On the screen above, the map of Shin changed, indicating more icons like the ones we’d used for the giants. Each had a timer above them.

“Give us a moment,” my mom told them.

“Of course,” my dad said.

I saw the ‘mute’ button appear on the monitor on the desk.

“Brandish,” Narwhal called out.

“Yes?”

“Miss Militia’s notes say Shin places a high emphasis on family.”

“They do. I saw it when I was there.”

“If you can have a pleasant conversation with your husband, and if you’re comfortable being open in front of this many people—”

“I can.”

“It wouldn’t be out of place for a businessman to break from business to tend to a child, or to call a wife about an errand. It would even make them appear stronger. It’s part of the reason Flashbang is on the call.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Only do it if you can keep it pleasant and positive.”

“Understood.”

The mute button disappeared.

“I’ve missed you, Mark. You’ve missed things.”

Was my mom thinking about last night’s conversation? Sins of decades past?

“I can imagine,” my dad said. “Packed up and moved for the evacuation?”

“Our things are packed. I’m staying at our niece’s apartment, we’re packing. We saw my sister this morning.”

A pause.

“…Through Valkyrie?”

“Valkyrie. We had a very emotional conversation, reuniting. Crystal was there. Victoria too, but she had other reunions too.”

“I—I have missed things. What do I even say to that?”

“Wow,” I heard Amy say. “I didn’t think she’d finish that project.”

Was it just me, that felt like that line was so alien, intrusive, and out of place?

Vista turned in her chair, giving me a brief weirded-out look.

Thank you, Vista. You’re a gem. I appreciate you being freaked out by that more than I can tell you.

“Well, she did,” Carol said. “I’m sorry you both missed the reunion.”

“Was Mike there?”

“No, they weren’t able to get in touch. I would love to have you and him there for a future meeting. You’re doing good work there, Mark.”

Amy’s voice cut through, “How was she? Aunt Sarah.”

“As well as could be expected,” my mom said. “Considering her death and rebirth.”

“I wish I could check on her. On all of you.”

Fuck you, I thought.

“There’s no need,” my mother said.

“There’s some need, Mom. You’re still not better. You left abruptly to look after Victoria. Victoria?”