Starhoppers

28 - Danger Close

We ran for a long while, the calm rustling of leaves overhead quickly overtaking the chaos of the bridge behind us. The peace only worked against my nerves, however, as we tore through the forest along a path undecided.

Ramsey eventually spoke, shattering the tension building between us. "This group loves its running, doesn't it?"

Ezra groaned. "Not now, Ramsey. Please."

"Oh, I'm not complaining. I kinda missed it, actually."

"Come on," Lily sighed. "Grow up. We need to be listening for the parasite."

"What are you so worried about?" Ramsey chuckled. "We have tubby back there blocking the path for us, remember?"

"Shut up," Ellie spat. "Tobias sacrificed himself for us. Could you have done the same?"

Ramsey scoffed. "He wasn't going anywhere, anyway. And why should we be mourning that asshole? He put you, us, in this position in the first place," he said, shoving his finger into Ezra's back. "And you left our only weapon behind with him."

Ezra smacked the pirate's hand away, halting for only a moment to glare at him. "It's better off in his hands. The bridge is a choke-point - he'll slow them down, hopefully long enough for us to lose them," he said, narrowing his eyes. "And keep your hands off of me."

Ramsey rolled his eyes. "And what if you're wrong? There wasn't much fuel left in that thing to begin with. I'm sure they'll get past him any second, if they haven't already."

"Every second counts," Ezra shrugged. "That's why we need to keep moving. They'll be on us in no time if we keep up this pace."

Ellie nodded. "As it stands now, you're slowing us down the most," she said, gesturing towards Ramsey's leg. "Maybe we should split up. Our people move at our pace, and you can stay behind at yours."

Ramsey smiled, amusement in his eyes. "Where's your passion for protecting life now? Or did that die with the hairball?"

Faith groaned at Ramsey's side, smacking the back of his head. "Ramsey, stop it," she pleaded. "Please. We need their help."

Ramsey scoffed as he stared off into the trees. "They'll drag us down to their graves for it, too," he laughed. "And those are looking fairly crowded already."

"What other choice do you have?" Ezra smiled, a tinge of anger slipping into his expression as he turned away. "Go off on your own, I don't care. I'll be the last to stop you."

Ramsey grumbled as I sighed. "Can't we just try to get along for a few hours, please? For Ralph."

Ezra hummed softly, reaching towards the radio at his waist. "Right... thanks for reminding me, kid," he said, lifting the radio to his lips. "You hanging in there, Ralph?"

I frowned, turning to Ellie. Her eyes widened as a second passed, and then another.

"Like a monkey in the jungle, Ez," Ralph replied. "I was starting to worry about you guys."

Ezra smiled. "I gave him Lily's radio before we left," he said. "To reach us once he gets out."

"Everybody doing alright?" Ralph asked.

Ezra winced, his gaze distant. "We're all fine," he lied, turning away.

"That's good. Try to keep it that way."

Ezra nodded, clearing his throat. "I'll keep you posted, Ralph. Once we're far enough away, I'll give you the go-ahead. And if we stop responding..."