[Sheppard is quiet today, he can tell right away. Evan can't help but take mental inventory of everything that went south over the last couple of weeks but can't think of anything grave - a few injured but no casualties, no bigger attacks, no alien technology sprung to life to claw their faces off. So what's with him?]

Oh, I do value my free time. But it was this or playing cards with Coughlin and Reed who are both the world's sorest losers. Never again.

[Then Evan watches the beer go down, down into the ocean, quiet realization dawning in his eyes. He doesn't speak for a moment, just lets the moment linger, respectfully.

This he understands and there are some things in this world you just don't need words for. After a while he raises his can in a silent salute to the guys he didn't have the honor of serving with before he takes his first sip.]

To buddies and views, then.