We return return just before sunrise. The station stands empty. Day's first light streams over (link-reveal: "deserted desks.")[(transition: "dissolve")[ The others will return soon, for the light will have chased Them away.]]
You head for the shower. I fill the [[kettle]].<script>$('body').removeClass().addClass('one')</script>You poke mud out of the cleats of your boots.
I retreat to the shower, to tease the grime and blood and ichor [[out of my hair]].
<script>$('body').removeClass().addClass('two')</script>You titrate tea leaves into our cups, and fill them with boiling water. I slice the cake we baked (link: "many moons ago")[(link-reveal:"yesterday")[, taking out time we could scarcely spare. Regardless: it is excellent cake, all the sweeter after the night's work]].
Tonight, we will go out again, and we will [[continue|more]]. <script>$('body').removeClass().addClass('three')</script>There will be more to do tonight, now more than ever. (A small comfort: we know how to deal with them. This is straightforward work.)
But now, we are here. (live: 2.5s)[We are inside.] (live: 4.5s)[We are safe.]
(live: 6.0s)[(transition: "dissolve")[//fin//]]
<script>$('body').removeClass().addClass('four')</script>We sit amongst the detritus of our work.(live: 2.5s)[(replace: "work.")[work: our satchels lie agape; our belts, laden with devices, droop from the table.]]
(live: 6.5s)[The water comes to a (text-style: "shudder")[ [[boil]] ].]
<script>$('body').removeClass().addClass('twoa')</script>