For the next three weeks after the exhibition tournament, neither Rob nor Danny have any interaction with Hanna. However, just eight days before the next tournament, that changed: despite protests from all three, they had been teamed together for a mission to 'relieve' a nobleman of a treasured item.
In a small briefing room, Rob and Danny go over the plan's details one last time to make sure they've covered as much as they can.
"I do believe we've covered every conceivable eventuality," Rob concludes when their review is complete.
"As much as we can be expected to, at any rate," Danny agrees. "Then again, there is one wildcard we've not considered. Have you noticed she's spent the whole time staring silent daggers at you?"
"So long as she sticks to the plan, everything will go smoothly," Rob replies to Danny while looking at Hanna. "So what do we do when she doesn't and it hits the fan?"
"All this planning is stupid," Hanna snorts.
"She speaks at last!" Rob smirks.
"This planning will keep your pelt out of trouble," Danny states flatly to Hanna.
"It's pathetic, all this sneaking around," Hanna snaps back. "We can just fight our way through, grab the loot, and fight our way back out. Simple."
"And the quickest way to a Shang Mu gaol cell," Rob replies.
"Then I'll just break us out," Hanna shrugs.
"And return to HQ with no loot, and be seen as a failure," Rob adds.
"…fine, I'll play along with your stupid plan," Hanna sighs in resignation. "This time," she adds defiantly.
"Works for me," Rob smiles. "Danny?"
"Same," Danny agrees. "And if she deviates, we set her up as the fall girl."
"Agreed," Rob nods.
Hanna starts growling quietly.
"We've got a couple of hours before we need to leave. Dinner followed by a bit of sparring?" Danny asks.
"Sure," Rob agrees. "Little Miss Sunshine can join us if she likes," he adds, turning to Hanna.
"You're despicable," Hanna growls at Rob.
"I'll take that as a 'no'," Rob smiles warmly.
"You're not getting to me," Hanna retorts. "I will join you, but only because I have nothing better to do. And don't expect me to spar: it'll be much more fun to watch you two make fools of yourselves."
"Very well," Rob agrees. You keep trying to intimidate me, and you keep failing. I wonder why you are so afraid of admitting defeat?