Hazel and Anatoly volunteered immediately to keep watch overnight, since the idea was initially hers in the first place. It made a better impression after Hazel's little screw-up. She knew that in order to regain trust a bit faster, she needed to do something to protect her reputation. As the sun began its slow descent under the horizon, Hazel made sure to get her hands on plenty of coffee so as to not let herself fall asleep. Though she didn't technically require sleep, it certainly helped her be more alert and focused.

Lighting the bonfire, the two set up chairs around it, shotguns in each of their laps. Stars twinkled into existence. The lack of light pollution let the vividness of the sky's color shine through. It was a dark new moon, the starlight being the only source of light that lit up the night. The only sound that they could hear was the fire crackling mysteriously. It seemed both calm and anxiety-inducing. All Hazel could think of was what would happen if they were intruded upon. They'd only be perfectly safe if it were a couple unarmed people, but another group like the one that came that morning would be fatal to their attempt at survival.

Hazel's heart raced with anticipation, her breaths wavering and shuddering with every pop of the flames. The sheet of ice that covered the ocean creaked as it broke apart into smaller pieces, the sea beginning to creep up the beach. A gust of wind blew across the frozen tundra, sending snow flying by their post. Hazel gripped her shotgun tighter, wishing her Halo could be worn like some kind of helmet. It hadn't been damaged by any of the gunfire, so she assumed that it would withstand bullets. After all, her brain was the only organ that she really needed to keep alive, so why shouldn't it be protected in such a needed time?

Meanwhile, Anatoly's mind was clear and emotionless. He only cared about the fact that he was doing something to protect the refuge. His grip on his firearm was loose and relaxed, knowing that it was unlikely that there would be anyone there so soon... at least, that was what he thought.

A figure emerged from the shadows, but there was something different and non-threatening about its appearance. Hazel pointed her shotgun at the shadow, moving her finger to the trigger. The figure had something glowing above its head... a Halo, shining a bright amber. Hazel released her grip slightly but didn't even think about letting go completely.

"Who's there?" Hazel shouted assertively.

"Uh, my name is Tunnuk Qaiyaan, I see you have one of these too," the now clearly female figure said in an innocent voice with a thick accent, pointing to the Halo.

"What are you doing here and how did you hear about this place?"

"I came across it when I heard that plane come down. I followed it and saw that you have three eyes as well, so I thought that maybe you would be okay if I stayed here? Everywhere else I've gone, they've tried to kill me or capture me."

Hazel exchanged glances with Anatoly. They conversed for a few minutes on the ups and downs of letting her in, eventually setting on allowing her to stay. That was the initial point of the refuge, so that any Exans or extrauniversals would be able to have a safe place to call their home, where they would no longer have to be alone.

"You may come closer," Anatoly shouted.

Tunnuk ran towards the fire, and as she did so, her features became more apparent. Her darker-skinned face had traditional Inuit tattoos and her black hair framed it beautifully. It flowed with perfection in the wind. She wore a coat with a fur hood, which flapped behind her as she ran like a cape in the wind. Though she wasn't too tall, she wasn't short either. Just a tad shorter than average height.

Holding her gun in one hand, Hazel used the other hand to hold onto Tunnuk's arm, giving her a death glare. She didn't seem to mind, but showed some immediate discomfort at the feeling of her arm being squeezed so violently.

"I'll show you around. Once you're here, you can only leave at your own risk. You need to make sure to be respectful towards our elected leader, Rephana, or you will regret it."

"Okay!"

Hazel was shocked by Tunnuk's enthusiasm. She had been trying her best to appear intimidating, but nothing she did seemed to influence her in the slightest. However, she threw that thought aside and pointed out the occupied homes and who they belonged to, giving quick descriptions of each person's appearance and personality. Tunnuk listened intently, obviously ecstatic to have that opportunity. Hazel wasn't about to start complaining.

"I'm Hazel Ununquadius, by the way. It's very nice to meet you."

"It is nice to meet you too!"

Tunnuk found the smallest house she could and opened the front door. She thanked Hazel profusely and shut the door. Feeling slightly uneasy about her sudden arrival but wanting to stick to her cause, Hazel walked slowly back to the bonfire. She had the feeling that Tunnuk really was a good person. Her eye looked legitimate and her Halo seemed to be working on its own.

"I don't think you should worry too much about it," Anatoly said, warming his hands in front of the fire.

"I know, but do you think that'll stop me?'

Morning came, and Tunnuk was the first to come out of her house, followed by Rephana and the Ununquadius family. Seeing Tunnuk's unfamiliar face, Rephana charged towards her to interrogate her.

"What are y-"

"Don't worry, Rephana. She's all good," Hazel said, stepping in front of Tunnuk.

"She is an Exan, right?"

"Can you not count her eyes?"

Rephana crossed her arms and extended her wings out impressively. Her veins were visible on her skin, black and strange looking. Her ear was almost completely decomposed. Parts of her scalp were bare and had no hair, while the parts that still held onto her hair were few and far between. She had already deteriorated so much, it was hard to believe that she was still alive.

"Oh, Anatoly, I've been working on fashioning you a new Halo, so here it is. Sorry that it's not really all that good, it's kind of rushed," Rephana said, her voice barely audible.

"Thank you so much, I really can't thank you enough."

Anatoly brushed his hand over the Halo sphere, letting the colors swirl and become its usual greenish blue. He moved it in its resting position above his head, where he let it begin to spin. Testing out multiple tricks, he was able to safely conclude that it was in full functioning condition. He shook Rephana's hand, continuing to thank her for everything. She smiled softly and put a hand on his shoulder.

"As I've said before, I don't have much time left in this world. You know that I want the best for you, and so I say that tomorrow we prepare for Dymo's inevitable arrival," Rephana said assertively.

"What do you man, 'Dymo's inevitable arrival?'" Anatoly asked, suddenly very concerned.

"Those cuffs won't last forever. I'd say he'll break free in about twenty years when the power supply goes null."

"I guess it's better to be safe than sorry..." Hazel said as quiet as she could.