“Don’t put it in a tree right near the farm, as it will be noticed. You’ve been in the area too long. Move on,” I warn.
He nods, and the view on the screen changes as he completes the meandering loop back to where we are.
Alisha pulls up the map and hands me the tablet. “Can you mark it up and select the camera locations? And I will sort them out.” She nods at Hugh and Erica. Most of their work will be done by drone, but they are also going to set one up near another tribe further up the coast. They are trying to gather as much information about the tribes as they can.
It seems like spying, but there is no planned attack. They are trying to learn how to survive. I can’t help but wonder if the humans would’ve floundered and died in a generation without us here.
I draw the settlement, sketching in the building, the yards and the bridge. I mark the approximate location of the trail, knowing that we need to be downstream of it. The bridge will mark the difference between drinking water and other uses such as bathing or washing. The camera needs to be on the other side of the river to capture the most river activity. But also not directly in sight of the busiest areas. I mark a potential location, but it will be better to determine the exact location when we’re there.
As for the camera between the ship and the settlement?
I’m not sure; my instinct says not too close to the settlement. Anything too close risks discovery.
Alisha finishes talking with Hugh and Erica. They’re going to remain with the ship while we put up these other two cameras. When we return to the ship, they are going to head out for two days to observe more of the farming and settle their drones.
“Ready?”
I jerk my head in agreement. She studies the map for a couple of heartbeats. “Where is the other one going?”
“That depends on the trails.” I point up the hill, glad that the slight hollow gives the ship a little cover. I still don’t trust the netting.
“Okay…let’s do this near one first so we don’t need to carry so much.”
We pull on our backpacks and each grab a case, which contains the camera and batteries and such, and set off up the hill. At the top of the hill, I glance back.
The hard edges of the ship have been softened by the netting and leaves. If I wasn’t looking for it, I may not have noticed it. However, if I often came here to hunt, then I would be immediately suspicious.
7
ALISHA
I’m sure this continent is warmer than the one we’re on. It doesn’t help that I’m carrying two days’ worth of supplies, and a bloody camera. Hrad has the tent in his bag while I have the med kit.
Considering how anxious he was to fly, he appears calm now, even though we are only two days’ walk away from the settlement. Some people wanted to be closer, but it was deemed too risky.
Hrad walks in silence, but his head moves as if he is drinking everything in. Is he listening for predators or other warriors? Or is he just enjoying being back on the mainland? I open my mouth and shut it again, remembering the warning about talking and the way he talked to me by touching me.
I take a couple of quick steps to catch up, and as if sensing that I need something, he pauses. I read that the Honey can sense all kinds of things, heartbeats and such, with their kam, but I wonder if it also means they are attuned to all changes in a person.
I offer my arm, hoping that he’ll understand. Not sure if this is the correct way to do it, or if I’m being rude. I do rememberto keep my fingers curled into a fist—which makes me feel as though I’m going to punch him, even though to him a fist is a friendly gesture. Hrad touches the back of my hand, his fingers brushing over my skin so softly a shiver runs down my back.
What’s wrong?
Nothing. My lips move as I mouth the word.
He tilts his head, and a frown forms. He doesn’t need to offer any silent words.
It seems stupid that I stopped to speak to him, but since I am here…Are you listening for attack or enjoying being back?
He draws in a breath as if about to speak aloud. Of course he doesn’t.This is not the area I am from. I am not familiar with the animals or the trees. So I am listening and learning what the normal sounds of the forest are.
How will I be able to tell if you sense something?
He gives me a closed-lip smile.I will create a charge.
I’ve watched the warriors fight and train and seen the sparks they can create. Others said how they use the charge to stun their prey and stop hearts. He watches me as if waiting for confirmation that is acceptable.
Place the camera on the next hill?
