Scarlet’s pointed look softens as she looks over at Theo. The reappearance of his adoptive father after so many years was on the minds of the entire PSI community, enough to overshadow Vy’s own injury in the Institute newsletter. “Queens was thawed out,” she says. “Turns out Lyons is still good for something.”

Vy snorts, smiling. “I’ll be sure to tell him you’re keeping him on the payroll for his good work. As if you could fire him.”

“Queens has recovered well the past year,” she adds. “He’s excited to meet the man who found him.”

Vy’s smile drops, thoughts brewing in his mind about how that might not be for the best. Especially if... “What about Bernie?”

Theo’s smile is soft, as is his voice, but the gratefulness in his tone can’t be ignored. “My fathers have reunited. Bernie was... thrilled. He’s really cleaned up his act.”

“Oh, that’s, uh...” Vy clears his throat. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad...” He picks at a loose thread on his sweater. “So. Which of you should I forward my vacation request to so I can avoid seeing him again?”

“Reiter,” Theo frowns and places a stern hand on Vy’s shoulder. “You don’t have to avoid him. You’re in different departments and even then... He's retired.”

“Is that what we're calling it now? As if it wasn't--” Vy cuts himself off and sighs. “Fine, twist my arm off, why don’t you?” He leans on Scarlet’s desk and gives her a look begging for a change of subject. “Speaking of work, do I get my next assignment now, or do I get to settle in first?”

“Actually...” Scarlet hesitates. Never a good sign.

She slides the debriefing folder, now relabeled as “new assignment”, towards him again. “We’re moving you to full-time training.”