“Build a fire, make the area safe. There are lots of things here that could kill us, big things, small things.” As if to prove Shen’s point, something buzzed at Tom’s ear and he shooed it away. “And we need to check how much food and water we have.”

“So let’s take a look in the galley.” Shen glanced in Joel’s direction and Tom added, “Unless you want to check with Joel first.”

Shen smiled and shook his head, and they headed to the back of the plane.

CHAPTER 8

Climbing an emergency slide, even from a reduced height, wasn’t quite as easy as sliding down it. Tom went first, and then helped pull Shen up.

Once inside, Shen said, “The slide could come in handy for something else, but we’ll need to make some steps or find a ladder.”

Tom nodded, understanding immediately that the inside of the plane, or all that remained of it, was probably the safest place for them, particularly once it got dark again.

Shen pointed then. “The toilets need electricity to function, but we might be able to adjust them so they’re usable, for a couple of days at least. We don’t want people going outdoors. Urine attracts rodents, rodents attract snakes.” He smiled uncertainly, perhaps afraid he was coming across as a know-it-all.

“It’s great that you know all this stuff. I don’t think we’ve ever spoken before.”

“Well, we have different classes, so…”

There was a hint of nervousness in Shen’s voice, as though he felt he was talking to someone dangerous, so Tom smiled a little and said, “Actually, I don’t really speak to anyone.”

“I know.” Shen smiled too. “You wanted to look in the galley.”

They walked through, checking the food stocks, the water, soft drinks, alcohol. Shen looked at the equipment and the utensils as well, with the air of someone working out what he could salvage, what might be used for other things. When Tom found the emergency and medical kits, Shen was transfixed, looking through the items carefully, showing more interest in the hand pump and the medical supplies than he did in the flare gun or the knives.

They carried out their entire survey in silence, and then finally stood facing each other in the cramped quarters of the galley.