The sun was setting, and the desert was cooling. I never felt more alive. Maybe it's what happens to people after they have a near-death experience. I just starting seeing things a bit differently, and feeling a bit more energetic.

"Should we set up camp?"

Charon had kept his usual distance behind me as we walked. Neither of us wanted to talk because with my mood, we'd end up in a battle of wits. And frankly, I don't think I'd just take my top off this time. Glancing around the area, I saw someone waving to me, a dim light behind them.

"No, not yet. Let's go check that out, though."

I pointed to the man, he was five or six yards away. Charon stood next to me, staring at him.

"I don't like the looks of it."

"Come on, maybe he needs help."

"Since when do you care about that?"

"Since they probably have food and a fire. Come on."

Reluctantly Charon followed me. We walked up to the man, and he smiled.

"Good to see you! My name is Jeremy!"

The Wasteland man shook my hand. He was with a group of travelers, and they were all seated around a campfire. They were drinking, laughing and having fun. One of them toyed with something that made music. A guitar. I remembered we had one in the vault, but I didn't know they had them out here. I smiled at Jeremy.

"What bring you all out here, Jeremy?"

"Well we're just traveling, but we'd like some company. Would you and erm…your friend care to join us for some conversation and beer?"

I glanced up at Charon. He shrugged, not holstering his gun.

"I guess, yeah sure. By the way, I'm Dez and this is Charon."

Jeremy nodded, smiling. He offered me a beer, and sat down. I took a seat between him and Charon. Cracking open the beer, I took a long sip. I was so damn thirsty. The guy with the guitar started strumming, and warm conversation started around the fire. Someone passed out Iguana Bits, and Charon tasted mine before letting me eat it.

"They seem nice, don't be mean."

I whispered, popping a piece of meat into my mouth.

"It is just unusual, Dez. I am concerned."

"Well…don't be obvious with it. Let's have a good laugh."

"Very well."

I turned back to the group, smiling. Charon moved a bit closer to me, and I felt those feelings coming back. I finished off my beer, smiling. Jeremy handed me another.

"Good food, nice fire, and good friends. Let's have fun!"

I laughed and agreed. Tonight, we will have fun.