franka

Liskarm waits.

Finally, Franka breaks the silence.

You said you needed to talk with me.

You want to invite me to join your new security company, don't you?

Correct.

Well, I'm not going.

Not yet.

Okay.

Liskarm picks up the Thermite Blade, and Franka the Flash Shield, and they both toss them to the other.

My condition has mostly stabilized.

I want to take a long vacation. Go home and spend some time with my mom.

Maybe have a big fight with her.

And then... I think I'm going to go on a long trip.

A long-term field mission, maybe, to some place far away.

You might even have your company up and running by the time I get back.

Then when the time comes, I'll invite you to hang out.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

Oh?

<i>You're</i> the one who followed me to Rhodes Island, remember?

Maybe someday, after I leave this place, I'll go shamelessly hang out at your office without asking.

Sorry, but you know me. Rules are more important than relationships.

Well, then I guess I'll hang out <i>outside</i> your office and put up a sign with all your most embarrassing secrets.

...How the hell did I end up getting to know someone like you?

You know, that's a great question. My condolences.

So what's for lunch?

Who's buying?

You—

Fine, me. Just for today.