Malia didn’t like Max’s words, at all. “Well, we all knew about the Runner attacks. A group went out there a few days ago, one was left alive but, I didn’t know they took someone with them. Runners keep secrets, torture or no torture, all we can do is hope that this one keeps theirs.” She paced a bit, running a hand down her face as she thought, stopping in front of Max. “Okay, Max, I know that I’ve told you this before, and you kept your word but you’ve got to keep the Runners a secret, even more so now than before. We can’t have others knowing the chapter locations.”<br/><br/>Malia saw Carson shudder out of the corner of her eye, and her attention immediately flickered to him. Seeing his fearful expression she put her hand on his arm, steadying him as she waited for an explanation. Keeping her hand on his bicep, she nodded. “Okay, I’ll have Luke meet with the true Lead of the Runners, and we will get a couple of small groups together to find Striders. We’re going to need to carry your word, though, so these Striders know to trust us.” She turned to Max. “Can you do us a favor? Please,” She dug out a small pin, similar to the one that Oliver had given to her, only this one had her name carved on the back. Along with this pin, she held a small knife. She handed these both to Max. “Can you take these to Aurora? It’s not far, but we are about to have to spread our forces thin. Ask for someone named River Williams. He’s my age, he’s got dark hair, he’s impossible to mistake. He’s the Lead there, tell him I sent you and let him know what we’re doing here—gathering up Striders. If I’ve ever asked you for anything, which I haven’t, this matters the most. You can keep the knife, and the pin if you want it, it’ll get you a pretty penny.”<br/><br/>She looked back to Carson, her hand falling from his arm. “We need to go tonight, then. I’ll get the Runners set but... we’ve got absolutely no time to waste. We have to get to Central, now.”