Henry held one hand inches from the knife before him, huffing and puffing. This was surely not what he’d signed up for that day, but he reminded himself that sometimes struggle was worth it - especially when it was necessary to celebrate someone’s big day. And even more especially when he was only struggling because he’d somehow forgotten the strategy behind blowing up a balloon. The fifteen or so scattered around him on the floor of the Mess Hall had been achieved only with the help of his fellow party planner, which was part of why he’d insisted on cutting the cake. Finishing the balloon with a final puff, he looked over at Javal. “How’s it going, Cadet?”

~ Lt. jr. gr. Rodier - CoS