Rail Corridor Pangolins

Upon turning 18 in otter-years, by tradition from the time of Sang Nila Otterma, a young otter is responsible for embarking on the 'ottersey'. The youngest eligible otter from each major otter clan will journey across the island and gather together in the cool shade of the largest trees at the midpoint of the island, where they will exchange greetings and knowledge. Surrounded by water and ample fish to catch, the site is known to the otters as the Central Water Catchment.

The young otter from the Pandan clan tasked with undertaking this particular 'ottersey' is Suay-Tar (水獭), or 'Suay' for short. Armed with a full belly of fish, she set off from West Coast Park northeast towards the site of the gathering.

She was familiar with the waterways in her clan's territory, which stretched from the southern coast till the Pandan river, but the river could only take her so far. Soon the river ran out and she had to move on land, following her instincts. It appeared to have rained recently. The damp conditions kept Suay's smooth coat cool and moisturised, but the mud on the path did tend to cling to her coat. Along this muddy corridor through the forest, the trees were tall and there was no concrete in sight.

Suay moved quickly but slowed her pace upon spotting three large figures in the distance. She cautiously moved closer, and the figures also approached, closing the distance between them. They appeared to be otters, but rather odd-looking otters, with light brown coats and poorly-maintained fur that has clumped together and grown hard. With their untrimmed nails, they looked slightly menacing standing in her way.

"What is your name?", the first figure asked. The figure spoke otter with an odd accent, but the question was a clear and easily understood one, so Suay answered.

"Suay-Tar". The figure appeared satisfied, but the other two now looked askance at her.

"What is your quest?", the second figure inquired.

"To reach the Central Water Catchment". Suay contemplated elaborating for a moment, but the second figure had already turned away. The third figure stepped forward.

"And what is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?"

Suay looked quizzically at the figure. Its accent was particularly thick, and it seemed like a complicated sentence. The other two figures had already stepped away from the path and were scowling at the third, whilst gesturing at her. She smiled and tried to appear friendly but completely lost.

The third figure sighed and shook its head.

"What is your favourite colour?" That was much clearer.

"Red," she answered — fat fish, one of her favourite foods, was usually red in colour.

Eminently satisfied, the third figure nodded, and followed the other two in retreating into the forest with some haste.

With the path clear again, Suay sped down the path, hoping to avoid any more confrontations with rather peculiar local otters and to get to the gathering punctually.