Have you not wondered why we have been charged with the momentous mission of claiming Golden Boughs despite that?

🪓: Golly, where'd you learn big words like that? 👢: I picked it up. My prior profession required meeting people with various occupations.

👁️: You seem rather confident that you'd be a part of that 'elite team of high-performing individuals', Outis. 👢: It's ridiculous to even suggest otherwise—

Tsk. I've heard my share of blunt, foul-mouthed talk during the war. She's not the first to do so. Doesn't matter. As long as she can live up to her words... No need to get in the way, I suppose.

Agreed. Let us not risk peeling old wounds. To lower the morale of our company is...

Heh. Executive Manager, I have been a leader of numerous operations that would dwarf this little skirmish—

Did I hear correctly? I’m pretty sure our manager clearly declined your request.

But I don't believe these fools know much about the Golden Bough. They likely kidnapped him by chance, thinking they could get a hefty ransom out of him.

Don't—leave me this time…

Public punishments of deserters are a historically proven tactic supported by many examples.

What a shame. I, Outis, would have loved to demonstrate my excellent negotiation skills to the Executive Manager.

This is a downtime activity designated by none other than our Executive Manager. Everyone, quit grimacing and accept it with gratitude!

👢: I sussed out that you'd be planning something like this... but you lacked the patience to pull it off. Qingtao: You're quite observant. I thought I had completely won you over. 👢: .....

Are you sure it wasn’t your expectations that were too high for our first mission? I will have you know that our manager’s performance was nothing short of outstanding.

Now, seawoman Don Quixote, set the power lever to the maximum output!

Waves incoming in 15 seconds. Get to the helm, Swab— No. First mate Ishmael.