This wasn’t the first time Kimi found herself in this room. It somehow managed to look both overpriced and cheap at the same time. The walls were adorned with paper thin displays, and in the center was a recessed table, with prominent bands used to project an interactive hologram.

In contrast to the expensive equipment was a roughly constructed wooden chair occupied by the Sergeant in charge of operating it. He was flanked by a mean faced woman and grey haired man currently reviewing security footage of Kimi’s fight.

“It’s a pity there’s no cameras inside the classroom,” the woman said. She was wearing black armor, with no markings save an insignia that identified her as a Colonel. “I’d love to see the damage. By the time the med team arrived she’d recovered most of her Vital Net, but the blood was everywhere.”

“I’ve got to admit Nanji, your girl has incredible technique, especially for a B-Rank,” the grey haired man said. He had a rough look that suggested he still knew his way around the battlefield. A gold lettered tag on his coat identified him as General Saburou.

“Did you hear that, Scout, you should be proud, your talents are being recognized.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I told you to speak up!”

Kimi snapped even straighter than she already was. This wasn’t the first time she’d worked with Colonel Nanji, and she’d gotten used to the level of tension that carried with it. That is to say she thought she had. Ever since she’d been planted in the center of the room the Colonel’s razor sharp glare had been honed into a dagger.

“Yes ma’am, and thank you sir!” Hearing her own voice so loud was an alien experience, but it pleased the two high ranking officers.

“This one’s even mousier than the last one,” the General said. “Although I suppose that’s to be expected.”

“She made a far more capable agent, however,” Nanji said. “I’m quite proud of the work we’ve done.”

Given Kimi was the one getting her hands bloody, she wasn’t sure why the Colonel should be proud.

“Yes, it was a shame about the other girl,” the General said. Kimi couldn’t detect any regret in his voice. He turned to Kimi and for the first time actually looked at her. She felt a pressure in her cheeks and had to fight the urge to look away.

“Y-Yes, Sir?”

Nanji cast a keen glance in her direction.

“There is one thing I’ve been wondering,” Saburou said, his eyes now locked with hers. “Why did you go in after her?”

Kimi wasn’t sure what they were looking for, so she let the question hang in the air. Nanji deepened her scowl, so Kimi quickly said, “To see if I had to take care of her.”

“Oh my,” Nanji said with a wicked grin. “How cunning.”

The General hummed as he looked away. “Yes, I suppose, an unprovoked attack….” He turned to Kimi. “But why would you let an enemy live?”

Her rigid stance cracked as she canted her head, which drew pursed lips from Nanji.

“Wouldn’t that depend on the mission?” Kimi said at last.

“Good answer,” Saburou said. He turned towards Colonel Nanji. “I think this one will do. Make the preparations.”