Reality Crisis

Jackson had radioed ahead to let her know that his group was stopping to do some trading. Belia tolerated the man, but she couldn’t say no to trades of things that Jackson’s small band of travelers found out in the wild. It saved her from sending men out into the dangers of the wild to find treasures themselves. And it helped Jackson’s people to continue surviving.

Regardless of her feelings about their leader, she still wanted to do what could be done to ensure that the human race continued on.

This time around, Belia’s interest was piqued by the visit. She’d heard a rumor that Jackson had some of the chosen in his midst. She was most anxious to meet them and see if she could persuade them to take up residence at die Festung. She could offer far more in the way of protection and comfort than Jackson could after all.

( It Takes Two to Tango )

There were more new people in the camp. Four in one day. This was quite a busy day, Jackson reflected. He wasn't unhappy that Fred had brought new people into the camp. In fact, he would offer protection to any who were willing to work to earn their keep.

However, he worried about the safety of the chosen few. He knew full well what was going on in New Troy and he didn't trust Belia's agenda regarding the interdimensional visitors either. He would offer them protection as long as he could, but he feared that his small band of travelers wouldn't be enough for Dr. Lucius' or Ms. Ohorek's forces or for any of the other forces at work that might want to get to them.

All the same, he was ever the stoic leader, hiding his worry behind a calm expression as he settled into the tent used for meetings and waited to meet with the two newest arrivals.