The morning after the search of the pod, Murdock, Mei Lee, and Rose ate and drank sumptuously. After all the physical and emotional stress, they needed to recover their strength. Then the trio began pursuing the winter survivors. Murdock had estimated that Whittier and crew had a three- or four-day head start, but Whittier’s group was much larger and wouldn’t know how to move quickly. As Murdock and the women trekked to the river, all three projected their astral selves ahead to cover the widest possible area. Murdock didn’t think Whittier capable of doubling back, but he wasn’t about to put Rose, Mei Lee, or the babies at risk by underestimating him.
After reaching the river, they levitated over it and turned downriver. The trees covered them, and their astral selves made sure they were
