Laurie nodded, making an affirmative noise into his tea. He wouldn't have minded changing the subject. He may not have known war was coming, but at least when it did come he had stood up and volunteered to do his bit. He had been able to contribute, no matter how briefly, to something bigger than himself. It was a feeling that Laurie rather missed.

"How are things progressing below us? I've heard that the situation's been getting a bit tricky of late."