Kelfin tried desperately to loosen his grip on Rist's hand, noticing that his anxiousness was only causing her more distress. However, despite his efforts, his hand didn't want to let go. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself down. He knew that this would only be a short time, and he needed to gather himself for what lay ahead. As they approached the hospital entrance, Kelfin could already feel the waves of emotions emanating from the people in the building before them. The atmosphere was heavy with negativity, as the hospital was a place where few reasons for joy existed. Fear, misery, depression, worry, grief, and regret seemed to drown out any traces of happiness or relief. It was overwhelming, but Kelfin steeled himself, knowing that he had to push forward. Despite Kelfin's efforts to distance himself from his family, both legally and as Bril had insisted, Yol was still his brother. The bond they shared, both legally and within their hearts, compelled Kelfin to seek more information than the doctors provided over the phone. He couldn't rely solely on secondhand accounts; he needed to see for himself what was going on with Yol. He took a deep breath and stepped into the bustling hospital lobby. With each stride, he could feel his heartbeat quicken, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. As he approached the information desk, Kelfin made a conscious effort to detach himself from Rist's hand, realizing the need to maintain a certain image. "I'm Kelfin Mor," he introduced himself, deliberately using the family name that he often avoided. "I'm here to see my brother, Yol Mor," he informed the nurse, who immediately looked up, his curiosity piqued. "Brother?" the nurse questioned, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I hadn't been told he had any family." Kelfin let out a weary sigh and reached into his pocket, retrieving his federal ID card. It was the only identification document he possessed that displayed his last name. His work ID and driver's license only included his initial, while his adoption papers referred to him by his old designation number. The man behind the desk studied both Kelfin's ID and his face with a stern expression, seemingly evaluating their similarity. Realizing that his appearance bore no resemblance to Yol – lacking the almond-shaped eyes and almost black hair – Kelfin decided to demonstrate further evidence of their connection. He swiftly accessed his adoption record on his tablet, displaying it to the desk attendant. After a few moments of examining the documents and glancing between Kelfin and the computer screen, the nurse nodded in understanding. He then checked Yol's current location on the computer. "Mr. Mor is in room 432," he finally informed, offering the necessary directions to Kelfin. Kelfin nodded confidently and started walking in the direction indicated. However, his progress was halted as the nurse intercepted him, asserting that only family members were allowed to enter. Kelfin glanced at Rist, silently communicating his plan. Mimicking the commanding demeanor Bril when dealing with subordinates who overstepped their boundaries, Kelfin firmly insisted, "She's with me." The sudden change in his demeanor caught the nurse off guard, and he reluctantly nodded, allowing them to pass. Once they were out of sight, Kelfin let out a sigh of relief and visibly relaxed. Taking Rist's hand in his, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had surprised both the nurse and Rist with his assertiveness, and it had made an impression on her. The room they were headed to was located near where Dath had stayed years ago when he was recovering from an injury to his eye. Although it had been over three decades since then, Kelfin's muscle memory guided his steps as he had visited Dath almost every day for those three weeks. The memory of having to force himself to take each step back then was still vivid in his mind, and not much had changed. Yol lay in a sterile hospital bed connected to a myriad of tubes and wires that snaked across his body. The sight was particularly jarring, considering Yol had always been the epitome of health and vitality, known for his athletic prowess. In contrast, Kelfin was the more delicate of the two, frequently battling illnesses and appearing frail. The sight of Yol in such a vulnerable state overwhelmed Rist, and her emotions got the better of her. The thought of her own mother, having undergone similar treatments and procedures, flooded her mind. Sensing her distress, Kelfin suggested that she wait downstairs if the scene became too overwhelming for her to bear. However, Rist refused to leave his side. She shook her head defiantly, determined to overcome her emotions and stay strong for him. With determination in her voice, she assured him that he needed her by his side throughout this difficult ordeal. Uncertain, Kelfin hesitated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing that he could manage for a short while on his own. But Rist shook her head once more and tightened her grip on his hand, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. In that instant, Kelfin realized that she needed him just as much as he needed her in this challenging time. Affectionately, he squeezed her hand, silently reassuring her that they were in this together - supporting each other through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead. Kelfin was worried as he stared at Yol's medical chart. The document he held was not the extensive and technical report typically used by the doctors. Instead, it seemed to be a simplified version intended to keep visitors informed about Yol's condition. Unfortunately, it did not provide much more information than Kelfin already knew after making a phone call to the hospital. The only notable detail he discovered was that Yol was being deliberately kept in a coma. This new revelation perplexed and troubled Kelfin. He quickly approached a nearby nurse, hoping to gain clarity on the situation. With a frown etched on his face, he inquired, "Why is Yol being kept in a coma? I was told that he was doing well. What has changed?" The nurse checked the system and confirmed, "Yes, he is in need of a replacement life chip. Unfortunately, his chip was damaged beyond repair and we're currently waiting for a new one." Concerned, Kelfin asked, "Have you contacted the company? We usually keep a stock of these chips for emergencies like this." The nurse nodded and replied, "Yes, we have already reached out to the company. However, Mr. Mor has a specialty model and they don't have it in stock. They informed us that the specific chip he requires will need to be custom-made." Kelfin furrowed his brow and said, "Even for the most complicated chips, it shouldn't take more than a day or two to manufacture. How long has it been since you contacted them?" The nurse explained, "We called the company on the day Mr. Mor was shot, and they assured us that they would prioritize his case. We were expecting a call back to provide an update, but unfortunately, we haven't received one yet." Kelfin frowned and pulled out his tablet to call the head of chip manufacturing. "Kelfin?" the man who answered said. "Can I…" Kelfin cut him off. "The hospital called to request a replacement chip for Mr. Mor over a week ago. They're still waiting.” "I don't know anything about a special request. The next batch of chips was supposed to go out next week." "That would be too late for Mr. Mor," the nurse said urgently. "He needs it in two days." "We can get one for you,” the manager assured them, understanding the urgency. “What model?" "X-25116," the nurse read the model number from her computer, her voice filled with desperation. The manager frowned as he quickly checked his inventory. "We don't have any of those made. Few can afford them." "Then get one made," Kelfin insisted, his voice steely. "My driver is running an errand. When he's done, he'll come to get it. I want it at the front desk when he gets there.” Realizing the gravity of the situation, the manager nodded. "Alright, I'll make sure to expedite the process. We'll have the chip made immediately." "Thank you," Kelfin replied, relief evident in his voice. "We appreciate your efforts. This is a matter of life and death for Mr. Mor." "Understood," the manager said. "We'll do our best to manufacture the chip as quickly as possible and have it ready for your driver." With a sense of urgency, Kelfin ended the call and turned to the nurse. "We've taken the necessary steps to expedite the chip production. It should be ready when the driver arrives." The nurse nodded gratefully. "Thank you." Thanks," the nurse gratefully said to Kelfin, appreciating his understanding of the situation. "He's my brother," Kelfin clarified, emphasizing the importance of their relationship. "We don't have you listed as a relation," the nurse explained regretfully. "If we had your information earlier, we could have resolved this issue days ago. However, if you allow me to see your ID, I can enter you as a relative for future reference." Complying with the nurse's request, Kelfin handed his ID over to her. The nurse began to enter the details into the system, but her expression turned perplexed. "It won't let me add you as a brother," she muttered frustratedly. Feeling exasperated, Kelfin let out a sigh. "That must be our father's doing," he revealed, indicating that their father may have added incorrect or incomplete information. Understanding the challenges associated with family dynamics, the nurse empathized. "Parents can indeed be difficult at times," she acknowledged. "However, the cousin option is still available. I'll add you as a cousin and make a note in the system to reflect your true relationship." Expressing his gratitude, Kelfin replied, "Thanks," glad for the nurse's flexibility and willingness to find a suitable solution Kelfin went back to sit with Yol, feeling a sense of duty and concern toward his friend. Until Dath arrived, they were stuck there, unable to leave without calling for a service. However, Kelfin didn't want to do that unless Rist needed to get out of there too. "How are you doing?" Kelfin asked Rist, his voice filled with genuine care. "Do you need to get out of here? I can call a service for us." Rist took a moment to collect herself before responding. "I'm okay, Kelfin. At first, it was a shock to see him, but I'll be okay if you want to sit with him for a bit." "Let me know if it gets to be too much," Kelfin encouraged her. "We can call a service and leave together." Rist nodded appreciatively. "I will. Thank you for your support. By the way, why didn't you tell me you were Yol's brother?" Kelfin sighed, his expression showing a mix of sadness and frustration. "It's a complicated story, Rist. You see, Bril, Yol's father, drilled it into me that I wasn't part of the family. To him, I was just the help, not a son. He only adopted me to take on my debt and control my release. Yol knew he would never have any other siblings, so he accepted me as his brother from day one, despite Bril's protests." He paused for a moment, recalling the difficult past. "After I was finally released from my debt, Bril practically disowned me. He went as far as having the family name removed from my work ID and even my driver's license. Thankfully, he couldn't remove it from my federal ID without voiding the adoption, which would have caused too many problems for him." "We sort of reconciled when he found out I stayed with the company, but we were never close. Yol, on the other hand, never stopped treating me like a brother. While Bril was still alive, Yol never pushed me to acknowledge our relationship. Now, it just feels awkward to me, so I only use it when necessary." Rist listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. "That must have been incredibly difficult for you, Kelfin. I can understand why you have mixed feelings about it all." Kelfin nodded, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. "It has been challenging, but Yol's unwavering support has made it easier to bear. He is the one who truly sees me as family, and it means the world to me." As they sat together, Kelfin and Rist found solace in their shared understanding, gently comforting each other until Dath arrived to provide them with a way to leave the park. The complicated dynamics of their relationships were set aside for now, as they focused on navigating through the present challenges. But you care about Yol?" Rist asked, his eyes filled with concern. Kelfin nodded, his expression tinged with sadness. "I do. We were brothers for a time, fought and survived together." Rist's voice softened. "You still are. You're closer than Cral and I, even after all these years." Kelfin gave a small smile, appreciating the sentiment. "Thank you, my friend. It means a lot." Rist couldn't help but express his doubts. "Do you trust her, though? I mean, it's hard to say what someone might do under pressure." Kelfin's brows furrowed as he pondered the question. "I used to trust her implicitly. But now, with Ghel's influence, I don't know if she'd lie to protect us. I don't even know if she could do anything to stop it." Rist nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I get that. It's a risky game we're playing." Kelfin sighed. "I just hope we're making the right choices." Rist offered some reassurance. "I didn't sense anything from Ghel that would imply deception. He willingly ate with us last night, even though Tre is never one to overlook potential security risks." Kelfin considered Rist's perspective but remained cautious. "Either Tre put him up to it, or Ghel hopes he can use our relationship to his advantage. We can't let our guard down around them." With a determined expression, Kelfin reached for his tablet. He needed answers. "I'll ask Kessa to look into why the replacement chip hasn't been made yet and why there isn't one available for emergencies. We need to be prepared." Rist nodded in agreement, his mind already focused on the tasks at hand. "Good idea. Let's both dive into our work until Dath returns." And so, Kelfin and Rist settled in, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their tablets. They knew they had to stay vigilant, for the safety of themselves, Yol, and the entire mission *** Rist followed Kelfin around the office, observing his agitated state and noticing how he was making everyone nervous. His behavior had escalated to the point where he had snapped at several managers over minor issues. He was feeding off the negative emotions he was creating. Concerned about the situation, Rist believed that she needed to intervene somehow. "Kelfin, you have an appointment in five minutes," she informed him, trying to bring his attention to something else. He paused, clearly surprised. "I do?" he asked. She nodded, trying to keep her tone calm and composed. "Yes, we should head back to your office. The person you're meeting with will be arriving soon." Rist's suggestion didn't seem to sit well with Kelfin, who grumbled in response, "I'm not in the mood to be meeting with someone." She didn't let his negative attitude deter her. Picking up on his hesitation, she met his comment with a challenge, "Since when do we only do things we're in the mood to do?" She then took the initiative and started making her way towards the elevator, expecting him to follow. Kelfin's voice echoed off the walls of the elevator, filled with concern. "Who is it with?" he asked again, his eyebrows knit together in worry as they rode up to their floor. But Rist remained silent, her eyes fixed on the numbers above the doors. Rist finally turned to face him, her expression guarded. "I have everything ready," she assured him. Frowning, Kelfin took a step closer. "You're not answering my question. What's going on?" "I have been answering you," Rist replied, her voice firm. "And I'm fine." "But I can feel it," Kelfin insisted, his hand reaching out to lightly touch her shoulder. "Something is setting you off. I try not to pry, but today I need you at your best." Rist hesitated, then sighed and gestured for him to follow her into her office. "I know," she said as she closed the door behind them. "Please sit." She pointed to the comfortable couch against the far wall. As Kelfin settled onto the cushions, he couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh. "Rist…" But she cut him off by pouring two cups of hot tea and handing one to him. "You need to relax," she said gently. "I can't," Kelfin insisted before taking a sip of the tea she offered. "And you're not helping." The tension between them hung heavy in the air as they sat in silence for a few moments. Finally, Rist spoke up again. "I'm sorry," she said softly, placing a hand on his knee. "But I'm worried about you." Kelfin's gaze softened as he looked at her, his frustrations momentarily forgotten. "Me?" he asked, incredulous. "Yes," Rist nodded, her eyes full of concern. "All morning you've been on edge. You're taking it out on everyone." Kelfin took another sip of tea and let out a deep breath, finally caving into her words. "I know," he admitted with a sigh. "I just…can't seem to shake this feeling." "I'm concerned about Yol," Kelfin confessed. "There's a good reason why most people don't opt for chip replacement when they fail." "Satil had his chip replaced," Rist reminded him. "I'm aware. But did he tell you how long it took or the issues they encountered? Bril made sure to bring in top-notch surgeons to ensure everything went smoothly." "You don't trust the doctor who's working on him?" Rist speculated as she handed him a pill. He examined it with a furrowed brow. "I don't know. I'm not familiar with this doctor. What's this?" He pointed at the pill. "It's not my usual medication." "It's a sedative left over from the trip. You seem to need it. I took one on the way to Marstat. They're not too bad." Kelfin considered the pill for a moment. Rist wasn't sure if he would take it. She held out the bottle for him to put it back in. "If you don't want it, you don't have to take it. I told you I'm not going to force you to take anything." "But you think I need it?" Kelfin probed. He took a sip of his tea. "You're causing distress to the employees and then feeding on that." "I'll still be able to work?" Kelfin asked, his gaze still fixed on the sedative in his hand, his brows furrowed with concern. Rist nodded reassuringly. "I don't see why not." He let out a weary sigh. "Maybe I should talk to Satil. He knows what will cause issues with my emotions." "Where do you think I got them? He said I should put it in your tea," Rist replied matter-of-factly. "You wouldn't?" Kelfin persisted a hint of disbelief in his voice. "No, I wouldn't, unless you ask me to. But I strongly recommend you take it. And it shouldn't affect your appetite," Rist assured him. Kelfin raised an eyebrow, showing a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. "You aren't very subtle. How often do you put off taking your medicine until after you’ve eaten? I spoke to Dr. Heth about adjusting your schedule to allow you to eat better. When your current bottle is done, he's going to switch you to an extended-release medication. It may upset your stomach, but if you take it with food before bed, it should help minimize your discomfort. And he mentioned that the peppermint should help too." "I can only hope," Kelfin murmured. He took the sedative with his tea and then popped a peppermint in his mouth, quietly contemplating the potential relief it may bring. Take it easy for a few minutes before we go check on things," Rist suggested, understanding the need for a brief respite. "Who is the appointment with?" Kelfin inquired. "No one. I've been subtly trying to get you to come up here all morning, but you wouldn't. So I lied," Rist admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of guilt. Kelfin frowned, taken aback by her admission. "You lied to me?" he questioned, his tone laced with a mix of surprise and disappointment. "Yes, I did," Rist confessed. "You hired me to help you in crowds, but I can't do that if you don't listen to me and you certainly weren’t this morning." Realizing the truth in her words, Kelfin nodded, acknowledging his oversight. He settled back on the couch, allowing himself to relax for a moment. He finished his candy, savoring the sweetness before resuming his day's tasks. Kelfin pushed to continue working until he received an update from the hospital. He messaged Dath to come and pick them up. At the hospital, he and Rist patiently waited for Yol to awaken from surgery. Hearing the surgery was a success had lifted weight from Kelfin's heart. "You can relax now," Rist teased him, attempting to alleviate some of the tension that had consumed him. "You won't have to run Mor's until Etik is old enough." Kelfin shook his head, his worry etched on his face. "That wasn't my only concern. I don't want to lose my brother," he insisted, his voice filled with a blend of determination and protectiveness. "Besides, the hard part starts now. He's going to need time to recover, but I know he'll want to continue running things from here." “I heard that," Yol claimed. Kelfin felt a wave of emotion welling up inside him hearing his brother’s voice. Holding back tears, he replied, "Did I lie?" he challenged. Yol chuckled, though his concern remained. "No. What happened?” Taking a deep breath, Kelfin proceeded to explain the events of Yol being shot and the aftermath. Yol's frown deepened. "You've been trying to manage everything from home?" Kelfin shook his head. "No, I've been coming into the office as much as I could after being released." Yol's eyebrows shot up. "Released? From what?" With a heavy sigh, Kelfin shared the unsettling truth. "Since we're brothers, I was considered the prime suspect in the shooting." Yol's voice was sharp with disbelief. "Who has been running the company in our absence?" he demanded. Kelfin braced himself for Yol's reaction. "Rist, with the help of Shor and Kessa," he confessed. "The assistant we hired just two months ago has been in charge?" Yol's tone turned accusatory. Kelfin took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "You approved her hiring and gave her the authority to act on my behalf. I've checked her work and everything is in order. In fact, she did better than Shor and Kessa ever have." "What exactly did Shor and Kessa do?" Yol pressed. "I'm handling it," Kelfin assured him, but Yol's growl told him that wasn't good enough. "Kelfin," Yol said through gritted teeth, clearly not satisfied with his answer. "Yol, you need to rest," he insisted, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Your company will still be here when you return. Trust me, like a brother should. I will take care of any issues and ensure the success of our endeavors." Kelfin's words struck a chord with Yol, reminding him of the unbreakable bond they shared. Reluctantly, Yol nodded, acknowledging the weight of his brother's words. He knew deep down that he could trust Kelfin to address any concerns and safeguard their shared interests. With a glimmer of hope, Yol finally relented. "Alright," he said, his tone begrudgingly accepting. "I will trust you, but I expect regular updates and transparency." Kelfin nodded, relieved that he had successfully assuaged Yol's worries, at least for now. "Of course, Yol," he assured him, matching Yol's seriousness. "I will keep you informed every step of the way." “So if you were released, who shot me?" Yol asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and suspicion. “I haven't heard that the police have any suspects," Kelfin said, his brow furrowing with concern. "So why did they release you? I know you couldn't have done it, but the police don't know you like I do. Unless you told them something," Yol pressed, searching for answers. "No, I didn't tell them anything," Kelfin clarified, eager to address his concerns. "Dath had the interior cameras running at the time of the incident. However, he couldn't access the footage after his accident, and I forgot that they were still recording." Yol listened attentively, his curiosity piqued by Kelfin's mention of additional information. "Ghel said Tre was involved," Rist interjected, offering insights from their recent dinner conversation. "Ghel? When did you talk to him?" Yol asked, her surprise evident. "We had dinner with him and Cral the other day," Kelfin relayed, sensing the importance of sharing Ghel's revelations. He proceeded to recount the details of their conversation, explaining Ghel's account of the shooting, the subsequent accident at Sola's, and Dath's altercation with the reporter. He emphasized Ghel's warning about the possibility of an inside man, someone working against them from within their own circle “Do you have any idea who?" Yol asked, his brows furrowing with concern. "I'd wonder about Akku," Kelfin replied, his voice filled with suspicion. "Something’s going on in compacts. But it's compacts, they have no influence outside the department." "Are they still behind?" Yol asked, hoping for a positive response. "They're making good progress," Kelfin assured him, a hint of relief evident in his voice. It was comforting to know that, despite any potential issues, the compacts were working diligently to catch up. Curiosity piqued, Yol couldn't help but inquire further. "Did you find out what else they were doing?" Kelfin's expression became more somber. "No, not yet. Security is currently working on it, trying to uncover the full extent of their activities." "Perhaps Dath and Jalf should look into it," Rist suggested. "They've been doing a better job with my records. Security hasn't even been able to figure out what happened to the original request for my ID." “Security has other responsibilities too," Kelfin pointed out, his tone firm. "They don't answer to Akku, so she can't be interfering with their assignments." "They answer to Shor and Kessa," Rist countered, her voice filled with frustration. "So does Akku. They were the ones who should have been keeping an eye on the compacts. They should have dealt with the delay months ago. And look at what they did while both of you were gone. We had talked about not doing some of the things Kelfin thinks shouldn’t have been done, and then they went ahead and did them when I was gone." "Are you suggesting that they are involved?" Kelfin asked, his brow furrowing with concern. Rist shrugged, her expression grave. "I think it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on them. How many people knew we were back and the staff weren't?" "Either one of them could have seen that you were indebted and known that you couldn't act as an alibi," Yol reasoned, his voice calm and analytical. "Do you think Dath can help? He's not too busy as your guard or driver, is he?" Kelfin shook his head, his face showing signs of relief. "No, Jalf's giving him a hand as a bodyguard, and we've been staying in the townhouse since we've been at the office so much." "Then who are they guarding?" Yol asked. "Etik," Kelfin admitted, knowing Yol wouldn’t like it. "Etik? Why is he at your place? Why tell anyone about him? You promised you wouldn't say anything," Yol's voice cracked with a hint of hurt. Kelfin sighed, understanding the weight of Yol's disappointment. "I'm sorry, Yol. I know I promised to keep Etik's existence a secret, and I intended to. But when I realized that we might be in danger, I had to consider the possibility that someone might try to target us. And if that happened, I couldn't risk keeping Etik completely unknown." Yol's frown deepened as his mind swiftly calculated the consequences of such a breach in secrecy. "But no one knows about him," he argued. "That was the whole point, to keep him safe." Kelfin nodded in agreement. "I know, Yol, but someone had somehow learned about him. They were there when we arrived at the designated meeting spot. It was a dangerous situation, and I couldn't leave Etik completely vulnerable." Yol's worry intensified as he thought about the potential danger that Etik and Sila could be facing. "Is he okay? What about Sila?" he asked with alarm, his voice trembling. Kelfin's comforting tone eased Yol's concerns. "Both Etik and Sila are fine, Yol. I've taken them to my house, where they are safe and hidden from prying eyes. I wouldn't have brought them there if I thought they were at risk." Relief washed over Yol, relieved that at least for now, Etik and Sila were out of immediate danger. Though he still felt anger simmering beneath the surface, he couldn't help but acknowledge that Kelfin's actions were motivated by concern for their safety. It was a difficult balance between protecting Etik's secret and ensuring his well-being. Yol's frustration lingered, but he understood the necessity of Kelfin's actions. In this precarious situation, their priority had to be keeping Etik and Sila safe. However, the matter of how someone had discovered Etik's existence remained a pressing concern. They needed to find out who had betrayed their trust and ensure that such a breach would not happen again. Yol relaxed and looked at Kelfin. "Is there anything else you haven't told me yet?" he asked. Kelfin nodded and sighed. "Zela knows my secret," he admitted. Rist, feeling responsible, spoke up. "I told her," she confessed. "I didn't trust Kessa or Shor to help when Kelfin was arrested. I was stuck at the house with no transportation and no way to help Kel." Yol turned his attention towards Rist. "You trusted Zela more than Shor or Kessa?" he asked, slightly confused. Rist shrugged her shoulders, trying to explain his reasoning. "As I said before, Shor and Kessa knew we were returning early and they should have been keeping an eye on the compacts while Kelfin was away." Yol raised an eyebrow, soaking in the information. "And you trust Ghel enough to believe this is an inside job?" he inquired. Rist shook her head. "I don't know Ghel personally, so I have no reason to trust him. But it would be wise to exercise caution considering the circumstances." Yol nodded in agreement. "Let me use your tablet so I can look into them," Yol suggested, hoping to convince Kelfin to let him take charge of the task. But Kelfin shook his head insistently. "No. You're going to take it easy so you can recover," Kelfin insisted, showing concern for Yol's well-being. Yol tried to reassure Kelfin. "I'll be fine," he claimed. "I'm not even getting up. Just let me handle this one thing." However, Kelfin remained firm in his decision. "No," Kelfin insisted. "You don't need the extra stress. I'll handle everything until you get back on your feet." Feeling a bit frustrated, Yol turned to Rist, who was also nearby. "Rist, may I use yours then?" Yol requested, hoping for a different answer. Rist shook her head sympathetically. "Sorry, but your recovery is more pressing right now," she replied, understanding the importance of allowing Yol to fully focus on getting better. Yol's temper flared, a volatile mix of frustration and concern. Kelfin expected him to explode. But then Rist stepped in and offered an explanation that shed some light on the situation. “Kelfin has been insistent on working from the office full-time. As a result, we’ve been spending nights at the townhouse instead of getting out of the city. If you delay your recovery and he doesn't get to start working from home, he's going to end up as your roommate.” Yol's brow furrowed as he turned his gaze towards Kelfin, his voice laden with worry and exasperation. "You're neglecting your own well-being again, aren't you?" Kelfin, however, quickly defended himself. "No, I'm trying my best," he claimed. "But I've found myself relying too heavily on tea lately, and it's wreaking havoc on my health. Rist and Corish have been watching over me, making sure I eat properly and offering me some supplemental drinks to compensate." Rist nodded in agreement, chiming in, "That's right. We're doing everything we can to take care of him, but we can't risk jeopardizing his health any further. It's important that he gets better." Reluctantly, Yol acknowledged the validity of their concerns. He couldn't let his own impatience put Kelfin's health at risk. With a heavy sigh, he finally relented, agreeing to prioritize his recovery. *** Etik was overjoyed to hear that Yol had woken up from his coma. Despite being unable to visit Yol due to his age, they managed to stay connected through daily video calls on the tablet. The weight of worry that had burdened the boy seemed to have lifted, and Etik expressed a strong desire to return to school and reunite with his friends. However, both Yol and Jalf were concerned about his safety, fearing that attending school in person could put him at risk. Dath was working to find a solution that would allow Etik to attend school remotely without being traced. After some research, Dath managed to acquire one of the military-grade tablets that couldn't be easily traced. The tablet was discretely sent to the office for Kelfin to bring home, ensuring that Etik could use it for his remote schooling. However, they encountered a new challenge when they realized that Yol couldn't resist working when he had a tablet with him. In order to avoid any distractions from his recovery process, the nurses took charge of the tablet and only brought it to Yol during their scheduled video call with Kelfin and Etik. As Kelfin made his way to the compacts, where the kids were working on various projects, he couldn't help but ponder their progress. With the assistance of the latest group of kids, they had finally caught up with their workload. However, Kelfin couldn't shake off the thought that maybe they had pushed the kids too hard to achieve this. He considered bringing Mos, a staff member from the legal department, to witness their operations to ensure that everything was being conducted ethically. However, Kelfin hesitated, unsure of who he could truly trust within the company. While he had confidence in Mos, he couldn't ignore that he had also placed trust in Kessa and Shor, but it seemed like they couldn’t be trusted. He considered contacting Baj again but this was a company matter and decided against it. He believed that this matter should be handled internally without involving external parties. Akku frowned when she saw him, visibly not looking her usual well-kept self. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her tired eyes reflected the exhaustion she must have been feeling. As he approached, Kelfin couldn't help but notice that her once perfectly manicured nails now bore the signs of chipping, a further indication of the stressful times she was going through. The payroll department had recently decided to cut the wages of the compact management team until the stolen work hours were repaid. This unfortunate situation had caused a palpable strain on the team, evident in Noso's haggard appearance. The looming threat of legal action was taking its toll on him and the rest of the team. However, there seemed to be a slight shift in the atmosphere surrounding the department. Kelfin observed that the children still seemed subdued, but it wasn't as bad. They whispered to each other and a few even seemed to tell jokes. "How is everything going?" Kelfin inquired, genuinely concerned. "Fine," Akku replied curtly, her response laced with underlying frustration. Kelfin pressed on, wanting to understand the situation better. "Have they helped out elsewhere?" "They were supposed to go to the call center, but with you and Mr. Mor out, it had to get postponed," Akku explained. Kelfin nodded, the center had mentioned the same predicament when he checked in with them. It seemed that the entire team had been overwhelmed with their responsibilities and were too occupied to take on additional tasks. “And a trip to the farm will have to wait until spring," Akku added. "Why? There's plenty to do this time of year," Kelfin asked. "I'm not sure. He didn't mention the exact reason," Akku replied hesitantly. Noso chimed in from the workstation he was supervising, offering some insight. "When I called about a spring trip, the woman I spoke to mentioned that they would be busy integrating Sola's technology. She couldn't provide a timeline for when the kids would be able to visit. However, she did say that a tour could be arranged in the spring, but allowing the kids to actively participate might take longer." Kelfin nodded, realizing that it would be easy enough to verify this information. Rist, seeing Kelfin's interest, diligently took notes on her tablet, ensuring that they wouldn't forget to make the necessary arrangements. She would probably be the one to make the call too, as she seemed to enjoy taking care of such details. Kelfin couldn't help but feel thankful for her thoughtfulness. Turning his attention back to Akku, Kelfin inquired further, "And have the classes and free time resumed as well?" "Absolutely," Akku affirmed. "They always had their break time and evenings to themselves. However, due to their teacher being on maternity leave and the city schools also being on break, it has been challenging to find a substitute. But once a substitute becomes available, we'll get them back in classes. “Were they getting their full rest break?" Rist asked, her eyes fixed on the tablet screen as she typed. Akku scoffed, her voice laced with indignation. "Of course they were." Kelfin raised an eyebrow, contemplating Akku's response. He knew it would be easy to check the accuracy of her statement. "It would indeed be easy to verify," he reasoned, his gaze shifting to the surveillance camera panning over the room. "The camera feed is saved." However, the confidence on Akku's face wavered, and she hesitated before responding. "Well, the children all had their breaks, but it was done in shifts," she admitted reluctantly. "We didn't want to shut down production." Kelfin nodded, processing Akku's explanation. "That's understandable. The cameras will show that." As Akku's confidence visibly dropped, Kelfin couldn't help but wonder what exactly she was trying to conceal. Perhaps he needed to ask Dath to review the video footage using facial recognition technology. That way, they could ensure that all the children had indeed received their designated rest breaks as required by law. Observing Rist's focused typing, Kelfin couldn't help but wonder if she had arrived at the same conclusion. Had she also considered reviewing the video footage for possible discrepancies? Just then, Shor walked into the room, his presence catching Kelfin's attention. "Oh, Kelfin, are you checking on the kids?" Shor asked, his voice expressing a mix of surprise and concern. Kelfin nodded in response, affirming Shor's assumption. "I am," Kelfin replied, his tone indicating a sense of responsibility. "I figured you were busy enough with filling in for Mr. Mor. I guess you didn't get my message that I'd check on them," Shor said, his voice filled with a tinge of disappointment. Kelfin shrugged apologetically. "No, I didn't, but a little extra supervision wouldn't hurt," he admitted, acknowledging the importance of ensuring the children's wellbeing. Shor nodded, appreciating Kelfin's agreement. "I fully agree. And in case you didn't get the message, Kessa is checking on those in testing," he added, providing an important update. Kelfin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the revelation. "I was told they were done," he stated, slightly confused by the contradicting information. Shor frowned, realization dawning on him. "They are?" he questioned, his concern growing as he processed the potential oversight. "They're over there," Akku chimed in, pointing towards a specific area, directing both Shor and Kelfin's attention to the location of the children undergoing testing. Kelfin glanced over and noticed that there were two of them, a boy and a girl, who were supposed to stay together. “And I don't see the boy with the scissors,” Rist chimed in, his voice tinged with concern. Akku furrowed her brows in confusion. "Scissors?" Kelfin decided to brush off the question for now. "Where are the rest?" Akku shook her head, a worried expression crossing her face. "Everyone should be there. Noso, did you move anyone from that workstation?” Noso, a seasoned worker, shook his head and joined the group. He lowered his voice so that the kids couldn't overhear. "I wouldn't dare place new, untrained workers anywhere else. I couldn't risk them making mistakes that could lead to accidents.” "They will be trained on other stations eventually, won't they?" Rist inquired, his brow furrowed. "Of course," Noso reassured. "They will have the opportunity to work their way through every station over time. But in the beginning, we keep them on something simple to familiarize themselves with the basics. Kelfin approached the workstation, his steps purposeful as he sought out the brother he had conversed with earlier. Meanwhile, Rist went to engage with some of the other children. As Kelfin greeted the boy, he sensed an undercurrent of anger and betrayal emanating from him. Anticipating the accusations that might follow, Kelfin spoke first: "Where's your sister? Is she sick?" The boy shook his head, his expression a mix of confusion and distress. "They took her away. I thought we were supposed to work together." Puzzled, Kelfin reassured him, "I told them we would work together." He gestured towards Akku and Noso. "Were they the ones who took her?" The boy shook his head. "I've never seen them in here." Trying to piece together the timeline of events, Kelfin inquired, "When did they take her?" "It was the first day after we left that lab. We went back to the dorm, and two people came and took her and that boy who attacked us," the boy explained. Kelfin turned to Shor, his expression filled with concern. "Did we have any new hires in the dorms while I was gone?" he asked anxiously. Shor shook his head. "No. We haven't needed anyone in years," he replied, trying to ease Kelfin's worries. Feeling a sense of relief wash over him, Kelfin relaxed a little. He knew that the dorm workers had undergone vigorous background checks to ensure they could be trusted around children. Plus, the number of other employees allowed in the dorm was limited. It was highly unlikely that the children had been abducted. "It's probably just a case of the kids being taken to work in another department," Kelfin speculated. "Maybe Textiles needed a couple of models, or Recreation wanted new toy testers. The paperwork should have been sent, but it seems like the message system was acting up." Just then, Rist joined them, her demeanor seeming troubled. However, she remained silent, not offering any input on the situation at hand. Kelfin's concern grew stronger. "While they're probably in another department," he said firmly, "I want the kids found. And I want to be informed in person or on a call, no more messages since they seem to be getting lost." Akku, one of the other staff members, chimed in. "Are you sure they are getting lost?" she asked, her eyes shifting towards Rist, who continued to remain silent. Kelfin's voice held an accusing tone as he replied, "No. It could be that they aren't being sent at all. But that's something we can easily check." Determined to find answers, Kelfin made his way towards the door. "Rist, come with me," he called out. "We have some calls to make." *** “The nerve of her to imply you were working against me," Kelfin seethed once they were alone in the elevator. Rist understood his frustration. “It does make sense to suspect me. I haven't been here long. My sister works for the competition. My background check is incomplete," Rist reasoned, trying to provide a logical explanation for Akku's behavior. "Except you can't delete my notifications. I can see if you've deleted something or redirected it. And you couldn't have deleted the request for a background check," Kelfin pointed out, emphasizing the importance of transparency in their collaboration. "I sent a message to Dath to download the recordings you want to be checked. That way, they can't delete them and claim they couldn't find them," Rist revealed, hoping this would alleviate Kelfin's doubts about her intentions. Kelfin glanced at her, surprised by her proactive approach. "Good thinking," he acknowledged, recognizing her effort to protect their evidence. "But, I think we should hold off on having him look into the breaks. The kids I spoke to said things have improved. But the focus on this could be a distraction. What else are they trying to pull?" Rist voiced her concerns, cautioning against solely focusing on the issue of the breaks. Kelfin frowned, realizing that he had overlooked an important aspect. "We need to find the kids first. Once we locate them, we can assess the situation further," he said thoughtfully to Rist. Rist pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Do you think they're testing toys?" Kelfin shook his head. "I highly doubt it. Usually, they would want to test with a larger sample size than just two kids." Realizing the urgency of the situation, Rist quickly suggested, "While we search for the children, I'll contact them to check if they have any." Kelfin nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. We need to cover all possible angles." As they stepped off the elevator onto the floor with the psionics lab, Rist asked, "Are we retracing their steps?" Kelfin explained patiently, "Not exactly. We are looking for any clues or evidence that might indicate where the children have gone. Additionally, I’d like to see their test results." Understanding his objective, Rist nodded and joined Kelfin in their search, determined to find the missing children and unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance.