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Chapter Text

Rhodes Island and MannCo Joint Company Operation documents.

“ May I enjoy my life and practice my art, Respected by all men and in all times”.

Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is devoted to alleviating the suffering of Originium Infection in all of Terra, and that one day to find a cure for it. 

The documents in this folder contain incidents and situations that relate to the Mercenaries of Mann Co and Rhode Island Personnel. This file entails the company’s status, role, history, and personnel in Terra; This is so one can have a better understanding of how Mann Co works with Rhodes Island. Note that this document is written informally at times due to being an informal briefing on the company.

Rhodes Island Intelligence: TF INDUSTRIES OVERVIEW

TF Industries

Motto: "Devoted to the highest level of craftsmanship and personal security"

Company Type:  Defence Contractor, Retailer

TF Industries (TFi) is a company that was established and based in Colombia with influences all over Terra. While they are a company with a wide range of products and services, they mainly specialize in military products ranging from affordable to cutting edge. They compete with Mama Johns and Raythean for their shared customer bases.

The primary and original company under TFi was incorporated in Colombia in the 1050s as Mann & Sons Munition Concern by wealthy Victorian entrepreneur and arms dealer Zepheniah Mann. He had recently purchased the Badland deserts between the countries of Colombia and Bolivar using most of his fortune. 

Due to complications from a combination of diseases including Blackwater Fever, Scarlet Rash, Blood poisoning, shingles, and Originium Infection, Zepheniah split the land he owned to his sons, but left the munitions company to his aide and his estate to his maid. He died of the common cold soon after. 

It is shrouded in mystery as to who is the CEO of TFi industries , but it is commonly stated to be a woman nicknamed “The Administrator”. Rumors say that they have a research division focused on a mineral similar to Originium: Australium, commonly found in the southern regions of Rim Billiton. 

Companies under TF Industries

Mann Co 

Motto: “We Sell Products and Get into Fights”

Company Type: Commercial retailer, Arms researcher and manufacturer, Logistics, Hat Manufacturer (Self Proclaimed).

The company was handed to Zepheniah's aide Barnabus Hale, a forte originating from Rim Billiton. The CEO title was passed down generationally from Barnabus to the current owner Saxton Hale. 

The company produces various munitions, cosmetics, consumables, fashion products, and publications.

Due to a brief incident with the “Better Mann” rule in which one could fist fight the current CEO to gain the company, the CEO changed to a young girl with an older man as the de facto leader. It later changed back to Saxton who revised the rule to allow only legal adults to contest the CEO title so he “wouldn’t feel bad beating the hell out of someone”.

Reliable Excavation and Demolition (RED)

Company Type: Demolition Operations, Mercenary Company (Unofficially)

Founded by Redmond Mann after inheriting half of the Badland region from his father. He had fought with his twin brother over ownership of the land through legal means or through the use of mercenaries.

RED is a company specializing in demolition projects in Colombia, Bolivar, and Sargon, but projects in other countries are not unheard of. Their documentation process is lax enough to allow demolition of property not owned by the signee, although with additional fees.

They will provide security to project sites to “Prevent the obstruction of destruction” as well as demolition consolations. The company also dabbles in various services and industries, including a large stake in Badland gravel mining. Redmond died under mysterious circumstances but Mann Co did not press further, so Mann-Co operates RED.

Builders League United (BLU)

Company Type: Construction Operations, Mercenary Company (Unofficially)

Founded by Blutarch Mann after inheriting half of the Badland region from his father. He had fought with his twin brother over ownership of the land through legal means or through the use of mercenaries.

BLU is a company specializing in construction projects in Colombia, Bolivar, and Sargon, but projects in other countries are not unheard of. They build new structures or improve already built ones, with projects in conflict areas or in combat requiring an additional fee. 

They will provide security to project sites to “Prevent the obstruction of construction” as well as security consolations. The company also dabbles in various services and industries, including a large stake in Badland gravel mining. Blutarch died under mysterious circumstances but Mann Co did not press further, so Mann-Co operates BLU.

Joint Collaboration

Saxton Hale has recently proposed a joint collaboration of companies. The reason behind it is:

“While I went 'Manslaughtering' 1,593 physicians, you folks at ‘Rhodes Island’ have my respect. You get into the nitty gritty of your work, doing both medicine stuff AND beat the arses out of people, even your CEO can put up a good fight! So I’m lending you some of Mann Co’s services and Mercenaries to aid in your company’s pursuit of preventing harm and causing harm!”

Despite the crudeness of the reason, Rhodes Island has considered the offer. After deliberation, Rhodes Island had formally accepted the join operations proposal.

Nine Mann-Co Mercenaries have been accepted into Rhodes Island Service for both work and medical attention, but not for any originium infections. These are eccentric individuals have histories, interesting personalities, and unique medical conditions, but that is more of the same in Rhode Island.

Due to conflicting names with established Operators and Operator Classes, new codenames will be assigned if needed.

TF Personnel: Operators

Attack Operators

Codename: Scout (MannCo), Sandman (Rhodes)

Race: Cautus (Rabbit)

Country Origin: Colombia

Specialty: Aggressive pushes, CQC, reconnaissance

Role: Vanguard (Charger)

Personality: Aggressive, Brash, childish

Medical issues: None, unusual sugar metabolism.

Codename: Soldier (MannCo), Gunboats (Rhodes)

Race: Perro (Dog)

Country Origin: Colombia

Specialty: Explosives, Aggressive pushes, endurance

Role: Defender (Fortress)

Personality: Aggressive, Loyal, courageous

Medical issues: Heavy lead poisoning, Brain damage from lead poisoning and head trauma.

Codename: Pyro (MannCo/Rhodes)

Race: Savra (Salamander)

Country Origin: Unknown (Possibly Colombia)

Specialty: Arson, psychological warfare, CQC

Role: Guard (Centurion)

Personality: Quiet, inquisitive, childish

Medical issues: Lung damage (from Asbestos Material), Old burn wounds, Mental regression?

Defense Operators

Codename: Heavy Weapons, “Heavy” (MannCo/Rhodes)

Race: Ursus (Bear)

Country Origin: Ursus

Specialty: Endurance, protection, cooking

Role: Defender (Protector)

Personality: Clam, Loyal, inquisitive

Medical issues: Slightly overweight (Excessive muscle mass).

Codename: Demoman/Demoknight, “Demo” (MannCo/Rhodes)

Race: Caprinae (Goat)

Country Origin: Victoria

Role: Guard (Dreadnought)

Specialty: Explosives, CQC, combat engineer (explosives)

Personality: “Drunk”, courageous, Loyal

Medical issues: Extreme Auto-brewery syndrome, haunted eye socket?!

Codename: Engineer (MannCo), Gunslinger (Rhodes)

Race: Anty (Wolverine) 

Country Origin: Colombia

Role: Supporter (Artificer)

Specialty: defensive fortifications, combat engineering (Construction), improv inventing

Personality: Cheerful, aggressive, inquisitive

Medical issues: None. Right arm amputation noted.

Specialist Operators

Codename:  Sniper (MannCo), Huntsman (Rhodes)

Race: Liberi (Kiwi)

Country Origin: Rim Billiton

Specialty: Long range assassination, psychological warfare, camping

Role: Sniper (Deadeye)

Personality: Calm, rowdy, professional

Medical issues: Unusually high urine PH level and urine production.

Codename: Spy (MannCo), Ambassador (Rhodes)

Race: Zalak (Rat)

Country Origin: Unknown (Possibly Gaul)

Specialty: Assassination, intelligence gathering, sabotage

Personality: Calm, Brash, professional

Role: Specialist (Executor) 

Medical issues: Minor lung damage (From recreational smoking).

Codename: Medic (MannCo), KritzKrieg (Rhodes)

Race: Sarkaz (Unknown Subtype… Possibly Lich)

Country Origin: Kazdel, Leithania citizenship

Specialty: Combat Medicine, emergency improv surgery, Medical research.

Role: Medic (Single Target)

Personality: Cheerful, inquisitive, cruel

Medical issues: Regeneration (Caused by Arts and chemical experimentation), Sociopathic tendencies.

TF Personnel:  Administration

TF Industries have also sent administrative assistants for helping the Mercenaries with their paperwork and to prevent recurring incidents.

Miss Pauling.

A Zalak (Mouse) assistant who is willing to aid the team with legal and less than legal methods. Does administration and contract assignments.

Archibald Wilsons.

A rather portly Feline (Cat) Victorian businessman aiding Mann-Co financially. Will aid in the transfer of intelligence, funds, documents between Rhodes Island and Mann-Co as well as help with legal disputes. A self proclaimed VIP of MannCo, though no comment from the company of this status.

-End of Briefing-

Chapter Text

On Rhodes Island Landship, Classroom 21, 8:31 PM

*School Bell Ring*

BGM: Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack | BLU Triumphs!

Various students, late teens to young adults, flock out of the classroom, finished with their lessons. After a stoic white haired Vulpo (Fox), a purple shifty eared Cautus (Rabbit), a brown haired Perro  (dog) with an ever hungry smile; a young cautus man walks out. 

Shifting a duffle bag filled with school supplies slung over his shoulders, his dog tags bouncing on his bright blue exceptionally puffy down vest , “Jeremy Berts, BLU Scout” were written on them.

He adjusts his black baseball cap with a hand wrapped in sports wraps as he gets ready to head out, aligning it so his white Cautus (Rabbit) ears poke out from their holes comfortably. Just before beginning to walk down the hall, he turned towards a red Jacketed girl a meter from the doorway and waved at her. 

Scout: See ya tomorrow Frost!

The white Vulpo (Fox) ears that came out of her black beanie were turned towards him.

Frostleaf: Same to you, Jeremy. See ya.

Scout: Ceobe, see ya!

Ceobe: Bye bye Jerry!

Scout: That’s not my name but bye Kay!

???: I see you are making acquaintances Scout , or should I say, Sandman ?

The young man turned towards the voice, seeing a well dressed man wearing a balaclava walk towards him with documents in hand.

Scout: Yo Spy, what’s up?

Spy: Ambassador, remember the code names were assigned when we’re employed by Rhodes. 

Scout: Eh Tomato Tomato (Note: Said exactly the same way for both). What are you doing in the educey-edcuy, learning wing?

Spy: I had to pass by to deliver some Trade Post documents to the logistics department; I happened to spot you, so I decided to see what you were doing, nothing more nor less.

Scout: Well, I’ve been schooling it at, er, school. To be honest, it’s freaking hard. I don’t know why you wanted me to take the adult high school course at Rhodes.

Spy: It’s honestly a step up for you. I’m sure your mother and Miss Pauling would appreciate any improvement to your tact and intellect.

Scout: Yeah! Wait a minute, was that an insul–

Spy: With that said, you’ve improved a long way if I must say so. They will be quite proud of you when they find out. You made me proud… by not completely failing at it.

Scout: Yeah yeah Spy; What are you, my dad or something?

The balaclava wearing man paused for a brief moment, his hesitation invisible to the passing students and staff, and especially so to the grown boy before him. With his spare hand, the man punched the boy lightly in the shoulder; whether the awkwardness was intentional or not was unknown, even to the man in the suit himself.

Spy (In a Boston Accent): Sure thing, Sport! Maybe we could throw the ol’ baseball around?

There was a pause between the two, with the man sweating a bit more under his balaclava, before the boy started laughing. He followed along with the laughter, thankful that he didn’t see through his disguise.

Scout: Yeah Yeah, sorry “pops,” I got homework to do. Maybe next time, Spy. See ya.

Spy: I see, do get to it. Have a good evening Scout.

The young student began weaving through the people in the hallway, running as fast as he could, because he wanted to, at a speed that probably broke safety rules. As the young man vanished in the crowds, the suited man began walking to the end of the hall.

Frostleaf: Hey Ambassador.

Spy: Yes Operator Frostleaf? What business do you have with me?

Frostleaf: Let me give you a tip: The next time you need to deliver papers from the trade post, the Logistics department is the floor below the trade post, not two floors above it.

The masked man paused for a second, before scowling at the Vulpo veteran. 

Spy: It is not like I cannot make mistakes. While Rhodes’ Island is smaller than most mobile cities, it is still quite large compared to towns or villages. So Operator Frostleaf, do not place your unfounded hypothesis of my intentions onto me. 

The cold Vulpo slowly began to grin as the conniving masked man excuses fell flat. He sighed and began digging through his jacket before pulling out a rather expensive looking leather wallet connected to a silvery chain.

Spy: Fine, how much for you to stay silent about this with Scout. Would 1000 Lungmen Dollars be sufficient?

Frostleaf: W-wait what? N-no! I was just joking around. Don’t worry, I’ll stay silent, free of charge. 

Spy: I see… If you betray what you said, I will get my revenge when you least expect it. Rest assured, mon amie.

Frostleaf (Nervously): Knowing that you copied and put up several of Scavenger’s love poems about Providence around the ship after she spilled water on you; I’m inclined to believe you’ll carry out those threats.

Spy: Good, you understand. Well then, I must be off.

Frostleaf: One more thing, Mr. Ambassador; Me and plenty of others do enjoy being around Jeremy. He may be crude at times, but plenty of other people are the same and I worked well enough with them. 

Spy: well, best of luck with him, he can be a handful sometimes.

With that, the balaclava man disappeared into the crowd, a smile on his face hidden from the Vulpo. As Frostleaf began turning away, a purple haired Cautus nudged with an elbow. 

Rope: Ya know, you could’ve pocketed the cash and told ol’ Jerma his pops was “just visiting.”

Frostleaf (Exasperated): I do not want to be on Ambassador’s bad side. Besides, I think the man needs to find the right time to tell Jeremy. Also, if you could hear our conversation, couldn’t you have taken the offer?

Rope: Aye now! I ain’t riskin’ a veteran assassin after ma neck! The man can disguise himself and turn invisible in a puff of smoke! I’m already rough standin’ with the guy after trying to pick his pockets. 

Frostleaf: Phffffttt! So you tried before?

Rope: Trust me, I tried. He keeps the cigarette case with the Arts module, the pocket knife, and the revolvin’ gun in his inner pockets. Everything else on the outside got chains!

The stoic Vulpo laughed as she and the streetwise cautus walked down the hall.

Rhodes Island, Residence Wing 1, Room No. 987, 9:03PM.

BGM: Arknights Ost - [Ready? - D.D.D.]

In a simple apartment style room, lit by a ceiling light glowing a pale light. Various baseball posters are taped up on the white painted walls with a small gold baseball trophy standing on a shelf. A duffle bag on the floor was against a simple black desk with various homework papers, pencils, erasers, a calculator, and six empty “BONK!” brand energy drinks on top. Suddenly a wrapped pair of hand slaps the desktop.

Scout: Awww Jeez, I can’t think any more! I managed to get through around half of it, but I just HAD to run out of Bonk when I needed it. It’s been like an hour and I only finished one question, this sucks on ice. 

The young sugar deprived man opened a drawer beside the desk and fished out an 3 Oz (85 Grams) brown paper packet with a blue label that read: “T3 Sugar Pack,” alongside a blue stamp in the shape of a parcel alongside the words:

Industrial Use Rejected;

Approved for Consumption, 

- Closure

He tore the top of the bag off and shook a sugar cube out onto his waiting palm before tossing it into the air and into his mouth. While he munched on the he picked up an empty bonk can and looked at its classic Blue labeling.

Scout (While crunching sugar): This was the last one I could use out of combat ever since Hibibibiscus complained about my sugar intake, so what if I eat around 375 grams of sugar each day? Freakin’ unbelievable. The next six pack allowance is next Friday and the combat cans are locked up tight. The vending machine’s stuff won’t hit the same… What to do, what to… do…?

In the pale light of the study reflected the ingredient label of the Bonk! Atomic Punch can. A devious glint in Scout's eye as a plan formulates in his mind. He quickly grabbed the can, sugar packs, his sports bag and darted out his room. A smoky shadow soon trails after him.

Rhodes Island, Cafeteria No.2, 9:27PM.

BGM: Team Fortress 2 OST. Dapper Cadaver

Or Breaking Bad Theme

In the quiet cafeteria’s kitchen, the clattering of kitchen tools and appliances is heard as a crude form of cooking/chemistry is being done.

A young man in blue Delinquent Down Vest with blue latex gloves on slowly pour in a white powdered substance into a blender filled with a cloudy blue liquid. After setting down the white substance’s bowl, he rips open a small packet and dumps in a purple crystalline dust into the mixture, the dust thankfully blocked by the Particulate Protector face mask and Bacterial Blocker hood he’s wearing. Flipping a switch and holding the lid, the blender whirrs to life turning the heterogeneous mixture to a more homogenous solution. 

Young Woman: Ceobe? Is that you Kay? What are you doing up so late?

Masked mixer: Aww Jeez!

Young Woman: What are you up to- Mr. Sandman?!

The masked mixer jumped up before clicking the blender off and leaning his elbow on the counter to face the woman entering the kitchen, who was apparently a young Zalak (Rodent) woman.

Scout: Oh errr, what’s up? You’re the “Sweet snacks to cure the soul” gal, right?

Honeyberry: Err yes, I think I remember you? When hibiscus was going to cut back ALL your sugar intake, but I stopped her.

Scout: Yeah, Miss Zoe yeah? If I remember you’re operator Honeyberry right?

Honeyberry: Yes. You know, You’re some of the few people who understand the value of suga— wait, are you making drugs in Rhode’s kitchen?!

Scout: Oh this? It’s totally not drugs, it's uhhhhh, science?

Honeyberry: What is that white stuff near that bowl? Is that what I think it is?!

Scout panicking: Wait wait wait! It’s sugar, literally sugar, like the stuff we make here! Look! I even got the packaging!

The totally not suspicious man approached and handed the young sugar glider Zalak the brown paper packet with the blue label and stamp in sight.

Honeyberry: *Sigh* That really scared me there. What are you doing here Mr. Sandman? This setup is still quite suspicious.

???: I do believe I have the answer for that Mademoiselle Burris.

Outside the kitchen from a plume of smoke, emerges a figure in a suit. He was wearing a blue casual Smoking Jacket with a few cigars at the ready alongside his ever present balaclava. The young sugar glider blushed as she clutched her face.

Honeyberry: O-oh mr. Ambassador, y-you don’t need to call me m-mademoiselle.

Spy: I insist. For my compatriot Sandman here seems to be creating a substitute to the energy drink he just ran out of.

Scout: H-how did you know?!

Spy: I conducted a nightly check upon you to see if you weren't slacking with your homework. And I do believe you did an admirable job for most of it, even after your caffeine crash.

*Creeaaakk*

Spy: He ran out of the drink and couldn’t focus, so he devised a plan to create a substitute in this very kitchen.

Scout: Well, uhhh? Thanks I guess… Wait, how did you get in?

*Tap tap tap tap tap tap*

Spy: I have a spare pass to all members of MannCo Mercenaries' residences with permission of everyone and Rhodes Island. 

*Glug Glug Glug*

Scout: Oh yeaaaaah, we did say okay to that. I thought you snuck in my room like some rat–

Honeyberry: CEOBE!

The zalac cried as she pointed behind Sandman. The two mercs turned behind them towards a familiar brown haired Perro happily chugging the blender pitcher of its blue-purple elixir.

Scout: Kay?! What’s she doing here?!

Honeyberry: Kay usually goes down here to have a late night snack, so we usually keep the kitchen door open and leave some snacks out for her! Sandman, what did you put in that drink?!

The brown haired Perro stood still, frozen to the spot.

Scout: Well uhhhh, I put in a pint (0.56 Liters) of water, one jar of those frozen berries in the fridge, 5 tablespoons of honey…

The brown Perro begins to vibrate intensely.

Scout: a half lemon’s juice, a half lime’s juice, 3 packets of T3 Sugar Packs,…

The brown-orange blur’s red eyes begin to dilate from tea saucers to plates.

Scout: A packet of Crit-a-Cola starter mix, MannCo Mann Mix smoothie, and a packet of Saxton Hale’s Berry Pre-Workout mix… Yeah, that’s all of it.

Honeyberry: Oh, oh no…

Spy: Mon Dieu. YOU DOOMED US ALL!

Then, in a flash of orange and brown, the girl was gone to the wind. A few seconds later a sharp gust of wind knocked the Kitchen occupants onto the floor.

That night was filled with chaos and mayhem.

Incident Report: TF-0273

BGM: Arknights - Main Menu (Home) 

Synopsis of events: At 9:41PM,  Ceobe snuck into Rhodes Island Cafeteria No.2’s kitchen while Sandman was creating a potent energy drink, in which she drank the entirety of it. She then ran throughout the landship causing damage, injuries, and disrupting the sleep of the staff. 

Attempts at the capture of Ceobe were unsuccessful. This persisted for 5 hours at 4:57AM before Ceobe passed out conveniently outside the medical wing. She was taken in and monitored for any adverse medical effect, and thankfully there wasn’t. 

Damages and Casualties: 

• 47 Holes in drywall walls caused by Ceobe punching them.
• 7 Destroyed drywall wall sections by Ceobe bursting through them.
• 4 Broken wooden doors caused by Ceobe knocking them down.
• 1 Broken metal hydraulic door caused by Ceobe… Somehow…
• 13 Operators with minor injuries caused by Ceobe running into them.
• 6 operators with moderate injuries caused by Ceobe hugging them with great strength. 

(Link to operator casualty details)

Course of action:  

Ceobe was scolded by her caretaker Operator Vulcan, and has been given the punishment of no honey cakes for 5 days.

Honeyberry was advised to have more awareness of her surroundings.

Ambassador was advised to be more proactive in handling potential risks to operators. 

Sandman was reprimanded by Hibiscus, who recommended a removal of the 6 package of “BONK! Atomic Punch” allowance per week. Honeyberry refuted this proposal and suggested a ban from the Kitchen for a month and ban from purchases or acquiring of simulant products without prior approval while on Rhodes Island. The latter proposal by Honeyberry was approved.

Closure was given a new rule that limited the purchase of non-industrial T1-4 Sugars packs for consumption and a notice that simulant products for Sandman should be withheld until prior approval from either the Medical Department, Supervision Department, or Head Department with a stamped letter with the approved items.

Additional Comments

Doktah: This was quite a report, although this isn't Ceobe's first time being high on something. Thankfully it was sugar and caffeine than those jungle psychedelic mushrooms.

Vulcan: You don't have to remind me. Thankfully Ceobe wasn't hurt during her little trip, she's always been tough. I don't like scolding her, but somethings need to be said. Once the 5 days are over I'll bake her a large plate of honey cakes. 

Doktah: What is your opinion on Mr. Berts?

Vulcan: The kid? I don't have anything against him other than his unhealthy habits. He didn't intentionally try to hurt Ceobe with that "energy drink" of his and it was an honest mistake.

Doktah: Understood.

Vulcan: I mean, Ceobe gotten into your energy drink stash and came out weird for a while but I never had it against you other than wanting you to keep them under tighter watch.

Doktah: Err, sorry about that. Heh, maybe I could try some of that Bonk drink Sandman has been drinking, maybe it'll keep me Sane for longer so I can do more work!

Vulcan: I wouldn't recommend... Well, your drinks do have a kick to them, it reeks of mustard. maybe that's why you smell like mustard at times. 

Doktah: Oh uhhh, let's end the report for now.

<<End of Report>>

Next Report: Operator File, Sandman

Chapter Text

Rhodes Island Operator Files - Sandman

Name: Jeremy Berts

Codename: Sandman (Rhodes Island), Scout (MannCo)

Combat Experience: 3 Years

Gender: Male

Place of Birth: Colombia

Date of Birth: April 22nd

Race: Cautus

Height: 180cm (5’11”)

Infection Status: Non-infected as confirmed by medical report.

Operator Class: Vanguard, Charger

Skills (Main Abilities):

Bonk Atomic Punch - Toggle (Manual Trigger) for 8-12 seconds

AtkSpd +(Medium), 50% chance to dodge Arts or Physical Attacks. 

Crit ‘a’ Cola - Toggle (Manual Trigger) for 8-12 seconds

AtkSpd +(Medium), ATK +(Medium)%

Talent (Passive Skill):

Home Stunner - 

T1 P1 - Has a 10% chance to stun a blocked enemy for 0.5 Second.

T1 P5 - Has a 14% chance to stun a blocked enemy for 1.0 Second.

T2 P1 - Has a 16% chance to stun a blocked enemy for 1.0 Second.

T2 P5 - Has a 20% chance to stun a blocked enemy for 1.0 Second.

Operator Token: 

An old baseball with Scout’s signature and covered in red clay. He’s giving one to you because he’s making a lot of them so they’re going to be valuable in the future.

Base Skills (Skills for homebase):

Sugar Excess -

When this Operator is assigned to the Workshop for Any Material, Whenever a Byproduct is created, he will also create a Sugar-type material of equal grade.

Bio: 

A Colombian mercenary employed by MannCo specializing in skirmishes and reconnaissance, hit and run tactics, and close quarters combat. Currently sent to assist Rhode Island with operations by MannCo.

Clinical Analysis (Trust 25%):

Imaging tests on this Operator show clear outlines of internal organs, with no abnormal dark spots or shadows. No unusual traces of Originium particles present in the circulatory system, no signs of infection, confirming this operator as uninfected.

[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 0% 

No Oripathy.

[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.1u/L 

Subject is rarely exposed to Originium. Mr. Berts has an excellent physique similar to a Baseball player, although his diet should be monitored.

Archive File 1 (50% Trust):

Real Name: Jeremy Berts, is the youngest son of 7 older brothers, who often got into fights. Jeremy trained himself to run quickly to get to fights first and to dodge out of the way of attacks to come out on top, something that Sandman is quite proud of and boasts about often.

It is currently unknown who his biological father is since his Mother has gone through multiple romances, all surprisingly ended amicably, although not without getting some items and divorce money from them.

Archive File 2 (100% Trust):

Sandman is often collecting merchandise of various Colombian baseball stars, actors, and comics as both a fanatic and partially as valuable collectables. He is willing to share his collection with others, regardless if they hold considerable value to any collector. He enjoys playing baseball with the younger members of Rhodes like Cuora in his leisure time. 

After some inquiry, it appears that Sandman has a rather substantial amount of wealth due to a large amount of collectable items for a famous deceased Colombian Musician. 

Archive File 3 (150% Trust):

The education level of Sandman is below the average by Colombian standards, having barely graduated Colombian high school. This is due to Sandman spending most of his youth not really focused on education, mainly doing odd jobs to help fund his family and extra-curricular sports, as well as personal mental limitations. For this reason, Operator Ambassador has requested that Sandman be enrolled in Rhodes’ Island’s adult high school course while he is assigned to Rhodes. Despite complaints, Sandman is doing well in his classes and particularly exceptional in his art classes.

Archive File 4 (200% Trust):

It is unknown who the parentage of Jeremy Berts is. His father had left the family soon after his conception. He often thinks about this fact and tries his best to be someone they could be proud of, despite not knowing what sort of man his father would be proud of. 

Addendum:

After some discussion, Ambassador has revealed he is the father of Jeremy. Ambassador has requested we keep the parentage information confidential from Jeremy due to the tension between the two at the current moment. In an off word remark, Ambassador has noted he is quite proud of what Jeremy has achieved and done, although is still in need of refinement and work, so he will work in the shadows to see that done. 

<<End of File>>

Next Report: Bootstrapped Dogs.

Chapter Text

On Rhodes Island Landship, Training Bay, 4:01 AM

BGM: Arknights OST. 大柏墟

Various Rhodes island personnel from engineers, medics, and operators go about their early morning of moving about the crowded bay as it finished docking in the nearby Bolivian mobile city. A small crowd of operators stand in front of a docking bay as a perro (Dog) instructor assigns them their day’s duties.

Dobermann: Alright, today we are docking into a nearby Colombian city for repairs and supplies. Teams C1 to C3 are to be stationed at Rhodes for assistance during transporting of supplies and staff.

Cautus Vanguard: Okay, I was getting bored of just standing around doing nothing.

Dobermann: Teams B4 and B5 are to be deployed into the city to assist medical staff doing medical checks and rounds on the population for Originium infection treatment. 

Leibri (Bird) Medic: O-Okay! 

Dobermann: That leaves Reserve Team A6 and A4… We do not have any assignments regarding work in the city, however we are scheduled for the regular monthly training session.

Kuranta (Horse) Artilleryman: Oh come on!

The crowd looked over to the complaining operator, to see a green jacketed woman equipped with a grenade launcher with her arms crossed, her brown ears flicking her hair. 

Dobermann: Operator Catapult, do you have any complaints?

Catapult: O-Oh, uhhh, not that I have any… But we've been working our butts off the past week getting ready for docking and now you want us to go on another one of your mandatory hell drills? 

Dobermann: Yes. While team A6 and A4 had been trained thoroughly in combat adequately recently, we do have some new Operators joining us from MannCo. As you know, all new operators must be properly welcomed and assessed.

Catapult: Augh, are we really going to have to go all out and die from exhaustion? I bet they’re just as not excited for this as I am.

Soldier: Well I am! 

The sudden new voice made the entire lineup of Operators turn to face the unexpected new member of their group.

Catapult: How the hell did you get in here?!

Dobermann: Operator Gunboat, why are you here? This is the reserve Ops line up, we’ll call you for the training later.

Soldier: A good soldier is always ready for orders regardless of if they have been issued!

Dobermann: We are not doing any assignments right now. We will call you and your fellow Operators when it is the time. 

Soldier: Can I bring Demo? Oh! Oh! What about Mr. Bucket? He got a certified military certification for cooking!

Dobermann: Operator Gunboat, while Operator Demo is in the drill line up, “Mr Bucket” is not a registered Operator for the exercise. 

Catapult: Hey, can Mr. Bucket take my place?

Dobermann: Catapult…

Catapult: Ack, never mind!

Dobermann: Damn it… Everyone, you are dismissed. Team A6, get your combat equipment and weapons before meeting here at 6:00 AM sharp before we get into the training bay, understood? Also remember to get your training rounds for ranged weapons. 

Operators: Yes Ma’am!

Soldier: Affirmative! I’ll go get Demo and Mr. Bucket! Yaaaaaaaaay!

As the crowd disperses the tall perro sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

Dobermann: I’m going to need a lot of Bolivian Coffee to get through this…

Training Bay, Equipment Storage D, 5:54 AM

Some members of the Reserve team came early to the Simulation hall. A gray spotted Rebbah (Hyena) man with purple and black heavy armor armed with a shield stands with the unexpected Kuranta in her green jacket in the midst of moving various equipment from the spacious storage room from dummies, drones, and protection gear.

Spot: Come on Catapult, let’s get the training stuff ready so we can get to the others. I still can’t believe you volunteered so eagerly. 

Catapult: Yeah yeah yeah, laugh it up. What I’m really here for is to make things a little… Easier for us. How about it?

Spot: Huh? What are you dragging me into?

Catapult: Well, Instructor B***** wanted to use these training drones and stuff for the exercise on the very hard difficulty if I saw her little exercise sheet. So, I’m going to fiddle around with their difficulty settings to kick our ass a whole lot less.

Spot: Messing with equipment is—

Catapult: Don’t worry~ I won’t do anything with the physical stuff, I really don’t want my pay docked again…  I got this little tablet from a table when the technician walked off. Now let’s see…

As the Artillery Sniper swipes through the tactical tablet, she finally finds the drone difficulty list… Only to see a list of numerical designations for the drones and scales between 1-10 for each. With some pressings of buttons, she got it somewhat set.

Catapult: Alriiiiight… There! Got it all set up, now to set them…

With a press of a button, the orders are sent… Which the nearby drones activate, both in the simulation hall and the storage room. 

Spot: I think you just turned all of them on.

Catapult: Yeah I know Idioka, I can turn them off… Wait, it needs a shutdown code!?

As the drones whirl to life with their armaments warming up. Spot darts his eyes back to Catapult as she frantically messes with the tablet.

Spot: Uhhh, Catapult, they’re getting their weapons ready!

Catapult: Yeah yeah yeah! At least they’re on easy difficulty… Wait, why does this say Max Difficulty engaged… WHY DID THEY MAKE 1 THE HARDEST!?!

Then in the midst of their frantic pressing and shouts, a nearby tanker truck’s engine starts before a gas is expelled into the room…

Training Bay, Training simulation room D, 5:58 AM

BGM: Team Fortress 2 OST. The Art Of War

A group of operators stand at the Simulation Hall’s interior. The landscape is a long canyon of red rocks and sand. It is a familiar sight to the blue clad soldier and instructor. In the group are two particular mercenaries, one with crooked salute in an outdated military uniform and one with teetering in a flak vest.

Dobermann: Attention please Operators.

Soldier: Ten ho! Soldier, reporting for duty.

Demo: Right! I’m *hic* here.

Dobermann: I can see most of the requested operators are present. Although it appears that Spot and Catapult are late… I will reprimand them later, the exercise still needs to be done. Do you have your gear?

Soldier: Affirmative Ma’am! 

Demoman: I got the goods here.

The instructor inspects the collection of armaments each person is equipped with, with her main focus being the rocket propelled grenade launcher the soldier had as well as the two grenade launchers the demolitions expert had. Although the instructor noticed the unusual colors for the weapons.

Dobermann: Operator Gunboats, Demo. May I ask why your weapons are colored orange?

Demoman: Oh? These pretty little things? They’re practicing weapons, since we’re doing an exercise and all that. I got my sticky Jumper and my regular grenade launcher at hand, so lads try not to get caught in the blast, the pills can roll quite a fair bit, don’t ya know. 

Soldier: Even with this, I can rocket jump no problem Ma’am!

Dobermann: Rocket… Jump?

Soldier: You know, shooting a rocket at your feet and riding the blast. 

Dobermann: Y-You… Right right, of course that explains things… 

Soldier: What? I’ve done it before, without blowing up a car. 

Demoman: Yeah, and flew majestically like a bald fowlbeast every time.

Soldier: Thank you buddy. This is why we’re best friends!

Demoman: Alright… with that out of the way, can we move onto the first things we’re do–

Catapult: Kurwa, *Cough Cough* damn it! 

Spot: Everyone, incoming! *Cough*

Dobermann: Catapult? Spot? What are you… What the!?

BGM: Open Fortress OST. Chase ~ 2P 

As the black hound looked from where the two extremely late operators ran from to see an arsenal of rampaging drones and an agricultural sprayer truck rampaging through the simulated canyon.  

Vampire Lord: Wait, isn’t that the retrofitted gas trucks filled with tear gas?! 

Cautus Centurion: Uh oh, that’s bad. 

Liberi Decibel Binder: If we don’t stop it, this entire room will be filled with tear gas.

Dobermann: I’ll interrogate you two later, everyone, get into battle positions and disable those drones before they get out into the bay! 

As the operators rushed into position to deal with the waves of automated machines, the hound pulled a charging Soldier to the side.

Dobermann: Gunboats! I’m going to need your help for this. 

Soldier: You do!? Alright Ma’am, what do you need me to do?

Dobermann: Since you have that anti-armor rocket launcher, your priority target is going to be the gastruck.

Soldier: Negatory.

Dobermann: What! Time is of the essence and are you questioning my orders?!

Soldier: Ma’am, This here is a MannCo Rocket Jumper. It cannot do damage. Only knockback. You told me to get training rounds, which I did not understand, so Demo told me that you meant things that didn’t kill, so I got this.

Dobermann: Well, I did ask for training rounds to be used here…

Demoman: I could help but the truck is moving too fast for my grenades to land. 

Soldier: I got an idea! 

Before the instructor could say anything the Colombian rushes forward before turning around with his rocket launcher aimed at his feet. Dobermann tried to call off whatever he was doing but the man was flying in the sky, blasting off rocky surfaces past the operators dealing with airborne and ground-based drones. Soldier flew with a shovel in hand as he fell towards the gastruck and with a swing he crashed through the glass…

Incident Report: TF-0207

BGM: Arknights - Main Menu (Home) 

Synopsis of events: At around 6:00 AM in the Training Bay, Operators Spot and Catapult were gathering equipment for the Welcome Week training season for new operators before Catapult decided to modify the difficulty settings of the training drones from an unattended drone-controller tablet she obtained. Unfortunately, she was untrained in their usage and set them to the highest difficulty and turned all of them on.

With the combined effort of the Operators, the drones were contained and shut off safely in Simulation Room D, although with some operators and equipment worse for wear.

Operator Gunboats sustained light burns, tear gas exposure, and medium bruises by disabling a retrofitted Gastruck by ramming it into a simulated cliftside while getting caught in the crash and ensuing fire mixed with tear gas. He is expected to make a recovery.

Course of Action:

Catapult: Disciplined and currently being trained on proper drone usage, much to her chagrin.

Spot: Disciplined and currently being trained on proper drone usage.

Gunboats: Currently under medical supervision for injury recovery. Is to be lectured about caution in operations. 

Addendum: Operator Gunboats is to be given a small commendation and small prize for assistance in the incident. Requested by Operator Dobermann and the Doctor.

Demo: Disciplinary action required to not be inebriated during training sessions.

Addendum: Demo is allowed to have a single 355mL (12Oz) beer at most before training sessions due to medical circumstances.

Closure and engineering department: To implement a basic guide for drone operation within software menus so this incident won’t reoccur.

Additional Comments: 

Doktah: Even seeing it up in the observation deck, I still can’t believe how Jane flew through the air. I even read his operator files from MannCo.

Dobermann: Yeah, I can hardly believe it myself that he regularly does that with Live ammo. He has initiative, I'll give him that, but he lacks discipline and a functioning brain.

Doktah: Yeah he did crash and burned not from the rocket launcher but from the truck going straight into a clift face. Medics say he’ll make a full recovery in a week though, so that’s some good news. Surprising, but good news.

Dobermann: Alright, I do need to get ready for the training materials Spot and Catapult will be going through.

Doktah: That’s not in a week. I see you are being proactive in making Jane’s prizes? You do like him after all~

Dobermann: Doctor… Are you interested in one of my training sessions?

Doktah: N-No ma’am.

Dobermann: Good, end the log here. 

End of Report

Next Report: Scorching Playdate.

Chapter Text

Rhodes Island Operator Files - Gunboats

Name: Jane Doe

Codename: Gunboats (Rhodes Island) / Soldier (MannCo)

Combat Experience: 7 Years

Gender: Male

Place of Birth: Colombia

Date of Birth: July 4th

Race: Perro (Dog)

Height: 183cm (6’0”)

Infection Status: Non-infected as confirmed by medical report.

Operator Class: Defender, Fortress

Skills (Main Abilities):

Battalion’s Backup - Toggle (Attack Charge)

+(Medium)% DEF and +(Low) RES to all Operators around Gunboats for 10 seconds. (Also effects Gunboats in radius)

Buff Banner - Toggle (Attack Charge)

+(Medium)% ATK and +(Low)% RES to all Operators around Gunboats for 10 seconds. (Also effects Gunboats in radius)

Talent (Passive Skill):

Disciplinary Action - 

Note: Tenacity - Increased stats based on current hp (Damaged).

T1 P1 - All Operators around Gunboats Gain up to +10  ASPD

T1 P5 - All Operators around Gunboats Gain up to +15  ASPD

T2 P1 - All Operators around Gunboats Gain up to +20  ASPD

T2 P5 - All Operators around Gunboats Gain up to +25  ASPD

Base Skills (Skills for homebase):

Midwest Miner -

When this Operator is assigned to the Workshop for Any Material, Whenever a Byproduct is created, also create a "rock" byproduct (Gold Bar, Orirock-Type, Oriron-Type, Transmuted Salt)

(Gunboats have a habit of finding valuable materialsthrough his work... Somehow)

Operator Token:

A small collection of crudely made Colombian-styled military medals made from recycled scrap materials. Jane believes that Good generals should be honored for their service. You think he meant tacticians.

Bio: 

Gunboats, also known as Soldier, is a Colombian Mercenary employed by MannCo specializing in destruction and assaults. He is currently sent to assist Rhode Island with operations by MannCo.

Clinical Analysis (Trust 25%):

Imaging tests were difficult to conduct, with images heavily obscured due to lead build up but managed to show normal outlines of internal organs, and no abnormal shadows have been detected. At this time, this operator is believed to be uninfected.

[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 0% No Oripathy.

[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.19u/L Subject is commonly exposed to Originium due to his close contact with explosives in their production and use. Operator Gunboats is lucky he hasn’t been infected yet.

The subject is noted to have heavy concentrations of lead in his bloodstream as well as brain damage from concussions and lead poisoning. It is recommended that he undergoes lead detox treatment as soon as possible.

This guy’s blood is nearly all lead and his brain is mostly scar tissue! How is he even alive!? - Unnamed Medic Operator

Archive File 1 (50% Trust):

Gunboats is a devout Colombian patriot, often giving praises for his home country. He was originally a miner in one of Colombia’s pioneer towns, working in a lead mine, giving him experience with digging tools and explosives. Unfortunately, the standards at the mine were low, so he slowly gained heavy metal poisoning. This was not helped by the fact later in his life he regularly consumed lead tainted water in the town he was assigned to with MannCo.

He is currently being given Rhodes Island lead treatment plan.

Archive File 2 (100% Trust):

Despite his track record for combat and military enthusiasm, Gunboats has never been in any official military force in Colombia. He was rejected from the Army, Marines, Mountain Corps, and Air Force. Gunboats often dislike being labeled as a Civilian and would prefer to be referred as Soldier, Sargent, Barrister, or recently Operator (After Operators explained what it means). 

His main combat experience other than being a MannCo Mercenary is from participating in the Bolivian Civil war where he fought for the Singas Dynasty, Coalition Forces, and the True Boliviarians. Essentially he fought for all the warring sides, much to the confusion of many. From MannCo accounts, he just showed up with weapons and fought until a battle was won by one side. He survived for 4 years until MannCo picked him up to fight in the Gravel Wars. 

This has resulted in a deep reservoir of experience for Gunboats, that even despite his state of mind, gives him a combative edge mixed with unpredictability. 

Archive File 3 (150% Trust):

During Gunboats travels down from Mid-Western Colombia to southern Bolivar, he had gained a Colombian and Bolivar lawyers license as well as a Laternro Priest collar. Upon checking within registries including on board Laternro Notarial Hall correspondents, it appears that Gunboats genuinely and legally acquired them through studies and proper processes. 

Despite his brazen personality, Gunboats does have a talent for inspirating others through sheer confidence in himself even if the words are nonsensical. He has a strong presence around him that rallies and inspires others around him. He does speeches with such articulation and power that it convinces other like he convinces himself into a fervor, which makes him a powerful speaker. Even Operators who are irritated by his lack of tac, will still feel to push harder in whatever they're doing.

Archive File 4 (200% Trust):

Real Name: Jane Doe (Actual legal name), had a deep respect for a retired Colombian soldier, who had gone into acting when he retired. Jane had nothing but admiration for the man and his service, despite him only having a media position. Despite that, the man appreciated Jane’s presence and fanship of him. Unfortunately, he had gained Oripathy in his later years and through a weakened immune system had died to medical complications.

Operator Gunboats then at that point decided to become a proud soldier to honor the man, hoping to soar through the skies like him. Leading to the attempted military applications, then travelling onto Bolivar to fight in the civil war, and finally working with MannCo as a mercenary for hire.

Next Report:  Hellfire Hang Out

Chapter Text

On Rhodes Island Landship, Loading Bay

BGM: Arknights OST. Ponder

Silence: This is Olivia Silence, Rhodes Island Operator and Rhine Labs member. This is an observation log for… MannCo Mercenary: Pyro.

The owl Liberi quietly writes in a small journal, taking notes and observations in neat poise as she looks from the deck down at the returning Operators from a recent combat excursion to handle some feral infected creatures by a local town while Rhodes Island resupplied and treated the populace... 

Silence: This originated from witnessing Pyro on the battlefield… As well as their interactions with Ifriti…

Memories of a scorched battlefield as feral Originium Slugs slithered out of a barren forest, only to be caught in a spray of fire as a masked individual in a blue hazard suit stood their ground.

Silence: This mercenary’s fighting style revolved around the usage of fire, mainly aerosolized alcohol from a rudimentary dispersal device, or a “Flame Thrower.”

Walking down a hall, she soon recalled that next a larger Crag Pincer scuttled over the roasted remains of slugs, only to be pushed back with a gust of alcohol vapors, adding air to the smoldering crustacean. As it rushed forward with pincers primed, the masked arsonist quickly swapped to a fire axe on their back and swung it hard. As the blade dug into the metallic shell of the Pincer an arts reaction erupted, creating a violent burst of flame on the Crustacean knocking it down for the count.

Silence: It seems that their arts capabilities involve violent combustion of burning objects, harnessed through arts mediums such as a flare gun or usually a crudely modified fire axe. These skills work admittedly quite synergistically with Ifrit’s own fire arts, especially with her more enhanced abilities, gained after some memory consultation, which are similar to this… Pyro.

Over the burning remains of various rampaging creatures, a small horned child… wait no that’s a teen, laughing on high ground as she razes the nearby overgrowth with flame from her flamethrower-like staff pack. Meanwhile the masked arsonist laughs, muffled through their gas mask, as they raise their flamethrower above their head in triumph.

Silence: Their… Inclination with fire may be a bad influence to Ifrit, who is already having difficulty managing her impulses. I am conducting this observation log to gain evidence to have Rhodes restrict access between the two through a request. This will be conducted with meetings with MannCo personnel and Rhodes personnel.

Closing her notebook, the Liberi in a lab coat sighed before she knocked on a residence dorm door. 

Interview: Engineer / Gunslinger

BGM: Team Fortress 2 OST. Sandwich Maker

Engineer: So your interviews to get a better understandin’ of us… Specifically Pyro this session, yeah? I heard some of the lads done one of these before in our prior work. Pyro sure is somethin’ heh heh.

Silence: Yes, as we discussed I am helping assemble a better understanding of your team for both me and Rhodes Island. 

The mercenary nodded as he leaned back into his chair, tapping his fingertips together in thought.

Engineer: Alrighty then. Now Pyro… They’re an odd case you see. Sure they’re a pyromaniac, that’s obvious to see, but they are quite good at protecting things and in support just as well as offense. 

The engineer leaned forward and smiled a proud smile, with a tinge of sadistic remembrance. 

Engineer: They’ll watch your back and sniff out anything suspicious like a canary to a gas leak, keep danger away with gas and fire, and they're good business partners on top of that.

Silence: Business partner?

The mercenary gave a rowdy chuckle as he leaned back into his chair.

Engineer: Oh yeah, I started a little ol’ company out in the Badlands with Pyro as my partner, but they had a calling to fire and I can’t stop them from doing what they love so they went back into merc work.

Nodding his head in thought, the goggled merc continued reminiscing fond memories.

Engineer: I tell you what, they ran the company like clockwork. Quite profitable and innovative in the market. Yet they were like a kid at heart, both to fire and more mundane things.

Silence: Are you not disturbed about this behavior? 

Engineer: Hmmph, well it ain’t neurotypical, no doubt about it, none of the team are. Although I’ve seen Rhodes employ plenty of veteran kids in combat ops on the regular, just like yesterday. So it ain’t out of the ordinary here or back in mannCo.

Silence: What are you implying, Mister Cohager?...

Engineer: Ah, I mean no offense to them or you, Miss Silence. I’m saying that people and situations are complex. Pyro may be a maniac on the battlefield but they behave themselves off it.

Silence: I believe we are done here. 

The mercenary laughs, before his tone turns less warm.

Engineer: Well then, hope you have an enlightening investigation, Miss Silence. Hopefully the data won’t be skewed.

Silence: Thank you for your concerns Mister Cohanger, I’ll be leaving now.

*Click*

Interview: Soldier / Gunboats

BGM: Team Fortress 2 OST. Rocket Jump Waltz

Soldier: Pyro is a maniac! A freak of nature! A monster of fire!

The helmeted mercenary leapt up from his seat, placing a boot on the coffee table as he raised his voice.

Silence: I see… If I may ask, why is that your opinion?

As quickly as he rose, the mercenary sat back down as he scowled.

Soldier: They stole all the crayons… 

Silence: I’m sorry… what?

Soldier: I was going to eat them up! Especially the red ones… Those are the best flavors! They ran off with them alongside some paper to God knows where…

Silence: R-Right… 

Leaning forward in his seat, the mercenary lowered his voice to a conspiratorial tone as he looked around just in case.

Soldier: With Pyro, you can never know what that monster has in mind. Wait, no… It’s usually starting a fire… But they really are an enigma, a question, and a mystery!

Silence: So you’re saying that Pyro… Is an unknown even to your team? A potentially dangerous unknown at that.

The mercenary raised his finger to comment, before staring at it, lowering it down onto his chin in thought.

Soldier: Well, they may be dangerous but they help more times than I can count… At least 10 times… They earned my recommendation. They may like fire as you see with those weapons you see them use, but they can handle themselves just fine when off the battlefield. 

Silence: Is that so? Although their methods and temperament are rather… Crude, similar to their equipment.

Soldier: Crude but effective, like Pyro. They are quite smart even with their childiness. That childish imagination also leads to “creative” methods in their work. The things you can do with a box of scraps, ha! I get that.

Silence: Well, that ends our interview. Thank you for your time, Mis-Sergeant Doe.

Soldier: Thank you miss Quiet! Now excuse me while I go find some paint! 

Silence: *Sigh* Best of luck with that.

*Click*

Interview: Medic / Ludwig

BGM: Team Fortress 2 OST. Archimedes

Medic: Woman? Man? Monster? Whatever Pyro is, there’s one zig for certain… Behind that mask is a desire to light ze world on fire… Also a lot of burn scars too, zats for certain.

Silence: You seem uncertain about Pyro’s gender, despite being the medic assigned to your team… Yet your comment about scar tissue implies you have seen what’s under the suit.

Medic: Yes yes, I always get zat questions asked of me. Well, I only really care about making sure my patients are not dead than caring whatever is in their pants or head.

Silence: That is… Surprisingly open to you, in an antiquated way. 

The mercenary doctor laughs before leaning in with a darkened grin.

Medic: That means more access to patients and subjects for testing.

Silence: And there's why most of the medical staff distrust you… You do know this is being recorded, right?

Medic: Bah! It doesn’t bother me. Why care about the opinion of a dozen strangers when you have the people whose opinion you care about, ja?

Silence: I see…

Medic: Oh? It seems I resonated with you. 

Silence: I am not like you, doctor Ludwig.

Medic: Hahaha, of course, of course. We’re just two medical professionals with strong partners, ja? Like you and Saria.

Silence: W-With Saria... I-Well... *Sigh* Can we get this interview back to Ifrit-er I mean Pyro?

Medic: Ifrit… Pyro? Ah yes they do have a get together later today… In fact, if the time is correct it’ll be in a few minutes.

Silence: Wait, What do you mean?

Medic: Oh? You didn’t know? Well, Pyro and Ifrit are going to have a nice social gathering together in her dorm room. I thought you would've known since you’re her guardian after all.

Silence: Ifrit and that-that person!? How did this-wait I was busy doing these interviews to meet her today! This interview is over, I need to go now.

Medic: Ah, of course coma-rade, you need to supervise them then go. Auf Wiedersehen, Doktor Silence!

The unlicensed doctor waved the Liberi away as she bolted out the door, knocking her digital recorder onto the floor.

*Clatter*

Rhodes Island Dormitory Wing West

BGM: Arknights OST. (Fire in the Sand)Sandbox

The liberi doctor rushed down the hallways, brushing past Operators and Staff in a desperate rush to prevent another incident. Not another one, not quite the Diablos incident that ravaged Rhine labs and broke her trust with them, with her, but still a potential for a firestorm in both metaphorical and literal senses.

The guardian traced her steps to the wing where her responsibility was housed at. The muffled laughter mumbled out of the closed door to the dorm as a wave of heat emanated from the metal door. With a nervous and cautious hand, she swiped the digital card lock and entered the room.

Instead of a raging inferno or accident waiting to happen, both pyromaniacs were on the floor laying down as they absentmindedly kicked their legs. Scattered across the wooden floor was an assortment of blank printer paper alongside crayons of various colors and use scattered across the floor. The air conditioner was on, with the digital screen noting the air being blown was around 28 Celcius (82 Fahrenheit).

Within the room was a young girl in her teens clad in a pale synthetic overcoat with Herringbone patterning and orange accents. Her blonde pigtails swayed as she swayed her head, although they didn’t move too far due to being blocked by obsidian-like horns. Her Sarva (Lizard) tail sways as she happily lies on the floor drawing. The sheet she’s preoccupied with is a crayon sketch of the girl and the masked figure standing next to a roaring bonfire, which predominantly uses red crayon.

Besides her was a figure dressed in a blue hazard suit, alongside a dark matching gas mask with opaque lenses. Their Sarva tail is also swaying about as they draw a scene of the girl and themself at a candyland surrounded by candy canes, lollipops, and gumdrops in some sort of young girl’s dreamscape.

Soon, the girl noticed the woman by the doorway.

Ifrit: Ah! Mom-er Silence! You’re here! I was looking everywhere for you! I was gonna tell you and Pyro here were going to be hanging out today, erm, sorry for not telling you.

The Liberi opened her mouth to speak, before sighing.

Silence: No Ifrit, you don’t need to apologize for this, I should.

Ifrit: Wut?

Incident Report: TF-0221

BGM: Arknights OST. (Main Menu) Home

Synopsis of Events:

Operator Silence has compiled a small collection of interviews of Rhodes Island personnel and MannCo mercenaries in an attempt to argue to restrain Pyro and Ifrits from interacting under the guise of official records. Operator Silence is confessing this “breach” of conduct.

Course of Action:

Silence: Is to write a short apology letter to Rhodes Island staff before the records are to be officiated. 

Pyro and Ifrit: Allowed interactions with each other and with other Rhodes Island personnel, but under supervision by trusted Personnel. 

Additional Comments:

Silence: I feel like you’re letting me off way too lightly… Even going through with my demands…

Doktah: Your heart was in the right place, you are Ifrit’s guardian afterall. Also Pyro's known interest in fire also validly raises notice. I do not want to hear another lecture from Shaw about fire hazards, even if they’re an hour lecture condensed into a 10 minute rap. 

Silence: Yes yes. Well that will ease my worries. May we wrap this up? I have an event to attend on the ship.

Doktah: Of course, I know you have that... Oh what's the word, double date with Saria, Ludwig, and Misha later today?

Silence: It’s just a friendly discussion in our fields of medicine and philosophy over coffee. Please don't make it weird.

Doktah: R-Right, sorry. We’ll end this here. 

<<End of Report>>

Next Report: Pyro Operator File