Lorelai arrived at her room just as the clock struck midnight. Her face was tight with a frown, and weariness clung to her like a shadow.
She had planned to rest immediately, but as she removed her robe, a familiar, uncomfortable sensation tingled behind her left eye. It was the same feeling she got whenever General Lubbot initiated contact.
"But I should still have a few days until the deadline..." she muttered through clenched teeth.
Despite the suddenness of it, Lorelai's expression shifted seamlessly, her frown replaced by a serene smile as though her agitation had been nothing but an illusion.
Without hesitation, she activated her soundproofing artifact. "Good evening, Officer Lubbot. How can I assist you today?" she asked, her voice calm.