def merge_dicts(base, updates):
    """
    Given two dicts, merge them into a new dict as a shallow copy.

    Parameters
    ----------
    base: dict
        The base dictionary.
    updates: dict
        Secondary dictionary whose values override the base.
    """
    if not base:
        base = dict()
    if not updates:
        updates = dict()
    z = base.copy()
    z.update(updates)
    return z
