(August 9) For Cassie

Kon had given him the the nickel tour of the compound, which had garnered him a Green Lantern t-shirt and some jeans that might survive being worn, if not for too long. Then they'd headed towards where Cassie lived. At least, that's what Kon had said, but he wasn't entirely sure. Besides, his best friend had practically run away after pointing out which structure was hers.

Structure was definitely the word, because he wasn't even certain he'd want to live in something that looked like a reject from Robinson Crusoe. He hoped it was a lot better built than first impressions gave it. There were plenty of huts they'd passed, and this one did look more sound, but it was still something built from branches and palm fronds and things.

And what was the proper way to announce one's presence? Did he walk up and knock, or call out, or clap his hands, or what? He wasn't even sure how to approach before some animal growling from inside the structure made that a moot point. He really hoped it was a dog, but he wasn't going to put any other creature out of the realm of possibility. Stranger things had already happened this day.

"Uh, hi?" he called out, warily.