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Sera had called him into the conference room. According to Emily, she never did that unless it was extremely serious. But, Pentious asked to himself, what could /he/ do for Sera? He wasn't Saint Peter or Emily or Abel, who were her advisers. He had been her friend when she needed it, but it had been almost lucky that he knew what she was missing.
Pentious entered the room. Sera was already there, looking through the glass wall.
"Sir Pentious." She said, with a stern voice.
"Miss Sera." He bowed, taking off his hat for a moment.
"Sit, please."
"There's something I've been thinking about a lot lately." She began. "Something that could help out Heaven, and with luck, Hell too."
"Sounds like you got a plan!"
"Yes. But" she sighed "it doesn't depend on me. And if it's rejected, it will be a more than reasonable response."
"Sounds like you've got to try." He said, trying to cheer her up.
"I do. And that's why I called you here."
"What does it have to do with me?"
"Everything. And..."
She sighed again.
"I thought about it a thousand times. Possibly more."
He sat silent. Whatever it was, it sounded grave.
"And I always came to the same conclusion." She sighed. "Sir Pentious... I cannot thank you enough for what you did for Heaven. Without you, war would have broken out. And... I thank you for what you did for me, too."
"Oh! Um, well, happy to help!"
"I know. Which is why" she inhaled, and continued "I want to ask you to be the Ambassador for Sinners in Heaven."
"Huh?"
"You are the first redeemed soul. The only one here that knows how Hell is truly like. And the only one who understands redemption."
"Um, well, that's a little bit exaggerated..."
"Believe me, I am being as straightforward as I can. The job I ask of you would be terribly hard work. You'd need to help me make people see that Sinners are not what they are thought of being. You'd need to explain Hell to those who's opinion of it is as low as it can be. You'd be the representative of Redeemed Sinners. And, of course, this isn't taking into account the direct opposition, like Lute."
With every word, Pentious shrank more and more.
"That's, uh, a lot..."
"I know that. Which is why this is an offer, not a mandate. You can freely take it, or leave it be. My opinion of you would not change. And it is more than understandable if you refuse. Like I said, I know I'm asking for far more work than you ever thought."
"...But?"
She sighed. "It would be of great help. To Heaven... And to me."
Pentious stood a little straighter.
"Could I really make such a big difference? I'm not really an expert in any of those things."
"You have proven yourself more than capable already. I know that, if you take the job, Heaven will be a much brighter place."
"Well, uh." Oh geez. How he could say yes? Saying he wasn't an expert was a massive oversimplification. He had no idea how he could do any of the things required. But then again... Sera thought he could do it. And it sounded like she needed him. So...
How he could say no?
"...Alright."
Sera looked shocked.
"You'll do it?"
"Yes! I mean, I don't know how I'm going to do it, but-"
"Pentious" she grabbed his hands. "Thank you. Truly."
"If I can help."
"I suppose you'd know better."
"I don't. But you know that more than anyone. Which is why your advice is invaluable."
It truly sounded to Pentious she never had a friend before. He had been in that position too, so he understood. And friends helped each other, didn't they?
"I'll try my best then."
"I know you will." Sera sighed with relief. "I am so glad you accepted."
"Heh, you're welcome. Sooo when do I start?"
"Tomorrow. I'll introduce you in the Speaker room."
Not even time to breathe. But he already said yes, so.
"Um, okay!"
"One more thing."
Pentious looked at her curiously.
"Now that you have a high position, your halo should reflect it. Do you mind?" she asked, making a gesture towards Pentious'.
"It's alright!"
"Okay." She touched it gently, and it softly changed as she made another gesture.
"It is done."
Pentious tried to look up, but it was slightly out of view. What he could see was different from his flat halo though. It looked a bit funny, and it was silver now.
Sera smiled.
"That is all. Thank you, again, for accepting. And I hope your new job suits you well."
"I hope I can make a difference, at least."
"You will. See you tomorrow, Sir Pentious."
"Oh, see ya, Sera!"
The snake left the room, touching his new halo. It felt wavier than before.
Sera turned towards the glass and sighed.
"Things will be different now. ...I can only hope it's for the best."