（外文电子版资料）TITAN-JohnVarley_ch10-ch1.docVIP

CHAPTER TEN The seeds grew from the tops of the tallest trees in the forest. Each tree produced only one seed at a time, and when it reached maturity it exploded like a cannon shot. They had heard them going off at long intervals. What was left after the explosion was something like a walnut shell, evenly and smoothly divided. When they saw a large one float by, they swam out and pulled it to shore. it rode high in the water when empty. Loaded, it still had plenty of freeboard. They took two days outfitting it and trying to rig a rudder. They fashioned a long pole with a broad blade on the end, and hoped that would be enough. There was a primitive oar for each of them in case they ran into rough water. Gaby cast off the line. Cirocco put her back into poring them out to the middle of the river, then took her post at the stem, one hand lightly on the tiller. A breeze came up, and she wished once again for her hair. What a fine thing, to have hair whipping in the wind. Its the simple things we miss, she thought. Gaby and Bill were excited, forgetting their animosity for the time being as they sat on opposite sides of the boat, watching the river ahead and calling out hazards to Cirocco. Sing us a sea chantey, Captain! Gaby yelled back. Youve got it mixed UP, Stupid, Cirocco laughed. Its you low-life types in the focsle who pump the bilge and sing the songs. Havent you ever seen The Sea Witch? I dont know. Has it been on the treedie? Its a flat movie starring good olJohn Wayne. The Sea Witch was his ship. “I thought it might be the Captain. Youve just picked yourself a nickname. You watch yourself, or I’ll see if I can rig up a plank for you to walk. What about a name for this boat, Rocky? Bill asked. Hey, it should have a name, shouldnt it? I was so busy trying to scrounge up champagne for the launching I forgot all about it. Dont mention champagne to me, Gaby groaned. Any suggestions? Heres your chance for a promotion. I know what Calvin would have n