[center][b][u][h1]Call to a Higher Purpose[/h1][/u][/b]
[i]Recruitment of Sarah King[/i]
[sub]Collab Between IAmTheIsland & Eviledd1984; featuring [color=orange]Sarah Marie King[/color] & Donald Baker[/sub][/center]

[indent]Sarah flipped the lightswitch nearest to her, further lighting the space. In a chair against the opposite wall, a man, seemingly middle-aged, sat, sipping from a cup of coffee that looked as if he had just made it while waiting for her to return. [color=orange]“Ghetto shit,”[/color] she muttered, looking at the front door. She forcefully secured the bolt, and turned back to face Baker. [color=orange]“Not exactly giving ‘good-guy’ vibes inviting yourself in,”[/color] she continued, walking in closer to him, [color=orange]“Or helping yourself to my kitchen-- whatever. What were you saying? Something about someone telling you about me?”[/color]

“Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I should’ve waited for you. Or arranged a meeting. But unfortunately, I don’t really have the time for that.” He said, looking up at Sarah. Reaching for something inside his jacket. Producing a pack of cigarettes, but quickly put it back because he thought smoking in her apartment would be rude. “You and some other heroes were picked as possible recruits.” The short man looked up at her. He pulled a folder from his other jacket pocket and placed it on the table near him. “In the folder is information on your first task for the Guardians. I know you're probably having doubts about joining the Guardians. If you do nothing and continue your one-woman war on crime, then you would be doing a great disservice to Sergeant Shimazu.”

Sarah went rigid. Her chest heaved and heated while her heart seared with pain as though a dagger had been thrust into it. The energy she had been ready to start a fight with a minute earlier let out steadily, enveloping the small living room with a noticeable pressure. [color=orange]“And what would you know about that?”[/color] As she spoke her eyes read of anger, but a single tear fell from her face. 

“As I said, we have been monitoring you for a long time. We knew of Mr.Shimazu’s career and how he mentored you since you were a little kid. Look, I’m not looking for a fight. I just want to let you know you can do a lot more than fighting pimps and thugs on the street.” He had closed his eyes, but could feel that she wanted to fight him. But that was not an outcome he wanted. 

Sarah steadily subsided. The present energy dissipated with the fading of the pain back to the dull reminder in the back of her chest. [color=orange] “Ken Shimazu is dead.”[/color] She spoke bluntly. She took a slow step towards Baker, and picked up the folder he had set on the table. [color=orange]“That’s on my shoulders.”[/color] She held up the folder, eyeing its front cover as if she were trying to see through it. Baker had a point… Shimazu Sensei wouldn’t have wanted her wasting her power pushing around common thugs; he had always talked to her about finding a higher purpose. Was this what he meant? 

After a minute, she peered out from behind the folder, and asked, [color=orange]“what’s the catch?”[/color]

“I know. There is no catch. The only thing you’d have to do is perform well, and you’ll be a Guardian. From what I’ve observed, I think you’d be a perfect fit. But they want to put you through the wringer to see what you're made of.” He opened his eyes and pointed his finger at the folder in her hand. “Have a look at the report on your first task. It should be a good warm-up.” He smiled, watching her look at the report inside the folder.  

Sarah stood still, considering Baker’s offer once, twice, and then a third time. She opened the folder, and skimmed through what her task would be. WIth an unchanged expression, she nodded. [color=orange]“Fine. I’m in.”[/color][/indent]
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