Newtech City, California, Friday

Another day, another patrol in the Jeep. With Syd. At least she was letting Z get a word in edgewise this time, but Z was pretty sure that was because she felt bad for her. She'd filed for today off weeks ago, after all. It wasn't that she made a big deal of birthdays because that had been both impossible and pointless for most of her life, but still. "Do you think at some point Cruger will, like, actually let me take a day off when I request one? I mean, I wouldn't mind so much if he'd just cut me a check for all the vacation time I never get to use or something."

"Look on the bright side!" Syd suggested. "Maybe he sent you on patrol so they could set up a fabulous surprise party back at the base."

"Did he?"

"No," Syd admitted. "But he could have!"

"Thanks, Syd," Z said sarcastically. "That makes me feel so much better."

Birthdays could bite her.