Cronk, Zephyr, Talwyn and Clank all awoke early that morning and piled into the Markazian's little ship. As they set course for Magnus Clank was more exhausted now than he was before he went to bed. All night his mind had been plagued with worries and doubts. He kept telling himself that Ratchet was alive, but a small nagging feeling in his robotic brain told him their efforts were fruitless. Clank could tell the others feared the worst as well as they all seemed tense and on edge. On what felt like the longest ride of his life the ship finally touched down on the planet and the group hopped out.
Tawlyn inspected some holographic charts and guides Aphelion had supplied before their departure.
"This is the approximate location the smuggler was last seen." She said studying the holograms.
Clank looked around and surveyed the landscape. It seemed that they were in some abandoned town. The buildings around them looked dishevelled and decrepit, as many were crumbling to bits and forestry had taken over much of the once pristine city. The whole place only made him more concerned for Ratchet's safety and he shuddered slightly.
"I think it's best if we split up," Talwyn explained putting her device away. "Cronk, Zephyr, you take the western half of the city while Clank and I will take the eastern half. Radio us in if you have any problems."
"Will do Miss Apogee." Cronk replied giving a small salute.
Tawyln handed each of them a blaster saying if anything went wrong to be prepared. She took a gun for herself shakily and sighed trying to calm herself. She would get that smuggler and make him pay for whatever he did to Ratchet. Finally she parted ways and went with Clank into the decimated town.
The little robot and the Markazian walked for hours through the forested area. They left no stone unturned as they peered into every house, checked behind every tree and walked down every street. By late afternoon they felt hopeless and on edge. Talwyn seemed to turn at every noise they heard and jump from the faintest movements. Talwyns anxiety only further increased Clank's own hopelessness as they hadn't made any progress since they arrived.
A large squawk was heard and it made the two of them jump. Tawlyn had her head turned toward the noise as she continued to walk. She didn't see the plant trap in front of her until after she heard Clank's cry of warning.
Yay! More cliffhangers! What's going to happen next? I know, but you don't, hehehe! Anyway, as always enjoy!