Blackout World Chapter 4

It wasn’t quite dark out when we left, because we had no light source. It was extremely easy to sneak back to the crash site. We followed the Elevation Strip until we could see the wrecks. It got a bit harder from there. We waited for darkness to fall completely, and then snuck closer. Apparently, no one had thought that there might be any Un-Tames out there, so everyone was in the Transport Units asleep. We decided to head for the less damaged Unit, because its inhabitants were less likely to have needed emergency supplies. I am very thankful that we had extremely good luck for the beginning of our adventure, even if it did change for the worse later.
We were able to open the door to the Unit without making any noise, and we entered. D found the cabinet with the supplies, and he took one container. L was next, and his retrieval was uneventful. I reached up for a set of cutters and binders. However, it was slightly too high for me, and it slipped coming down. It hit the metal floor of the Unit with a loud clang. I almost froze up, but managed to grab the set and sprint away. We heard the Firsts and Seconds stirring, and knew that they would soon realize what had happened.
We took off for the Reserve at top speed before D pointed out our mistake. “They are already chasing us,” he whispered as loudly as he dared, “we cannot lead them to the Reserve, or they will catch us!”
I have always admired D’s cool in that sort of situation.
“Fine,” I whispered back. “Let’s circle around to the west, meet the track, and continue south a ways.”
We turned away from the track and circled around the crash site. We then waited for everyone to calm down. Fortunately, our pursuers had seen us turn, but hadn’t been able to catch us. After about 3B, we headed back for the crash site. There were now a few people standing watch. It was just possible that we could sneak past them.
We set off, one by one. L got across easily-he had always been the best at physical activities-and D got halfway through when he slipped on the strip and fell. The watchers looked around, but D had already crawled to safety. Yet again, I was the last one. I crouched past one of the Units. There was a slight gap between the two units through which those on lookout duty could see. I peered through the gap and saw them talking to each other. This was my chance. I dove across the gap and rolled past the next Unit. I made it, and just in time. One of the watchmen-actually a watchwoman: the Female Second-strode over to where I had just been standing. We crept back to the Reserve with our much-needed materials. We had not taken any food because those at the crash site needed it, and we had found fruit among the trees and plants.
Once we returned, we cleared a space and went to sleep. In the morning, we got to work immediately. There was no time to waste. D was as good with the tools and plans as with a computer. About halfway through the day, we were finished. D handed us each what he called a “paddle” and told us to get in the boat. He pushed us into the water, and then jumped into the boat. We began to paddle with all our strength. When we finally hit land, however, it wasn’t on the island. In fact, it was only about 35 away from our starting point. D got out and sat down on the sand. “I can’t believe this. What did I do wrong?”
We proceeded to examine the boat and compare it to the plans. We found only minor differences, and those couldn’t be helped. They weren’t enough to make the boat go in a circle.
“Of course,” shouted D. “There is no problem with the boat. It is with the steering.” He then explained how to steer, and that too much paddling on one side of the boat would turn us. We launched the boat again and set off with new hope. After about 8C, we landed again. This time we were on the island. This was where we were going to save the world.