第１３１５堀：人数を増やせば解決することでもない (Part1)
Chapter 1315: Simply Increasing Numbers Won't Solve It
Side: Riel
"…Riel-san. Um, I’m happy you’re tagging along, but are you sure about this? You’re the person in charge of school security, aren't you?"
Poni asks me, looking concerned.
"It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ve left things properly in the hands of Tori and Kaya. Besides, you know that I’m the one primarily handling the deployment of police officers in the New Residential District, right? I’m the one in charge."
That’s right. I am the head of the police force in the New Residential District.
So, it’s not a problem for me to go and consult with Yuki-san.
"I am aware. However, isn't today’s school security shift supposed to be yours, Riel-san? If those in higher positions break the rules, it sets a bad example for those below you, doesn't it?"
"It’s not a problem, since I’m still working, just in a different capacity."
"Haa… just because you have other work doesn't mean you can leave your current duties to your colleagues…"
Poni is as serious as ever.
It’s true that leaving work to others to attend to different tasks puts a burden on them.
I understand that making a habit of this is wrong.
But…
"This is a critical time, you know. I don't usually do things like this. So, rest easy."
"Haa. I will… trust that smile."
"Ah, why did you pause just now!"
"Seeing how you usually act, Riel-san, I just can't help but…"
I really don't have much credibility, do I?
I don't think I’m causing that much trouble, though.
Anyway, putting that aside, I need to discuss work.
"So, I heard from Yuki-san—this is about the police patrols in the New Residential District, right?"
"That is part of it. What I heard from Orelia-san is that it involves a total review of the security system, including that."
"Eh? Isn't that a big deal?"
"It is. It would be ideal if no changes were needed, but that’s unlikely. Well, I had heard from Prol-san that the Resident Services Division is in a state of chaos. It seems the population has increased more than expected, and security is spread too thin."
"In other words, we need to provide more personnel from our side, huh?"
"Yes. Though, it’s not as if we can just increase our numbers so easily."
"You have a system in place for reinforcements, right?"
"We are increasing numbers, but we can't just deploy them to the field immediately. They are currently in training. They aren't scheduled to finish and be ready for duty until next month."
"Then what do we do?"
"We have no choice but to rotate personnel from other departments. The New Residential District is where people who aren't yet accustomed to Weed gather, and we are wary of anti-Weed factions gathering in the shadows, so we can't just carelessly rotate in rookies."
It’s true—Yuki-san told me to be vigilant because those kinds of bad actors would likely come to the New Residential District.
"But isn't that the same for the immigrants in the existing residential districts?"
"It is the same, but the numbers are overwhelmingly different. The number of immigrants in the existing districts is small, so it’s not much of a problem to background-check them."
"Ah, I see. So the sheer volume is the issue."
"Yes. The problem is that the New Residential District is a welcome prospect for those who want to move to Weed, so we are receiving a flood of applications."
"Come to think of it, how many of those 'people in the shadows' are there? I haven't received any reports on that."
"That’s because we haven't sent any."
"Eh? Why?"
"Riel-san, your primary duties are school security and monitoring the New Residential District. In other words, investigating or rooting out hostile organizations is not your job."
"Ehh~"
"Don't 'Ehh~' me. This has been stated by the Vice Chief and your assistants as well."
"Tori and Kaya?"
"Yes. If Riel-san leaves the field, the number of people available drops, the staff on the ground gets exhausted, and we have to request even more personnel. We don't have that kind of leeway right now."
"Boo."
"It is not 'boo.' This time, we cannot afford to give them any openings. Vice Chief Tori gave me permission to tell Yuki-sama if you decide to complain."
"Nngghhh…"
I can't move when Yuki-san is brought into the mix.
I understand the logic, and the fact that they’re going this far means the situation is truly dire.
"Haa. Fine, I understand. But if something happens on the ground, I’m moving in."
"That goes without saying. I trust in your capabilities, Riel-san. I’m counting on you. If it’s alright, I’d like to include about 10 percent rookies to provide them with some training—what do you think?"
"Hmm. I think it’s fine, but I can't make that decision on my own. I’d have to ask Tori, Kaya, Ratz, Eris, and Yuki-san."
"That is only natural. Then, let’s bring it up during the meeting. Yuki-sama will be there, and we can have him relay it to Ratz-sama and Eris-sama."
"Yeah, let’s do that."
If the request comes from Yuki-san, I won't have to get tangled up in paperwork.
Those two always insist on everything being in writing.
They say leaving a paper trail is important.
They say a computer is fine too, but I’m not very good at that…
"Glad you could make it. Wait, Riel is here too?"
"Yeah. The deployment for the New Residential District is my job, after all."
"Ah, that’s right, I suppose it is. Thanks for contacting her, Poni."
"Not at all. Riel-san just came on her own."
"On her own? Is your work alright?"
"It’s fine. I got permission from Tori and Kaya."
"…I see. Well, take a seat."
There was a pause there, I felt, but I sat down obediently.
Yayui immediately brings me some tea.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
As Yayui stepped back, Yuki-san started the discussion.
"The reason I called you two here is that Prol, the head of the Resident Services Division, is short-handed, causing congestion. I want the police and the military to take over the patrols and consultations for the New Residential District. I’ve heard the situation and recognize the necessity. Actually, I should state upfront that since I was the one who launched the sudden international student program, this isn't Prol’s fault. I want to avoid having families with children or pregnant women waiting for hours."
Ah, so it’s gotten that bad.
I certainly want to avoid that.
It might even damage Weed’s reputation.
"I understand the situation, but specifically, what kind of increase in personnel are you hoping for?"
Poni says this while looking through the documents.
I look through the documents as well. It seems the plan is to reduce the need for Resident Services staff to accompany the police to almost zero.
In other words, since the increase is for hourly patrols, and assuming we reduce night shifts, they want personnel for 17 shifts, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM?