The lunch eventually came to an end.
The mess hall slowly emptied as soldiers returned to their duties, mechanics headed back toward the maintenance depots, and nurses made their way to the hospital. The peaceful atmosphere remained, but the base itself never truly slept. Even after surviving another massive wave, thousands of people still had jobs to do.
Ryan finished the last piece of fried chicken on his tray and stood up.
"I need sleep before I start hallucinating and seeing zombies in my cereal."
"You don't even eat cereal," Adrian said.
"Exactly. That's how bad it'll be."
Chandrika laughed softly.
Ryan pointed at her.
"See? She gets my jokes."
"They're not funny."
"You're just uncultured."
Adrian sighed.
"You need rest."
"I know. I know." Ryan stretched his arms above his head. "Try not to accidentally go on another date while I'm asleep."
"This isn't a date."
"Sure."
Ryan looked toward Chandrika, who immediately became flustered again.
