The next day I heard footsteps echoing along the hallway before the guard unlocked the door to admit Astra. My vision was slightly blurry, my headache still burned, and I was sweating in spite of the chill from the rock around me.

Although I should've considered this as an opportunity to try to figure out what was happening, and how I might get myself out of the situation, I wasn't in top mental form. My first reaction was pure, blind fury.

How dare they?

As soon as she stepped into the room, I lunged for her with a Ka Te killing sequence.

...Or rather, I tried to do so. Within a fraction of a second, I was hanging in the air, frozen. Or perhaps simply trying to move through a room full of very solid jelly; it felt much the same.

"Ugh."

"Now, now, five-two-three," she said. "Let's not have any of that unpleasantness. Tasha has cast a Mana slowness holding on you, to prevent any quick, clever moves. For your own good. Can we agree to be civil?"

I sat down slowly and nodded, not seeing any other way to proceed. I glared into those brilliant silver eyes, intelligent beyond their years.

"Well, you've got all the cards now," I asked, spitting contempt. "Don't you? What's next? Add another Agent notch to your belts?"

Astra shook her head slowly, pulling up the chair from the desk.

"What's next... well... that is up to you, Keia. HQ is far away. You could be helpful to us. What would it feel like to have an identity of your own? How long has it been for you?" she asked musingly.

She had also brought a tray full of lunch and had set it on the small table.

"I will leave you to your meal. We're not your enemy, and I am happy to tell you everything, now. Think on it, Keia, and let me know."

Thought about it I did, and I still saw no way out.