Monday morning saw me returning the punch-injector to the laboratory, since I felt it was no longer necessary to retain it. I was as convinced as I could be that Tobi was neither violent or about to try to escape again, and so the tool had served its purpose.

My tasks for the week revolved around gathering as much evidence as I could that any theories I had might be either validated or discredited. Which meant that one of my aims was to retest Tobi against the Katki template so that I could see his results for myself. Thankfully, the platinum blond had been on board with that idea and had agreed that in theory he would be happy with me taking a blood sample from him for such a purpose.

And so, with the punch-injector returned, that morning I subtly borrowed a needle, syringe and vial so that I had what I needed with regard to taking Tobi's blood sample.

When the time came for lunch, I joined my father and our usual dining companions. However, today I was also periodically scanning the cafeteria in the hope that I might spot one of the people who worked in the nearby Ravim laboratory, who shared this eatery with the team I worked in.

It didn't take me too long to spot someone relevant that I recognised.

She was older than I was, probably in her mid-thirties, and her ash blond bob suited her fair complexion and turquoise eyes. Although we'd never worked together, or even met formally, I recognised her from seeing her in passing, having usually seen her in the canteen. The staff photographs that were pinned up in the entrance hall to the main building had told me which laboratory she worked in.

Excusing myself from my associates for a few minutes, I manoeuvred myself so that I was able to introduce myself.

"Martha, right?" I asked with a wide smile after I'd sidled up to her.

She'd been studying the sandwich options, and evidently wasn't expecting anyone to pay her any attention.

"Yes," she confirmed amicably, stretching out her free hand to shake mine. "And you're Matthew Sullivan, Elijah's boy, I think?"

"That's right," I verified.

"Well, it's nice to meet you formally after seeing you around," she said, turning to gesticulate across the room. "My team are sitting over there if you'd like some company for lunch. You're welcome to come and join us."

"Thank you," I acknowledged. "I'm eating with my father, but I was actually hoping I might catch you after lunch, if possible? I haven't quite worked out which area of science interests me the most, and I'm trying to find out more about what the different laboratories do. I was hoping that either you or one of your colleagues might tell me a bit about what you do in your field of expertise so that I can choose an appropriate career path."

"Of course," she beamed widely. "We'd be delighted."

I suspected that would be the case. I knew from experience that scientists were often enthusiastic about their work, and even more excited when others took an interest in it.

I thanked her and returned to my seat.

After finishing lunch, I met up with Martha and her lab partner Jonathan, who eagerly showed me around their laboratory. The sterile whitewashed room was larger than the one I shared with my father and contained more equipment. Thrilled that I was interested in their day-to-day activities, they were more than happy to pass on any information to a fellow scientist – especially one that they knew worked in the same building and was the son of a loyal supporter of the Andekas.

While I was there, I learned about the Ravim production process. The drug's active ingredient came from a plant with blue flowers called sinine, farmed several miles to the south-west, beyond where most civilians would travel due to the lack of transport-buses operating in that direction. The extracts from this plant were processed in this laboratory, ready for distribution to the wider population.

I paid particular attention to the data on the quantities that were discussed, from the amount of plant extract that was received to the weight required for a single dose. They were also open enough to provide me with information on how often the supplies were delivered and when.

Later that evening, after Tobi and I had eaten, I cross-referenced the information that Martha and Jonathan had given me with data from my laboratory. My own work informed me of the number of new Katki entering the population, and by using reasonable estimates for the numbers dying, I worked out the approximate number of Katki that would be circulating and in need of the Ravim, including those in the civilian community who needed a permanent supply.

My conclusion was as I suspected, but now I had additional statistical evidence that what Tobi had told me was correct. The Ravim laboratory wasn't producing enough of the drug for all adult Katki to be taking it permanently, and my figures hadn't even included the children that I'd previously considered might need it.

I noted my findings in my journal, along with the calculations that had led to my conclusions before climbing into bed with Tobi.

"Are you all right?" he asked, after he heard me sigh deeply.

"I guess so," I responded, turning my head to look at him. "It's just ... the world isn't as I thought it was, and it's a little overwhelming, you know? I don't know what to believe any more."

The platinum blond propped himself up on one elbow and shuffled a little closer to me.

"I'm not going to pretend I understand," he replied sympathetically. "But it's clear you're trying to help the Katki, and whatever it takes, I want to support that."

"Thank you," I said after hearing the sincerity in his tone.

"Good night, Matty," he whispered as he leaned into me, pecking my lips for a second time before getting comfortable on his own side of the bed.