Alas Natasa, I've tried writing fiction and if my characters were any more stilted, you'd think they were Margaret Thatcher.
My personal opinion is that too many inexperienced people drown underground because the idea of staying put, with inadequate food, no bedding, possibly only muddy water, no toilets and having to wait in the dark for several days (in order to save battery power until it's needed to get out)until the water level drops is so inconceivable to them that they try to cross underground rivers when their chances of making it are very slim. A manifestation of the "it can't happen to *me*" syndrome, perhaps. If I did have any writing ability, I'd play up the differences in the nature of the characters - eg I could see Tarrant or Dayna wanting to chance a crossing, whereas Avon (Mr. "I don't like water sports") or Vila would be more likely to sit tight.
As for me, I'm strongly in favour of listening to the weather forecasts, delaying a trip if rain is expected, and *never* camping underground.
Helen
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