#elsewhere

"Oh great....."

Nightmare sounds, winter screams-

And then a hockey masked chimera comes out missing an arm "The boy.. he's..."

A meathhook on a chain spears the chimera and hauls him back into the building

Jessica motions everyone to avoid being struck and to not advance; let him work it out on his own.

Soon, the new chysalid comes out with Phobos carrying him. he pats the childling's back, and the kid gives a belch as half a hocky mask comes out of him

Phobos says "Best thing for you, eating your own nightmares showing em who is boss"

"It's a technique." Jessica agrees, coming forward.

"Can I eat her too?" the boy asks Phobos

"No." she says mildly but firmly.

He pouts

"Sorry, there are rules even for horror" Phobos says to him "Boss, this is HACK... it was Hank, but he likes Hack better"

"Suits him."

While there are nobles in Lubbock, she doesn't know them well.. she does know that further south and west is Sparrow in Fort Davis. OR she could just take the boy with her

"Hack, do you have family in the area?"

"Anyone that would miss you?"

"Nope. Lived with my grandma. She died" For a moment he looks sad

"I can send someone to make sure she's found, and cared for, if you like." Jessica offers softly.

"yeah.. please" the boy says his breath steaming

"Do you know the address?"

He names the apartment number

Jessica notes it. "Ok. Now, we can bring you somewhere warm where you'll be safe and have somewhere to sleep and something to eat. Will you trust us for that?"

A look at Phobos "Can I stay with him?"

Jess nods. "At least till you get him to Fenix. Maybe swap out with Demos or something."

Phobos nods "I got him"

"Safe travels." She gathers up the rest of her people, and continues the wide patrol.

there are others to rescue, and a few changelings that will need new homes, but young Hack is the big discovery, and dozens of mortals are better off

"Coy, check in with the DeBukes, see what else they might need."

"On it," he nods and moves fast to do so

Jessica continues on with the others, sure that Coy can find her again.

Coy says "Looks like my kinsfolk say this area's as clear as we're going to get it. Ready to head back?"

Jessica nods "I am, and I think our people are." The cold never bothered her, anyway. "Let's go."

And they head back to Fenix...

(end scene)