“... so, apparently, I’m going to be an agent in the future,” Mina explained.

“You don’t sound very thrilled. Couldn’t you turn down their offer?” Karin asked.

"I got the distinct impression that they wouldn’t accept a no. The agent I spoke to said she would check it out, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm pretty sure the only way to get out is if they no longer want me. Like, if I decide to amputate a leg. Which I’d rather avoid, if I can help it."

"I see."

Mina hated talking on the phone. The complete lack of impressions, not even body language, made communication so painful. Was that a sympathetic 'I see'? Or a pessimistic one? There were so many nuances that couldn't even be properly described with mere words.

“They can provide me with something I sorely lack. A legal identity. It’s probably not the only way to get it, but undoubtedly the easiest one. Probably not the worst career move, either.”

“I heard they’re well paid, at least. I do hope you do what you can to not end up in dangerous situations, unless that’s what you really want.”

“Mhm. Trust me, I don’t want to be a hero. Heroes have a tendency to die heroically. I’m rather fond of living, to be honest.”

Kartin sounded supportive, at least. It would hopefully not be long until they could meet again.

"Karin, I have something I want to ask you. Ideally, I’d do it face to face, but I'd rather not delay the question weeks or even months.”

“Ok? Ask away.”

“Would you like to adopt me?”

“Yes. Yes, I want to.”

Normally, Mina would be able to instantly tell how sincere an answer was. But since she couldn’t gauge Karin’s feelings, she had to ask again to confirm.

“Are you sure? It’s kind of a big deal.”

“Yes, absolutely. I enjoyed having you around. Someone to share the work and meals, and just talk with. You made me realize how alone I’ve been ever since Anders left for the army.”

That was both reassuring and heartwarming.

“I’m afraid you’ll still be alone most of the time. I am going to be attending school here, hours of travel time away from you.”

“Yes, but it's not impossible. Besides, you can come home for weekends and holidays. Trust me, I want this.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. I may have sort of stolen your last name already.”

“Yes, I assumed that’s why you suddenly went by Mina Smith? I don’t mind. In fact, I am delighted and flattered. Are you completely sure you want me, though? I mean, Camille is the one … well, was the one Martin was in love with.”

“I don’t have any of his feelings, remember? To me, she’s a nice person I have met once, not someone I love. Besides, it’d be pretty weird to be in love with your stepmother.”

“You're right. Sorry for bringing that up.”

“No, no, it’s no problem.”

“I'll do my part in getting the paperwork ready. I’ve got a lawyer friend who can help me out.”

“Again, thanks a lot.”

“You too. Hugs and kisses.”

They hung up. About time, too. They’d been talking for almost an hour. The phone was hot and sweaty on her ear.

She turned to Elsa. Mina had checked with her that it was okay to take a personal phone call in their room. Elsa, in return, had asked if she ought to go elsewhere. Mina hadn’t minded, and so Elsa had been listening in on most of the conversation.

“Congratulations,” Elsa offered, “on the adoption, I mean. I’m not sure about the cultural norm here, but I think this is a joyous occasion you should celebrate.”

“I agree,” Mina smiled, “It would be even better to celebrate with my new mom, but it can’t hurt to celebrate it twice. How do you celebrate here, by the way? Something fancy at the cantina?”

“Well, it’s possible to order cake, but it has to be done two days in advance. We can go to the kiosk and buy chocolate?”

“We could, only I don’t actually have any spare money. The secretary told me they would sponsor my meals, but nothing else. Your finances are pretty tight too, right?”

“In that case, how about we invite our friends over for some tea and biscuits?”

"Sounds like a plan. I'll message them."

Twenty minutes later, they were all there. There was chocolate after all. Ulan and Kiri brought it.

"So, when were you going to tell us you're a freaking ninja?" Ulan asked. They had all gotten the short version of what happened. This was their first chance to ask her questions face to face.

"Possibly in the alternate timeline where I somehow discovered it on my own," Mina answered, "It's kind of hard to share something I don't know myself, to be honest."

"That's such a cool power." Ulan sounded both impressed and jealous at the same time. "Almost as cool as my future laser eyes or super flight."

"It’s important to dream," Nico snarked in the background.

"Did you get that I don't have full control over my power?" Mina pointed out. "Seems I can only use it when I'm genuinely fearful for my life. Which is a problem, because if I believe it will protect me, I’ll be less afraid, and thus the power won’t work as well.”

“Ooh, a talent that is almost a paradox," Angelica looked scarily interested. "How about we try to test it and see if we can learn more?”

Angelica seemed very motivated, which made Mina somewhat wary of what exactly she was planning to do.

“Considering how lame your other power is, I’ll forgive you for having two,” Nico quipped.

“How magnanimous of you,” Mina played along.

“I know,” he tilted his head slightly, “Be grateful you are graced by my excellence.”

They chuckled a bit at his over the top acting. It was so much easier to appreciate the relaxing atmosphere after what had previously happened.

“So… when are you moving out?” Ulan asked.

“Wait, what?” Mina failed to follow.

“To your new room? I heard you have been moved to the elite program.”

Yeah, the other agent explained that. In addition to the additional individualized training, the program came with a big single room, complete with its own bathroom.

“Yeah, about that,” Mina said, “I think I’ll pass.”

"You're going to pass?" Nico sounded baffled. "Can we get a doctor here? I think this one has brain damage."

"Okay, let's compare. Here I have a perfectly fine room with a great roommate and a short distance to my friends, at the cost of occasionally having to queue up for the bathroom."

"I don't think you have seen quite how disgusting a toilet can be," Angelica muttered.

"Fair enough. Then there's the alternative. The dormitory with the best view, right? Which also makes it the one furthest away from everything else. Big room, maybe too big, and my own bathroom. But I have to share the dormitory with only rich kids who probably hate my guts. Including Kat. You are aware that I can't turn off my empathy, so even if she doesn't do anything untoward, I'll still have to feel her simmering hatred for me every time we meet."

"Fat chance she won't try anything," Ulan added, "no matter where you live."

"Okay, I can see your reasoning," Nico admitted. "Your call, anyway."

"Thank you for your understanding, o future savior of humanity," Mina teased.

“No autographs right now,” he gestured with his arm. “My hand is tired from the last session.”

She loved having fun with friends like this. Everyone was in a good mood. Even Kiri, who seemed kind of shy.

“So, when are you actually going to be an agent?” Angelica asked.

“After high school, but I'll be getting more details later. I'm not leaving this place. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

“You seem awfully certain you’ll leave us behind,” Ulan grinned, “Just you wait, we’re all going to be agents! We’re gonna be the very best, like no one ever was.”

She felt his sincere wish behind the playful façade. A bit unrealistic, maybe, but an admirable dream. For now, she was just going to do her best to enjoy her new life.