Page 40 of Guiding Reason

Senlas crossed his arms. “Can we get back to you telling me that Col doesn’t need us to step in? Because I want to be sure of that.”

“If he needed anyone stepping in, we’d have done it,” Vin said. “He ordered us not to.”

Taros got up and went over to the packages, played at sorting them, putting some on the table while he left others on the side table. “He helped Col with his data-gathering obsession. Apparently, psionomancers were killed before the attack happened, both here and in Argentea. Oh, and guess who wants to go to the Judiciary and have a chat with Alesa.”

Senlas tensed. “Absolutely not.”

Taros slid a package over to Senlas. “Cute. Hyran said the exact same thing.”

Senlas pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well, he isn’t totally suspect then.” He recalled his and Orrey’s visit to the Judiciary in Argentea. “But we shouldn’t worry. The Judiciary AIs wouldn’t let Col talk to Alesa, even if Hyran agrees.”

The door to the suite opened, and they all turned. Senlas’s power was ready to defend andPullOrrey toward him if necessary. Instead of any kind of threat, Lapatea walked in, followed by Karmine.

“Guardians,” Lapatea said. The hospitality guide had barely a drop of enthusiasm left, a sharp contrast to how he’d been likebefore Starlit Stage. He wore a simple white scarf over pale green robes, showing his grief.

Karmine tossed two bags to the butler bot. “First rank outside handed me this for Hyran. Also, Lapatea is going to stay with us. He didn’t want to be alone. Anyone mind?”

“I’m very sorry to intrude, and if—”

“We don’t mind,” Taros said.

Vin leaned forward. “Do you watchMy Secret Guardian?”

Karmine snorted. “Vin says he doesn’t mind either.”

“No, I asked Lapatea a question.”

Lapatea walked toward the couch and the screen, which still showed a news stream. Orrey was kissing Senlas again.

“I don’t. But I did see this. The gesture was well done, Guardian Senlas.”

“Call me Senlas, please.”

“We’re watching a few more episodes then,” Vin said. “You’ll like it.”

Lapatea gave Vin a tired smile. “I will certainly try to enjoy it. I heard good things.”

“And there’s food,” Senlas said, pointing at the bags on the table. “Should be more than enough.”

Taros watched the butler bot with the two bags in hand. “Do you think we should go through Hyran’s bag?”

The bot stopped. “Guardian Taros, that would be a breach of privacy.”

“I can breach your bot skin,” Vin said.

Lapatea stepped between the bot and Senlas and Taros. “You’re Guardian idols, but even so, this isn’t a funny joke.”

Karmine chuckled and came over to put an arm around Lapatea’s waist. “Hospitality guide training?”

Lapatea shrugged.

Taros groaned. “Fine. Doubt the first rank would have packed anything we could use against him anyway.” He narrowed his eyes and mumbled, “If he has Kashana in that bag though…”

Orrey and Yamara came back to the living space, accidentally providing cover for the butler bot to move Lapatea’s and Hyran’s bags out of sight.

He’s doing that thing,Senlas realized when he saw Vin watch Yamara with close attention.That thing where he aims to learn how a person moves and behaves and stares at them all creepy for hours. He likes him.

“Oh, you are back,” Orrey said and walked up to Lapatea. “If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”