The type of man that I am, I try to protect others. Jess considered that with a scrutinizing sort of look like he were listening to a mission report that could be critical to remember for later. The look was free of judgement; he didn't project doubt over Jon's conviction.

In truth, he didn't sense any doubt from Jon over said convictions. He believed what he was saying. It was a little curious to Jess, used to self-serving motives and double-speak. Jess was making preparations to protect the members of their group, too, but he didn't advertise it as such. Brightwells weren't known for grand displays of selflessness; it wasn't a terribly desirable trait when survival of the fittest ruled the day.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were an idealist," he said. "We'll endure. Don't have much of a choice." For emphasis, Jess gave the waterskin a little shake. In all their time speaking, it hadn't leaked. "Not bad for my first attempt, right? What we don't know, we'll learn."