"You don't look terribly excited to see me, Peter."

Instructor Evans stood in his office doorway with a tense look. "I told you to call me Instructor Evans."

I stared him directly in the eyes. "And I told you I would call you that name when you had earned my respect back."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You certainly can hold a grudge."

I kept my cold gaze. "I think almost losing my life and being permanently marred justifies an extended grudge. Let me in. I need to talk to you."

Peter reluctantly opened the door and stepped out of my path. He quickly closed the door to his quarters as I sat in one of his armchairs.

He crossed his arms. "That's my chair."

I looked from him to the other practically identical chair in the room. "I don't see why this chair is superior to that chair."

He huffed and grumpily sat in the other chair. "What do you want, Ryka? It's very late for a visit and I have a class to teach in the morning."

I gave him a slight smile. "This shouldn't take long. As long as you're cooperative. You are going to be the sponsor for the aid trip Xamber and his associates brought to you."

There was an odd tinge of fear in his eyes. "I can't do that, Ryka. Do you understand how much paperwork would be involved in getting that approved?"

"Probably a similar amount to when you brought a group of us to the surface." 

There was a heavy silence between us.

"You don't know what you're asking me to do, Ryka. Omega-Delta is no place for children."

"Neither is the surface. You didn't seem so concerned then."

Another weighted pause.

I steepled my fingers. "I'll make this easier for you. Sponsor this trip, or I tell the education board exactly what I went through on your last student excursion."

The color drained from his face. "You can't do that." 

My serious expression didn't change. "Those are your options, Peter."

He ran a hand through his thinning hair. "If I do this, will you drop your grudge?"

I stared at him, keeping my anger in as best as possible. "I'm going to hold this grudge until the day you die. You would practically have to perform a miracle for my faith in you to be restored."

Peter leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. "Fine. I'll sponsor this insane aid trip."

I tilted my head. "What is so different about this situation than the countless others you have given assistance? Shouldn't this crisis be right up your charitable alley?"

He continued staring at the spot above him. "This situation is volatile. There are a lot of issues intersecting and it has made the situation very dangerous. All of us will be in grave danger."

I stood and made my way toward his door. "Helping those in need is often dangerous. Sometimes we must take risks to do the right thing. I expect to see the call for volunteers in the next education system newsletter. Have a good night, Peter." I left without waiting for a response. 

"You did well."

I looked up at Anak. "Only because I had you with me. You help me be brave."

He placed a cool hand on the back of my neck. "You don't need me to be brave. You were brave before I found you. A cowardly person wouldn't have gone to the surface at all."

I shook my head. "No, only foolish people."

Anak moved to stand in my way and placed both hands on my shoulders. "You are no fool, Ryka. You are brave, brilliant, and selfless. I don't want you to doubt these things."

I smiled up at Anak and placed one of my hands on top of his hand. "Thank you, Anak. This is why I keep you around."

He smirked at me as we continued back toward the group home. "Yes, this is why you keep me around. I'm your confidence booster."

I nudged him lightly. "You know what I mean."