25: Farewell

I am a million times sorry for skipping these last weeks! I’ve been so flacking busy; it’s crazy, besides the fact that I’m too lazy to drag myself off certain social media… Anyway, this chapter is a wee bit sad and it’s not the way I’d’ve liked it to happen… But how else would it have? The Creativity needs more sadness – it’s become way to monotonous and boring.

Casper was standing over by the woodpile; unawares that Logan was watching him. He was stacking the twigs that he’d found next to their single orange-and-black tent, devoid of anything to do. Saraha, Flo P, and Ji-Ji had gone “hiking”, but in truth they were doing something or other in the nearby town. It was trashy had lots of sketchy shawarma shops, but it was better than hanging around Snitch’s Camp Ground all day. Logan was tired and bored and most importantly deeply, deeply suspicious.

What he was suspicious about was mainly Casper. Casper was acting oddly lately, and to the common eye, it might not have seemed so, but Logan knew that his hunch was either freakishly correct or totally insane. For now, he was going to stick with insanity, because the truth curdled his blood.

Life was again boring but now it was smelly, too. The trailer park was trashy and reeked of cigarettes all the time, and garbage and aerosol spray and if the wind was blowing the wrong way, then piss. Besides himself, he noticed the spirits of the group were low, and he thought they should be leaving soon. Far away, maybe to that place in the northern Llewellyn Range Simon Alecsik had mentioned… And fast. The only problem was Casper.

He was being quiet, sullen, and refused to leave camp and travel to other places, no matter how much Flo P threatened and Ji-Ji nagged and Logan brought it up. Saraha just glared at him, apathetic. Casper was harsh and angry a lot of the time as well, and nothing Ji-Ji could do would relieve it. Sometimes she’d get angry at him too, and they’d silently cheer her on. Saraha and Ji-Ji and Flo P noticed it all right – after all, Casper had at one point sort of led the Quad Squad – but it didn’t seem so anymore.

Disengaging himself from his thoughts, Logan walked over to where Casper was. He didn’t know what to say, so he cleared his throat to give his mind a second.

“What is it?” Casper asked, cutting off Logan.

“I – um – hi, I guess.”

“Is that all? Are you just here to waste my time?”

“No,” Logan retaliated, defensive. “I’m not wasting your time so much as you’re wasting ours. When are you going to leave? I’m not so stupid, Casper; the others are just blind to it. You’re jeopardising our time and our safety, and we shouldn’t be staying here much longer, no matter how safe Ban-Mek is.”

Casper’s eyes widened. “I never said I was leaving.”

“I hate to tell you, but it’s kind of obvious.”

“Alright, then, I am – and so what? I’ve got some things to do, I can’t drop everything and run, y’know? I actually have someone to look after and worry about and make sure they haven’t been killed because of my foolish actions, unlike you. You four ditched yours when the chance came to run away, so technically you have no family.” He spun on his heel and marched off, enraged.

Logan trotted after him in disgust. “You knew the consequences well enough when you joined, and you’re forsaking them now just because the going’s getting tough. You’re short of temper and character, it seems, and you have a false shell on the outside that we all idolised.”

Casper swung back around to face Logan so abruptly that he nearly scraped his face off. “Yeah, and you didn’t think the consequences through. The only thing that I’ve learned is that the Government’s evil, and that was from some sketchy teenager on the street. You tell me lie after lie, and the most probable version is probably that the Government’s after you, because you all screwed up and you can’t take your punishment.

“So don’t lecture me about responsibility and shit like that – the biggest mistake I ever made was coming with you. I have a responsibility to make sure the people I know are alright, not mental kids who pop out of nowhere.”

Logan narrowed his eyes. What happened to him to make him so bitter? He wondered. “And who are those people you have to protect, then? I thought your family had abandoned you.”

“I have a grandfather.”

“Had a grandfather. We’ll see if he’ll be unharmed, waiting for you when you get back.” Logan turned away and ran off, angry tears spilling out of his eyes, and Casper shouting curses towards his retreating back. He knew it was a low thing to say, but he couldn’t help it, and he couldn’t help wonder whether he was right. Let Casper leave and make his own decisions. If he was like this, then the Quad Squad didn’t need him at all.

“Please, no, don’t,” Ji-Ji said, trying not to cry, but it was in vain. “Why are you doing… W-what have we done so you’ve be-become so – so angry?”

Casper didn’t answer, but continued loading his car with his short supplies, looking no one in the eye.

“He’s a fucking coward,” Flo P swore, stomping her foot angrily and glaring at him so furiously you’d’ve thought he should have caught fire.

“I can’t believe this. You’re leaving us? This is ridiculous… I can’t even say… Who the hell do you think you are?” Saraha asked, hardly coherent in her anger.

“What do you want, an apology? I can’t give you one, but I know this is the right decision. Stop crying,” he added to Ji-Ji angrily, as if ashamed he’d caused her tears. He obviously would never admit it.

“You should give us an apology,” Logan quipped.

“Alright, I’m sorry. I’ve got to go. Goodbye.”

“Please, no; you don’t know what you’re saying, Casper… No! Don’t!” Ji-Ji cried, brushing her tears away. “This can’t be happening! IT’S NOT FAIR!”

“To think I actually gave you a nickname. What was I thinking? Snuggle Boy? Remind me never to make that mistake again on leeches like you.” Saraha turned and stomped off into the distance, and soon disappeared. Logan felt savagely pleased that she didn’t even stop to say a goodbye.

Casper stepped into the car and revved the engine. “Good luck, I guess. See you.” Then he drove off. Logan watched sadly as the car turned the corner and passed behind Snitch’s Camp Ground billboard, and then dwindled into the trees. As soon as he’d gone, Ji-Ji lost her composure and began to sob; Flo P hugged her and patted her back.

“I – I didn’t think he was serious. I – I never thought that – that he’d ac-ac-actually do that to us. W-what happened to hi-him?”

24: The Linking of the Poles

Sorry, this is a short one. >.< I also apologize that the font size went down - I dunno how it happens; I re-pasted it lots of times, but sometimes it just gets formatted really weirdly. 

Ban-Mek sprawled out below Logan like a miniature board game. It was sprawling, interesting, and totally packed. Roads and highways from all directions met in Mekka Valley, one of the biggest traffic areas in the world. It wasn’t too large, but from Ban-Mek you could get almost anywhere. The airport was one hour north. Though it was named “The Heart of the Mountains”, it could also have adopted “The Heart of the Land”. The city was situated in bowl between two gigantic mountains. It was green, lush, and verdant, and the sky here was clear, but near the peaks of the mountains it could change – cloudy, transparent, or snowing – in the bat of an eyelash.

Logan leant against the railing of the mountain road, looking down the cliff right in front of him, a sheer face. He swallowed his vertigo to enjoy the view after days of non-stop driving. At least there’d been no interruptions; Ms. Helga had made sure of that. But that didn’t stop Logan’s constant worrying. He closed his eyes, for a second enjoying the feeling of knowing that a metre or so ahead of him, there was only sky.

The bruise on his cheek was healing. The cut was just a thick scab that Logan tried not to pick at, and all his bruises had turned from a dark purple to a sickly shade of yellow.

Soon enough, Casper was calling him back to the car, and they were once again speeding down twisting narrow roads. The car hugged the cliff face, but sometimes when they turned a corner the edge seemed to jump up and swallow them. Finally, Casper managed to get them down into Mekka Valley, joining into the traffic, and making towards Ban-Mek.

The town was busy, and a tad shady, but pleasant to the eye. The shops and vehicles and people made Logan whip his head around for a better look, from such a variety of cultures that it was breathtaking. It was loud and smelly and noisy, and the supervision from a safety point of view seemed minimal, almost non-existent. Ji-Ji pulled out a map and instructed them to leave the city, and head to “Snitch’s Camp Ground.”

They took a couple more exits, and soon travelled through pristine neighbourhoods and suburbs and then came to country. The campground was not far from the city, but was run-down and dusty; filled with trailers and trucks and shabby tents. By the time they arrived, Logan was getting antsy. He jumped out of the car and stretched, oblivious to the odd looks the motorcycle man and tough women who peppered the camp, were giving him.

They tumbled out of the car lethargically; Ji-Ji and Casper stretched while Flo P hopped on the spot and Saraha looked around camp blankly. Logan found a spot near the forest, and they parked the car, and pitched a tent. Logan volunteered to sleep in the tent that night, and Flo P offered to as well. That left Ji-Ji, Casper, and Saraha the warm car seats.

“I’ll be seeing this car for another long trip in the future,” Casper grumbled to himself, but when Flo P asked him what he meant, he shook his head. “Forget it,” he said.

Logan went off to collect firewood, or something of use, from the forest. Most of the time he wandered about, looking at the differences in the trees, undergrowth, and birdcalls as opposed to the Thorn Valley wood. He was feeling serene and deeply at peace.

That is, until a crashing called him back to his senses. He snuck up to investigate, and found Saraha blundering around, collecting kindling in her arms; the larger sticks and logs were stacked on the sides. He stepped out from behind a tree and said “Need any help with that?” so abruptly that she dropped all the twigs.

“W – what? Oh, Logan… Sure…” Saraha picked them up again, and set about finding more.

After a long period of silence Logan turned to her. “So, how’s life?” he said feebly. Not the best way to make conversation, he reflected, but he’d never really “made conversation” with Saraha. Usually she teased and jested at him, and if he was conversing with her, Flo P or Ji-Ji was there.

She turned to him as if to retort snappily, but she just looked away and muttered, “Smashing. And you?”

Logan gulped. “Well, it’s… it’s…” He struggled to find a word.

“I’ve always known you couldn’t lie. Just say it.”

“It’s pretty bad,” admitted Logan. “Nothing’s ‘smashing’ with me, as you claim it is. Everything’s in a total pickle.” He dropped his head and continued collecting, embarrassed about voicing his thoughts.

“What do you mean by that?” Saraha questioned.

Logan took a couple minutes to respond – in a way that he hoped was normal. He didn’t want to come across as melancholy, and he certainly didn’t want anyone to pity him, least of all Saraha. “I won’t be doing justice to my thoughts, but at least I’m saying them.” Logan sighed. “Don’t you feel that existence right now is pretty mournful? What I mean is: everything’s bad, and I can’t do anything about it. I can’t change it, certainly, and I can’t go back to the way it was before, and I can’t escape it. I wish none of this ever happened to any of us and I wish that I knew what was happening, but I don’t – I only know that I’m being a coward and running away from everything. It’s like everything is slipping through my fingers.”

Saraha cocked an eyebrow at him, in the way he knew so well. He could practically see her thinking “He has no valid point.”

“Why don’t you read the Walrus Document, then?”

Her words were so unexpected that they took Logan aback. “What? Why?”

“You said you wanted to know what’s going on. You think any of us have forgotten about it, even if we haven’t mentioned it? Everything we’ve been ‘running from’ is in there. I didn’t like it when Casper suggested any more than you; he has not idea what he’s talking about… But he’s right. As long as he’ll be here,” she added.

“Not now,” Logan told her. “Soon, but not now.”

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT INSTALLMENT NEXT WEDNESDAY IN: “FAREWELL”.

23: Red Moonrise

I hope this ‘road tripping’ isn’t boring everyone. I’m really, really trying to finish it quickly so it’ll get more interesting, and so I can introduce – or reintroduce – more characters and dilemmas!

It had been a week since Kyun’s white walls had disappeared off the horizon behind them, but Logan felt he’d never aged quicker. Simon Alecsik and his advice seemed like a dream now; he could scarcely believe anything. It wasn’t the boredom that was fraying his nerves like it was the others – it was the tension; the perpetual threat that doom would loom down upon all of them.

The grey van hadn’t been spotted for two days now. The last time they’d lost it was at Danny’s Diner Drive Through, situated in the fuel station where the van had pulled up for gas, and by the time it was full, Casper’s red Alfa Romeo had vanished down the freeway. But that didn’t sooth Logan. No, it hadn’t calmed him one bit – if anything, it had made him more paranoid. This grey van, with the licence plate KOO-K43, had been dogging them all week, right after they’d left Kyun. Was it a coincidence, or some sombre sign telling them to run hightailed to the bushes?

Other than that, the trip had been uneventful. They’d driven through wheat fields and pastures; everything looking spick-span and perfectly perfect. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, but that didn’t lift Logan’s spirits, or those of his friends. Sometimes Logan felt very sad about it; they seemed like much different people, suddenly. He didn’t know Flo P had it in her to be so snappish, and hour by hour Saraha got duller, more quiet, like the end of a pencil. Casper brooded lots, and if he had to put on a falsely normal attitude, but that wasn’t comfort at all. Logan didn’t like to go near Ji-Ji, lest she jump him and hysterically ask him some “really important question” that was not important at all.

He knew that he wasn’t the perfect form of happiness, either. While he’d been pixie and happy the week before, it seemed as his inner pendulum had swung the opposite way and now he was droopy and nervous.

Logan wearily looked at the backseat. Flo P was reading a map, as no book was available; Ji-Ji meticulously counting and re-counting pennies and payments and upcoming payments and estimating, estimating, estimating; while Saraha was staring into space slackly, her mind probably as blank as her face. When Logan glanced at Casper, he saw his dark hair mussed up, and the red mark on his forehead where the steering wheel had pressed while he’d slept.

Twilight was dawning, red and orange and purple was creeping from the skyline, when Logan couldn’t hold himself much longer. “I really need to pee.”

Casper looked at him annoyed. They couldn’t very well stop at the side of the highway, so he took to the first rest-stop he could get – a faded, shabby hotel with the cracked and weathered sign: Mountain-Air Motel. As Casper was pulling into a stop, Logan jumped. Was that a grey van he’d just seen pulling behind the building?

No, Logan sternly told himself. Shut up and go pee. Stop being a prat and doubting everything behind every corner.

Logan got out of the car, no one questioning anything. They were all tired, short-tempered, uninterested, over-thinking, or in Logan’s case, fearful and insecure. He went to the lobby, and went over to the lobby. Musty carpets birthed dust every time he put his foot down, and the front counter was tinged with the sickly scent of some highly toxic pine-smelling air freshener. A broad woman sat in a chair behind it, and she looked at Logan with surprise.

“Velcome. Vhat can I do for you, child?” she asked, her voice heavy with a Bavarian accent.

“I would like to use a washroom, please.”

“Over at ze back of ze hotel, ja,” she said, handing him a small, rusty key.

“Thanks.” Logan exited and walked round to the back, his heart beating for no reason. He tried to calm it – to tell himself “Hey, there’s no car back here!” but he was too scared to even check if he words were true. He hurried towards a small wooden hut and opened it using the key, finding a tiny dark bathroom inside.

When he’d relieved himself, he stepped back out of the hut, glad to be gone. As he opened the door, all his fears came and smacked him in the face, just as the blow did, though it wasn’t directly at his face.

Something hard smashed his cheek. If he’d been looking around him, and had a split-second warning as to what would happen, maybe it would pain him. Instead, he felt a slightly cool sensation on his face, and maybe a little light-headed, but nevertheless turned morbidly curious to look at his attacker.

He was a stout man with wicked looking eyes and a flat face. In his hands he held a gun – a real gun, and it was black and had all these sorts of grills and switches and boxes that no doubt held bullets. Off in the sparse beginnings of Thorn Valley forest, Logan saw the outline of the grey van lurking. Oh flack, how could he have been so ignorant to everything?

“Hello, Mr. Manchester,” the stout man growled. “If you’ll stay silent and come with us, please.”

Logan couldn’t think of anything to do but obey, lest that gun barrel turn on him, but at that moment, the place where the man had hit him began to throb. He almost cried out because the pain was so immense; it was if someone had cleaved his cheek in two. He felt it, imagining the bloated swelling and intense red mark – but to his surprise, there was a sharp cut which puckered his skin in two. Logan was surprised. His head began to pound, and he blinked a couple times to rid his vision of white flecks.

“Did you hear me? Where are you friends?” the man said, jerking the gun upwards.

“Here,” Logan said, turned away. “That way, I think. NO! Wait, no, STOP! I’m wrong – THAT’S NOT IT! I’M LYING!”

But the short man had grabbed a fistful of his hair, jerking his neck back painfully. A bone in Logan’s neck clicked, and the side of his neck cramped up immediately. “Howe, get out here immediately, and watch the kid,” barked the stout man.

One of his companions jumped out of the back of the van, and took charge of Logan. He wasn’t carrying such a large weapon as the other man, but it looked just as dangerous. It was high-tech and had a differently coloured switch on the side. Right now it was dialled to the red one, and the nozzle was pressed against Logan’s cramped neck. The blocky man who’d jumped him was walking away towards the front of the motel, where Casper and Ji-Ji and Saraha and Flo P were waiting unawares.

“GET AWAY!” Logan screeched at the top of his lungs. “STOP, YOU CAN’T. PLEASE, THEY’RE NOT THERE!” Howe, other man, tall and lean and muscular with a sharp face and prominent jaw-line dug the barrel of his pistol farther into Logan’s neck. All his nerves were protesting in pain. His scalp, where the man was holding his head back, felt as if it was ripping. His cheek throbbed and Logan wondered whether his face would crack in two, and his headed was being clobbered by a metaphysical rock. It would be bearable if his neck hadn’t cricked – but now it felt as if the bone had broke and it would never work properly again, and he’d be a cripple forever. Logan felt himself sobbing quietly, and for good measure, he screamed once more, loud and high and more desperate than it had ever been in his entire life.

“Shut the hell up,” the man growled at him, and Logan fell silent again. Was that the slamming of a car door he heard, and a voice raised in anger? Would the others get away in time?

It was very quiet for a long time. Logan tried calming himself, breathing in and out, but then he only smelt Howe’s cologne and just kept himself from being sick. When he could not hold it in, he turned slightly and puked on the man’s shoes, but that just earned him a smack, so he then tried holding it. He began to feel insane with despair when Howe twisted suddenly, and spoke.

“What are – ” he said, and there was the clang and thump of metal on bone, and the man released Logan’s head and fell to the ground. Logan turned with surprise, forgetting his injuries for a moment.

Helga the motel owner was standing with a shovel in hand, looking down at Howe. She stooped down heavily, and picked up his pistol. At that moment, all his friends ran round the corner and Logan couldn’t have been happier to see them untouched.

“Very, very bad man,” Helga said. “Go inside and hide, little vones. I vill deal vith ze rest of zem.” With that, she turned towards the silhouette of the grey van and marched off.

Casper led them all inside, and they found a room and collapsed everywhere. Logan lay on the bed, hurting inside and tearful at himself for ignoring the danger, when he opened his eyes to see Flo P sitting beside him.

“You’re okay?” she asked him.

He grunted. “Not likely.” But he smiled nonetheless, and she smiled back. Her brown hair was dishevelled and her face was worried, but she tried putting on a brave face for Logan, and that was all he saw.

“We heard you scream,” she explained, “and then that guy came around the corner with that gun. It was awful, I thought we’d be shot and I thought for a second you’d been shot, too, and it was the darkest moment of my life, but then Helga came and clobbered him over the head. There was blood everywhere, splattered on the gravel, but sometimes you’re so glad to see it – I know I was, at that moment, I didn’t care whether he died, I was quite happy if he did…”

She kept talking, but everything faded to black for Logan. He couldn’t keep his eyes and ears open not a second longer, as much as he wanted to. He couldn’t think of whether Helga was trustworthy, or if it was another huge trap. Let Casper worry about that; he’d have plenty of support from the others. Logan just wanted to sleep…

Flo P realised Logan was dead to the world, so she got up and put a Band-Aid on his cheek and an icepack on his head, and poked his neck so it wasn’t positioned so awkwardly, then walked over to Ji-Ji and Saraha and Casper who were sitting in a circle wondering what to do next.

“No use wondering,” Saraha finally said. “When that Helga woman comes back, we’ll know what do, won’t we?” She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, and they decided not to pursue the subject.

It was hours later that Helga returned. She saw a drunken woman to a room – the only tenant of the night – and came to them, her face red and dirt on the knees and hem of her dress and hands.

“All finished. Zose bad men have gone for a vhile, mein kinder,” she announced, sitting on the ground in front of them. “Now, you silly little children, vat vill you do next? Rest at Mutter Helga’s, ja, gute?”

Ji-Ji nodded. “Thank you very much, Ms. … Ms. Helga.”

“No problem. Do you vant anozzer room for ze handsome boy?” she said, but Casper shook his head. “Ach, sleep gute, kinder.” Helga left the room.

Ji-Ji leaned against Casper, her eyes drooping, but Saraha and Flo P were too shocked and tired to tease her. Besides, the Casper-Ji-Ji item was getting old.

Saraha took a pillow and sprawled out on the ground, and Flo P got into the small bed fully-clothed beside Logan. Her mind was buzzing and she didn’t know if she could sleep. Flo P peeked around at the others to see if they were sleeping. Ji-Ji was already totally conked out next to Casper, and he seemed to be in this sort of half-asleep trance, as if not trusting their circumstances (as any smart person would). Saraha was lying awake staring fixedly at the ceiling, but Flo P had a feeling that she wasn’t in the present at all.

Trying to subdue her whirring, whizzing mind, all she could think about was: Are we really safe?

WHAT DANGERS WILL THE BELOVED QUINTET FACE NEXT TIME? FIND WEDNESDAY IN “THE LINKING OF THE POLES”. 

22: Don't Miss the Car

Alright, so, I know this chapter MAY OR MAY NOT be confusing because I referenced to a lot of places, but I’m going to try and work on a “map” of everything and post it this coming or next Sunday so you get a better clue of what’s going on. :3
 

“I’m not scared to give you my name, if you’re so worried,” he continued. “I’m Simon Alecsik. Not that you’ve heard of me.”

“Woah, woah, woah, hold your horses!” Saraha said.

“Do you really think we’ll tell you who we are if you tell us your name?” Flo P smirked.

“You could be from any part of the earth – why would your name be important if we don’t know what it means?” Ji-Ji rolled her eyes.

“Blasphemy. We’re not going to tell you anything,” Logan quipped.

Casper nodded mutely beside them, not yet understanding their weird group synchronization. Simon looked a little surprised, but soon covered it up, laughing sarcastically at them. It annoyed Logan. He narrowed his eyes, and said to Simon:

“You think you know something we don’t?”

Simon laughed again. “I doubt you know half of the things I know, but anyway, this isn’t a competition. You don’t have to tell me who you are – I think I already know. I just wanted confirmation.” He pointed to Logan. “You’re Logan Manchester, leading an insurrection against the Government. You’re thought of as a foolish child, but potentially dangerous after concussing an innocent farmer, looting various stores, associated with the notorious SKAT, and potentially armed.

“You – ” he proceeded, turned to Flo P, who attempted to glare right back under his unwavering gaze “ – are his right-handed man. Your name is Flo Pattern. You’re known for getting out of tight places, and you’re considered to be just as bad as Logan Manchester. They say you’re his best friend.

“Your name is Saraha Santrmarine. You’re brash and endanger the group often with your ideas, and almost got everyone caught after marching into a village and buying some stuff. Yes, I know about that,” he said, looking at her horrified face. “You’re a bit more dangerous physically than Flo P, and you’re known for disliking Logan, but not truly, of course.

“You’re Jimanji Hoods, informally known as Ji-Ji,” he said, regarding his next victim. “You’re the brains behind the brawn. You’re smart, calculating, and potentially the most vicious of all, except you haven’t shown that yet. You’re a top student, and known for being…” Simon Alecsik stopped and thought for a moment. “…Cold. Although obviously you have a certain soft spot.” His eyes flickered to Casper and back. Ji-Ji blushed a little.

“Casper Skylark. Do I really have to brief you? You are as you look.” Logan looked to Casper to see his hands balled into fists.

“What do you want?” he blurted. “Or else, flack off. You’ve no business with us.”

Simon Alecsik laughed. “No, I don’t. So, if you’re not going to tell me if I’m right, that’s fine. Your reactions betrayed yourselves. No matter – the Government’s going to have found you within weeks, if not days. Are you so stupid to think you can walk around like this?” He gestured to them.

“Don’t talk out here,” Casper hissed, and propelled him into the hotel and up the stairs forcefully. The desk attendant didn’t look twice.

The rest followed Casper, unable to tell what he was going to do for a second time that day. “Just who the hell are you?” Casper yelled as they entered the room.

The boy – man – teenager – looked up at Casper. He looked faintly miffed. “I told you my name.”

“No,” Casper said, gritting his teeth, “who are you? Where are you from? How do you know this crap about us?”

“Scared for you neck, Skylark?” Simon Alecsik laughed again, but this time it was as if he truly found it funny. “You need help from me – face it. You’re lost and alone and you, Skylark, make everything seem better than it is, but the truth is, you’re in some frick-fracking shit.”

“And why do you think you can help us?” Logan asked.

Simon, once again, looked amused. He perpetually seemed amused by them. “Alright, you’re on the run from the Government for some reason; they said it was for treason and security threat to the nation. That’s fine, because it means you’re on the right side. Whoever’s committed treason’s always on the right side.” Now he just looked sour, angry, but he brusquely brushed it away. “I know everything about the Government. At least, all that there is to know. They’ve raised me. I know their ways of working, and best of all, I know all about their most fiercely guarded department: the Special Defence and Reorganization Unit.”

Flo P snorted. “Someone’s full of himself.” But despite her words, she was interested as they all were.

“Hey, wait, that was the thing written on the poster,” Ji-Ji said.

“We’re wanted by them; that Special Defence Unit,” added Casper.

Simon Alecsik looked morbidly amused. “Of course you are. That’s what they specialize in… You know, the dicey dirty work.” That’s when he launched into his story. His father had worked for the Government, once, before they found out about the Secret. After the Incident – a moment that would mark everyone’s lives, when five hundred people had died from an alleged fuel explosion – Ian Alecsik had found something out that had chilled him far beyond the bone, and from that day onward, he’d started siphoning off information about the true face of the Government; not the pretty one on the mask, but the much more scarring face that lay beneath.

“So what was the Secret?” Saraha asked. “What chilled past the bone?”  

“The Secret or the Secret? The Secret was my dad was slowly collecting information about them. The other Secret was the truth behind the Incident.” Simon paused, trying to let them guess, but the Quad Squad and Casper looked back with blank expressions.

“Isn’t it obvious? Those people were killed purposely. Some fuel explosion can’t kill so many. They knew something, or they witnessed it; I don’t know the whole reason behind it yet, and if I did, why would I tell you? But my dad was certain they’d been all murdered on purpose.”

“No way, that’s impossible,” breathed Logan.

“What, that someone could stomach the fact that they were killing so many people, or that it’s not possible to kill so many at once?” Simon let out a bitter laugh.

Logan shrugged.

“It’s possible for both, and you’d better get used to the fact soon,” Simon Alecsik warned him. Then, he continued his story. Naturally, Ian Alecsik’s Secret couldn’t been covered up for long, so eventually someone from the Government had found out what Ian Alecsik was doing. He’d been taken away, and Simon had never seen his father again, he’d said, and it was Commander Brack’s unit who was in charge of it, too. Commander Brack was always in charge of the worst.

That gave Logan a funny feeling. If it was Commander Brack who was looking for him, what the Walrus Document so important? What hung in the balance?

That left Simon with the things he knew, too dangerous to be forgotten. So he’d run away, but he was smarter than his father in one regard. He may have disconnected himself from the world, and from society, but he was still connected to the Special Defence and Reorganization Unit. He knew everything that went on; everything they thought, knew, wondered, except that which was so top secret, it travelled in the heads of the important men alone.

Logan was deeply scared. Whatever he’d thought of, hunched upon, was brought to life by Simon’s words. It was if the Government was this great controlling tide and everyone lived in ignorance, and this could either be true, or Simon could be lying, but Logan didn’t want to think that. As terrible as it was – this organization had murdered five hundred people – it was the better option, because it was the truth.

“What should we do, then? You’re telling us there’s something terrible and that we should run and hide, but according to you, this Unit knows EVERYTHING. How can we deny anything so powerful as them?” Flo P asked, her voice shaky.

Simon looked at her for a good long while, the wheels in his brain whirring, weighing possibilities, but to everyone else it looked like staring. Flo P, unused to it, looked down into her lap, but smiled to herself all the same.

“Do you have a map?” Simon asked.

Ji-Ji got up and fetched him one. Of all the maps the Quad Squad owned, this outlined the towns and cities and megalopolises. Simon looked at it, but he’d already formed a decision.

“We’re here,” he said, pointing to the large dot the was the megalopolis Kyun on the eastern coast. “That’s the most dangerous place, at the moment.” Now he pointed to the star representing the capital – Imperium City. “That’s where I think you should go first,” Simon said, showing them the dot that was the city Ban-Mek in the south-half peaks of the western Llewellyn Range.

“I can see Samsø!” Saraha cried.

“Look, and there’s Thornville,” Casper added.

“What’s Samsø?” Simon Alecsik asked.

“Our hometown,” Ji-Ji replied. “Flo P’s, Logan’s, Saraha’s, and mine, that is. Casp’s from Thornville.”

“Mmm, country boy?” jested Simon, ignoring Casper’s suspicious and furious looks. “Anyway, they’d be least expecting you here, at Malsteeple. It’s right there, at the top of the Llewellyn.”

“But that’s far north,” Flo P said.

“Yes, and out-of-the-way. It’s close to the capital, too.” Ignoring their fearful looks, Simon continued, “That’s a good thing; have you noticed how you’re steadily moving away from Imperium? It’s becoming a subconscious pattern, and soon you’ll have nowhere to go. If you’re right under their noses, they won’t look so hard. They’ll be too farsighted to notice.”

It was the next day, and everything was in Casper’s Alfa Romeo. Simon was standing in the alley next to them, a wistful expression on his face. It could almost be called yearning, but Simon didn’t seem the type to yearn. Ji-Ji and Saraha were chucking random pieces of equipment at each other, and Casper was sitting in the driver’s seat ready to leave.

“Thanks, Simon Alecsik,” Logan said. Flo P was a bit farther off, watching out of the corner of her eye. “We’d be walking straight into danger’s arms if it wasn’t for you.”

Simon looked surprised that Logan was talking to him outright, but nodded, and said, “No problem. You’d better go. See you later, one day. If we’re lucky, it won’t be in Imperium City… Or worse, Henderson’s Peak.”

Logan smiled a little, noticing the name of the famous and harsh prison – now mostly a thing of children’s tales. “See you,” he grinned, and got into the passenger’s seat next to Casper, who was starting the engine. They made to leave, but Flo P ran after them, saying, “WAIT! Don’t leave without me!”

Simon raised his eyebrows at her before walking off. “Next time, don’t miss the car.”

Flustered, she snapped at him, “You need a haircut.”

Then they drove off.

21: The Shadow Boy

So, we’re getting farther and farther along in the boring plot of the story. I think this may or may not be a chapter to remember, so keep thine eyes peeled.

“This – ” said Logan “ – is pointless.”

Nowadays, Logan never really made important decisions, and if he was discouraged, he never let it show. But in his harsh, snappy tones, the other four looked up at his pixie face – his pointy nose, long face, and sharp chin – surprised.

“You’re quite the Negative Nancy,” Flo P commented, perhaps a bit viciously.

“We don’t even know where we’re going, and why. I think we should make use of Kyun while we’re here. All right, so everyone agreed that we’d leave next Saturday, and I get that you’re all feeling trapped like rats, unable to escape, between these white walls… Honestly, you’re my friends, but I think that you’re beating about the bush. If we want to do something important, we may as well do it now. What’s the use of waiting here, arguing, bored out of our minds, and getting nowhere? We can talk about this – ” he gestured to the maps and papers strewn about “ – later.”

Casper opened his mouth to contradict that point, but closed it, realising that it wasn’t his place to disagree. He’d gotten fairly idolised as the “leader”, and that annoyed Logan, because he was the leader, and he was in charge of the Walrus Document, or had they forgotten what that was? Casper had even had the audacity to urge Logan to read it, but Logan thought the information, whatever it was, was way too dangerous for his puny mortal mind. Logan liked Casper, but once in a while he knew that he was pushing boundaries.

“So what do you want to do, then?” Ji-Ji asked him.

“I want to explore Kyun, and learn more, and perhaps gather some materials,” Logan said, asserting himself. Even Saraha looked awed at this display of power and manliness; qualities so unlike Logan. “How much money do we have, Casper? Can we get more?”

Casper stood up off the hotel floor, where they’d all been sitting in a circle, and rummaged in his rucksack for a minute. “We’ve $300,” he said. “I suppose I could get more, gambling and so forth. You know, shady stuff.”

Ji-Ji looked a little concerned that he was planning on perhaps gambling, but Logan dismissed it and nodded. “Good, try and expand with $100, then. That’ll be your task for this coming week, Casper. You’ll be in charge of food,” he continued, turning to Ji-Ji. “I don’t want to live off canned beans for another six weeks, and besides that, they’re heavy to carry. Scout the city, find whatever you can – it doesn’t really matter what type of food it is, as long as it’s light and edible.”

Ji-Ji nodded, a thousand options already in her head. “I’ll try and use a maximum of $75, and I think I have some options. There’s this thing I’ve heard of; it’s like a dried meat, but you can combine with all these different – ”

“Tell us later. Saraha, Flo P, you’ll be in charge of equipment, but in different sections. Flo P, you’ll be looking for more camping equipment – namely, better backpacks, and that sort of stuff.

“Sarah, I want you for something very different,” Logan said sombrely. “Please find us some… Oh, how do I say it?” he said, dithering.

“Extra legs?”

“Ze French accent, oui?”

“Porter potties?”

“Knives and guns and bombs and AK-47s?”

“Not bombs, exactly, but better knives, and shoes,” Logan said. “I need more shoes, look at these!” He stuck his foot in the air, and they saw how far the sole was worn down. “Basically, more defence equipment, and practical things, such as shoes; rope. See?”

“I bit vague, but I suppose so,” Saraha said decisively.

Logan grinned, refreshed by his handiwork. “Don’t wait! Here’s some money. Go on! Find good things, and meet me back here by six o’clock!”

“That was awkward,” Saraha laughed as they left the hotel, all onto their own individual jobs.

Ji-Ji said: “Yes, but at least we have something to do.”

The first person it happened to was Flo P. She was at a small mountaineering supply store, testing the elasticity of two bungee cords, and had made her purchase, when she walked out of the store, planning to find Saraha, as they had semi-similar topics. She was walking along a street called Lerman Avenue, and was planning to take a bus to Tire Street, where Saraha had last mentioned going, when she first saw him.

She didn’t know it was him at first, see. He was leaning against a lamppost, waiting for the bus like she was. His navy blue hoodie was draped over his frame; the hood pulled low. He looked like some shabby teenager, so Flo P didn’t take notice. They boarded the southeast bound bus together, and Flo P sat down opposite, still uninterested in him. She was rifling around in her bag, looking for the recipe, when she looked up and made eye contact.

He looked at her normally for a couple seconds, and Flo P stared briskly back, and then, just before he looked down, his face registered shock. It looked like he’d had the fright of his life. Am I that ugly? Flo P wondered, annoyed. He should have better manners; what a drip.  

She eventually got off at Tire Street, and walking along, wondering where she’d find Saraha. The boy was put out of her mind as she stumbled across a shop where she’d find the perfect tent Logan had wanted. She walked in, but the store was way too expensive, so she exited, catching a flash of blue as she left.

Was that the boy from the bus?

She looked again, but the flash was gone, so she continued on her way slightly perturbed.

“FLOOOOO P!” a voice shouted across the busy intersection at Tire Street. Flo P’s head snapped around, and she saw Saraha running across at the other side of the street. “WHAT’S YOUR SHOE SIZE?”

“What?” Flo P asked, meeting up with her friend.

“What’s your shoes size? And Logan’s and Casper’s, for that matter. That is, if Snuggle Boy will be accompanying us for more of our journey into oblivion.”

“Oh, I’m a five and a half, Logan’s a men’s nine, and I think Casper’s something like a ten,” Flo P said, and brandishing her purchases in Saraha’s direction, she continued: “Do you think this is enough? I still need to find that tent, and don’t get me started about those hook-things Logan wanted. I can’t find them anywhere.”

But Saraha had already whirled around and was running down the street. Flo P watched her for a bit, then located a map that showed her the bus routes. She boarded one, and headed down to Dunner Boulevard. As the bus was sliding away, was there that blue hoodie walking down the road, or was it her imagination? Flo P tried to convince herself everything was okay, and that it was her overactive imagination, but for some reason, she was still a bit startled.

Saraha was haggling with the manager of Gerry’s Hiking Equipment. He was being totally unreasonable, in her opinion, and she longed to cut off his annoying little ponytail, which hung limply on his porky neck.

“Can’t you order it without the extra fee?” Saraha said. “I’m a broke kid who needs to buy hiking shoes for my friends because I lost a bet. I’m already paying nearly one hundred dollars here! Isn’t there some sort of discount?”

“No,” the man said stubbornly, and at that point Saraha was so angered that she stomped out of the shop. But she didn’t look where she was going, and she slammed into someone as she was exiting the door. Luckily, the bag full of shoeboxes blocked her, but whoever was on the receiving end had a bunch of cardboard corners in their chest and stomach.

“Watch were you’re going,” said a boy in a dark blue hoodie. His voice was annoyed, but Saraha could register amazement, perhaps, or surprise, or alarm, in his face.

“Watch where you’re going,” she said, and quickly left. Had he recognized her? All she could do was hope he wasn’t going to go so far as to report it. Saraha made for the hotel immediately, but she could feel him behind her – she knew he wasn’t far away.

“Logan, is Flo P back yet? Oh, hell, the worst thing happened, you wouldn’t believe,” Saraha moaned, storming into the room. Casper and Ji-Ji had come back from scouting around, and she and Casper were giggling like Geordies in the corner. What had just transpired, Saraha did not want to know.

“Logan!” she cried, and flew down next to him. “I have the worst feeling ever – I think someone recognized me – We have to leave now – Frick-fracking hell!”

“What? What did they look like? Do you think they’ll tell anyone? Calm down, and recount this from the beginning,” Logan said calmly, but he could feel the panic rising in his throat, threatening to consume him.

“He’s this boy; he might be our age, maybe a tad older. I know he knew who I was – I could see it on his face alright, and you just know sometimes when someone thinks something, and that was now. I kept seeing flashes of him on the way home, it’s like he was stalking me or something. He was wearing a blue sweater,” added Saraha.

Just at that moment, the door flew open, and Flo P entered, looking harassed and terrified and vexed all in one. “Someone’s been following me, and he’s right outside the hotel.” She crossed the room, ignoring Casper and Ji-Ji, and plopping down in front of Logan. “Some blue sweatshirt freak! Shart, Logan, what if he’s recognized me?”

Saraha’s mouth had popped open, and was hanging there. “YOU saw that guy too?”

So Flo P recounted her story of seeing him on the bus, and then the creepy feeling as if he was following her, and finally seeing him outside the hotel, leaning against the wall casually, and Saraha matched it with the events that had taken place with her. Logan was scared, and he tried to ignore the crashing, rushing, pounding waves in his ears, be he knew that they’d have to confront this person, whoever it was. So he called Ji-Ji and Casper over, and briefed them, and at once, Casper jumped up.

They followed him outside to see him accosting the boy, who was backed against the wall, staring at him.

“I know who you are,” the boy said coolly. “There’s no point in beating me up, or whatever you plan on doing. I don’t care, I just wanted to see if it was the people that the Government’s looking for so much in the first place. It is.

“I’m not scared to give you my name, if you’re so worried,” he continued. “I’m – ”

20: Onward

So, thank you for bearing with my really boring story for so long! >.< Twenty chapters covered… Hopefully, the next chapters will make your Logan Manchester experience more exciting, but I have to bring up some more characters before I can begin the really intense stuff. 

Casper was slumped in his seat, and when Logan looked over at him, he could see his eyes were barely open. The car drifted to the side of the road, and right before it went in the ditch, Casper’s eyes widened and he swerved back to the centre of the road.

“You need some sleep,” Ji-Ji scolded him.

“We’re almost there,” he said, cross. “Kyun’s forty-five minutes away! I don’t need to rest. Just be quiet for a bit, alright?”

Ji-Ji relaxed into the backseat, squished to the side by her snoring friends. Logan sat in the passenger’s seat, at the front, and leaned his head back. Light was dwindling, and large clouds were building. Logan wondered whether it was storm tonight.

The trip had gone relatively well. They’d been driving for three days, but Casper, the only one who knew how to drive, had only slept once, insisting that they needed to continue. “Once we get to Kyun, we’ll be well hidden. It’s a massive place, trust me,” he’d kept saying. “Bigger than Andersbad, Menoa, and Fonds combined,” he’d added, naming some of the most well-known, biggest cities.

They had been driving through suburbs for days. It was the American dream – large lots with massive backyards where any Webber barbeque could fit, and picnic tables adorned with checkered tablecloths, and lots of children laughing and playing, never seeming to get dirty, and proper, sweet wives welcoming their hardworking husbands home after a hard day of work at the law firm, or business headquarters. At least, that’s what Logan’s metaphysical speculations of the suburbs here was.

But when they reached Kyun, it was nothing like anything any of them had imagined. A low, white wall rang it, and a short line of cars trailed through on of the large gates that obstructed the divider. When Casper drove close enough to see, they could see many different sectors – the clean, tall, glassy reflections from numerous sky rises, and off to the side, what looked like a residential area. The city was either sleek, and clean, or filled with green – trees, parks, or gardens. Therefore, the prevailing colours were white stucco, leafy green, and a gleaming glassy blue.

Carter managed to get them through the gate with limited issue, and they were soon driving down the streets of Kyun. Yet, though they were in the harbour city, they could not hear the lapping of water, nor did it tint the smell air. Logan marvelled – the city must be massive, and they must be many kilometres from the shoreline still.

They drove block past block. There were so many different sectors, with so many different themes and cultures; Logan could hardly take anything in. But Casper seemed to know where to go. Soon, they pulled up in front of a small brown building. Its half-working neon sign read “The Lotus Hotel”.

Casper went inside and booked a room. He’s good at this sort of stuff, Logan realised. He can manipulate people to make everything look totally normal, and if not that, then totally insignificant. When everything was set, the Quad Squad and Casper went upstairs, and tumbled into their room. People just slept all over the place; Ji-Ji, Flo P, and Casper on the beds, Logan on the couch, and Saraha decided to lie down and fall asleep on the floor.

The next day, they went out on an expedition through Kyun. It’s either a sprawling metropolis, or peaceful neighbourhoods, but one time, Logan noticed the bus they were taking drove through something that could only be described as a slum. However, everything about Kyun was glorious, and even the dirty hovels looked fantastic. What it would be if he could live in Kyun for the rest of his life! Logan thought. Commander Brack would never find them here. It was the world’s largest city, but in that way, one of the least secure. If Logan had thought Andersbad was massive and safe, then he could only imagine what Kyun was like. And if he lived here, Logan knew he’d never ever be bored again in his life.

But it was when they were in the Japanese part of town that Flo P came running back to the group. She’d been looking for a sushi bar while the rest of the group was trying sweet pickles at a stand, and she rushed up to them, her cheeks pink from running. She grasped a paper in her right hand, and as she skidded to a halt in front of them, Ji-Ji took it immediately out of her hand.

Ji-Ji turned to her usual calculating and severe self, reading the paper quietly to the group while they hunched in a corner of an alley. “Have you seen these children? Runaways and terrorists harbouring dangerous information are wanted by the Special Defence and Reorganization Unit. Please report to local authorities upon sighting immediately.”

The poster showed a picture of Logan, Flo P, Ji-Ji, and Saraha’s faces, all looking relatively normal. With a shock, Logan realised that the Government must have obtained these from their parents! Casper was not yet listed, but it would be hours until someone realised he was travelling with them, if no one had realised already.

Logan swallowed a clenching feeling in his stomach. The name “Special Defence and Reorganization Unit” bode no good, and he shuddered to think what their job in the Government was.

“Shart, shart, shart,” Saraha said, running her hands through her hair. “This is not good!”

Flo P snorted. “Are you kidding me? It’s like the Wild West. They have Wanted posters of us!”

“We can’t stay here long,” Logan said firmly, and Ji-Ji nodded in agreement, veto-ing his decision. “We’ll have to keep moving soon. I’m sorry, and as much as I like Kyun – ” he addressed Casper directly, now “ – we can’t stay here any longer. It’d be dangerous. I hope you guys agree with me. A week at the most. We’ve got to start planning every move we make.”

“Let’s gather the supplies we need and make it back to the hotel. We want to keep as low a profile as possible,” Ji-Ji directed them.

They jumped like soldiers, and went about their tasks. Logan’s feeling of safety was gone. What is this world? He wondered. Is everyone out to get me?

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? WHAT WILL THE QUAD SQUAD’S NEXT MOVE BE? READ NEXT WEEK IN “THE SHADOW BOY”!

19: Spur on the Horse

“What the flack are you suggesting?” said Flo P incredulously.

“You want us to leave?” Logan murmured.

Casper looked at them, exasperated. “What’s wrong with you guys? Can’t you understand?”

Saraha sniffed pompously. “I don’t think you can boss us around, Casper Skylark. You’re a simple kid who grew up in the country. You’ve no idea what we’re up against.”

“You have no idea what we’re up against and what we’re trying to save,” added Flo P assertively.

“What’s that, then?” Casper asked the group.

All four threw each other shifty glances. “Something we can’t tell you…” Ji-Ji trailed off.

Casper rolled his eyes. “Fine, then, don’t tell me, but you can’t stay here anymore. I can’t stay here. I dunno what you’re all running away from, but it’s something serious. I’ve seen your faces in the papers! There’s a poster in the community centre with a ‘HAVE YOU SEEN THESE CHILDREN?’ heading! People have asked after you! Why didn’t I tell you? So I wouldn’t scare you all shartless.

“And now that McGregor knows who you are, it’s a matter of time before he tells the authorities and then pieces together that we’re hiding here. Now shut up, and get packing.”

Logan opened his mouth, and shut it again. Casper did have a point. He was smart. They’d lingered here long enough. It was time to spur on the horse and get moving. So he stooped down, and scattered the fire pit. He rolled up a couple sleeping bags, and tied them together.

He was vaguely aware that Ji-Ji began to help him, heeding Casper’s words. But when he stood up again, he saw Flo P and Saraha standing there, looking at him. Well, not so much Flo P; she could see where the directional mindset of the group was going, and she was making to help clear the camp.

But Saraha looked defiant. “What the flack? You’re taking this guava’s word? I understand we have to leave, all right, but you’re going to listen to… to that and then jump to his every bidding? Ninnies.” She crossed her arms and stomped her foot, but after a minute, she went to help the others.

Casper cocked an eye at them all. He stood watching the Squad Quad for a moment, and they were all awkwardly aware of it—they tried to block it out, as his character had elastically snapped from a free-thinking Snuggle Boy to a commanding smartass who thought he knew real danger. But then he made to leave, and said,

“I’m going to go get some stuff for myself. I’ll meet you at the north-eastern side of the woods by nightfall.” Then he left.

Logan eyed them all. Ji-Ji was systematically packing, fitting everything perfectly into her backpack—in a way that could make anyone jealous—and Flo P was trying to with more stuffing and shoving. The clothes and equipment started off nicely folded, but they advanced into ball of fabric. Saraha was still fuming, but she had a certain docility with her packing, like she’d expected it all along. Logan looked at his own backpack, everything coming out of pockets, the zippers bursting at the seams; a real display of higgledy-piggledy.

When they finished, they group made sure the camp looked normal again. They took damp winter leaves and spread them about, and then Logan measured his compass, and led them northeast.

The walk was longer and harder going than they thought, as the forest grew thicker. Unconsciously, all four of the friends tried not to make any sounds, and carefully stepped over sticks, leaves, and other forest grub. It was like Casper was behind them, telling them to be quiet, telling them danger was everywhere. I know that, though, Logan thought furiously. I know what danger is, too.

When they made it to the fringes of Thorn Forest, the sun was just dipping behind the horizon. It was only half an hour later, when darkness was settling in, and the sounds of night creatures were heard from the confines of the wood, that there was the puttering of an engine.

Casper emerged from view in his red Alfa Romeo. When Logan was able to rip his eyes off the car, which was much older than any other he’d ever seen, and ran on gas—a material impossible for a normal citizen to buy or bribe—he saw that Casper looked stressed and pissed.

“Get in the car,” he said, pulling off the side of the dirt road.

When they’d begun driving down a bumpy dirt road, Logan tempted a question that even Ji-Ji hadn’t wanted to ask; “Casper, where is it exactly that we’re going?”

“Far away,” said Casper. “To Kyun.”

18: Thievery is my Only Alibi

Alright, fellows, we’re getting this boring, mundane story moving along. Hopefully.

“It could be dangerous,” Ji-Ji said sceptically. “We don’t know what we’re getting into, and neither do you. Why, anyway?”

“Don’t be such a party-cruncher. It’ll be fun. C’mon, Ji-Ji! Flo P wants to, don’t you, Flo P?” Saraha flashed a grin in her friend’s direction.

“Err, sure. It’s better than rotting in this hellhole. What do you say, Lo?” Flo P turned to Logan.

Even though she was just asking his opinion of something, Logan felt his heart flutter, but he subdued it. If he let that get to his head, he would start blushing, and when he started, he would never stop. “I – uh – If you want to,” Logan stuttered.

Casper looked at Ji-Ji, and smirked. “Everyone says yes. You’re not scared, are you?” She bristled, ready to defend herself.

“Oh, please,” Saraha said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be lecherous.”

“Lechers are banned from this camp,” Flo P informed Casper. “So if you want to be lascivious, please leave.”

Logan giggled impishly in the background.

Next thing Logan knew, his stomach was doing flip-flops. He wished he had a toilet to run to, and he felt jittery all over. “G – guys,” he whispered, his voice shaking.

Instead of Saraha, who usually mentally and verbally abused him, Flo P turned to him. “You’re not frightened, are you? Honestly, this isn’t that scary,” she said, eyeing him.

“N – No,” he replied, and swallowed his plea to go back to camp.

Life seemed surreal, now that Logan thought of it. Back at home, Flo P stuck up for him, cared, dismissed his cowardliness, and told others not to bully him over it. But in a few short months, that had all changed. They had become hardened warriors, and left Logan behind. Thinking this, Logan was sad. After all, the only courage he showed was sporadic and came from unknown places. He supposed even the most lily-livered person showed these symptoms once in a while.

“Go!” cried Ji-Ji, positioned by the bush. She silently jumped up, her curtain of black hair swinging behind her, and ran for the big red barn that was McGregor’s. Saraha and Flo P followed close behind, Logan spluttering to keep up in the background.

It was never his idea in the first place, to go steal food and supplies from McGregor. Actually, it was Saraha’s, and at first, no one had taken her seriously. But she’d persuaded them all eventually. Logan had only agreed because it would make Flo P happy, but he was seriously contemplating on withdrawing his vote. Now that he looked the cobra between the eyes, the benefits were totally dwarfed by the risks.

“Logan, what are you doing? Stand watch by the door!” Ji-Ji hissed.

Logan started abruptly, realising that he was staring off into the distance. “Yes!” he squeaked, and jumping in front of the big red doors. He peered around, but the farm seemed still and silent. A large farmhouse, shabby and peeling, stood off to the right, and various farming equipment, broken or in use, littered the yard. All around stretched either woods or, in most cases, farmland.

There was one thing the Quad Squad underestimated, however: McGregor, as neurotic as he seemed, was not stupid. In fact, he was quite cunning. He’d grown up on this land and fought against his belligerent younger brother for it, and won. He knew when something was amiss.

Meanwhile, Saraha, Flo P, and Ji-Ji were stuffing apples, carrots, rope, canvas sheets, and anything else of use into old sacks. McGregor’s farm was like a goldmine.

BAM! The massive door, which Logan had been guarding, closed with such a force that the beams of the ceiling vibrated. A light dust fell down on the four, and somewhere high above, a pigeon squawked indignantly.

“What the hell was that?” Ji-Ji said slowly and quietly.

From outside the door, a maniacal shriek sounded. “I WILL NOT HAVE THEIVES ON MY PROPERTY! HOSTAGES! STOWAWAYS! STEALING WITHOUT RIGHT! ON THE RUN FROM THE GOVERNMENT NO LESS! WE’LL SET THIS STRAIGHT… THOUGHT I WOULDN’T RECOGNIZE YOU, EH? WELL, THAT’S ABOUT TO CHANGE!”

There was the sound of a tractor starting up, and then a great tide pushed against the barn door, and then all was eerily still.

Saraha, Ji-Ji, and Flo P ran up to Logan, who was standing rigidly by the door. “What did you do?” Flo P cried, half-sobbing. “How did he find us? Logan, you were supposed to keep watch!”

Logan opened and closed his mouth, like a fish out of water. “I – I didn’t mean to – I – ”

Saraha calmly sniffed. “Well, it’s obvious who can’t be trusted.”

For some reason, this stung Logan like a million bees. He couldn’t be trusted? Was she serious? If it wasn’t for him, they’d never have gotten their behinds out of hometown and the Walrus Document would have been seized. If any of them, he was fighting for this cause hardest of all.

“He’s walking to the house. D’you reckon he’s going to call the police?” Flo P whispered, looking through a crack in the wooden planks of the wall.

“Of course.” For once, Ji-Ji had lost her calm composure. Her hair looked a bit frazzled, not like its normal, shiny leaf of black.

“Shart,” said Saraha. “We’ll get handed in. Great. Okay. Fine then.” She muttered to herself, and began to pace about. Flo P was still staring through the wall, while Ji-Ji was running her hands through her hair, obviously deep in thought.

But Logan stood in the centre of the room, totally still. Was it his fault? Of course. He could blame no one else.

It the door to the farmhouse slamming shut that knocked them out of their stupors. When they heard the sound of muttering, they knew that McGregor was right next to the door of the barn, and this terrified the four. What was he going to do, guard them until the police came? Or would he decide to kill them, and set the barn ablaze?

“You will get your comeuppance,” McGregor said in his grainy voice. “You brats have stolen and ruined everything, and I – ”

“Shut up, old man,” said a voice, and Ji-Ji let out a happy little squeak.

“What are you doing here, Skylark boy?” McGregor coughed, surprised.

A loud ring, like a metal pan being hit against a head, resounded throughout the farm, and soon the tractor started up. The weight on the door was released, and soon Flo P and Logan were able to force it open. While they stood blinking in the sunlight (the barn had been very dark and musty), Ji-Ji ran over to the tractor, and flung her arms around the boy that stepped out of it.

“Casper! Oh my god, how did you know we were in trouble?”

“I have my sources,” he said calmly. “But we need to get out of here, NOW. You can’t stay in Thorn Valley anymore.”

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE QUAD SQUAD NEXT WEDNESDAY IN “SPUR ON THE HORSE”?