It amused Valene that Jason rose politely from the sofa the moment she entered the living room and offered to get her a cup of coffee.
'It's fresh - Dr. Fraiser just made another pot.'
'You stay where you are and put your injured leg up,' Valene advised as she sank into a large, comfortable armchair. 'Anyway, if I have any more coffee now, I won't sleep a wink all night.'
'I think I could drink a whole pot and still sleep like a log for about a week,' Jason remarked. He returned to his seat obediently, then he said, 'You look pretty tired too. It's been rather a long journey for you and Peter, hasn't it?'
'Two weeks. But that's not why I'm tired, or at least it's not the main reason.' Valene ran both hands through her hair and closed her eyes for a second. 'I just wish this place wasn't so crowded,' she grumbled.
Jason looked around the empty room and his brow furrowed in confusion.
'But there's no-one here except the two of us.'
'I didn't mean it quite so literally - not just this room, but the whole camp.'
'I'm afraid I still can't quite follow...'
He looked at her enquiringly, and Valene studied him, debating how much she could or should reveal to him. As she had explained to Sam that morning, she generally avoided speaking of her abilities to outsiders, and Jason was still a stranger to her. But at this moment, a soothing, sympathetic side of him was shining through that he had so far kept concealed. Sitting on the sofa facing her, he leaned forward with his forearms resting on his thighs. His gentle blue eyes were looking at her more openly than they ever had before, expressing both interest and compassion. Valene decided to rely on her instincts and trust him. Maybe in doing so, she could get him to open up a little more in return.
'I have empathic and to some extent telepathic abilities,' she said.
Jason nodded. 'I guessed as much, especially after your rather extreme reaction to the bodies in the cave this afternoon. I should think someone who's worked for the FBI wouldn't be too squeamish about that kind of thing.'
'Quite. I've seen some pretty gory mangled corpses in my time - that's not what bothered me. But the fears that still clung to those dead bodies were overwhelming.'
'Hm. I didn't realise other people's emotions could just overcome an empath like that. I had always assumed that you could use such abilities whenever you want to, to read the feelings of others...'
'An adept empath can do that, but it takes years of training. Caine can do it perfectly, and it would take a lot to make Peter lose control too, but I'm nowhere near as skilled as they are. By the way, "reading" is a pretty misleading expression, and no-one affected by it would ever call it that. These abilities are not something we can just "switch on" when we want to use them, like opening a book - it's actually the other way round. The minds of others are always present, and we have to learn to tune out and keep them at bay. It's not easy. Imagine if all the people in the world were talking all the time. If there are just one or two people near you, you can tell their voices apart and still hear your own too. But if you're in a city, with hundreds or thousands of people around you, very soon you won't be able to make out what they're saying any more, and eventually you won't even be able to hear yourself think! That's how it is with my empathy. And I can't just stick my fingers in my ears to drown out the noise.'
'Blimey...' Jason leaned back and looked at her with consternation. 'Well... I can imagine how that would be exhausting. Does it at least stop when you go to sleep?'
'It never stops,' said Valene, who could feel her eyes stinging more fiercely the longer they discussed the subject. 'Unless I keep actively blocking it all the time, and I'm not very good at that yet; I find that it drains my strength. It wasn't too bad back at Jack's place, but here... There are just too many voices.'
'I'm sorry,' Jason sympathised. 'That makes it seem even more unfair to segregate people like you. It sounds to me like they should be trying to help you instead. Research might be able to uncover some kind of remedy that would make your life easier.'
'I think it's more likely we'd be forced to take something to suppress our abilities and take away our so-called advantage over normal humans.' Valene heaved a sigh. 'It could still come to that, who knows. Normal people are afraid of what we're capable of when we're in control of our powers, and I can't say I blame them entirely. If someone with Caine's abilities used them for evil, he'd be extremely dangerous. I also think envy has a lot to do with it as well.'
'Well, I certainly don't envy you for being bombarded with strange emotions, or David for having terrible nightmares.'
Valene said, 'According to his parents, they're not usually terrible. David's visions have always been peaceful until now, and he was never afraid before. Whatever he saw this time really must have scared him. When I came down just now, he still hadn't worked up the courage to tell us about it.'
'But you do agree it was a vision? You don't think he simply had a bad dream, that it was his subconscious struggling to deal with the events of the past hours? After all, he's been through a lot today that's bound to weigh on his mind.'
'It's possible, but David himself doesn't believe it. Apparently he rarely dreams at all, and when he does, he has lucid dreams where he is in complete control. His visions are different. He sees them like a movie that's played back, without being able to intervene.'
Jason pensively rubbed his ring. 'This morning I would have protested that none of this is possible - that no-one can foresee the future. But I've also experienced a lot today that I wouldn't have believed yesterday, and so... Well, to be honest, I don't know what to believe now. And I certainly can't imagine what David could have seen in the future that's made him so afraid of me.'
'What makes you say that?'
'I was there when he had this dream or vision. We couldn't wake him at first, and then when he did come to and saw me, he started screaming and pushed me away. He would only let Dr. Fraiser near him until you came along. Since then, his parents have been with him, Kermit, you, Peter, Caine... He's let all of you get close to him, he was even glad you were there. But if he so much as catches sight of me, he crawls under the covers. He's obviously scared of me, but I can't imagine why. I'd ever hurt him.'
'David's not scared of you,' said Peter, who had walked into the room as they spoke.
Jason turned to face him. 'Then why is he behaving like this?'
'Something terrible happened to you in his dream - that's what scares him. He's afraid it's gonna come true, and he'll be forced to watch it all over again.'
'Now you're calling it a dream?' Jason observed with some surprise, 'just as I'm starting to get used to the idea that this child really can look into the future? Or is it that you don't want to admit what you really believe? That David didn't dream about something that's completely out of the question, but actually glimpsed the future that's in store for me.'
'It doesn't have to be,' Peter said calmingly. 'The future is never set in stone, not even when we foresee it. Sometimes visions serve as a warning and give us a chance to prevent what they've shown us from ever happening.'
'But it's a slim chance at best, isn't it?'
Valene shook her head at Jason. 'Why is it that you absolutely refuse to believe in visions and premonitions until one comes along that predicts something drastic for your future?'
Jason replied soberly, 'It wouldn't surprise me. I'm what you might call a magnet for disaster - only it tends to strike the people closest to me, rather than me personally. Actually, that would almost make a welcome change.'
'Was your wife one of those people?' Valene fully expected him to close up at once when she addressed the subject so directly. But although he appeared stricken, she did not sense an immediate rebuff, and therefore dared to continue probing. 'She's dead, isn't she? And for some reason, you blame yourself for her death.'
'It is my fault.'
'I find that hard to believe.'
'Then ask anyone who went to her funeral,' Jason retorted bitterly. 'Ask the friends I no longer have. Ask the parents who lost their only daughter because of me, and who couldn't even look me in the eye at her grave. Ask them why the sweetest, gentlest person they ever knew is dead and buried!'
He glanced down at his left hand, balled it to a fist and pressed it to his mouth, closing his eyes tightly. The misery he exuded was so overwhelming that it made Valene dizzy, until Peter took her hand. She could feel his spirit deliberately wrapping hers in the warmth of his feelings, protecting her from all outside influence. Valene loved it when he did that; it made her feel light as a feather, as though loving arms were carrying her like clouds drifting across a blue sky. By the time the feeling ebbed away and Peter's hand released hers, Jason had also regained his composure and risen from his seat.
'Since it looks like I'm no longer needed here, I think I'll be getting back to the clinic. After all, I had meant to go to bed hours ago.'
'We'll come with you,' Peter said at once. 'My father's gonna stay for a while, at least until David's asleep. He said not to wait for him.'
They pulled their coats on and went out together. By now the hour was late, and they had expected the streets of Eden to be deserted. Instead they were crowded with people, all wearing thick winter coats and boots over their nightwear as they stood outside in the cold, talking excitedly and pointing to the sky. Valene, Peter and Jason also stopped to look east, where a mysterious glow was spreading through the darkness, lending the appearance of sunset to what should have been darkest night.
'What is that?' Valene wondered aloud.
She looked at Peter, who seemed to have turned to stone beside her. His eyes were open wide, unblinking, and his mouth hung open. She touched his arm anxiously, but he didn't stir.
'What's up with him?' Jason asked, but Valene had no answer.
'I don't know, I've never seen him like this before - Peter? Say something, hon!'
'That's it!' he exclaimed without registering her presence, and started off at a run.
'Peter!'
Valene ran after him. Jason tried to follow, but his injured leg slowed him down, and he soon lost sight of them. Peter pushed his way through the crowds to the main gate through which they had entered the camp, still showing no reaction to Valene's calls, which he didn't seem to hear. Finally he reached one of the watch towers and climbed it at top speed, despite all efforts to stop him. Valene came up beside him at last, gasping for breath.
'Peter, talk to me, what's going on? Please, you're scaring me!'
Without looking at her, he took her hand and pulled her close. He pointed into the distance, where the source of the light must be, as if he could see something that was invisible to her eyes.
'It's over that way, Val.'
'What? What's over there? I can't see anything.'
'Our destination. That's where we're headed. Come on, we need to get the horses!'
'Now? No, absolutely no way!' She planted herself firmly in his path, finally forcing him to look at her. 'It's the middle of the night, Peter! It's been a tough day, and I'm exhausted. The only place I'm going tonight is bed, and you're coming with me. We can discuss this tomorrow, if your father thinks it's a good idea to run off looking for the source of a mystery light that we know nothing about except for the fact that it seems to control you! Come, let's get back to the clinic. I bet Jack and Sam are already wondering why we're not back there yet.'
During the course of her speech, Peter gradually seemed to return to his senses. His gaze cleared. He blinked and shook off his stupor.
'Uh... yeah... you're right. Guess I forgot how late it is. Okay, I'll have a word with my father in the morning. But I'm telling you, Val - that light is important! It's gonna lead us to the whole reason why we're even here.'
'Fine.' Valene took his hand. 'But please let's go see Jack now.'
They went back the way they had come, found Jason and returned to the clinic. Jack and Sam were still up. They were standing on the balcony, watching the glowing sky just like the people below.
'It's beautiful, whatever it is,' said Sam.
'Gotta be something supernatural,' Jack grumbled. 'And if we're not careful, it'll work its way into our brains and make us all...' He waved his arms around his head expressively.
'Don't worry, Jack, you're long past that stage - you'll be safe,' Peter teased.
Jason yawned openly. 'I've had enough for one day, I'm going to bed.'
'Just like that, when we don't even know if we're gonna wake up in the morning, or if that light is gonna put us into some kind of trance?'
'Mass hypnosis? No, Jack, it's not that simple. It would take a bit more than coloured lights in the sky.'
Glancing at Peter, Valene said, 'I'm not so sure. Anyway, we should all try to get some sleep now. I have a feeling tomorrow isn't going to be any more restful either.'
It remained to be seen whether she would be proven correct. In any case, the next morning began with a peaceful breakfast at Dr. Fraiser's house. Clearly she hadn't just said that she liked visitors out of mere politeness; she had even risen early to bake a loaf of bread, whose aroma now filled the whole house.
'Mhm, coffee and fresh bread,' Valene sighed. 'What a way to start the day. I love it.'
'And I love you, angel,' said Peter, leaning in for a tender kiss.
Jack rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to make a remark, but swallowed it when Sam kicked him under the table. He averted his gaze and focussed on scratching Lobo's ears. Meanwhile, Dr. Fraiser enquired as to their plans for the day.
'I must speak with David again,' said Caine. 'Jason, would you join us, please?'
'Me? I don't know... I honestly don't think David wants me around. After all, he won't even come down to breakfast while I'm here.'
'That is why I believe you should stay.'
Jason looked doubtful. Dr. Fraiser spoke up.
'If you prefer, you could come to work with me instead,' she suggested. 'I'd love to show you the clinic, maybe pick up some new ideas for improvement - although our options here are limited, of course.'
Her words achieved the exact opposite of what she had hoped for - Jason quickly refused her offer and readily agreed to Caine's request. While Dr. Fraiser sat watching him with surprise and dismay, Jack and Sam announced their intention of going to the stables to check on Chinook before making any other plans. Kermit decided he would spend the morning exploring the camp.
'What about you two?' he asked Peter and Valene. 'Wanna join me?'
Peter shook his head. 'I need to find out more about that strange glow we saw last night. It seemed to originate from somewhere far outside the camp and to the east. I wish I knew what's out there. Do you have any ideas, Dr. Fraiser?'
'Not really. Very few people venture outside of Eden,' the doctor replied. 'The outlying houses and farms were abandoned many years ago, following the creatures' first attack. Only a few stayed to defend their property, and as far as I know, they all lost their lives. Eden is the only human settlement in this world that I know of. The only thing out there is the stone circle.'
'What stone circle?'
'I've never been there myself, I've only seen pictures of it and heard it described. They say it's an ancient array, not unlike Stonehenge in England, back in the Old World. A team of archaeologists have been out there for years, trying to determine its original purpose, but without success.'
Sam's eyes lit up as she listened to these words. 'An ancient circle of stone? Oh, I would love to go and see that for myself!'
'No way are you going out there, it's too dangerous!' Jack protested.
'Well, I'm going,' Peter announced determinedly. 'But not just yet. I wanna talk to the commander first. Maybe he knows more about it.'
'Have you spoken to your father yet?' Valene asked, glancing over at Caine.
The Shaolin himself replied, 'Peter has told me of his feelings upon seeing the light in the night sky. I saw and experienced the same myself: a warm, benevolent presence.'
'So you don't think there's any danger?'
'I do not believe it to have bad intentions. Whether or not it is dangerous remains to be seen.'
'Hold on. We're still talking about a light, aren't we?' Jack put in. 'Why are you talking like it's a person?'
'It's not a person,' said Peter. 'Not exactly, anyway. It's a consciousness - one that's incredibly vast and powerful.'
'Yeah, right.' Jack shook his head perplexedly. 'Well, if you're gonna call on the commander to chat about metaphysical powers, the stable is definitely the place for me. At least the animals speak a language I understand.'
As if to confirm his words, Lobo laid his head on Jack's knee, thereby requesting a hand to pet him - and a slice of bacon off the table, both of which he received.
After breakfast, they all went their separate ways. Peter and Valene accompanied Jack and Sam to the stables to say good morning to their horses, then left Lobo there while they made their way to the camp's headquarters. A long queue had already formed outside the commander's office. Apparently, Gold was more to the people of Camp Eden than just the commander of the local soldiers who protected them from the wild creatures and kept the peace - he seemed to be mayor, minister, sheriff and judge all rolled into one, and they trusted him to handle all of their problems and disputes. He took time to deal with every concern, and so it was midday before Peter and Valene finally got to see him. Though the commander seemed weary, he did not allow this to affect his manner as they stepped into his office, but greeted them as courteously as he had done the evening before. He invited them to his home, for he was about to take a break from official business.
The house Commander Gold lived in was very similar to Dr. Fraiser's. It was not ostentatious or larger than any of the other buildings here, merely a humble, cosy little house with simple furnishings, a large fireplace in the living room and a few mementoes of the Old Word that showed their age. While Valene ran her fingers along the spines of the rows of worn books - mostly classic novels - on the shelves, Peter took a closer look at the guitar that rested against the wall beside the fireplace, and strummed the strings.
'Ah, I see you have discovered my secret passion,' the commander remarked, smiling as he brought in drinks from the kitchen. 'Do you play, Mr. Caine?'
'Yeah, but I left my guitar at home. We left in a hurry, and I didn't think I was gonna need it. I kinda miss it, now that I get the feeling we're gonna be here a while.'
'You're quite welcome to borrow mine anytime you want,' Gold offered. 'Sadly, I rarely get around to playing. As you have seen for yourselves, I'm a very busy man. I've not had much time for a personal life since I was appointed camp commander.'
'Or a family?' Valene enquired, turning to face him. 'You're quite alone, aren't you? No wife, no children...'
Commander Gold smiled. 'Don't look so concerned, Ms. Avery. I consider every man, woman and child in Eden as part of my family, and I have them with me all the time. I'm not as lonely as you may think - sometimes quite the opposite. Every now and then, I take some time off and refuse to speak to anyone. The people have learnt to accept it, and they leave me alone when I lock myself in for a week or two. It can be very refreshing.'
'I get that,' said Peter. 'You're obviously very important to the folks here. They all come to you with their problems - even me. I'm sorry to add to your burden.'
'Not to worry.' Gold waved his concerns aside. 'What can I do for you, Mr. Caine?'
'It's about the light that appeared in the eastern sky last night.'
'Ah yes, the number one topic of conversation today. Several people have asked me where it came from and what it might mean, but I'm afraid I can't tell you. It's as much a mystery to me is at is to everyone else.'
'Has anyone else reported that the light... affected them in some way?' Peter asked.
'How do you mean?'
'When I saw it, everything else seemed to fade into the distance,' he explained. 'Even though the air was cold, I suddenly felt warm, and I could hear a voice quietly calling my name. I even wanted to leave right away and go looking for the source of the light, but Val stopped me - which was probably a good thing.'
'Hm...' The commander appraised him with interest. 'No, no-one else has described such an experience so far.'
'I have to find its origin. Are you sure you don't know where the light could have come from? What's in the east? Dr. Fraiser mentioned something...'
Peter reiterated what the doctor had told them that morning.
'Janet is correct,' the commander said. 'There is only the stone circle in the east, nothing more. It's a mystical array, but its history and purpose are still a mystery to us. However, to my knowledge it has never caused any strange light phenomena before last night.'
'Not to sound arrogant,' said Peter, 'but I was never here before last night.'
'Are you saying you believe the light was meant for you? Why would you think that?'
'I felt it plainly. Like I said, it called to me.'
Seeing the mystified and somewhat doubtful expression on Gold's face, Valene said, 'Honey, I think you'll have to tell the commander the whole story - unless you want him to call the men in white coats.'
Peter studied the camp commander pensively, then nodded.
'You're right, Val... Commander, what I'm about to tell you shouldn't go beyond these walls. Not that it's a great secret, but I'd rather not spread it around, so I hope you'll be discreet.'
'Of course,' Gold assured him. 'You may speak freely. I will keep everything you say to myself - provided it does not pose a threat to anyone here in Eden. You have my word.'
'Okay then.' Peter cleared his throat and began to explain, 'You've probably realised already that I'm one of the people we were telling you about last night - that I have certain abilities that could be described as supernatural.'
'That struck me as rather obvious, yes.'
'I've had these abilities since I was a kid. My father trained me to control and use them like additional senses that I can rely on just as much as the original five. I can read people's thoughts if I want to, I can sense emotions, I can feel the energy in all living things... Sometimes I can even see things that are far away, in the past or in the future. That's actually why Valene and I are here. I had disturbing visions that I felt compelled to pursue. They led me to this world, and it's far from over. The glowing light is somehow connected. It spoke to me, and I know it's meant to serve as another pointer. That's why I need to go out there, to see the stone circle you and Dr. Fraiser spoke of.'
'Need I remind you how dangerous it is to leave Camp Eden?'
'I'm aware of that, but it can't be helped. I have to go.'
'I see.' The commander rubbed his chin. 'Well, in that case... You'd be safe once you reach the circle - the hybrids fear it and never go there - but the journey out is another matter entirely.'
Valene said, 'Dr. Fraiser told us there's a team of archaeologists out there. So there must be a way to reach the stones safely.'
'Yes, the archaeologists all travelled there from Eden, and they return from time to time. But the journey is nonetheless dangerous, and never made without a military escort. I can't let you go out there alone, or those savages would tear you to shreds. You'll have to take at least half a dozen heavily armed soldiers with you for protection - and you should also take Braden. He's a good man, and the best fighter we have. He and his wife were among the first pioneers to come here. We suffered significant losses during our first battles against the creatures, but Braden paid them back in kind. They respect his courage and fear him almost as much as they fear the circle of stone. Wherever Braden may be is the safest place you'll find in this world.'
'Then I'd like to have him along, if you don't mind.'
'I'm sure it won't be a problem. I will inform him at once and ask him to contact you in order to discuss the details. However, I don't think there's much point in starting out today, or you'd be out in the open at night. I suggest you use what's left of this day to recover from your journey so far. Braden will guide you to the circle tomorrow.'
'Thank you,' Peter rose from the armchair and shook hands with the commander. 'We won't keep you any longer.'
He and Valene stepped outside, where the streets were mostly empty now that people had gone indoors for lunch. He paused outside the door, took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. Valene studied him gravely. She waited for him to speak. When he did not do so, she started the conversation herself.
'Would you mind explaining what that was all about?'
'What do you mean?'
'Don't give me that innocent act, you know what I mean. You told him a lot about yourself...'
'It was your idea, remember?'
'I thought you'd tell him what he needed to know in order to understand why you want to go out there. I didn't expect you to add all that stuff about telepathy and empathy as well! Especially since I noticed you didn't say a word about me.'
'I saw no need for him to know about you.'
'That's my point exactly. You told him more than you needed to, but not everything. And you made a point of telling him that you have full control over your abilities. Why?'
Peter took her by the elbow and stepped out onto the street.
'We don't know these people very well. I wanted to see how he would react when I told him what I can do - and I wanted him to know it's not a weakness.'
'You mean, not like it is for me.'
She flashed her blue eyes at him, watching as he hemmed and hawed, trying to find an answer that wouldn't upset her.
'Well, it's true you don't have full control of your powers yet. And until you do, it would be careless to tell a complete stranger too much about them.'
'So you think I was careless talking to Jason last night?'
'I didn't say that.'
'But you're thinking it, aren't you? Surely you don't seriously believe either he or Gold would want to harm me!'
Peter sighed. 'They both seem okay, I guess. But it's safer for you if you don't go telling everyone you meet what you're capable of.'
'Like I've ever done that!' Valene protested. 'I've been keeping this secret all my life, and you of all people should know that I don't share it with anyone lightly.'
'Your point being?'
'I only want you to be just as careful as I am. And I don't want you to keep feeling you need to protect me. And...' She stopped for a moment and shook herself. 'Oh, I don't know. I'm just really, really tired, Peter, and if I'm honest, I hate the thought of travelling even further tomorrow. I don't think I can go on much longer. But don't you dare suggest leaving me behind!'
'Never,' he promised, smiling. 'I know you're tired,' he added gently. 'And I know why. I wish we could take a break, but you know that wouldn't solve the problem, not if we stay here, because you wouldn't be able to get any rest. I'm sorry I have to keep pushing you right now, but I don't see that we have any choice.'
Valene nodded. 'It's urgent, isn't it? Whatever you feel calling you... what your visions are trying to make you see. You have to find it quickly, don't you?'
'It's not that. I just wanna finish this soon - so we can go back home, and you can feel better. Angel, I know how hard it is for you to keep fighting against all the other minds here.' Peter took her hand and affectionately brushed a long blonde strand of hair from her face. 'You'll never get any rest here. You need to be where it's quiet, back home in our cabin, and I wanna take you back there as fast as possible. But first I have to figure out what these visions are about and what they want from me. That's why I'm in such a hurry. If it ever becomes too much for you, tell me. Just let me know what you need, I'll do anything you want.'
Looking up at him, she tried to stop herself shaking.
'Hold me, Peter,' she begged. 'That's all. Just hold me tight.'
'Gladly.'
He folded her in his arms, and Valene closed her eyes for a while, just feeling his warmth until she found she could breathe more easily again.
'You're right,' she said at last. 'I can't stay here much longer. I feel so weak, and I hate that.'
'It won't be long now,' Peter assured her. 'We'll leave this place as soon as we can.'
'Good.'
'Come on. We need to eat. You can't keep a clear head or plan an expedition on an empty stomach.'
Upon entering the saloon, they discovered they weren't the only ones who were feeling hungry. Peter had no sooner pushed open the door than Lobo came trotting up to him, and he spotted Jack standing by the bar, deep in conversation with the woman who was pouring drinks behind the counter.
'Val! Peter! Over here!'
Sam called and waved to them. She was sitting opposite Kermit and Jason at a long table that already held a large basket of bread.
'You sit down,' said Peter. 'I'll go order us some drinks.'
Nodding, Valene went to join her sister-in-law.
'Who's that talking to Jack?' she enquired.
'That's Kate, she owns this saloon.'
'Jack must like her,' Kermit remarked. 'I've never seen him talk so openly to a stranger before.'
Sam said quietly, 'I think she reminds him of his mother.'
Speaking these words, she cast a cautious glance at Valene, who was watching the stranger from afar. It was hard to judge the woman's age, which was probably somewhere between fifty and sixty. Strands of grey mingled with her thick red hair, which was pinned up in a haphazard manner. Her clothing was practical: a loose dark green checked shirt and riding breeches tucked into sensible boots. It was hard to tell at this distance whether she really had something of Ellen Avery about her, but the mere thought of her mother caused Valene to shudder slightly. Sam patted her arm.
'Are you okay?'
Valene nodded, focussing her attention on Peter and her brother, who were at this moment joining them with the drinks.
'So, did you learn anything new from Gold?' Jack asked and took a swig of his beer.
'We're leaving for the stone circle tomorrow morning,' Peter replied.
'Was he able to tell you anything more about that glowy light thingy?'
'No. But he's sending an escort along with us, and Braden will show us the way.'
'That's good to know,' said Jack. 'At least I won't be the only guy with some sense on this suicide mission.'
'You mean you wanna come along?'
'We're both coming with you,' Sam said. 'I'm certainly not going to miss out on the opportunity to investigate an archaeological find in a strange world, just because...'
'Just because you're likely to be eaten alive out there?' Kermit put in.
Sam paled slightly, but she was not to be swayed. 'If my entire family leaves this camp tomorrow morning, I won't be left behind. I'd die from worrying!'
'What about you?' Peter asked Kermit. 'Are you in?'
'I guess the Sheridans are safe enough here. They should be fine without me for a while. So if you want me along - sure.'
'I can't think of anyone I'd rather have watching my back.'
Kermit grinned crookedly. 'Just like old times. Count me in.'
Jason cleared his throat. 'I... um... This comes as something of a surprise to me too, but I would very much like to join you.'
He found himself looking into a series of astonished faces.
'If anyone's better off staying inside the camp, it's you,' said Valene. 'As it is, I already feel responsible for putting you in such danger yesterday. Tomorrow's journey could be even more dangerous. There could be another fight, people might get hurt...'
'In which case you'll be needing a doctor,' Jason insisted. 'I seem to remember that was one of the reasons you wanted me to come along in the first place.'
'Yes, but yesterday we didn't know what we were heading into. Things are different now. We know what's out there, and...'
'And I still want to come with you.'
'Does this have something to do with David's vision?' Peter guessed.
Jason peered into his glass. 'It might.'
'What did he say? Was he able to describe what he saw this time?'
Jason merely nodded. It was clear that he didn't wish to talk about it, and he was visibly shaken. Valene was about to ask him another question when Kate approached the table and set down a tray that held a pot of steaming chili and a stack of six dishes.
'Tuck in, folks. You're lucky you came today, chili happens to be our specialty. It's my husband's recipe, God rest his soul, and it's the only thing my girls can really cook.'
She laughed heartily, and Jack laughed with her.
'Thanks, Kate. See you later.'
Valene shot an enquiring look at her brother as Kate departed, and he explained.
'They don't use money here in Camp Eden. If someone does something for you, like Kate and her daughters, you give back something of equal value. Kate has a broken water pump in her kitchen that I'm going to take a look at later, and a damaged window seal at home that's letting in the cold.'
'And that method actually works?' Peter exclaimed.
'Seems like it. It also makes sure no-one is left out in the cold, without work or food. People don't get rich here, but they're not poor either.'
'Sounds like you're starting to like it here after all.'
'Well, I wouldn't want to live here,' Jack said. 'But I must admit the place is growing on me. Life is a lot simpler here, and a lot more fair than it is at home. I like that.'
'What about the old and the sick?' Valene queried. 'People who can't contribute to their society anymore?'
'Good question,' Sam agreed. 'Perhaps their families care for them.'
'Yeah, maybe,' said Jack, and fell into a pensive silence.
Jason turned to Peter, bringing the conversation back to its original subject.
'What time are we leaving?'
Peter shook his head. 'Val is right, Jason. You'll be much safer here. If you wanna help, work with Dr. Fraiser at the clinic, and give your leg time to heal.'
It seemed as if the subject were closed, for Jason said nothing more. But as they were leaving the saloon after lunch, he drew Valene aside and spoke to her urgently.
'Val, I can't stay here. I've simply got to come with you.'
Bemused, she struggled to understand. 'But why? I'd have thought after yesterday's adventure, you'd be glad to stay where it's safe. Or is it that you don't feel safe here? Did David's vision show that something bad will happen if you stay?'
'No, it's not that. He doesn't know when or under what circumstances it's supposed to happen.' Jason paused for a moment. He was very pale, and deeply troubled by something, but he still avoided revealing anything more. 'I'm just not comfortable here, and I'd much rather stay with you. Please Val, don't leave me behind.'
His words and the pleading look in his eyes as he said them touched Valene deeply. Taking Jason's hand, she squeezed it. Through the touch, she could sense his misery, and found that she couldn't refuse his request.
'Fine, you can come along. But please promise me you'll stick close to Peter and me. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you because I failed to lock you up here until we're too far away for you to follow us. Agreed?'
Jason nodded. The corners of his mouth twitched - not quite a smile, but it came close.
'Thank you, Val.'
Valene said, 'Don't thank me yet. Wait until we all reach the circle of stone in one piece.'
