***** Vol.5 Chap.25 Through the stream *****

After the TEVE dropped off Frank and Mayling, it began to dive below the surface. The next stop was the underwater cave where the underground river discharged its water. The compound used the underground water to expel its waste.

The TEVE located the outlet cave with no difficulty at all. As the TEVE began to enter the opening, Kristin noticed that it was a small cavern and was completely flooded. She was just wondering how and where she was going to be dropped off.

Then she noticed that the TEVE continued to negotiate the flooded underground channel. She could tell that they were gradually moving upstream.

“Please lie flat and remain perfectly motionless.” The bubble said.

“How come?”

“We have to reconfigure because there is a very narrow opening in front.” The mechanical voice replied.

“Show me.”

The TEVE became a giant light bulb and she could see that there was a narrow opening in front. From this distance, the opening was too small for anything to pass through.

“You mean that opening in front?”

“Yes.”

“It is too small! How can we fit through?”

“It is big enough.”

“Is there no other way?”

“Yes, there is another way, but it requires a significant detour and a delay of roughly 15 minutes.”

“Take the detour.”

“Are you sure?”

“Where are Frank and Mayling? Are they at the shed yet?”

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“I do not have that information.”

“Never mind, take the detour.”

“As you wish. Please sit back and relax.”

“Go.”

The TEVE switched off the lights and turned around to retrace its steps.

“Can you leave the lights on?”

“As you wish.” The lights come on.

“And switched off the inside light.”

“Of course.”

She was exhilarated. Instead of the dull inside light, she felt like she was now actually piloting the TEVE through the maze. The sight was simply fantastic. In one cavern, she noticed some bottom dwelling creatures.

“Slow down, slow down.”

“As you wish.”

Some of the creatures looked like small crabs. Then she noticed a small school of fish that resembled small catfish with overly long whiskers.

“What are those?” Kristin asked.

“No name has been given to this species yet.”

“Then I will call them Sobinowski fish after myself.”

“As you wish.”

“Do they feed on the plankton in this part of the water?”

“Yes.”

They went further and Kristin noticed the water level began to drop.

“Are we close to sea level?”

“Yes.”

After a few more turns, they arrived at a sandy shore inside a large cavern.

“This is where I will let you out.” A vertical crack began to form on the TEVE wall.

“Is this where you will pick me up?”

“Yes.”

“Just use your communication system and call for the TEVE.”

“What if the communication system is down?”

“Then come to this spot and tap on the water three times.”

“Will do.”

“Good luck to you. Dr. Sobinowski.”

She gathered her stuff together and stepped off the TEVE reluctantly. She would love to ride the TEVE to explore the deep ocean. She would trade her submersible Jennifer for this piece of engineering marvel any time.

I must make time to use this TEVE more often. She told herself as she switched on her flashlight and began her walk following the underground river upstream.

She walked slowly admiring the stalactites and stalagmites. They were simply too gorgeous to pass by without a careful look. After all, they have never been seen nor touched by human hands for centuries.

She wished that she would have her camera with her to take pictures of some of the formations. Many of them were simply outstanding and stupendous. She had to resist the urge to touch them.

Many times, she wanted to get close to observe them in more details. But reminded herself that there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy them later. In the meantime, she has a mission to attend to. She trudged on.

“Kristin, we are inside the shed. Where are you?” A sudden voice sounded in her ear.

She jumped.

“Oh…I…I am fine. You scared me.”

“Sorry, I did not mean to do that.” Frank replied.

“It is okay. The TEVE has just let me off and I am walking upstream. You and May-Ling are at the shed already?”

“Yes, we have not explored the place yet. Just want to let you know where we are.”

“I don’t know how far I have to go yet.”

“Okay. I will check with you later then. Let us know when you arrive at the compound.”

“Will do, Kristin out.”