Beth smiled a bit at Mira’s reaction. The veteran pilot hoped that she had had a positive influence, though one could never be certain about something like that. She then turned when she noticed the new arrival.<em>Speak the devil’s name and he shall appear,</em>she thought wryly.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Elizabeth Raines, I must say I didn't think I'd see you back in the league so soon."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Beth bit her lip. A look of displeasure crossed her face very briefly, only to be replaced by a more neutral expression. Given the reason she had been gone, she could hardly believe he would broach the topic in such a blase manner. Still, she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he was not being deliberately hurtful.<br/><br/>“I’m... I’m just glad to be back,” she said, but was then bothered by the lack of conviction in her own voice.<br/><br/>If he had intended to put her off-balance, he had certainly succeeded. The news that Mira was Malrain’s younger sister had far less of an emotional impact by comparison. “I didn’t know you two were related. You should be proud that she’s made it so far while keeping such a sensible attitude.” Beth managed to sound polite, but still she immediately regretted taking the subtle dig at Alister’s comparatively poor attitude.<br/><br/>Beth decided that she had better withdraw before anyone was antagonized further. She turned to the other woman and smiled. “Mira, it was very nice to meet you. Please keep in touch.” With that Beth stood and walked off toward one of the hotdog stands. Hopefully she could have a bite and calm her slightly frayed nerves.