_Chapter 2_ Diah sighed wistfully. So many had swung by Jeb's farm over the years; they'd tend to some corn, stomp some wurms, and then move on. Most didn't even stop to talk. It made Diah feel small. Unimportant. Just a pit stop on a longer journey. But this asura lad, Rollek? He'd introduced himself immediately, smiling the whole time. And as she watched him go about his tasks, she could feel his joy in the simple farm work. "Fascinating, just *fascinating*." He muttered as he entertained one of her bovine, "Their reactions imply a high level of intelligence not supported by any current hypothesis..." No one had ever complimented the cows before. Not even Jeb. Hm. Maybe Rollek would appreciate a slice of her Tasty Cake.