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“…And he never did say what he was up to with Sax.” Tharsis pointed out in something like admiration. “Impressive.”

Gion’s jaw ticked. “Beheading him would solve problems we don’t even know about yet.”

“The man is aggravating and holds a doctorate in avoiding questions, but he is bizarrely loyal to Ty. And to you. And to this House.” Job counseled in his best Dad Voice, picking up on Gion’s mental plotting. “You can’t kill him.”

“I bet that I could.”

“Fine. You don’t want to kill him.”

“I bet that I do.”

Job looked towards the ceiling for patience. “Ty wouldn’t like it if you killed him.”

“I’ll buy her a puppy. It’ll be a huge step up.”

“I think I’m allergic to dogs.” Tharsis volunteered. “Better get a penguin.”

Cross laughed. Gion didn’t.

“Besides, Isaacs is becoming more interesting.” Thar continued. “He’s never had to be his own person before. In the Air Kingdom, he just had to survive. Now, he actually has to live.” He smiled at Gion. “And I think you care about him more than you let on, which is why you haven’t killed him yet. You two were stuck in a cage together for so long, it formed a bond. It’s fun to watch you bumble around, trying to figure shit out, now that you’re free-range. It’s like a reality show.”

“I’m glad we can amuse you, Thar.”

“Oh, me too.” Tharsis agreed earnestly.

“You know, we’re giving a lot of people time to figure shit out.” Gion said in a pointed tone. “How much longer do you think it’ll take you?”

Tharsis grinned, but there wasn’t much humor in the expression now. “I’ve got it all figured out.”

“Then why are you spending your time napping in hammocks?”

“Because I’ve got it all figured out.” Tharsis repeated. “I discovered the secret meaning of life.”

Gion highly doubted that.

So did Cross. “So what is it?” He asked skeptically.

“There isn’t a meaning to life.” Tharsis shrugged. “That’s the secret. There’s no right or wrong or fairness or purpose. It’s just some stuff that happens and then you die.”

Job shook his head, outright denying that theory. “That’s ridiculous.”

“I hope you keep on thinking that. It’s a much more comfortable reality.”

“There is only one reality, Thar.”

“Gaia, if this is the best of all possible worlds, how sad would that be?” Tharsis lifted a shoulder. “Besides, we know time travel’s possible, at least in short bursts. Daphne, of the Time House is apparently visiting from the future and I doubt she’s the only one. Crazy General Vandal’s been getting information from somebody, right?”

“Daphne could be working with him.” Gion argued.

“Chason said she seemed to be working against Vandal. She was furious that you guys let him get away. And Daphne had never heard of the mysterious Dark King guy.” Tharsis stared at nothing for a beat. “That could actually be bad news for her, since it implies the future is shifting in ways she can’t predict and she’s stuck right in the middle of it.”

“Daphne is a complete unknown to us.” Job’s eyes bore into Tharsis, trying to see into his complicated brain. “We can’t trust anything she says. If she has good intentions, she should come to the Council. Instead she’s working around us. She’s kidnapped Raiden. She killed Lansing. She’s dangerous.”

“To be fair, Lansing was a colossal dickface.” Thar rightfully pointed out. “Allow me to play devil’s advocate for a second: Maybe Daphne isn’t coming to the Council, because you guys are so hostile towards her. She’s busy and doesn’t want to deal with your drama.”

“Tharsis, if you know where Daphne is, you need to tell me…”

“I have no idea where she is!” Thar interrupted, looking genuinely shocked by the accusation.