Rats in the Pipes

33: Breakdown

It took another two hours before we saw the large lagoon and the desalination plant.There was also a small boat made of bundles of reeds tied together. It was drawn up a few paces from the edge of the water. There was no-one in sight. We got out of Mooke and Jan shouted 'anyone there' several times but no-one responded. The silence was only broken by the small sounds the water made as it hit the stones on the edge of the shore. Jan and Sol went to check if there was anyone at the desalination plant. Per had stayed in Mooke since Mik was asleep on his lap. He was trying to open the bottle of water without disturbing Mik. I took it from him and tipped some on to Mik's washcloth. His forehead was clammy and sticky. I wiped his face and his eyes fluttered open then closed again. Per resettled him then peered in the direction Jan and Sol had taken

"Why have they gone to check out the plant? Jan shouted loud enough to wake the dead. If anyone was there they would have come out."

I shrugged "Just to make sure. Jan always checks, double checks and then re-checks everything. I think it's something to do with being an acrobat."

Per sighed "I suppose it makes sense. I'd just like to get to journey's end and get some food down Mik. He's lost a lot of weight. He looks as bad as when we found him."

I considered this "No I don't think he does. Don't worry, the fever isn't that high. He'll be bouncing around again in no time." I smiled and leant my head on Per's other shoulder "I can't believe we made it. Mooke didn't break down on us. We didn't get hopelessly lost or injured or die of thirst. Must be fate." I grinned at him. He raised an eyebrow

"I'd like to point out we aren't actually there yet and anyway it can't be fate you told it to go stick its head down the chutes."

"Whatever" I waved my hand and yawned. "How long are they going to be?" In the event it was only a couple of minutes before they came strolling back and reported that there was no-one in or anywhere near the desalination plant. When Per said that was obvious from where we were sitting Jan merely shrugged and replied that he'd also wanted to see if the plant was in use. It wasn't but it must be the drinking water supply which meant we had to be very near. Per nodded looking slightly embarrassed that he hadn't thought of that.

There was a track leading away from the lagoon. It looked as though it was used regularly. Sol slid in to the drivers seat and Jan flopped down beside her. He waved his arms as if conducting musicians

"Take it away sweetie!" He screamed happily

Per scowled "Keep it down, you'll wake Mik." Jan swivelled round looking contrite

"Sorry. Is he sleeping?" he asked quietly and Per nodded. Jan turned back to Sol who hadn't yet started Mooke up "Sooner we get going sooner we're there. I desperately need a wash not to mention food." he said quietly. She nodded and turned the switch to start Mooke. After several unsuccessful attempts she banged her hand on the lever irritably

"Rat Crap. The bloody thing won't start."

Jan leant over "Are the batteries dead?" She shook her head and muttered something I didn't catch. Whatever it was made Jan laugh and look apologetic. "Just double checking. You know me."

Sol rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately." she said repressively which just made Jan giggle. After a few more unsuccessful goes she leant her head on the steering lever "Why now?" she sighed. Per started laughing

"It's Ben's fault."

I was indignant "No it's not! Making a comment cannot have any causal determinism."

"How do you know that? Since everything is an integral part of the web of cause and effect therefore any action, thought or impulse has the possibility of affecting..."