Chapter Fifty-Three: Preparations

Howard oversees preparations for the expedition northward as word spreads about Alexander's volcanic predictions, causing dragons to join the effort en masse. A critical problem emerges: the floaters refuse to enter salt water, which threatens the entire plan to cross the sea. Alexander devises a solution involving heat-induced water absorption and tendrils removal.

Howard directs construction of a fishing net and winch system to feed the expanded expedition. Initial resistance from dragons shifts to urgency after recent volcanic eruptions destroy fish stocks and kill dragons on two floaters. The work crew completes a functional trawling setup within three days, with spare materials prepared for contingencies. Bridget consults with Mario about worsening volcanic activity visible from orbit, deciding to travel further north before attempting the sea crossing to avoid dangerous gas domes. Mario's message confirms the volcanic process is accelerating westward across the continent. Howard and Bridget move the floater offshore to escape volcanic hazards, but discover a fundamental problem: floaters instinctively reject salt water, pulling their tentacles back as if stung and refusing crew commands to continue. Dragons had previously assumed floaters disliked open water due to lack of visible shore, but Bridget realizes the true cause is salt exposure. Alexander, initially defensive about missing this detail, proposes a solution: heat rocks to make floaters feel hot, inducing them to absorb large quantities of fresh water into their internal reservoirs, then sever their tentacles to prevent them from testing the ocean.