Arte finished brushing a clump of grass away from a small flower, giving him a clear angle to take a picture with his phone camera. While he framed his shot, he said, “I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. A couple years and you’ll be a Solver. How’s Mae holding up?”

Angel laughed, speaking to him through a small earpiece. “Still grumbling.”

Arte smiled, snapping his photo. He posted it to his hobby group, then said, “It’s been a whole month, working as a trainer can’t be that bad, right?”

“That’s what I’ve been telling her, and frankly I think she’s brilliant at it, but you know how she is.”

Arte laughed. “She is rather a bit more… proactive than a normal teacher.”

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“That’s one way to put it,” Angel said. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back, Mae’s taking the squad on a wilderness expedition and I still need to pack.”

“Bye Angel,” Arte said. “And good luck.”

“Thanks Arte,” she said. “And don’t forget, you’re visiting me in Phoenix next week. Bye!”

She hung up, leaving Arte to continue exploring the Old City. He wandered down the street, stopping periodically to photograph any interesting flora he spotted along the road. He was so caught up in the vegetation he completely missed the young man standing in a small group with his friends.

The young man, Irvine, had been watching Arte approach with wonder, amazed someone wandered so casually in an area which not long ago had been effectively forbidden. He was so awestruck, that by the time he realized Arte was totally oblivious to him, they collided.

Arte flailed and tumbled to his butt, while Irvine stuck to his feet. Arte looked about in surprise until his eyes landed on the young man. He smiled, taking the offered hand and pulling himself up.

“Hi!” Arte said. “Are you guys here looking for plants?”