diff --git a/src/cai/tools/common.py b/src/cai/tools/common.py
index 7d5878d0..e1e58778 100644
--- a/src/cai/tools/common.py
+++ b/src/cai/tools/common.py
@@ -13,7 +13,13 @@ import uuid
 import sys
 from wasabi import color  # pylint: disable=import-error
 from cai.util  import format_time
-from cai.cli import START_TIME
+
+
+# Instead of direct import
+try:
+    from cai.cli import START_TIME
+except ImportError:
+    START_TIME = None
 
 # Global dictionary to store active sessions
 ACTIVE_SESSIONS = {}