Regina was seated in her chair, calmly awaiting Bertoldt's return as she often did whenever she arrived to find him out of his workshop. The only difference this time was that Anke was with her. It was unusual for her to bring a guest, but she figured Bertoldt didn't mind. He knew of her, at least; she had mentioned her to him the last time they'd spoken. She couldn't imagine Bertoldt being unhappy with her situation, given her permission to seek out emotions and their consequences. It was supposed to make her a better soldier, after all. All of this was for Osnen, so she could be stronger and more efficient. But was it really? Regina's thoughts so often slipped to Anke that she was questioning just what the benefit was having her so close to her heart. Just another person she had to protect. Just another weakness.
It's okay. Trust the process. Osnen would not lead you astray.
Regina took a deep breath, steadying her nerves and looking over at Anke hopefully. What she saw, however, was not a woman excited to move into her new room, but someone consumed by anxiety. "I mostly come here for routine maintenance. I don't tend to make use of this place for leisure." Regina spoke calmly as she always did, but Anke seemed to be in a less than chipper mood. Regina cocked her head, an expression of confusion coming across her face. Not been honest...? Regina wasn't sure what she meant. She'd come here for their living arrangements, of course, but...what else could be going on? Regina watched as Anke produced a slip of paper she hadn't seen before. "Culmen..." Regina repeated the name quietly. It sounded awfully familiar.
The waited had handed her this? From the other day? The bistro date had flown by so quickly that Regina had nearly forgotten most of it, save for Anke's unhappiness. She'd felt like a failure after that date, like she did so many. The trip to the bowling alley had been by far their best one, though now Regina wondered if it was her actions that had been entirely responsible. If the waiter had handed her this...Regina wasn't sure what to make of it. There was so much she didn't know here, and she was a sniper, not a detective. So much didn't make sense.
Anke seemed ashamed of herself. For keeping this from her. Regina mused quietly for a moment. She hated seeing Anke so unhappy. But what could she do about it? She was convinced she needed to learn more about Project Culmen...or at least that someone wanted her to. Regina furrowed her brow for a moment, then stood, taking Anke into her arms and giving her a big hug. "It's okay." Regina's voice was devoid of emotion as always, but she put as much meaning into her words as she could. She wasn't sure she understood just what or why all of this was and would be, but she was sure that Anke wasn't alone. That little she could promise. Regina let Anke go, but let her hand trail down her arm, brushing her fingers against Anke's hand before taking it fully. "Mine."
But then that left the question of the slip of paper and the mysterious waiter..."I...think I know something about Project Culmen..." It was extremely hazy, but there were faint memories of the term in the back of her head. "I think it happened when I..."
"Well! I was not expecting my favorite visitor today." A wheedling, nasally voice entered the room as Bertoldt stepped in. He looked every part a scientist, with black rubber gloves on his hands and his eyes hidden behind a visor. He merely had a halo of brown hair surrounding a large bald spot, and the grin on his face was equal parts disarming and unnerving. His head tilted down towards the snipers' linked hands, and a gasp came from his lips. "Ah! Am I to believe that this is your esteemed 'friend' you were talking about before?" He eyed Anke up and down for a moment, his hands behind his back as he inspected her. "Mmm, yes. You are quite the lovely sight, aren't you? No surprise you managed to win over my dear Regina." He pushed his visor up the bridge of his nose. "I don't believe you were scheduled for maintenance for another few weeks. What brings me this immeasurable pleasure, may I ask?" His posture shifted from Regina to Anke, eager to learn more about the unexpected visit.
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