her own versions of the paradox pokemon have separate areas of study in the league's draciary. there, she often sits in a manmade outcropping, legs swinging over them, journal in her lap. more often she's there now, away from her desk, still working but the idea of spending her time trapped within four walls is unimaginable.

she almost misses the appointment and as such, her gaunt cheeks - though more full from the past week of reintegrating more solid foods into her diet - are flushed by the time she hurries through the door. 

"just fine," she lies easily, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. golds pull away from him and to the dragons locked in combat behind the glass. 

"these two are your own?"

Thomas Benoit

☉

"their raw strength as dragons is incredible, as far as the rest of the species goes." she's no idea how the paradox form might up against its supposed descendant; maybe she should ask Isaac Merlo for a go. for study purposes, of course. 

"you should feel proud to have tamed them." she smiles and turns her attention away from the sparring beasts. 

"yes, the council knows you're currently in possession of the league's tapu koko." she works hard to keep the distaste from her voice, succeeding with difficulty. the exchanging of hands does not improve their numbers, nor stitch the wound in the league's side after countless lost battles against rocket. 

rather than a congratulations, she asks, "what are your next steps?"

Thomas Benoit

☉

it's what she wanted out of aqua. it's what she pitched to abbiati all those years ago*, driven by fear into action, of lying to herself that the political maneuver wasn't about protecting the people she loved. 

and have you changed, freya? have you changed at all? amnesty floats around her head, but she snuffs the thought before it can distract her. 

she is silent for a moment and then says, "then submit your resume to the hbic. PENELOPE LIVY can put you in touch with Gunner Graves and see to the best move as far as your reputation goes. if you have goode's favor, i see no reason why you couldn't apply."

Thomas Benoit

☉

"are you implying i don't understand the needs of our military?" she fires back curtly. she's the head of combat operations and though she spends most of her time managing from behind a computer, through correspondence and statistics, she is keenly aware of what hoenn needs. 

"i can deploy you to war, the same as i would any other qualified candidate. gods know it's coming."

the dragons spit at each other on the field, all gnashing teeth and thick, round claws. 

Thomas Benoit

☉

the brief flash of irritation waxes away. the thin promise of a headache lingers behind her temples and she thinks about her next caffeine fix.

"of course," she says and checks her phone. whatever lunch she'd been planning on having needs to be pushed off. her calendar has filled with meetings at all sides. she stifles a sigh and nods politely at him.

"the league thanks you for your service," she mumbles and with a distracted wave, she dismisses herself and moves on to her next meeting. 

Thomas Benoit

☉