"I hope that's not the case," Roland quietly answered, "not unless it changes some of the rules about us... him, rather." He shook his head, not wanting to think about that. A Heat who was still cannibalistic in a civilized society was insane. A Heat that lacked Sera and Serph was dangerous. And a Heat who was perfectly well-adjusted... that was like bringing the dead back to life. And Heat O'Brien had no need for anyone, let alone someone like Roland, still in this incarnation of life.

That wasn't what he wanted to think about right now. He waved Peter off, smiling a little as he slowly started moving himself upright. A little stomach ache was bad, but he could endure it. He hoped. "I'll be fine, I feel better already." Which was half-true; speaking to Peter had helped out a little bit. "You stay safe tonight, all right?"