"And do as we're told we will," he answered, a smidgen too quickly. Why hadn't he thought of that? Other than the knowledge that some autonomy is necessary for actual work... he didn't know. Thinking independently was a necessity, and obeying orders was a necessity, and the two were contradictory and thinking over that was giving him a fierce headache. So maybe he would be thinking that over another time. "This is for the situations when orders are incomplete. The party knows best, and we are but its tools."

But his lips did curve up again, not quite the smile of a few moments ago, but a smile nonetheless. A promise. "I will come again." Quick nod, and he was turning to open the window again. "I'll see you tomorrow at practice, Natalia. Sleep well."

Disappointed? No, he wasn't. If anything, the bright flame that she was in his mind was burning even more brightly.

But she did need the rest.