Facade

Chapter Three: Out Like A Light

River Molchalin

"Aaaand they're all out like a light."

"All of them?"

"All of them." River nodded, turning the swivel seat so that he was looking up at Nikolai. "The dinner might've been too heavy for them. Or maybe we... Pushed the wrong buttons."

River grinned at his own joke, raising his eyebrows at Nikolai, who gave a muffled chuckle as he sat down next to him.

"I have all of their self evaluations." Nikolai softly said, speaking in a thick Russian accent as he spread the slips of paper out on the desk.

"What do they say?" River leaned towards him.

"Charlie did not say much; stated he 'doesn't think he has much personality,' but he is paired with Kiara, who says that she is optimistic and has been called weird before, but, quote, 'but that's a lot better than being boring, in my opinion.'"

"And that's exactly why we paired them up!" River spun around, grinning more. As he slowed down, he looked dearly at his rubber duck tie, smoothing it out.

"Isn't that right?" He said to the ducks. Nikolai stifled a laugh as River made the ducks nod in response by moving the end of his tie up and down.

"So, anything else to note, dear?"

Nikolai scanned over the papers, tapping his chin with his finger.

"Two out of six participants claimed to be unsatisfied with their current efforts. Three out of six, very satisfied. Only Amanda gave a neutral answer."

Nikolai frowned slightly, brows creasing at a sudden thought.

"... Honey."

"Yes?"

"We should have asked them to be more thorough on their tests."

River nonchalantly shrugged.

"Don't worry about it. We'll get more information from them later on. It's fine!" He reassured him, lightly patting his shoulder. "I know you've got something exciting up your sleeves."

"Very." Nikolai stood, helping River up as well. "Let's give this a rest for today."

The couple left the dark room behind. Only the various screens giving a glimpse into every pair's room stayed on, illuminating the entire room.