The shadow moved further into the room, stepping into the light. The artificial light reflected off of the creature's two horns and four eyes before revealing his crimson skin. The oni (for that was what the creature was) stood at close to three meters and was highly muscled with scars covering the majority of his arms and torso.
"We have a new mission," repeated the oni, his voice reverberating across the enclosed space "One that will involve us all."
"Even me?" asked Exalndria, shocked, at being asked to do fieldwork "Are you sure, Orpos?"
"Are you questioning me?" barked Orpos.
"Oh, lighten up Orpos," said Fam, "You're beginning to sound like Gedrick!"
"Yes, well," said the oni softening a bit "I apologize but, yes, even you Exalndria. In fact, we will need both you and INFOS' expertise in the upcoming mission."
"What's the mission, boss?" asked Gedrick, leaning on Stonesplitter.
"We have been tasked with hunting down a rogue ES Soldier by the name of Jared Kyko, leader of the League of Hunters."
"By who?" asked Exalndria, puzzled "We don't usually go after ES, that's Jane's job, isn't it?"
"We have been tasked specifically to carry out this mission." replied Orpos.
"And who gave us it?" asked Fam.
"That information is... lies... classified..." replied INFOS.
"So it's from the top, then?" asked Exalndria, surprised.
"You could say that," replied Orpos.
"Well, I suppose we have no choice, then," said Fam, sitting on the tabletop, "What's the reward?"
Orpos shifted, uncomfortably, his great bulk causing the tools on the table to shake "There is no reward."
"What?!" asked Fam, "You're kidding, right?"
"But isn't that the point?" asked Exalndria "We do jobs and we get a reward?"
"Well, yes, but not this time."
"And why not?" asked Fam, exasperated.
"Yes, why?" continued Exalndria. The two women descended into a frenzy of chattering, each trying to outdo the other in reasoning and general loudness. Once the chattering reached a crescendo, Orpos glanced at Gedrick who picked up Stonesplitter in both hands before smashing it down. The sound crashed around the room causing Fam and Exalndria to flinch and the tools to actually fall off of the table.
"Quiet!" Orpos had suddenly gotten very big, his skin like burning blood, his horns appearing scorched, "You will do as I say! The orders have come from the very top and I am not about to disobey them for some petty reward! Have I made myself clear?!"
"Crystal," replied Fam.
"Transparent," replied Exalndria.
"Good," Orpos stood down again "Now, shall I finish the mission briefing?"
"Yes, please proceed," replied Gedrick, sitting back down.
"INFOS?" Orpos motioned to the robot to proceed.
"We have been charged to hunt down and capture Jared Kyko, leader of the League of Hunters. He is currently situated in The Hunter's Rock in the Berserker Section. We have been authorised to use lethal force against all but Jared and must, instead, bring him back here to face trial. The mission begins tomorrow at 0600. Authorisation number 1010."
"1010?" Fam was shocked "But that's."
"Yes," Orpos nodded, grimly "Far at the top."
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