"I'm terribly sorry to say, but the Logistics might be facing its final days."

Texas stared at the director, feeling defeated for the first time. The Logistics...gone? What am I supposed to do without it? It basically gave me a life. Gave me a reason to keep going. The Logistics has been around for years. Without it, how will Rhode Island be protected?

Lappland stood by the door, arms crossed and a bored expression on her face. Exusiai and Amiya stood beside Texas, all with sad and worried looks on their faces. The tension in the room was thick, overshadowing any good mood. Even Lappland was a little despondent. Sure, she didn't much care about anything other than fighting, but like Texas, the Logistics was all she had.

Ch'en and Croissant stood by the director's desk, both distraught with the situation. Croissant's usually smiling face was drawn into a frown, which made her look much different than she usually looked.

Texas took a deep breath, channeling her frustration. "Director, isn't there something we can do? The mayor can't shut the Logistics down on the basis of one blunder."

Ch'en shook her head. "Sorry, Texas. Penguin Logistics is an agency that is stationed to protect Rhode Island from things like explosions. The fact that we caused one is a fault on our part."

"Technically, wouldn't it be a fault on Lappland and her team? They were the ones who were the origin of the bomb." Amiya chimed in.

"Accidents happen." Lappland said with a heavy sigh.

Texas found her gaze focused on Ch'en. Ch'en Hui-chieh. 4 years combat experience and head of the Lungmen Guard Department's special Inspection unit. Her work is impressive and her combat style is breathtaking. I've read her physical records and learned that she's in incredible physical condition. I've never spoken to her directly, but I've heard others mention she might be the next director of Penguin Logistics.

Director sighed. "I understand your upset, Texas. But I can't battle the mayor on this issue."

"Sure you can. Blame it on someone else." Lappland suggested with a shrug. "That's what I did when I was little."

"Let's try to avoid being like you for now, Lappland." Croissant said.

"Alright. But I doubt you'll get a better idea than that." Lappland replied.

"Why don't I talk to the mayor?" Amiya said, a spark of hope in her voice.

Exusiai nodded excitedly. "Yeah, that's a great idea! Everyone loves Amiya and knows she's trustworthy. If she says that Penguin Logistics is okay, they'll have to believe her!"

"Or they won't even listen to what she has to say because she's from Penguin Logistics." Ch'en pointed out.

Texas had to admit to herself that Ch'en was right. The damage was done, and all that was left was for the mayor to decide the faint of the agency. If all went wrong, she knew she'd need to have a plan to fall back on. Her whole life, since she joined several years ago, has revolved around the Logistics. What she were to do if it got shut down was something she never planned out. She didn't have a family to go to, no relatives. And finding another job would be even more exigent. But what job on Rhode Island would accept a Lupo? Not many. Which was why most Lupo's like Texas and Lappland worked for Penguin Logistics.

The sick feeling wedging itself in her gut made Texas even more irate. It's all her fault. If Lappland had just followed orders like everyone else, none of this would be happening. When she first transferred here, I knew she'd be trouble. And I was right. But it's gone too far and now she's ruined everything Penguin Logistics stands for. Her savage and self destructive behavior is digging a deep hole that the Logistics is falling into.

Director looked somber, torn between the many arguments brought up by his most trusted operators. "As I and Ch'en have said, my hands are tied. There is nothing beyond this point that would change the mind of the mayor. I know how much this agency means to you, Texas. But perhaps it's time to fine another interest or hobby. A new leash on life, if you will." He chuckled at his own joke, then cleared his throat. "I'm...going to have to lay you off for a while. Don't take it personally, I know this wasn't your fault. It wasn't anybody's fault, really. As Lappland so kindly pointed out, accidents do happen now and then."

Lappland rolled her eyes.

"Now, go and live your life in peace for one. Have fun, make friends, get married." The director said with a wave of his hand.

Exusiai raised an eyebrow at him. "You want us to get married?"

The director frowned, thought for a minute, then shook his head. "Never mind that. Just take this time off as a blessing in disguise."

Texas turned and stormed out of the room, roughly brushing past Lappland and slamming the door behind her. Her anger rushed out all at once, pouring from her as if she were a fountain. She walked quickly, her head low. Several people tried to catch her for a quick conversation but she brushed them off with nothing but a silent glare. The front doors slammed shut behind her, the glass shaking from the impact.

Lappland stared at the door, unable to speak. Damn. I've known Tex for a while, but I've never seen her that angry before. She turned and pointed a thumb over her shoulder, looking between Croissant and Exusiai. "What the hell is with her? It's not like she's never gonna find another job."

Exusiai placed a hand on Lappland's shoulder. "Texas is a handful. Even when she lets you get close, she won't spare more than a few words. It took me a long time to figure out wether we were cool or not." She gave a sigh and shook her head. "You'd best leave her be for a while. She needs to calm down and collect herself. She's use to being able to solve things. When something can't be solved, she'll lock herself away from others until she finds a solution. You can't blame her for being upset. Penguin Logistics is important to her. To all of us, really." She gestured around the room, then looked back at Lappland. "Don't worry. She'll be back."

"I don't care wether she comes back or not." Lappland said with a chuckle. She placed a hand on the door knob and pushed the door open. "I just didn't like her attitude."