73: Chapter 73 A Proposal

"Verres... what's the big idea calling us over at this hour..."

Leica stretched lazily, her face full of discontent.

This place actually had an internal network. While not many people were on it, there were at least some interesting games.

She had just barely gotten the hang of the game controls when she was dragged over here to discuss matters.

She closed the door, then flopped onto the sofa in Verres's room. Truth, sitting at the other end of the sofa, glanced at her and then quietly scooted a bit further away.

Can't bear to watch.

Verres saw that all six members of the delegation had arrived—she hadn't called Olena, who should be with her Commander right now. Besides, Olena didn't have the necessary clearance to participate in what was to come.

"I met with their leader today."

The atmosphere, which had been disrupted by Leica, instantly fell silent.

"That... Lin Yuming?"

"Yes, Li Ming."

"Li Ming?... Lin Yuming..." Persephya, sitting on the coffee table with her legs crossed, mused, "So it was an alias?"

Verres glanced at her. "Later, I plan to speak with Fujian and request a health and comprehensive capability assessment for their Commander."

"Will they agree?" Leica asked, still sprawled lazily.

"We have to try. This Commander Li Ming... his condition isn't right. In fact, it's quite poor."

"Ooh—" Leica's expression shifted to one of understanding. "You got 'fished'? Just from a brief conversation?"

Verres shot her a glare, but noticed her companions all had similarly odd looks in their eyes.

"First, explain what you intend to do," Idnas said, leaning against the window obscured by curtains. "It's not that we don't trust you, but we are a diplomatic delegation, not operating under any other capacity."

"Have you ever seen a Commander who was forcibly removed from duty by his Ship Girls yet still obsessively worries about work?"

"Uh, no."

"Li Ming is exactly that. Not only that, he doesn't seem like a Commander at all. He seems more like a..." Verres hesitated, searching her vocabulary, "...a deeply isolated and rather immature student."

"Are you sure? If what you say is true, we could practically lead him around by the nose," Brevonia remarked, pulling over a chair to sit. "Are you sure his Ship Girls would agree?"

"He's not that simple. That's just my initial impression. So, Truth, I'd like you to help me analyze this next."

Verres recounted everything she had seen and heard to the group. Even Persephya, who usually cared little for interpersonal matters, sensed the problem, let alone Truth, who was professionally trained.

"Physiological fatigue, mental exhaustion, potential emotional dysfunction, and possible lack of perceived self-worth," Truth said, unconsciously sitting up straighter. "Coupled with an inability to rest and recover normally. For a leader... that's quite critical."

"Don't they have dedicated psychologists and physicians here?" Leica grumbled. "And how did a guy like that even become a Commander?"

"That's not what we need to focus on right now, Leica," Brevonia interjected, placing her hands together on her knees in thought. "I believe the value of this faction is worth us doing something for him personally..."

"What if he were just an ordinary passerby?" Verres glanced at her.

"...I'd still help, provided I became aware of it."

"Therefore, regardless, as a physician of the Ship Girl General Bureau, even if he is not from our faction, I have a duty to perform a diagnosis," Truth spoke up again. "Commanders are a shared asset of humanity, and saving patients is a doctor's principle."

"Then what about Fujian?" Idnas looked at them. "If we bring this up so suddenly, she's bound to suspect we have ulterior motives."

"I do have other considerations, but for now, I intend to confirm his condition before deciding anything," Verres confessed to the group. "I'll handle Fujian. Also, it would be best if we could package this proposal appropriately."

"How so?" Leica stretched again. "Let me say upfront, if it's too much trouble, I'm not helping."

"I plan to request that Fujian allow a comprehensive examination and testing of Commander Li Ming. We should strive to conduct a full assessment of his overall capabilities and state, without infringing upon his personal health or the faction's confidential information."

"That's already pushing it..." Brevonia's mouth twitched. "And aren't you already dancing on that Miss Fujian's red line with this?"

"I don't think there's a better method," Verres shook her head. "Since they've already forced him on leave, it proves they likely recognize their Commander's condition but lack an effective solution."

"So, you plan to be the one proposing this plan to Miss Fujian?" Leica sat up. "Theoretically feasible, but I think the odds of success are pretty slim."

"Regardless, I believe we must try our best," Verres insisted. "Moreover, if the situation has deteriorated to this point, Fujian herself might be part of the problem. If that's truly the case, then we have even more reason to attempt this."

"Agreed. A stable neighbor is far better than a powder keg that could explode at any moment," Idnas voiced her approval.

Leica shrugged, indicating she didn't care. Brevonia chose silence. Persephya seemed to have drifted off in thought again.

"Then it's settled. Now let's discuss task division. Later, I'll contact Miss Fujian and arrange a meeting. Truth, you come with me."

"Understood."

——————

"Participate in tests?" Li Ming put down the game controller, tilting his head as he listened to Fujian on the phone. "I don't have a problem with it. If you don't see any issues or abnormalities, what time tomorrow? If it's early, I'll rest up tonight."

There was a slight hesitation on Fujian's end. "I don't perceive any abnormalities. The reasons they provided are very reasonable and sound. If you agree, that would naturally be for the best."

"I agree," Li Ming shrugged. "I'm practically rusting away day by day anyway. Might as well give it a try."

"Alright then, Commander. Thank you for your trouble."

"Hey, we're family. No need to be so formal with me. Just treat me like an ordinary person," Li Ming chuckled. "If you need anything, or if there's anything you need me to do, just come find me. My stance is always the same."

After reconfirming the details, Fujian hung up and looked across at Verres, who maintained a pleasant smile, and Truth, who stood beside her expressionlessly.

"Well then, the Commander has agreed."

It was clear she now knew her Commander's condition had been exposed.

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