He passed Arsini in the eastern corridor on the way to the supply office.
She was moving in the opposite direction, the leather satchel on her shoulder, a tablet in her hand that she was reading while walking — not the careful reading of someone who had time, the quick reading of someone who was checking a number before a meeting. She glanced up when she heard his step.
She said: "The harbor school enrollment. Thirty-one children now. The afternoon session is full."
"Good."
"We need a third session or a second teacher. I prefer a second teacher — a third session stretches Thelon past what produces good results."
"The archive scribes. Two are still underutilized."
She had already thought of this. He could see it in the way she did not pause before answering.
"Maris evaluated both of them last week. One is suitable. The other is better with documents than with people — I would rather keep him in records and wait for the right candidate."
"Then use the suitable one."
