Ch. 8: Stormy Waters (MOON)
Douglas told me… that even he didn’t know what had been left behind by his father.
I want to find it… for Douglas, and for his mother.
As the ship sailed for the trench, I felt my heart swell with anticipation.
However…
The sea had been calm throughout the afternoon, but it suddenly changed as night fell. Countless white-crested waves appeared on the surface and rocked the ship.
OO: “…!”
Douglas: “OO, are you alright?”
Douglas supported me in his burly arms as the violent rocking caused me to stagger.
OO: “Yes… I’m fine.”
Though that was what I said, my stomach ached terribly, and I put my hand to my mouth.
Douglas: “You look pale… let’s go to my cabin.”
OO: “…”
Douglas easily lifted me up and started to walk to his cabin.
OO: “Sorry, I…-”
Douglas: “It can be rough when you aren’t used to it. You can lean on me for support.”
OO: “Alright…”
I did as he said and felt the heat of him spread through my body…-.
Entering the cabin, Douglas sat me in a chair and faced me towards a window.
Douglas: “It got pretty stormy… if this continues it’ll be difficult to keep heading towards the trench. And I’m not completely certain the trench will have the treasure… Finding what my old man left is my own personal goal, and I can’t risk putting everyone else in danger.”
I looked at Douglas in profile and became aware of the faint shadow that had fallen across his expression.
OO: “Douglas…”
The desire to keep his crew safe, and the desire to find what his father had left behind.
I could understand both perspectives, but I couldn’t image what it was like to make that choice.
Douglas: “…we’re going to turn back.”
Douglas spoke quietly, then stood and walked towards the wheelhouse.
OO: “Douglas…”
Douglas: “You stay here OO. You’re still feeling sick right?”
OO: “But…your father’s treasure…”
Douglas: “It’s fine. Everyone’s lives are more important right?”
…
……
Douglas: “Everyone, listen up. The sea is getting rough and it’s getting too dangerous to keep heading towards the trench. We’ll stop and head back for now.”
As Douglas relayed his decision, the deck instantly erupted with noise.
Yet after a moment, one of the sailors quietly spoke up.
Sailor 1: “Let’s keep going.”
Douglas: “…”
Sailor 1: “The day after tomorrow we’re setting out on another long voyage in our mission to keep the sea safe right? Now’s the only chance we’ve got. Let’s go!”
Sailor 2: “Me too, I can’t think of going back now!”
After one had spoken, the sailors one after another all spoke something to similar effect.
Sailor 3: “Throughout my life, the previous crew was a big help. And not just to me. Others here have had friends lost out in the sea. We’re not just going to the trench for treasure. We’re also wanting to find the mementos of the crews before us.”
Everyone gathered there turned eyes full of passion to Douglas.
Douglas: “Guys…”
Sailor 1: “Let’s head to the trench! Let’s search for what’s left of those who went before us!”
OO: “Douglas…!”
I called out his name as everyone overwhelmingly conveyed their thoughts.
Douglas: “OO…are you alright with this?”
OO: “Of course…! I’ll do my best to not get in the way so…”
Douglas: “…”
For a while, Douglas just stood there in silence, surveying the faces of those around him. Then he nodded.
The deck erupted in excitement.
I’m glad…
Douglas: “Thanks.”
Douglas firmly placed his hand on my shoulder.
As I felt the heat from his hand, I felt like I was being welcomed as part of the crew.