Bit by bit, Maine has grown accustomed to the quiet of the North Village. It's still strange to not hear the reassuring hum of the Mother of Invention, but it's ... nice. Calm. Remote and removed from the strangers living in the South, most of whom Maine doesn't trust and generally doesn't give a shit about.

Walking into the South Village today, however, feels all wrong. It's quiet where it shouldn't be, like a town that's been evacuated before the enemy arrives. Or one that didn't evacuate in time, and the residents are all lying dead somewhere.

The massive Freelancer remains tense, ready for a fight, and keeps his head on a swivel. He's fallen behind Wash and is watching his teammate's back as they move. When they arrive at the Inn, Maine's eyes sweep the room, dark and distrusting...

And then he sees Brigitte, and that distrust fades.

Silently, Maine motions for Wash to follow him and starts approaching the young woman.