"Thomas has his rifle.  If they've spotted the raft we can try to engage them.  Those helo's are fairly delicate at this tech level."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 442):

"The bubbles should be fairly delicate, too.  Make the pilot go away.  Let's get to work."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 443):

"I suppose any raft would be too big to work on under the cover of the trees, then move it to the river when we're done?"

OOC: Do you guys have any particular idea what you want the raft to look like?

No, but a raft is a raft, somewhat large for everyone to be on.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 445):

"We should be able to do it under the bridge, however.  Cooler, and a little less visible from the sky."

Ken looked about at the situation.  "Under the bridge is best.  Our progress will be hidden and hopefully camouflaged by the other piles of wood and such.  We'll need to make it large enough to carry at least a couple of people on it safely and just make a couple of trips."  He headed down to the river side.  "Let's select the timbers we need and get started."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 447):

Under the bridge was a bit of a no-go as the abutments went down straight into the water. The air already was a little cool (and thin) so overheating wasn't a factor.

There was enough timber easily available to make a raft large enough to carry them all, or anything smaller.

OK: Please state how large the raft is going to be, that is, how many people it can carry. That will determine the difficulty. You have 7 to get across, plus gear. And please, do not just post an OOC answer! Try to make an actual post out of it.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 447):

Neva watched and listened as the guys talked about how to get across.  "Are you planning on making two rafts or what?  We have all the equipment that needs to go but I wouldn't be comfortable in putting all our stuff in one basket so to speak."

Ollie looks at the pile of timber that they have gathered.

"I think a four person raft would work best. That would mean three trips across the river without it being too big and unmanageable."

"If we have a line which is long enough, those on the shore can help pull it across. We would need to pole it across the first time, but after that the poling would mostly be for steering."

Devides our forces, but can be build quicker. 

Ken nodded at Ollie's suggestion.  "I agree Ollie.  Ken, Blake, do either of you know much about organizing something like this?  I have to admit I've never done such."

Essentially, Blake's idea would be to lay the logs side-by-side, loop the rope over one, then under the next - doing the opposite on the return pass - but also winding the rope around the already there rope (then over or under the next log).  Each log is individually secured. Keep it tight.

Would be nice to have a fusion gun to melt it together ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 453):

Sophonts have been building rafts since time immemorial. Plus, Thomas had experience, they had materials and cord to bind it all together. The raft didn't take long to build, in fact they probably could have made it big enough for all of them without too much more effort. It ended up being big enough that two trips alone would suffice for all their gear and people. But it all seemed to come together solidly enough. Within a half hour they were done.

They pushed off for the other side. Using branches trimmed by their machetes to be flat and wide on the and they started paddling across. The first trip was a success and took about fifteen minutes each way. The second trip was also without incident and took about ten minutes with the help of the rope they strung across. In about forty-five minutes, give or take, they were all across and dry. The raft was on the bank, tied off to the cord.

Un-do the raft, heave some into the water, carry the others along a bit, placing them in likely 'downed' locations.  Cover the tracks ...  Head for cover.

Ken directed the rest of the party to the cover of the forest on this side as he joined Blake in the disassembly of the raft.  "Thomas, can you scout ahead for a likely route on this side of the river?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 456):

"Got it."  Walker moved to the treeline and moved downstream a little bit.  Not so far that he couldn't be back with the others in a few seconds."

With a nod to Thomas and a glance at the sky, Ken began to chop at the rope they had so carefully wound around the logs.

Blake lends a hand with the dismantling.  Rope pieces can go behind a convenient rockpile or bushes.  Push some logs out, 2 man carry the others, cover the tracks ...  Those MRE meals are going to be real tasty later after this workout ...

Neva takes watch while the guys dismantle the rafts.  It sounds so simple when it's stripped down to basics...put together raft, cross, dismantle, cover tracks.  Yet it was never as simple as it seemed.  They had been lucky so far on this part.  Perhaps they will continue to be lucky.

Neva - you are the Good Luck charm ...  Keep a sharp eye peeled.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 461):

Once Walker had found a spot secure from overhead observation, he quickly dug his binoculars out of his backpack, and used them to see if he could find a safer place to cross the river.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 462):

The raft was dismantled and what cord could be salvaged was wrapped up. Unless someone landed and examined the pieces it plausibly looked like most other debris on the river.

Thomas was unable to see a safer crossing place from where he was located. Perhaps by getting up on the remains of the plascrete bridge causeway he could get a better view?

No matter, they were across. All that remained was to continue their journey overland to the proposed RV point.

Once we find a good hiding spot, take 10, water break, munchies, check the inertial locator and re-orient ourselves for the next 'walking' session.  Time check - how soon to night ??

Neva kept her eyes sharp and on the look out but she did chuckle at Blakes statement.  "You know I used to say that about a rabbit I had.  I figured if one rabbit's foot was lucky than four had to be extra lucky.  Just don't ask me what happened to the rabbit."

The group disposed of their raft, then took a short break. They had exerted themselves getting across and it was worthwhile to catch their breath. All the while they feared the sound of another air patrol. But nothing disturbed the peace and quiet. Eventually, they were on their way.

After about a half hour they were in the foothills of the river valley. Another hour and they would be at the RV point. Assuming their signal had been heard and decoded by the correct people! The skies had clouded over and it grew noticeably cooler.

In the distance behind them they could hear a rumble of thunder. It lasted for a few minutes. As they were among the hills now and the ground was higher it was tougher to determine how far away and what direction the rumbling came from. The clouds to the southeast got darker and darker, indicating a storm.

Soon enough, they made the RV point. The light was starting to fade as they sun set behind the mountains.