It was the day after Christmas, the North Pole was starting to get out of the Christmas spirit. Decorations going down. Santas and Reindeers make preparations to go back to their regular jobs for the year. Elves gather up all the things needed to finish Christmas before New year’s happen.

In the middle of the North pole, or basically at the top of the world, was a large building. This was the headquarters of the Clauses. All Santas and Reindeers who work at the North pole takes orders from that organization. In the building, Hazma Claus sits at his desk, going over all the reports he had gotten over the night. He was the latest Claus, only inheriting the position of Boss from his father two years ago.

 The stress of the after Christmas reports were starting to take a toll on Hazma. His hair was messy after refilling it so much. The suit he started his work in was winkles and crumbs to whatever food he can get. Signs of fuzz started to grow on him after not shaving for a few days. Even the faint smell of body order seemed to waft off him if someone stands close enough.

On his desk was paperwork and note he had taken of the reports he has already read. The progress reports, how each team did, toy quality. Each report was massive as they each covered an entire time zone but also inconsistent when it comes to length.

The door to his office opens. In walks in is his secretary, an elf named Sophie, carrying a mug of coffee and some deodorant. Sophie dress suit was meticulous and well pressed. Her blond hair in a bun held together by a pin. “Here is your coffee, Mr. Claus.”

“Thanks,” Hazma took the mug from Sophie’s hand and gave it a good sip. “Ahhh, what good coffee.” Hazma leaned back into his chair, “Where do you keep finding these good beans?”

Sophie placed the deodorant on the table, making sure that Hazma can see her do it. “They are from Columbia, Mr. Claus. I am sure I have told you this before.”

“Yeah, you probably did. Sorry my brain is just fried right now. I still have about 12 more reports I have to go through before New Year’s and I want to get through with them as soon as possible.”

“I see.” Sophie adjusted her glasses, “sir, I have some questions. Can you answer them?

“Yeah, shoot.”

“My first question: How long have you been going over the reports?”

“Huh,” Hazma put the mug down and rubbed the temple of his head,” let's see. I was here when we sent out the first dispatch for zone one. That was maybe, “Hazma started to rub his fingers together.

“Unit one left at the time designated in their zone, 8:25 pm. That zone was completed by 4:45 am in their time zone.”

Hazma snapped his fingers, “yes, thank you Sophie. It coming back to me. I receive their report I think an hour after I heard that zone was completed. Then more zones got completed soon after and I got buried in reports before I finished the first one.”

“I see,” Sophie nodded, taking a mental note. “Next question; when was the last time you took a break?”

Hazma made a dumbfounded look on his face, “duhhhh.”

“I am taking it to mean you cannot recall the last time you rest. Very well.” Sophie took another mental note, “my final question; how long do you believe it will take you to finish going over your current report?”

“Ah let me think,” Hazma looked at the screen, “it looks like it is from our more populated time zones and I am not even a quarter of the way in it yet. This might take a while.”

“Then estimate it,” Sophie responded coldly.

“Really?”

Sophie cold glare answered for itself.

“Alright, Alright, I am thinking maybe three hours at least if i just power through it.”

“I see.” Sophie closed her eyes, “Mr. Claus I have a proposition for you. Stop going over the report for now and get some sleep. Rather you do it in the break room or head home matters not to me. If you do decide to go home, I also recommend taking a shower and getting some real food inside of you. If you decide to instead use the break room, feel free to order some food from any of the pamphlets you find in there.”

“Wait Sophie i just can’t take a break right now.”

“Any peculiar reason why you can’t Mr. Claus?”

“I just cannot go and take a break right now. I need to get them done by New Years and I am nowhere close to being done. Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.”

“Sir, if I may be blunt,” she continued without caring if she was, “I believe that policy is outdated and either need to be replaced or removed entirely.”

Hazma got a shocked look on his face. “Sophie you know how important the Christmas reports are. Toys manufactured, magic usage, even the numbers of deliveries in each zone. We can’t get rid of them!”

Sophie took a deep breath and readjusted her glasses, making sure that Hazma can see her eyes. “Sir, you misunderstand me. The reports themselves are not the issue here but the deadline. From the time the first report comes in, we have a week to get it organized. That is not an issue however. The issue comes in when we have to turn them in all 24 reports at once or that it is in the hands of one person to thoroughly examine each piece themselves by New Years. It is outdated and must be reformed.”

Hazma straighten his posture, “So what do you have in mind then?”

“Simple, we have each branch do the calculations for us.”

Silence filled the air. The two just stared at each other, “Wait is that it?”

“Yes, is there a problem with my suggestion? Please give me your feedback.”

“Well, uh why should-”

Sophie cuts him off, “Simple. From what I can gather, each branch keeps detailed records which they send directly to you to fill out. If each branch has their own records, why not have them do most of the work when it comes to calculations and check what they got? It would be much easier than trying to go through every report and make all the calculations along the way.”

“But it's been-”

“Yes, I am aware that has been the policy since the first Santa Claus. However, that time is drastically different from this time. In his time, the group was small enough where he can handle all the paperwork himself. We have grown since then; I believe we need to update some of the policies regarding how work is done. I was going to bring it up at the next board meeting.”

“Well that's all good and all but it doesn't help me now.”

“You’re right it doesn't.”

Hazma sighed. He pinched the bridge the bridge of his nose, “so what was the point then?”

“To voice my displeasure for the policy and offer up an alternative. If you were looking for something we can do right now, I can hand some of the reports back to the branch heads and have them do the work for us. I do plan on calling them first and seeing if they are willing to do it for overtime pay. Any that decline we handle ourselves, though I can guarantee that number won’t be as high as you think it will be. In the meantime, I want you to rest for a few hours.”

“Sorry Sophie but I can’t have you do that. I know you want to help but-”

“I can and will sir. Remember, I am only below you in the chain of command. Also, you gave me permission to make decisions based on my judgment.”

“Yeah but not to go against my decisions.” Hazma raised from his chair. And walked over to Sophie. The elf only came up to Hazma’s shoulders, her face only going to his chest. They locked eyes, “Now may I please ask you to leave?”

“Very well, if you’ll excuse me.” Sophie turned to leave the room. She grabbed the knob but didn’t turn it, “Hazma.”

The second his name came out of her mouth, Hazma’s heart skipped a beat.

“Did you know i started to carry a tranquilizer gun wherever I go nowadays?”

Hazma couldn’t get any words out of his mouth.

“I even brought it over today. It’s sitting at my desk right now, along with a few extra darts i carry for emergencies.”

Hazma felt unconformable chill run up his spine. He felt a knot form in his chest.

“I will be calling the Branch managers and see if anyone is willing to do what I just explained to you.” Sophie turn around, a smile on her lips. There was no warmth on her face, but a chill that rivaled the arctic winds itself. “I will come back and collect the reports the branch managers accept to do.” She slowly opened the door, “through when I return, you probably will be off getting your rest somewhere. You can luck the office if you want. Have a pleasant rest, Hazma.” She closed the door behind her slowly.

With the door closed, Hazma’s legs felt weak. He leaned on his desk for support. He was covered in a cold sweat. “Maybe I should listen to Sophie and get some rest.”