[3 years before the Brevon Incident]

It's mid-afternoon in the Red Scarves mess hall, and a red-headed vixen in a black halterneck crop-top and navy blue capris sits alone, a handful of briefing documents her only companions. Idly munching on a sweet pastry, she appears not to notice the approaching olive-furred lynx in a teal skater dress. The lynx takes a seat opposite the vixen, but doesn't say a word, instead hungrily eyeing the second untouched sweet pastry on the plate.

"No Maria, you can't have that one," Hanna greets.

"Aw, you're such a meanie!" Maria replies in fake sorrow.

"Just kidding, it's all yours," Hanna smiles, putting the documents down and sliding the plate over to the lynx. "I know how much you like these, that's why I got you one."

"Yay!" Maria exclaims, snatching the offered pastry and immediately devouring half of it.

"Take it easy!" Hanna cautions jovially. "You don't want to make yourself ill."

"I'll be fine," Maria smiles back, her voice muffled by a mouthful of pastry. "Is that our next quest?"

"Sure is. Xander's graduated successfully, and his first full mission is with us."

"That was quick. He's only been training six weeks."

"He was fast-tracked because of his military background."

"He's a smelly soldier?" Maria wrinkles her nose in disgust.

"Don't you remember him telling us all this when we helped him settle in?" Hanna asks.

Maria pauses to think a moment. "Oh yes, I remember now. Guess I'm just being a silly kitty again."

"What else is new?" Hanna teases.

"Hey honey," Rob greets as he hugs Hanna from behind. "How much trouble are you in today?"

"Hey babe," Hanna replies, giving Rob a quick kiss on the cheek. "Believe it or not, none whatsoever."

"Not telling, eh?" Rob teases, kissing Hanna's cheek in return. "Guess I'll have to ask Lexi."

"Who'll say the same thing," Hanna informs.

"Hanna Skarlett, not in trouble?" Rob chuckles. "It's a miracle!"

"Are you done?" Hanna asks deadpan, the twinkle in her eye belying her good spirits.

"For now," Rob answers, taking the seat beside Hanna. "You have a new mission, I see," he continues, picking up one of the briefing documents. "Xander Lykos… Isn't he the guy who's been keeping you away from me so much recently?" he asks semi-seriously.

"As a matter of fact, yes, he is," Hanna confirms. "But look on the bright side: it's given you more time to hang out with your boyfriend," she adds teasingly. "Where is Danny, by the way?"

"Visiting his parents," Rob explains, electing not to respond to the tease. "He'll be back in two days."

"And until then, you're stuck with me," Hanna smiles warmly, kissing Rob on the lips.

"Except you have a mission tonight," Rob reminds.

"I could refuse it," Hanna offers.

"You, refuse a mission?" Rob teases.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Hanna chuckles.

"I've coughed up furballs less icky than you two," Maria jests, poking her tongue out.

"I guess we did get a bit cutesy there," Hanna agrees. "We should really be focussing on the mission. Where is Xander anyway? He should be here by now."

Maria's ears twitch as they pick up heavy footsteps approaching the mess hall. "He's coming now," she informs.

A moment later, Xander enters the mess hall and joins them at the table. "Sorry I'm late," he apologises. "Still learning my way around."

"So, you're the guy who's been keeping my girlfriend so busy? The name's Stiil, Rob Stiil," Rob greets with a smile and an extended hand, which Xander accepts and shakes firm yet gentle.

"Must you introduce yourself like that?" Hanna sighs. "It sounds silly."

"You once said my name sounds like a spy's name," Rob reminds.

"No, I said it sounded pathetic," Hanna corrects. "Obviously I no longer think that, but introducing yourself like that is most definitely silly."

"Very silly," Maria adds.

"They do have a point," Xander agrees.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Rob sighs in agreement.