X: ...
Eagle: ...
The two youngsters stare at each other in stunned silence.
They see confusion in each other's eyes.
Eagle: Um ...
X: A kid? Here?
X: Wait, how did you get in?
Eagle recalls another article in the Scout Manual.
Scout Manual, Safety, Article IX: "Avoid giving out personal information to strangers."
Eagle: You hardly look like an adult yourself ...
To her surprise, "Xavier" smiles.
X: I see what's going on here.
Eagle: You do?
X: Of course. You're here for me, right? Otherwise, you would've screamed, "A moving banana!" or something.
Eagle: Banana? What are you talking about?
X: Banana, orange, something like that. The Maze Net warps any trespasser's cognition, making them think of themselves and others as fruits. It stops them from moving any closer, since fruits don't have limbs.
X: Anyway, congratulations on passing through the Maze Net with your sanity still intact!
X: At least I think it's still intact ... So you're the staff member they sent?
X: Better late than never. Come, I could use your help.
Eagle: Okay, then ...
She looks up at the gigantic equipment in amazement.
Her curiosity quickly eclipses the question she intended to ask.
Eagle: Wow, what is this ... thing? Is this your "secret mission"?
X: Mission, yes. Secret? Maybe. It's ... off-the-record, if you know what I mean.
X: As you can see, I'm performing this mission according to what this place really needs.
Eagle: It looks ...
X: Spectacular? Magnificent? Go ahead. You can say both. But there's something missing, and I'm still trying to figure out what it is.
X: By the way, why aren't you wearing a uniform?
A question asked with no ill intentions still stings her.
Eagle subconsciously tightens her grip on her pocket watch.
It's hard to tell the truth to a stranger.
But a Scout should always be honest—she doesn't have a choice.
Eagle: I-I'm not an ...
Eagle: ... An official member.
X: Oh, so you're an intern.
X: It's okay. Maybe they'll make you a full-fledged member after this.
X: Don the white uniform and become a loyal—
Eagle: A loyal what?
X: Never mind. Oh, I've figured out what's missing! Come give me a hand.
Eagle: Sorry ...
X: What's wrong? Aren't you here to help?
Eagle: Actually, I'm here to take you back, Mr. Xavier.
X: ... Makes sense, since you don't have any gas masks with you.
X: And just call me "X."
Eagle: I-I'm sorry. I didn't have that information.
X: Didn't you check the mission briefing before you came here?
Eagle: The others have it, but I ... got separated from them.
X: Do they have the gas masks?
Eagle: Gas masks? What's a gas mask?
Eagle: Sorry, I should've collected more information ...
X: ...?
Eagle: Sir, if you really need this "gas mask," I'll go find it for you.
X looks puzzled. How could she not know what a gas mask is?
Perhaps this assistant is from this era, before they became widely used.
X: Forget it. We've got more important things to do. I don't want to miss this opportunity.
X: You know, those old fogeys are never willing to embrace new ideas.
Eagle: You're right. There are more important things to do.
Eagle takes a deep breath. She doesn't want to miss this chance.
She raises her head and stares at X with a firm look.
Eagle: Sir, please come with me. As for the "gas mask," I'll—
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a critter fur brush pulled from one of the machines shoots through the air ...
And makes its way straight for Eagle.
It lands on her sleeve, gently sweeping off the dust that has gathered on it.
Eagle: What's going on ...?
X: Forget the rules and regulations. You passed through the Net, so I already know you're much more capable than the others. And if you help me finish this task, I'll give my recommendation. Deal?
What a surprising offer!
Eagle: Recommendation ...?
She decides to seize this opportunity.
Eagle: Please, give me your command!
X: First, help me get this thing up and running, then we'll talk about what to do next. Clock's ticking, understand? We don't have much time.
Eagle: Copy that!
