While he could easily keep up with her if he wanted to Clark had learned long ago that speed wasn't always your friend.  Speed made you noisy, and noise drew IT's attention.    Even though he was sure it wasn't near.  Still he could see that his traveling companion was in a hurry and so he closed the distance.  "Just being cautious," replied Clark.  "How much farther is it to this checkpoint?"<br/><br/>Though it was clear she could take care of herself, Clark felt a natural desire to make sure she got to the safe zone if there really was anyplace that was truely safe these days.