Mitch took the hand and shook it. "Then you are at an advantage, I still have to get to know you. But my first impression of someone is usually good and you seem competent."
He glanced at Freya, but didn't greet her. She was of no concern.
"Forgive me for not reciprocating that immediately," Mitch answered the final comment, "but I'll wait to see how you do on this mission before offering my services when you need them."

[hr]

Lily put some plates on the table and put a slice of cake on them. "There you go, darlings," she told them as she pushed it to them. 
When she heard someone approach she looked up and smiled broadly when she recognised Gaia. "Darling, I'm so glad you came. Do you want some cake too?"

Her three darling were with her, how wonderful. And when they were all settled in and comfortable, that's when the real testing could begin. She held back a grin when she thought about all the fun things they would do together.

[hr]

Benjamin felt his phone vibrate and as he talked with Mike he took it from his pocket and checked it.
[u]'9 a.m., I'll be there'[/u] he texted back. 
"Do you sometimes miss a normal life?" he asked when he put his phone away again.
"I do," Mike admitted. "Attending college is something I always wanted, but with this I didn't get around to do so. I tried to combine it for a while, but that didn't work."