Narrator:After Nikolai brought Brid some coffee, he was allowed into the conductor's cart on the train. Let's see what he's going to do for the rest of the ride.

*Nikolai walked into the conductor's cart*

Nikolai(mind):Whoa...I've only seen this part of a train in movies. This looks much more futuristic though.

Brid:"Sit down, I'm moving the train now."

*Nikolai sat on a seat by the door, and watched Brid operate the train*

Brid:"So, how are Diesel and Soline treating you?"

Nikolai:"They're treating me fine. It's just been a while, so I wanted to go see them."

Brid:"Sadly, they are still on their break."

Nikolai:"It's fine, gave me the chance to meet you."

Brid:"..."

*Brid continued to drive the train, while Nikolai sat and waited*

Nikolai:"So...when do you go on your break?"

Brid:"I don't have one."

Nikolai:"Wait, really?! Not a single break?!"

Brid:"Correct, the 1 minute interval at stops is the only time off I have off."

Nikolai:"S-Seriously?"

*Brid nods*

Nikolai(mind):That sounds like hell!

Nikolai:"Wow..."

Brid:"I do my job because it's all I can do."

Nikolai:"Well..."

Nikolai(mind):I want to say that she had another life as a Nikke, but after everything I've seen that's pushed to be against them, it's not a life I'd want to live either.

Nikolai:"I guess so."

Brid:"Now, we have about another hour until we arrive back at the outpost. Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"

Nikolai:"Huh? Is that ok?"

Brid:"Yes, I'll try to explain anything I can."

Nikolai:"Well, I guess...why do you like plain black coffee?"

Brid:"I love it, do you not?"

Nikolai:"I mean...you don't put anything on it?"

Brid:"Nothing at all. It helps me with operating the train.

Nikolai:"Huh..."

Nikolai(mind):I shouldn't judge her that much...but plain coffee is just too bitter!

Brid:"Do you not like coffee?"

Nikolai:"Oh, I do. I drink it every morning."

Brid:"Good, that's one thing we agree on."

Nikolai(mind):That was rude. I don't really want to talk with her like that. What else can I do?

Nikolai:"G-Going back to Diesel and Soline. Are they really good friends to you, or something else?"

Brid:"They are my coworkers."

Nikolai:"That's it?"

Brid:"..."

Nikolai(mind):Is that a yes or no? I can't understand this woman!

Nikolai:"Ok, I give. What do you want to talk about?"

Brid:"Me?"

Nikolai:"Yep, I'm making you start the conversation now."

Brid:"I don't normally have conversations while operating the train."

Nikolai:"Oh...ok then, I'll leave you to it then."

Brid:"I see..."

*Nikolai stays silent, and they silently pass the time as they hint every stop before heading for the outpost*

Nikolai(mind):Man...I wanted to learn more about her, but I gave up when trying to talk to her. Maybe this trip to the train station was a fail.

*Brid looks over at Nikolai, and sees him sulking in the chair next to the door*

Brid:"I'm sorry if you find me boring, Nikolai."

Nikolai:"Huh? Oh, it's fine. Just being in this room is interesting."

Brid:"Still..."

Nikolai:"How about this, what can you tell me about your work?"

Brid:"Well, there's nothing much to it. I drive the train all day, everyday."

Nikolai:"Huh..."

Nikolai(mind):Now I'm starting to pity her.

Nikolai:"Are you the only one allowed to drive it?"

Brid:"Correct, I haven't had a day off in years."

Nikolai:"You got a day off?"

Brid:"It was during Commander Y/N's early years at the Ark."

Nikolai:"Oh."

Nikolai(mind):Him again? I swear no matter where I go I hear about him. He's like a retired hero or something.

Nikolai:"Anyway, so what did you do on your day off?"

Brid:"You're going to think it's silly."

Nikolai:"Huh? Really? Now I'm more curious. What was it then?"

Brid:"Fine then, I used to have breaks during the night, and some nights I'd go try a new coffee vendor near the station."

Nikolai:"Huh...so you just tried different coffee? That's pretty cool."

Brid:"Really?"

Nikolai:"Yeah, well...expanding your interest in coffee is a good thing."

Brid:"I guess you are right. Thank you Nikolai."

Nikolai:"No problem...wait, do you not have those breaks at night anymore?"

Brid:"I do, but during those breaks I'm filling out reports."

Nikolai(mind):So she doesn't take a break at all...

Nikolai:"I see..."

Nikolai(mind):Wait, I've just got an idea!

Nikolai:"How about I visit every now and then during your break?"

Brid:"Why?"

Nikolai:"so we can learn more about each other more, because I'd like to get to know you more. Plus, I can get you a different coffee every time I visit."

Brid:"Oh, well...that's fine with me."

Nikolai:"Alright!"

Brid:"We're now arriving at the outpost, so you should leave now. Goodbye, Nikolai."

Nikolai:"See ya later, Brid!"

*Nikolai heads towards the train doors, and walks off the train*

Nikokai(mind):Phew, that was pretty nice actually.

*Nikolai heads back towards his dorm*

Nikolai:"What now?"

*Nikolai tried to think of different things her could do*

Nikolai:"Oh right, I should do another rehabilitation attempt with Guilty. I'm going to head over now."

*Nikolai heads to the rehabilitation center, and spots Mana*

Nikolai:"Hey, Mana!"

Mana:"Commander Nikolai. Would you like to do another session with Guilty?"

Nikolai:"Yes please!"

Mana:*Sigh* "Very well then. However, if anything bad happens, I want you to call for security."

Nikolai:"Um...yeah, you're got it."

*Nikolai heads towards the rehabilitation room*

Narrator:Find out how the session will go...in the next episode!

Hey bros, it's me, the author. This chapter was slight bit shorter than normal, simply because I'm busy with something that's making incredibly physically tired to focus on writing, but I'll try to continue this series as much as I can...aside from that, no updates from me! I'm very much enjoying the second summer event, and that's all I have for in-game updates. Here's the meme of the week:

And I'll see you guys next time!