Korg took a second cup from a tray, poured tea, and placed it on the opposite side of the table. Karp sat in front of the teacup, tested the temperature, held it with both hands, and sipped. Karp took her time explaining about the strange man and child she had seen while shifting. The Whitecoat sat, sipped his tea, and thought carefully before speaking. 

˝Did you look at the book the child had?”

˝no. i didn’t know if the man was around. since i didn’t know what i was dealing with, i just got what i needed and left.”

˝What do you mean?”

˝well, time in the shift world should stop while i’m not there. when i come back, everything should be exactly the same as when i left, but this person had suddenly appeared and disappeared. it shouldn’t be possible, but it happened, and if that person has that kind of power... i shouldn’t tangle with them without learning more.”

The Whitecoat sipped the tea while contemplating a response. Karp found his hesitation out of character. 

˝Well...there is still a lot we don’t understand about shifting. We don’t even really understand why it works in the first place. Whatever caused a person to appear and disappear is likely some anomaly of a fundamental principle of shifting. It’s also possible that the child you saw was just the same person from before but they had just lost their book. If I were you, I’d try not to nitpick the fine details of shifting; you will probably just spend the whole time losing the forest for the trees.” 

Karp wasn’t satisfied with Korg’s cryptic answer but knew better than to argue with him when he was like that. Korg turned his head and seemed to stare into space. 

˝Did you understand what I said?”

Karp couldn’t tell who he was addressing until his gaze lingered a few more seconds and a guard came up the path.

˝Yes, sir! You said not to be disturbed when meeting with Karp unless there is an emergency and...” 

Korg apparently didn’t need to hear the rest to understand; he rose and headed for the building where the guard had emerged.