Everything

"Good morning, Investigator McGregor," Viktor greeted, his voice strained as he attempted to appear calm and collected. "What brings you to our humble Reserve today?" Livia's demeanor remained professional yet firm as she produced the evidence against Viktor, laying out the allegations of mistreatment and misconduct with a steady hand. Viktor's face paled as he glanced at the damning evidence, his attempts to explain or deflect met with a resolute silence from the investigator.

"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the office, Mr. Petrov," Livia said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We have much to discuss." Viktor's protests died on his lips as he realized the gravity of the situation. With a resigned nod, he followed Investigator McGregor towards the office, his footsteps heavy with the weight of impending consequences. Charlie and the others watched in silence as Viktor departed with the investigator, the tension in the air palpable as they waited for the outcome of the meeting. With Viktor's fate now in the hands of the Executive Court, they could only hope that justice would prevail and the truth would finally be revealed. The day progressed, Charlie and his coworkers continued their work, their minds preoccupied with speculation about the unfolding events in the office. With Viktor and Investigator McGregor engaged in discussions behind closed doors, the atmosphere at the Reserve was charged with anticipation and uncertainty. An hour later, Livia emerged from the office, her gaze sweeping across the Reserve as she observed the handlers at work. She moved among them with a keen eye, taking note of their schedules, their tasks, and even their accrued PTOs. Her thorough examination left no stone unturned as she gathered evidence to inform her assessment of the situation.

After observing the handlers in action, Livia took each of them aside individually, her inquiries probing and insightful as she sought their perspectives on working under the leadership of Viktor Petrov. One by one, they shared their experiences and grievances, offering candid insights into the challenges they had faced under Viktor's management. Their responses were unanimous in their negativity, with each handler expressing frustrations and concerns about Viktor's leadership style and the detrimental impact it had on their work environment. From arbitrary decisions to lack of communication and disregard for their well-being, the handlers painted a damning picture of Viktor's tenure as Chief. As Livia listened intently to their accounts, it became increasingly clear that Viktor's days of unchecked authority were numbered. With the weight of their testimonies bolstering her case, Investigator McGregor now held the evidence she needed to pursue further action against Viktor Petrov.

Investigator McGregor's gaze swept over the assembled group, her expression unreadable as she addressed Viktor.

"Mr. Petrov, I'd like to discuss these discrepancies in the handlers' salaries and PTO records. Can you explain why there have been such significant changes?" Viktor, caught off guard, began to stammer in response.

"Uh, well, you see, Investigator McGregor, there have been some adjustments to our budget allocation—" Interrupting him with a raised hand, Investigator McGregor cut through his excuses.

"Budget allocations that directly impact your employees' livelihoods should be communicated transparently and with due consideration. Yet, I see no evidence of such communication here. Care to elaborate?" Sweat beading on his brow, Viktor struggled to find a convincing response.

"I... I may have overlooked the need for... uh, proper communication. But rest assured, Investigator McGregor, these adjustments were made in the best interest of the Reserve." The investigator's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The best interest of the Reserve or your own interests, Mr. Petrov? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like your employees have been shortchanged without cause or explanation." Frantically, Viktor attempted to salvage the situation.

"No, no, you've got it all wrong! I assure you, Investigator McGregor, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for—"

"And what about these requests for time off, Mr. Petrov?" she inquired, her tone sharp with disapproval. Viktor hesitated, his eyes flickering nervously between the investigator and the gathered employees.

"Well, you see, Investigator McGregor, it's all a matter of—" But once again, Investigator McGregor cut him off with a raised hand.

"I'm not interested in excuses, Mr. Petrov. I'm interested in facts. Why were these PTO requests denied?" Caught in the spotlight, Viktor struggled to formulate a response.

"There were... operational needs that required the presence of all staff members," he finally offered weakly.

"And yet," Investigator McGregor countered, "these 'operational needs' seem to coincide suspiciously with significant events in the personal lives of your employees. Care to explain?" Viktor's discomfort was palpable as he shifted on his feet, unable to meet Investigator McGregor's unwavering gaze.

"I... I may have been overly strict in my interpretation of the staffing requirements," he admitted reluctantly. The investigator's expression remained impassive.

"Overly strict or deliberately obstructive, Mr. Petrov? Your employees have rights, including the right to take time off when necessary. Denying them that right without valid justification is not only unfair but also potentially illegal." Viktor's shoulders slumped as he realized the gravity of his actions.

"I... I understand, Investigator McGregor. I will cooperate fully with your investigation and make amends for any wrongdoing." Investigator McGregor nodded curtly, her tone softening slightly. With a firm tone, Investigator McGregor intervened.

"Save your excuses, Mr. Petrov. The evidence speaks for itself. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to review these documents in private. Perhaps you can use this opportunity to gather your thoughts and come clean about the true motivations behind these actions." Viktor's face paled as he realized the severity of the situation. With a nod, he reluctantly acquiesced, stepping aside to allow Investigator McGregor to conduct her review. After concluding her thorough investigation, Investigator McGregor fixed Viktor with a stern gaze.

"Mr. Petrov, you have some serious issues to address. I suggest you start preparing to rectify them immediately." Viktor's expression shifted from surprise to apprehension as he processed her words.

"Prepare? For what?" he asked cautiously. Livia sighed, her patience wearing thin.

"Prepare for the consequences of your actions, Mr. Petrov. Your treatment of your employees has been unacceptable, and I will be recommending disciplinary measures." Viktor paled at her words, realizing the severity of the situation.

"But... but I didn't—" Before he could finish his protest, Livia held up a hand to silence him.

"Save your excuses, Mr. Petrov. I've seen more than enough evidence to support the claims against you. And let me make one thing clear: if you ever attempt to retaliate or threaten your employees again, you will find yourself facing far greater consequences than simply losing your job." She turned to address the rest of the group, her demeanor softening slightly.

"In the meantime, I want each of you to have this," she said, producing a small device from her pocket. "It's a communication charm that will connect you directly to the Ministry. If you ever find yourselves in a situation where you feel threatened or unsafe, activate it immediately. Help will be dispatched to your location." As she distributed the devices to each employee, Viktor watched with a mixture of resentment and resignation, realizing that his power over them had been effectively neutralized. As Viktor retreated to his office, the atmosphere among the employees shifted from tension to relief. Without his oppressive presence looming over them, they felt a newfound sense of liberation. Nita exchanged a knowing glance with Katrin, who held up the small device that Investigator McGregor had provided. It was a tangible reminder of their newfound security, a silent signal to Viktor that they were no longer vulnerable to his threats. Seeing their happy faces, Viktor felt a surge of anger rising within him. He opened his mouth, prepared to unleash a tirade against what he perceived as traitorous behavior. But as his eyes landed on the device in Katrin's hand, he hesitated. The sight of the device served as a stark reminder of the consequences he would face if he dared to overstep his bounds again. With a frustrated growl, Viktor swallowed his words and turned on his heel, retreating to the confines of his office. Left in the wake of his departure, the employees exchanged relieved smiles, grateful for the newfound sense of security that had been bestowed upon them. They knew that while Viktor may still hold the title of Chief, his power over them had been effectively curtailed.