A few days had passed and Sincan had been promoted to a Senior Manager. He was wondering why they had not assigned him to another office so that he could be the manager there, but the phone ringing had interrupted him.

Sincan picked up the phone with anticipation and answered.

Sincan: "Sincan Tolkin speaking, is this the head office?"

Vanessa: "Not exactly, kiddo. How are you doing?"

Sincan: "Good, I guess. Why do you ask?"

Vanessa: "Because you fought a giant monster, why else?"

Sincan: "Not really a problem since they healed me. Any other reason?"

Vanessa: "Well we have some good news, you can either continue your company funded vacation or start back up early."

Sincan: "Start back up, immediately."

Vanessa: "Well since you're so eager, I've got some good news for you!"

Sincan: "Sure, what is it?"

Vanessa: "I miss you calling me boss but that's besides the point. You're assigned branch isss...IN SONH!"

Sincan: "haha...just joking right?"

Vanessa: "Nope. They've assigned you here because you seem to work best with these people. Now that does mean I'll be gone but I'm sure you can deal with that."

Sincan: "No no I can't. Those guys need you!"

Vanessa: "They need someone they can trust. They're moving me somewhere else."

Vanessa*: "And you need some people you can't manipulate. Jake'll be keeping a close eye on you."

Sincan: "Isn't there anything you can do about it?"

Vanessa: "Upper brass orders. Sorry."

Sincan: "Thanks for the news..."

Vanessa: "I have to be going now. Do your best, newbie!"

Sincan: "bye..."

Sincan abruptly hangs up the phone. He's stuck with these people for even longer now. There's no way to twist this situation to his advantage. He's glued to this shitty city. What can he do? Go to another office and risk his neck again. But there's a small feeling buried under all that. Eclipsed entirely by his anger but it does exist. The small amount of relief he feels.

But why?

----

Sincan arrives at the office as the workers stare at him. Moris is the first one to walk up to him. He holds out his hand with a grateful expression on his face.

Moris: "Well, I'm fine with it. Welcome, Boss."

Sincan: "Uhh yeah sure but I think I'm going to need some getting used to."

Firil: "You've been saying that since you got here. Get over it."

Kos: "Maybe he just doesn't want to work?"

Jake murmurs: "Wouldn't surprise me..."

Moris: "Quit it! Who knows how much work he'll keep piling on if you guys keep talking!"

Sincan lets out a faint chuckle.

Sincan*: "Guess I really am stuck here."

Sincan: "Well I guess I have work to do now. Let me get sorted."

Firil: "We'll leave you to that."

Sincan goes to check out his new office. Vanessa seems to have left the place in order. There's also a basket of chocolates on it. A card is attached which Sincan picks up and opens.

It reads: "It's difficult getting promoted so fast but you'll get used to the new responsibilities. Try to open up a little, you selfish little kid."

Sincan*: "Damn it more eyes on me. How the hell do I turn this situation around?"

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----

Charlie is readying a report for his boss. He works in the office directly opposed to Sincan's. He's walking by when he hears something. Considering his enhanced hearing, it's not uncommon for him to pick up on conversations that might be occuring. He stops for a second when he hears some daunting words.

Boss: "I will bring the gear to you tomorrow. No need to worry, sir. No, sir I've kept it safe and hidden."

Charlie*: "A-a gear?"

A person touches Charlie's shoulders.

Worker: "Hey, tell the boss I've fixed the soundproofing in there, alright?"

Charlie: "Umm Yes, I will get to that."

Worker: "Ok? Goodbye, Charlie."

Charlie: " You too..."

His boss comes out of his room as Charlie fixes his posture.

Boss: "Oh, Charlie. Did you need to ask me for something?"

Charlie: "I finished these reports and wanted to give them to you, sir."

Boss: "Good work, my boy."

Charlie's boss has a hearty laugh. He excuses himself for his break and walks outside.

----

Sincan*: "Have to meet with the manager of the branch over there. He said to meet at the restaurant."

As Sincan ponders this, he puts on a professional suit.

Sincan*: "Damn, this one's got wrinkles and rips all over it. Better just get a new one so he doesn't think I'm a cheapskate."

Sincan takes his phone with him as he leaves for the tailor.

----

A Solik is driving towards his destination on a bike.

Cervo: "Man I hope it's just that girl and her Jov again."

He arrives at what seems to be a food court. people are sitting down surrounded by small fast food places.

Charlie: "Over here!"

Charlie motioned to Cervo who got embarrassed and gestured for him to put his hands down. He parked his motorbike and sat down near Charlie.

Cervo: "I'm Cervo Reeves, the Solik sent to accept your request. What's the problem, sir?"

Charlie: "I have a suspicion that my boss might be peddling weapons to foreign powers."

Cervo: "...what. Nono back up. Are you serious?!"

Charlie: "Completely."

Cervo: "Oh shit. Do you have any proof?"

Charlie: "I overheard him talking about moving a gear."

Cervo: "Well as a Solik, this does fall under my jurisdiction. Were there any government bodies involved?"

Charlie: "Not that I know of yet."

Cervo: "Makes this way easier. You got a lead?"

Charlie: "Tonight while the Highway is being repaired."

Cervo: "Good. We'll snap some pictures and leave as soon as we came."

Charlie: "Shouldn't we be more prepared?"

Cervo: "Too many people can cause a problem. Might be best it's just you and me, suit guy."

Charlie: "It's Charlie."

Cervo: "Well I'm Cervo then."

----

Sincan arrives at the restaurant and takes a seat. As he waits, a Derlin arrives who looks a bit old.

Boss: "Are you Sincan?"

Sincan: "That would be me."

Sincan*: "Gotta show him we're equals."

Boss: "I'm Gustav and it is surely a pleasure to meet you."

Sincan: "Likewise."

Gustav lets out a light chuckle as they begin eating.

Gustav: "You know, the previous manager was pretty good, boy."

Sincan: "She used to be my boss too so I'd understand."

Gustav: "But a little...uptight."

Sincan: "What do you mean?"

Gustav: "What I mean is she was too by the book. You have to loosen up a little to fit in the world, boy."

Sincan*: "So that's what he's playing at. I'll accept it then."

Gustav: "And you, you look like you got some big shoes to fill."

Sincan: "I'm confident I'll make a suitable successor."

Gustav: "That you will. But sometimes we stumble. If you need it, I can help make sure those first few hurdles don't hurt as much. As long as you're willing to do the same."

He lets out a hearty laughter. The man is clearly offering Sincan a partnership of sorts.

Sincan: "I would be glad for that, sir."

They share a chucke before finishing their food. When Sincan is done with his meal, they both stand up and leave the restaurant after paying the bill. Sincan and Gustav shake hands at their new partnership, one that will be fruitful for both of them.

----

Cervo and Charlie sneak by the guards and end up in the main area. This station is above ground and has a train parked right now. They look around and find a spot to hide.

After staying for a bit, something happens. A giant mech is hauled into the station through one of the trains, and the workers are transporting it to another platform. Cervo takes pictures as Charlie keeps his ears out for any sound.

Cervo whispers: "Can't get a clear line of sight. What is that?"

Charlie: "Maybe I can help."

Charlie summons a trick magic clone that blends into the environment and moves towards the station. After coming back, it explains what it noticed and vanishes.

Cervo: "Doesn't that seem a bit too strong?"

Charlie: "H-heavy toll."

Charlie's head feels woozy by attempting that. Recalling information from a magic clone is difficult. Making them do something is way easier.

Cervo and Charlie watch as a man pulls up and walks towards the station. Gustav is checking the gear.

Gustav: "What a beauty. Great design mixed with expensive materials."

Cervo: "No one would notice a smuggling around here so I'm guessing that's why he chose this place."

Charlie: "Perhaps."

Everyone there is amazed as a lone Scalin walks into the station and asks one question.

Sincan: "Y-you dropped this."

Cervo: "Why is that idiot here!?"

Charlie: "He got promoted but his timing couldn't be worse."

Sincan has a napkin in his hand. Gustav gives a laugh and puts his hand over Sincan's shoulder.

Gustav: "Guess we have a way to test our newfound friendship, don't we? I'm going to need you to keep quiet about this, Sincan."

Sincan: "O-Of course, sir. Why would I not?"

A small pebble hits Cervo as he looks up to the sender. Sincan is sitting there, hand to his mouth, gesturing for them to follow him. They obey and start shuffling away from the scene.

Charlie: "You finally had it applied?"

Sincan: "Comes in handy, though it might only last about a few moments."

On cue, Loud sounds can be heard from the station where Gustav was. Sincan and the others start running towards the police station.

----

After arriving and providing evidence and a report, the police force mobilizes. Sincan and the rest are sitting in the waiting area as they make small talk.

Cervo: "What was that about friendship?"

Sincan: "He was trying to get me in on his underhanded deals."

Sincan*: "And even I have limits to what I'll do."

Charlie: "You certainly made a good distraction for us. For once, your presence did not result in a full on fist fight."

Sincan: "Would you cut it with that. I'm not a trouble magnet or anything."

Charlie: "Debatable."

Officer: "You're free to go. Stay safe and call the cops next time."

Cervo: "I'm a Solik. Deal with it."

Sincan*: "He might be more of a hindrance than I thought."

Sincan smacks him upside his head and walks on. Cervo retaliates with a pull of his tail. Charlie walks by, wondering how he's going to deal with this situation now.

----

Oxe: "If he can't bring in a small thing like that, he was probably born an idiot."

Woman: "Sir it was a one time thing. Bail him out, I'm sure he can be of use."

Oxe: "No. Not after this."

Oxe hangs up the phone and goes into the kitchen. He looks over at the breakfast that was made for him and produces a slight grin.