Chapter 9

                                    

                                              
Even this far out the scene was beautiful. Vibrant green plains piercing through the deep blue of the sea. There were several islands dotted around, each with looming cliffs that flowed into sandy beaches. Vegetation could just be made out, trees standing tall, bushes sprouting forth, later flowers would make the whole scene pop with colour. Kira had experienced nothing like this, neither in the dust bowl she called her home or the artificial electricity infused city. This was real, pure life itself. Her head turned skywards at the screech of a bird, it was large, not the size of an ostrich but was the largest bird she had seen in flight. It screeched again from a dark yellow beak. Its body was white, the only other colours formed grey wings with black tips. As Kira fixated on this individual, she did not see others of its kind massing around the boat.
                          
The caw next to her made her jump. These creatures had no fear, they landed on the deck as if they owned the ship. She was frightened at first, but this soon turned to amazement. To others, these creatures looked dull, commonplace among the skyline, but to someone who had never left their slum it was a fantastical new world.
                          
Kira flinched again, this time not because of a bird. "Be careful," the weather-worn man strode across the deck, a smirk on his face, his voice giving away his joke, "if you've got any food they'll have it off you."

                          
Kira pulled her trademark smirk. On returning her gaze to the birds she became distracted by the scene outside the boat. They were closing in on their final destination now. The harbour was so beautiful, almost ethereal. Piers extended on either side, cutting into the ocean like arms hugging and pulling the ship toward the land. The sea in front was sparse but would have once been filled with fishing boats and luxury yachts. Beyond this stood the sea wall, a blue railing sat atop acting as a barrier between the water and the land. Pots of flowers hung off at regular intervals, adding yet more colour to the vibrant scene. Behind the railing, old cars drove along a well tended road. After this sat rows of buildings, each slightly higher than the previous as they worked their way up the steeped land. What struck Kira most was not that the buildings were made of stone and brick, something sought after in the slums, but that they were painted in an array of colours. Mostly pastel, in shades of white, blue, green and pink. Whereas the rest of the world had changed rapidly, this place was untouched, a haven of beauty in a ravaged land.
                          
"What is this place?" Kira asked, not realising she was speaking out loud.
                          
The weather-worn man replied, "welcome to Guernsey."
                          
~
                          
 Kira did not expect to be this nervous. Standing in a small group on the passenger deck, she tried to hide her anxieties. The bangs and clangs outside did not help her, but she was calmed by Eliana standing at her side, holding her hand and easing tensions. She felt sorry for her new friend as her hands, slick with sweat, slid again Eliana's dry soft skin. Still her Russian comrade gripped tightly. Kira was thankful for that, she felt safe with Eliana, the close contact making her feel loved as well.
                          
The others surrounding them were clearly crew as they were not dressed in the itchy grey jumpsuit and thin pumps. The weather-worn man was here, so too the second man Kira had seen when she fled from the van. Luka, however, was a notable absence.
                          
The door swung open, flooding the deck with light. Outside a small metal gangplank led up, at a steep angle, from the deck onto the stone pier which dwarfed the ship. Along with the light, the smell of fish assaulted their sense, Kira retched slightly before pulling herself together. Both women waited as the crew disembarked, watching them struggle to keep their footing on the damp, treacherous hill that led to dry land. They waited whilst all but one started the ascent. Luka's accomplice from the van pointed outside, stating in a non too friendly way, "you first." His accent made it seem that talking English was a struggle for him.