41 Looking for the Resistance

41 Looking for the Resistance In hindsight, maybe it was a mistake to let Little-Bit loose with the pencil and the watercolours. Peanut had eventually given in to her sister's pleas to let her draw a simple tent for them to shelter in, mainly because (a) since they had landed, Peanut had been busy rubbing out the hang-gliders, thus removing any evidence of their arrival at the lake, and (b) Rockwell and Doodle were searching the area for Mrs M's Resistance contact. 'I mean, it's very nice,' said Peanut, looking at the tent, 'but are you sure it won't attract any unwanted attention?'

Before Little-Bit could answer, Rockwell appeared from behind one of the ink trees with Doodle snuffling at his heel. Er, what is that?' he said, pointing to the tent. Don't worry. We're deep in the forest. No one will be able to see it. Are you kidding? I reckon it's probably visible from space!' Peanut handed him a freshly drawn cup of tea. 'Did you guys have any luck?' 'Nope.' He took a sip and winced. It tasted of gravy. Look, it's almost dark, and I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. Plus, the fact that we are currently being hunted

by a massive army of evil silver floating robots is making me feel a tad nervous. Maybe we should start looking again in the morning when my courage levels have had a chance to replenish. Peanut couldn't stifle a yawn. She nodded. And then when we find them,' continued Rockwell, 'you can draw me that door. 'Oh, you're not still banging on about the door, are you?' said Little-Bit from inside the tent. 'I was just beginning to like you. 'Shut it, pipsqueak,' grunted Rockwell. 'Isn't it dinner time?' After they'd polished off the last of Mrs M's sandwiches, Peanut drew three simple sleeping bags, some very fluffy- looking pillows (painted with the thickest brush) and a cosy, fleece-lined bed for Doodle. She put them into Little-Bit's tent and the four of them settled down for the night. ' Do you think Mummy will be worried about us?' asked Little-Bit, snuggling into her warm bed. ' No. She'll probably only just be getting to work. whispered Peanut. 'Remember time moves at a different rate here in Chroma. Are you missing her? Would you like me to tell you a story?'

There was no reply, just the gentle sound of Little-Bit, Rockwell and Doodle's breathing. Peanut yawned again. Just as her eyes were starting to close, she heard a faint rustling noise outside the tent. At first she thought she'd imagined it, but then there it was again. A twig snapped. She sat up, holding her breath. There was definitely someone, or something, out there. She grabbed Little Tail, summoned all of her courage and burst out through the tent flap. And there, in the moonlight, was. THE BIGGEST, MOST FEROCIOUS-LOOKING ALLIGATOR SHE HAD EVER SEEN IN HER ENTIRE LIFE!