After three days of constant arrivals, it was time for the first trial opening of the shops aboard Creeping Darkness to begin. They would open for one day, and then close for the next two as they rearranged their operational plans and redecorated to fit their preferred theme. Some of that had already begun, but the trial opening would give them valuable input into what the customers liked, and what ideas didn't go over well.
Sylvie saw this as the first great test of leadership in the residents that she had picked for management positions, and she had a bet going with Felicity about how many would crack on the first day and ask to be replaced, or be forcibly replaced, by their subordinates.
It was inevitable that at least a few of them would fail the test, despite having the qualifications. It was no secret to anyone that there were plenty of lousy managers in the world, and overloading everything for an entire day would strain both skills and nerves to the maximum.
