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For all that's worth, the silence and relatively remote location of the observation post meant a little bit of personal time for Michael. It reminded him of the time in his father's study or the school lab, minds drifted away in deep introspection or concentration, sometimes crossing his legs crudely in his armchair. Which is kind of what he was doing right now. His tools were a bit all over the place on the ground next to him. His hair was unadjusted from the various head scratch he had as he figured out the periscope. Most of the time once he was done, he would get back to his usual self soon enough. But he forgot time today as well.

When a boy popped up at the observation post for his shift, Michael looked up almost immediately and, out of instinct, uncrossed his legs and went into crouch with one knee firm on the ground. His two hands put the periscope to the side and tugged down his lower shoulder's shirt areas. Normally Michael would have stood up for a greeting, but he knew he wouldn't stand up again if he does that. He still greeted the comer to his recently fitted out observation post like a guest to his house.

[color=bf00ff][b]"Good morning!"[/b][/color] Michael returned the boy's nod with his own nod and a spirited yet firm voice. When prompted about the shift, he took a moment to compose an answer as he briefly glanced at the periscope again and adjusted his hair. [color=bf00ff][b]"It's not really my shift actually. I was really just setting up the last of the things for the post. The I just kind of...toyed with this periscope for a while."[/b][/color] He said as he pointed at the sentry. He would be a little bit proud of the work he had done as the work on this trench were mostly relegated to him (and Anna as well) if it hadn't been back-breaking from all the carrying and digging he had to do, even more so if he ran into those pesky rocks to break.

[color=bf00ff][b]"So yeah, hope you'll enjoy your stay..."[/b][/color] He joked a little as he asked. [color=bf00ff][b]...if you don't mind me asking how may I address you?"[/b][/color]

Also, while the young man was here, Michael did not hesitate to ask him a little favor, picking up the periscope. [color=bf00ff][b]"Also, if you don't mind, can you test this out for me? You can use a periscope right?"[/b][/color] 

He didn't intend to come off as disrespecting a veteran's experience, but after a few months of misery in the trenches, newbies look exactly the same as the established. He didn't want someone fumbling the thing and got themselves killed as a result.

[@Hawthorne]