"I know how that feels," he says, sympathetic. "I took a civilian position for about a year, and I'm pretty sure I spent half that time adjusting to the suit." He plucks at his shirt, pulling a slight face. "Guess it prepared me for wearing this, though."

He doesn't hate being in civvies again -- in truth, it feels kind of nice, after so many years of war -- but the shirt collars always feel weird. So do the sleeves. There's something about how civilian sleeves are cut that always makes them feel a tad too short.

"But I'm doing well. Dr. Pierce gave me an overview, so I know the best hands to look for. Fifty-two cards, four suits with thirteen cards each, two colors -- not that hard to break it down, right? Have you had a chance to play yet?"