by Tony Healey
"I don't accept that." Max knelt down at the table. "I came here to find my friend, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. A bug bite isn't going to stop me." He slid the map across the table. "This Ice Runner was the last known person to see her, and I want some answers. If finding him can also repay you all for what you've done for us, all the better."
Kort opened his mouth to speak.
"Let me finish, Uncle Kort," Max said. "If what you're all saying is true, and that corrupt officer has assassins looking for you, we're the best bet to travel across Quaris."
"Well, that's true until Wils discovers that Annae is dead," Mayday said. "After that, you'll both be just as sought after as the three of us. Maybe more so."
"Think about it, Mayday," Adam said. "There is a small sliver of time before that happens. If they can get to the Ice Runner before the hourglass runs out – "
"Out of the question," Kort interrupted. “I'm sorry. I hate the thought of putting either of you at risk, but I'm not about to let my ailing nephew enter a warzone."
"He's right.” Mayday stared at the map in silence for a moment. “We can't ask them to fight our battle for us."
"I appreciate the concern, but this is my decision, and I'm going," Max said. "Now, we can waste more time arguing about it, or we can get out there while we still have the advantage."
Kort placed his hands either side of Max's face. "Sometimes I forget how grown up you've become. You're just as stubborn as Dagg, and I rarely won arguments with him either."
Mayday took Max's hand. "Are you sure it's what you want to do? I mean, you barely know us."
Max scanned the faces of his new allies around the table. She was right. Other than glimpses of them, and partially overheard conversations between periods of unconsciousness, he knew little about them. However, they'd helped him without any obligation to do so, and in his mind, they'd earned his loyalty.
"I'm still a bit fuzzy on all the details, but I understand you're trying to help your colleagues," Max said. "I know you're good people, and that Officer Wils isn't. I also know that without support, you won't last long out here. So, yeah, I'm sure about this. One hundred percent."
Mayday hugged Max. "Thank you."
"We should take Kirby as back-up just in case," Kort said. "Do you want to tell him or should I?"
Max got up from the table. "I got this."
"Wait," Mayday said. "Before you go, we should bring you up to speed on everything. It's only fair that we un-fuzzy the details for you."
___***___
Max zipped up his jacket and put on his protective goggles before walking out into the cold. Within seconds, the warmth of the cave's fire faded, replaced by the merciless pounding of sub-zero winds against his body.
Quaris enjoyed a temporary reprieve from snow, but Max knew it could come back at a moment's notice. Other than the constant teeth-chattering and occasional skin numbness, the climate didn't bother him all that much. Quaris was about as far from the life he'd lived on Aquine as one could get. Although he couldn't imagine ever wanting to return, he appreciated the opportunity to see something ‘different.'
Some day when this is all over, I'm going to settle down on a nice planet free of thornchiggers.
K1R-B and Horace worked in tandem, chopping wood for the fire. An impressive stack of logs had accumulated by the cave's entrance already, with more still to come. Horace appeared winded, and handed the axe to K1R-B while he caught his breath.
"Horace, isn't it?" Max said. "Why don't you take a break and get warmed up inside? I'll pitch in out here for a bit."
Horace gave a thumbs up and retreated inside the cave.
"Max!" K1R-B waved its arms in the air. "It's so good to see you up and about again."
Max ducked. "Glad to see you too, buddy. Maybe ease off on waving that axe around before I wind up right back in that bed."
K1R-B propped the axe against a stack of lumber. "Oh, um . . . yes."
"Oh, come here, you." Max hugged the droid. "Brrr, Kirby! You're freezing!"
"Am I?" K1R-B backed away. "I can't tell, you know."
Max laughed.
"I’m happy you're well again, Max," K1R-B said. "I was worried."
"Ah, you'd never let anything happen to me, pal."
"That’s true."
"Good to hear, because I may need to put that to the test," Max said. "We've got a big task ahead of us, and I want you to come along."
"Leaving so soon?" K1R-B asked. "Is that wise in your condition?"
"I'm fine, Kirby." Max turned around. "See? The bite already looks a thousand times better . . . from what I'm told."
"Still . . ."
"Don't worry, Kirby," Max said. "I've been given a clean bill of health. I'm going to be okay. Trust me."
K1R-B cocked its head to the side. "I don't detect any deception in your vocal pattern."
"Hey, I didn't install that software for you to use on me!" Max said. "Besides, when have I ever lied to you?"
"Well, starting in chronological order, there was the time – "
"Okay, okay." Max covered K1R-B's mouth. "Forget I asked. The point is, this is something I've got to do. Delta is still out there, and I didn't come all this way to give up on her. I'm not sure how just yet, but she's connected to all of this. Helping these people will get us closer to the answer."
K1R-B moved Max's hand aside. "I don't suppose there's any point in trying to talk you of it, is there?"
"Nope."
"I thought not," K1R-B said. "How can I help?"
"You never know when a droid may come in handy, so we need you along for the ride." Max bopped K1R-B on the top of the head. "What do you say?"
"No more forests?"
Max smiled. "You have my word, Kirby. Believe me, the last thing I want to see is another bloody forest."
"Then . . . I'm in!"
Max put his arm around K1R-B, and returned to the cave to prepare for the journey.
___***___
Mayday finished loading a pack on Max's back with provisions: bottles of water, packets of nuts and berries, and strips of bear jerky. Once filled, Mayday zipped up the pack and spun Max around. "Hey, I just want you to know that we're so thankful for what you're doing for us."
"Of course," Max said.
"You can thank us if we're successful," Kort added. "Is there anything else you can think of that may help us find this Ice Runner? Any minor detail could help."
"I'm sorry, but we've told you all we know," Mayday said. "We planned to meet again later, and as you know, he never showed."
Kort scratched his forehead. "Any thoughts on where to begin, Max?"
"He's an Ice Runner, right?" Max said. "If someone was after him, they'd know that, and probably go looking for him near the tundra. I think we should start there and see where the trail leads."
"The kid makes a lot of sense." Adam chuckled. "You sure he's only seventeen?"
Max blushed.
"Just remember, this is a search and rescue mission only," Mayday said. "Don't engage in any unnecessary combat. If something looks off, abort, and come back here immediately."
"Yes, sir!" Kort saluted.
Mayday glared. "I mean it. If you find him, come back and get us for the next phase of our mission. Do not proceed without us. We'll put an end to this once and for all as a team!"
Adam clanged glasses of water with Horace.
"Most importantly," Mayday said. "Good luck, and please be careful. You're a long way from back-up."
"No sweat." Max leaned his elbow on K1R-B's shoulder. "That's why we're bringing the droid. He's the only back-up we'll need."
12
Under a blanket of endless white, the Quaris plains stretched for miles without a single marker. In fact, neither Kort, Max, or K1R-B had seen so much as a tree in almost two hours. A family of thick-furred, dark-brown rabbits scampered across their path at excessive speed.
They look frightened, Max thought. Maybe they know something we don't.
; A light dusting of snow began to fall. Max held out his hand and amassed a collection of flakes in his palm. The frozen ice crystals sparkled in the light. He relished the fleeting moment of beauty in an otherwise desolate location.
Max's gut tingled. The realization hit him that they'd reached the literal middle of nowhere. With nothing but grey clouds looming overhead, and nothing but an opaque, bone-white surface under their feet, a numbing sensation of anxiety coursed through his limbs. His perception disoriented him, causing him to feel as though he'd been cast into an infinite void. His breathing quickened.
Before the sensation could overwhelm him, a hand clasped him. Max turned and saw K1R-B's anthropomorphic fingers gripped around his shoulder.
"I'm detecting an increase in your pulse and adrenaline," K1R-B said. "Do you require more anti-venom?"
The distraction from his thoughts relieved Max. Once again, K1R-B had come to his aid at just the right time, even if it didn't realize it. "Nah, I'm okay, Kirby. Thanks for checking."
Kort pointed ahead. "Look, there's a hill over there. Let's climb up and get the lay of the land. See if we're getting anywhere near anything."
The crew scaled the steep mound to the top, taking advantage of the elevation to plot their course. Max shielded his eyes from the increasing snowfall and surveyed the area. A few miles away, an expansive sheet of tiffany blue stood out against the otherwise pale environment. Beside it, a rocky mountain range sprawled toward the heavens.
Wow, Max thought. That's beautiful.
"There it is, at long last," Kort said.
"Is that the tundra?" Max adjusted his goggles for a better look. "It's . . . amazing. I've never seen anything like it."
"Just remember that looks can be deceiving, kid," Kort said. "It's the slickest, most dangerous patch of ice in the galaxy. Unfortunately, it's also the only way to get across the planet. Ice Runners make a fortune providing transportation because they can set their own price, and who can argue with them? It's not as though there's an alternative. Ice Runners have the market cornered, and they're as thick as thieves."
"What makes the tundra so dangerous?" Max asked.
"So many things, Max." Kort bent down to relace his boot. "You're completely isolated out here, which means you're vulnerable to bandit attacks. Ice Runners pilot specialized vehicles to navigate the tundra, but they're not outfitted for combat, which makes them easy targets."
"Okay, so keep our eyes peeled," Max said. "Got it."
"The bandits aren't the only thing you have to be aware of. Ice Runners can't be trusted." Kort untied his other boot and reset the tongue before lacing it back up. "There's nothing to stop a shady character from robbing you blind, and leaving you to freeze to death."
Max gulped.
"Whoa!" K1R-B shouted. "Down there!"
Max followed K1R-B's line of sight to a large, hooded figure surrounded by five armored mercenaries, each with blasters pointed at it. The mercenaries circled the humanoid figure, keeping a safe distance. Near them, at the base of the mountain, sat a red vehicle resembling a tank without its long-barreled gun. An angled, black plate of armor covered the windshield, leaving only a rectangular cutout for the driver's visibility.
"That’s got to be our Ice Runner," Max said.
"No doubt about it.” Kort brushed snow off his knees and observed the commotion. “That's an Ice Runner's rig, alright."
"He's in trouble," Max said. "We should go help him."
Kort continued to watch. "We need to be careful, Max. We have no idea what we've stumbled upon here."
"He's right," K1R-B said. "It could be a trap, intended to lure us out."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take." Max drew his blaster and slid down the hill on his backside.
"Max, wait!" Kort yelled after him.
K1R-B shrugged. "What now?"
"We make sure he doesn't get himself killed." Kort followed Max down the hill.
K1R-B covered its eyes, and dove head first, flailing its arms as if trying to swim.
Kort shook his head as the spastic droid sailed past him.
___***___
The Ice Runner moved in a circle, not allowing any of his five enemies a prolonged look at his back. A hooded, heavy wool cloak concealed his identity. Under it, he coiled his fingers around the weapon at his hip.
"Let's not make this any harder that it has to be, Runner," a male mercenary said. "You went and pissed off the wrong Officer. I actually feel sorry for you."
The Ice Runner's grip on his weapon tightened. "I think ya got me confused with someone else," he said. "I got no beefs with anyone."
A female mercenary laughed. "Are you serious right now? This is your defense?"
"Yeah, save it. We know exactly who you are," the male said. "Do us all a favor and spare us the whole ‘I'm not the Mintok you're looking for' routine."
Hurried footsteps approached from behind. The mercenaries turned to investigate, seeing a teenage boy running toward them, followed by an older man, and a droid with fresh powder caked onto its front plating.
The male mercenary lifted his visor. "What in the hell?"
The Ice Runner threw back his cloak. He drew his weapon: a sleek, titanium-plated minicrossbow. It fit into one hand like a traditional blaster, but instead of firing lasers when he pulled the trigger, it discharged high velocity plasma bolts. The modifications had cost him an exorbitant amount of credits, but he considered it the greatest investment he'd ever made.
Three mercenaries turned their blasters on the trio of strangers. The leader stepped forward. "Men, on my mark." He lined up his shot on the boy's chest. "One . . . Two . . . Th – "
"Three." The Ice Runner fired two bolts, both striking the mercenary leader in the back.
The others watched in awe as their leader dropped to his knees, shooting blaster rounds into the sky before slumping to his side. The two mercenaries closest to the Runner took aim at him. Before they could fire, he swung his left arm – an enormous exoskeletal claw from the crook of his elbow down – and knocked the blaster out of the first enemy's hand. He followed that with a high, side thrust kick to the face of the second attacker, rendering the mercenary unconscious.
The boy shot blaster holes in the snow around the front two mercenaries. "Put your weapons down. Now!"
The two hostiles looked at one another, and prepared to return fire. The older man sidled up beside the boy with his blaster at the ready.
"I wouldn't recommend that," he said. "Pull that trigger, and you're as good as dead."
After a moment of pause, the mercenaries set their weapons on the ground and put their hands in the air.
"Smart." The old man moved toward them with caution. "Now kick your blasters over to me."
The mercenaries complied. The old man collected their weapons and tucked them under his belt. "Now, what do you say we all go our separate w – "
The Ice Runner clubbed both mercenaries in the back of the head, incapacitating them.
" . . .or not," the old man added.
With a lull in the action, the Ice Runner used the opportunity to size up the pack of strangers. He stretched out his arm, crossbow shifting back-and-forth between targets. The old man tensed, his finger twitching around the trigger of his blaster.
“Kort?” The Ice Runner lowered his weapon. "Is that you?" He pulled down his hood, revealing his red, scaly head, and massive lower canine teeth protruding from his mouth.
"Pazo?" the old man said with disgust. "I knew it would be you."
___***___
Kort reviewed the carnage at his feet: one dead, four unconscious. He holstered his blaster, and pushed the barrel of Max's weapon toward the ground.
"You two know each other?" Max asked.
Kort didn't answer. Pazo replied in a language Max had never heard before.
K1R-B raised a finger. "He said that it's good to see you again, then called you an old scoundrel."
Pazo guffawed. "Ya programmed your droid to speak
Tokang? I'm flattered."
"Yeah, well, don't sing my praises," Kort said. "The kid here built him."
The much taller Pazo leveled himself with Max's eyes. "Is that so?"
"Y-y-yeah . . . I installed translation packets for the galaxy's top fifty languages," Max said.
Pazo shifted his attention to Kort. "Kid's shaking in his boots over here. Ain't he ever seen a Mintok before?"
"He grew up on Aquine," Kort said. "Can't say we saw too many Mintok in those parts."
"Aquine, eh?" Pazo put his crossbow back in its holster. "I always figured you'd retire somewhere with tropical drinks and clothing-optional beaches. What the hell brings ya back to this dump?"
"Back?" K1R-B asked.
"Wait . . . don't tell me ya never told your friends here about me." Pazo clutched his chest. "Kort, buddy, I'm hurt."
Kort looked away.
"Guess you're still sore with me," Pazo said, standing up straight. "In any case, ya didn't answer my question. Ain't no way you're here vacationing, so what's going on?"
"It's sort of a long story," Max said.
"Yeah?" Pazo twisted at the waist, cracking his back. "Well, how about you just give me the highlights?"
Max looked to Kort for guidance, but his uncle wasn't participating in the discussion. Kort stared up the mountain pass, with his arms folded across his chest.
"The short version is that Mayday and her team thought you might be in trouble, so they asked us to find you," Max said.
"Wait, you're friends with Mayday?" Pazo pressed his lips into a straight line. "You need to come with me while there’s still time."
"What are you talking about?" Kort said.
"If Mayday sent ya to find me, she no doubt told ya about the rest of her team being held captive across the tundra." Pazo noticed a mercenary stirring and kicked him in the head, knocking him out again. "We're working on a plan to bust ‘em out. I was on my way back to their camp when my cruiser threw a belt. These clowns got the drop on me while I was repairing it. They said Wils issued a kill order for Mayday's team, and it's going down tonight."