Kelfin noticed the clouds were thickening as they made their way to the restaurant. It would still be a few days but winter rains were coming soon. Ghel made reservations at a specialty restaurant that had been in operation for a few centuries. Referring to it as a start-up seemed incorrect, as it had stood the test of time and established itself as a trusted establishment but it wasn’t a part of any corporation or conglomerate. While not on the same level as the fancy restaurants Kelfin usually frequented, it was still considered fancier than what Rist and Cral were accustomed to. This particular restaurant had gained its popularity by serving Earth dishes. Whenever a cargo ship or colony ship arrived, they would bring new recipes and a fresh supply of ingredients that couldn't be found on Vabos. This ensured a unique culinary experience for the patrons. "I thought choosing a start-up would help us avoid drawing suspicion from our bosses. Additionally, it tends to be less crowded, which benefits both of us," Ghel explained. Kelfin agreed, nodding in approval. "That's a good idea." “The place is clean, Boss," Dath reassured Kelfin, his electronic eye methodically scanning the restaurant for any signs of hidden listening devices. Satisfied with his thorough search, he nodded confidently. "Oril and I will make sure no reporters get in." Kelfin glanced at Ghel's bodyguard, Oril, as he returned from his diligent inspection of the restrooms and kitchen. Oril was known for his seriousness and commitment to his role as a protector. "I trust that we'll be safe," Kelfin responded, grateful for the effort Dath and Oril were putting into securing their surroundings. The two took up posts near the door. One of the staff spoke to them and they moved to a table. They didn't want to intimidate any other customers. Overall, the atmosphere was peaceful and the group felt confident that their private discussion would remain undisturbed. They engaged in casual conversation while waiting for their food. When their orders arrived, the dishes reflected the diverse culinary tastes of the group. Cral opted for the savory mushroom risotto, while Rist indulged in a delectable seafood casserole. Ghel's choice was the zesty fajitas, and Kelfin decided on a flavorful beef and broccoli dish. Both Ghel and Kelfin deliberately chose meals that incorporated spices not commonly found on their home planet, Vabos, which made the experience all the more special since these particular flavors were a rare treat for them. Due to the unique environmental conditions on Vabos, cultivating mushrooms or harvesting shrimp locally was nearly impossible. "We heard about Yol. I've been trying to get a hold of you," Ghel said once they were eating. "I was in isolation and not getting many messages," Kelfin claimed. "You were arrested," Ghel countered. "I know Cral told you about my ability." "She didn't, Rist did," Kelfin assured him. He didn't want Cral to get in trouble. "They told you at Ara's?" Ghel guessed. Rist nodded. "She suggested humming in my head to prevent my thoughts from jumping at you." Ghel grimaced. "And you had to pick the most annoying song on the planet?" "Sorry, a kid had been singing it on the commuter. It was all I could think of," Rist admitted. "I guess it's better than listening to a replay of a fight between you and your sister or hearing what you want to do to some guy that just walked past," Ghel reasoned. "Anyway, you know I can read minds. I know Kel is a psionic, but I don't know what kind yet." Despite Kelfin's attempt to shield his thoughts, Although he'd tried to shield it from Ghel, he knew he failed. "It's obvious you are. It's the only reason Bril would have adopted you," Ghel insisted, maintaining his belief that Kelfin possessed some sort of special ability. Kelfin pushed back, asserting, "He adopted me to try to get out of releasing me," suggesting that Bril's motive for adoption was purely selfish. Ghel countered with another perspective. "He transferred your debt from the company to himself, and as soon as you threatened to take him to court, he released you. It was obvious he was hiding something. I don't know what ability you have, given your position and disdain for crowds I’m guessing precog, but I don't care." Despite Ghel's claim that he didn't care, Kelfin sensed that he did. However, Kelfin didn't want to delve into that discussion at the moment. He was overwhelmed with nervousness, worry, and anger. "As I said, I can read minds, so I know you were arrested, despite what you told the reporters," Ghel revealed, addressing Kelfin's earlier statement. Kelfin hesitated before explaining further, "I was arrested, but I was moved to isolation because of my health." He hoped this clarification would help put Ghel at ease, and perhaps even quell some of his suspicions. Ghel nodded in understanding, indicating that he believed what was being said. "I've been attempting to reach you for several days now. Cral told me about what you wanted to know. When I spoke to Tre, I simply mentioned that you preferred not to be in crowded situations. But he wasn't satisfied with that. He didn't like that I couldn't gather any more information. I explained that it would take time for you to develop trust in Rist before she could reveal anything truly valuable." Kelfin's eyes widened with shock. "So, Tre set her up to be a Spy?" Ghel shook his head. "Not exactly. He wasn't pleased that you decided to sponsor her," he explained. Rist interjected, her voice tinged with surprise. "Wait, you knew that I was indebted?" Ghel clarified, "No, I wasn't aware when we first met at the gala. Tre told me about it later that evening. They had inflated your debt to a point where only a select few could afford to sponsor you. The plan was for one of the executives at Tre's company to sponsor you and then arrange for your placement in a conglomerate or corporation as a spy." “That explains the change in her debt and probably her mixed-up records," Kelfin reasoned, his brow furrowing with understanding. Ghel nodded in agreement, appreciating Kelfin's keen observation. "But you somehow managed to get her first," Ghel remarked, clearly impressed by Kelfin's quick thinking and resourcefulness. "I was there when the ship came in. And I pushed the manager to let me take her without processing," Kelfin explained, a sense of pride in his voice. He knew the importance of seizing opportunities. Ghel chuckled, a hint of admiration in his voice. "So, Bril did have an effect on you. You always seemed too soft. That's not good in positions like ours." Kelfin frowned slightly at the suggestion of being soft, but he understood Ghel's point. "I can do what's needed. I just find that compromise often yields better results than brute force." Ghel's expression turned serious as he pondered Kelfin's words. "You're right. It would be nice if Tre could learn that." Kelfin couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for his rival, recognizing that Tre's approach was likely driven by a relentless pursuit of success at any cost. As they continued their conversation, Kelfin reflected on the different strategies he and Tre employed in their respective roles. While he valued compromise and negotiation, he understood the merits of being assertive when required. It was a delicate balance, one that he had managed to navigate successfully thus far. "You had Rist ask if Ara's was associated with Tre's. It is,” Ghel confirmed. “He's been encouraging employees to patronize Ara's businesses and even helping them financially. He's setting them up for a takeover. That's how he learned about Cral and Rist's debt. I'd just taken over Cral's debt. He tried to push me to sell it. If I didn't have to be so careful who I hire, he would have forced the issue.” “Tre was also going after Sola's," Cral said, referring to Tre, a prominent business conglomerate. "Sola's has been in trouble for years. All the other conglomerates were trying to buy them out," Kelfin pointed out, highlighting the difficulties faced by Sola's, a struggling company. "You know what sold him on going with Mor's?" Ghel asked, referring to Mor's, another conglomerate. "It was Yol's reaction to you collapsing at Marza's funeral and how he dealt with the aftermath. Yol is earning a reputation for being the best conglomerate owner to deal with or work for." Rist's voice was laced with suspicion as she asked, "Then why did someone try to kill Yol?" Cral's expression turned grim as she pointed out the obvious. "To get rid of the competition." A sharp realization dawned on Rist as she said, "The accident at Sola's wasn't an accident, was it?" Ghel's nod confirmed her suspicions. "No, but the timing was off." Kelfin interjected with a logical deduction. "The problem with Dath's ID." "And his subsequent tasing," Ghel chimed in. "The technician who hooked up his wrong eye and the reporter who attacked him were both paid to do so. It was all part of a carefully orchestrated plan," he concluded. "That set in motion Yol getting shot and you being framed. But how did you prove your innocence?" Kelfin's response came swiftly. "Security cameras." A sense of unease crept over him as he turned to Ghel and asked, "But how do you know all this?" Ghel shifted uncomfortably before answering, "Tre's angry that you were released. He doesn't block his thoughts as well as he thinks he does when he's upset." Rist leaned forward, her expression serious. "Why are you telling us this? If Mor's gets taken out, Tre could go for a takeover." Ghel’s eyebrows furrowed in concern. He knows the business as well as Yol. He could hold it until the true heir comes forward, assuming it's not him. Tre's heir is a clueless teenage kid who couldn't hold a hand," he explained. So Tre’s Conglomerate would be open for a takeover if Tre goes down for this," Rist said, her voice filled with concern. She understood the potential consequences of Tre's actions, not just for himself but for the entire company. Ghel nodded solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Yol would be the most likely candidate to seize the opportunity and take over. He has always been ambitious and eagerly awaits a chance like this." Kelfin furrowed his brow in suspicion. "Are you trying to set Yol up to take over?" "You want to work for him, don't you?" Rist guessed. Cral glanced at her in surprise. Ghel's gaze shifted from Rist to Kelfin, his expression tinged with surprise. "No, that's not my intention. While Yol might offer certain advantages as an employer, it's not my goal to work for him. I just don't want to work for a murderer. I’m a corporate spy. My morals have to be low, but I draw the line there." Rist nodded, understanding Ghel's dilemma. "And you think Tre is one, but you can't go to the police because mind-reading abilities aren't admissible as evidence." Ghel affirmed her understanding with a solemn nod. "Exactly. And if Tre were to find out that I had exposed his wrongdoings, he would stop at nothing to destroy me." "What do you want us to do?" Kelfin asked, his brow furrowed with worry. Ghel glanced at Rist, his eyes reflecting a sense of urgency. "Protect Yol. Maybe that hacker you call a chauffeur can dig something up." Kelfin's frown deepened as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. "And keep an eye on your employees," Cral suggested with a sense of suspicion. "He's got to have inside help." Kelfin nodded in agreement, realizing the need to be more vigilant. He was going to have to push and spend as much time at the office as he could. Rist seemed agitated, her eyes darting with unspoken thoughts. She had something in mind but didn't want to voice it here. They'd discuss it on the way home. "I don't think I've ever seen you eat so much," Ghel observed as he looked at Kelfin in surprise. Kelfin glanced down at his plate, only to realize that it was almost empty. He had been so engrossed in conversation that he hadn't even noticed how much he had eaten. "Let him be," Cral scolded gently. "You don't always eat well in crowds either. It's quiet here." "Being in isolation wasn't so good. They weren't consistent with meals. I don't want a setback," Kelfin explained, his voice tinged with concern. Ghel smiled warmly. "Good." By his emotions, he meant it. He genuinely wanted Kelfin to make a full recovery, though his motives remained unclear. Feeling satisfied, Kelfin put down his fork, indicating that he was full. "Finish that little bit," Rist encouraged. "It's not much and will make Satil happy." "Finish, and we'll get dessert," Ghel added, trying to persuade Kelfin. “They have something called baklava. It is so good," Cral claimed, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You've eaten here before?" Rist inquired, curious about Cral's familiarity with the place. Cral shook her head. "No, a friend brought me some." Despite feeling full, Kelfin decided to try a bit of Rist’s dessert. It was sweet enough, but he probably wouldn't have been able to eat a whole serving. Ghel teased him a little but then handed him an Earth candy called peppermint, recommending it to soothe his stomach after a rough day. As they left, Kelfin bought a bag of the peppermint candies. The peculiar spicy yet cooling flavor would take some getting used to, but if it helped his stomach, it would be worth it.