As the darkness dissipated and light returned to view, Bologue found himself back in the familiar Field Operations Department. The white bricks stacked around were neat and simple, a design Bologue always appreciated.
Nesanel, unexpectedly considerate, had brought Bologue to the door of Lebius's office. Pushing the door open, familiar people and things sat quietly inside, unchanged.
Lebius sat behind the desk, scrutinizing documents with a serious expression. Geoffrey was flipping through today's newspaper on the sofa next to him, while Palmer, sitting beside Geoffrey, was dozing off.
Someone gently patted Bologue, prompting him to step aside. Yuriel entered, carrying a cup of hot coffee, and handed it to Lebius.
Yuriel, the most inconspicuous member of the Special Operations Group, seemed more like the group's nanny than a field staff, quietly taking on all the troublesome follow-up work.
"Thank you."
Lebius accepted the coffee without looking up and said.
