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Title:Summons.

sequel to:Her diary.

Rating:K / K+

author:Rodlox.

summary:For the first time in my life, going to the hospital feels like being summoned to the principal's office.

POV:Diana.

coda to:Lockdown (a day later); takes place before The Fifth Page.

spoilers:Voices Carry, Carrier, Lockdown.

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"Hi, I'm Diana Skouris," I say to the nurse behind the station desk. "I was -"

"Skouris, Skouris," she says, going through some papers. "Oh yeah, Jarvis asked to see you," and stands up. "Follow me," taking me down the hallway. I was hoping that, at the very least, Nina's mail would be held for her until she returns to duty. No such luck: Park brought her mail over this morning. I wonder if she hesitated at all between opening the package from Maia, and calling my office.

I keep my eyes facing forward, not looking at all the full rooms, at all the patients here. Only a few patients here are from NTAC. But a few is plenty when one of them is my boss. For the first time in my life, going to the hospital feels like being summoned to the principal's office.

"In here," the nurse tells me, letting me go inside by myself.

"Skouris," Nina says. "Prompt as usual, nice to know that hasn't changed." When I nod, "You know why I sent for you?"

"Maia's diary," I say.

She nods. "In which, interestingly enough, there's not a single reference to Spongebob. Now I'm pretty sure I know why you did what you did...you're Maia's mother now, and you feel obligated to protect her. Am I on the mark so far?"

"Yes," I say. Though 'so far'? What else is she going to ask?

"Good. And be sure to tell Maia I appreciate her honesty."

"I'll pass that along."

Watching me standing here, refusing to shake in my boots, Nina just smiles. "Relax, Skouris, I'm not firing you. I wouldn't even if I was inclined to. For one thing, I can't do anything from here," her good hand patting her bedside. "For another, Maia's diary said you wouldn't be fired."

"So...?"

"What labors will I make you do? I'm not sure you'd call it punishment. When I get back to work, I'm temporarily transferring you to your old post."

"The Theory Room?" I'm pretty sure the boys haven't converted my desk into a stadium for paper football or anything. "That sounds reasonable."

"Don't get too excited," Nina said. "You'll only be down there for a period not to exceed six months." I take it the diary didn't go into detail on how long my reassignment's to be? Or is Nina making this sound more vague than it is? "That's all," her tone saying I'm free to go now, so I head back for the door.

"And Skouris," Nina says.

"Yes?"

"Don't ever do that again."

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the end.