A much chastened Snakefoot sat fearfully in front of Screwtape’s imposing desk. His former towering ego and cheeky bravado had abandoned him. Screwtape let him stew for minutes, while his head was buried in underworld progress reports. Finally he looked up.
“Since the unfortunate demise of your incompetent compatriot, we have an opening for Southeast District Chief,” Screwtape said. “You’re it.”
Stunned, Snakefoot started to protest. “I...I’m flattered, but --”
“Spare me the false modesty. Don’t overestimate yourself,” Screwtape interrupted. “Your wishes were not consulted. This is not a reward for your failure. It is a test and a punishment. No other demon wanted this miserable post. Fail again and you are toast,” Screwtape added, enjoying the rhyme.
As Snakefoot rose to go, Screwtape said, “One more thing -- your top mission is this Mary/twin affair. Even though they are no doubt physically out of your district, this whole debacle started in the Southeast. So it’s still your responsibility. I don’t need to remind you what will happen to you if you fail to bring it to a successful conclusion.”
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