Death Stranding: Higgs

Chapter Seventeen: Preparing For Hell

-Higgs' POV- The gash on my leg is slowly getting better as the days go by. Deadman and the others wouldn't send me out to reconnect America just yet. I still need to rest. For now, I had surprisingly received my first order: a pizza delivery, of all things.
Well, I've got to start off somewhere.....

"My dear Mr. Higgs," I read, staring at the e-mail on the hologram in my room wall. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Lemuel Englert. I understand that you are fairly new to this Porter business, so I wanted to make your first delivery easy.
My beloved sister, bless her heart, has fallen under the weather lately. I'm afraid the only cure for her ailment would be the once popular Italian dish known as pizza. Would you be so kind as to deliver the meal over to Lake Knot City when you have the chance? I will be forever in your debt. I wish you a safe and merry journey. Oh! And do keep in mind that my sister is somewhat of a ham-lover. Do keep this in mind if you decide to follow up with this task." I finish reading aloud, seeing a small heart symbol next to Lemuel's name.

"Well," I begin, turning away from the wall and putting on the dark grey uniform designed for Porters. "This sounds easy enough."
"You'll be fine," Deadman assures me as I put on my boots and gloves.

"At least one of you believes in me," I smile, strapping Nava on my chest. "The others care about you." Deadman explains. "Die-Hardman may not show it, but he secretly cares."
****
Dirt and blades of grass is kicked up from my motorcycle wheels as I speed off. I was told the pizza is supposed to be kept flat and to try not to run over rocks. I assume getting a messed up pizza wouldn't make Lemuel very happy.

I know I don't want to make him upset. Not my first customer. At least it isn't raining. Nava enjoys being on the bike, occasionally laughing. Soon enough, I drive up to the Porter storage unit where Lemuel is supposed to reside in.

Deadman told me that will all the deliveries that I make, I won't encounter many people. Most people don't want to be in contact with anyone else, mainly keeping underground and communicating via hologram. Well, with the timefall, I don't blame them.

I sigh, getting off the motorcycle and carrying the box over to the small building. To my surprise, I don't see a hologram of Lemuel, just the empty room. A small shelf popping out of the ground causes me to nearly drop the pizza.
"Uh," I stammer. "I don't know if you can hear me, Lemuel, but I got you your pizza." I laugh nervously.

"I hope your sister gets better," I mumble, feeling my cheeks burn at the prospect of talking to myself miles away from civilization. "Send me another message if you need another pizza." I place the box on the shelf and watch it drop down into the floor.

"Well, this is awkward..." I murmur, shuffling my feet nervously. "I-I'll get going now. Enjoy the food." I exit the building and get back on the motorcycle, starting it up and riding off.
****
I sigh, laying down in bed once I got back to the city. Everyone had congratulated me on doing my first delivery, which turned me into a stammering mess.

I jump as my e-mail pings once I receive a new message. I get up, rubbing my eyes as I read the e-mail over.
"My dear Mr. Higgs," I read. "You will always hold a special place in my heart since you fulfilled your first ever delivery! My sister and I enjoyed the meal immensely. Thank you again for delivering it. My hat goes off to you. I will inform you if I ever need another pizza. Your shy behavior is and always will be amusing to see. I apologize if that somewhat frightens you, I am simply speaking the truth. I hope your other deliveries will be as easy as this one was. Forever yours, Lemuel Englert. ❣️" I finish reading, feeling myself blush in flattery.

"Well, ain't that cute?" I laugh. "He even put another heart symbol. I should get to bed." I yawn, walking over to Nava and kissing the pod near her face. "Night, babygirl." I smile in a tired way, walking to bed and pretty much collapsing.