Page 4 of Last Resort

He nodded slightly. “My other passed a few decades ago. He wasn’t strong and ended up drained to death.”

“Oh. Right. Well, we got there as soon as we could,” she murmured.

He smiled. “We know. I was in the throwback. I remember you, miss.”

Poppy blinked. “Oh. Right. I guess this would be about when you all started surfacing, all set to settle down.”

He grinned. “I have. The islands are lovely, and Haravin is everything I could wish for. Her dance studio is her pride and joy until the heir to the throne arrives.”

“I am glad you are both happy. Do I get disqualified if we are seen chatting?”

He laughed. “No. I am just here to help you adjust to island culture.”

“Did the others get this lecture?”

“When they got their spots? Yes. There are a bunch of physical challenges, and then there are social challenges. You will be asked to cook with island ingredients, learn local dances, and go spearfishing in an ‘eat what you kill’ contest.”

“Okay. Right. That won’t be a problem.”

“There will also be a song contest.”

“Balls.”

He laughed. “I need to get your measurements.”

“You say that to all the betas.”

He chuckled and took out a tablet. “Right. What are your sizes? Each team is getting custom-made suits with your company identification on them. Oh, and also, give me your alternate height.”

“As long as the swimwear isn’t white. Save money on the pixelation.” She smiled. She casually raised her hand five inches above her current height. Narro nodded and jotted it down. She gave him her sizes, and he grinned.

“Poppy, can you come over here for me?” Tyr smiled.

She made a face and stalked over to him. “Yes?”

Tyr paused. “Uh, you did really good. Are you ready to go to the islands?”

“When?”

“Tomorrow at dawn. Can you get the reports done for the week today?”

“You are a complete jackass, Tyr.”

He smiled. “I know, but I am cute.”

“Not to me. To me, you are a pain in the ass. Do you have all of your updates?”

“Yes. They are on your desk.”

“I will get it done after lunch. For now, I have to prep for being gone for two weeks. I hope you have someone to do my job while I am gone.”

Tyr blinked. “Yes. Roane said she could spot you for two weeks.”

“Good. I am glad. Just be aware that will be putting her in charge of her own budgets, and without me or Forza, Rolf, and Darren, you are going to be short on all the folks that usually keep your departments in check.”

Tyr shrugged. “Simon and Roane will manage, or we will just turn this place into a daycare while you are gone and embrace the chaos.”

“What are Sityr’s colours?”