On Karen’s way to lunch Kierk passes her, his flip-flops smacking in echoes, his tie-dye shirt a walking illusion. She stifles a laugh as he moves out of sight, now wondering if there’s some costume party she doesn’t know about. Leaving the CNS into the glare, she realizes that laugh was the first in a while. She needs fresh air. Even passing Max in the hallway earlier had caused her to flee to the bathroom. Now she takes refuge at a nearby cafe.