Not Good for the Mechanism

Not as in "I'm sorry, but now", but as in "I'm sorry, we have no idea what you're talking about." Heated arguments were launched at the Australian embassy as Canadian government officials professed themselves ignorant of Josh's whereabouts, and denying he is anywhere in the country. Their Australian counterparts vigorously denied Canada's claims.

In this case, the Canadian government is not lying. They genuinely don't know where Josh Burbank is, and assume he fled to Europe or South America...if he isn't hiding somewhere in the United States. Besides, this is an issue between the U.S. and Australia, isn't it?

Josh had spent a month in the town of Inuvik, the furthest point north you can get on the Canadian road network without having to use winter roads or exchanging your car for a snowmobile or a boat. He wasn't up to much, just keeping to himself and trying to make ends meet. Josh wanted to reach out to his family, friends and girlfriend, but he couldn't yet take the risk. Who knew which one of his loved ones would sell him out?

However, one weekend, Josh desired a change of scenery. Inuvik was nice, but being close enough to Alaska was also attractive. Maybe Josh could eventually return home via Anchorage when he was ready. Plus he could probably talk his way into a job on the oil fields around Prudhoe Bay.

Early one Saturday morning, Josh loaded up his belongings in a rented SUV and departed from Inuvik. His route would take him out of the Northwest Territories, through the Yukon, and to the international border. Thankfully, Josh had prepared enough in advance to establish a fake identity so as to not arouse suspicion at the port of entry on the Alaska Highway.

Two and a half days after leaving, Josh stood at the world famous truck stop in Coldfoot, Alaska, halfway up the Dalton Highway. This was not a planned stop: he had stopped for gas and a meal, and his rented vehicle chose to conk out at the gas pumps. Two truckers had helped him push the disabled vehicle off to the side. Unfortunately, the local mechanics had all knocked off for the day, and most wouldn't be back at work until early the next morning. Three of them had departed on an emergency call an hour down the Dalton, and there was no telling when they'd be back.

Josh ponders his next move...

1. Go get something to eat, Josh, did you forget?
2. He secures the last available hotel room.
3. Josh decides maybe he should try fixing his SUV himself?
4. Josh wonders if he should hitch a ride up north with a trucker.
5. Suddenly, up to a dozen police cars tear into the truck stop, sirens a blazing. They all get out and draw their weapons at Josh. Looks like he had been found...

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