You notice the sudden appearance of an exquisite humidifier on your desk. You learn from Closure that Ascalon put it there. The strands of mist resemble Ascalon's eyes. You know how her Originium Arts work, and are sure that any strange movement in your room will send the master assassin emerging from this humidifier within three seconds. But why did she send you this 'gift'? To protect, or to surveil you? You know Ascalon does not need a prop like this to watch anyone, and it showing up here serves more as a warning than any practical function—that she is watching you. You feel a little helpless, but from any other point of view, there is ample reason on her part to keep her eyes on you after the incident that brought pain to everyone on Rhodes Island. You remember what you have gone through together, albeit with perhaps an imperfect working relationship. You think of the beginning, when she was showing utmost vigilance, and remember the battlefields of Victoria when she risked her life again and again to save yours. It took three relatively stable years for her to gradually become a familiar figure to you. Among Rhodes Island's operators, Ascalon may be the most mysterious of all. She is the organization's shadow, and a dagger serving as its defender. You can only piece her past together from what the other Elite Operators tell you, and get a sense of her determination from reviewing her combat records. No matter what, you have always trusted Ascalon, because she has proved—too many times to count—that when you and Rhodes Island need her, she is always there. But how does she see herself? Perhaps it is time to have a heart-to-heart with everyone... 'Ascalon.' You call out softly to the humidifier. One, two... sixty seconds pass, but Ascalon does not float out from it. At that very moment, someone knocks on your office door. Ascalon stands at the entrance with a document in hand. 'I believe now is the time.' Ascalon gives you the file. 'I will hand S.W.E.E.P.'s command privileges over to you. From today onwards, S.W.E.E.P. will no longer exist independently from the Rhodes Island system. It can take on any field work or security operations. As for how to integrate us into Rhodes Island and turn us into regulars in the eyes of the other operators, that is up to you.' 'Why?' 'I made this choice after careful consideration. Amiya has already been informed, and she has no objections. She also hoped I would inform you directly— 'We believe a dagger is most effective when placed in the hands of a commander who can see the entire chessboard, so we can nip our next threat in the bud before its too late. Currently, you are the most suitable person in Rhodes Island, Doctor, so—Doctor, are you listening?' 'O-Of course.' 'I was just wondering... what's with this humidifier?' 'A little gadget from Medical. Touch gave it to me. You can add a sedative in there for pain relief, but it also works normally as a humidifier. 'The weather is quite dry here, so everyone could use one. I also left one in Amiya's room, but I'm not sure if Mon3tr will need one—do you have a problem with it? '...No, not really.' 'Thank you, Ascalon.'