of our organization. It is our goal to keep both you and your hero safe, which is why we set a high level of precautions for you to follow.
Due to the pressure your hero will be under on a daily basis, it is likely he or she may share confidential information about missions and internal processes with you. For the security of the public, it is vital that you never share this information with anyone, not even trusted sources such as family members and friends. Divulging secret details can put everyone at risk and, per your nondisclosure agreement, may result in legal action being taken against you. If you ever feel the need to talk to someone, Warrior Nation employs an experienced staff of mental health professionals to offer guidance.
You will be given a security card that grants you access to headquarters. Please use discretion when accessing any of our nineteen top secret entrances. You are now permitted to use any of our state-of-the-art facilities, including our world-class gym, recreation area, and multiple cafeterias and kitchens. Be aware that hero training takes first priority in any of these spaces, so check the calendar for availability.
On the back of your security card, you will find a secure 800 number to call if you suspect that you or your hero is in danger. Because of your close relationship with your hero, it is likely you will know if they are in danger before we do. If your hero does not return your calls or texts within a reasonable amount of time, it’s better to assume something has happened, and alert our team right away. You are their first line of defense!
In the unlikely event you become caught in the crosshairs of a battle, the top-notch Warrior Nation medical team will tend to your needs, ensuring you are always cared for.
“AND HOW ARE YOU FEELING?”
A Warrior Nation clinical psychologist sits across from me, stoically taking notes on her tablet. Apparently post-battle psych evaluations are required for employees to resume work, but I’m nervous my answers may not clear me for duty. Because while I guess I should be feeling some kind of residual fear from being kidnapped, all I feel is AMAZING.
I mean, holy crap! Not only am I alive, which is obviously a plus, but I was rescued by a hot girl who kissed me in a heart-pounding, life-altering mouth-to-mouth moment of awesome. I keep replaying it in my mind, over and over until the scene becomes not just a memory but a sensation of pure bliss that runs in my veins. I break into a stupid grin and cover my face so the therapist doesn’t think I’ve snapped.
“Claire?” she questions, eyebrows scrunching over the screen. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, sorry.” Pull it together, girl. I summon my best debate-team face: serious but not severe, focused yet not stiff. “It was scary being kidnapped; I never expected to be in that kind of situation. But I’m relieved—and thankful—to be here.”
“Mmm-hmm.” My evaluator nods. “And do you still feel you’ll be able to perform on the job after being thrust into sudden danger?”
“Yeah!” I exclaim too enthusiastically, startling her. “I mean, if anything, it just makes me want to work harder. Watching the Warriors in action…I want to be on their level.”
This pleases the therapist, and I’m released to Teddy, whose slightly rumpled shirt makes me think he never got the chance to go home last night.
“Claire!” he says, running his fingers through his day-old gelled hair. “My god! How did you find yourself mixed up with this siege?”
“I don’t know, I was leaving HQ and—”
“I told you not to go poking around in all this,” he huffs as we head down the hall.
“Uh, this was not my fault. It’s not like I kidnapped myself!”
“You’re lucky you weren’t killed! I read this report late last night that…” He trails off, second-guessing whether he should finish his sentence.
“What? Tell me!”
He grimaces, lowering his voice. “The police pulled some bodies out of the Chicago River. Four of them, innocent fans who were leaving a costume party. Each of them wearing a different Warrior Nation costume.”
“Oh my god.” I haven’t been home now in twenty-four hours, unable to check my forums. I can only imagine what my fellow WarNats must be speculating about this, though. “Was there one dressed like Girl Power?”
He gives me a weird look. “Why?”
“No reason, just curious.”
“You need to be a little less curious.”
I roll my eyes, but we’re walking so fast,