"Enough," Leith snapped, glancing between each of them. His gaze lingered on Jace for a moment longer than the others, taking in his ill complexion and the sheen of sweat that coated his face. Well, at least he wouldn't be drinking again anytime soon, that was for damn sure. With a sigh, he pointed out, "Jace, if something were to be in those caves, would you even be able to stand your own against it like you are? You look like shit, so I doubt you're feeling much better."

	"A couple of us could go in first, scout the area. We wouldn't have to go too far in, either. The worst of the vermin nests tend to be deeper inside, away from the roads," Basil said. He avoided looking at Jace. "But you're right, Leith. Jace shouldn't be the one to go in, not like he is now. I could probably handle that much, though. It's not like we're heading into a Death Claw lair or anything, right?"

	Leith stared at Basil for a minute or so. "Kid, for the love of God, do not jinx us like that. The last thing we need are [i]Death Claws[/i] on our asses."

	"Sorry." Basil flushed, clearing his throat before he continued. "But really, I could go in that far. Believe it or not, but I do know how to use a gun."

	Leith folded his arms over his chest. "No one's going in alone. And I'm willing to go in. But I don't think either Jace or Basil should be the ones signing up for this." He turned to Kaye and Raider, waiting for their input. "Any other volunteers?"