They started early.
The next morning, a knock sounded on the guest room door before the sun was fully up. Ragna groaned into her pillow. Mira opened one eye. Lyris was already awake, sitting on the edge of her bunk, lacing her boots.
Ward's voice came through the door. "Rise and shine. Day one."
Ragna rolled over. "You people don't sleep, do you?"
"We do," Ward said. "We just also work. Move it."
Lyris stood and pulled her cloak on out of habit, then stopped when her fingers brushed the unfamiliar fabric of the Atlas-issued sweater they had left last night. It was light, soft, and warmer than it looked. She settled for mixing both: sweater under, cloak over.
Mira pushed herself upright, hair a tangle. "Is this another briefing?"
"Not yet," Ward replied. "Medical check, baseline tests, admin. If we're going to work with you, we need records."
Ragna sat up and squinted at the small digital clock on the wall. "What time is it?"
