“Each vehicle has limited fuel,” Photonic continues dramatically. “Run dry before the finish line and you’re eliminated!”
Bron whistles.
“Well,” he says. “That’s comforting.”
I fold my arms and examine the map carefully.
Three major routes stand out immediately.
The ridge path is short but steep. The basin route is long but smooth. The canyon corridor is narrow and brutal but efficient if handled correctly.
Bron watches my expression.
“You’ve got that strategy face again,” he remarks.
“I’m thinking.”
“That’s always dangerous.”
I point toward the map.
“If you take the ridge climb, you’ll burn too much fuel.”
“It’s faster.”
“You’ll stall before the halfway point.”
He tilts his head, studying me.
“You always this bossy?”
“Yes.”
“Fair enough.”
He climbs into the driver’s seat.
I slide into the navigation chair beside him as the vehicle begins vibrating with power.
“Ready?” he asks.
“No.”
“Great.”
The starting horn explodes.
Vehicles surge forward in a roaring cloud of dust.
Bron slams the accelerator immediately, launching us ahead of half the field in seconds.
“Bron!” I shout.
“What?”
“You’re burning fuel!”
“Winning early!”
