“I... have nothing to prove. Sir.” Luke trembles, and says with half a smile. This man right before his face isn't someone he can go against.

“I have no issue with you being with her, though. Have I not told that to Mi-Yung already? I wonder...”

Much to his disappointment, Luke finds his words rather new and he couldn't help it by glancing at the innocent-looking Mi-Yung.

“I guess I forgot.” is her excuse.

“I am not surprised at all...” Luke mutters.

“Good. As long as you understand. I want to at least have the privilege of meeting your child. Bhahahahah.” Yondu all of the sudden slaps Luke's back, who takes it with a prided skill of pretending to be okay afterward. He trembles but remains unmoving amidst the internal pain.

This goes noticed by Mi-Yung who finds this quite funny.

“Anyway... How are you here? Is it because of the information about what I know about myself? Boy surnamed Gale?” Yondu lets go of his worries about those two and change his tone of the question. It stems from the experience that one gained after going with politics and people for decades.

He is quite old, even though it doesn't show. His beard adds some years, but even his vigor and muscular body seem like a prime age for any man. He is wearing a tight-fitting uniform of purple and yellow color with a cloak around his shoulders in similar colors. All in leather or robust fabric of some kind.

“Sir is right. I suppose my request piqued your curiosity back then. I must thank you for caring about it at that time.” Mi-Yung goes along with his words since it was her intention before the retrieval of William even began. It has been a long time, but Yondu doesn't forget anything in his life. Such as the request and mission regarding the retrieval of some kid. Though he knows something that she doesn't know.

Voicing it out loud wasn't meant to be for her. No. The time would tell this story, while he believes she has long confirmed some of her own guesses. It is just her way of pretending to not know about it. Perhaps... Yondu could only guess about it, himself while interrogating her is out of the question, as the reason is nowhere near important.

Looking at the Walker before him, a mischievous lady named Mi-Yung is quite impressive in this case. Smiling, Yondu reconsiders what this is about since the surname Gale is rather special to him.

After all, Victor Gale was a person he recruited himself a long time ago. He still remembers the moment he has seen that kid, bathed in crimson, while fighting the monsters with his bare hands. Not the age of the Walker, yet his fierce vision wasn't meant for humanity. Though it is a past that is long gone, he still thinks of this to this day.

“It is his son's time today, isn't it?” Yondu asks meaningfully, while the many memories flash in his mind. Those include even the involvement of the Mi-Yung in front of him, whose involvement in the Yondu division isn't small. She used to be a part of his division before being sought out by the Assembly island because she wanted to.

“Of course. I am his proxy, so that goes without saying.”

“Proxy? Hohohoh.. I still find it a bit surprising. I would even be surprised if you wouldn't become his teacher, but whatever. I will look forward to his number. Which is...?”

“He is number 94.”

“Good. Good luck to him, I guess. Though, it doesn't help at all in this case. Bhuhahah.” Yondu laughs as if no worries are on himself at all. Even his voice that echoes far away is none of his business.

“Anyway. Let's return to our view, while you can have as much fun as you can in the remaining time that is the Awakening, Mi-Yung.” Yondu says, and before giving an option to retaliate, he drags Luke away. A small wave and a smile from Mi-Yung are all that is left for him in this exchange.

“Well, that was surprising. It seems he doesn't seem that interested in him, but it could be a farce. If William doesn't get at least 80, I would find it surprising. But... considering that number, he would be interested for sure, because of his past. A cunning old man like him isn't something I can go against. I bet he has long researched William, and his interest isn't small at all.” Mi-Yung guesses and goes by the rest of the tables. Talking, greetings, and finding whatever troublesome people she could.

She wants to make it clear to herself that this time isn't all that bad to see so many Walkers in one place. Her presence here is fine, even though her Rank 6 isn't all that important. There are a lot of people who respect her for her position in the Assembly and Federation alike. Her responsibilities regarding foreign influence with Outside forces are met with a certain amount of respect in the Federation.

She deals with China and Japan the most out of anyone in the Federation and their respective member are, of course, present in this room. There is no one in the world that have the Accelerator for the Walkers so that leaves nothing but a sour taste for such people.

Although there is more to this than one would guess. Those are the secrets to anyone but Assembly Island. This isn't the only Accelerator there is since the Awakening is that important. There is a second and third, built in the secondary departments of the Federation Outside. Primary in the Utah Desert and California, but those are of lesser quality than this one.

Tom Hough worked on this all his life, so it goes without saying how important the Accelerator here, in the Federation is. The unwillingness to share this piece of tech isn't all that important, since there is a reason for that. Even if the Outside forces are upset and unhappy with the Federation's success, they at least provide the Awakening for them. Some forces have similar research facilities like the Federation, but they had no success.

Though, the Federation is also blunt with its purposes. They will help any Outside walkers as long as they would come here. But there are usually some catches to that. Unknown to most people. One way or another, it is a win-win situation that wouldn't change at all.

Not even Mi-Yung could, but at least she could lessen any conflicts and ease any politics if any drama arises. Such examples are the research, materials, and politics that she goes through when dealing with the Outside.

As she keeps on looking and walking, there is also a figure expectant of William. He isn't the only one, but he has certain expectations for this that are known by him alone. With a cowboy hat on top, Kaufman is sitting alone in the furthest corner he could find from the Assembly seatings.

He doesn't like this occasion at all, but it isn't bad to see the birth of new Walkers. It at least serves its purpose of replenishing much-needed numbers. They are depleting much faster than anyone in this room could understand, but that is not his problem.

With the screen in one hand, he drinks from a glass of wine with at least 3 full bottles on his table. He is already looking at the participants of this round of Awakening for the past couple of hours. Of course, while not participating in any bothersome conversation with other Walkers in this room.

He at least has to pretend to be interested if any of his kind will come, but they are few in numbers. Rank 8 is the top of the world after all, with very few who reach those heights. Out of respect, he is mostly left alone.

“Well. Well. How it's going to be... I am doubtful if I will see any 90ties this time around.” He mutters before taking a few sips from the glass of finest wine he could find.

Alas, much to his disappointment at not finding any problems, the troubles come after him.

A person takes a seat on his right without asking permission. One which Kaufman knows, but couldn't care less about.

“Good day to you, sir Kaufman.” A man's voice greets him.

“Shouldn't you be in your little corner, Richards?” Kaufman says without giving him any look while continuing to observe the sight beyond the window.

“I am only greeting you for the sake of it. You still haven't answered any of my suggestions and proposition.”

“I don't care about joining the Academy if you are getting to that question. If you are asking about something else, I suppose the answer is the same nonetheless. It has long reached the unspoken territory for myself, and I won't butch.” Kaufman says, and let the wine cup on the table. Alas, he looks at the man to his right, who is dressed in a suit for this occasion.

Without the cloak that he loves so much, Richards looks somewhat more mature and better than usual. All things considered, of course. The fact is, that Kaufman wouldn't even think of giving him any compliments.

“Perhaps you would rather talk with someone more fit for this conversation? I am still a lower-ranked member of the Academy, after all. I fear...”

“... Richards, I'm not interested in what you're getting to. I know you for a long time, and you always get on my nerves. I guess that is a good factor, considering you want to get closer to me. But... I am not appreciative of getting myself into the Academy, nor Federation.”

“I know. So the things about the previous stuff... You want a disciple? Don't you? Walkers are hard to train, with so many differences... I doubt even that kid of Gale would be sufficient for you.” Richards counters, as he wouldn't fall back from any conversation. Even between himself and a freaking Rank 8 independent Walker.

“At this point, if nothing fancy will be for me, I will leave for Africa or make some charges at Utah. That, or maybe a little journey to the Amazon, wouldn't hurt me... A small chance is there, after all.” Kaufman talks in riddles, while Richards couldn't even guess what he is talking about. His implicating words are beyond his knowledge.

“S-so... You won't reconsider anything... Y-you know, there is still someone here willing to change your mind.” Richards tells at last and gets out of the seat. A new person takes the initiative instead of Richards.

A rather striking outfit reveals much sumptuous body of a woman. From her legs to a part of her thighs, hips, and upper body. A dress that is riddled with intentional holes, all according to certain records from more than a century. It lacks the purpose of the clothes, but people like her can afford to wear them.

Much to his surprise, Kaufman gulps down a mouthful of wine, since her appearance made it all that much entrancing... No! It makes it that much more bothersome to him, as he would curse widely if he could.

“Why is... No. What do you want, Margaret? Vice-director of the Academy is rare to meet. Considering the Awakening and the Examination, I suppose you are here for that? It is usually enough for department leaders to attend this event.” Kaufman tells, but this time, much open to a lady that takes a seat to his right.

Resting one arm on the table, she supports her chin with the other.

With deep black eyes and equally black hair that goes around her back, she is much more charming than Kaufman would guess. It has been a long time since... anything.

“I am... curious. Let's call it like that, shall we? I am sure you are not questing my presence, but the reason I am even talking to you.” Margaret tells in a firm tone. A voice not one less domineering than Mi-Yung's. Although, this person is... different from her. Not in a good or better way. Let's call it a charming and unique disposition of hers.

“Curious be damned. I won't change my opinion if you are talking about Richards's propositions. I bet they were yours to begin with, but Academy is a bother. Even if there is something for me. Anything... I won't yield just because you want to, Margaret.” Kaufman says in a rather agitated tone.

A tone that appears when the emotions are getting ahead of someone. Ones that are placed into something important or not the least bit important.

“I still want to tell it as is. Why won't you hear the words of an old friend?”

“I wouldn't call it old by any means... Look at yourself...” Kaufman whispers the last sentence as if the world depends on it. Margaret, with a smile, responds nothing, as his words are quite honest.

“I like my youth. It's a shame you didn't choose that as well.”

“That doesn't matter to me. I chose the life I did. What happened in that cave will remain untold in history. Though I may not like it, it doesn't matter at all.”

“Really? How is Heidi in that case?”

“Good... She is good. As any brand new Director of the Grand Library of the Federation would.”

“You have quite a play with words, as usual. You haven't changed at all, Frederick.”

Taking another deep sip of the wine, Kaufman finds the bottom, while the 1st bottle is empty as well. He reaches for another bottle to his left, much to his abysmal mood to talk to this woman. Their history has been... interesting, to say the least.

“Look who caused this disaster!?” Kaufman tells as he shoves the empty cup to her face.

“I am sure you did,” Margaret shoves the cup away, and replies with not a bit of change in her expression.

“Still colds as ever... Now wonder about the part... or anything that happened.”

“I left you because I wanted to. That is if you are talking about it. Anything less is unimportant for me, and you should feel the same.”

“Tell it to Mia,” Kaufman utters these words with hesitation but chose to voice it nonetheless of the consequences.

“I am sure her time under my tutelage in the Academy went well for her. That is what matters, while anything less... is...”

“... is unimportant. Right. Right. I heard it all hundreds of times before. Yet she doesn't spare any good words about her mother. What does that mean to me, as a father?”

“I have no idea about such things. How about getting to the topic, before we will tell Richards our life story?” Margaret voices her concern since Richards is standing behind her back, not so far away. She doesn't mind him while shooing him away isn't needed. He is supposed to be her Butler, so that is that.

“I am not interested.” Kaufman barks the coldest words he could mutter in all of his life. Words to a beauty that hasn't changed in decades. His words meant to a woman he clearly loved at some point in the past. Although it wasn't the end they wanted.

“I figure that much. Still, while your unwillingness to cooperate with the Academy is not of my concern, there is still more to this than you know.

“So the talk about the recruitment was a farce so far? That's great. I would expect nothing else.”

Margaret finds his world the least bit forceful, but she ignores his concern or word as usual. Instead, she continues.

“It's about something greater than that. There has been some information that the Director wants to tell any Rank 8 Walker there is. You included. So, take this, at least.” Margaret folds her legs away and, in grace, walks away. The only thing that is left on the table is a small letter that uncovers certain information.

The kind that is untold, unless you are meant to reach the skies. There are only a few who could have privilege, or the exact opposite to view this latter. A few dozen people at best in the entire world could do so.