My week off came and went far too quickly, as they often did.

Myself and Cinder had settled into a daily routine for the remaining days. We'd eat breakfast and watch the morning news, before going for a walk up to the local park and have a wander around the shopping district. We'd usually stop off into a cafe for a drink and pick something up for lunch, before heading home. I had started to teach her how to read along with her numbers in the afternoons, and in the evenings I had let her help with preparing dinner when that was viable. And of course, I told her Remnantified bedtime stories each night.

Speaking of my small houseguest, I was in the unfortunate position of needing to bring Cinder with me to work. This was due to the 'minor' issue that a week isn't long enough to sort out school places, and I have no idea about the education system at her age. I think it is mostly tutor based until a child is seven years old, as with most important things child related, but still need to check. For now though, Cinder's coming with me to the Archive.

She was wearing the clothes that Doc had provided her, a white shirt and trousers, along with a grey sweater vest. Her shoes were plain black, the smartest pair I could get her. Overall, it was clean, comfortable and smart. Precisely what would be needed when she would be sitting around for an extended period of time.

I was wearing my uniform. It was in effect, the same as the one Caroline Cordovin wore in Volume Six, albeit with a brown highlight (and properly sized) rather than a grey one, if I remembered correctly.

I slipped on my coat, and helped Cinder into her own one, unsurprisingly bright red. Ensuring that I had my keys and scroll, I crouched down to address the young girl.

"Alright Cinder." I began. "Do you understand what we're doing today?"

"Uhm!" She blinked, and shook her head. "..I forgot. 'M sorry, Mister Casper."

I smiled, and gently tousled her hair. "That's alright, Little Cinder. We're going to the Archive. I've got to go back to work, and I am afraid it'll probably be a bit boring for you. But you'll need to stay close, alright? The Archives are technically part of a military base, so you can't wander off."

Not that she would. I noted, but it had to be stated. I was almost certainly breaking more than a few rules (if not laws) by bringing her along with me, but I frankly was not going to send her to daycare. Calling her 'fragile' would probably be a monumental understatement, and making her interact with strangers, loud strangers (even if they were other children), was almost certainly a poor idea, at least at this juncture. Especially if I wasn't nearby, given I was pretty much a living security blanket for her. Not the most spectacular of coping mechanisms, it had to be said.

"..Alright, Mister Casper."

"Alright then." I smiled, and offered her my hand. "Time to get going."

Stolen story; please report.

Cinder nodded, taking my hand. And together, we departed our small home.

___________________________________________________________________________

The Military Archives were located in a building all of their own within the site of Military Headquarters, and whilst Atlas Academy was also located within the same site, there were of course areas students could not go. I would assume that Ironwood made-slash-will make reforms if and-or when he becomes General, to make it all a heck of a lot less confusing. Frankly, it boggled the mind that the Military actually functioned properly half the time.

Ignoring the odd looks that some of the students were shooting us, I led Cinder into the building. It took barely a minute before I was greeted by someone that was, for me at least, a familiar face.

Royce Glover was an elderly man, stick thin, balding and bearded. His uniform was pristine, and a pair of oversized glasses rested on his beak-like nose. Glover was the Senior Captain of the Atlesian Military Archive, and the one that was around more often than not. If I was being honest, I don't recall ever meeting the Junior Captain.

"...Archivist Schwartz." He greeted with a nod. "It is good to have you back after your...sudden departure."

"It could not be helped, Sir." I replied, gesturing towards Cinder. "I am..certain you understand."

He glanced down at the small girl at my side, and was silent for a few moments. Then he began to chuckle softly. "Aye, I understand. Don't fret. You made the right choice. But in all seriousness, it is good to have you back with us, Casper."

"Thank you sir."

Glover nodded, and clapped his hands. "Right then! I am certain you want to know what it is you'll be doing?"

"Mhm. What is it I am needed for today, Sir?" I ask, a mask of professionalism slipping carefully into place upon my face.

"A nice and easy day to get you back into things." He smiled. "Going over sources for exams at the Academy, filing away patrol reports. A bunch of small things that we have been putting off. Nothing too taxing, I assure you."

"That's good." Was my reply. "...Thank you sir."

"You are welcome, Archivist."

I turned to head to my office, ushering Cinder along with me. But Glover cleared his throat, bringing me to a stop.

"But before all of that, you'll need to get the young lady a clearance pass." He reminded me with a good natured smile, and nodded towards Cinder, who was desperately trying to hide behind me without letting go of my hand. "It is protocol, after all."

"Ah. Understood sir." I snapped off a hasty salute, before actually picking Cinder up. The Admin Block was in the main Academy Tower, and thus a considerate distance away. It would be easier to carry her.

As I stepped outside again, I let out a contented sigh.

I was back at work. I was back into my routine.

Blessed Normality.