Alia was oddly still when Stu went to check in on her after the whole department briefing. The old cops were wary of Stu joining their ranks as a former tabloid fodder hero. They were even less impressed with a half trained medical student who used to make her living being a gossip reporter. The officers grumbled about the Council’s rash decisions before giving them both a small closet sized office that was obviously an former storage space.

“I’m sorry again. I’m trying--”

“I know. I am non-Super. I don’t hold it against anyone to add me as an asset because I am not one of . . . well I mean I’m sure I’ll find my place eventually.”

“That’s the spirit. Do you want to hear about that late night call we had two weeks ago. The meeting today was about them deciding to close the case.”

“What?”

“I know it’s a weird move, but the kid died instantly and the mother fell into a coma.”

“So the mom should be at the hospital right? I can go see her?”

“She’s undesirable so they wouldn’t let you near her unless we got a special permission. Did you have anything for lunch.”

Alia didn’t quite meet his eyes. “If I go into the lunchroom no one wants to be around me. If I sit at a table or strike up a conversation, even with the women, they all just ignore me. I made a sandwich so I’m just eating that. You only had tomatoes and mayonnaise in your fridge.”

Stu jolted. He reached into his jacket pocket and took out a card. He handed it to Alia explaining. “While you’re here the Council will pay for your expenses. I forgot. This is a perk now of living in Sky City, you can buy whatever you want.”

Alia turned the card over in her hands. It looked just like a normal Visa Mastercard, but there was a strange logo on it--a tree with too many eyes. She decided not to pursue it further, it was probably after the council head anyways.

“Well, now you can get yourself something nice to eat from the lunchroom so I’m going to step out.”

“What am I supposed to do when you’re gone?”

“Well the Chief gave me all the case files so you can look through them. He assigned us to close the case so you can start writing up the report and if you finish that there’s a tv and snacks.” He gave Alia a thumbs up sign.

“Who are you meeting?”

“I have to explain things to Elina. She’s pretty mad about a lot of things.”

“It’s about me living with you isn’t it? This whole setup that the Council has made up is putting you guys in a rough spot.”

“That’s not it. I mean the Council never wanted us to be together in the first place. She’s the daughter of literal legendary heroes and I’m some washed up half god. I messed up bad too. She can do better. Elina is a good girl. She’s a smart one.”

The door to their office opened and a head stuck in.

“Hello Chief sir.” Alia and Stu said in unison.

“Just call me Obi.” The older man smiled. The crows feet around his eyes met, making him look strangely like a pelican. He only looked at Stu. “The mother’s awake. You should get down to the med center and check it out.”

Stu bowed. “Right away sir.”

Chief Obi nodded at the gesture before closing the door behind him soundly.

Alia exchanged glances with Stu. “What about Elina?”

“She can wait. Duty calls.”