Gabriel shrugs. "It's... all right. As long as you stay away from the hives and out of the way of the ants and the people who are... doing whatever they're doing. Helping the ants, jumping in the river..."

That had been mildly disturbing. He was glad he wasn't touched by whatever had gotten to those people. He figured it was his healing ability protecting him, and he was grateful for it even if the conditions under which he'd gotten it now gave him pangs of guilt.

"I was one of the ones given an assignment. I've been out collecting pearls to bring back here for the cure."