Many Acquaintances

"Brrrr. This snow is freezing!" Chipper exclaimed as he sank up to his belly in snow. He jumped back and shook snow onto his parents.

"What did you expect?" Aurora laughed.

"You know what I mean," Chipper grumbled. "I'll be lucky if I don't get frostbit."

Balto chuckled lightly as he listened to their discussion. "What are you talking about? That was just a light dusting we got last night."

"Light dusting!" the pup exclaimed.

"So where are we going first?" Dash asked, changing the subject.

"Hopefully someplace warm?" Chipper suggested.

Balto laughed again and nodded. "I figured you could meet Kaltag and Tricksy's family."

Chipper cleared his throat. "Any . . . um . . . surprises?"

Balto stopped and looked at Chipper. "Tricksy is part wolf and looks it too, if that's what you mean."

Chipper winced and took an involuntary step back. "I guess that came out wrong."

He snorted. Like father, like son. "Actually she would probably be flattered if you thought she was a purebred wolf, but that's beside the point. You've got to remember that it isn't easy being a wolf-dog. Most of us are seen as thieves and troublemakers."

"Even you?" Chipper asked tentatively.

Balto nodded. "At one time, yes. Even me."

"You never did tell us the whole story about rescuing the team," Dash said.

A distant look appeared in Balto's eyes as he thought back, and as they walked, Balto told them the story of how he had been banned from running with the team because of Steele, the lead dog. The team became lost, and he went in search of them, only to have to fight Steele to bring the team home. He told of Steele's treachery in destroying the trail markers Balto had left to guide them to Nome. Then he arrived at his favorite part of the story; going over the side of a cliff with the medicine.

"That, my friends, " he said, "was the moment I finally came to terms with who I was. I didn't want to recognize the wolf in myself. It had been nothing but a burden to me up to that point, but then I remembered something that Boris told me . . ."

"Who's Boris?" Aurora asked.

"Huh? Oh, he's a Russian goose. The closest thing I've ever had to a father." Not surprisingly, that earned him some quizzical stares. "Anyway, Boris said 'A dog cannot make this journey alone, but maybe a wolf can.' That was all I needed. I pulled the medicine back up the cliff, and we continued on with our journey." He purposely left out the part about the mysterious white wolf. He still didn't fully understand that, so they probably wouldn't either. "After a few other interruptions along the way . . ."

"Hey, Balto!"

Balto chuckled. "Speaking of interruptions."

How yous doin' dere?" a brown chow-chow asked, walking up to the group.

"Since when did you start hangin' out with tenderfoots?" a small gray husky added.

A larger husky with brown fur around one eye nudged him none to gently "That's tenderfeet. And he started hanging with you after the serum run three years ago."

"Hey!" the smaller husky protested. He shut up when the bigger one raised glared at him.

Balto looked at Aurora, Dash, and Chipper. From the return gazes, he realized that an explanation was probably in order. "Up here, any dog that doesn't run on a team is called a tenderfoot." Turning his attention to his friends, he nodded toward the group. "Nikki, Kaltag, Star, this is Dash, Aurora, and Chipper. These boys were on the sled team that brought the diphtheria medicine to Nome a year ago."

"With Balto dere as lead dog, of course," Nikki added.

Kaltag nodded. "Never was there a more noble, courageous, a more canny, a more modest . . ."

"He got us home easy," Star broke in with a wave of his paw.

"Or would have if someone hadn't sneezed and caused big avalanche," Nikki muttered. Star growled.

The larger husky shrugged. "Now, Nik. Star's right. Balto got us home easy."

"Huh?" Star asked.

Kaltag rolled his eyes. "I said 'Star's right.' Do I have to repeat everything for you?"

"No, it's just . . . I don't get it! You actually agreed with me?"

"So what?" Kaltag asked innocently. "I always agree with you when you're correct."

"Y . . . you never agree with me!"

"Precisely my point," Kaltag replied smoothly.

"Huh?" Star asked. Kaltag's wit apparently went way over his head.

Balto rolled his eyes. "Situation normal."

"They were on the team that saved Nome?" Chipper whispered incredulously to his parents. "That crew would have a hard time finding their way out of a cardboard box, much less finding their way through the wilderness."

Balto looked back in their direction. He certainly had a wolf's sense of hearing. Chipper looked embarrassed, but the wolf-dog broke into a grin. "Half the dogs in Nome think the same as you," Balto said with a wink. Chipper breathed a sigh of relief and turned his attention back to the conversation.

". . . sled team or not, you're still a tenderfoot," Kaltag said.

"Now just a . . ." Star protested.

Balto took this time to step in. He cleared his throat, and both dogs looked at him. "Sorry to interrupt your . . . chat, but I really shouldn't be keeping my guests out in the cold. I was planning on taking them over to meet you and Tricksy," he said to Kaltag.

Kaltag bowed slightly. "My deepest, sincerest apologies. I don't know where my manners are . . ."

"That's 'cause ya don't have none," Star laughed.

Kaltag hit him upside the head. "That's 'any', and I most certainly do." He grinned at the others. "I live just down the road . . ."

Before they could go anywhere, a feminine voice spoke up. "Hey Balto, who're your friends there?"

Balto turned and saw an Afghan hound and a Malamute walking toward them. "Hi Sylvie, Dixie. These are the outlanders that Jenna told you about a few days ago. They're staying with us for a while."

"Any of them . . . available?" Dixie asked slyly, appraising Dash.

Dash was immediately conscious of Aurora staring at him. "Sorry. I'm taken."

"What happened to steady stream of suitors in these parts?" Dixie lamented.

"Sorry, Dix," Kaltag said. "As we say in the racing business, 'You win some, you lose some.'"

"In my case it's more losses."

Chipper noticed that Star was very conspicuously looking anywhere but Dixie's direction. He must like her. He wondered why the husky wasn't trying harder to get her attention. Then again, it wasn't any of his business.

"So what are your names?" Sylvie asked.

"I'm Dash. This is my lovely mate Aurora and our son, Chipper."

"Not to rush things," Balto interrupted, "but again, I shouldn't keep you all out in the snow."

"Of course not," Kaltag said. "As I was saying, I live just down the road, if you'll follow me. Everyone's welcome to come along."

"As much as I'd love to sit around and chitchat, I've got some pressing business at the Boiler Room," Sylvie said. "I've got it from a very reliable source that . . ."

"And I've got to go along to charm the information out of any . . . reluctant sources," Dixie added, giving her most attractive pose. "We can go with you as far as Kaltag's house, though."

As they started walking down the street, Chipper spoke up. "So, how long have Nikki, Kaltag, and Star been together?"

"Ever since I can remember," Balto said.

The pup trotted abreast of Balto. "Do they always fight like that?"

"Who, Kaltag and Star?" Balto shook his head. "They're not really fighting. A fight in these parts can get you killed. The arguing is just how they get along with each other. They're really good friends."

"That's right. I'd never really hurt my pal Star here," Kaltag said from the front of the group, tousling the fur on Star's head.

"'Course not," Star said cheerfully. "I couldn't ask for a more trustworthy, a more chivalrous, a more understanding . . . geeze! I'm even starting to sound like you!"

"Pardon my lack of mirth regarding your sense of humor," Kaltag grumbled. He stopped in front of an average-sized, two story house. "Well, here it is. What do you think?"

"It's lovely," Aurora complimented.

"I'll like it even better if it's warm," Chipper whispered to his parents.

Walking toward the front steps, Kaltag glanced up. "Hey Star."

"Yeah?"

"Stop!"

"Huh?" Star asked, halting under the eaves of the house. Just then, a pile of snow that was hanging precariously over the edge fell off, completely burying the Husky.

Nikki chuckled. "Hey Kaltag, dat was pretty good timing dere. Can I see dat again?"

Star came up sputtering. "That wasn't funny! I . . ." His voice was cut off when more loose snow slid off the roof and submerged him again.

Kaltag snorted. "Catch it that time, Nik?" Dixie and Sylvie began to chuckle as well.

Star surfaced again. "You're a riot, Kaltag, a real riot," he said, shaking the snow out of his fur. He strode away angrily.

"Hey, Star! Come back!" Kaltag called.

"Yeah," Nikki added. "We was only joking with yous."

Star spun around. "Oh yeah? You see this? I'm not laughing." He turned and stormed off.

"Gee," Dixie said. "I wonder what's got him so hot under the collar."

Balto cleared his throat. "I think maybe you took pushed him too far this time."

"It was only a bit of fun," Kaltag argued. "He's never gotten that upset before."

Nikki nodded. "Yeah, we does it all the time. We never mean anything by it."

"I don't know what's eating at him," Kaltag muttered.

"Why, Kaltag," Sylvie said, "I'm surprised you haven't noticed. Star obviously likes somebody."

"Oh?" Dixie asked, her voice betraying her surprise. "Who?"

"Well, I don't have anything substantial as to who, but rumor has it that she lives around Nome."

"But that could be any one of dozens of dogs, Sylvie!" Dixie exclaimed.

"Or twice as many wolves if he goes for the wild type," Kaltag added with a snicker. He cast an apologetic glance at Balto. "No offense intended of course."

"None taken," Balto said with a sly grin. "I'm not the type to hold a grudge."

"Tricksy's hearing about this, isn't she?" Kaltag asked mournfully.

Balto grinned. "Oh yeah, but don't worry. I'm easily bribed."

"You're all heart, Balto."

"Ya know," Nikki began, "I too can be easily persuaded . . ."

"Oh stow it Nikki."

"Well, we'd best be going," Sylvie said. "Wouldn't want to miss out on a hot story."

As the two girls walked away, Nikki looked in the direction Star had taken. "Guess I'd better go talks to him. Yous guys enjoy." He too left.

With one more concerned look where Star had disappeared, Kaltag winked at the others. "Come inside. Wouldn't want any tenderfeet to get frostbit." He chuckled lightly at his own wit as he walked inside, followed closely by the others. Kaltag bowed with a grand, sweeping gesture. "Welcome to my humble abode. Help yourselves to a seat by the fireplace. Hey Trix! Where are you?"

"Kaltag? Is that you?" An attractive lupine dog entered the room. She stepped back in surprise. "Oh! I didn't know we had company." She quickly smoothed her fur.

Kaltag nodded. "Sort of an unexpected surprise for myself as well. Allow me to introduce to you Aurora, Dash, and Chipper. They're new here in Nome."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Tricksy said. In another room, the tinkle of shattering glass was heard, immediately followed by a chorus of "Wasn't me." She sighed as she gave Kaltag an exhausted glance. "I'm glad you're home."

"Long day?" Kaltag asked.

"That is an understatement. Your turn."

"Sure, Trix." He looked at the others as he turned to exit. "Make yourselves comfortable."

"Sounds great," Balto said, walking toward the den.

He hadn't gone more than a couple of steps when Tricksy planted a paw firmly on his chest. "I've been looking for you."

That didn't sound good. "What now?"

"I ran into Kemo yesterday, and after some . . . gentle persuasion, he informed me of what you two discussed at your secret meeting last week."

"Secret meeting?" Chipper asked curiously.

Balto gave him a quick glance before returning his gaze to Tricksy. "Do you mind if we continue this conversation elsewhere? In private?"

Tricksy froze at his unusually severe tone. "Oh. Uh, sure." She led the way to the kitchen, and as soon as the swinging door closed behind them, Tricksy turned and sat down. "You've got some nerve hauling me off like some misbehaving puppy. In front of everyone else, too! That was downright embarrassing! You may be a hero, but I can still take you apart!"

Leave it to Tricksy to get defensive. "You didn't have to bring it up in front of them. Look, Trix, I don't know how they did things at your old village, but here in Nome, there's a thing called tact," Balto growled. "You put me in a very awkward position by just mentioning Kemo. Now what did he tell you?" Balto asked, in a forcibly calmed tone.

Tricksy opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it upon seeing his expression. She looked at the door. "Lighten up! The walls in this house are pretty thin, ya know. He told me that the wolf packs were in trouble, and that some human was responsible for it. Now I want to know why you hadn't told me about it. And why did you drag me out of there just now?"

"I can't afford to have the information getting around. That's why I didn't tell you sooner. And I 'dragged you out of there' because this isn't something we can discuss in front of them."

"I'm not making the connection. Why so secretive?"

Balto drew a deep breath. "Because they're part of the problem."

"Them? Why would the packs hereabouts consider them a threat?"

"It's not them, it's their human. I think he's the one Kemo was worried about. From what I've overheard, their human is supposed to survey the construction site tomorrow, and I intend to shadow him and find out what's going on."

"Good. I'll come with you," Tricksy said, hopping up.

"Oh, no you don't."

She shot him a glare that would melt a glacier. "Why not?"

" I'm trying to keep a low profile there. If I go alone, I have a better chance of remaining unnoticed than if you come with me. Besides, I already know where the site is."

"If you'll remember, I can move quieter than you. Kemo said so. And if you really wanted to tell me those location, you could right now. You just don't trust me." Tricksy raised her nose indignantly.

"That's not it, Trix. It's just that . . ."

"If you did, you'd let me come with you."

With a defeated sigh, Balto bowed his head. "All right, but I'm warning you. Not a word to anyone."


"So did you take care of the pups?" Tricksy asked when she and Balto entered the livingroom

Kaltag nodded, giving her a puzzled stare. "Luckily the only thing broken was that hideous lamp our human's sister gave him."

"He was looking for a way to get rid of it anyway."

"Still, I don't think our pups will forget the rules about breaking stuff very soon."

"I hope you weren't too hard on them," Tricksy said, arching an eyebrow at Balto.

How does she know about that? Sylvie couldn't have heard, so . . . Jenna must have told her. She and Tricksy were pretty close; nothing could involve one without the other hearing about it. With my luck, Sylvie will hear about it and then everyone in Nome will be talking.

"Nah. I just had a talk with them and made them go take another nap. I'd say that was quite adequate." Kaltag winked at Balto. "Piece of cake."

Balto rolled his eyes. "Right. Showoff."

Kaltag laughed and looked at the others. "See? Even heros need a hero. So anyway . . ."

Chuckling, Balto laid down beside the fireplace. As the others talked, he let his mind wander. Everything seemed to be happening at once: wolf problems, puppy problems, Tricksy, guests; there was seemingly no end to his tale of woes. Then his mind drifted back to Aleu. He really wanted to make things up to her. Then an idea hit him. With any luck, Aleu and I'll be back on good terms tomorrow.