"--My business card," Jasmine said, handing Hawk a little white card with a gold wheel printed on it next to her information. Hawk tucked it into his breast pocket. "Many people find it very difficult to adjust after an extended period of abduction. If you find that this is the case, please reach out for support any time. That's what we're here for."

Hawk looked at her, taken off-guard by how completely sincere she seemed. He looked away again shyly. "Th...thank you."

"Good luck, Hawk," Jasmine told him warmly. She turned to head back inside the hospital, and Hawk squared his shoulders, taking a breath.

Creatures of many shapes and sizes were assembling in front of the Port of Enodia building that Hawk had been pointed towards--it looked like the start of a demonstration. A shadowy animal-like figure was perched on a bench beside the door, speaking, and next to them stood what looked like a three-foot-tall insect; the insect was holding up a sign that glowed purple, displaying words letter-by-letter. A large mostly-shapeless translucent mass full of eyes had stopped a tall, burgundy-coat-wearing monkey, presenting them with a clipboard.

Hawk walked right past them to a door that read 'POPULATIONS DEPARTMENT' in small gold letters, and pulled it open.

The inside of the room was washed out by the fluorescent lights. Hawk didn't take in most of it--only the series of counters directly in front of him, each with a creature behind them and a flimsy screen for privacy between them. There was an empty seat at one, behind which a gigantic white-and-pink mantis sat.

"Good afternoon," they said. "May I help you?"

Hawk froze up.

"I'm lookin' for someone," he said.