There was a wierd silence since we last talked. To preserve our energy and loss of water we decided to stay quiet, as if we talk we will loose moisture from our body at fast rate. It was already 500 am we were walking continuously for last one hour covering 8 km. Our first part of plan was to cover as much area as we could before 1130am and after that we will search for shady area to rest. Because if we move forward in peak afternoon we will face dehydration at faster rate which is more life threatening in this desert condition. We all three carried 3 one liter bottles and other survival kit we got from the base, we had to make do with it till we reached the base.
As decided we will take one sip after every 1.5hr. Our skin was completely covered from head to toe with light clothing and in between the clothing we have packed salt which will prevent loss of water, even salt was added to the water we were drinking to increase water reabsorption. Weight on our back was another pressing matter. As energy left our body difficulty to carry it increased. Zen was faring best among us. Her face was most relaxed and for the first time we infact saw smile lingering on her lips.
It was 1200pm and we have traveled 38km at this point. Now our camp was only 2km away. But the sun was at its peak. Sand waves was so harsh it was difficult to even see far let alone move. We still had 3 hours to reach the base. It was best to stay under the shade. Hence right now we all stood at the entrance of the cave.
Zen went inside to check if any animal stayed inside while Zee and I arranged for water as our water content was almost empty and dried up food we had was the only thing we could chew without any water. I went outside to dig whole in the sand till we reaches wet soil after placing plant I placed water mug inside and wrapped it with plastic wrap provided with us in our kit after placing stone on top and covering it with sand Zee and I went inside.
After resting for one hour heat was in its peak. Despite being in the shady place we could feel smoldering heat from outside. I looked at Zen who was in a partial sleep but her hands were resting on her gun. I already rested for half hour when I spoke up " even with the added weight and distance I think 12hr is enough time for all of us to reach there even with the weight, do you think there is a trick".
Zen opened her sharp eyes and looked at Zee " I was also thinking the same, interesting thing is we didn't find any other person on the way once we parted at the camp boundry". She stood up and started dusting up her clothes " Let's go " she said and Zee also stood up as she was totally in tune with us.
I looked up " but what about the heat wave". She replied in a calm voice "we will tackle it as we have no other option". Zee moved out and brought three mugs to us filled with water. Finally rested and prepared we moved out but it was another hell waiting for us.