The change was subtle, as Tristan was wearing a black coat, same as Byron. Tristan punched Rain lightly in one shoulder, and Rain gave him a half-hearted smile in response.

“While the munchkin is getting her food, is there anything we need to talk about, that isn’t for her ears?” Tristan asked.

“That’s the first place your mind goes?” I asked.

“I thought I’d bring it up. Kenzie’s away for a few minutes. Is there anything we need to work out?”

“Chris is gone, she’s bummed and not at her best, so we watch out for her and we watch her,” I said.

“Succinctly put,” Tristan said. “Are you swinging by the institution at some point to check on her?”

“Sure,” I said.

“Are we going to talk about Chris?” Ashley asked.

“Hard to do until we have more information,” I said.

“Okay,” Ashley said. “You’re going to have files, right? From Mortari.”

“Not on Chris, I don’t think. But yes.”

“Alright,” Ashley said. “Then do we warn people? Have we informed the institution that was looking after him that they may need to change things around?”

“If he’s in Shin, he’s in Shin,” I said. “And there’s not much use warning people, except for the Wardens, and they already know.”

“It doesn’t feel good enough,” Ashley said.

“You’re bothered by this,” Rain observed.

“Yes. And I’m bothered in a way I don’t want to pass on to Kenzie. I’m glad to be talking about this now. This is serious, and it’s related to us.”

“It’s a kid running off because Victoria’s sister is his best bet to get healthy. He’s no more a concern than any of the many, many prisoners that were here that just got dumped on that world,” Tristan said. “Except he’s young and stubborn, and he’s kind of our responsibility, as you said.”

“You think this?” Ashley asked. She leaned back. “This is… group consensus?”

“What are you saying?” I asked.

“Is it?”

“Yeah,” I said. “Shave off the serial numbers, and that’s essentially my take. It’s serious, don’t get me wrong, but… there’s a lot of serious going on. Why?”

“Your sister is powerful,” she said. “I’m sorry to bring this up, but it’s important.”

“She is,” I said.

“Do you think she’s going to do something to his power?” Tristan asked.

Fuck. Ick.

“No,” Ashley said, clearly annoyed.

“Go easy, Tristan,” Sveta said.

“No,” Ashley said, again, louder. All eyes went to her. “What I think, and I’m saying this as someone who pays attention to power, authority, and leadership, I was listening as they talked at the end, before they left. Amy made her announcement, remember?”

There were some nods around the table. Rain murmured something to Erin, clarifying.