Getting hit no more than once—now that had the right feel.
Hoshino nodded, opened her eyes, and looked down at the off-road vehicle forced to stop below. It had awkwardly sunk into the sand like a little black beetle dragged into a sandpit, somewhat pitiful as it waited for someone to save it.
"Doctor Kal'tsit ordered us not to stir up any unnecessary complications."
"I won't stir up any complications."
Hoshino guaranteed it, then turned and gave the pilot a smile. There was a silent charm to it, a reassuring strength.
"I'll bring him back safely, and I'll handle the negotiations too. Just notify Human Resources to prepare to receive a new operator." Hoshino stepped forward. "Rhodes Island's Medical Department should be short on a real doctor, shouldn't it?"
"A real doctor?"
"A gentle, shy older-sister type. Rhodes Island probably doesn't have many of those."
The pilot thought about it.
Rhodes Island's Medical Department was truly a chaotic mix of every sort of oddball. Any super big shot tired of conflict would put down Defender or Medic when filling out their résumé. The Guard Department's combat power was even lower than that of the Defender and Medic Departments.
"Well, that would be... good... Where is she?"
The pilot was only stunned for a moment before discovering in shock that the shrine maiden had vanished from where she stood.
She had already jumped.
The rear hatch slowly closed. All the pilot could do was return and report this conversation. Doctor Kal'tsit would not get to drink her tea in peace again.
"What does that mean?"
Doctor Kal'tsit gritted her teeth.
"Does Miss Shrine Maiden have some grievance against the Medical Department?"
"Probably not?" Amiya shook her head. "She listed herself as a Defender too, and her ability is incredible. She can