Mei Qiao captained the lead boat on the coastal route. She had returned to the islands after her earlier trip to the mainland and knew the eastern current could shift without warning. She checked Han’s chart, then looked at the water ahead.
“The current is pushing north,” she said. “We’ll pass the low islands on the outer side, then turn toward the open coast.”
She told the passengers to secure the loose cargo before the boat changed course. Han helped tie the oilcloth case to a deck post. Bai checked the knot on the family papers while Sato moved Meili away from the coil of rope.
Yan brought a prepared brass lantern to the bow. “I can put one view here and another on the second boat’s relay lamp.”
“Keep them close,” Mei said. “I’m still steering.”
Yan completed a Soul-Lantern division. One projection formed at the bow lantern. The second traveled to the attended relay on the other boat. Both views were clear within the short crossing.
At the bow, the projection saw sea foam break around a submerged rock. Yan passed the mark to Mei. She turned the lead boat wide before the hull reached it. The rock remained below the waterline, invisible from the deck.
