Good to be back-

Of all the assignments I've been on, I think that was the closest I've come to dying.

I went back to Wynnland, where we lost the other team. I set up camp in the usual spot, then set up a little nest for myself 20 or so yards away. The camp was purely for the benefit of the Spidermen. I wanted to watch and see what they'd do.

They didn't disappoint me. They showed up right after dark, started looking around the camp; two of them. Then the bastards dropped to all fours and started sniffing the ground like bloodhounds.

I tried to get up and sneak off, but I had to move slowly. I didn't want them to hear me.

Once they got my scent they were on me, and roughed me up pretty good. I'm not sure for how long I was unconscious. Long enough.

They're primitive and savage. And they frighten me. They speak some strange pidgin of English and what I think might be French. They have a fairly good grasp of technology, obviously, as they made use of my camera and my communications equipment.

They want guns, for God knows what. And pity on everyone if they ever amass an arsenal.

The only useful thing I learned is that there are several families. One per Mono car, if my guess is right; and that's not good for anybody.

In any case, there are two less to worry about. Again, I find myself in Vanessa's debt. Thanks. I hope I never have to return the favor.

Gotta go rest up.