Tiet sat upon the grass quietly while Emil watched him, curiously. They had stopped to rest after exiting the drainage conduit on the edge of the city's suburbs. But after an hour here, Tiet had still not said a word. His thoughts appeared so focused that even Emil's voice went unheard.
Then, Tiet suddenly opened his eyes again and stood up.
"I think I've been able to locate him."
Emil was astonished. "Really, where?"
"To the north. It's far from us, probably three days journey on foot and I don't see anyone around here offering us a transport."
"Is he alright?"
"As far as I can perceive. We had better get started."
Tiet reached in his back satchel and pulled out two food bars. He tossed one to Emil as they began a brisk jog.
"Emil, I'm sure you must have noticed the power emanating from that man back there."
"I suppose. It was as though an unseen weight pressed me. How is he able to do such things?"
"I may be wrong, but I believe he must be Barudii."
"But how?"
"I'm not sure how."
"So, what do we do?"
"Nothing. If we can retrieve Kale and get out of here with minimal trouble then I'll be happy. As far as this planet is concerned, he can have it."
"Do you think we can get Kale home safely?"
Tiet looked over at him as they jogged along. "Do you miss him?"
"Kale is my best friend. He always has been and always will be. I only hope that symbyte creature hasn't harmed him."
"So do I," Tiet said. "Kale is very strong willed, but it will be a challenge to fight that thing. I haven't seen anyone, except you, beat its takeover of mind and body."
The pair continued to jog briskly in Kale's perceived direction. They're only hope-to find him alive and well.