前のエピソード――Chapter Five Part Five | Past Is Always Your Own

　Chapter 5 Part 6 | A New Face

　It doesn't take much trouble to send what he needs; simply a short email outlining what happened, and what is needed from her. All the while, he idly sips a cup of coffee he'd poured. Now though, time had gotten away from him, causing him to slip further into the night. With a tired sigh he leans lazily back in his chair, staring to the ceiling.

　His intention of moving to bed is interrupted by a somewhat shy knock on his door. Checking his phone, 23:52. Who could be needing his attention at this time?

　Whatever, he doesn't want to leave someone out in the hall this late. Probably someone looking for their room who'd wandered into the wrong section. He approaches the large wooden door, and allows it to open.

　He's met with some surprise, as a female soldier stands at attention, her face almost fearful.

　"Um... Commodore Shigure, Sir?"

　He subtly peers around past her, down the halls, checking whether or not it's a prank. "Yes."

　She salutes upon his affirmation. "Ah it's good to meet you, Sir. I'm Warrant Officer 2nd Class Sukagawa Setsuna. I.. I heard you are the new Akasha squadron commander! I wanted to meet you!"

　"Sure." He nods down to her. 'A nickname will be needed for this one... I'm not saying that every time.' He glances back inwards to his quarters. "It is late. Why're you here?"

　"Ehm... Like I said, I-"

　"I know. Why are you here now?"

　She's taken aback by Shigure's candid and sharp behaviour. She'd been hoping that the rumours wouldn't be completely true, but it does seem he's just as unapproachable as ever. "Ah yeah well... about that sir... I tried to come earlier but it didn't seem you were in..."

　He stares silently for a handful of seconds, as if expecting her to continue. When she doesn't, he closes his eyes in a frown. "It's late, wait until tomorrow."

　"But Sir! I wanted to show you that I'm... er... sorry I forgot... Sir..." She fidgets with her hair, looking down in humiliation.

　'...Are you serious?' He groans in displeasure, shaking his head. "Eager? That you have initiative?"

　After the word comes back to her, she lifts her head, grinning. "Y-Yes! That's it Sir! I wanted you to know I have initiative!"

　"Well, noted. Now shoo." Shigure gives a dismissive flick of his eyebrows, closing the door slowly. He's tired, and has less tolerance for people now than he'd usually possess. This Sukagawa has achieved her goal, now she can also leave.

　"Ahh wait Sir! Wait wait wait!!" She pushes herself against the door, trying to prevent it from closing. "Not yet Sir!"

　Is this person actually doing this? It must've been awful for the previous commander. He stops the movement of closing, however, he certainly doesn't re-open it. "What now?"

　Panting heavily due to fighting against Shigure, she peers her head around the door. "Jeez Sir... be a little easier... I just wanted to finish with I live only a few doors down... You'll see my nameplate if you go looking..."

　"Noted."

　He shoves the door, adamant about her leaving now. Sending the unfortunate Sukagawa stumbling backwards from the door. Of which she most definitely doesn't appreciate, letting out a stifled shout. He supposes he'll have to speak with her more tomorrow, along with the rest of Akasha squadron... and probably so many other people.

　'Tomorrow will surely suck. I'll just sleep for now...'