“We talked only briefly,” I said. “It wasn’t about anything too serious. Nothing about current goings-on, I think we only briefly touched on what happened last night, and even then, only to say we were a bit shaken and reeling, not to strategize or associate. Mostly it was about acquaintances and seeing if his brother was okay. The fact he is somewhat mobile and alert is… great.”

“It is,” Narwhal said, without a hint of a smile or trace of good humor.

“It was a chance meeting.”

“Then Capricorn did lie to me.”

“I don’t know. Defiant threw me a curve ball last night by lying to me and saying our activities killed people, to double check something or test me. I don’t know. I don’t know if you’re doing the same, or if this is part of your extended master–stranger procedure, but I’m telling you the truth.”

“I don’t play games, Victoria.

“Understood,” I said.

“What was the context of this accidental meeting?” Narwhal asked.

“Narhwal,” Vista said. It looked like it took her some active work to summon the courage to speak up. She hesitated as she noticed Jessica and Darnall making their approach, and then pushed forward, “I was the context of the meeting.”

Narwhal’s crystal-studded eyebrows went up. “That makes me more concerned, not less. He still lied, which leaves me suspicious about him, while casting your behavior into a questionable light.”

Jessica’s own reaction was one of mild surprise as she caught that last part of the conversation.

Vista clenched her fists. “I was, um, with Capricorn Blue. If his brother lied, it was to keep confidence.”

If there was any doubt she was telling the truth, then the doubter would have to explain the pink ear-tips and flush. Vista wasn’t that good an actor.

“That neatly explains a lot about this,” Narwhal said, but her tone didn’t soften. “I remember you were distracted by your association with Capricorn at the raid on the Mathers Fallen compound.”

“Yes,” Vista said.

I spoke up, “Distracted is the wrong word. It didn’t interfere with her performance.”

“Hold on,” Narwhal said.

I held on, tense.

“One thing at a time. We’ll unravel the individual issues, which releases those involved to join the handling of the greater crisis. Vista’s actions and distraction at the time concerned me, and I filed it as such. Let’s leave it at that. For now, Vista can leave with just a parting comment from me, I believe Cinereal is on the line at terminal two. Have you briefed yourself on all the materials we sent out twenty minutes ago?”

“Not yet,” Vista said.

“I see,” Narwhal said. She gave Vista a sad look. “You have so much promise, Vista. You’re almost eighteen. The Wardens have been talking about elevating you to a higher position, with a team to lead of your own. This is something you want?”