The first rays of simulated dawn filtered through the reinforced shutters of Arthur's quarters at the Outpost, casting a soft glow over the tangled sheets. Arthur Cousland stirred, his goddesium prosthetic legs humming faintly as he shifted. Flanked by the warm, naked forms of Yulha and Phantom, he allowed himself a rare moment of indulgence. Yulha, the stern Triangle Squad leader with her sharp features and athletic build, lay on his left, her ashen hair splayed across his chest. Phantom, the beautiful librarian with her curvaceous frame and mischievous grin, pressed against his right, one leg draped possessively over his thigh.
Memories of the previous night flooded back—intense, passionate hours where boundaries blurred in a symphony of touches and whispers. It had started with Phantom's teasing challenge, escalating as Yulha joined, their bodies intertwining in a dance of desire. Arthur's Cerberus charcoal-alloy arm had proven invaluable, lifting and positioning with effortless strength. Now, in the quiet aftermath, he traced lazy patterns on Phantom's back, eliciting a contented sigh from her.
"Morning already?" Yulha murmured, her voice husky from sleep. She propped herself up on one elbow, her gaze lingering on Arthur's handsome face, the slicked-back brown hair slightly disheveled, his short beard framing a satisfied smile.
"Seems so," Arthur replied, pulling her closer for a lingering kiss. Phantom stirred, joining in with a playful nip at his neck. The air grew charged again, but before things could reignite, his Omni-Tool buzzed insistently—a priority message from Deputy Chief Andersen.
With a reluctant groan, Arthur disentangled himself, his prosthetics whirring as he swung his legs over the bed's edge. "Duty calls," he said, dressing swiftly in his tactical coat. Yulha and Phantom watched him, exchanging knowing glances.
"Don't keep us waiting too long next time," Phantom teased, stretching languidly.
Arthur chuckled, leaning down to kiss each of them. "Wouldn't dream of it."
In the kitchen, Arthur prepared a simple breakfast for Anne, he whipped up scrambled synthetic eggs, toast from preserved grains, and a glass of nutrient-enriched juice. Anne wandered in, rubbing her eyes, her notebook clutched in one hand—a tool to anchor her fleeting memories.
"Good morning, Papa," she said brightly, the term still warming his heart.
"Morning, kiddo. Eat up; I've got to head out, but Phantom will check on you later." He ruffled her hair, ensuring she was settled before grabbing his gear and heading for the AZX train platform.
Arriving at Central Command, Arthur navigated the bustling corridors to Andersen's office. The Deputy Chief, ever the picture of composed authority, greeted him with a nod. "Cousland, good timing. The operation to investigate that Heretic battlefield is a go. Unlimited Squad's skirmish with Matis yielded intriguing leads."
Arthur leaned forward, his prosthetic hand tapping the desk. "Excellent.. Who's on point?"
Andersen pressed a button, and the door slid open to admit three Nikkes. "Meet Absolute Squad. They'll coordinate with your team."
The first to enter was Eunhwa, slim and of Asian descent, long black hair, gray eyes narrowed in a perpetual scowl. Small-breasted for a Nikke, she carried a sniper rifle slung over her shoulder, her posture radiating disdain. Beside her was Vesti, petite with short silver hair and sparkling blue eyes that darted nervously. She blushed easily, gripping a rocket launcher that seemed oversized for her frame. Completing the trio was Emma, incredibly curvy with straight blonde hair, wielding a machine gun. Arthur recognized her from the Christmas celebration in the Ark, where her infamous cookies had temporarily numbed taste buds.
"Commander Cousland," Eunhwa said curtly, her tone laced with skepticism. "Heard you're the one who treats Nikkes like people. Don't expect me to fawn over you like the rest. Commanders are all the same—arrogant and expendable."
Vesti fidgeted, her cheeks flushing. "Eunhwa, remember what Ingrid said? We have to play nice."
Emma beamed, stepping forward with a warm hug that caught Arthur off guard. "Arthur! It's great to see you again. How's little Anne doing?"
Arthur smiled, extricating himself gently. "Anne's thriving, thanks. Her memory vault is holding strong. And Eunhwa, fair enough. Respect is earned, not given. Let's focus on the mission."
Andersen cleared his throat. "The operation commences tomorrow at 0600. Scout the battlefield in Sector 18, analyze remnants for Heretic signatures, report any anomalies, and recover Heretic Fragments. Cousland, you're leading. Choose your squad."
"Monarks Alpha," Arthur decided promptly. "Scarlet, Nyx, Lyra, Anis, and Alisa. They've got the firepower and synergy we need."
Emma's face fell slightly. "Aw, no Rapi? I was hoping to catch up with her."
Vesti nodded timidly. "Me too. She's so composed and strong."
Eunhwa snorted. "Good riddance."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Rapi's an asset, but she's needed at the Outpost. You're welcome to visit anytime—Absolute is always invited."
The meeting wrapped with logistical details: coordinates, extraction protocols, and contingency plans for Rapture encounters. As they filed out, Emma pulled Arthur aside. "I was thinking. Maybe I can bake something better for Anne next time?"
"She'd love that," Arthur replied, chuckling. Eunhwa shot him a glare but said nothing, while Vesti offered a shy wave.
Back on the AZX train to the Outpost, Arthur pondered the dynamics. Eunhwa's hostility was a hurdle, but Vesti's timidity and Emma's warmth could bridge gaps. This mission was crucial—Unlimited and Matis had clashed with a Heretic, their battlefield could give them a better insight into Heretics, into saving Marian.
Upon arrival, Arthur briefed the Alpha team in the communications center. Scarlet, with her sharp-eyed intensity, nodded approvingly. "Finally, some action."
Nyx hefted her Screamin' Eagle launcher. "Count me in. Those Heretics won't know what hit 'em."
Lyra, reserved as ever, adjusted her Basilisk sniper rifle. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face—another memory glitch? Arthur made a mental note to prioritize her condition.
Anis smirked sarcastically. "Great, babysitting another squad. Hope they don't slow us down."
Alisa bounced with enthusiasm. "This is gonna be awesome! New friends and explosions!"
Rapi, though not on the mission, lingered nearby, her red eyes betraying a mix of pride and uncertainty. "Be careful out there," she said softly.