Once they are away from the last signs of habitation, Crichton finally allows himself to relax just a little. It's been one hell of a slog but they've made good progress and they haven't run into any danger yet. This is going about as well as it ever could.

Crichton is already planning to take less of the food than either of them in an effort to ration it out, but he doesn't find that hard as he listens to their story, to what they've already endured and lost. It turns his stomach sour.

"Your family's hospitality and generosity were betrayed. You were all betrayed. I know it doesn't help, but I'm sorry. That was an act of pure evil."

He pops the last bite of bread into his mouth and chews it down quickly so he can use both free hands to reach for one of theirs each to hold while he tells them, "Those people weren't there for the truth. They only had one thing they wanted to hear and it wasn't your fault you couldn't give it to them. I know from... personal experience." He meets eyes with Percy for just a moment longer, to communicate without saying it aloud that if he needs someone who's been through it to talk to, Crichton is willing to listen.

"You're right to hate them. I'm not about to tell you not to. Just be careful not to let them steal the goodness from you. Hate has a way of rotting a person from the inside."