Gabe ignored Jace’s appeal at sudden friendship as they approached the Compound’s farm. The men and women were dressed similarly to the ones that Gabe saw on Main Street the first day he arrived. Their clothing was colorful and light, exposing more skin than Gabe thought was proper. Some of the women had their hair tied back with large pieces of fabric, while the men periodically took sips from the same type of canteen Jace had carried through the desert. Gabe found it hard to picture himself finding a job in this environment.

“What am I supposed to do here?” he asked Jace.

During his primary education Gabe rarely took the time to exercise, choosing to work on the computer through break instead. He relied on technology so much that it was obvious to his teachers that he would pursue a job in it eventually. Not wanting to discourage him, they allowed him to skip his recess. Forgoing this important rite of passage not only cost him his social life, but also, caused him to grow into the type of man that would pass out from any physical exertion.

Gabe started to sweat just watching the people move their bodies with enough force to break ground.

“I can’t do that,” Gabe said, looking at Jace desperately.

“You have to put on some weight before they can use you for anything. Plus, great chance to meet the people.”

The way they were dressed and their relaxed demeanor stressed Gabe out. There was no way he would be able to fit in with these people. The fast-paced action of the last few days was coming to an abrupt stop, but his brain refused to keep pace.

The pair walked for about another half mile before they came upon a small building with a wraparound porch. There were a few chairs out front, but only a large, rocking chair was occupied by an older woman. She wore a plain, bright blue t shirt and black cutoffs that hit below her knee. Her legs were surprisingly toned for her age, which Gabe assumed was about sixty. The mass of curly, grey hair tied on top of her head was her only tell.

As soon as she made eye contact with Jace her eyes lit up.

“You’re back! I thought you’d be a couple days yet.”

“Operation hit a snag,” Jace replied, while pointing at Gabe.

“Name’s Gabe,” he said, extending a hand. He was tired of being treated like a parasite.

“Pat,” she said, taking his hand in both of hers, “I can see I’m going to have a lot of work cut out with you.”

She spoke with a smile which took the edge off of the reality of her words. Gabe figured he would pass out within the first few hours, if he was lucky. Jace would have to cart him back to his prison-room and he could sleep for another day.

“I was thinking he could start off by collecting,” Jace said.

“Yeah, we can pair him with Belle and see how he does. He might pass out otherwise.”

Belle had a kind ring to it.

“Well, Jace you’re free to go,” Pat said, “I can take it from here.”

Gabe looked at Jace with a fake smile and waved goodbye.

“Nah, I’m stuck. Boss’s orders till Selima gets back.”

Pat shrugged and grabbed a large bucket for Gabe to use. It took all of Gabe’s willpower to prevent a loud sigh from escaping his lips. A small eye-roll would have to suffice. He would have to put up with fake Jace for the foreseeable future.

“Fine, then. I’ll grab you a bucket too. You know where to take him?”

“Of course,” Jace said.

“Off you go then. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Trust me, the pleasure’s all mine,” Gabe sighed, as he readied himself to follow Jace again. It seemed like it was the only thing he was getting good at. It felt like he wouldn’t be able to get rid of him for a long time.