Beth was slightly startled when Montresor patted her on the back—the first thing she saw was the mask, and after half a year away it took her a second to place it. Her only reply was to nod her head slightly in thanks as her fellow pilot passed by.<em>It just goes to show, he’s more complicated than the narrative the media tries to weave around him.</em>For her part, Beth did not quite know what to think of him—the mask was certainly an eccentric touch at best. She saw him join one of the new pilots some distance away.<br/><br/>Maybe that was not such a bad idea—a lot of these new pilots were probably nervous and could use someone to talk to. Beth quickly noticed one shy-looking girl who was sitting alone on a bench, and then approached her. “Hey there,” she said to get the girl’s attention. “First time trying out for the professional league? I’m Beth.” She sat down next to the younger woman. Admittedly, bothering to identify herself in this crowd bordered on false modesty, but going around assuming everyone knew her felt too arrogant.