[ Bradbury had not gotten much better at lying over the years, but he was much better at keeping his expression neutral. He also, really, didn't look at Maskin as he stood up. ]

Same as everyone else, I guess. Could be a hell of a lot better. Just glad I'm not any worse. [ He raised his good shoulder in a light shrug. Nelson may be staring at his bandages, but he pretended he hadn't noticed the aborted question, just giving him a mild smile. ]

I've been out of the country. Picking up work along the coast, mostly, on freighters-- you know how it is. People are shorthanded, and they don't ask too many questions. Hadn't really planned on ending up back here, except we had to do some emergency repairs, so I guess I'm on shore leave, for now.

[ he paused. ]

It's good to see you. [ Simple, and straightforward, as heartfelt as anything he'd ever said.

What he really meant was, it was good to see him alive. It was more than he could say of other people. Sobering a little at the thought, he dug a fork into a slice of meat and brought it up to his mouth.

Stopping mid-chew and gently twitching when the taste actually registered. ]