Akira looked at Bull one more time before she left.
His expression hadn't changed. He had the same flat, direct look, and the same tired eyes that had clearly spent a long time arriving at the conclusions he'd just shared.
He'd already looked back down at his papers before the tent flap closed behind her.
Holly was waiting outside.
"Don't take his manner of speaking personally," she said, falling into step beside Akira. "Bull is straightforward with everyone. He doesn't have anything against you, it's just how he operates."
She moved through the rows of tents with the easy familiarity of someone at home. "He was like that before we ended up here, from what I understand. Probably more useful down here than someone who softens everything."
They stepped back out into the main hall and Holly began leading her towards the far end of the building.
