Alex had been captured by an unknown hostile force, gone for a week. He had managed to escape a few days into his torture and found his way to a ULF safe area.

A day after that, he was found. He was obviously different, faint bags under his eyes and looking roughed up, but nothing was too severe. He obviously gone through some form of torture, but he was lucky to escape before it became severe.

But what could be more severe than losing his precious beard?

Laswell, Farah, and Graves were all in shock.

Graves had more of a teasing smirk, though, alreadying having an ace of a remark up his sleeve. Maybe more than one.

"What? Don't like the new look?" Alex asked in an attempt to make light of the situation.