With pleasure. [ —rings the Director's reply, seamless and without missing a beat. Where Hijikata trends toward the realm of all things dispassionate, Sion is nothing if not candid (pleasantly so!), gesturing for the Officer to please, take a seat with a small flourish of wrist before he procures not one, certainly not two, but most assuredly t h r e e dossiers on local businesses, the documents detailing the losses sustained by each in a fantastic string of robberies. ]

The general store, [ Quite renowned for its 'old fashioned' soda pop. ] the Encore lounge, [ An establishment catering to 'karaoke' enthusiasts. ] and the clinic in the northern quadrant of the slums...

[ A clinic, but also home to the most charming creature in the Quad, a dog by the name of Umbra. It may not be a fact widely known to most, but Umbra's "welcome home" barks and "I am happy to meet you" licks are guaranteed to glean a smile from even the most stoic of men...!!

Even Hijikata does not stand a chance. ]

...all have had supplies taken from their storerooms, and by my personal request, I ask that you investigate each location and unearth the thread of commonality between them.

[ Here, there is a thoughtful pause; a gleam of knowing golden eyes. ]

But perhaps more importantly, I would have you take me as your partner for the day. [ Eh??? But Director??? You issue clearances, delegate Enforcer patrols, and manage training operatives??? What good are you on the ground, anyway? ] It is not often that I've the chance to take on field work, and I would be remiss if I did not seize this opportunity.

[ And then, a joke: ] You'll look after me, won't you?