No one spoke up as Truth asked the question. There were grunts, shrugs, and shaken heads. This was the truth of the matter, for those Strong, and they set to work in a manner that instilled a sense of pride in Truth. The hard work would be harder, less two pairs of hands, but there was no complaining or shirking.<br/><br/>Rayovac's face, upturned, held fear. Rayovac was afraid to be under the gaze of Truth. It was clear and pure. "I . . . no. Nothing about them." Rayovac said, and the words were not strong. Lips trembled with holy terror. But the words were true. "But Rat Sponge! Mary took some mushrooms from from Drugstore, and . . . I made it look like Rat Sponge did it. It'll be good, right?" There was a feint glimmer of hope. At approval. At forgiveness. At getting out from under the eye of Truth.<br/><br/><hr/>The people seem unsure, and it is difficult to blame them. This was not, obviously, the reception they had expected. Their leader nods, and smiles, attempting to show his gratitude. "Ah, yes. Thank you. I will tell Stephan." The man said in a deep. It was easy to imagine that voice booming thunderous command, but now it came softly. The refugees followed Stephan, who obligingly took them to be fed.<br/><br/>"This piece of trash stole mushrooms from Drugstore!" Flippy said. Rat Sponge whimpered as Flippy's grip tightened. There would be bruises later.<br/><br/>"He tried to pin it on Mary! But he had the empty bag in his back pocket!" Rico added fervently. "But we got him. We got him good. Nobody's coming to help you, Rat Fucker! Not Sundowner, not One-Legged Timmy, not none of his animal buddies!"<br/><br/>"Yeah. We're in Uncle's house now!" Flippy joined in.<br/><br/>Rico was, naturally, full of shit. Sundowner was not a friend to animals: the mindfucker was not some beast whisperer. No, what Sundowner did have, though, was a rough dozen of fucked-up pain junkies who wore rubber animal masks who fought like twice their number. And this time of day? Most of Uncle Marco's men would be out and about, instilling order and making sure the laziest, troublesome citizens were actually fucking working and not just smoking grass clippings.