Mallo had only been in APX three days when the alliance learned two things: she was the nicest human alive, and she talked more than Bob, Kara, and Funky Lion combined — a scientific impossibility.
She bounced into the APX courtyard with a chicken sandwich, a bag of marshmallows, and enough enthusiasm to power the alliance shields. "HEY GUYS! PERFECT DAY FOR RACING OR ORGANIZING OR BOTH!" Bob, sweeping the same dirt patch again, blinked. "You have… a lot of energy." "Oh yeah! Breakfast. Second breakfast. Marshmallows. Want one?" She offered the bag before he could answer.
Kara stepped out of the war hall, already bracing. "Mallo, please tell me you didn't reorganize the armory." "I DID! Alphabetized! Color-coded! And I found the label maker from the riot!" Kara groaned. Bob whispered, "We don't talk about the riot." Mallo absolutely talked about the riot.
But today she had a mission. "BOB! You're driving!" Bob froze. "Driving what." Mallo jingled keys. "The APX alliance cart! I tuned it up! Added safety flags! Cup holders! And a marshmallow dispenser!" Kara's eyes widened. "You let BOB drive?" "He deserves enrichment!" Mallo said proudly. Bob puffed up. "I DO deserve enrichment."
Minutes later, Bob was behind the wheel, Mallo riding shotgun, narrating every turn like a hyperactive Canadian rally coach. "OKAY GREAT JOB LOVE THE ENERGY MAYBE SLOW DOWN OR DON'T—OH LOOK A CHICKEN SANDWICH STAND—TURN LEFT NO THE OTHER LEFT—" They tore through APX Town, narrowly missing Funky Lion, three crates, and a confused goat.
Kara watched from the steps, arms crossed. Funky Lion joined her. "We stopping this?" Kara sighed. "No. Mallo's too nice. Bob's too excited. And honestly… this is the safest chaos we've had all week." A crash echoed. Mallo's voice followed: "YOU'RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE!" Kara pinched her nose. APX had gained a new member. And lost its brakes.