A different kind of Badge

As the recovery room's sole occupant laid in a bed with all manner of medical equipment connected to his body, Analisa looked on from behind the glass panel.

A comforting hand touched her shoulder. "It's going to take time, but he's going to be on the road to recovery soon enough. I know it."

Analisa smiled. "I believe you. It's just that he looks so bad. They did a number on him, D."

"Yeah," came the sigh, "... but he's alive, and he's now safe. Burning Daylight's med skills are going to get our friend healthy and happy soon enough."

Analisa and Tri-blade walked away only to be met by a somewhat-bewildered Rosa - her usual smile was contorted into a quizzical lip-tilt.

"Um, do you know someone called the Closer?" Rosa asked Tri-blade.

"Hm," he responded as he stroked his chin, "He's with the 5th Precinct folks. We're fairly well acquainted although I don't think we've actually worked together either here or in the other realm."

Analisa's eyebrows rose. "From S.H.C.?"

Tri-blade nodded. "Remember, some of those here have also come from that other place. It's partly why it was sometimes a bit problematic trying to trace our friend not too long ago... other existing persons had the potential to lead us down the wrong rabbit hole. But Rosa, why do you ask?"

Rosa threw a thumb out behind her. "Because he's looking to conference-call with us."

"Oh," shrugged Tri-blade with a sheepish grin. "Well, let's not keep him waiting any longer. I'll be right there. We'll see if P.B. can link in as well."


---

"Love the suit," said Tri-blade to the camera. The video feed was all set up with the Closer on one side, Power Bottom (Tri-blade kept calling him P.B.Junior or NewP.B. at times, but Power Bottom didn't seem to mind) on a connected feed and Tri-blade and Rosa in the main room.

"Thanks. I've been able to utilize the nanites in various ways over recent months and I think this current construct, the mech-arm, will be a big help," said the Closer in reply.

They exchanged in some small-talk for another couple of minutes, then the Closer got down to brass tacks. "We know that you've personally completed your main mission -"

"Near and dear," sighed Rosa.

The Closer continued, "and in the aftermath of recent events, we over here would like to link forces going forward. What do you think?"

Rosa jumped to her feet, her grin back.

"Well if the young lady's in, then how can I say no?" chimed Power Bottom.

"I suppose if it came to a vote, there aren't likely to be dissenters," chuckled Tri-blade as he sat back. "A merger is fine with me, bud. We'd be happy to share resources and work together as long as it takes."

"Good to hear," said the Closer. "Your badges are in the mail."

"Say what?" queried Tri-blade, Rosa and Power Bottom simultaneously.