Gerhard observed closely the mannerisms of their soon-to-be leader. Lucas had put special emphasis on the word "no", although Gerhard couldn't be certain that Lucas had meant to. There was something involuntary to the way he had enunciated the word, kind of like how a young boy immediately recoils from girls, because they have "cooties."<br/><br/>In that respect, Dr. Amato took on the appearance of a living contradiction in Gerhard's. It was as if he had been caged up inside the stiff formalisms of his elders for so long, that he no longer knew how to comport himself as a wild, restless youth. The maturity of his appearance was only skin deep, however. Lucas didn't actually seem the type to be irritated easily.<br/><br/>But that made it all the more mysterious that he now seemed constantly at unease. It was in this state of mind that Gerhard and Lucas locked eyes. Gerhard smiled widely, not in the manner of those who smile consciously, trying to ease or smooth over any tension in a social situation, but in the manner of those men who are happy and do not feel the need to hide it, nor apologize for the consequences of their happiness.<br/><br/>"No? Ah." Gerhard laughed, "That's too bad. So you're more interested in Dan, then. Well, that simplifies things!" Gerhard leapt up from the table and suddenly burst out with a large, throaty laugh. Gerhard felt happy, though he didn't necessarily have any true reason to feel as such. But that was of no consequence. Gerhard made his way to the entrance flaps. Before he left the cafeteria, however, her turned and regarded Lucas simply.<br/><br/>"You don't need to wait for an opportunity, or a chance, to laugh and jest, Lucas. You just need to do it, is all." and with that, Gerhard walked through the flaps, leaving Lucas alone. Gerhard hadn't taken two steps, however, before he crashed directly into the nurse, Miss Nanasawa, who was carrying a great medley of implements and paperwork, and which scattered all around the hall upon the impact.<br/><br/>* * *<br/><br/>2 Hours later, Gerhard, Thea, and Dan were back in the cafeteria. Far from sitting at a small table near the corner, however, the entire layout of the cafeteria had changed. The tables were all pushed to one side of the massive room. The elders and other members of the Resistance movement bustled around, chatted about various things, and helped set up the display monitor which the three of them now stared towards.<br/><br/>Wires and heavy projector equipment were strewn all about. The Kitchen staff served excellent stew, piping hot, to the members and staff, whom slurped it up and came back for seconds within the same amount of time. Gerhard had to admit, amidst the buzz of the staff and the chatter, the stew warmed the stomach and filled one with goodness and hope inside. It was remarkably good. God only knew, however, where they could have found oysters in this impenetrable, desolate, wasteland.<br/><br/>Lucas stood up front, facing the three and the other members of the staff. He held a clicker in his hand, and near him was a large round table, the only one not pushed aside to make room for the presentation. On the table was laid out a medley of maps, diagrams, schematics, gadgets and other gizmos. The staff had also provided them with heavy duty packs, made out of canvas and kevlar, and filled to the brim with hopefully useful equipment. The four packs were also on the table, laid out in a straight line in perfect position with each other.<br/><br/>Finally, the din and busy chatter faded down. The lights were dimmed. The presentation was about to begin, and it seemed that Dr. Amato was given the lead honor of presenting it. "Well." Gerhard said, mostly to himself. He leaned in towards Theadora, who was situated on his left. "This is it, I guess. No turning back. Not now."<br/><br/>The presentation began.