Jack was alone with Lord Sal'zar, and the village chief seemed to be filled with questions. "Do you make it a habit to go around saving everyone you come in contact with?"

Jack leaned back against the post, taking a bit of weight off his leg. "Well, it's not that simple, but I do believe that as long as we have the ability to help, we should help. With certain...advantages we possess, we're uniquely qualified to offer aid in situations no one else would be able to. You're not the first village we've helped through hard times, and I sincerely hope you won't be the last. That being said, while we don't expect compensation for our services in an emergency like this, we would appreciate you being willing to negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal of some sort, once you are able."

The Lord tilted his head to the side. "What's your end goal with all this? What is it you are really hoping to accomplish?"

Jack felt a little uneasy. It was as if the Lord's eyes pierced into his soul. Hiding his discomfort, Jack shrugged. "Well, that depends. I suppose my primary goal is the same as most everyone's: to ensure the safety of my friends and family. However, there are easier ways to go about that, so I guess I'm also trying to build something that'll outlast me in this land. Not something so simple as a village or outpost; more like an idea, or maybe several ideas. My own people made many mistakes throughout the ages, mistakes I see your people headed toward right now. So I guess I'd like to help you sidestep those pitfalls as you walk your path."

The Lord frowned and crossed his arms, looking as though he were deliberating some sort of judgment. "So what, you want to turn our people into a mirror of your own. Instill your values and judgments onto us primitives for our own good? You want to turn us into some sort of humanitarian project?"

Jack shook his head vehemently. "No, nothing like that. I just want to show you different ideas, then you can learn whatever lessons you will from that. Even if, by some miracle, I successfully 'forced' you onto the path I deemed right, and S'haar didn't kill me first for even trying, all that would accomplish is to make you all hate those ideals even more. So instead, I want to show you different ways of doing things and let you choose whatever lessons you might take from that."

Jack looked around in confusion. "Speaking of S'haar, where is she?" Something else occurred to Jack, and he slowly turned his attention back to his host. "How is it that we're speaking right now...and where did you learn the word 'humanitarian?'"

Lord Sal'zar's eyes were now composed of a starfield, stretching on into eternity. He opened his mouth, but oddly it was Angela's voice that came out. "Jack, wake up! Lon'thul's in trouble!"

He repeatedly blinked for a moment as Lord Sal'zar faded into mist, though at the last moment, Jack noticed his smile looked oddly like S'haar's. "Jack, we don't have time. WAKE UP!"

Jack shot upright on his sleeping pad and looked over at S'haar, who seemed to be half a moment ahead of him, as she was reaching for her sword. "Wha...who...where..."

Angela's voice came through the headset again. "Lon'thul is being hunted by the pair of wolgen at the moment. He's got a plan, but he's running out of time. So hurry and get ready to help, in case he buys himself enough time for you to rescue him."

That woke Jack up, as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head. He grabbed the handgun he kept nearby and loaded it into its harness, which he slid over his head and settled into place. S'haar handed him his rifle and let him secure it while she helped him with his boots. Jack didn't even have time to feel embarrassed that he needed help with such things this morning. His mind was too busy contemplating possibilities. "What's the situation right now?"

Angela was quick to respond. "I think he's leading them to something they'll want more than him, but his timing will be close. I'm setting up a distraction to buy him more time, but everything will come to a head any moment now."

Jack reached into his pouch and pulled out a syringe he only kept around for emergencies. He was already planning on using one later and hated to use another now, but this was a situation where he needed to be ready for anything. Jamming the needle into his thigh triggered it to inject the solution into his leg.

The pain faded immediately, and Jack was able to move almost like his old self again. He knew he'd still have to be careful, though. Without the pain to tell him when he was pushing himself too hard, it would be very easy to exacerbate his injury, crippling himself further. But that was a worry for after Lon'thul arrived safely, or when he was beyond their help altogether...

Jack shook his head, banishing those thoughts. That wouldn't help anyone right now. Instead, he got to his feet, grabbed his 'emergency backpack' he kept loaded with all sorts of supplies after the trouble this last winter, and fell in behind S'haar, who already had one foot out the door. By then, the guard who had been sleeping was stirring while S'haar spoke with the one whose turn it was to keep an eye on their temporary home. "Get everyone awake and ready for trouble. We may have a wolgen fight on our hands sooner than anticipated."

The guard ran back inside while S'haar and Jack walked out into the street. The street itself was mostly abandoned, but they were met by a couple of village guards as they approached the gate. The guards nervously eyed the array of weapons both S'haar and Jack had near at hand. "Um, what are you doing out at this time...honored guests..."

The last bit was tacked on after the second guard nudged the one who was speaking, but S'haar didn't seem to notice. "Our friend is out there right now, fighting for his life against a pair of wolgen. I need to open this gate so that we're ready to help!"

The guards looked at each other before slowly turning their attention back to S'haar. "If that's true, your friend is already dead. In any case, this gate cannot be opened except by direct order of the Village Lord or Guard Captain."

S'haar snarled and reached for her sword, but Jack laid a comforting hand on hers. There was no way he could prevent her from drawing her weapon if she really wanted to, but she allowed herself to be restrained while Jack turned to the guards and spoke, with S'haar falling into her familiar role as interpreter. "Listen, we're going out there. Either we save our friend or lose the last hope this village has for survival. The only question we have for you is, do you want to be in one piece when we do that? If it helps, you can tell the Village Lord that we forced you. After the demonstration we gave yesterday, I don't think anyone would blame you."

The guards' faces went through a kaleidoscope of emotions as Jack spoke. Relief when he stopped S'haar. Concern while Jack spoke of the last hope for the village. Fear when he threatened them. Then contemplation at the end.

One guard started to shake his head and speak when the other laid a hand on his shoulder before turning his attention back to Jack. With a nod of his head, he relented. "Don't make me regret this."

The other guard looked back and forth between his partner and the two newcomers before slumping his shoulders in defeat. He helped the other guard remove the bar holding the door closed without a word.

Angela's voice came out over both Jack and S'haar's headsets. "Ok, I think he did it! The wolgen took the bait and are eating a kovaack! Lon'thul is running toward the village, but his aim is a little off. In the dark, without my help, he's going to run right past the village."

S'haar braced to run out into the dark, but Jack grabbed her arm and stopped her. "I've got a better idea."

Dropping his pack, Jack rummaged around until he found a different kind of handgun. S'haar was clearly confused but trusted Jack and stayed put while he loaded it. Jack started to aim into the sky before telling S'haar, "You might want to tell everyone to cover their eyes and look away. This is going to be bright. Really bright."

As the guards, Nala'ac, and Sare'en came running up, S'haar repeated Jack's instructions back to them, while Jack raised the gun to point skyward and pulled the trigger. Judging by the shouted expletives that followed, at least one argu'n ignored Jack's instructions, prompting Jack to fight the appearance of a small sadistic smile. Of course, now wasn't the time for such things, anyway.

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Not long after that, a crashing sound could be heard through the dense underbrush. Jack dropped to one knee, aiming his gun at the treeline. The repeated sound of metal being drawn made it clear everyone else was also ready for trouble.

When Lon'thul finally burst through and collapsed, Jack kept aiming at the treeline, but judging by the absence of sound, he hoped they were safe. S'haar ran out, grabbed Lon'thul by his shirt, and started dragging him back while shouting over her shoulder. "I've got him! Get inside and start closing the gate!"

Jack stood and started walking sideways back through the gate while keeping his rifle pointed in the general direction of the treeline. Nala'ac rushed past and helped S'haar drag Lon'thul inside. Once behind the gate, their own guards helped the village guards shut and bar the gate as quickly as possible.

Only when the bar was in place did everyone begin to relax. Jack grinned ruefully and started to say something smart-mouthed when another voice boomed out over the gathering. "What's going on here?"

The Guard Captain walked up, looking very much like he was annoyed at having his sleep interrupted. One of the village guards stepped forward and performed a somewhat rushed half bow. "The visitor's friend was in trouble beyond the gate. The wolgen chased him, and he ran all the way here with them on his tail. Somehow he survived, and the visitors went and brought him inside!"

The captain looked around as though he doubted it was as simple as it sounded before fixing his gaze back on the guard who'd spoken. "And who authorized the opening on the gate?"

The guard hesitated. S'haar stepped forward, taking a breath to speak when the second guard cut her off. "I did, captain. There wasn't enough time to send a runner, and a decision had to be made. The village's fate was at stake, so I made the call and accept responsibility."

The captain glared at him a moment before nodding. "Good enough. This will be looked into further, but everything seems to have turned out alright, which will likely weigh in your favor. However, it would be best if you don't exceed your authority again soon."

With that, the captain turned away and started walking back to his house, with only a few choice descriptions of what would happen to anyone foolish enough to wake him up a second time.

For his part, the second guard let out a breath in relief at the realization that he seemed to have gotten out of this situation without getting into significant trouble. He was quickly congratulated by almost everyone else present as they slapped him on the back or shoulders. There was plenty of laughter as the tension broke, and everyone was flooded with relief. He even received a nod of respect from S'haar and a huge grin from Jack before they turned to check on their unconscious hunter friend.

Sare'en had just shown up and was just trying to figure out where to provide assistance when Lon'thul startled awake with a gasp. Then, looking at everyone present, he grinned that same idiotic overconfident grin Jack had come to associate with the hunter. "What's a hero gotta do to get a drink around here?"

S'haar threw a water skin at him, which only partially spilled into his face before she stood up and turned back to their house. "He's obviously fine. Let's go back and get some more rest."

Lon'thul got to his feet with the aid of the guards, then stumbled, almost falling over before catching himself. He shook his head and looked up a little more ruefully. "I think this might just make my greatest story yet! But maybe I should get a little sleep first... It's been a really long night..."

One of the guards slapped the hunter on the back, almost sending him sprawling before Sare'en helped stabilize him again. The hunter looked down at the girl before grinning almost drunkenly from exhaustion. "Oh, hey. You know, you and Em'brel make the cutest pair in the Outpost. I'm gonna have to make sure you get back there safely, or she'd never forgive me!"

Sare'en meeped and dropped the hunter. She immediately tried to help him get back on his feet, apologizing profusely as she worked. Her struggle was complicated all the more by Lon'thul's own uproarious laughter.

The guards were quick to join in, leaving poor Sare'en wondering how she was supposed to get this slaphappy idiot somewhere safe to rest and, more importantly, how she could disappear into some shadow and stop being the center of attention along the way.

-

The next day, Lon'thul handed out his gifts. Jack couldn't help but smile, thinking that the hunter really enjoyed his role as the argu'n Saint Nick. Having thought of that, he could even imagine this turning into a new holiday for the village. Maybe it would be called "The midnight run of the Hunted," then eventually shortened to "The Midnight Hunt" generations later. Shouts of "Happy Hunting!" would echo throughout the streets as parents hid treats for the kids to hunt for throughout the house or yard. Finally, it could end with a traditional midnight feast, at the beginning of which would be read the classic tale of Lon'thul's run, and parents could astonish their children by telling them that Lon'thul had once been a real hunter, just like them.

Jack smiled at his musings and shook his head. Not likely, but stranger things had happened.

When Lon'thul handed Jack his "danger eggs", Jack felt a slight disappointment. He was glad to have them and was sure they'd prove invaluable in the hunt to come, but he wished he'd gotten something that gave him the same look of childlike wonder S'haar had as she inspected her new swords. Looking at the weapons bothered Jack, and his wistful smile took on a slight frown as he tried to figure out what it was.

Angela was bragging about her work. “All good swords have names, and I call these Vulcus and Hephtus.”

Lon'thul showed off his bow to the captive audience of a couple of guards and a hunter when Jack shuffled over to look at the bow. It was fantastic craftsmanship. When Lon'thul handed the bow to Jack so he could look at it closer, Jack's first thought was of how heavy it was. Not that it was too heavy to hold, but it was far heavier than his little wooden carved bow had been. Pulling on the string a little, Jack realized quickly there was no way he'd ever be able to get a proper draw on this bow, no matter how hard he worked at it.

That's when it finally occurred to Jack what was bothering him. Wordlessly, he handed the bow back to Lon'thul, who accepted it while in the middle of his third re-telling of his midnight run. Next, Jack hobbled over to S'haar, who was admiring her new swords, with Sare'en practically worshiping her in the process. As carefully neutral as he could, Jack interrupted the two women. "Mind if I take a look at one of those swords?" S'haar knew Jack far too well not to realize something was wrong but nodded and handed him the smaller sword anyway.

Jack drew the blade just slightly out of its sheath and inspected it closely. He was no metallurgical expert, but he knew this sword was far superior to the already considerable one at S'haar's side. The problem was that it was too good.

Jack slid the sword back into its sheath before hobbling over to the smaller room he and S'haar used as a bedroom. Then, putting a hand to his headset, Jack spoke quietly but urgently to Angela. "Neither the swords nor the bow were made by Tel'ron based on some plan you gave him, were they?"

Angela's voice came out a little too innocent in response. "Well, no, he wouldn't be able to craft anything near that quality anytime soon. But, on the other hand, we were in a time crunch, so I figured..."

Jack cut her off. "How much energy did you use?"

His sister brushed aside his concern. "Well, it cost little enough, if it means a better chance of your survival."

Jack squeezed his eyes shut, pinched the bridge of his nose with one hand, and raised his voice. "How much time do you have left?"

Angela tried to deflect one more time. "Well, it's hard to say for sure. There are too many variables..."

Jack cut her off again, loud enough that conversation in the other room came to a halt. Even those who didn't understand him realized his tone of voice meant something was wrong. "I'm no longer asking as your brother. I'm ordering you to answer as your captain. How much time does the ship have left, based on predicted power consumption?"

Angela's voice sounded pained and defeated, as if she really didn't want to say. "Roughly a month, give or take a few days."

Jack was stunned. Whatever he'd been expecting, that wasn't it. Angela tried to lessen the blow. "But Em'brel is really close to finishing her designs for the windmill! Once we get that up and running, I'll have a several more months to play with, maybe even enough to get us through another winter!"

Jack shook his head sadly. "I haven't been paying enough attention. Everything was going so well everywhere else; I didn't think things would get this bad, this fast."

S'haar walked into the room, having overheard most of Jack's side of the conversation. Jack didn't even hear her enter. Instead, he stood with his back to the main room as he adopted a strangely unfamiliar stance of resolute authority as he continued. "This is an order. You are to tell Em'brel, Ger'ron, and Fea'en that they have one day to remove anything they need from the ship into one of the boarding houses. You are then to cease any unnecessary functions, except those related to stabilizing your power needs. Once I get back, we'll look into whatever short- and long-term options we have to deal with this, but until then, you are to preserve your remaining power reserves by any reasonable means."

Angela had been expecting Jack to be unhappy, though this was further than she'd thought he'd go. But an order was an order, and she couldn't go against that without consequences. It was a flat, emotionless voice that responded to Jack. "Sir, yes, sir."

Jack's shoulders finally slumped. He barely responded when S'haar laid a hand on his shoulder as he spoke one last time. "Angela, I'm sorry..."

The only reply he got was silence.