Rayne took the photo. It was clear that this was part of her public persona’s job, because she had a very professional-looking camera.
So there I was, immortalized like the rest of those portraits on the Archive wall. Officially I was already part of their world; and I never intended to step away from it, as long as I lived.
The group left shortly after lunch, carrying backpacks and coats for the children.
Most of the adults—aside from the mentor, Toshi, and the special addition of Alexander, Rex, Ami, Rayne, and Illya on that first excursion—were not going to accompany the youngsters. Richie had planned to go as well, but the urgency of staying close to his pregnant wife was stronger and he backed out at the last moment, and Christian perhaps had orders to remain wherever I was.
For t
