So far it hasn't been the same, no. [And even he's a little surprised by how easy it is to honestly say that.

He's certainly not complaining – it's a wonder not to have to witness any of the conflicts he's used to seeing (or to have to deal with their aftermaths) – but it's been a strange adjustment to make. Like the background noise of his life has abruptly, noticeably gone silent.]

"Bigger problems." Like water, energy, rations, personnel, our abrupt change of management, and the monster we've got in the hold? [There's unmistakable irony in his voice. That just about cover all their bases?]