The Call - A Rynelle Davenport Story

When I wake up, I survey the high-tech medical room, filled with equipment beyond the reach of most. AutoMed pumps, electrical muscle stimulators catch my eye. Glancing at the vital signs displayed on the computer screen, all indicators are in the green. But then I notice something unexpected: neural damage reversal.
Well, damn. What did I get myself into? How severe is the damage? And how much is this going to set me back financially? I suppose I should try to make the most of it; it might be my last chance.
A nurse enters with breakfast. We exchange smiles as she sets it down before me.
"Dr. Anderson will see you after you've eaten. It's a high-grade protein meal replacer, aiding in healing and maintaining nutrients."
"Got it. Thanks." Wow, this nurse is beautiful, and has very nice cleavage. Is this part of the room? Focus, Rynelle. This isn't the time for distractions, this ain't a hospital porn dance. "Oh, Nurse?"
She pauses at the door. "Yes, Ms. Davenport?"
"Could you pass me my agent, please?"
"Certainly, Ms. Davenport. Your room is sound-secured."
"Thanks." I retrieve the agent and, once alone, instruct it to call Akiko. Anticipation and anxiety mingle as her face fills the screen, my best friend is seated in her meditation garden, her robe a touch too revealing. Focus, Rynelle. Focus.
"Konnichiwa, Rynelle. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever reach out. I almost hung up on you."
"Konnichiwa, Akiko." I offered a slight bow of my head, best I could do in this bed. "I'm glad you didn't. I've missed you. I just didn't know how to face you. I was ashamed."
Her gaze sharpened. That look was familiar, but it had never been directed at me before. She was genuinely upset.
"You should be. I warned you about that company. I told you not to work there. And you ignored me, watashi no yoki tomo (my friend). And now, you're dead to the corporate world."
"What do you mean, dead?"
She made a gesture in the air, accessing augmented reality with her top-of-the-line Kiroshi implants. I loved staring in those in university. Focus, Rynelle, this Akiko, not some lover. My agent beeped, displaying a Meatwagon document. A quick scan confirmed my worst fears: I'd been accused of theft of corporate property and insubordination. Yeah, I was effectively corporate persona non grata.
"Akiko-san," I said softly. "What does this mean for us?"
Her expression softened. "I know you, Rynelle-chan. I know you're not capable of theft. Insubordination, maybe. I received a video of you quitting. It was... unconventional, and beautiful. I see you've learned something from me. But my personal feelings don't change the reality. You'll never find corporate employment again. I reached out to BioT, but they won't hire you either. Your corporate ID is intact, but your accounts are frozen, and you're banned from corporate territory. I can't even have you over. It wouldn't be proper. Daijoubu desu ka? Soshite watashi ni uso wa tsuka nai de! (Are you okay? Don't lie to me!)"
I sighed heavily. She knew me too well, and I wasn't skilled at deception. "No, Akiko-san. Guai ga warui desu (No, I am not well.). I'm working as a mercenary medic. I'm with a team now..."
Before I could continue, she raised her hand in a halting gesture, her tone firm. "Rynelle-chan," she stressed the "chan," and I couldn't discern if it was out of affection, a touch of condescension, or perhaps both. "Firstly, I don't want to know the names of the people or even their specialties. The less I know about that world, the better. And you should be cautious with such information."
Akiko sighed heavily, her frustration palpable. The sigh caused her to lean a little forward, wow, she really has nice breasts. "Rynelle, where are you now?"
"At a hospital near the Combat Zone. I was too close to an explosion, and I damaged my back. Not so bad that I lost the use of anything, and they fixed it, but I have no idea what the cost is yet. Soon, I'll get out and get back to work. Oh, and I have a present for you. Next time we see each other, I'll give it to you."
"Baka nani onnanoko, Rynelle. (Silly girl) I can do nothing to help you. I may be the daughter of a ranking manager, but I'm still just a junior technician. I can't even send you money. My father is monitoring my accounts because of the same report I received. But know this, you are my friend, and I love you. One day, we can meet somewhere, and you can give it to me then. Be safe, Itoshii hito (Beloved person). Don't die. And I will call you; do not call me unless it's vitally important." With that, she hung up.
Sitting back, savoring the last of my drink. It's much better than the disgusting stuff I've been eating. Did she call me "Itoshii hito?" Does she love me, or is that mean she value's me and oure relationshop? I'm so bad at reading that woman. And why the hell was I focusing so much on her breasts? I need to get laid. The door opened, and a relatively plain man walked in.
"Ms. Davenport, how are you today?" He took out a pen and began prodding my toes.
"Better, Doctor. How bad was my back?"
"Nothing that couldn't be fixed. There was some damage to the nerves and spine, as well as expected concussive damage from the explosion. You should be able to leave as soon as you're ready."
"Thank you, Doctor."
"Don't forget to read all your paperwork and follow instructions. I'll have a few medications in that will speed healing. Be safe, and remember where to find medical aid if you need it again!" He flashed a small, fake smile and left.
Soon, Sarge and Cowboy came to escort me. We reviewed the next steps for the mission. But... Akiko, and those breasts, were on my mind. Should I protect her by distancing myself? I'm not sure how I feel about her. She always said she loved me, but it was always like sisters. Why did my heart skip a beat? Well, I know she would never date me anyway; it's too risky for her. Time to focus on work. No more thinking about Akiko.