Volume and Noise were angrily shouting as they walked into the Command Centre. Shikikan walked over to them, wanting to get away from the monotony of running the Outpost. Anderson wanted daily reports on finances and incidents. Rapi helped him whenever she could, but he didn't want her to feel like he was using her to do his paperwork.
"Manager, we need you for a moment. You fine with that?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"That bitch Rogue cancelled our 3-week performance at the Casino! AND DIDN'T EVEN GIVE US A REASON!"
"Whoa, whoa, calm down. Why is this a problem? You've played at other venues, like the Bar and Club. You even did one at the Maid Cafe that one time. I'm sure any of those would want live music again."
Noise slapped some documents on the table, knocking even more paperwork on the floor.
"Apparently, the Ark standards for performance stages have been updated. Until the others finish the renovations, the 777 Casino is the only place with a standard-compliant stage, because Blanc and Noir have their pole dances on it."
"Okay, that makes sense."
He pulled up a few papers from under the mound on his desk.
"I can approve these then. I was wondering what construction these notes from Liter and Centi were for."
"That doesn't solve anything, Manager."
She learned over the desk, cleavage exposed.
"What would help is if you came over with us and helped solve this...."
He pushed the intrusive thoughts aside and focused on their faces.
"Not the time. I'll have time later, but I need to finish this stuff. Anderson has done a lot for us, and this is the least I can do for him."
Volume pouted and stormed off.
"I'll remember this, y'know, Manager."
Noise followed her, trying to calm her down. After realizing the effort was futile, she came back.
"I don't know what's gotten into her, Producer. She's just been really cranky for a while."
"Like I said, I'll finish this and sort that out later. You girls are all a handful, and if Mighty Tools hadn't set up a workshop here, we would've gone broke ten times over from the number of things you break or need fixing."
"Thank you, Producer. Can I help with those papers?"
"Outside of burning them? Not much. Actually, can you ask Emma to make me a coffee?"
"Absolute are dispatched. They saw a contract of the noticeboard that was particularly interesting."
"Alright then, is Sugar here?"
"Racing with Brid I think."
"God, why don't I know these things... Can you just go to the Maid Cafe and get me one? Two sugars, two shots, mocha. Actually, three shots."
"Sure Producer."
After Noise left, he put his head in his hands and exhaled deeply.
"This stuff is going to kill me one day."
Shikikan picked up his pen and continued writing.