"I think I heard something about it being a short mandated leave of absence," Deanna's smile struggled not to become a far brighter version of itself. Teasing joy, tufted entirely on affection, brightening the whole of her black eyes. "Something about the necessities of shore leave to temper the rigors of constant hard work that consistantly exceeds the required work day, solvents of breaks with unstressful rest for extended trauma, and the importance of relaxation for positive outlook. Your counselor might know something about it--"

That smile was cracking slightly. "I can have her get you a copy of those orders when I see her again."

As though she wasn't here, and had left. Another body, another person, when Beverly asked only for her friend.