Upon awakening, Kelfin was confused to see Rist, sound asleep in a chair positioned close to the bed. Curiously, she was holding his hand tight. He wondered why. He was an empath, and if she had been consumed with fear, he would have sensed it. Silently, he eased out from her still grasp, cautious not to stir her from her slumber. She didn’t stir. He knew exhaustion was a state of the body, rather than an emotion, hence he couldn't feel it. Yet even in her deep sleep, her peaceful dreams affirmed she was still consumed by fatigue. With gentle care, he lifted her from the chair, cradling her in his arms as he maneuvered her back to the comfort of her own bed. As he gingerly placed her back onto her bed, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He saw flashes of the countless times he had done the same for Marza. Her absence in his life was a dull ache he still couldn't shake off. He effectively pushed away the bittersweet emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He reminded himself that though Rist was not an empath, strong emotional surges from others were discernible to even non-empaths. He had grieved Marza’s death long enough; it was time to move on. Refreshed, Kelfin made his way to the guest room, his mind focused on starting his day and the tasks ahead. He harbored an optimistic hope that his association with Rist would progress smoothly. This would be a great relief for Satil and Dath, who, in the past, had reluctantly accompanied him during his outings, neither of them particularly comfortable with the associated responsibilities. He greeted her cheerily as he sensed her wake from her slumber, "Good morning." Rist entered the room with her tablet. “That’s not weird at all.” Although the voice from the tablet was mechanical and lacked emotions, Kelfin could feel humor emanating from Rist. Kelfin chuckled in response, waving away her confusion. “Sorry, habit.” “I’ll get used to it.” “I won’t always know when you wake up. It’s only because I was so close today. I prefer my bed. I trust you had a good night's sleep?” “Better than you.” Kelfin's expression faltered, as he reflected on his dreams. “My nightmares. It’s from going out alone yesterday. Sorry if I woke you.” He frowned as a thought occurred to him. “Is that why you were sleeping in the chair?” Rist nodded in acquiescence. "When I touched you, you calmed down. Therefore, I held your hand through the night." He expressed his gratitude, somewhat taken aback by her thoughtful gesture. “Thanks.” “It’s part of my job.” “That goes beyond your job. Thank you.” “I can help you if needed, I don’t need any more drama.” “Are you referring to yesterday by 'drama'?” “Can it wait until I can talk?” “Of course. Why don’t we grab some breakfast?” “You suppose breakfast will be less of a disaster than dinner?” Memories of his failed attempt at cooking dinner brought an amused grin to his face. Kelfin had created a mess in the kitchen, spilling ingredients, misjudging measurements, undercooking the dish, and even managing to have a pot boil over. Eventually, Rist intervened, taking over the entire operation. “On the contrary, I believe it can only get better. Hurmis has left food; we only need to reheat it. I just wanted to cook again.” “Maybe Hurmis should teach you.” With an enigmatic smile, he agreed. “Might be a good idea.” *** As the morning quietly unfolded, Kelfin spent his time engrossed in the thorough examination of several detailed reports that required his utmost attention. Between the bouts of reading, he broke his concentration to make an assortment of necessary phone calls, diving deep into his various responsibilities. On the other hand, Rist found herself occupied with her new tablet. Before her unfortunate arrest, she had only ever possessed the most rudimentary tablet model, limited to the core features of calls, messages, and a simple shopping interface, offered as part of a public aid initiative for people who couldn’t afford to buy one. But now, in stark contrast, Kelfin had bought her one that appeared to be top-of-the-line. As the morning sun approached its zenith, Kelfin's routine was broken by a sudden incoming call. The caller ID revealed it to be the intake camp. The manager, on the other end of the line, boldly claimed, “There appears to have been some mix-up in the paperwork. The woman’s debt was almost double what you have paid.” “I find that incredibly hard to believe," Kelfin retorted dryly, skeptical of the claim, "In any case, the amount I was given was in a written agreement. It’s legally binding.” “I could take you to court. Let’s not forget how you threatened one of my employees,” the manager threatened, trying to gain an upper hand. Kelfin remained unfazed, replying with quiet confidence, “Are you truly prepared to go head-to-head against Mor’s seasoned team of lawyers? They will unquestionably reveal the underhanded actions you’ve taken, drugging and muting her. Furthermore, they’ll instigate a full inspection of your facility. I spotted a half dozen violations during my brief visit. Can you even imagine what they’ll uncover?” The threat-laden silence stretched ominously long until the manager finally ended the call. Kelfin muttered under his breath, "Lying scammer." Rist, who had been quietly engrossed in her tablet, looked over at hearing Kelfin's comment and quirked an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden bout of trouble. “You aren’t the first companion I’ve gotten from them. And I got Dath from there. He was a bargain. He was injured and dying of an infection that they should have been treating. I only paid a small fee and some of his medical care. I needed a driver, so it worked out well for both of us. But like with you, I usually have to get someone right off the ship. If I hadn’t been so desperate yesterday, I wouldn’t have gone there.” With a sigh of relief, Rist admitted, "I’m glad you did." Curiosity piqued, Kelfin asked, "Can I ask how you ended up there?" Rist responded vaguely, "It’s complicated." Deducing the hint of Rist’s troubled past, Kelfin inquired, "Is this the drama you mentioned?" Rist nodded in confirmation. “Then I won't ask for details now," Kelfin assured Rist, understanding that discussing certain matters could be difficult. "You should be able to talk tomorrow. If you want, you can tell me then. If you don't want to tell me, I won't push. I know it can be hard to talk about." Rist raised an eyebrow at Kelfin's offer but decided not to inquire further. However, Kelfin felt compelled to share his past with her anyway. "This was back when psionics was still in its infancy. Empathy wasn't recognized as a psionic ability. Unfortunately, my parents didn't understand the challenges I faced and couldn't support me. Instead, they abandoned me at a transfer camp. It was a difficult time for me," Kelfin revealed, his voice tinged with a mix of pain and resilience. Fortunately, Kelfin's life took a turn when Yol's father, Bril Mor, stepped in to sponsor him. Bril had a habit of regularly sponsoring groups of children to work with the compacts, a company dedicated to exploring and utilizing psionic abilities. Once these sponsored kids made it to adulthood, Bril would cancel any debt they might still owe and offer them permanent positions in the company. "Bril recognized my potential, thanks to the conglomerate's extensive psionics department. Within a few weeks, he understood what I was capable of," Kelfin continued, reminiscing about the fateful turning point in his life. "He decided to place me in the marketing division where my empathic abilities could be put to good use." “Since the conglomerate had an extensive psionics department, it only took a few weeks for him to recognize what I was. He moved me to marketing. He had me live with him so I could imprint on him, but he was too greedy. His emotions kept overriding the others. So he hired someone for me. The first few acted also as nannies. When I was older, they became companions.” Kelfin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the weight of his troubled past as he continued his story. "Not wanting to lose a valuable asset," he began, his voice tinged with bitterness, "Bril chipped me when I was old enough so I wouldn't age.” The resentment in Kelfin's voice was palpable as he recounted his experiences. "I earned the child's maximum several times over," he continued, "but Bril refused to release me. He was consumed by his fear of losing me to another company. It was infuriating because I had no intention of leaving the conglomerate. I was loyal and committed, but he didn't trust me. So, I took matters into my own hands and threatened to take him to court." Kelfin's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and determination as he described the power dynamics within the conglomerate. "He knew he was in the wrong, and it was a reminder that even conglomerates have their limitations. They cannot trample on the rights and freedoms of their employees, no matter how valuable they may be." As the narrative unfolded, Kelfin delved into a particular incident that led to a crucial turning point. "Like the other transfers, I was sent to the call room for work," he revealed. "One day, fate had it that I had to transfer a call to Bril himself. As soon as he heard my voice, he recognized me and came to see me personally. He wanted to understand why I hadn't sought employment at another conglomerate or even a smaller company." "And that's when I told him, once again, the same thing I had been telling him for years," Kelfin's voice held a touch of weariness. "I wasn't against working for. All I wanted was my freedom – to have a paycheck and the full rights that came with it." Kelfin's face softened momentarily as he continued, revealing deep concern for his future. "You see, I know that at some point, my chip is going to fail. And when that happens, as I age, there's a chance I might lose my ability to imprint. If that happens, I'll be in serious trouble. I'll need proper care, and that requires money." His words carried a mix of vulnerability and stoicism, a realization of the challenges he faced. Kelfin understood that his financial stability was crucial for his well-being and survival, given the uncertainty of his future. Kelfin continued his narration, his voice filled with a mixture of resignation and bitterness. "After Bril's passing, his son Yol took over the company. We weren’t far apart in age and Yol and I had developed a close bond over the years. He defied his father's belief that one should not be friendly with the 'help'. Yol saw potential in me and recognized my skills, so he chose to keep me on board when he assumed control. However, Yol was not as cutthroat as his father. He would have released me on time if it weren't for the circumstances that unfolded." He paused for a moment, his face devoid of emotion. "There was one instance when Bril actually considered my feelings. It was when my parents came to the conglomerate for chip maintenance. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Bril asked me if he should help them. I responded coldly, saying that I didn't care. Truth be told, my parents had ceased to have any meaning in my life long ago. But Bril didn't believe me. He refused to assist them." Kelfin's voice trembled slightly as he continued, his words heavy with sorrow. "In their desperate search for help, my parents ended up in the hands of a back-alley mechanic who botched the job. Their chips malfunctioned, causing their deaths in a painfully slow and agonizing manner.” “I’m sorry,” Rist told Kelfin when he had finished speaking. “For what?” Kelfin asked. “They stopped meaning anything to me long before that. Even when I was indebted, my life with Mor’s had been better than anything I would have had with my parents. I probably wouldn't have been hired by one of the conglomerates, and I certainly wouldn't have made the money I make now. Back then, most empaths went insane, and very few knew how to help them.” Rist nodded understandingly. "It still dredged up some unhappy memories." Kelfin shrugged. "I may be fragile, but I'm not that bad. I've come a long way since then." Throughout the period that passed between that moment and the subsequent call, Kelfin found himself caught in a cycle of work and interacting with Rist. At one point, Rist took the initiative to ask Kelfin to share the development reports he had been working on, expressing her desire to follow along with that evening’s discussions. She held no qualms about any potential speculations regarding their relationship. She was prepared to fully embrace the pretense of being his assistant, planning to put on a convincing performance. The next call came from a man named Satil. Yol had contacted Satil, entrusting him with the task of helping Rist choose an appropriate ensemble for their upcoming evening event. Kelfin answered the call, saying, “I was expecting your call, Satil." He then added, "It's no secret that Mr. Mor places more trust in your judgment than mine when it comes to matters of fashion.” “What were you planning on having her wear?” inquired Satil. Kelfin pulled out a sharp, tailored pantsuit from the wardrobe. “And your companion?” ventured Satil. At the mention of her, Kelfin gestured for Rist to come into view. Satil nodded approvingly at the sight of the pantsuit. "That should look quite sharp. Has she tried it on yet?” Rist shook her head in response. “Then give it a try," suggested Satil. "Meanwhile, Kelfin, you can show me your second choice while she's changing. And don’t forget the shoes." Upon returning, Rist was astounded by how she looked. She’d never worn a suit before. Satil gave a nod of approval, commenting, “The suit is a good fit. But let’s also see the second option." Once again, Rist went to change while Kelfin presented several pairs of shoes. Scanning the selection when she returned, Rist identified a particular pair that felt just right. She quickly slipped them on, finding them to be a perfect fit. She looked to the men for their verdict. Kelfin broke into a warm smile, while Satil nodded in satisfaction. “Good choice," praised Satil. "Those shoes will complement either suit. But if you ask me, I'd recommend the first one.” Agreeing with Satil's fashion advice, Kelfin nodded in agreement and turned his gaze towards Rist for her opinion. She showed her approval with a thumbs-up. “Now, Kel, what are you wearing?" Satil asked, his tone filled with anticipation. Kelfin shrugged. "The charcoal Winsor," he replied confidently. "It will go well with Rist's suit." Satil's face lit up in approval. "Perfect," he exclaimed, nodding in agreement. Curiosity sparked in Rist's eyes as she looked at the suit she still wore. "How is it you have clothes that fit me?" she queried. Kelfin, unfazed by the question, shrugged again. "I have clothes and shoes in several sizes," he explained casually. "I guessed which size would fit you." Satil chimed in, providing further context. "They were from his last companion. Once he's imprinted and you can go out, he'll buy you a new wardrobe," he clarified. Rist seemed somewhat taken aback. She glanced again at the suit. "Marza never wore that," Kelfin assured her. "She had several outfits that she never wore. I never understood why she didn't wear them." Satil interjected, shedding light on the matter. "They didn't fit her well, not like they fit Miss Rist here. And what about her hair? Have you thought about that?" "I can do my hair, not a problem," she assured them. Satil pondered for a moment before suggesting, "I don't know. Maybe you should have someone come out. Kelfin cringed. “I’d rather not.” “I used to be a hairdresser,” Rist assured him. “I'd put it up in a French twist or a chignon updo." Kelfin's eyes widened in surprise. "You were a stylist?" he queried, clearly intrigued. Satil grinned. "Kel, you need to get to know your companion better," he gently chastised him. Kelfin sighed, a tinge of frustration evident in his voice. "I'm trying, but if you haven't noticed, she can't talk," he replied, his concern for Rist apparent. This revelation piqued Satil's interest. "Mute, or Muted?" he asked, seeking clarification. "Muted," Kelfin confirmed. "I gave her the serum yesterday morning. I figured we could talk when her voice comes back." Satil nodded in understanding. "Very good," he commented supportively. "We'll see you in two weeks. Call if you need anything." With a final nod, Kelfin ended the call. *** Kelfin found himself mesmerized as Rist appeared before him, her transformation complete. Her assurance had been correct; she proved herself more than capable of doing her hair, crafting an elegant updo with ease. The hand of a professional had certainly worked on her makeup too. The subtle shimmer of her eyeshadow matched the hue of her suit, layers of mascara enhancing her bewitching eyes. The natural flush on her cheeks and the soft pink of her lips gave her a refined, yet captivating allure. Rist was certainly set to command attention tonight. Kelfin saw this as an asset. Her striking appearance would undoubtedly entice their clients and compel them to take notice. However, that also meant he had to engage with a broader spectrum of personalities. Upon arriving at the towering Corporate Center, Kelfin proceeded to check in at the reception desk. He was directed to the location where Mor’s was established. Unique to the Corporate Center, each Conglomerate had its designated floor. A set of floors were utilized communally by a host of smaller corporations. Another floor was primarily occupied by burgeoning businesses, mostly entrepreneurial startups. Kelfin had harbored curiosity regarding their competition, however, given the present circumstances it wasn't an apt time for investigation. He was yet to imprint on Rist, and losing focus was a risk he couldn't afford. Instead, he gently guided Rist by her elbow. She was more comfortable with that than holding his hand. The effervescent clamor of the gathering reverberated around the room as the name 'Kelfin' found itself piercing through the busy hum of the crowd. Casting a glance in the direction from where his name was being voiced, Kelfin's gaze landed on Yol. Yol, a familiar face in the sea of strangers, was waving him over with a conspicuous sense of urgency. "I see you made it,” exclaimed Yol, his words laden with a palpable sense of relief that rippled through the room, causing Kelfin to offer an assuring smile in response. "I wouldn’t miss this," Kelfin replied, his tone reflecting an unwavering certainty. Although such events didn’t particularly align with his preferences, his presence at this gathering was more a duty than a choice. A failure to attend could only be interpreted as professional negligence, and inevitably lead to him getting fired. “Indeed. I believe an introduction is in order. Kelfin, meet Pred Threl.” Kelfin's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the name. “Of the Threl Real Estate, I presume? It's indeed an honor to meet you, sir.” As Pred extended his hand for a handshake, Kelfin reciprocated with a firm grip despite an innate aversion he held towards such tactile greetings. His empathetic abilities meant even the barest of physical contact made it easier to pick up on emotions. However, the fear of coming across as rude at such an important gathering outweighed his discomfort. Having completed the formal introductions, Pred's attention was drawn to the young woman accompanying Kelfin. “And this enchanting lady, who might she be?" Pred queried. "This is Rist, my assistant." A warm smile graced her features as she cordially acknowledged Pred's greeting, reinforcing a sense of silent understanding among them. "You don’t talk, young lady?” Pred inquired, his question directed at Kelfin. "Have you muted her?" “No, he didn’t,” Rist managed. It was the first words she’d spoken. Kelfin could feel the determination radiate off her. It had taken great effort to utter those three words. Kelfin hastened to clarify, “Rist is just a woman of few words but this makes her an excellent assistant. Her silence offers an escape from unproductive chatter.” The discussion then veered toward the company. “Mr. Mor informed me that your position is 'Senior Supervisor of Development Sales'. I must confess, I am somewhat unfamiliar with that role. Could you perhaps enlighten me?” “I coordinate the engineers and salesmen. Have you ever been talking to one of the salesmen about a product, but they couldn’t tell you how it worked beyond ‘flip the switch?’ Or getting details from an engineer but they were clueless on financing?” Kelfin asked. Pred frowned. “Have you ever been to one of these before? That’s every booth.” “Not on this floor. My job is to coordinate them so you can have all your questions answered. Tomorrow, there will be people at every booth on this floor to do just that,” Kelfin assured him. “And will you be there?” The man didn’t want to stoop to dealing with lowly employees. Even though he was just a corporate manager, he felt that was beneath him. "Kelfin’s been on bereavement leave. He just came back to make sure this convention ran smoothly,” Yol explained Kelfin’s temporal absence. “I’ll see what I can do. If not, all of them have my number if you have any problems.” He wasn’t coming in if he could avoid it. He’d tried once and hadn’t lasted five minutes. There were too many people. “I recommend you look at the booths near the back stairs. Those are related to land development and construction. We have a new foundation layer that will grade, dig the ground for the foundation, and lay the foundation in one pass. The new foundation material is ready to build on in two hours. It’s fireproof, waterproof, and earthquake-proof. You can use it where landslides are common.” “Kelfin was telling me the engineers are close to being able to retrofit it over existing foundations to help them last longer,” Yol added. Kelfin hadn’t said anything like that. He knew that it was being worked on, but he hadn’t heard it was close enough to being finished to announce it. Pred radiated greed. If he could add that to existing properties, it could double their value in some areas. Rist put a hand on Kelfin’s shoulder. She gestured with her head and mouthed something as if he needed to go talk with someone else. He nodded and followed. “Thanks. He was getting a bit much.” She nodded as if she had been able to tell. She led him into an empty booth. It wasn’t enough to relieve all the emotions, but it helped. He couldn’t stay long, but even a few minutes helped. He put an arm around Rist. While they were there, he looked over the setup. Everything seemed to be in place. “Thanks,” he said again. “Unfortunately, that’s all I can get away for.” He led her back. Kelfin braced himself as he heard a familiar voice reach his ears—warm and concerned, yet carrying a playful tease that belied deeper concern. "Kel, you made it," the woman called out with a bright tone. The tone was familiar, one that simultaneously comforted and unnerved him. Kelfin let out a soft, involuntary cringe as he turned towards the source—a gesture he couldn't suppress, betraying the rush of emotions the voice stirred within him. "Zela, it's good to see you," he replied with a respectful, albeit somewhat strained, smile. As she approached with open arms, he carefully navigated the fine line between politeness and his own uneasy sense of boundaries, accepting the embrace she offered. "This is Rist," Kelfin said, introducing his companion and hoping to divert Zela's well-meaning attention. "Hello," came the quiet response from Rist, his voice tentative, betraying his awareness of the undercurrents that swirled around him. Zela's gaze shifted to Rist, her expression lighting up with curiosity and enthusiasm. "You must be Kel's new assistant," she exclaimed with a sparkle in her eye, turning on the charm. "It’s so good he finally found someone. Losing Marza was hard on him." She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, though Kelfin still caught every word. "He won’t admit it, but I think he has enochlophobia or agoraphobia. I don’t think he’s been out of that house since she died." "I have," Kelfin said quickly, the insistence in his voice carrying a hint of defensiveness, as he sought to dispel her assumptions. "The hospital doesn’t count," Zela remarked, gently challenging him with a knowing look. "There were other times," he protested, feeling as though his privacy was being intruded upon, feeling the need to uphold his image in front of Rist, who was silently observing the exchange. "You didn’t come to the spring convention," Zela pointed out, her tone suggesting that she wasn't easily convinced by his vague assertions. "I was on medical leave," Kelfin found himself explaining, though the strain was beginning to show in his attempt to justify his actions—or inactions. "Uh-huh. It’s a phobia. Honey, you’ll have your work cut out for you, dragging him to the office each week. And the gala next month," Zela said, looking at Rist with a sympathetic smile tinged with humor. Her words hung in the air, a joking yet serious challenge to the task ahead, suggesting that Kelfin's struggles, whether named or unnamed, were real obstacles that both he and his new assistant would need to confront together. Kelfin's expression shifted into a puzzled frown. "Gala? What gala?" Zela rolled her eyes. "See, now he’s playing dumb. Mor’s acquired Sola's Food Corp., and it’s a big deal. The whole acquisition is being finalized on the second of the month. The gala is being held to celebrate the successful merger." "Mr. Mor hadn’t mentioned anything about that to me," Kelfin replied, his voice tinged with surprise. His companion let out a chuckle, a teasing glint in their eyes. "He was probably waiting to spring the news on you once you found yourself someone to attend with. You're such a baby when it comes to social events. The boss probably didn't want you to stress about going alone." “If Mr. Mor wants me there, I will be.” Kelfin declared with unwavering resolve. "I have never backed down from my obligations. I have not shirked my responsibilities. You’re jealous because I can work remotely, and you have to come in every day." Kelfin paused, allowing the biting words to hang between them. The realization startled him, how had he not seen it before? I have not shirked my responsibilities. You’re jealous because I can work remotely, and you have to come in every day. Rejecting his assertion with a dismissive scoff, Zela retorted, "That's absolute nonsense. I’d go crazy out in that isolated house you live in. I need to be in the middle of it all." Ignoring her retort, Kelfin decided to shift the focus. "Important question, Zela. Are your teams prepared? The textile department needs big sales this quarter." "Everything's under control,” Zela assured him confidently. “We even completed the development of the new light shimmer prototype." Kelfin looked puzzled. "Light shimmer? I was under the impression that you were preoccupied with the winter line." He had a system where all department managers sent him detailed reports, which allowed him to stay informed. But Zela’s latest report had been late, and he had barely managed to skim through it. Zela shot back, "That was accomplished two months ago. We used the same technology for the light." "Well, let's hope it lives up to the hype," Kelfin voiced his skepticism. "Follow me and see for yourself.” Zela extended her arm, intending to guide him. Kelfin instinctively recoiled. “Zela, please, there’s no need to hold on to me. I’m perfectly capable of following you without physical guidance.” “Kelfin, you always want someone holding your hand.” "Enough, Zela. Just show me the project. If it's really as remarkable as you say, I might just get some of the fabric for Rist's gala dress." Zela shot him an incredulous glance. "An assistant, and not a date, is your choice for such a high-profile event?" Dating was not Kelfin's strong suit. “My social life isn't exactly thriving. I have enochlophobia, remember?" He reminded her of her latest theory of why he didn’t like crowds. With a hint of impatience, Zela rolled her eyes and guided them toward the textile booth nestled in the corner of the convention. A salesperson proudly showcased a new type of winter cloth that was commanding attention. With an aesthetically appealing design, the material exceeded the skeptical Kelfin's expectations. Intriguingly, the cloth was as thin as natural silk, which left Kelfin amazed, but its unique composition allowed its micro threads to multiply the wearer’s body heat, thus providing unparalleled warmth well below freezing temperatures. The light shimmer worked on the same principle but turned the body heat into a shimmer of light. Intrigued by the novelty of it, Kelfin held up the shimmering fabric to Rist, coaxing her opinion. “What do you think?” he asked, eyes flicking between the cloth and her. After a thorough assessment, the chatty salesman interjected, “Not her color,” in a nonchalant tone. "We've just completed this prototype yesterday. More colors will become available if you place an order." He then pulled out a sample of the fabric that was introduced to the market last year— famously known as 'rabbit'. Kelfin had heard tales about its softness, bearing similarity to a rabbit's fur, but rabbits were from Earth. They hadn’t survived the attempts at adapting them to Vabos. So Kelfin hadn’t even seen a rabbit much less touched one to be able to compare. When the sumptuous fabric met Rist's fingertip, she wore an unconcealed smile as pure pleasure radiated off her in warm waves. Kelfin made a quick decision. “We’ll have to order a dress tailored in this, and we’ll keep in mind the shimmer for another time.” Afterward, they strolled, mingling among the clusters of clients, exchanging pleasantries. Kelfin couldn't ignore the peculiar sting of jealousy that bubbled up in him whenever he noticed Rist capturing the attention of the nearby folks. Initially, he attributed it to Zela who had joined them. But upon introspection, he realized the emotion was his own. He felt a strange pang of jealousy towards Rist, a woman he'd known for just two days, and feared he was losing his grip on his emotions. Historically, he had always been the apple of the eye, especially among women. As a charming child raised under Bril's protective wing, he had drawn countless spectators and admirers. As a grown man, he still had a hoard of women yearning for his approval. But like Zela, many had learned he was unlikely to date them. Any woman desiring a romantic relationship with him would need to exhibit enormous emotional control and be comfortable with the significant time he spent with his companion. Over the years, he had found few who met these prerequisites. He had always been okay with having only a handful of serious relationships. But now he couldn't help but wonder if he missed the constant attention and the thrill of being the center of attraction. How could he? It always overwhelmed him. Why was he jealous? Maybe Zela was affecting him. He wasn’t imprinted on Rist. He shouldn’t have come. From his peripheral vision, he carefully observed Rist who completely absorbed the surrounding attention without her placid facade betraying any sort of discomfort. It was remarkable how well she adapted to playing the role of his assistant. Her inexplicable attunement to his emotional shifts left him in awe. Each time he seemed on the brink of a meltdown, she would graciously lead him away to a tranquil zone, seamlessly alternating between being the epitome of graceful diplomacy and providing an atmosphere of intimate solace. On one such occasion, he felt compelled to address it. "You don’t have to force yourself to talk," he professed when they found moments of solitude. Responding to his concern, she silenced her tablet and typed, -Yes, I do. If I don’t, how will you explain it? The truth? How would you explain where you got me? Why wouldn’t you just hire an assistant? There have to be thousands of qualified, free candidates. Why sponsor a transfer? Her argument bore weight. The last thing he wanted was his empathic ability out in the open. It would significantly compromise his influence and sway over people's emotions. "Don't hurt yourself. We could always claim that you're recuperating from an illness and need a few more days to regain your strength." Her rebuttal was swift. -I'm okay. It’s not too bad. “I can feel you struggle,” he empathized. She maintained her stance. -It’s not that bad. "You shouldn’t strain yourself. We won’t linger around this place much longer," he assured her. The sentiment stood reciprocated. -You don’t hurt yourself. He gave her a comforting smile, "I’m holding up fine. Your presence helps me immensely." They returned to the bustling crowd for some more time, the stress was weighing on him. And finally, it was Yol who managed to gauge that Kelfin was ready to make his exit. *** Kelfin woke to Rist holding his hand again. She woke as he slipped away from her. “You don’t need to do that,” he insisted. The corners of her mouth tugged upward with a sense of ease and familiarity not present in yesterday’s conversations, she replied, “If I want to sleep, I do.” A frown of confusion wrinkled his forehead, “What do you mean?” “You’re too noisy when you have nightmares.” He hung his head apologetically. "I am sorry.” She was about to continue her explanation when she suddenly halted mid-sentence, her expressions concealing a subtle sign of distress. “Do you need your tablet, Rist?" he asked with discernible worry lining his voice. However, she shook her head in dismissal, pausing for a moment to gather herself. “Just a minute, Kelfin. Just a minute,” she reassured him. “Take all the time you need, Rist.” She rewarded him with an appreciative smile. “Thank you. To be honest, holding your hand helps you sleep better. It doesn’t bother me at all." Kelfin sighed, “I’m a grown man, Rist. I’ve had to deal with nightmares all my life. Any time I have to go out in public, I have them. It’s from the rush of emotions.” Again, she was about to refute when she was interrupted by another wave of discomfort, causing her to pause. Kelfin, sensing her distress once again, got up. "Enough of this, let me get your tablet and some fresh coffee." "It’s not……" she protested weakly. “The heat helps," he interrupted her again. He left abruptly before she could argue further, to return holding a tablet and a steaming cup of coffee. "The heat soothes your muscles, easing their movements," he explained gently. "In addition to that, caffeine has a stimulating effect." Rist sipped the coffee, her eyebrows knitting in disbelief and doubt, which he was quick to pick up on. “It’s true. It’s also how I learned to drink it.” His revelation took her by surprise. "You were muted too?” Kelfin nodded, a grim line of lips affirming the fact. "Indeed, for about a week. It was a punishment." "When you were in the process of transfer?" she asked, curiosity lightly etched on her face. "No, Rist. But I rather not dwell on it.” With a gentle look of understanding, she softly agreed, her eyes gleaming softly under the room's dim, warm lighting. “Holding your hand to help you sleep doesn’t bother me. Have you felt anything negative from me? We all need help sometimes. If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll stop. But you look like it’s been a while since you had a good night’s sleep,” she said using the tablet. “What I saw last night sounds like you’ll be busy for a while,” she said aloud. “You need to be rested.” Kelfin expressed his silent acquiescence, nodding subtly as he sipped his freshly brewed coffee carefully. “Regardless of what the law might dictate, this is a job for you. If I ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, say something.” “I will,” she assured him. “And don’t utilize what you might have done at the intake as your standard. Instead, use your experiences from your last work assignment as a measure." Nodding in understanding, Rist agreed. “Every job is different. I don’t need to give you pedicures.” Switching back to the tablet, she added, “But I can help you in dealing with your recurring nightmares.” “No pedicures, then?” Kelfin feigned a sad frown. Playfully raising an eyebrow, she retorted, “Do you want one?” “No. But, perhaps when there is a need, would you mind giving me a haircut? Going to a stylist, someone always touching me, all these others there bored and minds wandering, can be trying,” Kelfin suggested. Rist responded with an amiable smile and a quick nod of approval. “It will become easier to talk in time. By the end of the day, you’ll be talking my ear off,” Kelfin assured her. “I don’t talk that much. What do we do today?” She asked, curious. “Let’s begin with a hearty breakfast. Thereafter, you are free to engage in any activity, just ensure you stay within proximity. I’ll be glued to my tablet to take care of any business calls. Corporate honchos are known to detest dealing with junior employees,” Kelfin explained, leading her toward the kitchen. “Are we scheduled to be going in today?” She queried. He shook his head in denial, “There’s no way I can. Even if we were fully imprinted, I couldn’t. There are too many people. I dread the gala.” “Will you need to go?” Rist asked, casting a glance at him, revealing the trace of uncertainty that was mirrored in her eyes. “Mr. Mor hadn’t said anything.” Registering the question, Kelfin nodded in affirmation, a storm brewing in his eyes. “He was giving me a chance to find someone. He’s been patient with me, but I can’t push it. I’ve been gone for half a year. There will be other conglomerates there. He’ll want me to read them.” “Are you sure you don’t need to go in? At least to supervise your people?” Kelfin, however, promptly dismissed the idea. “It’s not my job to supervise. It’s just a title to make the CEOs happy. My job is to read people, clients, competition, and sometimes employees. If I have to talk to a client about a product, usually either an engineer or a salesman is telling me the information, sometimes both. I didn’t lie last night when I said we had both in each booth so all the questions could be answered. It’s something that sets Mor’s apart from the other Conglomerates. Some think it’s the reason why we’re ahead of the competition.” She appeared skeptical. "Is it?" Kelfin frowned at her undermining tone. “Thank you for that delightful confidence boost,” he grumbled. “As if I had no bearing on the company.” Quick to retract her previous statement, she apologized. “Sorry. I didn’t realize your part was so big.” His bitterness segueing into a slight smirk, Kelfin added, “I won’t claim that all my observations bring significant changes. Some are trivial while others have a decisive impact. But it's an undeniable fact that a few of those critical insights have saved the company from plummeting into failure.” “A substantial factor for Mor’s success was certainly attributed to Bril's distinct leadership style. Unlike many leaders of major conglomerates, Bril possessed an exceptional skill for identifying the right individuals to confront and solve the corporation's various challenges, and he genuinely valued their perspectives. “Many conglomerate leaders, imbued with a superiority complex because they hold the highest rank, often mistakenly believe they have superior knowledge to their subordinates. Many have been fortunate enough to inherit their positions, and some have efficiently managed their corporations into conglomerates. However, the crucial aspect they often overlook is genuinely listening to their employees, especially when they highlight existing problems or propose innovative solutions. This was where Bril stood out. “He not only listened to those hired for a specific job but anyone. Although I was one of the worst in the compacts department, he listened to me when I read something. Yol has followed in his father’s footsteps.” “Tell me about you and Bril.” Rist requested. “There’s not a lot to it. Anywhere there’s a crowd, I struggle to focus and control my emotions. It was worse back then because I didn’t know what I was. I often had accidents and messed up because of it. I got beat a lot. Bril was showing around a new manager once and came in. All I could think of was seeing it all, getting it all. I started repeating it, trying to get it out of my head. ‘See it, get it, move up.’ Over and over, I said it. Bril heard me and questioned me. It turned out the new manager was a spy from one of the corporations. He was remembering everything he saw to report it to the corporation and was expecting a promotion for it. “I thought I was going to be in trouble when he came back and got me. He escorted me to the psionic department for testing. No one told me what was going on. I was petrified. I thought it was some kind of punishment. Some of the tests were unpleasant. It didn’t help that I was feeling the fear from the others being tested. Eventually, one of the scientists had pity on me and explained what was going on. Now, all kids brought in are tested for psionics.” “Are there a lot of psionics working there?” “More than you’d expect. There are a few mind readers in human resources. Pyrokinetic and telekinetics in quality assurance. A telaesthetic in management and the last I’d heard, they think one of the new kids might be precognizant. That’s even rarer than empaths. And few who have the gift can use it reliably.” “So, no worry about your job.” Kelfin smiled. “No, I’m safe. They wouldn’t be able to replace me.” *** They spent the morning in Kelfin’s office. Rist rested her feet on his lap again. Most of the time, they both read, but he received several calls to appease corporate managers. Yol sent him a message inviting him to the gala since he had found a companion and would have time to imprint. “And we knew that was coming,” Kelfin said once he read it. “We need to order you a dress. You liked that rabbit fabric, didn’t you?” “I did, but to have one made? Why not buy one?” Kelfin smiled patiently at her naivety and explained, “Because you’re attending a conglomerate gala with one of the senior supervisors. It wouldn’t be proper for you to wear something from some store. And to have someone as pretty as you showing off our textiles, Zela will give us a discount for free marketing.” At his honest compliment, Rist couldn't help but blush and shake her head in denial. Resisting a chuckle at her charming reaction, he continued “Don’t blush. It’s a simple truth. Just last night, at least three managers were more interested in you than our products. You could’ve made a stunning model.” He paused and then added, “Your conglomeration had you placed wrong.” "I didn’t work for a conglomeration,” Rist It was only a corporation.” Kelfin pointed out, “And with mistakes like that, they’ll never become one either.” Rist defiantly retorted, “I’m no model. I was content doing the job I did. We weren't all fortunate to grow up alongside the son of a conglomerate owner.” Unfazed by her sharp retort, Kelfin shrugged and admitted, “I don’t blame you. It’s their CEOs that are messing up. Always review your staff for placement. That’s one of my jobs. Part of the employees’ annual reviews is to check for placement.” He concluded thoughtfully, "I’m lucky I found you before Yol did, or Zela.” “Do they frequent the transfer intakes?” Rist asked. “Not hardly. But if someone hired you as an escort for a party, and either one saw you, they would have bought your debt for Mor’s.” Rist shook her head. “I’m not that pretty.” “You are,” Kelfin insisted. “And Yol would pay much more than I could if he thought you’d earn it back.” “He might be willing, but I couldn’t make him that much.” “He might try to buy your debt from me, but I wouldn’t do that to you. He’d find ways to keep you there for the maximum limit. I don’t plan to keep you more than the minimum.” “Three years is sooner than I’d get if I’d stay at the camp.” “Most that stay there don’t get out.” From her, he could feel a mix of dread at the thought of that almost happening to her and relief she’d avoided that. “It’s okay. You’re safe here. No one here is going to hurt you,” he assured her. “I trust you. And I’m grateful you were able to sponsor me. That was a nightmare I had dreaded,” she admitted. Although he’d told himself he wasn’t going to ask, he did. “How did you end up there?” “My mom got sick. My dad spared no expense to help her get better, but it wasn’t enough. She died and we still had the hospital bill. Then we found out he had taken out loans in my sister’s and my names. My dad sold off everything we had. We lived in public housing on welfare. My sister and I got jobs at Ara’s Corp. through the welfare office, hoping we could make enough to pay it off. We were getting close to enough for a down payment so the hospital might work with us on payments, but we were also getting close to the deadline and my dad got nervous. He took everything we had and bet it on the races. He lost it all. The hospital had us deemed deadbeats, unable to support society, and put us in the transfer lottery, hoping to make back some of what we owed. A year ago, my sister’s number came up. I don’t know what happened to her. My number was picked the other day. We had both worked as much as we could to pay off what we could. I don’t know how much was left, but I know it was still way too much.” Empathy flooded Kelfin as he declared, "I can’t imagine what it was like for you. I’m sorry my good fortune was at your expense." Pushing away any lingering concern, Rist replied, "Well, your good fortune saved me from much worse." Kelfin responded warmly, "My fortune is going to help you out even more, starting with a fancy dress for the gala." He picked up his tablet and contacted Mor’s clothing department. Zela answered. “Why aren’t you at the convention?” Kelfin asked. “I am. I’m taking a break,” she assured him. "By taking orders? Kelfin found that amusing. She chuckled, "It gives me a chance to sit. What can I assist you with?" "Rist needs a dress for the gala. She really likes the rabbit fabric. There were a couple of designs I saw the last time I was in." Kelfin answered. Zela rocked back in her chair, saying, "Don’t worry about a design. I know a couple that would look great on her." "You plan to showcase your new designs, don't you?" Kelfin anticipated. Zela cracked an enthusiastic, toothy grin. "Why wouldn't I? I just need her measurements." Upon hearing this, Kelfin turned expectantly towards Rist. She shrugged lightly, apologizing, “Sorry, I’ve never needed them.” "She has similar dimensions as Marza," He suggested optionally. "She’s already worn some of Marza's previously unworn clothes." Zela displayed her irritation by rolling her eyes. “Kel, that’s no help. What Rist had on last night was off the rack. It’s designed to be worn by anyone. These designs are made to fit a specific body. I need her measurements. Get out a tape measure. I’m sure your butler has one in his room.” Kelfin nodded. Satil did have one. He retrieved it. “Now, you leave the room. I’ll talk Rist through measuring herself.” Kelfin waited outside the door, listening to the two women talk. It wasn’t much beyond taking the measurements. Zela said the convention was going well when Rist asked. They probably guessed he’d be listening.