Transcript For Strip 1302

Alyss is kicking back in an overstuffed chair in her study, sipping an adult beverage. Hayami pokes her head in the door.
Hayami: I hope I'm not intruding, but ...
Alyss: Come on in, Hayami.
Alyss: I guess it's time to pay you.
Panel 2
Hayami stands near where Alyss remains seated.
Hayami: Pay me? But aren't you ...
Alyss: Your contract is completed. You performed well, but I won't be needing your services now.
Panel 3
Different angle, Hayami is confounded.
Hayami: But … aren't you going back to Zytemonde?
Alyss: Yes, but not as part of the study project. That's over with.
Alyss: This is a personal mission, undertaken with my own funds.
Panel 4
Now Hayami is protesting. Alyss is touching her temple with a finger.
Hayami: Sure, but … you're going into a hostile theater! You'll need muscle.
Alyss: Already covered.
Alyss: I'm sending payment to your account, with a 10 percent bonus for 'hazardous-duty.'
Panel 5
Hayami looks defeated, but makes one last try.
Hayami: But, what's your game plan? How are you going to rescue scores of people?
Alyss: I'm still working on that, Hayami, and it's not your concern anyway.
Alyss: Monty will see you out.
Panel 6
Hayami walks away. We see her in the foreground, casting a heavy-lidded glance back at Alyss, who is sipping her drink.
Hayami: Okay, but … well, be careful, Alyss.
Alyss: I'm always careful, kiddo. That's how I've managed to live this long.

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