18/9/2055

9:15 AM

Newmars City 2nd District

PHE Department

Suzanna

Suzanna

Retrieving my ID from my pocket, I briskly scan it on the panel, and the turnstile grants me access to my home away from home. In the office area, I shoot the usual casual wave to my work colleagues.

"Morning."

Three colleagues reciprocate with friendly waves and greetings, but one shoots me a glare. 

The same old routine. 

Shrugging it off, I continue toward the raised area where Chief Divia's office is. A solid knock on the door precedes my entrance.

"Come on in."

Jason's voice calls from within, and I open the door, stepping in before closing it behind me.

"Morning, Sir."

I approach the seat opposite my Chief, a man with a large build, short-cut hair, dark skin, and a stark contrast with the use of his glasses as he reads. He rubs his moustache and sets down the report I authored the previous night.

"Good work on this." Jason gestures, acknowledging the report as he places his glasses down into the case next to him.

"Thank you, sir." I take the seat on the chair opposite him.

"Right then." His broad shoulders extend in a stretch, and he scratches his head before continuing, a . "How are you?"

Realising I can loosen up a bit, I reply with a smile.

"Now that I'm done with that case? Relieved. Actually got a good night's sleep for once."

Jason chuckles lightly, "Welcome to the job."

Jokingly, I shrug. "Don't I know it."

"Well, luckily for you, you're taking a week off."

Wait, what? 

"I'm fine, sir."

In a slightly stern tone, Jason answers my question matter-of-factly.

"For your mental health. You know as well as I do that your mental stability affects your abilities. Given the nature of our work here at the PHE, it's going to be an issue for anyone working here at some point. And since you've been promoted, and given your current workload, you are more likely to be susceptible to it. So, yes. You are taking a week off after your shift today."

I know he's right. As much as I want to argue… I’d best not.

"...Alright, sir. Thank you."

"Good."

Jason, grinning again, stands up, picking up his jacket from the back of his chair.

"It's still early. Want to run a sparring session with me, 'Armament' Suzanna Mahoney?"

I'm still shocked that the nickname even stuck... It's accurate but... bah.

"Can I say no?"

Oh no. I do not like that smirk on his face.

"I mean, you CAN. But you’re on the clock so it’s not like you have a choice."

I suppose I’ll be sore by the end of today… Oh well. "Right, right. Beat my ass before I go on a break, I getcha."

"Ha! Exactly."

We both leave the room,  Jason gesturing to the area below as he exits his office.

"We’re going to spar. If you need me for anything, you know where I’ll be."

Our colleagues either wave, give a thumbs up, or nod as they are busy with cases. Of course, my "best friend" gives me a look like he wants to say something, but, of course, refrains. Jason notices, as he usually does, and rolls his eyes as we walk past everyone and down a corridor.

"He, uh... said anything to you lately?"

I pause before I answer, "No. He just keeps giving me dirty looks."

"Ah. Well, he needs to grow up. He’ll get promoted once he proves himself, not before."

"... Yeah."

If that was the only reason he's so mad at me, it’d be fine…