Michael kept a quiet vigil over by the stream. He could hear the sound of voices being raised, and the time honored "shut up" being uttered at one point. Michael began to analyze what he knew and what everyone else was saying to try and come up with logic to this situation. Mr. Spock would even have a hard time trying to figure this one out, and the answers Michael was coming up with considering the facts in hand wasn't a good picture. As the voices continued to raise and become more pointed Michael had enough of it. Michael usually didn't like playing the physical intimidation card, but at 6'1" and just over 220 he was not above using it when he had enough. Michael knew how to use his size and strength to put anyone down. He had been in share of fights before and usually won, but Michael was hoping that if he did lose it that his anger wouldn't be influenced by what happened in Midcreek.

As he stood up he saw Justine sitting off by herself. She looked so alone and looking like someone who was just lost. That took Michael's temper down a few notches. Justine spoke broken English and she seemed like a nice person. Michael knew if he went over there and did his Incredible Hulk routine that would just make things worse, and maybe even make Justine feel more isolated. Michael walked over to her and gently put his hand on her shoulder. He whispered in her ear, "It's all right. I got your back." He smiled and winked at her. Not like Jojo's wink and a smile but one that Michael hoped conveyed a sense of wanting to be a friend...if that was possible.

Michael rejoined the group and sat down where he was previously. He said, "Here are somethings to ponder: On our way up here did we see or hear any emergency, Federal Government, or National Guard vehicles pass us by heading into town? As Jojo noted we lived in a hick town. You don't go to Midcreek without a reason or unless you're just passing through. Anyone who looked or sounded different that we didn't already know would've stood out to the rest of us. If the Feds were expecting something how come they didn't coordinate with my dad at the Sheriff's Office? Federal Agencies count on local law enforcement and emergency agencies to cooperate for operations concerning possible terrorist threats. Local Law Enforcement is the eyes and ears for the Feds. None of them ever contacted my dad. I've seen how their operations work I speak from experience." Michael looked up to the sky and said, "Planes are still flying in and out of LAX. On 9/11 everything was grounded within minutes of the attacks. LAX is still open for business." Michael looked back at the fire and said, "Fact is though even if we can prove everything who do we tell? And who'd believe us? They've got every angle covered, and whatever they were trying to do they succeeded. This was done by our Government for reasons we don't know, and may never know. Best we can do now is try to survive."

Michael walked away and went back next to Justine. He shrugged his shoulders and whispered to her, "Let's see what happens next."