I Lost My Job
During training, something felt a little different about Lugh.
...
...As usual, her expression never changed, and she didn't initiate conversation beyond answering questions.
That was always the case during training, but...
Even so...
Yes?
You seem a little different than usual.
Different...?
You mean, I'm giving off certain vibes?
W-well, everyone does...
Aren't I always the same?
...Hard to say she's wrong.
Excuse me. I thought I'd kept it completely hidden...
But your intuition is correct. There's been a slight change in my life.
Care to tell me about it?
Very well. It happened yesterday.
Congratulations, Lugh.
......
...Did you cause another incident?
Huh? W-where did that come from?
Because when you smile and start a conversation, there's a high probability you're about to ask me to help write an incident report.
As I've said before, I will not help. You should write it yourself and reflect on it.
Ugh...! My deputy leader's lack of flexibility is going to be the death of me...
Trouble usually comes from you, Ms. Roberta.
Including things like this!
Anyway. Congratulations, Lugh.
Starting tomorrow, you won't need to come into the office.
...Excuse me?
I just finished negotiating with the higher-ups.
You're on long-term leave until the Journey ends, so you can focus entirely on it. How's that for your leader's consideration?
No, it's fine.
Ah, I figured you'd say that.
You're the type to say "fine" even when you're not.
It really is... fine.
Lugh, you stayed at the office all night again yesterday, didn't you?
That's... because I had some paperwork due today...
Didn't I say you could submit it next week?
If I finish it sooner, it means less work later.
Then what about this?
Roberta pointed to the mountain of empty energy drink bottles piled on and beside Lugh's desk.
Those... I drink regularly—
Lugh. You do realize you're overworking yourself to the point any normal person would be physically suffering, right?
That's why, until the Journey is over, you're stepping back from the Orbital Search Team work.
But Ms. Roberta, there won't be any extra staffing, will there?
If I cut back my work, the others will have too much to handle. I really am—
Don't worry, Ms. Lugh! You have me! This era's genius, Naru!
While you're away, I'll use a new equation I've developed and!
Handle all your work in an innovative—
...Huh? My feet aren't on the ground...?
Oof! Ughhh...! My head feels like it split in two, Ms. Lugh!
If you want to help, Naru, you are never to touch my work. Understood?
I-it's out...! The Orbital Search Team's famous...!
The deputy's iron claw...! I want one too!
Haha. Won't be seeing this for a while.
Anyway, Lugh. Make the Orbital Search Team proud and pass the Journey in style.
...That's what happened.
Isn't that a good thing?
You've got more free time now.
...I suppose so.
But...
From the moment I heard Ms. Roberta's decision, I've felt odd and I don't know why.
Odd?
It's as if the work I was meant to do has vanished.
I've never experienced that before... so I'm not sure.
Could having free time actually be making things harder for her?
Why not use the time to rest more...?
Or watch Stellar Rangers?
There is a set time for watching Stellar Rangers.
Watching it at any other time is a deviation.
The correct way is to devote your full attention at the designated time.
R-right.
I suggested other ideas, but none of them seemed to interest her.
Thank you for your concern, Captain.
Ms. Roberta's consideration is probably because I still don't take proper care of myself.
Thinking about it... she's right.
No matter how much overtime I work or how far I push myself, I never feel pain...
So without realizing it, I've always worked that way.
I'll take this as an opportunity to try living a little more like a normal person.
Even as she said it, Lugh's expression remained stiff.