Hazel flipped the USB over in her hand, carefully examining every part of it. Seven soldiers had lost their lives during the rescue mission at W’al’iw conversion facility without even knowing the real reason they were there.
Rescuing the Hexed controlled by the Unhumans was always a top priority for the Mixed, of course, but they didn’t have the resources for the large-scale incursions necessary to free every facility. In fact, this one had only been authorized because of what else the W’al’iw base held.
A personal secretary to one of the Unhuman Prime Ministers was there delivering top-secret intelligence to the commander of W’al’iw. It just so happened to be the female [Undine] Fletcher of all people killed and robbed, unknowingly completing the mission that her most trusted operatives couldn’t.
Thus bringing back to Hazel her prize, top-secret intelligence from the Unhumans. Something that could finally sway the odds in their favor for the first time in over a decade.
She still couldn’t believe it was Fletcher who accomplished it, using [Intuition] of all things. Hazel had never in her life heard of [Intuition] resulting in anything good, much less something as miraculous as Fletcher’s experience. It was unprecedented, but she knew what the cause must be.
He was [Demanlic], one of the demigods worshipped by the other Unhuman species. There was no telling the limits to his power, if there even were limits. Fletcher was on the course to becoming more powerful than any other Human could even imagine, more powerful than even a normal Unhuman could fathom.
The doorbell sounded, and Hazel tucked the USB away as Nora entered.
“Got a minute to chat, Mom?” her daughter asked.
She nodded and motioned to the chair. “What’s on your mind?”
“Dad stopped by my office and let me know that Fletcher was awake. Did he tell you what happened?” Nora sat down in the chair across the desk.
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Hazel smirked. “That he did. It was an… interesting story to say the least.”
Nora raised an eyebrow.
She chuckled and quickly summarized Fletcher’s tale.
“I… Wow. I cannot believe that. He was actually stupid enough to try to use [Intuition]? What an idiot.” Nora shook her head. “Are you sure he should join the military? He’s kind of…”
Hazel laughed. “I know what you mean. But this excursion did more than I originally hoped. He’s now asking me how soon he can join.”
Nora scoffed. “Of course he is.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hazel tilted her head. Nora had spent a lot of time with Fletcher the past few days so she trusted her daughter’s insight into him.
“He’s dangerous, Mom.”
“How so?”
Nora took a second before responding. “It’s that ego of his. He won’t admit it, and he honestly does a good job of playing humble at first glance, but deep down, I think he really believes that he’s the most important person to ever walk the planet. If that makes sense.”
Hazel nodded. “In that case, training might be the best place for him. Name something more humbling than Hotshot training.”
Her daughter laughed. “You’re sending him to be a Hotshot? Oh man, that’s too good. How soon can we send him?”
“Assuming your father doesn’t talk him out of joining immediately, a month from now.”
Nora sighed and leaned back in the chair. “I guess I can survive one more month with him. Deities, I’m so excited for him to get thrashed at training. What are the chances I can get a temporary posting over at Fort Wooddell? I’d love to watch it go down.”
“None. Now get back to work. I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” Hazel turned away.
“Killjoy.” Nora stood up. “Thanks for the chat, Mom. See you later.” She walked out of the office, leaving Hazel alone once again.
Hazel opened the drawer and pulled back out the USB from W’al’iw, flipping it over in her hand as she thought about the implications of how it came to be in her care. She hadn’t dared tell Nora the truth, that Fletcher might very well be the most important person currently alive…
For her purposes, at least.
