“You do. You gave the Wardens access to all your files, and we pulled those files for the mission where they’re bringing them in later this week. Or they hope to. If you really want to do this, then I can ask for our people to keep them in custody.”

“It’s worth asking, at least. I’ll see what strings I can pull, if they can really do anything.”

I glanced over my shoulder at the conference room. I could make out Sveta’s silhouette, because the blinds reached the floor and Sveta was wearing a dress that hid the tendrils that reached down to the floor.

“You’re really spooked about this. I get it if you’re left out and I know how much that hurts, really, but that’s not it is it?”

Spooked? Scared?

Yeah.

I chewed on my lip rather than say anything. I nodded.

“I don’t really get it, but I’m sorry,” Vista said.

“Thanks,” I said.

“I’m also really sorry for whoever gets this costume,” Vista said. She slid paper across the table. I looked down, and I laughed. It looked like something the Super Magic Dream Parade would wear. Taffeta puff sleeves, puffy collar, and puffy shorts. The drawing had the person’s hair in a small afro as well. There were some variations playing off of different color schemes and design touches for different example powers. There was a male and female variant, as well. If it were one image I would have called it an exercise or a bit of artistic exploration, but this looked like a complete workup.

“How? Why? Do I need to worry about the people I’m working with?” Vista asked, her expression somewhere between horror and amusement.

“Probably. But I think having something like this would be strategic,” I said. “Hold this over someone’s head, get them to behave. Or set their expectations really low, first.”

“I’m going to feel so bad if I run into the person who got this costume, knowing I laughed,” Vista said.

“They’ll need all the support they can get.”

“Oh man,” Vista said. “Are there any other treasures in here?”

There weren’t, but looking through the art provided enough idle amusement. I was careful to put everything back where we found it.

“They’re leaving the room,” Vista observed.

I didn’t look.

“You know, before you go talk to any of them, I want to say they’re pretty decent overall, I think. And I know and I trust Jessica.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Agreed and agreed. Which is I guess why I’m so bothered. I’m putting my finger on it now. That thing I was saying before, you know, Gallant saying everyone had let him down?”

“Yeah. And you being stupid and blaming yourself over that.”

“I let him down, that one last time. I don’t know how easily I can let go of that. And what gets me here is… maybe it’s not just him? What if I’ve let everyone down?”

“You haven’t.”