“He also said he enjoyed having company,” Orcher adds. “It’s been a while since Lawrence has had someone to work with. After…well, after your father died, Lawrence hid himself away a bit. It doesn’t help that he rarely leaves the Ember. Hasn’t set foot on Undil in years. He loves Belvun, though. Eats breakfast at the same café every time we visit.”

I half-laugh, and then two people catch my eye across the food court: Michael and Ellin. They retrieve their meals from the dispensers and sit at a table near the opposite wall. I try to get their attention, but they don’t notice.

“Kairos is nearly gone,” Officer Remmit says, twirling his pasta. “I expect it will vanish by—”

“Morning, yes,” Orcher finishes. “I was telling Arman earlier.”

“It’ll certainly be a welcome home gift on the trip back, seeing it again.” Officer Remmit leans back and holds his hands behind his head. He sighs, mulling his thoughts over. “I think Daliona has finally developed the right formula, Orcher. Latest results came back positive. As long as they hold up with Belvun…”

I look between him and Orcher. “A formula?”

“Daliona is developing chemical and biological compounds to assist Belvun,” Orcher explains. “It’s imperative that we stabilize Belvun’s ecosystems and stop the desert from eating away at the planet, because about thirty percent is beyond saving. Most areas are, thankfully, unpopulated, but there have been cities overwhelmed by the changes. It’s been…difficult keeping the desert under control. Belvun isn’t adequately equipped to deal with this problem.”

“It’s a mess,” Officer Remmit adds. “The farther you move from the Belvish Embassy, the more you see the effects.” He shifts in his seat and gives Victoria a long look. “Gave us one hell of a time.”

Victoria flicks her eyes up at him, but doesn’t say anything. Then, before the silence can take too strong a hold, Officer Remmit perks up and slaps his hands on the table.

“I’ve just remembered. Vicky, did you ever tell Arman why you were late to his Placement Report?”

Victoria sullen expression turns to embarrassment. She utters a short laugh and hangs her head.

“No, Larson. I—”

“She says she got lost,” he interrupts. “But eyewitness reports claim she was indulging herself at the local ice cream plaza.” Officer Remmit leans forward and sets one elbow on the table. “So I ask again, Vicky: are you sure you got lost? It’s all right, you can tell us. It’ll be our little secret. I myself enjoy a creamy seedberry smoothie time-to-time.”

We all laugh, and Victoria’s face turns red. I didn’t believe him at first, but now I’m not so sure…

“I think we’re finished eating, Larson. Why don’t you clean up?”