Fea'en, Tel'ron, and the other three workers sat around the fire inside the building they had put up not long ago. They were listening to Lon'thul's explanation of S'haar's offer. As soon as he finished, one of the workers jumped up. "I came out here to work for the human and his dragon magic, not a couple of orphaned females! We should take them up on their offer and return to the village once the snow thaws!" The worker seemed oblivious to Fea'en's upraised eye-ridge at his emphasis on the word females.

There was some muttering around the campfire before Lon'thul spoke up again. "If you're worried about them fulfilling their part of the deal, I can promise you that they have the resources to make good on their payment! I'm telling you, their home is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's more extravagant than any lord's manner I know of!"

The same worker growled back. "That's another thing! If they have so much, why aren't they sharing more with us?"

Fea'en looked thoughtful with her chin resting on her palm and spoke in a quiet voice that forced everyone else to be silent to hear what she had to say. "I'm not sure I'd say they haven't. They gave us these coats, which are better quality than any garment I've ever seen, and we get to keep them even if we do leave early. We have these tents of similar quality, which we can also take with us now that the first building is complete. We now have living quarters that are sturdier, better insulated, and easier to maintain than anything we've ever had, and we were taught how to make more. Not to mention how much metal they've supplied to our village, which is comparable to what an entire summer's worth of gathering would have provided. Who knows what's next?"

Several heads around the campfire were nodding in agreement when Tel'ron added his thoughts. "There's also the breakfasts and dinners we've been getting! Those are better than anything I've ever eaten as an apprentice. Sometimes I wonder if lord A'ngels eats this well. Also, Jack hinted at some new alloys I'm excited to try out. I'm sticking around to see what's coming next!

More heads were nodding more emphatically at this, and the voice of dissent found himself alone with his opinions. With a huff and a grumble, he retreated to his sleeping area.

The big decision out of the way, and it being too cold and wet to work outside this late into the day, the workers settled in for a more relaxed conversation. One of the younger workers prodded Lon'thul before speaking. "Tell us more about that house of theirs! What else did you see?"

Like all hunters, Lon'thul enjoyed the telling of a good tale around a fire. His eyes lit up as his arms started gesturing. "I know I described all the metal, but the surfaces without metal were covered in even more luxurious materials! The seats were more comfortable than the softest churlish fur..."

As Lon'thul started working his story up, Fea'en settled in to listen to the excited youth's story. He was good at painting a picture with words, even if he exaggerated a little here or there, but to be fair, every hunter she'd known was much the same. She couldn't help but wonder which parts of this story were exaggerated and which parts were accurate. Knowing Jack, maybe Lon'thul didn't have to exaggerate very much for a change.

-

Angela decided they all needed a night of relaxation after the last couple of days. She put on a movie she called 'stardust.'

S'haar felt a pang in her chest during several romantic portions of the movie and couldn't help but compare Jack to the film's main character. From speaking with Angela, S'haar had gathered that Jack had been every bit as much the quiet and unassuming individual the main character of this movie had been. They both were dropped into worlds that left them completely in over their heads, and while Jack had never been as suave as the character in the movie became, they'd both risen to meet whatever challenges had been thrown their way. S'haar found herself tearing up at the climax of the film, wondering if Jack would ever show up to save the day again.

Never mind the fact that S'haar had to save Jack just as often as the reverse.

Em'brel seemed to see many of the things S'haar had. "It's like someone took Jack and made a movie about him! Except they made him younger, better looking, a better fighter, taller..."

Angela cut Em'brels list short with an objection. "Hey, Jack is my brother, and I know him better than anyone! So I can definitively say they also made him more likable, more co-ordinated and gave him a sexier accent!"

There was a bit of tension behind the good-natured ribbing. It was traditional to do this kind of thing in front of Jack so he could sputter indignantly in self-defense. Still, S'haar knew Jack would approve of being the butt of a joke if it meant the return of smiles and laughter to the house. Even if it was all a little forced. She smiled as she saw things from Jack's perspective once again. Her respect and fondness for him only seemed to grow as she noticed all the little things he regularly did that were only apparent now that he wasn't here to do them anymore.

There were so many small moments where a brief pause felt out of place because it would have typically been filled with some playful banter, encouragement, or insight that Jack would have thrown in seemingly without much thought. S'haar just wasn't as good at such things. Still, they were all doing their best.

The jovial feeling dimmed a little when one of those quiet moments went on a little too long. Finally, Em'brel broke the silence. "Still, for all his flaws, I wish Jack was here with us. He'd probably know just how to deal with Jack not being here right now."

Em'brels face scrunched up in confusion as even she tried to make sense of what she'd just said. S'haar cut her off before the younger argu'n could try and start offering a clarification. "I know just what you mean. I was just thinking of all the things he would do that we hardly noticed but had a profound effect on everything around him. However, all we can do now is continue on and hope that he finds his way back to us."

Em'brel looked a little somber as she replied. "Yeah, I know what you mean... But waiting is hard! I feel like I should be doing something right now! Or maybe ten things!"

S'haar nodded her understanding. "That is normal for anyone waiting for change, good or bad. Soldiers feel it before a battle, parents feel it before birth, even animals feel it before a storm. The worst thing you can do is exhaust yourself with worry before you ever get the chance to act."

S'haar sighed, speaking to herself as much as Em'brel as she continued. "For now, we stick to Jack's plan and move forward. We'll have to keep an eye out for any new problems or challenges that arise as we proceed."

Em'brel nodded her understanding, although she couldn't help but think that understanding and acting on that understanding were two very different things. Still, she'd do her best. She could almost hear Jack tell her that's all he'd ever ask.

-

Em'brel finished cleaning up and took a second shower for the day. There was something about warm water and solitude that brought peace of mind in stressful times. Although even that wasn't enough to quell all of her worries. She mentally repeated her new mantra to herself, Just do your best!

Toweling off, she noticed S'haar wasn't in the living room or their bedroom. There was only one other place Em'brel could think S'haar might be, and sure enough, she was in the med-bay.

Angela appeared in front of the girl and held a finger in front of her lips, telling Em'brel to be quiet so as not to disturb S'haar.

Slowing to a halt just shy of the room's entrance, Em'brel could hear S'haar's voice softly wafting out. She was talking to Jack. For just a moment, Em'brel's heart fluttered in hope before settling down with the realization that Angela would have certainly told her if Jack had woken.

Almost too faint to be heard, S'haar continued her one-sided conversation. "...and you should have seen Em'brel. She was so nervous when she spoke, but she had Lon'thul in the palm of her hand the whole time! Did you know he had a crush on her? Is that part of the reason you are always so protective of Em'brel around him? Anyway, Angela seems to think things are going well, all things considered. Still, I wish you were here to help. We all do. We're doing our best, but it would be so much easier with you at our side. Wherever you are, don't stop trying to find your way back, we need you... I need you..."

Em'brel backed away to give the two of them a bit more time alone together.

-

Angela watched as, after a little time passed, Em'brel returned. This time her arms were filled entirely with blankets and pillows. Soon She'd set up a relatively comfortable bed for S'haar. In doing so, the young girl found there was no room left for anyone else. Em'brel returned to her own room with a shrug of her shoulders, though she was hardly alone. As her eyes started so close and her voice hinted at yawns to come, the young girl called out. "Angela, tell me a story."

Through her eyelids, Em'brel could see the gentle glow that meant Angela had materialized. Without opening her eyes, she turned her head to face the AI, a small smile of anticipation on her lips and waited like any attentive listener would while waiting for the storyteller to pick an appropriate tale.

Angela knew the girl was mostly seeking company. She'd grown accustomed to S'haar's presence at night. In this instance, Angela was more than happy to oblige. "Alright, let me tell you the tale of an intelligent but mischievous human boy, his stuffed tiger and imaginary friend, and a few of the many adventures they went on together."

Em'brel snuggled down into her blankets in a manner so cute that one of Angela's processors simulated her heart skipping a beat. While she turned some of Jack's favorite childhood comics into a story worth listening to, Angela also kept an eye on Jack and S'haar. It would probably be a good idea to move Jack into a proper bedroom with the few pieces of medical equipment required to keep him stable. Otherwise, S'haar would probably camp out in the med-bay every night, but she supposed that was a concern for tomorrow.

Tonight, Angela simply enjoyed the small moments shared between herself and Em'brel as well as Jack and S'haar.

-

The next morning Em'brel had a bit of her morning cheer back. She wasn't exactly bouncing around the kitchen, but while she worked, she hummed a tune that seemed to lack any measurable rhyme or reason. She made a bacon quiche to bring out and share with the workers while they all decided how to move forward.

When S'haar was finally drawn out of the med-bay by the wafting aromas, she looked better rested than she had the previous morning. Rather than letting her sit at the table like usual, Em'brel loaded S'haars arms up with baskets filled with food, plates, and eating utensils. "It will be good for morale if the new camp leader goes and eats with the workers. Besides, there's a lot of work that needs to be done. As you pointed out. Sitting around, worrying about Jack won't help anyone, including Jack!"

Her voice quieted. "He's in the care of the best healer on the planet, and you can tell him all about your day tonight. It'll give you something to look forward to! Although, this time, I get a turn telling him about my day too."

S'haar looked a little embarrassed about apparently being caught speaking to Jack last night, but it shortly faded after Em'brel mentioned wanting her own turn. After a moment, she nodded in agreement. "I think Jack would like that."

Em'brel's spirit was contagious, and S'haar couldn't help but feel her spirits further buoyed by the infectious smile the younger girl sported as she spoke. "I know he will! Now let's get going before the food gets cold!"

-

Em'brel's bravado started to fade as they approached the workers. It was easy to be bold in front of Jack, S'haar, and Angela, but being bold in front of a bunch of workers, who were now looking at the two of them expectantly, was completely different. Luckily, S'haar was more than up to the task and took charge.

As the food distribution was being guided by a suddenly subdued Em'brel, S'haar dove right into the discussion. "I'm sure Lon'thul has had a chance to tell you all about the current situation and our plans to move forward with this outpost. I'm sure you have many questions, but I want you to know I will honor Jack's promise to all of you. Anyone who wants to leave may do so, without reprisal, as soon as the roads melt enough to travel. you will be given plenty of supplies for the journey, including enough heating packs to safely make it back to the village."

S'haar looked around at the workers, who seemed more interested in the food than her speech. Only two met her eyes as she spoke, Fea'en and one of the junior woodworkers. Fea'en's eyes were calm and understanding. They didn't seem to harbor any discontent as far as S'haar could tell.

The junior worker's on the other hand... "I will be leaving. I didn't come out here to work with..." He paused as he spared a furtive glance to Fea'en, who returned his glance with an odd edge in her eyes before the worker turned back to S'haar, his voice suddenly a little less aggressive than a moment ago. "with anyone other than Jack." He was practically mumbling by the end.

S'haar nodded. She wondered what the looks had meant but decided to let it go. She was simply happy they'd only lost one worker. Jack's plans would still be on track with the remaining workforce.

Instead, she nodded at the worker as she replied. "Alright. You are free to pass the remaining time however you wish. You will be fed and boarded until the snow melts. After that, I expect you not to stay longer than it will take you to prepare to travel back to the village."

The worker had seemed ready for a fight but instead just nodded and shrunk back to his sleeping area. S'haar turned her attention to the remaining workers. "To the rest of you, let's talk about our plans for the future. I want your input on how to make this all happen by the end of winter!"

Everyone was digging into their food with eager abandon while she spoke. Everyone except Tel'ron, who was staring intently at the knife and fork Em'brel had handed him with his food. "Alright, but first I have to ask, What are these made of? They are far too light for how sturdy they are! Is this another of Jack's alloys?!?"

Em'brel spoke up before she realized what she was doing. "Oh, these are made out of something called 'stainless steel.' It's similar to regular steel, but the iron content is lower, something like fifty percent, and the chromium is closer to thirty percent. It's not quite as strong or hard as steel, but requires much less maintenance for day to day use."

Em'brel's voice faltered near the end when she noticed all eyes were now staring at her, each with different expressions. The woodworkers looked a little lost, but there was a touch more respect there than she'd seen before. Lon'thul looked proud and justified for some reason but also seemed to glance over at Tel'ron with an odd look of worry. Tel'ron looked at the young girl as though she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen before returning his gaze to the eating utensils as though they were holy artifacts. Finally, for her part, S'haar was simply beaming pride and encouragement as she nodded approvingly at Em'brel.

For her part, Em'brel simply wanted to fade back into the background, forgotten except as a supplier of food. Sadly it didn't look like that would happen anytime soon as Telron started bombarding her with questions about the forging and shaping processes.