Piper groaned, feeling a dull pain throbbing in her head. A fuzzy cloud hovered over her consciousness, like she’d received some kind of drug for the pain. What exactly it was, she couldn’t tell, but she just hoped it didn’t mess with her hormone balance; that was the last thing she needed. She sat up in the hospital bed, waiting for the sensation to subside. The medic couldn’t tell—which was somewhat unusual—if she had absorbed anything from Sophia or not. Or maybe it had just been a freak accident. Either way, she needed to get up and get moving; it likely wasn’t a good idea to stay here for very long, she figured.
Next to the bed was a metal tray, and laying on it was a familiar-looking military-style dossier. Could her comrades have left it? She untied the string binding the seal, and pulled out a hand-written letter. It read:
“Dearest Piper Juunanagou,
Mission completed, soldier. Although I don’t believe you accomplished the objectives your superiors set out for you to do, you performed admirably, even if it required a little prodding. Although you could not save Sophia in Friend or Foe 3, I hope that you can rest a little easier with the knowledge that you saved her here, now, in Dante’s Abyss. Had it not been for your quick thinking and clever ingenuity, she may have been killed again in your place. I do not believe the sacrifice was intentional, but it was one made nonetheless, and for that, may it grant you peace on your conscience. I see great potential in you, Piper, even if you do not see it in yourself. I would not have invited you otherwise. I do not know what path you walk, or the path from whence you came, but I know that you’ll find the light at the end of the tunnel. For your exit, simply enter the location of your choice into the keypad of the teleporter, and it will take you anywhere you desire. As a parting gift, I have drafted a mission report detailing complete and total success, so that the Sentinels might give you a bit of credit upon your return. You will find two wrapped packages by the teleporter as well. Farewell, and better times be upon you.
Piper opened the flap on the dossier a little further, and inside were the promised contents of mission report, as well as a signed commendation by Damon Dukes for her—albeit short-lived—combat skills and excellent moral scruples. Next to the teleporter were the packages as promised. With cautious fingers, Piper carefully peeled back the brown paper. In the first package was a book titled: “Stage Combat For Advanced Learners.” The second package also contained a book, which was titled: “How To Perfect Your Technique: A Guide For Hand-to-Hand Combat.”
Piper didn’t know whether to laugh or be insulted.
Next to the bed was a metal tray, and laying on it was a familiar-looking military-style dossier. Could her comrades have left it? She untied the string binding the seal, and pulled out a hand-written letter. It read:
“Dearest Piper Juunanagou,
Mission completed, soldier. Although I don’t believe you accomplished the objectives your superiors set out for you to do, you performed admirably, even if it required a little prodding. Although you could not save Sophia in Friend or Foe 3, I hope that you can rest a little easier with the knowledge that you saved her here, now, in Dante’s Abyss. Had it not been for your quick thinking and clever ingenuity, she may have been killed again in your place. I do not believe the sacrifice was intentional, but it was one made nonetheless, and for that, may it grant you peace on your conscience. I see great potential in you, Piper, even if you do not see it in yourself. I would not have invited you otherwise. I do not know what path you walk, or the path from whence you came, but I know that you’ll find the light at the end of the tunnel. For your exit, simply enter the location of your choice into the keypad of the teleporter, and it will take you anywhere you desire. As a parting gift, I have drafted a mission report detailing complete and total success, so that the Sentinels might give you a bit of credit upon your return. You will find two wrapped packages by the teleporter as well. Farewell, and better times be upon you.
Regards, Your Humble Host,
Damon Dukes”
Damon Dukes”
Piper opened the flap on the dossier a little further, and inside were the promised contents of mission report, as well as a signed commendation by Damon Dukes for her—albeit short-lived—combat skills and excellent moral scruples. Next to the teleporter were the packages as promised. With cautious fingers, Piper carefully peeled back the brown paper. In the first package was a book titled: “Stage Combat For Advanced Learners.” The second package also contained a book, which was titled: “How To Perfect Your Technique: A Guide For Hand-to-Hand Combat.”
Piper didn’t know whether to laugh or be insulted.
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