[To know they're not alone--that promise holds tremendous sway over her, especially now. Fern grows quiet--well, quieter--as she considers what he's offering.]

I don't, [a pause, as she tries to form the question that's just out of reach for the moment,] I mean, I don't really know much about politics... I mean, I know about the war, of course, but.. [Her words taper off uncertainly.]