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“Why aren’t you looking at the map?”

“I memorized the path while you were in the shower this morning,” she said. “I might not be able to read the signs, but I know what the symbols look like. It shouldn’t be too much further.”

Ahead, a small rest area overlooked the valley below. Trees littered the landscape, painting it with burnt orange, browns, yellows, and vibrant reds, different from Earth and from Eoris, but beautiful nonetheless. “I didn’t realize we were gaining in elevation,” Maklr said. “It’s an easy slope.”

“A bit farther.” Nell sped up. “Come on slowpoke. We’re almost there.”

“We’re at the summit,” Maklr said.

“Have you guessed my plan yet?”

Small air shuttles designed for two passengers arrived and departed at regular intervals from a launch pad a short walk from the tourist look-out point.

“I thought we could see the valley,” she said.

Now mid-morning, a long line packed with Klagans, humans and other species Nell couldn’t name, stood waiting for their turn on one of the conveyances. Maklr pointed to the sign. “It says to expect each ride to last about two hours.” He walked behind the last couple in line. “We’ll probably be here waiting for our turn for a while,” he said.

“Maybe we can do that another day,” Nell said.

“Do you want to walk back?”

“Oh, that wasn’t how I planned on getting down.”

Maklr scrunched his face. “I’m not sure I follow. Is this female logic?”

Nell laughed. “Not quite. Come on, follow me.” She headed past the kiosk to a platform. “Today we’re going zip lining.”

“Good morning. I placed a reservation for two for zip lining,” Nell said to the employee at the kiosk.

“Zip lining?” Maklr asked loudly.

“I’ve always wanted to try.”

“Nell, is this a good idea?” he asked. “I’m concerned.”

“I think so. It’s taking my destiny into my own hands.”

The employee handed Nell two bracelets with a code on them. “They’ll scan your bracelet, strap you into the harness, give you a helmet, and send you off. There are places where you will slow down to take in the sights of the valley. Multiple landing platforms at different altitudes if you get nervous or feel motion sick.”

Maklr gulped. “Oh. Nell, are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” They walked to the wooden platform where a young male Klagan employee strapped Maklr into the harness.

“Sir, your hair will be squished with our helmets. You sport an unusual hairstyle,” the employee said.

“I know, and I don’t mind. It keeps my hair out of my way while I’m working. I’ve found it to be the most sanitary.” Maklrsettled the helmet over his mohawk and the employee latched the spacer around his horns.

“How’s the fit?”

“Comfortable,” Maklr responded.

“You’re next,” the employee said to Nell.

“I’ll get myself in, thank you.”

“I have to help.”

Nell stepped into the harness and pulled it up between her legs and around her lower back. The employee reached to buckle it around her waist. Nell jumped back. “No, you can’t.”