System Failure by I.I Davidson

Author:I.I Davidson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published: 2020-03-20T21:47:22+00:00

“I wish we still had the boat,” groaned John. “We could have stolen it from under Baeker’s and Field’s noses . . .”

“Don’t be silly,” Salome told him. “And stop complaining. It would have been much worse walking if Tiago hadn’t arranged for us to borrow the kayak.”

“Took a bit of persuading,” John reminded her. “He really did not like any talk of the Ma’yaarr Complex, did he?”

“He was just superstitious,” shrugged Eva. “He was talking nonsense.”

“Of course he was,” agreed Salome brightly, although a little tremor of anxiety rippled through her again. Tiago had been downright unnerving, the way he talked about the Center. And the river wasn’t, to be honest, making her feel any better. The water was so still and opaque that it was far too easy to imagine monsters lurking in the depths. Every time she dipped her paddle, Salome expected it to come up with something’s teeth attached to it. The forest canopy almost obliterated the sky over this smaller tributary, and the shadows made the air dark green and dank. The animal noise was constant, and the atmosphere was thick and moist. “How’s your app looking, John? Are we getting close?”

“I really think we are.” John peered at his phone screen. “The signal’s amazing here, by the way. Another indication, I’m guessing. Maybe a mile more?”

“Yep. The closer we get to the Center, the stronger it’ll get.” Salome shrugged and stretched her aching shoulders. “It makes sense.”

“This forest creeps me out,” said Eva. “I hope we get to the Center soon.”

“I know what you mean,” said Salome. “It doesn’t matter how noisy the birds and the cicadas are; it’s too quiet! And the water . . . it’s just so still.”

It was as if she’d triggered a curse with careless words. Around the kayak the water suddenly exploded into churning foam, as if thousands of tiny creatures had sprung to life. Salome could feel the kayak shudder, and she dropped her paddle and clutched the gunwales.

“What the—”

“What are they?” yelled John. He half stood up, then abruptly sat back down.

The kayak was shuddering now, rocked by the thrashing of the mass of fish. Because they had to be fish, didn’t they? Not caimans! thought Salome desperately. Or anacondas . . . surely, they’re too small for that? Surely!

Eva gave a sharp scream as the kayak tilted. “Are they piranhas?”

“Dunno!” John had dropped his paddle too. He peered over the edge of the kayak. “Do piranhas have really red eyes?”

Salome gasped. John was right: the fish’s eyes weren’t just scarlet; they glowed. She was sure they were flinging themselves deliberately against the kayak. They’re trying to capsize us! What kind of fish does that?

“We have to get out of the boat!” she cried.

“And go in the water?” shouted John. “No way!”

The kayak was shuddering violently now; John’s knuckles were white from holding on.

“Yes, stay in the boat,” cried Eva. “So long as we stay here, we’ll be—”

The red glow of the fishes’ eyes intensified, all at once.

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