In the tranquil silence of the library, Rist found herself sharing company with Kelfin. He had displayed an unwavering determination to remain at work all morning, a decision that had visibly drained him. Kelfin refused to lay down to rest unless Rist remained by his side. She quickly agreed to his request, promising to keep him company on the condition that he would attempt to get some much-needed sleep. Rist understood why Kelfin was so hesitant to succumb to the inviting grasp of sleep; his rest was often plagued by tormenting nightmares that left him even more exhausted upon awakening. With Kelfin now nestled comfortably in sleep, Rist devoted her attention to perusing the individual reports for the two prospective individuals Kelfin was slated to evaluate the next day. Having prior knowledge of the subjects would give them a strategic edge during the evaluation. More importantly, Rist had the skills to efficiently summarize the crux of the reports, ensuring that Kelfin received the pertinent details efficiently and accurately. Rist was deeply engrossed in the reports when the faint, melodic ring of a her tablet disturbingly punctuated the tranquility of their surroundings. Glancing at Kelfin, she saw that he slumbered unperturbed. Kelfin should sense her presence if she discreetly slipped into the adjacent room and the possibility of rousing him from his peaceful slumber was significantly minimized if she modulated her voice to an almost whisper-like hush. The voice on the other end of the line turned out to belong to Yol. "Mr. Mor, I apologize for the delay in my replying. The cause of this delay is Kelfin – he is currently sleeping," she admitted. Her presumption that Kelfin had been wanting her to stay by his side was confirmed when Rist nodded in agreement. "Indeed," he remarked, "When he was growing up, he always wanted me to sit with him whenever he had nightmares, a childhood fear that I had always hoped he would be able to overcome someday." "He says that the nightmares are less severe than they used to be," Rist added, her voice radiating a hint of relief. Concern washing over his face, Yol inquired, "How's his overall condition now?" Maintaining an optimistic tone, Rist responded, "He’s pushing to work half-days. The doctors did run a blood test on him just the other day. Judging from the results, it appears that he is on a steady path towards recovery." Heaving a sigh at the reassurance, Yol said, "That's good to know. Kessa had informed me that Kelfin is planning to resume working full time next week. If possible, try to persuade him to call it a day around mid-afternoon. I don’t want him to over-exert himself trying to manage a full working day and then not be in a position to make it to Marstat." "I'll what I can do," Rist assured, her voice filled with determination to help Kelfin in avoiding any obstacles in his road to recovery. “Appreciated, truly. But tell me about your situation. Has he been successful in procuring a travel permit for you?" Yol asked. "I believe they are still in the process of securing it. They sent our first application back requesting more details," Rist replied. "Well, if they reject your plea again, have Kel contact me. I have connections within the system and can assure you of its approval," Yol offered, his voice confident and reassuring. In response, the Rist nodded gratefully. "Thank you. That means a lot." Yol paused for a moment before continuing, "He seems to be responding quite well to your companionship, better than any other companions." He hesitated for a moment before saying, "He’ll have my head for proposing this, but if you’re interested in obtaining a life chip, I'm willing to arrange it for you free of charge." Rist hesitated for a moment, contemplating Yol's statement. "I don't know about that," she replied. "I'm still on the young side for that. And I can't say I'll stay with him once my debt is repaid." Yol's face fell, a mix of disappointment and concern evident in his expression. "You don't like the job?" he asked, his tone filled with a hint of worry. Rist shrugged, a thoughtful look on her face. "It's not bad," she admitted. "But it hasn't even been a month. At this point, I don't see a reason to want to leave. But can I give him the care he needs long-term? That's the question that keeps nagging at me." Yol nodded, understanding her hesitation. "You're very practical. That's good for your job," he remarked, his tone appreciative. "Part of Kel's problem right now is he's still recovering from watching Marza grow old and die. Satil told you about Kel's hospital stay?" Rist nodded, her brows furrowed in concern. "He told me about both of them," she confirmed. Yol frowned at the reminder of Kelfin's hospitalization. "I wasn't the only one worried about him," he admitted. "He was between companions then too. And he was deeply depressed. He just wasn't suicidal like we initially thought." Rist's expression softened with empathy. "I think having the others here has helped him some this time," she mused, her tone filled with hope. Yol considered her words, a glimmer of optimism shining in his eyes. "Perhaps," he agreed. Rist nodded, a determined look on her face. "Absolutely," she affirmed. "We'll make sure he takes care of himself.” "If that's the case," Yol urged, "please don't let him overwork himself by spending excessive hours in the office. He's got a substantial workload that can be managed from the comfort of his home." Rist rectified what seemed to be a misunderstanding, "He told me that his job primarily involves reading people." Correcting Rist, Yol elaborated on Kelfin's job profile, "He does much more than simply reading people. He’s the vice president of the company. Senior Supervisor of Development Sales is the title my dad gave him and said it was part of human resources. Kel still uses it, but I promoted him long ago. He does read people and he oversees HR with the help of Shor and Kessa but he does so much more than that.” “Since he's being vague about his responsibilities, can you send me a detailed list?" Rist requested, feeling determined to assist Kelfin. "I've been trying to help him, but he's not used to that, so he doesn't provide me with much information." Yol's face lit up with enthusiasm. "You're acting as an assistant too? That will be immensely helpful for him. You see, he always referred to his companion as his assistant but never really had someone who could fulfill that role effectively. Most of his previous companions lacked the aptitude for it." Rist nodded, acknowledging the significance of the task at hand. "I can't say I have ample aptitude, but I'll do whatever I can to support him." "Thank you," Yol responded, visibly pleased with the arrangement. Rist surmised that Yol and Kelfin had a closer relationship than they revealed in public. "I need to get going. I'm glad Kelfin is in such capable hands." With that, Yol ended the call. Rist returned to the library, where Kelfin was starting to fuss in his sleep. Running her fingers through his hair, she calmed him down. She moved her chair closer to him, ensuring she could reach him while she perused the reports. Soon after, a message from Yol arrived, providing a comprehensive list of Kelfin's responsibilities. Yol had clearly marked which tasks needed to be completed in the office and which could be carried out remotely. The list was impressively long, showcasing the magnitude of work Kelfin had been shouldering alone. It became evident why he was always exhausted. Receiving a message from her sister, Rist paused and looked down at her communication device. The screen displayed the simple question - "Can you talk?" Returning the message, Rist replied, "Give me a few minutes," careful not to disturb Kelfin who was currently in a state of slumber. She gave herself enough time to ascertain he was indeed sleeping peacefully before making the conscious decision to retreat quietly into the seclusion of the adjacent room. Once alone, she swiftly dialed her sister's contact and engaged the call feature. "Cral, is everything okay?" Rist inquired tentatively, a tinge of concern laced her voice. She knew her sister was a strong person but the unexpected nature of the call worried her. "All good. I was just checking on you," Cral assured her, attempting to lighten the mood. "After all, aren't you the one with the big new job?" Rist felt relieved and laughed lightly, "Yes, it's going well. Everyone is great. Thankfully, no one is causing any trouble or creating obstacles, which is always a good thing." "Hmm. Good to hear," Cral responded, before switching topics. "By the way, Ghel asked about Kelfin. He thought Kelfin looked unwell when he saw him leaving the Gala. He thought maybe he was sick. I told him he always looks like that,” she added, her tone carrying the trace of a smirk. Rist shook her head at her sister's words, "Kelfin is doing well too. It's just that he's still in the process of regaining his strength. The gala was exhaustive and the night was long for him." Reassured, Cral replied, “That's good. I’ll pass the update on to Ghel. Ghel really admires Kelfin, you know? Sees him as an inspiration. Going from an abandoned kid to a transfer to one of the most influential individuals in the company is not a small feat. Plus, so far as he can tell, Kelfin has always treated his staff with utmost respect.” Rist was taken aback, skepticism evident in her voice, “Ghel said all that?” “Indeed he did,” Cral conceded, shifting her tone more seriously. “He was just trying to put my nerves to rest. I was anxious about you. After all, the last assistant he was involved with lost her life. Ghel insinuated that Kelfin had chose to let her die rather than getting her a life chip…” “Kel wanted her to acquire a chip. Despite his wish, she wasn't fond of the idea and he respected her decision not to," clarified Rist, elucidating on the matter. “Why not? I’ve got one. It doesn’t hurt,” Cral claimed. “He never said. How can you afford a chip? You didn’t put it on your debt, did you?” Rist asked. "Absolutely not. I was fortunate enough to have Ghel orchestrate the whole process. I was selected as a member of a research pool. The chip manufacturing company conducts trials every time they roll out a new prototype. They implant the device without charging the participant, as part of their laboratory tests. The model I received wasn’t much different from its predecessor, so the trial was a procedural requirement. If any complications were to arise, their policy promised a free, risk-free replacement," Cral elaborated. "Still, it seems like a gamble," Rist mused skeptically. "Switching gears, what about you? Ghel tells me you're well compensated. Wouldn't it be smart to set aside some funds for a chip?" Cral asked. “I thought a little about it. But I’m too young for one and moving here wasn’t cheap. I’ve got time to decide.” Rist responded, pushing Yol’s offer to the back of her mind. “True. Are you getting the hang of being an assistant to someone so important?” “I am. It’s not bad. He didn’t dump a big pile of work on me. He’s easing me into it.” Rist affirmed, evidencing her calm demeanor “Good.” Cral hesitated before continuing. “There’s something I need to ask you and I know you’re going to be mad. I’m not trying to be nosy. I’m just looking out for you. But that kiss.” Seemingly unfazed, Rist was quick with her rejoinder. “That was just a one-time thing,” she declared. Zela had been flirting with him and we decided to make her think it was a lost cause. I knew it was coming before it happened and agreed to it.” Taken aback, her sister then ventured, “But if it was just a diversion, why did you make such a questionable statement about wanting to share a bed with him?” Rist responded, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Of course, I wasn’t going to announce our deceptive tactics in the middle of the situation. That would have defeated the purpose, don’t you think?” “Fair point. It obviously had the desired impact. I noticed Zela getting quite chummy with one of the chauffeurs later on. I can’t put a name to the face, but he's a familiar one. I've seen him from a distance but never accompanying an employer. It’s plausible he could be in her employ." “That’s something you need to do,” Cral warned her sister. “Watch everyone. Listen to all the gossip. You’ll be surprised how much is true. And it might save your job or Kelfin’s.” “Thanks,” Rist replied, feeling a sense of discomfort towards gossip. “I’m not saying spread it. But it helps to know what everyone thinks,” Cral explained, sensing her sister's skepticism. “Is that why you called?” Rist asked, curious about the purpose of her sister's call. “No. I wanted to check on you. And I’m bored. We’re in Marstat. I don’t cook here as much. He goes out a lot. Sometimes I go with him, but sometimes I’m stuck alone in our suite,” Cral shared, explaining her current situation in Marstat, a location away from their usual home. “How long will you be there?” Rist inquired, wanting to know when her sister would return. Cral let out a sigh. “A few more weeks,” she replied, hinting at the prolongation of her stay. “Did you look into what happened to Dad?” Rist pressed, concerned about their father's well-being. “He’s working in the shipping yard. I think he may be in the next lottery. Ghel has a friend in Meamos that might sponsor him. It won’t be a great job but it will keep him out of the camps,” Cral informed, providing some insight into their father's circumstances. “Better than he deserves,” Rist grumbled, still harboring some resentment towards their father for past actions. “I know. Ghel’s trying to make sure my family is taken care of,” Cral revealed, expressing her gratitude towards Ghel's assistance. “Why?” Rist questioned, curious about Ghel's motivations. “He says it’s for me. But I think he wants me to help him spy on the other conglomerates. He was mad I didn’t tell him about you. I told him I wasn’t going to use you like that,” Cral shared, explaining Ghel's intentions and her refusal to involve Rist. “Thanks,” Rist replied, appreciating her sister's decision not to exploit her for Ghel's agenda. “And you can turn off that recording. Ghel broke the receiver when he heard what you did,” Cral said, her voice tinged with annoyance and concern. Rist furrowed her brow in confusion, unsure of what Cral was referring to. “What recording? I don't understand.” Cral sighed, frustration evident in her tone. “The listening chip that was in the card Ghel gave you. Apparently, he heard a recording of 'Little, Little Ant' playing repeatedly and broke the receiver. He said you have it.” Rist's confusion deepened. “But I don't even have the card anymore. Kelfin took it from me and gave it to one of the staff. I haven't seen it since. I don't know what he did with it.” A message notification from Dath popped up on her device screen. -Who are you talking to? the message read. Rist quickly replied, -My sister. Problem? Dath's response appeared almost instantly. -No. We'll talk later. Don't worry about it. “Is everything okay?” Cral asked seeing Rist’s distraction. Caught up in the conversation with Cral, Rist tried to refocus her attention. “Sorry about that, Cral. Someone just asked me a question.” Cral nodded sympathetically. “No worries. Do you need to get back to work?” Rist listened a moment to Kel. He seemed to be okay. “Not yet. Kelfin is occupied with something at the moment, so there's nothing for me to do alone. I'll let you know if anything changes,” she assured Cral. “When I found out Ghel was trying to spy on Kelfin, I started singing that song constantly. I had the whole house singing it for days. He was so mad at me,” Cral admitted with a mischievous smile, recalling the incident. “Good,” Rist replied, her eyes filled with satisfaction at Ghel's frustration. “It serves him right. Why doesn’t he just read Kelfin’s mind? Or Mr. Mor’s?” “He’s tried,” Cral confessed. “But he can't glean much information from them. It seems they've been trained to control their thoughts and emotions.” “It would make sense,” Rist reasoned, her mind filled with thoughts of the different psionic abilities people possessed. "There are plenty of psionics around who can protect against mind reading and intrusion." “True,” Cral agreed, understanding the necessity of such defenses. “I should let you get back to work. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Maybe when I get back, we can have lunch or something,” she suggested, hoping to spend more time with her sister. “That sounds good. Let me know when you are free, and I'll check when I can get away,” Rist agreed, happy at the prospect of spending quality time together. “Okay. I’ll see you,” Cral said before ending the call. Rist returned to the library to check on Kelfin. He remained seemingly motionless, sleeping deeply. As Rist messaged Dath to let him know that her call was over, she realized that she had been subconsciously stroking Kelfin's hair again. Dath joined her a moment later and spoke in a hushed tone. "Apologies for interrupting your call. The system registers all incoming and outgoing calls at the house. If it's from an unknown number, it alerts me, and I investigate," he explained softly. Rist whispered back, "I'm sorry if I caused any problems." Dath reassured her, "There was no problem, just unexpected. I've registered the number, so it won't contact me again. How is she doing?" "Okay. I'm not sure if she was trying to gather information or not. I recorded the call just in case someone needs to hear it," Rist replied. "I can get it then. I have access to all devices in the house," Dath said as he tapped near his eye. "But I try to respect privacy. I usually let you know if I need to look at something." "It's fine," Rist assured him. "That's why I recorded it. I didn't say anything anybody can't hear. I didn't know if anyone was listening on the other end or recording it." "Smart thinking. I may be able to tell if someone was listening but not if it was being recorded," he added, glancing at Kelfin. "I should get going before we wake him." Rist nodded and went back to reading the reports. *** As the recorded conversation between Rist and her sister echoed around the room, Kelfin's brow creased into a deep frown. His discomfort was palpable, a sharp knot in his stomach as he listened in on the private conversation. Unabashedly invading her personal thoughts and moments did not sit well with him. Yes, she knew. Rist was aware that her conversation was to be reviewed, she claimed to be okay with it, but this consent barely eased Kelfin’s conscience. Having reached a seemingly significant moment, Dath abruptly stopped the audio playback, cutting short the words that were hanging in the air. He turned to Kelfin, his gaze piercing and his voice carrying a weight of uncertainty as he asked, “How heavily do you think Ghel was cloaked in lies when he claimed to admire you?” “A lot.” Kelfin's response was as blunt as it was swift. He was not slighted by the question Dath had posed. There was no hidden offense taken or secret resentment brewing. He had long accepted the fact that he and Ghel were rivals, adversaries rooted at the core. In all their interactions, Ghel had never shown any hint of admiration towards him, it was a foreign concept in their rivalry. It was like trying to detect a taste of sweetness in a dish of pure salt. Satil, inquisitive and speculative, chimed in next. “Could he be hiding it?” He posed his question tentatively, testing the waters of what seemed to be a complex relationship between the two rivals. Kelfin thought for a moment before replying, his words portraying his skepticism and confusion. “He doesn't conceal his other emotions, they’re as clear as day. I don’t believe he knows what I am.” The playback resumed under Dath's control until Cral's voice slipped through the speakers, hinting at a kiss. A silence hung in the air before Satil, unable to mask his curiosity, interjected, “What kiss?” Dath immediately hit the pause button again, allowing the silence to settle once more. Kelfin, looking nonchalant, waved it off dismissively, explaining his actions. “It was at the Gala,” he began sheepishly, his eyes wandering as he recalled the evening. “The chaotic atmosphere at dinner overwhelmed me. I told you about that, didn't I? We had to escape the room so I could regain my composure. I was teetering on the edge of an anxiety attack. And then, she kissed me. It was purely to jolt me out of my panicked state and to provide us with a believable rationale. Ghel and Cral came out looking to do similar.” Dath, maintaining his methodical demeanor, probed further. “Was Zela flirting with you?” The question hung in the air like a charged particle. With a shake of his head, Kelfin replied, “No. She is well aware I have no intentions of dating her. Did she slip out to spend time with one of the waiting drivers?” Confirming Kelfin’s suspicion, Dath said, “Indeed, she stepped outside and lingered in one of the cars for a bit.” It was evident that both Dath and Satil were struggling to keep their emotions in check more so than usual. The undercurrents in the room began to suggest that there was something amiss. Satil was quick to point out the clear indicators of intimacy that gained his attention, "Kelly, she didn't just kiss you at the party. She chose to crawl into bed with you thereafter." He sounded speculative, suggesting an implication that wasn't lost on Kelfin. Standing his ground, Kelfin quickly dismissed Satil's insinuations, "I've told you before, and I'm telling you now, nothing transpired beyond what's usual. She was simply trying to help me fend off the recurring night terrors that have been plaguing my sleep." Unsatisfied by Kelfin's explanation, Dath interjected, indicating yet another potentially sentimental moment. "I saw her, Kelfin, gently playing with your hair while you slumbered in peaceful oblivion." "So?" retorted Kelfin, shrugging off the accusation. He remembered the tender feel of her fingers gliding through his hair. It was a surprisingly calming gesture, and he had felt at ease when he woke up. "Don't you find such behaviors a tad bit peculiar?" Satil queried, apparently baffled by Kelfin's nonchalance. "Any more peculiar than me needing someone beside me while I sleep?" Kelfin shot back, a defiant tone creeping into his voice. He then turned his attention towards Dath, "Speaking of peculiarities, Dath, you've been scrutinizing and dissecting her records like a seasoned detective. What did you find? Anything of concern?" "No," Dath responded curtly, failing to meet Kelfin's expectant gaze. A victorious look flashed in Kelfin's eyes as he punctuated the conversation, "Then it be." Nodding, Dath resumed the playback. Kelfin couldn't argue with Cral’s advice - it had proven sound time and time again - to simply observe and take careful note of possible indiscretions. The discussion took a sudden shift when she voiced her suspicions about Ghel potentially employing her family members as undercover spies. "That's hardly a revelation,” Satil reasonably countered, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts. “However, given the fact that Tre was notably instrumental in overseeing Rist’s transfer, it does arouse some suspicion. There might be a valid concern that Rist had been deliberately assigned to such a position." Dath furrowed his brows in speculation, leaning back in his chair. “Considering Rist's relatively young age, it's conceivable they viewed her as a potential asset. They might have banked on her being transferred as a youth and planned to exploit her once she had outlived her usefulness in the compacts.” In response, Kelfin quickly shook his head in disagreement, countering, “That theory seems unlikely, at best." A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “It was mere chance that I happened to be at the intake center ready to sponsor someone. I recall the last time, it was Dath, almost forty years ago - a decision on a sudden whim. Before that, almost two hundred years had passed. It's hardly a predictable timing from their perspective." “They may not have been able to guarantee who she would end up with," Satil noted, tapping his fingers in thought. "But considering how they artificially inflated her debt, it was more likely she would be placed with an executive from a conglomerate." He paused for a moment, then added, “So far, it doesn't seem as though Rist is playing along with their supposed plan.” Assessing the situation, Kelfin made a final decision. “We’ll monitor her actions just like we do with all other new hires,” He stated firmly. Gesturing towards the paused device, he instructed Dath to resume the playback of the recording. They had much more ground to cover, and every second was precious. “Is the song still going?” Kelfin asked Dath when Cral mentioned it. “Yes, it is still currently being played. However, I can halt it if that's what you're implying.” Kelfin thought a moment before answering, “See if you can follow the feed. If they aren’t listening go ahead.” Satil’s eyes held a profound depth as he asked, “Do you believe that he can’t read your mind, Kelfin?” Kelfin hesitated for a moment before answering, " I earnestly hope not. I've strived immensely to fortify my thoughts against that." "It doesn’t appear like he grasps your true essence,” Dath astutely observed, breaking the momentary silence. Kelfin considered his companion's words and agreed, "Not that he’s told Cral. However, I presume he has a hunch I'm psionic. How else would one explain Bril's sudden intriguing interest in me?” Satil, his tone sober and wise, pointed out, “Ghel wasn't around during that period. He might adhere to the claim that the purpose was to provide a brother to Yol, since his mother was incapable of bearing any more offspring. But remember, it's indispensable to remain vigilant and cautious.” At these words, Kelfin nodded in understanding. Yes, he would remain cautious. After all, such was the nature of his precarious existence. *** The new hire evaluations proceeded without a hitch. Kelfin thoughtfully considered each employee's performance and noted two individuals who seemed misplaced in their current roles. He would talk to Kessa to see why they'd placed them where they did. Kessa rarely did anything without a reason. The strange thing was, it wasn't anything Kelfin sensed from them, but part of their aptitude scores. Turning to Rist, Kelfin asked for assistance in uncovering more about the hiring process for the two individuals. "Rist, would you check to see who was responsible for hiring these two?" he inquired, providing Rist with the necessary documents. Kelfin found it somewhat unusual, yet also comforting, to have someone like Rist who was willing and eager to help. While his past companions had been supportive, none had shown the level of dedication Rist displayed. He recalled Marza's well-meaning yet ultimately futile attempts to assist him in similar matters. Rist, with her characteristic efficiency, returned with information shortly thereafter. “Both were hired by department heads from public aid. Kessa approved one and Shor was responsible for the other,” she informed Kelfin. Curious, Kelfin probed further, "How long ago was this? Shor’s been in Marstat." Rist confirmed, “About three months ago. Shor hasn't been in Marstat that long. He's been doing a lot remotely. He went about a week after the convention." Kelfin's frown deepened, his brow creasing with concern. "Then why wasn't he at the convention?" he asked, puzzled by the lack of their key contact's attendance during their visit. "He was present at the convention, Kelfin, just not during the time we were there," Rist explained calmly, noting the confusion on his superior’s face. "How could you possibly know that? You don't even know the man,” Kelfin retorted, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "I went through the attendance records. Mr. Mor had given me access to a comprehensive list of individuals who were required to be at the convention at some point," Rist elaborated, ensuring that there were no doubts about his knowledge on the matter. Kelfin's frown persisted as he replied gruffly, "But that’s part of my responsibilities." "Yes, I know, and as your assistant, it's also part of my responsibility to assist you with such tasks," Rist interjected gently. "Mr. Mor gave me a list of things I can help you with. He thought it would alleviate some of the pressure you’ve been under." "And in turn, dump all that pressure on you?" Kelfin questioned, his concern for his assistant flashing across his face. He reached for his tablet, planning to discuss the matter with Mr. Mor directly. Rist placed a reassuring hand on Kelfin’s. "Kel, do I look or feel stressed to you? I asked for the list because I want to lighten your workload. It's ultimately for my benefit to keep you in good health—nothing would be worse for me than something happening to my sponsor." "If something were to happen to me, Froll has a contingency plan in place for you," Kelfin said, though his voice softened. "And besides, I’ve managed this position solo for years without any assistance." “But look at where pushing yourself so hard has gotten you,” Rist countered with a compassionate firmness. "You collapsed, remember? From what I’ve gathered talking to others, it's not a shock to them. They’ve commented on how you've never particularly looked well. We are going to change that. I am not here to be an emotional buffer; I am here to actively assist you and ensure that if your health does deteriorate, it won't be from being overburdened by work." Kelfin was visibly surprised by her offer to help. A slow, heartfelt smile gradually emerged on his face, warming the tension of the moment. "I didn't hire you for this type of assistance, but I have to admit, a little help would be greatly appreciated," he calmly stated. "However, don't push yourself too much. I am quite accustomed to handling this workload on my own." Rist shook her head slightly, expressing her concern. "But just because you're used to it doesn't mean it's not taxing you. And let's be honest, for the amount you're paying to cover my debt, I'm hardly putting in the physical work just sitting around here reading." With a light-hearted tone, Kelfin joked, "If you find the books dull, there's always the option of entertaining yourself with some videos." "It's not about entertainment," she protested softly, genuinely wanting to ease his burden. "You need someone to lend a hand." He sighed, weighing his concerns against her willingness to assist. "I appreciate it, but I really don't want you to overexert yourself. There's already enough stress to go around—from Yol, Kessa, Shor, the department heads, and the staff at home. I need at least one person around me who’s not on the edge of burning out." She looked at him earnestly, her expression reassuring. "Kel, believe me, I'm far from stressed. I’d actually be more worried about you taking on too much than by the work itself. If I feel overwhelmed, I promise I will let you know," Rist assured him confidently. Kelfin sensed the sincerity in her words and gave a slow nod of agreement. He resolved internally that he would monitor the situation closely. If he noticed any signs of her struggling, he would act decisively, even if it meant revoking her clearance. Her well-being was not something he was willing to gamble with, and he felt a responsible urge to protect her from the same stress that plagued everyone else. “Have you heard from the lab yet about the psionic tests?" Rist inquired, his voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity. Kelfin shook his head with a sigh. "Not yet. We'll give them a few more days before we check back in with them. Each child is different, and the tests can vary quite a bit in terms of how long they take to administer and analyze,” he explained. His tone was patient, an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in assessing psychic potential in youth. Rist nodded in understanding. "And if the tests are as unpleasant as you've described them to be, we certainly don't want to cause the children any more distress by rushing the process.” The conversation shifted as Kelfin pondered over his personal needs. "Did Satil send any herbal tea?" he asked, the fatigue evident in the lines etched around his eyes. Rist's nod came accompanied by a small smile, glad to offer some comfort. "Yes, we've got a whole canister of it. Do you want some now?" she offered, ready to brew a cup. "Not just yet. But if I'm going to sit through four annual reviews, I'm definitely going to need it," Kelfin replied, massaging his temples slightly at the thought. Rist raised an eyebrow. "You're only slated to do two annual reviews today," she corrected him gently, recognizing the need to manage Kelfin's workload. "Remember after last week? You were completely worn out after doing only two reviews. I figured you needed to ease into it more gradually while also doing the new hire reviews. So I've scheduled two reviews for today, three for tomorrow, and then four the day after," she explained, detailing the thoughtfully planned schedule. Kelfin frowned, a mix of concern and professionalism etching his features. "I don’t know. I feel like I really should get all the reviews done as soon as possible,” he said, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. Rist reassured him with confidence. "They're all from transports. I've already spoken with the shift manager. If you feel up to doing more, he has no issue if we decide to move some up. We can just call down to him and have him send someone up with the paperwork," she proposed, offering Kelfin flexibility. With a sigh of relief, Kelfin finally relaxed into his chair, the tension easing from his shoulders. "That will work," he agreed. Rist meticulously adjusted the settings on the brewing machine to prepare his tea, patiently waiting for the perfect infusion as Kelfin settled into his chair to tackle the first performance review of the day. The rhythmic drips of the tea provided a calming backdrop to the morning's routine. "Do the kids working in the compacts have an annual review too?" Rist inquired, her curiosity piqued as he arranged the tea set. "Not quite the same process," Kelfin responded, looking up from the papers. "Kessa, Shor, and I usually arrange for a special lunch with them instead. It's a more informal setting, conducive to open conversation, where they can voice any concerns they might have without the presence of their direct supervisors." "But they have this opportunity only once a year?" Rist pressed, a note of concern in her voice as she poured the aromatic tea. "The formal lunch is an annual thing, yes. However, we do organize other activities throughout the year for more frequent interactions. Also, our assistants make regular visits to the departments to check in. Marza was especially good at that. They liked her. The whole department showed up for her funeral," Kelfin recalled, his tone softening with the memory. "Would you appreciate me taking over the department tour today? You could use the time to rest between the reviews," Rist offered graciously. "With Akku stirring up trouble? Not a chance. I have to make an appearance myself. However, you're more than welcome to accompany me," he said with a conspiratorial grin, acknowledging the potential challenges ahead. She returned his smile with a wry yet warm gaze. "Oh, you'll 'let' me, will you? As if I had a choice in the matter," she teased, her grin widening to show she wasn't bothered by the requirement. Kelfin examined his daily schedule closely, considering the feasibility of adding another commitment. "Is there time in my schedule to do it?" he inquired, his eyes scanning the blocks of time allotted for various engagements. Rist perused the schedule beside him. "There might be," she admitted cautiously. "I built in additional time for each of the reviews based on my initial estimates. Plus, I wasn't entirely sure how much recovery time would be adequate for you between appointments. But, from what I'm seeing, you seem to bounce back much faster than anticipated. If that pattern continues, you could fit it in between reviews. However, be aware it doesn't allow much downtime afterward for rest." Kelfin turned his attention back to the schedule, searching for any unaccounted time slots. "Did you account for lunch during any of these rest breaks?" he asked. "No, but you are not skipping lunch," Rist insisted firmly, her protective nature kicking in. "I'll eat, but I can multitask with resting. I don't always need to lay down to recover," Kelfin reasoned. Rist nodded, but her hesitation was evident; she was concerned about his well-being. "I'm quite familiar with the woman whom I'm reviewing next. She isn’t too stressful, so I doubt I will need much time to recuperate. I believe I'll manage the tour just fine if I have my tea and postpone my medication until we return," Kelfin reassured her with a plan in mind. "You're not skipping your meds, Kelfin," Rist insisted with a stern tone, reinforcing her point. "No, I'm not skipping them. I'm simply considering taking them a little later than usual," he clarified, hoping to ease her worries. With a few taps on her tablet, Rist made the necessary adjustment to his schedule—a clear indication for 'Take meds' now discrete yet prominently noted during his lunch hour. Kelfin couldn't help but sigh, though not out of irritation. She was more a diligent caretaker than Satil. He was loath to acknowledge how much he relied on that care, let alone express his gratitude for it. Out loud, Kelfin kept his feelings well-guarded. Most times, he wouldn't even acknowledge to himself that he needed such attention. Yet, in the quiet, vulnerable moments, he permitted himself the truth—he recognized his own limitations and the value of a steadfast companion like Rist who helped him navigate them. There was a knock on the door. Kelfin frowned, the rhythm of it echoing earlier than expected through the corridor of his mind. Puzzled by the interruption, he glanced at the ornate clock hanging above his desk; it was indeed too early for the next scheduled review. Rist glided to the door with a calm efficiency. Opening it, she greeted the unexpected visitor with a nod and a professional, "Hello, sir." Sir? The formal address made Kelfin more curious. Who warranted such respect in this impromptu visit? Kelfin left his desk, papers rustling in his wake, and moved to the door between their offices to better view the newcomer. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice strained with the remnants of suspicion. Yol stood at the threshold, a briefcase in hand and a sheaf of papers under his arm. "I need Rist's signature on a few forms," he stated matter-of-factly. Kelfin's frown deepened. "Problems with her background check? Should I have Dath talk to security?” he asked, ready to defend his choice of an assistant against any doubt. "No, nothing of that sort. It's just employment papers," Yol replied without missing a beat. Kelfin was perplexed by this. "She works for me, not you. You did not buy her debt," he stated. "No, I didn't buy her debt," Yol admitted, shifting the papers in his hand to show he meant paperwork no harm. "But while she is doing assistant work here, it would be illegal for me to not compensate her for her time." "She's indebted. By law, she can't receive wages," Kelfin rebutted sharply, aware of the legal boundaries governing the indebted. "She can't keep the money,” Yol corrected him smoothly, a hint of patience to his tone. “It goes towards her debt, the same as the provisions you provide. Some of the paperwork here," he added, lifting the papers slightly, "is to have the money dispatched directly to Froll to alleviate her debt.” Kelfin's stance loosened slightly, his interest piqued. "Why would you go through such trouble?" he asked. His brows furrowed in suspicion, unclear about Yol's intentions and the sudden interest in Rist's financial matters. Yol maintained a firm tone as he reiterated his stance, emphasizing the legal perspective. "I told you, it's the law,” Yol insisted. “Marza and the others never really contributed significantly to the company's operations. They merely provided you with companionship. Should the need arise, I could easily justify their presence by claiming that they served as personal assistants. However, Rist is actively engaged in work here, and her contributions are well-known to many. You were anxious to be released from the day we met. Do you think she doesn't feel the same?” Kelfin couldn't deny the truth in Yol's words. If Rist was indeed taking on substantial duties for the company, she occupied the role of either an employee or a volunteer. However, given that an indebted individual couldn't legally be a volunteer full-time, the situation presented a clear legal quandary. Nonetheless, what troubled Kelfin more was the growing fear that Yol might entice Rist away the moment her debts were settled, leaving him once again bereft of a companion. Facing the prospect of such loneliness, he couldn't help but wonder how he would cope. How would he manage to find someone else when the time would inevitably come to do so? Despite his apprehensions, Kelfin realized that there was little he could do to sway the circumstances. With a deep, reluctant sigh, he gave a nod of acquiescence. Let Rist earn her way out of debt as effectively as possible. Observing this, Yol expressed silent gratitude with a nod of his own and turned his attention back to Rist. Together, they would help her sort through the necessary documentation to ensure that every detail was addressed and that her path to fulfilling her obligations was clear.