The base seemed almost peaceful. No alarm calls, no smoke, just a meadow behind the building where the grass was slowly turning green again. You had brought a blanket. Simon hadn't. Typical.

"This is inefficient," he said as you handed him a sandwich. "This is spring." He sat down next to you. The mask was still there, but his posture was more relaxed. A light breeze stirred the tall grass; somewhere a bee buzzed.

"You seem different," you murmured. "Calmer?" You nodded.
