[color=#D2B8C5]“Knights Elcove,”[/color] Commander Botrelle greeted, returning Darrien’s gesture with a polite nod. A few others stumbled in before the scheduled start time- Saika, for once, arrived in a punctual manner. That was a shock, and she acknowledged it with an impressed quirk of one prim brow. [color=#D2B8C5]“Knight Saika.”[/color] 

The projector was on behind Lulu, with an opening screen announcing “Quarterly Research Discussion,” in bold font, followed by the date and start time. At this rate, the time was becoming irrelevant, and the sound of her red-lacquered nails tapping against the tabletop was doing little to assuage her annoyance. Despite having no realistic hope of punctuality from the majority of the representatives, she still managed to be let down. She frowned slightly in response to Cadriel’s apology, and gestured to the array of empty seats. [color=#D2B8C5]“It’s alright, Cadriel. It seems like the majority of us are running a bit-”[/color] 

Kora tromped in just before the clock passed into the definitive “late” zone, and that seemed like enough bodies to start the meeting. Simon took his seat just as Lulu was standing.

Those who trickled in later may have noticed a distinct lack of eye contact from the Commander. 


[color=#D2B8C5]“Well, good morning again, everyone. And thank you for making time to meet up today. As you all know, there are a few matters to discuss, including budget grants and recent assignment distribution- but first, some housekeeping.”[/color]  She switched to a new slide with a tap against the screen of her tablet, this one reading “Notice Posters.” A stack of papers was pulled from her portfolio case in a variety of colors and handed to the first full seat to her right. [color=#D2B8C5]“Take a few of these, and pass them down. Post them around your departments, please- We’re having some issues with health and safety. I know you’re all adults, but these issues have become quite serious: 

“Please remind your staff that casual Friday [i]does not[/i] apply to those working in radioactive or biohazardous environments. Moreover, sandals with socks [i]do not[/i] qualify as close-toed shoes. 


“Lunch fridges are for lunch and research coolers are for research. Egg salad does not belong in the morgue units, even if they [i]are[/i] closer to your assigned lab than the breakroom. We’ve only had one case of adverse side effects from cross-contamination so far but…”[/color]  Lulu grimaced, holding up one hand with a questioning gesture. [color=#D2B8C5]“Really, people. It isn’t a complicated thing to ask.

“Finally- And I wish this didn’t need to be said, but according to the amount of bacteria going around unchecked, it does- wash your hands. We all have advanced  degrees here, and this shouldn’t be something that has to come up every quarter. 

“So, enough of that. Hang the posters, and demand a higher level of maturity from your people.”[/color] 
She tapped her screen again, and a slide reading, “Upcoming tasks” popped onto the screen. [color=#D2B8C5]“So, most of you should be receiving new or updated tasks in the next few days- There’s a commission for a new strain of gladiator cat being requested, an assignment regarding ballistics research for those of you in the explosives lab, but the rest are mostly continuations of things you’ve already got on your plates. 

“And speaking of plates, there [i]is[/i] another ball coming up in the next week. Everyone here should have received an invitation, as well as a few others to distribute to your department members as you see fit. As always, there’s going to be considerable media coverage, so choose people who represent you, and represent this department as a whole, in a positive light. And that’s all I’ll say regarding that matter.”[/color] 

Before she could skip through the next slide, one Commander Madison Lovette entered in a tizzy. Lulu nodded to him with a warm(ish) smile and extended a hand to shake in the front of the room. [color=#D2B8C5]“And here’s the guest of the hour- Please welcome Commander Madison Lovette to our base. He’s coming to learn about- Well.”[/color]  She flicked the presentation to one that simply said, “Visiting Commander,” and stepped to take her seat. [color=#D2B8C5]“I’ll let him have the floor. Commander Lovette?” [/color]