“Let me get this straight,” Gordon said. Hitori resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The team was assembled in a large suit on the top floor of Amun’s Rest inn. They finished their briefing with Kalindi and had a few hours before to go before their mission. “We stroll up, ask for a box, then walk ’til we die.”

“Yep, thats right,” Hitori said. This time he failed to resist. Gordon didn’t seem to notice.

“Great, first mission’s a fetch quest.”

“At least it’s an illegal fetch quest,” Protius said. “That’s exciting.”

“Fair,” Gordon said, then he turned to Hitori, “What is up with that anyway?”

“It’s not exactly illegal,” Hitori said. “The policy on Guild Markings is meant for conflicts with militaries and other mercenaries. If things go according to plan we won’t be fighting anyone, except maybe some bandits.”

Gordon made a face and muttered, “‘According to plan’,” under his breath, then said, “Why bother?”

Hitori sighed. He would know if he paid attention to the briefing. “The White Temple would prefer not to be associated with this. And no, before you ask, I don’t know why.”

“Is it because the Ex Stone is a kind of arte?” Elvira said. “I’ve heard they have restrictions on the research they can do.”

“That would be my assumption,” Hitori said. “But let’s keep the speculation to a minimum. Sometimes we’re paid to think, and sometimes…” He shrugged.

You do what you’re told.

“Ah, yeah, that makes sense,” Elvira said, giving him a curious glance.

“What’s the plan,” Gordon said. “You walk up and ask nicely?”

“I was thinking it would be the two of us,” Hitori said.

“Smart,” Gordon said.

“I- uh, yeah.” Hitori almost launched into a rehearsed argument before he realized Gordon agreed with him. “Anyway, we’ll head to the lab just before they close. There will only be a few junior staff there, especially since this is the Sunday leading in to Kosmiche.”

“They expecting us?” Gordons asked.

“They’re expecting someone to arrive on behalf of their client,” Hitori said. “Although according to Kalindi we’ll be picking the stone up before any tests were done.”

“Why?”

“Good question. No idea,” Hitori said. He looked around the room. “Any other questions?” When no one answered, he continued, “Then we’ll head out in about an hour. You can wander around a bit, but don’t go far.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

His team seemed content to remain nearby, though Chandra made her way out a window and onto the roof. Hitori gave her a few minutes, waiting for the team to get settled, then followed.

He found Chandra sitting on the far corner of the building, watching the sunset. Hitori approached conspicuously, taking a perch a short distance away from her. They sat together quietly as the sun dipped below the horizon.

After sharing a moment in the cooling air, Hitori said, “Want to talk about it?”

“About what?” Chandra said without looking at him.

“Life?”

Chandra gave him a weak smile, but didn’t answer. Eventually, she said, “I’m sorry.”

Oh great, another one apologizing for nothing. Who’s next?

Hitori frowned. “What are you apologizing for?”

She shook her head. “I don’t belong here.”

He studied her a few moments. “You mean in Nova, right?” She nodded. He hummed. “I’m not sure I agree with that, but where do you think you belong. Back here?” She shook her head. ”Then where?”

Chandra looked down, watching her feet dangle over the edge. “Nowhere.”

He hummed. “That’s rough.” Hitori scooted closer, then said softly, “You didn’t leave the White Temple by choice, did you?”

“N-not exactly.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, is Kalindi the reason?”

Chandra nodded, her eyes drifting northward.

“So… do you want to talk about it?”

She remained silent a long while, the two drifting into total stillness. Finally, she said, “You basically already saw. Only, last time, I put her through a wall.”

Hell yeah!

“Hell ye—”Chandra shot him a hurt look. “Sorry! Sorry! That was insensitive, but… I think she deserved it.”

You’re gods damned right!

“What?”

“Exactly what I said!” Hitori stood up. “I don’t care if she’s the Pharaoh Ascended, if anyone—“ Hitori cut himself off with a deep breath. “Ah, sorry. I don’t mean to tell you how to feel, I, uh….” He shrugged and sat back down. “I think you did the right thing.”

“That’s not how the Temple saw it,” Chandra muttered.

“I can’t speak for them, but I know you don’t deserve to be mistreated.” Hitori settled into a more stable position on the parapet. He carefully drew and released each breath so he wouldn’t start ranting again.

Chandra considered Hitori for a moment. “Thanks.”

“Huh?” He turned to her. “For what?”

She couldn’t help a little giggle. “For coming to talk with me, duh. Yeah, yeah, just doing your job, I’m sure.” She smiled and rolled her eyes.

“Nothing wrong with that, I think,” Hitori said, standing up. “Still, I’m glad to see you’ve cheered up a little. But don’t go thinking you gotta put on a strong face all the time or anything. It’s alright to feel stuff, you know?”

Chandra gave a weak shrug.

“I’ll give you a little space. I’m sure you had some thinking to do and I’ll leave you to it. Still, I’m gonna stay here on the roof.”

“Are you worried Kalindi will come back and start something?”

“Maybe, but, honestly,” Hitori leaned in. “I have kind of a bad feeling.”

“Really?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing, but, I saw someone watching for us when we landed, someone for Kalindi, I’m sure.” He looked to the side. “Only, I also might have seen someone else watching them.”

“Oh. What did Gordon have to say?”

“He, uh, didn’t notice anything.” Hitori laughed. “So, yeah, like I said, probably nothing. Still, sometimes a little paranoia pays off.” He turned to walk away. “Anyway, I’ll let you know when it’s time.”