Swamped

"I really don't think relying on a novice wizard for a plan this unlikely is a good idea," you hear Long say.

"Well, I can't manipulate ether myself, so unless you want to end your 'retirement', it's the only option we've got," says Dominique. "And you and I both know exactly how hard that would be."

You're getting the distinct impression that Long and Dominique knew each other before this whole desert business. You doubt Long would have explained his situation, whatever it is, to a stranger just because she knows some stuff about ether.

"I have other contacts, you know."

"Well, that's good. And how are you planning on getting any of them here until we figure out how the gateways work? Just hope a gateway opens up in the right place and that we're able to take advantage of it?"

Well, this is sounding complicated. You hope Rider's gift doesn't have anything to do with this mess or you're going to be real annoyed that no one told you what was going on.

"Excuse me," you say. "Um, Jeb says he needs a particular wrench?"

"Oh hells, I completely forgot," Yvonne says. "Dominique, I needed to borrow that from you. But then all this business with kidnappers happened, and..."

"It's okay, I'll take it over to him once this meeting wraps up," Dominique says. She glances your way. "Is that all?"

"Uh, yeah," you say. "Sorry for the interruption. Good luck working this mess out."

You resolve to have a talk with Rider about all this mystery stuff when you get a chance. Assuming he doesn't pull another sudden disappearing act, of course.

You decide that's enough beating around the bush. You may as well check Marshall's tent, and get rid of the damn thing if no one's there, or if Marshall's sound asleep.

At least that's what you're planning, but just as you get close to the tent you hear a loud noise behind you. You quickly turn around and point your mudpike at what might, for all you know, be yet another attacker.

Wait a minute. What in the hells are you seeing?