"If we find similarities," she continued, "we could use the information to find out where these attacks are coming from."
"Yes. Okay. Yes." She rested her head on Arlo's shoulder, her expression thoughtful, and he kissed the top of her head. "This is something big. I can feel it."
Arlo nodded with agreement, and Valerie shrugged. "It may be," she said. "But that's what makes it a good story. If people are dying, it needs to be brought to the open."
"We'll be fine," Val said confidently. "And besides, 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,' and all that." Arlo paused and looked down at her with a smile. "Did you just quote Star Trek?" "Hush," she said, glowering at him playfully. "I'm making an inspirational speech here."
"'Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...'" Landon replied with a small smile. "We must be the first to try and figure this out."
"Or maybe other people have tried to figure it out," Arlo said, "and something bad happened to them. Aren't you guys a little worried?"
Callie nodded in agreement, but Landon still seemed intent. "Maybe a little," he said, "but we'll just have to be careful."
Callie shook her head. "Honestly, I don't think you two should get too serious about it. I mean, what if it does turn out dangerous?"
"If it gets too much," Arlo said, "we're going to have to revisit this." Val shot him a look, but Arlo continued. "I'm serious. I'm not going to let you go into danger like this purely for a story."
Landon tilted his head the photos, gathering them together. "We've best get going," he said, glancing at Callie. "There's work that needs to be done."
