This sidestory takes prior to Project R | Session #001 | Shall We Begin Once More?

She leans against the counter, arms crossed, tusked jaw tapping against her hand.
"Package from Felisara still hasn't arrived..."

He sprawls across the stool, broad chest shifting with each casual stretch, fingers drumming against the polished wood.
"Five suns late and counting… Must've gotten sidetracked along the way."

She lifts a brow, tusks catching the light.
"Hmph. Back when I commanded you, this would have arrived yesterday."

He shifts his weight, one arm resting lazily on the counter.
"Back then, you'd have screamed at the courier until he wept."

She huffs, the corner of her mouth betraying her.
"He delivered on time."

He leans back with a low rumble of a laugh.
"He developed a nervous condition."

She clicks her tongue, glancing back toward the empty shelf.
"Some things never change... Although, I'm curious what they sent this time."

He leans forward slightly, both forearms now planted on the counter.
"Considering the last batch… it could be anything…"

She waits.
"That dragon-themed set from last month..."

He shrugs, glancing idly toward the window as a passerby drifts past.
"Definitely too forward for our clientele."

She laughs, shaking her head.
"Don't pretend you didn't test it yourself."

He flexes a shoulder, one hand drifting toward the shelf behind him.
"Ehem! Strictly research! Quality control. As a professional!"

She crosses her arms tighter, tusks flashing.
"Quality control...? Is that what goes in the ledger?"

He plants both fists lightly on the counter, chest rising with a slow breath.
"Y- Yes Commander! Column three. Professional curiosity. Nothing more."

She holds his gaze a half-second too long, then glances away, toward the empty shelf.
"Heh. Right. Well. Whatever it is, let's hope it arrives undamaged.
Or at least not smelling odd. Like the shipment we had to throw out."

He tilts his head toward the window.
"With the bathhouse opening, we'd finally have proper facilities for a..."

Her eyes drift back to him, slow and deliberate.
"...Hands-on evaluation."

He blinks.
"Yes— yes, Commander."

She uncrosses her arms, one tusk catching the light as a smile creeps in.
"Book that expense under clientele studies."

She glances back at the empty shelf.
"And don't... even think of starting without me."

He goes very still. The fingers uncurl, one at a time.
"Yes Commander. I know how you like to supervise."