"Let's hear it, Rean," Shom said.
Rean stood immediately. He had thought he would be called last, but for some reason, it seemed Charles had that honor instead.
'Where do I begin?' Rean wondered. He decided to pause, gathering his energy to finally speak. He rolled his eyes and murmured to himself as if recounting something. The others watched, waiting for his report.
Rean's report was bound to be the most interesting. 'I'm actually eager to hear what he has to say,' Porter thought.
"I did the most logical thing I could think of at every juncture.
No, that's not it. I made the most logical decisions I could think of. These decisions were rooted in self-gratification, and for that, I realize I should be wary, though I do have regrets.
I won't lecture anyone here. I won't justify my actions to anyone here. Not to disrespect the captain, but I just don't think the others can comprehend my plays.
I left Porter for a purpose," Rean paused.
"I left Porter for a reason.
I bicker with Michael for a reason.
I try to stand out for a reason.
'For a reason' isn't the best answer I can give, but it's what you'll hear right now.
I did all I did because I thought it wise."
He finished and took his seat.
Everyone was silent. Rean had fumbled at the boss chamber—miscalculated, at least that's what everyone thought. Now he was giving a speech validating his own actions, both mistakes and intentions.
He took his seat, deeming his response satisfactory. Shom thought.
"Ok, that's good—for all of you, not just Rean."
Porter sighed. For some reason, he felt relieved Rean was still on the team.
"Ok, ok, none of you are making a drop. I decided to conduct this meeting for one specific reason. I need to know who's ready to rev things up.
The others are being talked to by another A-rank, who's being assigned to the division.
I got a text from the chairman outlining how our missions will proceed from now," Shom stated.
"The division will be made up of two teams: an Alpha and a Gamma squad. Ridlus will be joining us to support the Gamma team.
Those of you seated here are the Alpha. This division may not always operate as a unit, and that's why we opted to further divide.
The Alpha team will consist of Porter, Zeta, Rean, Michael, and myself.
The Beta, led by Ridlus, will consist of Rose, Lin, Miles, and Charles," Shom said.
'Why Charles, though? He got some exemption before. He was already punished earlier—I mean, he wasn't allowed to partake in a whole raid. That means he didn't get anywhere near as many points as he could,' Rean thought.
"Charles is here so he can brief the others later," Shom said.
"Charles gave no report because you four don't deserve to get insight from a rival squad."
"How is that fair, when he got to hear from us?" Porter questioned.
"It's not," Shom replied. "To foster competition, we choose to abandon fairness, sportsmanship, and all that nonsense.
Charles got dealt a better hand just because.
If you have a problem with that, then bring results.
When on paired missions, Michael remains the vice. However, when split, Charles will step up on the other team's end.
Charles, you may take your leave. Get Michael in here as well."
Charles stepped out, and Shom intensified his gaze.
"Your assessment will be sent to the president later. He'll speak to those he wishes to.
Just because you got chosen to join this Alpha division doesn't give you a pass at trying. Don't let up. I need more from you."
Michael stepped in. He had little knowledge of what was going on.
Shom ordered Rean to brief Michael after the meeting before he continued. Everyone was shocked. Zeta even chuckled.
"You'll be awarded salaries by the financial department after your files have been approved. You'll be given a week holiday, and you'll immediately return for duty."
Shom pulled the door open. He looked at Rean, and then he said something interesting.
"Oh, and Rean—you and Michael better get that shit together, or else you'll find this smaller team to be a hell of your own making."
After Shom left, they were silent for a while before Zeta spoke to Rean. She told him she knew it would be a hassle briefing her brother, so she'd do it, and he agreed.
Rean was happy he got placed high up, though he didn't understand why Michael was still the vice. He thought it was unfair that Charles got to go to a less significant team and serve as a vice captain, even though his stats seemed slightly more impressive.
Worst of all, he couldn't even talk about his newly assimilated skills, because he'd risk being found out and losing his vessel abilities.
Before long, he made it to the guild's cafeteria. He ate. He and Porter discussed.
After eating, he made his way home in the evening. It was already late, and he had just partaken in two raids back to back.
He got home. He wanted to watch TV, so he put the news channel on. Before long, he was fast asleep.
A notification popped up, but even that sound couldn't wake the already asleep Rean.
Hours later, Tylan got off work. "Hey, Rean, why are you watching the news channel?" he asked, but he got no response.
"Rean?" He walked into the living room to see his brother fast asleep. Tylan immediately burst into laughter.
"So it's one of those days, huh? You come back from a raid all gassed out, but you try to power through it. Haha, I know that all too well," Tylan said as he pulled a blanket over his brother.
Late at night, a receptionist had to drop off some report papers at the president's table, as well as email them to Mr. Salde from the association.
"Here are the papers, Mr. President," she said, signing off.
"Ok, have a good night, Lola," the president replied.