She emerged underwater, disoriented, spreading out her senses to get a grasp on her surroundings. Finding a sandy bottom, she kicked off of it to push herself up, breaching the surface as the water was not very deep. As she swam away from the submerged aperture in the water, Danielle took a look at her surroundings. She was in a turquoise lagoon, under a clear cerulean sky. The lagoon was mostly bounded by rocky rises with scrubby trees growing up the sides, but she spotted a small, sandy beach. Behind it were trees and tropical plants.

Thalia emerged from the aperture and likewise quickly surfaced.

“Nice,” Thalia said, swimming away from the aperture to give the next person space. “It’ll be good to explore instead of just staying near the aperture and fighting monsters.”

* * *

Clive entered the office of the Magic Society director. As normal, the director was absent, while the deputy director, Pochard Finn, was at work behind his own desk. Pochard barely glanced up at the intrusion, continuing to write as he spoke.

“What is it, Standish? I don’t have a lot of time with all these people off on the expedition.”

“I’m aware, sir,” Clive said. “I’ve been very busy myself, but I’ve managed to get things reorganised, so I’d like to take some time on another project. As you know, I also have Adventure Society membership.”

“Yes, I heard about the marsh hydra,” Pochard said. “I can't imagine your contribution was all that much but well done.”

“There’s an open contract with the Adventure Society,” Clive said. “A friend and I want to take a crack at it.”

Pochard paused his writing to look up at Clive.

“You want to slack off so you can go to social events in the hope this thief shows up?”

“Actually, sir, we’re going to take a different approach. Something that will hopefully have more success.”

“Who is this friend of yours?”

“He’s another iron-ranker. Jason Asano.”

“The one who handled the lumber mill affair,” Pochard mused thoughtfully.

“You know him?”

“I like to keep apprised of goings-on,” Pochard said. “You’re sure your duties will be covered?”

“I won’t be completely absent, sir. I’ll be checking in each day to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

“Then take what time you need, so long as you still feel your chances of success are reasonable.”

“Really?” Clive asked.

Pochard turned back to his work.

“Learn to take yes for an answer, Standish.”

* * *

Clive called on Jason in his lodgings. Jason had papers scattered over the refreshment table, picking some up to read from the comfort of a lounge chair.

“How did it go?” Jason asked.

“Surprisingly well,” Clive said, still registering the surprise. He nodded at all the papers. “What’s all that?”