"Doesn't everyone?" I reply, sliding into my seat."I was under the impression everyone drank too." He challenges."I drink." I say, lifting my mug for emphasis. "Just, not often.""Do you know how to play poker?" He asks, giving the deck a practiced shuffle."Well enough.""Good." He smiles, dealing us both in.The cards slide across the table and I can't help but laugh at the pictures of actual bears on the backs. Having not had an opportunity to unwind since arriving at the outpost, the casual hands of poker felt like a much-needed distraction. It isn't until Nora taps a few keys at the terminal and announces, "Connection to McKellar's is down," that I realise that that's exactly what this is, a distraction."Which means we can do whatever we want now," Bear jokes, flashing a mischievous grin."Like that's ever stopped you," Nora laughs, folding her hand. "You holding up okay Ethan? I know it's a weird feeling, being cut off like this. Especially the first time.""I'm doing fine, t
Last Updated : 2026-01-13 Read more