He woke up and looked around. Everything was as it should be. Nothing belied the anxiety he felt, the feeling he had that something was coming. Something was happening. Something... and his help could change the outcome. And he had long ago learned to trust his feelings.

They were all fairly accustomed to his sudden comings and goings. His was a welcome but not essential presence. Nevertheless, he left a quick note with some instructions, and then he was off.

Talk about unknown territory, he thought as he looked at a map. This ought to be interesting, at least.

A few minutes later, he was on his way.