The Commander Who Cared (NIKKE x Male Commander)

Episode 25: The Operator

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."