commander
Well, we need to figure out just what it is. And even if there really IS some kind of ghost out there, we can't just let it roam the Elmo freely.

Commander
It's okay. If you're scared, just focus on protecting the Elmo and I'll go take a look. This time, I'm going to–

(Before I can finish, Harpsy runs over to the door and spreads her arms to block my path. Her eyes are squeezed tightly shut.)

Harpsy
Y-you can't! I, I promised I'd protect you...

Harpsy
Bwehh... I can't... I can't let yo face that danger by yourself...

Harpsy
So uh, I'll, I'll go out there with you!

Harpsy
With all my preparations, I'm, um, I'm sure I can protect you!

(Though her eyes are shut and her body is trembling, Harpsy insists on standing in my way.)

(I chuckle and gently ruffle her hair. Then, I watch as she cracks open an eye.)

Commander
I hardly ever see you being so brave, Harpsy.

Commander
In that case, I'll entrust my safety to you. Let's head out together.

(Harpsy stays in front of me as we follow the sound down the corridor, toward its source.)

(I feel that familiar chill again. The corridor grows colder and colder, and the whistling grows closer and closer.)

Commander
This really is quite strange.

Commander
This sort of thing usually doesn't happen on the Elmo. Could it be due to an onboard malfunction? But those usually involve wear and tear of the vector engines. They don't cause weird things like this to happen...

Harpsy
Bwehhh...

(Suddenly, as thought in response to Harpsy's fear, the lights in the corridor start blinking on and off.)

(Against the backdrop of the dark clouds and nighttime sky outside the portholes, the flickering lights create a spooky atmosphere.)

(And then, with a click, the lights die completely.)

(Harpsy screams just as a thundercrack explodes overhead. In the darkness, something hits me hard and I can feel a whole mess of objects being thrown my way.)

Harpsy
Aiieeeee!!! No, no harming the Commander–

(I struggle to get my assailant under control.)

Commander
Stop! Stop it!

(The lights in the corridor blink on and off for a while before they finally go back to normal.)

(I reflexively lick at the stuff that's been thrown on my face. It tastes salty.)

Commander
Harpsy...? Did you throw salt on my face?

Harpsy
C-Commander, bweeeehhhh... I'm sorry I threw the salt because I thought you were an invisible vampire ghost. I didn't mean to...

(Harpsy frantically tries to clean up the mess I'm in.)

(I reach out to wipe her tears away too, and then I poke her between the eyes.)

Commander
Harpsy, listen closely.

Commander
Do you still hear the whistling?

Harpsy
It seems like... it's gone?

Harpsy
Was it the ghosts playing a prank? Did a poltergeist do it?

Harpsy
C-Commander, why are you laughing? Do you know how dangerous things were just now–

Commander
Harpsy, I know you've studied many ways to banish ghosts, but have you looked into what the festival is actually about?

Harpsy
Zhongyuan is when the gate to the underworld opens and all sorts of ghosts come out...?

Commander
So you did look into it, but it seems your research was incomplete.

Commander
Zhongyuna is actually a festival to remember the deceased. It's a day to show them the way to the afterlife, much like the MExican Day of the Dead. So you don't need to be so scared of it.

Harpsy
So... you're saying... the ghosts who come back to the human world today are all good ghosts?

Commander
Er, you could say that.

Commander
Harpsy, even if ghosts do exist, I don't think we need to fear them today.

(I stick a talisman on Harpsy's forehead. She looks so cute and funny that I can't help but smile.)

Commander
Operating alone and talking to people aren't as difficult as they seem to be. It's just like how Zhongyuan isn't actually that scary once you realize what it's really like.

Commander
It's the limits you impose on yourself that make things so challenging.

Commander
Harpsy, today you crossed the salt line you drew in front of the ops room to accompany me here. But nothing happened now, did it?

Harpsy
I, um, I...

Commander
Alright, time to get up.

Commander
You were brave enough to cross that line of salt to help me. I admire that. Who knows, you might be braver than you think.

Harpsy
I, I am?

Harpsy
I'm not as good as you say I am...

(Harpsy's voice trails off and her face grows bright red.)

Commander
Well, actions speak louder than words. Now then, let's head back to the ops room.

The Courage You Give 4

(Zhongyuan has been over for some time now. Harpsy has gotten much better since then.)

(It's daytime now, and Harpsy has come looking for me.)

Harpsy
C-Commander, I'm heading out on a mission with the others on Team B.

Harpsy
I want to say goodbye to you in person before I leave, and... I also want your blessing.

Commander
Well, here's hoping everything goes well and you come back safely.

Commander
Hm, in the past you thought I could banish ghosts. Now you think I can give out blessings. Does that mean you think of me as a wizard or something?

Harpsy
A, a wizard? I never thought of you that way... but the way you've been protecting me does seem quite magical at times...

Harpsy
M-maybe my mission might go better if I got a special blessing from you...

Commander
A special blessing? Were you given a solo assignment again this time around?

Harpsy
Yeah... Leaders Klukai and Vector both said I need to train up my ability to act independently...

(I pat Harpsy's head.)

Commander
I think you'll do very well on this mission, Harpsy.

Harpsy
Eh? W-why do you say that?

Commander
That's because you're not hiding anymore. Rather, you've finally decided to step up. Doesn't that mean you've found the courage to overcome your own limits, Harpsy?

Commander
I don't think having to fight by yourself or face difficulties by yourself will scare the new Harpsy away.

Commander
So I'm sure that you'll be fine, even without my blessing.

Harpsy
Ah, b-but it's still needed! I, um, I can be braver knowing that you've blessed me...

Harpsy
But knowing that you think of me that way makes me really...

Harpsy
Ooooh...

(Harpsy's face goes red. For a moment, she looks like she's going to cry. However, she clenches her fists tightly and forces her tears back. Then, she looks up at me with a serious expression in her eyes.)

Harpsy
I, um, I promise I'll become more useful to Team B and to you, Commander!

Commander
Take it easy. You don't need to push yourself too hard. Personal growth can't be rushed.

(Harpsy nods with a serious expression on her face.)

Harpsy
Yup!

Harpsy
O-oh, yes, Commander! You remember the strange noise we heard in the corridor some time back? I figured out what was causing it!

Commander
Ah, was it a prank after all, was it?

Harpsy
No, it wasn't... A-actually, it turns out the sand wore a small hole into one of the corridor portholes...

Harpsy
Then we had a Collapse storm recently, which meant that the wind got in through that small opening. That caused the whistling sound... and of course, the draft made it feel cold too.

Commander
I see... Looks like it's time for the Elmo to have a major overhaul, then.

Harpsy
But you don't have to worry, Commander! I've, um, I've already checked all segments of the porthole glass. Miss Mayling and I helped change out all the damaged parts!

Harpsy
Oh, and one more thing! About that power outage that night! That was because radiation intensity from that night's Collapse storm was too high, which caused electromagnetic fluctuations in the Elmo's power systems, which...

Harpsy
So... it turns out there were no invisible vampire ghosts after all...

(A mix of relief and shyness fills Harpsy's face as she says this.)

(She's probably feeling embarrassed about what she did earlier.)

Harpsy
I, er, I can't believe I made such a big deal about something that was so simple, and, er, even threw salt and talismans at you and spent all those Collapse pieces on them...

Harpsy
Bweeeehhh, Commander... am, am I really that useless...

Commander
Harpsy...

Commander
You discovered the problem, analyzed it, took action, found the root cause, and ultimately resolved it. You did very well each step of the way and took responsibility for everything you did.

Commander
Granted, there were some hiccups along the way... But there's no human out there who can predict the future and neither can any Doll. Expecting yourself to immediately see through everything and instantly solve all problems is but a pipe dream.

Commander
There's no need to feel down because you're no perfect. After all, being able to solve the problem means that you've become better than before, right? You should be happy about how you've improved.

(I gently ruffle Harpsy's hair. Her ears rub back against my hand. They're soft and warm.)

Harpsy
I, I've improved... I should be happy...

Harpsy
Is that how it is...

(Suddenly, I hear an impatient voice from outside the room.)

Welrod
Harpsy, just how long are you going to bother the Commander?

Welrod
However much a fledgling might miss the nest, it's gonna have to fly solo someday.

Harpsy
Eeep!

(Harpsy frantically extracts herself from my arms, struggling to wipe away all traces of tears from her face.)

Harpsy
Um, I'll be heading out on my mission now, Commander!

Harpsy
I'll, uh, I'll do my best!

Commander
Alright.

Commander
May you find victory, and peace in your heart. I'll be waiting for your safe return.

Commander
May fear find no purchase in thee, and may courage be thy sword in all thy battles.

(Harpsy's face turns bright red and she nods vigorously. Then she rushes over to hug me one last time before she runs out of the room.)

Welrod
So, what did you and the Commander talk about?

Harpsy
That, uh, that's a secret between the Commander and me...

Harpsy
Let's go, Welrod! Leader Vector must be waiting for us!

Welrod
A secret? Hmph...

(Welrod's and Vector's[sic] voices in the corridor fade into the distance, till I hear them no more.)

(I head over to the porthole. Soon, 404 Team B comes into view, driving off into the sunset. Their vehicle leaves deep tracks in the sandy dirt.)

Commander
Since you're brave now... this mission is going to go well, right?

Commander
I'm looking forward to your triumphant return, Harpsy.

Timid Gift

(The first thing Harpsy does after completing her mission is come to my room.)

Harpsy
Ah, Comman— Commander, I, uh, I—

Harpsy
This is—!

(She rummages through her pack. The sound of zippers, objects rubbing against each other and the like come from it.)

Harpsy
Just give me a bit, Commander! I brought it along in my pack—

Harpsy
Ah, here it is!

(Harpsy excitedly withdraws a kitty-shaped metal device. The kitty has the same eyes as she does, and its short tail is swishing like Harpsy's own.)

Commander
What's this?

Harpsy
It's, um, it's a thank-you gift...

Harpsy
Do you remember what you said earlier about me going on missions by myself? Although you blessed me before I went out, lots of unexpected things happened in the field...

Harpsy
The most dangerous time was, um, was when I fell into an enemy trap and got cut off from the others! Bweh...

Harpsy
But fortunately, I managed to use a nearby beacon's network coverage to contact the others and they saved me.

Harpsy
If not for everyone, I, uh, might have ended up scrapped on the battlefield...

(As she says this, Harpsy reflexively shrinks away in fear.)

Commander
Sounds to me like that blessing didn't affect your great blessing in any way—

Harpsy
That, that's not true!

Harpsy
Normally, if I were seperated from the others, I'd be scared out of my mind...

Harpsy
But thanks to your blessing, and your guidance during Zhongyuan, I wasn't as afraid as before...

Harpsy
It's because of your support that I, I had the courage to keep going...

Commander
Still, what's important is the fact that YOU worked up the courage in the first place, right?

Commander
Someone who knows not of courage can never be brave in any circumstance.

Commander
In short, Harpsy, you're an independent Doll who can stand on her own two feet.

Harpsy
Huh? I, I am? Me? Is, um, is that really true?

Harpsy
But, but I got so scared back then that I didn't know what to do... Do I still count as independent, even when I'm like that?

(Harpsy tugs at her coat and looks hesitantly at me.)

Commander
Why not? It's just like you said, Harpsy. Even when you're on a solo mission, your teammates will have your back. That's what being a team is all about.

Commander
You encountered a difficulty and made rational use of available resources to solve the problem. That was a good action plan.

Commander
Depending on your teammates doesn't necessarily clash with being independent.

Harpsy
Th-thank you, Commander, bweehhh...

(Harpsy is so delighted to receive my affirmation that she begins sobbing in joy.)

(I quickly try to change the subject to stop her tears.)

Commander
Speaking of which, what exactly is this gift of yours? Mind telling me about it, Harpsy?

Harpsy
Ah, this is actually... it's a communications terminal with a powerful signal booster.

Harpsy
When my communications were cut and I couldn't contact anyone, I found myself hoping that you'd never end up in a similar situation. Therefore, I made this for you...

Commander
A communications terminal? But i already have one.

Harpsy
Huh? Ah! Yes, that's right.

Harpsy
Then, in that case...

Commander
In that case, I'll just treat this one as a private line between you and me.

Harpsy
R-really? So, so you're saying... I have a personal, private way to communicate with you... and it keeps records of it too?

Commander
Yup. After all, if you need me to "give you courage" on the battlefield, I need to make sure I can get that courage to you, right?

Harpsy
Th-That's wonderful! (sob)

Harpsy
Also, um, could I trouble you to help me with one more thing?

Harpsy
That is... could you please help me record an alert sound?

Harpsy
That way, even if the worst comes to pass and I can't contact you... I can still listen to your voice and put my heart at ease.

Harpsy
Also, I'd like to, um... to talk with you more outside of missions, in everyday life, to listen to your voice. Even if we don't see each other, just hearing your voice in my ears makes me feel... very happy...

Harpsy
Ah, I, I accidentally mentioned two things instead... But both things are, they're really important...

Harpsy
So Commander... could you... could you help me with them?

Private Meeting Logs

Harpsy

C-Commander, I have a question I'd like to ask you...

I've been on the Elmo for a while now, but...

For some reason, I feel like I'm not familiar enough with the others...

Can you help me out, Commander?

Beckoning Heart I

Harpsy
Actually, this isn't the first time this issue has caused me problems.

Harpsy
In the past, Ruchey told me to get out of the repair bay more and hang out with the others...

Harpsy
B-but even when I did go outside, I had no idea how to act around the rest...

Commander
So what did you end up doing?

Harpsy
I, um, I just ended up talking about new technology modifications and stuff like that... and I tried to approach them when we were together...

Harpsy
I also changed into a new outfit that Ruchey made to leave a good impression.

Harpsy
But it seems it wasn't very effective after all...

Harpsy
Everyone was really nice... But I just couldn't get as close to them as I am with you...

Commander
That's probably not enough, you know.

Harpsy
Then, what should I do...

Commander
It's called social interaction because you have to interact with people. If you want people to be nice to you, perhaps you have to be nice to them first.

Harpsy
Nice to them... What do you mean? Um... do you... do you mean like giving them gifts or something?

Commander
No, no, there are many ways of being nice to people.

Commander
Gifts are one way, but you can also help people out, give them emotional support... All these things build goodwill.

Commander
Once you convince the others of your sincerity and good intentions, that ought to do the trick.

Harpsy
Is, is that so... Hm... being nice...

Harpsy
Now that I think about it, the way you pat my head, the way you smile at me... and how you fund my projects... and help me dodge Klukai...

Harpsy
So that's you being nice to me...

Commander
I suppose the first few count, but the last one...

Harpsy
So that's why... I've always felt more relaxed, maybe even a little happier when I'm around you...

Harpsy
Commander... I think I get it now.

Harpsy
I, I'll go back and think carefully about it!

Commander
I hope this doesn't end up developing into something weird...

Beckoning Heart II

Harpsy
Commander, I went back and thought about what "being nice" meant...

Harpsy
And, uh, I, I thought of something!

Harpsy
Giving emotional value or support or whatever... It seems like it'd be too hard for me...

Harpsy
So I was thinking that maybe I could "be nice" to the others in some other way...

Harpsy
I looked into the Elmo's communications situation and I learned something...

Harpsy
While the onboard communications radar is working well and our communications with the Elmo are also clear...

Harpsy
Inter-team communications are hindered in various ways once we head out on dispatch.

Harpsy
I've encountered situations like that before, so I came up with an idea...

Harpsy
W-Why not outfit everyone with wearable signal boosters? Would that work?

Commander
...Are you talking about your cat ears and tail?

Harpsy
Y-yes, that's it! They're small, decorative and they can be tuned to enhance signals on specific wavelengths...

Harpsy
That way, we can stay in touch no matter how far we get or if we run into regions with strong signal disruption...

Harpsy
Also, I can give Mayling technical support! Oh yes... I need to ask her to help me with testing how it feels when worn by a human...

Harpsy
I'm not a human, after all... So it would be best to properly test this unit before putting it on the Commander...

Harpsy
Also, their looks can be freely customized, so I came up with several preset schemes for–

Commander
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Are you saying I have to wear one too?

Harpsy
Um, yes... I mean... communicating with you is the most important thing, right, Commander?

Harpsy
And besides... you've already done so much for me, so it only makes sense that I should do something for you... right?

Harpsy
Once everyone is equipped with signal boosters... We'll have an easier time communicating with each other when we're out on assignment.

Commander
The entire crew of the Elmo... wearing cat ears and tails...

Harpsy
I think... everyone will understand my sincerity then...

Harpsy
When that happens... will getting along with the others be a little easier...

Commander
(Clears throat) It's a good idea, but it's not very workable.

Harpsy
Huh? But, but why...

Commander
It's going to be pretty expensive, for one. And also... I don't think everyone's going to like wearing cat ears and tails, right?

Harpsy
Ah! Y-yeah, you're right... I never considered that before...

Harpsy
(Groans) Interacting with others is really hard...

Commander
That's alright. The fact that you're taking the initiative to think of ways to improve yourself in that field can be considered an improvement in its own right.

Beckoning Heart III

Commander
Come to think of it, what brought this on, Harpsy? You know, improving your social skills and all that?

Commander
Things have worked out fine for you so far, haven't they? Still, it's nice to see you taking an interest in socializing...

Harpsy
W-well, that's because...

Harpsy
It feels like everyone's got so much to talk to you about after being apart from you for so long...

Harpsy
B-but I don't... I don't know how to blend in with the others...

Harpsy
At this rate... it feels like I'll be the only one left out of everything...

Harpsy
Even... even you feel like you're drifting further and further away, Commander...

Commander
Let me get this straight. Now that everyone's getting closer to me, except you, you're worried that I'm growing more distant from you. Is that it?

Harpsy
I, I know you won't do that! But I just... I just...

Commander
So... you're jealous of the others, then?

Harpsy
Aiiiieeeee! No, I –I'm not–I–ooohhh–

Commander
Relax, I'm just messing with you. Don't worry.

Commander
Still, you say you want to get along with the others, but the truth is that you're just scared of being left behind, right?

Harpsy
...I'm... I'm also scared that... you'll think that... I, I'm not good enough...

Harpsy
I want to be like the others... I want to be with you, I want to laugh and smile with you...

Harpsy
If, If I could get along with the others... then would that mean... I could take another step...

Harpsy
Toward... getting closer to you, Commander...

Commander
Actually, you don't need to go that far to get close to me, Harpsy.

Harpsy
Really? But... I want a place in...

Commander
...Hm? Did you say something?

Harpsy
I– Ooooooh, I just can't say it!

Commander
(Sigh) Still, if you really want to get along well with the others, you don't need to make such a big show of reaching out to them.

Commander
Sometimes, all it takes is a small opportunity for people to open up to you.

Harpsy
Um, what do you mean?

Commander
For instance, what about starting from things you have in common? You could try talking to Balthilde or Papasha about technical issues, or discussing personal accessories with Vepley...

Commander
I'm pretty sure you have a lot more in common with the others than you think.

Commander
So once you find something that resonates with both of you, that can serve as an entry point for making conversation. At that point, building mutual understanding shouldn't be too hard.

Harpsy
I see... something that resonates with both of us, huh...

Harpsy
I... I'll try my best...

Beckoning Heart IV

Commander
What have you been up to, Harpsy? I haven't seen you around lately. Were you hiding in the repair bay again?

Harpsy
N-No! I, I was actually... I was just talking with the others...

Harpsy
That's why... that's why I've been spending less time seeking you out...

Commander
Oh? Does that mean your hard work finally bore fruit?

Harpsy
Y-yup! Before I realized it, I found that I had things that I could discuss with others.

Harpsy
For instance, I was hiding from Klukai one day and... and I ran into Mechty...

Harpsy
She, she somehow guessed what I was doing!

Harpsy
After that... we ended up having a conversation...

Harpsy
And, and then I don't know how, but... Cheeta overheard our discussion...

Harpsy
She said her leader was being really strict on her, and... and then she joined in too...

Harpsy
In, in any case, that was what happened... It makes no sense at all, but we just ended up talking to each other...

Commander
So that's the kind of shared experience you ended up having... I hope it doesn't reach Klukai's ears...

Harpsy
Y-You won't tell, right, Commander? I, I still listen to what Leader Klukai and Vector's orders...

Commander
Okay, okay, I'll just treat it like an icebreaker of sorts. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.

Commander
So, how did it feel to have a proper chat with everyone?

Harpsy
It felt... It felt pretty good... For some reason... it felt like we were really close to each other...

Harpsy
B-but it feels like it'll be hard to get a word in if there are too many people talking at once...

Harpsy
Also, I don't know if people will like what I have to say...

Harpsy
I can't just immediately say what I think like I can on the Net...

Harpsy
So it feels really stressful at times...

Harpsy
In the end... being with you like this is still the comfiest, Commander...

Harpsy
Because you won't scold me regardless of what I say... and you'll always hear me out...

Harpsy
Back in Griffin... you were like that too...

Commander
Don't worry, just say what you want to say. I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear what's in your heart.

Harpsy
Ac-actually, that's not all I wanted to tell you...

Harpsy
I, I wanted to say that... talking with you is, it's different from talking with the others...

Harpsy
If... if you feel the same way as me...

Harpsy
In that case... I, I ought to spend more time by your side...

Harpsy
That way, you can also feel the same way... when you're talking to me...

Commander
Feel what? I didn't quite get that, could you run that by me again?

Harpsy
Ahhhh! Did, did I say that out loud? Ooooh– C-Commander, just pretend you didn't hear anything–

Tea Time

Harpsy
Just one drink shouldn't be a problem, right?

About Meetings

Commander
Have you been hiding here all afternoon?

Harpsy
Shhhhh! Not so loud, Commander!

Harpsy
It'll be bad if Klukai finds me...

Harpsy
I just don't want to get caught and dragged off to a meeting and a scolding...

About Timidity

Commander
Have you heard of “afraid of your own shadow”?

Harpsy
No, what does it mean?

Commander
It means getting scared by something that’s not really there. Like seeing the reflection of a bow in a cup and thinking it was a snake… just like what’s in this cup right now!

Harpsy
Aiiieeeee stoppit Commander!

About Networking

Commander
I heard Welrod say you went for a technical networking event last week. What's up with that?

Harpsy
Ah, you heard? Though it was an unofficial gathering, there were a lot of interesting things there...

Harpsy
I saw chips with clock speeds that were faster than mine, cipher keys which could be used to hack into Statesec servers, and...

Commander
Wait, what? Please make sure you tell me when you go for another one of these events, I want to go with you.

About Outfits

Commander
That's strange. No new look today?

Harpsy
Huh? Were you expecting more, Commander?

Harpsy
I just thought that it would be good to try and keep the same appearance every now and then...

Harpsy
That way, it might be... a little more convenient when... when you think of me, Commander...

About Getting Along

Commander
You've been along for a while now. How are you getting along with the others?

Harpsy
I, uh... I think... I'm doing pretty well... Everyone's pretty nice...

Commander
Really? You can tell even though you lock yourself indoors all day long?

Harpsy
(Whimper) I... I guess I'll need more time to properly blend in with the others...