Dead Zones

Terence unclips the paper from his clipboard.

Have you made a paper boat before? asks Little Mystic.

I made a paper hat once, says Terence.

They're pretty much the same, says Roo-kai.

Terence starts folding, but encounters a problem.

We've got a problem, says Terence.

I know, says Roo-kai. The picture of the wonky fish-blob and bone arrow is on the inside.

The skates won't be able to see it! says Little Mystic.

Unless they destroy it, says Terence.

It's easy to fix, says Roo-kai. Unfold it and turn it over.

Terence doesn't think that will help. 

But he unfolds it, turns it over, and starts folding again.

Soon he has a paper boat with illustrations on the outside.

You were right! says Terence.

Thank you, says Roo-kai. We parrots are useful for something.

We've still got a problem, says Little Mystic.

What? asks Terence.

The skates will be underneath, looking up, says Little Mystic.

Terence holds his paper boat up. 

Little Mystic is right.

The bottom of the paper boat is hollow, like a hat.

I know! says Terence.

Yes? says Roo-kai.

We'll float it upside down, says Terence.

They are already at the edge of the water.

Terence moves forward, holding his boat upside down.

Careful! says Roo-kai.

I'm always careful, says Terence.

He places the paper boat on the water, where it sits like an upside down hat.

Push it out, says Little Mystic.

You do it, says Terence.

No, I'll do it, says Roo-kai. My beak is longer.

Not too far, says Terence. Or we won't see the skates when they come up to look at it.

Roo-kai shoves the boat out into the water. Not too far.

Its paper sails point downwards.

Along comes a baby maugean skate, bored as usual.

Why did they have to release him and his fellow babies in this shithole?

Full of salmon poo, rotten fish food, and dead zones.

He rolls his eyes, and ooh! spies something pointy.