Later, after they'd all devoured the submarine sandwiches, chips and chocolate chip cookies that David and Wesley had obtained, they split up into smaller groups to raid their offices for paperwork to pass the afternoon. Ben, who already had a stack of work in his backpack, walked with Wes and Lori to the Biology department.

"Just drop me off," Lori suggested. "I'll feed and water the critters while you two go up and get Wes's stuff."

Ben shook his head.

"Don't ...