Notes: Thanks to Azalea542 for plot help! Also, I cannot abide the official dub spelling of Nesbitt's name as Nezbitt. It looks preposterous! So Nesbitt finally had to comment on it.

I'm a little nervous to interview Thomas Johnson, for more reasons than one. He's honest now, but there were certainly plenty of rumors going around that he didn't used to be. Crooked lawyers are unfortunately all too common, but he's been so sincere in changing his ways that I can't really believe he's dangerous in spite of any silly concerns I still have.

The other reason is, of course, because of what happened to him. You don't hear a lot about men being victims of sexual assault, but it sadly happens, and when he's still not fully back to himself I really do wonder how he'll handle being interviewed by a female reporter.

As it is, he's on the phone when I approach his office. I can hear enough to know it's some kind of legal conversation. Johnson became determined to find out if he sent any innocent people to prison, and as far as I know, he's still going at it. I have to be impressed and moved by his drive.

He jumps a mile when he realizes I'm standing in the doorway. "I'll have to call you back," he says into the phone before hanging up. "Hello, Miss Allisen." He smiles in his smooth manner and laces his fingers on his desk just as Gansley was doing earlier. "Come in."

I do, and I sit in the chair in front of his desk. "I just finished touring Penguin World," I tell him. "It's very impressive."

He leans back in his chair, still giving off his usual, smooth air. "Mr. Crump really did have a good brainstorm there," he muses. "I wish we'd been willing to listen to him sooner."

I'm not sure whether I should bring up what happened to him and ask if he's alright with this interview or if I should play along with him as though everything is normal. He clearly doesn't want to look anything out of the ordinary.

". . . So, what are your duties here?" I decide to ask.

"Mostly making certain that everything is legally correct," he says. "I have to see that all the environmental groups are satisfied and that there's nothing we're doing that could tie anyone up in knots."

"It sounds complex," I say. "But then I always felt that way about the law."

"It can be that way," he says. "And people tend to make it more complicated than it even has to be."

"Including you?" I can't help replying.

The slightest discomfort flickers through his eyes, but then he masks it with a smirk. "Yes, I've certainly been known to do that." Now he places his laced hands on his chest.

"It's very commendable and noble of you to try so hard to find out if you sent any innocent people to prison," I say.

A shrug. "It's just something I need to know . . . and to correct, if needed and possible."

"There aren't many who would feel that way about it, though," I point out. "They would just shrug it off and move on."

"They might . . . but could they truly say they've turned their lives around if they do that?"

"No, I guess not. You believe in going all the way with this. I still think it's very admirable, even if to you it's just what has to be. It shows me that you really are sincere about being a better person."

The smirk fades. "I try."

Abruptly he sits up straight again, the chair wheels slamming fully onto the floor. "So, Miss Allisen, is that all you came to ask me about, or do you have more questions?"

He's all business again now. Any hint of the more sensitive person is hidden.

I snap to as well. "Yes, I do. How do you feel working around penguins every day? None of you except Mr. Crump really seems much like an animal person."

"We're not," Johnson admits. "But they do grow on you after you've been around them a while."

"Recently you took a couple of penguins to Domino City's Scottish Festival. Are any more events like that planned for the future?"

"Yes, quite a few," Johnson smiles. "But mostly that will come when the weather cools down again. The penguins are happier and healthier then."

"I'm sure everyone looks forward to that," I say.

"Penguin World is very popular, due in no small part to the penguins themselves," Johnson says, still smoothly.

"So, how did you become interested in the law in the first place?" I ask. I have to wonder if I'll get a straight answer, especially if the truth is a shady one.

"I found lawyers fascinating," Johnson says. "They had to know the law inside and out to make it work for them. I wanted to do that too."

"Your reason was selfish from the beginning?" I frown.

"I've been a horrible person most of my life," Johnson admits. He looks away. "I only started discovering I could be better because of Lector."

"That's wonderful that he could do that for you," I say.

"He did that for all of us," Johnson says. "When we were all sinking into darkness, he was our light. He saw the good in us all along, and finally we were able to see it too. We became the people he knew we could be . . . or we've tried. Some of us are still working at it."

"Important changes don't happen overnight," I tell him. "You've all done so well. No one expects you to be perfect."

"Unless we do ourselves," Johnson points out. "But you're right, of course."

"Your parents must be so happy that you've gotten on a better path," I say. At least, I hope they are. If Johnson was terrible even as a child, what were they like? Crump seemed so happy about them, so Johnson's behavior likely didn't have anything to do with their attitudes. They were probably beside themselves when Johnson went down a wrong path.

But he leans back and smiles. "They are. And they've accepted all of the others as surrogate children."

I relax. "That's wonderful."

He nods. "It's like we all have multiple families now."

"Most people are lucky to have one," I remark. "You're all so blessed. And it must be so nice especially for the ones who don't have decent biological families."

"We're all very happy," Johnson says. "For a while we were going to do an actual legal adoption, but then we weren't sure how to work it because we didn't know whose name we should all take on. And that's alright."

I nod. "It sounds like you're all brothers anyway."

"We are." Johnson leans forward and starts rearranging his desk, moving some things out of the way so we can view each other better. As he does, his emerald ring glimmers in the light.

Well, it won't hurt to hear what he'll say about it. "That's a striking ring you're wearing," I comment. "I might ask if it's a class ring, only it looks just like the rings I've seen Mr. Gansley and Mr. Crump wearing."

"It's not a class ring," Johnson agrees. "You might say it's a . . . ring of brotherhood?"

"Some people think they're magical," I tell him.

He's completely unfazed. "Which is utterly ridiculous, of course."

"Of course," I humor him.

I find myself rather at a loss for what else to say. Johnson is much more difficult to talk to than Gansley or Crump. Although he doesn't say it, I know he wants me gone. That isn't an unusual circumstance for a reporter, but in Johnson's case his reason is different, all too sad and understandable.

Finally I decide to say something about it. "If you're not comfortable with me being here . . ."

"Oh no," he quickly says. "Why should I mind? All you want is a story."

I nod and try to pull my thoughts together. As hard as this interview is, I need to keep on with it to look professional.

"Would you be alright with my asking about your love life?" I ask.

He shrugs. "There isn't much to tell. I was always wrapped up in my work and that was the way I liked it. I didn't want anything to distract me, whether that was family, friends, or women. It's only been recently that I realized how foolish I was being about family and friends."

"I guess after what happened to you last year, you're not that interested in pursuing romance at all," I say.

"I can't say it's high on my list of priorities," he says. "I also can't think it's that great a loss."

"Well, I hope that if it's only because of your horrible experience that you feel that way, you won't have to feel like that for the rest of your life," I tell him. "There are plenty of women out there who would never dream of treating you like your former secretary did."

"I realize that. And someday, if I want to seek one of them out, I will. Right now I don't," Johnson says matter-of-factly.

I'd better move on to a different topic now. I knew I was taking a chance by treading into that painful territory at all.

". . . I've heard you have a cabin in Domino Canyon," I say. "You like the outdoors?"

"Very much, strangely enough," he muses. "I used to go a lot on weekend retreats to my cabin and I'd invite all the others. We don't do that as much anymore now that we have Penguin World. But sometimes we'll relax at my house with my telescope."

"How do you get along with the others?" I ask. "I know you and Mr. Gansley are close, but what about the rest?"

"I get along quite well with all of them," he says. "I don't have any of the awkward little problems that some of them have had."

"It must have been uncomfortable and difficult dealing with Lector and Nesbitt having problems."

"I mostly tried to stay out of it, actually," Johnson said. "Usually Gansley or Crump was there to intercede. If they weren't, I might say something if I got fed-up." His eyes narrowed. "If you're looking for some sort of juicy scandal or in-fighting among us, Miss Allisen, I won't help you achieve it."

I can feel my cheeks starting to flame red. "That's really not what I want, Mr. Johnson," I stammer.

He smirks again, looking pleased. "I've actually rattled a member of the press. That must be one of my crowning achievements."

"Do you hate all members of the press, or just me?" I counter, forcing myself not to stammer this time.

"I wouldn't say I hate any members of the press, as long as they're not trying to ruin us." Johnson props his elbows on the desk and laces his fingers again. "But they are hard to shake up, just like lawyers. Don't forget that I made my business disrupting the opposing lawyers' cases. If I could rattle them, it was a delightful bonus."

"I promise I'm not trying to ruin any of you," I say. "I admire all of you for trying so hard to turn your lives around. I just want to develop a picture of what you're like."

"We have our problems like any family, but we would do anything for each other," Johnson said. "That is what we're like, Miss Allisen. No more, no less."

I start to get up. "Well, thank you for your time, Mr. Johnson. I won't trouble you any longer."

He doesn't call me back. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see his hands shaking as he adjusts his tie. As I slip into the hall, he heaves a deep sigh and gets up to get a drink from the water cooler. The poor man probably wasn't in any condition to receive a female reporter.

xxxx

It's time now for me to interview Robert Nesbitt, the fourth member of the Big Five. Mr. Gansley told me he's generally to be found in either his office, his laboratory, or his kendo practice room. He's in his office when I find him, nervously walking around between his desk and the bookcase. When he sees me, he accidentally fumbles and sends a wrench to the desk.

I am amused. I know he's been interviewed before; as the former head of KaibaCorp's technology department, he has been the subject of many articles through the years. Everyone who has interviewed him previously talked about how awkward and reclusive he is. He's notorious for only really knowing what to say or do when it comes to his machines, as Mr. Crump told me. Attempting to socialize with him generally always goes badly.

"Hello, Mr. Nesbitt," I greet him. I lean on the doorway with one arm. He really is quite handsome.

"H-Hello," Nesbitt stammers. "Come in. I was just moving some of my tools. . . ." He gestures to a now-empty chair he apparently means for me to sit in.

I come in and claim it while making some quick notes. "Your name is spelled with an S, isn't it?"

"That's right." Annoyance flickers in his eyes. "Once some idiot at KaibaCorp tried to spell my name with a Z on a memo. I have no idea why they would think my name is spelled the way it sounds. That doesn't even look like a real name! It looks like a fake name someone came up with because they thought it looked cool when it doesn't."

I have to chuckle. "What did you do?"

"I sent a memo about the correct spelling of my name," Nesbitt grunts. "Gansley thought it was petty, but I did it anyway. If I'm going to be remembered for any of my inventions, it's going to be with the right name!"

Well, I can see why people might think he's arrogant. It sounds logical to me, honestly, even if I wouldn't go so far as to send out such a memo.

"Mr. Lector has had problems like that too, I believe," I remark.

"He has," Nesbitt confirms. "Mostly with people pronouncing it wrong, but sometimes writing it wrong too. Sometimes he corrects them if he's talking to them in person, but otherwise he's too polite to make a fuss about it."

"That sounds like him," I say. "So, how do you get along with him these days? I hear you don't have the problems you used to."

"No, we don't," Nesbitt said. "He's my best friend."

"That's very powerful, considering the past," I remark.

He blushes a bit. "Yeah, well, we've come a long way."

Crump was right about him getting awkward to be asked about the others. Still, I can see he's absolutely sincere. I find him quite endearing.

"I also heard one of the penguins here adores you," I remark.

Nesbitt grunts. "He's in my office a lot and he likes to climb on me. I don't know why. I never encouraged him."

"Animals can be very stubborn about attaching themselves to certain people," I tell him. "If they get an idea in their heads, they're not easily shaken from it. Usually it's because they see something in the people that the people may or may not see in themselves yet."

"That's what Crump told me." Nesbitt still seems reserved and closed-off. I hope I won't end up having as much trouble with him as I did Mr. Johnson.

"So, what do you do when George jumps on you?" I ask.

"I have to get him down," Nesbitt flatly tells me. "Do you have any idea what an Emperor Penguin weighs?"

"I've heard it's a lot."

"They can be up to a hundred pounds. Once when he jumped on me, he sent the chair crashing into the wall!"

I have to laugh. "That would be a problem. But does he cooperate when you want him down?"

"Sometimes."

"I hope you're not short with him."

He looks uncomfortable now. "I try not to be. I'm just not used to having an animal around, let alone one as stubborn as he is."

He's closing himself off. Time for a change of topics.

"Mr. Gansley said you were the most upset by KaibaCorp changing from military technology to gaming," I prompt.

"I was," Nesbitt says. "Designing weapons was my lifelong dream. I had that with KaibaCorp, and then it was taken away from me. The others . . . they were all business. They didn't mind what KaibaCorp was making and selling, but I was the one who was really into it. I could never be happy making video games after that. I wanted to make an important difference in the world, not rot people's brains away."

"I'm sure your video games provided a lot of happiness," I tell him. "There are positive things about games. They can stimulate the mind, they provide eye-hand coordination, and they often lead to bonding with friends and family."

"The Kaiba brothers said things like that," Nesbitt admits. "Sometimes Crump did too. But I still wasn't happy."

"Mr. Crump said you've liked to create things since you were a young boy," I remark.

"That's right." Nesbitt goes around, sits at his desk, and starts playing with a capped pen. "My mother says my first word was 'Robot.' She's probably right. . . . I mean, that sounds like something I'd say. . . ."

He's even more awkward, endearingly so. I need to find another subject he can handle. "So, did you ever think you'd be creating attractions for a penguin theme park?"

"No," he tells me emphatically. "I thought I'd be designing weapons for KaibaCorp until I retired. Or maybe I wouldn't have retired. . . . Creating things was my life-long dream. I can't imagine getting tired of it when I got older. KaibaCorp believed in keeping people around as long as they were useful, no matter their age."

"And yet despite how you felt about the video games, you stayed with your friends instead of trying to strike out on your own and finding work elsewhere once KaibaCorp was no longer an option. Why? Did they mean more to you than your dream?"

He shrugs, still awkward. Maybe a little embarrassed now. But when he answers me, there's no hesitation in his voice.

"Sometimes dreams change. I would still love to create more mechanical things, but not if it means leaving the others behind. I'm happy to continue doing what I'm doing now in order to be with them. However, I'm also looking into inventing things in my free time."

This is definitely interesting. "Oh? Any examples you could share?"

"I don't want any rival inventors to try stealing my ideas," he says. "But let's just say I'm planning on creating certain kinds of useful robots that haven't been seen or heard about before. As far as I know, no one else has even considered the tasks that they're going to perform."

I can't help but to show my enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible! I know how unique your work was with KaibaCorp. You even designed the military helicopters Seto Kaiba still uses today. Whatever you come up with will be a success."

I'm probably showing a little too much of my attraction to this very handsome man. But if he picks up on it, he doesn't react. There have been longstanding rumors questioning Mr. Nesbitt's sexuality. I've observed him for a long time and I've seen that he's never shown any romantic inclinations to anyone of any gender. Somehow I have the feeling that he lives for his friends and his machines, in that order. Crump pretty much confirmed it.

Indeed, while he perks up at my words, he starts enthusiastically talking about the helicopters and other inventions he made at KaibaCorp. The reporters who came before me certainly had it right—he becomes a completely different person when he's asked about his machines. There's no awkwardness now, no fumbling for wrenches or pens. And I'm hanging on his every word.

"How did you become so interested in military technology?" I ask.

Again there's no hesitation. "Like a lot of boys, I played with G.I. Joe figures growing up. But more than that, I come from a military family. My grandfather was at Pearl Harbor. Here, I brought some of his belongings that he passed down to me." He stands up and goes over to the side of the bookcase. To my shock, he takes out part of a Japanese Zero plane fuselage that was leaning against it, mostly out of sight until now. It's riddled with bullet holes. "He shot this plane down himself at Wheeler Field. He also gave me his helmet, goggles, and gun belt." He produces these items as well. All have been well-used but also carefully and lovingly preserved.

"These are very special family treasures," I tell him. "They were passed directly to you and not to your father first?"

"My father knew how much they would mean to me, so he encouraged my grandfather to give them to me," he says. "I've cherished them all through the years. I never thought I'd like being in the military and be forced to conform to all their strict rules, but I knew it would be amazing to design new technology for the soldiers and help them protect us all the more efficiently, so that became my goal and my dream."

I have to smile. But I also have to ask, "You talked a lot in the past about how machines are more efficient than people. They thrive on responding to strict rules. But you don't?"

"As much as I might have wanted to pretend in the past, I am not a machine," he says. "Nor do I want to be any longer. I'm happy being human."

"That's good," I tell him. "Being human is very rewarding."

"I've learned it can be," he says. He ducks his head, blushing again.

What a sweet man. It won't hurt to try asking him about the rings.

"I like your ring," I say. "That's citrine, isn't it?"

He looks at it. "Yeah, I think so. . . ."

"So what's this big secret as to why all of you five wear them? Are they really magical, like people say?"

Another mood change. He turns away abruptly, annoyed. "I believe in science, not magic. I wouldn't give anything magical the time of day."

"Well . . . maybe not if you had the choice?" I suggest, undaunted. Maybe he is a little arrogant.

"You think magical rings were forced on us?" he snorts.

"I don't necessarily think it, but I've heard rumors like that," I tell him.

"How do rumors like that get started anyway?" he wonders. "I mean, of all the things they could think, why do they think those things? And why are their opinions given so much credence?"

"You know, sometimes I don't know how it happens either," I admit. "Sometimes 'a reliable source' will introduce a certain concept and that's how it gets started, but other times that isn't the case at all."

Nesbitt grunts in agreement. "I get tired of people poking into our lives or thinking they can dictate what we do."

"Are you still talking just about reporters or people passing rumors?" I wonder.

"No comment," Nesbitt says.

I've obviously hit upon a very sensitive topic for him. I'm wondering now how to get back the sweetly awkward man I spoke to at first. People are certainly many different things, some seemingly contradictory. But I think anyone would get annoyed if someone started prying into an uncomfortable topic.

"Are you comfortable talking about romance?" I ask.

"What's to talk about?" he grunts. "Growing up, I was more interested in my machines. Now I'm more interested in my friends."

"That's pretty much what I thought, but I wanted to hear it from you," I tell him. "You've never had any desire in pursuing love at all?"

"No," Nesbitt retorts. "Although if you're defining 'love' as 'romantic love,' that's illogical and inconclusive. There are many kinds of love. It shouldn't only be defined by one kind of it."

"You're right," I relent. "Standard habit, I guess."

"There's too much emphasis on romantic love and not enough on the other kinds," Nesbitt says. "People act like they don't even matter. Lector always gets upset when people act ungrateful for what they have and feel like their lives are meaningless without romance. The more time goes on, the more I agree with him."

Well, this definitely isn't helping him calm down. But it is an interesting topic, I must admit. It's not one I hear a lot of people talking about. Maybe he has a point.

"So you never plan to even try it out?" I ask.

"No, I don't," he growls. "Crump can have it."

"You could be disappointing a lot of girls who think you're striking," I say.

"Then they'll have to be disappointed," he retorts. "I don't owe them anything. And it's not like they really know me just because they like how I look."

A harsh slap in the face. But he's right, of course. I still think he's incredibly handsome, but I don't really know him. He seems worth getting to know, though, and I'm honestly happy for him that his friends all wanted to know him and took the time to get past his gruff and introverted exterior.

". . . Do you define yourself as asexual or aromantic?" Maybe I shouldn't continue to pursue this line of questioning, but I've wanted to know this for certain for quite some time. And I think it would be valuable to the viewers if he's willing to answer.

"Both," he tells me without hesitation. "And you're free to air that. I've always been both, but when I was just starting to realize it the terms weren't around much. I thought something was wrong with me. But I soon realized there wasn't."

"The terms still aren't much in use compared to some other orientations," I remark. "Asexuals are still very misunderstood. You're very brave to come out."

"I'm happy with myself. I see no reason to hide it."

"It's wonderful you can feel that way," I tell him. "So many people still struggle. I'm sure your friends' acceptance has helped you a lot."

"I was always myself even before I got close to them," he says. "But yes, it definitely did help. They were the first people who ever really accepted me as I am. It is . . . lonely, when no one understands or even respects you."

"It is," I agree.

". . . I see you have a bokken," I say. "You're into kendo?"

"I'm a fifth Dan," he tells me. "That's a high rank."

Somehow I'm not surprised. "You do look very physically fit."

"None of us are into sports in general. But out of all of us, I like physical activities the most," he says.

"Well, you're certainly not the typical inventor who hides away all the time and doesn't want to associate with the world," I remark.

"No, I'm not. Although what I like most about kendo is that it challenges the mind as well as the body. It requires strategy, not just brute force." He picks up the bokken and demonstrates with a few practice moves.

I'm impressed. But I feel I do have to say, "I think most sports require some level of strategy and thought. You must have been training for years to be so highly ranked in kendo!"

"I started as a teen," he admits. "Originally it was a way to channel my anger and frustration into something productive that wouldn't hurt anyone. Then I grew to genuinely enjoy it."

"You were concerned you might hurt someone?" I have to ask.

"I'm reckless and impulsive. Sometimes I have a bad temper too." He looks away. This also isn't something he wants to talk about.

"Well, it was very mature of you to try to find a way to keep yourself from hurting anyone," I tell him. I mean it.

"I still hurt people anyway," he grunts. "Maybe not physically, but with my words."

"No one's perfect," I say. "We all have things to work on."

"That isn't an excuse," he retorts. "I still shouldn't let it happen."

"I'm sure you've improved a lot from the past," I say. "That's what your friends have said."

He nods, not looking surprised. "They would."

The door creaks open and Johnson awkwardly peers in. "Miss Allisen?"

We both look over. "Hello, Mr. Johnson," I say in surprise.

"I . . ." Johnson tugs on his tie. "I want to apologize for my behavior. It wasn't right or professional at all. I . . ." He looks away. "I shouldn't have tried to see you. I thought I could handle it."

"You tried your hardest," I say.

Nesbitt raises an eyebrow, his annoyances now forgotten. "What happened?"

Johnson sighs. "I lashed out. I shouldn't have."

"After trauma such as yours, it's understandable," I tell him. "We can redo your interview if you want. . . ."

"Maybe leave out the worst parts and I'll try to redo them," he says.

"You can do it now and I'll be here," Nesbitt suggests.

Johnson smiles a bit, sadly. "I should be able to do it on my own."

"If you're not ready for that, there's no harm in it," I say. "I'm perfectly willing to work with you."

Nesbitt nods. "I could stay off-camera, but I'd be here."

Finally Johnson nods too. "Alright. . . ."

I have to smile. Even though this won't be part of the public interview and no one but us will know it, I'm not sure anything else today has shown me as much as this. Johnson is treated with kindness and caring as a trauma victim, as he should be, and it's the "remote and distanced" member of the Big Five reaching out to him like this. Crump was right; Nesbitt is a big softie. Maybe he wouldn't have been like this before he became so close to the others, but he is now, and I'm very happy I got to see it.

xxxx

After leaving Nesbitt and Johnson, I head to my final destination. I always try to be calm, cool, and collected while reporting, but occasionally I falter or get distracted. Démas Lector is the kind of man who is very distracting without even meaning to be. I jumped on this assignment in the first place mainly because I wanted to talk to him, but I think I've ended up fond of all of these men.

Lector is going over papers when I come upon him. He looks up, smiles, and replaces the papers in their folder. "Good afternoon, Miss Allisen," he says as he stands up and comes around the desk. Always the perfect gentleman. He reaches to shake my hand and I happily accept.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lector." I smile. "I've highly enjoyed interviewing all of your friends. I'm looking forward to finishing by interviewing you."

"Well, I hope I won't be a disappointment," Lector drawls before going back to his desk. He waits for me to sit before he sits again.

"I know you won't be," I exclaim. I just can't help myself.

He takes it all in stride. "What can I help you with, Miss Allisen?"

"I know you've been asked this before, but what made you decide to leave New Orleans and your family for Domino City?" I ask. "You've said it was because of a job opportunity, but you would have had those in your hometown. I know your father planned to turn the family businesses over to you when he was ready to retire."

"Yes, that's true," Lector says. "You're very right, Miss Allisen, there was another reason. I've never spoke about it before, but maybe since you've been talking to all the others and seem to be getting a good picture of what we're like, I'll make an exception and tell you. Put quite frankly, I felt like there was something I had to find in Domino City. I didn't understand at the time, but I do now. I had to find my dear friends."

"That's so wonderful!" I gush. "I've seen how you all look out for each other, and it's inspiring and beautiful."

Lector smiles. "I had the feeling you would understand. I'm glad."

"How did your family feel about you moving away? Your problems with them are almost legendary, but I didn't think they'd started that far back."

"At that time, they hadn't," Lector says, and sadness flickers in his eyes. "But they didn't really understand why I was leaving. I didn't either at that point."

"Mr. Gansley talked about how close you and Mr. Nesbitt became to Mr. Crump," I remember. "Did that take a long time?"

"It was a while," Lector acknowledges. "I hadn't gone to Domino City to make friends, and I never wanted it to look like I was using anyone to get to the top. I didn't want to be used in that way either, and it took poor Crump a while to convince me he really just wanted a friend. But when he did, we were both very happy."

"Everyone talks about how you and Mr. Nesbitt have had problems getting along," I say. "Are you comfortable talking about that at all?"

"Not too much without Mr. Nesbitt here," Lector says. "But I will say that we are both very strong personalities and we were brought up with opposite views on a lot of things. Naturally we'd clash. But once we each realized the good in the other, it went a long way towards tolerance . . . and love."

"I think it's wonderful that you were both able to find that," I tell him. "So many people don't, and just go on hating each other needlessly for years."

"I certainly wish Nesbitt and I had been able to understand each other sooner than we did," Lector says, "but I suppose we have to be grateful that it happened at all."

"You should be," I tell him.

I can't help looking longingly at his amethyst ring. The others didn't want to reveal their secrets, but with Lector's immense politeness, is there any chance he will?

"I can't help noticing that all of you are wearing very similar rings," I say.

"Yes, I suppose we are," he drawls. "Crump told me you've been asking about them."

"No one wants to talk about what they are," I remark. "I guess there's no chance you'll humor me about that too?"

"I believe Crump told you the reason is private?" Lector says.

"Well . . . yes, he did," I admit. "And if that's the way all of you want it, I will abide by that."

He nods. "I'm afraid it is, Miss Allisen."

"Alright then." I smile, despite my disappointment. Five strikes and I'm out. My boss will just have to understand. "Can you tell me about your relationship with Mokuba Kaiba? After everything that happened in the past, I'm surprised Seto Kaiba trusts you with him."

"It took us a while to get to that point," Lector says. His eyes flicker, and I wonder how much of the story is even known publicly. The pain in his eyes suggests that more happened than what is known of their collusion with Pegasus to take over the company.

"I remember Mr. Johnson said that you only joined forces with Pegasus in a desperate attempt to save the company after its reputation plummeted," I prompt him.

"Yes, that's right," Lector nods. "We couldn't reach Mr. Kaiba and it seemed as though he had completely abandoned the company. We didn't know what to do. At that point in time, joining with Mr. Pegasus seemed our only option. All of us wish now that we hadn't done it."

"Then there are the mysterious and controversial reasons why all of you ended up in comas," I remark. "Mr. Kaiba never put out any official announcement on that, but rumors started circulating that all of you tried to trap him in a virtual reality game and you became the victims instead."

Lector sighs tiredly. Gansley might have just brushed it off as a science-fiction novel, which was why I hadn't opted to ask him. I'm pretty sure Johnson wouldn't have talked about it either. He likely would have dismissed it with a smooth comment. Nesbitt would have been annoyed. Crump might have talked about it, but I thought Lector was my best bet. From his behavior, I can't decide whether it's true or if he's just tired of people asking about it.

"If it were true, what would you do, Miss Allisen?" he says at last.

"It's the past either way," I say. "I can see the pain in your eyes, and I've come to see that all of you are very sincere and good now. I don't want to cause you any more sorrow or hurt Penguin World in any way. I won't bring it up in my series."

He nods. "It would certainly be appreciated."

"There's been a great deal of talk in the business world ever since Gozaburo Kaiba disappeared so mysteriously after Seto Kaiba seized control of KaibaCorp," I say. "Is there anything you can tell us about his disappearance or anything about him in general that isn't common knowledge?"

He still looks very uncomfortable. "I honestly can't say if he will ever come back. And anything I know about him that the public doesn't know is private. I already betrayed him by helping Seto take over KaibaCorp. I don't want to betray him any further."

"If you feel so badly about the takeover, why did you agree to help?" I have to ask.

"There were many reasons. I wanted to help my friends get into better positions of power, but I can't deny that I was also tempted for myself. I'm not perfect." He sighs tiredly and passes a hand over his forehead. Suddenly he looks so old. "I never wanted to hurt Gozaburo and I never expected him to take it so hard. I thought it was just business, but KaibaCorp was really all he had left. Taking that away just broke him."

It certainly isn't what I expected him to say. But his thoughtfulness and continuing loyalty to Gozaburo touches my heart.

". . . Seto Kaiba is finally allowing the press to talk about his stepfather's son Noa again," I say. "Gozaburo Kaiba used his influence and power to force all forms of media to not ever talk about him at all after his death. Only now Seto Kaiba is saying that Noa wasn't dead, but was teetering at the brink of death for years and undergoing experimental treatments that eventually saved his life at the cost of his body still being at the age it was when he was injured. Is all of that true?"

Lector still looks uncomfortable. "Noa Kaiba is alive," he says. "There were some experiments, but I'm not at liberty to give out the details. However, I can say that his body will be aging normally now."

Well, I guess I should have expected him to be vague. But maybe I can still learn something interesting. "Why was he reported as dead for so long?" I ask. "There was even that scandal last year with you being falsely accused of killing him."

"Gozaburo didn't want word to get out in case the treatments failed," Lector says.

"And he kept even his own wife in the dark?" I exclaim. "She certainly acted as though she believed Noa was dead."

"She knew there wasn't much hope," Lector says carefully.

"Did you and the rest of the Big Five know?"

"Not everything." Lector's eyes are flickering with discomfort again. "Gozaburo sometimes kept us in the dark as well."

That's strange, but not impossible. Gozaburo certainly was known for having more than a few quirks. "You used to be Noa's caretaker, didn't you?"

"At times," Lector says. "I was very busy with KaibaCorp, being Gozaburo's right-hand man and all."

"Have you seen much of Noa since his recovery?"

"Not too much, but we're on good terms," Lector says. "He's living with his mother and has no plans to try to take control of the Kaiba Corporation."

"That's very decent of him, considering that he would really be first in line to inherit the business," I remark.

"You would have to ask Mr. Kaiba about that," Lector says. "He and Noa have worked it all out."

"I guess you also don't feel like you can say anything about those experimental treatments, do you?" I have to ask. "I'm sure there are a lot of people with life-threatening injuries or illnesses who would want to try them."

"Trust me, Miss Allisen, if they knew what was involved, they wouldn't want any part of it unless they were fools," Lector says. "Seto Kaiba was horrified when he learned all about what was going on. He had nothing to do with it. It shouldn't have happened with Noa and there won't be any more of it."

"Well, that certainly is mysterious," I tell him. "I won't be the first to ask you about it."

"You're not," he replies.

"You're awfully secretive about KaibaCorp matters even though you no longer work there," I observe. "You must be on very good terms with Seto as well as Mokuba."

"I would have to be or I would never be trusted with Mokuba in the first place," Lector points out.

That makes sense. I've thought the same thing. "You never actually said how you got to that point with Seto," I say.

"It took time. He had to see that I was trustworthy and wouldn't let anything happen to Mokuba. I have always done my best to ensure that's true."

"You're also very friendly with Yugi Muto and all of his friends, aren't you?"

"We're all an extended family," Lector tells me. "We're quite happy with that."

"Mr. Crump commented on how unusual it is for teenage kids to form friendships with older men," I say.

"Well, Yugi and the others aren't any ordinary teenagers," Lector says. "We fit in with them better than you might think."

"I think that's wonderful," I smile. "Téa and Serenity seemed happy to be working here."

"They're enjoying it," Lector agrees. "They've said they might stay on after the summer. We could certainly use them."

"I can imagine," I say. "What about Joey Wheeler?"

"I don't feel like he'll want to linger on too long," Lector says. "His goal is to be a professional Duelist. But you should really ask him about that."

"I have," I say.

"We are happy to have him for as long as he wants to be here," Lector continues. "And we will support him when he moves on."

"I'm glad.

"You've been bothered a lot by your cruel ex-fiancée Darcy Broussard," I say. "Have any nicer girls shown any interest in you?"

"Most girls only show a casual interest," Lector says carefully. "They know nothing is going to come of it."

"I heard something about the top Chinese Duelist Vivian Wong," I prompt.

He looks uncomfortable again now. "She's interested," he admits. From his eyes, he's wondering how many people know about her. "But she's accepted that we're friends."

"She's the same age as your youngest sister Evangeline," I remark. "I guess like Mr. Crump, age difference isn't a problem for you?"

"No, it isn't, but unlike Mr. Crump, I'm not deliberately looking," Lector says. "I'm happy with my life right now, Miss Allisen."

"Well, I think it's wonderful you can feel that way," I tell him. "So many people feel they can't."

"I know," Lector says. "That was never an issue for me."

"Really?" I ask. "Does that mean you've never had the desire for a romantic relationship?"

"Not especially," Lector tells me. "Naturally I've casually wondered what it would be like, but I've never had a strong urge to try to find out."

"That sounds similar to what I've heard Mr. Nesbitt is like," I remark.

"You'd have to talk to him about that," Lector says. "I don't feel like I should be the one to talk about his romantic pursuits, or the lack thereof."

"I have talked to him," I assure him.

"Then yes, I suppose in some ways it's similar," Lector says. "I'm not exactly as he is, but we do have some shared feelings on the subject."

"He mentioned that you get upset when people act ungrateful for what they have," I remember.

"Yes, I must confess that's true," Lector says. "There are so many things to be grateful for and so many kinds of relationships. To me it's tragic to spend all of one's time focusing on what one doesn't have."

"That is sad," I agree. "And wasteful."

A knock on the door brings our attention up. "Hi, Lector!" Mokuba Kaiba chirps. "Is this a bad time?"

Lector smiles, and it's filled with warmth and love. "Hello, Mokuba. Not at all. Come in."

Mokuba beams and comes in, hugging Lector before looking up at me. "Oh . . . hi there. You're interviewing Lector?"

"Yes, that's right," I say. "Are you here a lot?"

"I usually come sometime every day after school," Mokuba says. "Then I go on to KaibaCorp. There's always a lot to do, you know."

"Do you miss when Lector and the others used to work there?" I have to ask.

"Yeah," Mokuba says slowly. "But I know they're happier here, and I love Penguin World!" he hurries to add. "It's awesome!"

"I have to agree," I smile. "About Penguin World, that is." I look to Lector. "Are you happier here?"

"Yes," Lector says emphatically, without hesitation. "It's better for us to be our own bosses. The only thing I really missed was seeing Mokuba every day, but nowadays I still see him that often."

Mokuba grins and nods. "Always!"

I look back and forth between them. "Alright, now, be honest, you two. Judging from your ages, are there ever times when Lector has to be the adult and tell you not to do certain things, Mokuba?"

Mokuba shifts uncomfortably. "Well . . . yeah, that's happened," he admits. "But he usually has a point."

"I only pull rank as a last resort," Lector says. "Generally Mokuba is very good at not doing dangerous things . . . unless someone he cares about is in danger."

Mokuba nods. "But adults do dangerous things in cases like that too. Lector sure has, and Nesbitt."

"I can't deny that," Lector says.

"You're in dangerous situations a lot?" I ask. That could end up leading indirectly back to the ring mystery.

Mokuba sighs. "More than we'd like to admit. You know business people have a lot of enemies."

Lector nods. "Sadly true."

"But we always stick together and we come through everything okay, eventually," Mokuba adds.

"Are business enemies the only reasons you get into dangerous situations?" I ask.

"What other reasons would there be?" Mokuba says casually. "You don't really believe that stuff about magic enemies trying to destroy the world, do you?"

"I've wondered," I reply. "So do many others."

"I sure don't know how stuff like that gets started," Mokuba says.

I still feel like they're covering something up. But I know there's no hope of getting at anything else. Even as young as Mokuba is, he knows how to stay quiet to protect the business if he has to.

"Well, have you been safe from things going wrong lately?" I decide to ask.

"Yes, things have been very peaceful for several months now," Lector speaks up.

"That's certainly a good thing," I say.

"Let's just hope it continues," Mokuba says.

"I surely do," Lector says.

"It must be very distressing when your loved ones are in danger," I remark.

I can imagine Nesbitt saying something like, "That goes without saying, doesn't it?" But Lector just looks sad and weary as he says, "It most certainly is. I pray that the peace will continue indefinitely from now on."

"I'll pray for that too," I say.

"Great," Mokuba beams. "The more prayers, the better!"

Lector gives a fond smile. I think he's still my favorite, even though I love all of them now.

xxxx

It's been an incredible afternoon. As I leave Lector's office and head with my equipment and my cameraman back up the hall and towards the door, the others all appear from their locations and walk with us. Soon Lector and Mokuba join us.

"We'll walk with ya to the front gate," Crump says. "Thanks for dropping by! It's been fun."

"I have to thank all of you for being so accommodating," I say.

"Even though none of us would tell you about the rings?" Nesbitt grunts.

"Well, everyone is entitled to some secrets," I say. "But don't think I won't be around to see when you really do use them to fight monsters!"

Nesbitt rolls his eyes.

"You still believe that, huh?" Crump says.

"Let's say nothing I've heard convinces me otherwise," I reply.

"Well, we can hardly stop you from believing what you want," Gansley says.

Téa, Serenity, and Joey in his penguin costume all meet us as we arrive outside and travel the rest of the way to the gate. George is with them, of course, and he warbles and raises a flipper to apparently wave Goodbye.

"That bird honestly is too human sometimes," Gansley remarks.

I snap a picture. "He's incredible! I've never seen a penguin like him before!"

Crump grins. "He's really one of a kind, alright!"

George puffs up with pride. He knows he's special.

Some of the humans wave Goodbye too. Lector says it.

I smile as we head to our van. This is one interview that will stay with me for a long time. Honestly, Domino City is lucky to have these five men living in it. Maybe they made some mistakes in the past, but they've learned from them and grown because of them, and because of growing close to each other. Those are lessons we could all benefit from.