Inside the lab Oliver was reading over reports on his computer. After a few minutes, he opened the browser and navigated to social media. He read posts for a bit until he found a post he found interesting.

“I see, so they still want to hold the Moon Festival.” Oliver commented.

“The mayor believes it’s an excellent way to lift up our spirits after the recent attack.” Ayano said. “Thank you, Oliver! You helped save Mei."

“I was just doing my job. Don’t forget that everyone in Platoon 12 was also there.” Oliver responded. “It wasn’t just me who saved them.”

The lab’s door opened. Aria entered the lab and behind her was Nicole. Both young women were smiling.

“You’re coming with us, right?” Nicole asked, while looking at Oliver.

“Where?” Oliver asked.

“The festival. Where else?” Nicole answered. “It will be fun! Everyone else from Platoon 12 is coming.”

“I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss a hang out with you guys!” Oliver responded.

“Do you want me to pick you up?” Aria asked.

“I think Hajin will want to go there, so I am going to have to take him as well.” Oliver responded.

“I think Mei will also be going and Hajin is her friend. See it works out. I can pick you both.” Aria said. “Don’t worry; it’s not inconvenient to me.”

“You’re cheating, Aria!” Nicole said, glaring at Aria. “I wanted to arrive at the festival together with Oliver.”

“I can also pick you up, my dear friend!” Aria mockingly smiled. “I could never leave behind my precious childhood friend.”

“You … Ariaaa! Fine, pick me up.” Nicole said.

“It looks like I am getting picked up.” Oliver said, looking at both young women. “We’ll have a fun time.”

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“I am happy that you guys want to enjoy yourselves. But I need Oliver to work.” Ayano said.

“But Mom, we still need to plan.” Aria protested.

“You have plenty of time to plan.” Ayano said. “And you, Oliver, stop slacking off. These reports must be sent by end of day tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Nicole said as she grabbed Aria by the arm. “Let’s go Aria! I think … Roger … needs our assistance with a task.”

“Yeah, I … remember him mentioning something about that. I am glad you remembered Nicole. We’ll discuss the details later, Oliver.” Aria said before Nicole led her out of the lab.

“Those two really listen to you.” Oliver said with a smile.

“Of course they should. Aria and Nicole have been friends practically their whole lives. Me and Kenta wanted our daughters to be friends just like us. I am glad they became such close friends.” Ayano smiled. “Nicole is like a daughter to me. In my mind I have three daughters: Aria, Mei, and Nicole. One day you’ll know how I feel when you have your own children.”

“Do you think I would be a good father?” Oliver asked.

“I am sure of it. You have been raising your little brother ever since your parents passed away.” Ayano answered. “Plus, you’re a kind man. But you can be kind to a fault. You seem to want to carry everything by yourself.”

“Is that so?” Oliver said. “What makes you think that?"

“If Nicole had not seen how Shido treated you, would you have told me about it?” Ayano asked.

“That’s not something you should concern yourself about. I could’ve thought about a solution on my own.” Oliver responded.

“You have people who care about you. You can rely more on us.” Ayano said. “You’re arrogant thinking you can handle everything by yourself.”

“It’s my fault for not being assertive enough at first.” Oliver said. “And I also lack recognition. Once I get more research published, no one should look down on me. Much less you as my mentor.”

“You’re missing the point.” Ayano sighed. “You’re not responsible for what happened. You were merely a victim of Shido. You don’t have to blame yourself. I am your mentor; I should be the one taking care of you.”

“I’ll try …” Oliver responded. “So are the reports for your next meeting?”

“Of course they are.” Ayano answered. “If we want to keep our budget for the Inter-World Spaceship, we need to show them our findings so far. I hope they can satisfy the committee.”

“We made a significant amount of progress. I mean the energy issue should be solved by now thanks to the Magical Energy Crystals.” Oliver said. “Although, I am still trying to figure out how to hook up the crystals to a spaceship and power it with them.”

“Well, so far, the committee only sees value in the crystals. Oliver, focus on analyzing the data. I’ll be writing the proposal justifying our project’s existence. I’ll send you the report once I finish. You’ll need to know how to write justifications if you want to keep being a researcher.” Ayano said. “Once you read it, ask me any questions you have.”

“You’re collaborating with others in various projects, why won’t they let you have this project?” Oliver asked.

“It’s all politics. They just want a reason to give more funding to researchers from Noche City. That’s why they started these meetings last quarter.” Ayano responded. “They don’t see any value in my project. Kenta is doing as much as he can to help me, but there is only so much he can do. So, I am stuck with quarterly meetings to justify my research.”

“It’s not fair, you’ve contributed so much to many projects. They should let you have your own pet project!” Oliver said.

“The world is too complex Oliver. I wish it was like that.” Ayano said. “It’s up to the older generation to guide and protect the new generation. I’ll take care of this issue. So, make sure to have fun at the festival.”

“Aren’t you just doing what you told me not to?” Oliver asked.

“Nope, I am relying on you to finish your report.” Ayano said. “I have you take care of the menial stuff of research while I do the meetings. You’re helping me by doing the tasks I assign to you. You’re not ready yet to take on the management duties. But I’ll start training you on them starting next quarter. So, get back to work; we have a tight deadline.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Oliver said before going back to his desk.