He's been known to walk in, say a name, and walk back out. Four seconds. Maybe five if he's feeling deliberate.

She didn't say much going in. She rarely does. But she'd been thinking about this longer than anyone.

She feeds this family. She knows what grows. Don't let the smile fool you.

She has an agroecology degree and stronger opinions about soil than most people have about anything. She came to win.

He built the whole thing. Wrote the rules. Set up the unit. And then waited his turn.

Back on the clock. Maple does not hesitate.

The Commissioner returns. The ledger is open. The pen is ready.

Round two. Still quiet. Still dangerous.

She knows exactly what she wants. She always does.

Last pick. Last word. The Control Group is never truly finished.