You do know this isn't my kind of work… right?

I didn't think something this big would happen to Rhodes Island while I was away. You still hanging in there—Oh? Sounds like you never forget how I said I'd replace you. You need to keep working twice as hard, then, because I didn't forget either.

Medical decided we weren't ready when we first showed up, but this time, I brought everyone back without a scratch, and the Ursine office is all set up. I wasn't so optimistic myself, you say? Look, the job's done, so why can't I be a little happier now?

Istina gave me a new list of books to read. She says if you want to unite more people, you need to learn lots of different things, and she's right. You're just about to head to the library? Then you tell the librarian I'm still reading those dozen or so books I borrowed last time. It's slow-going, but I will return them before the due date.

Oh, this is my new weapon, took it off an absolute scumbag. Using power that's not even his to bully the weak… I get a lot of joy breaking the noses of bastards like him.

There was a time I was gonna break up the USSG, but then I thought: it's good to have a place where everyone can relax. Hmm… Rhodes Island is kinda like that for us too.

Don't worry, we might have run into some trouble, we handled it fine. Zoya even officially joined the USSG. But Gummy has been pretty distracted lately, some thing with her parents, and we're all thinking of a way to help her… If you have any ideas, remember to tell us.

When did I start thinking about going back to Ursus? That place buried my parents, and it nearly buried us too. I used to hate… no, hide from it, but there was always going to be a point where you can't run anymore, and that's when I knew I had to get up and face it.

You're like Istina, always lecturing us on grand truths before doing something stupid. Sure, I don't really listen to you two when you talk about that stuff, but I know we've always seen eye-to-eye on what is to be done. Let the truth be as grand as it wants. It doesn't matter how high the walls they built are, we'll tear them down.

I'm going out for a walk. If you feel like stretching your legs, come and find me.

Here's my report: the mission to set up an office in Ursus was a success… I need to actually write a report? What a pain…

When's the real fight?

My medals need re-issuing? It's standard procedure? Man, if Ursine nobles were half as strict as you, I'd have never gotten out of their lockdown.

By the way, who actually makes Rhodes Island's medals? I'm thinking of getting some with the USSG's insignia on them. The first batch goes to Istina and the rest, of course, but after that… A few extra wouldn't hurt.

Fighting is still the easiest option.

Same old, same old?

C'mon, let's go already.

Hmph, hope those scumbags are stronger than they look.

Send me where the biggest fight is.

So, what's the plan?

Steady, everyone. I'm here.

Here I come!

Get over here, if you want to die!

Who's next?

All for one, one for all!

Charge! CHARGE!

Ah… That felt great!

That was just enough for a warm-up.

Damn, they run fast…

Leave the rear to me. Don't mess things up next time.

Phew, I'm back…

You really got nothing to do, huh… Whatever, do what you want.

It's good seeing everyone like this.

Arknights.

Man, Rhodes Island is so damned rowdy today… Oh, you're here. Come, try some blini. I made them with Gummy. We're heading out to mess around once we're done eating, you want to come along?

Hey, you doing alright?

Here, a leather jacket I brought back from Ursus. Think it suits you—See the USSG insignia on it? Drew it myself. What, you not happy with it, or…? Okay, that's good… Happy birthday, Doctor.

The Self-Government Group used to just be about survival, but now that we're on Rhodes Island, we can't stop ourselves from thinking about the future… And for me, I think, when everyone is happily walking their own paths, I'll be there to make sure nobody stumbles.