The afternoon sun rested warm against the western palisade, bathing the dry soil of the inner courtyard in amber light.
A single duplicate vessel stood near the boundary marker, dressed in an ordinary gray tunic and sturdy canvas trousers.
"State the operational itinerary one more time before departure," Ferra commanded, holding a stick of charcoal over a fresh cedar shingle.
"Departure at fourteenth bell, direct transit to the southern granary depot, handover of the sealed inventory ledger, and immediate return," the clone recited.
"Direct transit without detours, zero unauthorized conversations, and immediate voluntary dissolution upon crossing the yard threshold."
"Most governed errand in the entire history of the world," Hajin murmured from his seat on the mounting block, rubbing his forehead.
"A tool does not require creative freedom when delivering dry wheat records," Juna said, leaning against the fence beside him.
