Book 4: Chapter 23: The Road to Garack’s Spine
Bob
September 2334
Nirvana River System
We lowered ourselves into the water just after dark, then paddled as quietly as possible out about a third of the width of the river. Since most boats tried for mid-river, it seemed like a good, safe section that would keep us from getting run over. Or spotted. Not that a couple of Quinlans floating quietly with a box would stand out in the dark. Someone would have to be almost on top of us with a lantern to have any hope of seeing us. And as Bridget had discussed, we were unlikely to show up on infrared from above, especially with all the much warmer boats around.
The downside was that we’d have to go with the current. Pushing the box along would make too much noise and would place a strain on the box that might result in a leak. Hugh had placed two of his spiders in the box as early warning systems. The slightest trace of moisture and we’d head for shore.
The trip to Garack would take almost two weeks. We would have to float past the city’s location in the segment, then take a connector tributary around to the Arcadia River and float back in the opposite direction to Garack’s Spine. Meanwhile, the days would be spent on shore, wrapped in tall grass or snuggled under a windfall, if we could find one with no resident badger.
Well, that was the plan anyway. I had no confidence that Murphy would suddenly decide to leave us alone.
The experience was peaceful, mostly. Floating was easy, and we could take turns on watch. But I hadn’t realized how much variation there was in the course that boats took through the river. I guess they were trying to avoid each other. But it turned out mid-river essentially meant the middle half. I found myself having to scull quietly with my tail to move myself away from approaching vessels several times.
I told Hugh about it when he came on watch. “Not a big deal,” he said. “I’m a little surprised that you’re surprised by this. Didn’t you ever do a night watch?”