A Lost Mystery

Chapters

History Lesson (Revised)
Visitors of the Past
Exploring Luxury
Put That Money Where Your Mouth Is (Mature)
Scotland or Bust
Mystery Unraveling
Epilogue: Summer Time Lovin

History Lesson (Revised)

“In 1914, War erupts in Europe. As allies from all over the continent band together after a dastardly assassination of the new heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne, Archduke Ferdinand. The United States implements that all ships were to sail with caution as Germany begins its U-Boat operations in the North Atlantic around the United Kingdom. During that time the technology was mostly revolved around steam power.” The history film narrator explained as the majority of the class was mostly asleep, except a couple of enthused students.

There was a young man named Randablitz who was an exchange student that was a total history nerd, apparently anything of,or relating to the past fascinated him. Sitting next to him was his long time friend Oasis Spring, who was on the verge of falling asleep, but somehow had the fortitude to push on through the movie. Not too far away from the two was Dark Obsidian, A sensible and knowledgeable guy when it came down to maritime or war history.

“As the top three Liner industries such as White Star, Cunard, and Gladiator Lines converted some of their finest liners into volunteers for the European conflict, it became extremely dangerous for oceanic travel as the German U-Boat Operations became unrestricted, leading to the sinking of Britannic of 1916 and Lusitania in May of 1917. However as Gladiator’s reliable ship, the RMS Saurotania was to take her next voyage of passengers to the safety of Scotland, she was reported missing after not arriving at her destination.” The film’s narrator continued as images of the Saurotania appeared in Baltimore on the day of her departure.

“I wonder what caused such a beautiful vessel like that to go missing without a trace.” Randablitz wondered to himself as he took some notes and made a couple of quick sketches of the ship in some classical wreck scenarios.

“To this day, Oceanographers have had no luck on pinpointing the ship’s final location, even famous Robert D. Ballard, discoverer of the RMS Titanic and German Battleship Bismarck gave up the expedition. Of the ship’s 2,690 passengers and crew had been on board, only 573 survived. However, the last known survivor had been found after fighting in WW2 and Korea, but unfortunately died in 1999, his name was Jonathan Glass. We may never know what happened to the Saurotania, but someday new evidence will emerge and the lost luxury liner will be discovered.” The film’s narrator said as the movie finally ended with the credits over the photo of the Saurotania appeared.

“Hey Dark, isn’t that the name of your late grandfather?” Randablitz asked as he looked over at his classmate’s stunned expression. “Dark? Dark? Hello Dark, are you there?” He asked as he waved his hand in front of his friend’s face.

“Why hasn’t he ever told us, was it really that bad, worse than PTSD after fighting two wars?” Dark questioned himself as he tried to alleviate this new and very surprising information. Before he could respond, the History teacher, Time Turner turned on the lights and was about to explain what was happening next.

“Alright class, hope you all had a nice nap, except a few. Time for the last project for this school year before summer vacation.” He said as the class groaned in frustration to this. “Now, what I want is a short essay on either Lusitania, Britannic, or Saurotania or a diorama of the ship’s wreck. Extra credit will be given to anyone that can find a device from that ship’s period like silverware, clothing, ship tickets, or even a toy. I expect this assignment to be due in less than a week and please don’t procrastinate.” Time Turner said as the bell rang after he explained the assignment and the school day was over. “Class dismissed.”

(School Hallway, Minuette’s P.O.V)

After the bell rang, I was relieved that Science was over, I had a hard time understanding some of the Periodic Table, but as long as I was passing with a B or higher, I could care less. I’m also quite relieved so that I can finally see my two friends and crush that I have had for the last month. I saw my two friends, Randablitz and Oasis at their lockers as always after the last class of the day.

“Hey you guys.” I smiled cheerfully as I approached them.

“Hey Colgate, how was Science?” Oasis asked with a smile as she used my silly toothpaste related nickname.

I rolled my hair back and exhaled deeply wishing she shouldn’t have asked about one of my most difficult classes. “Stressful as always, but as long as I maintain that high B or higher, than I could be better.” I replied.

“Sorry to hear that, but today in History we learned about the mysterious sinking of the Saurotania, and get this Dark’s grandad was the sole survivor of the whole ordeal!” Randablitz exclaimed excitedly as he pointed to Dark Obsidian, my crush. He was at his locker packing up and everytime I stared at his black and silver streaked hair, I feel all hot on my face, but what really struck was a member of his family survived a historical event, but I never understood why he never told his friends, it seemed so amazing.

“Dark didn’t seem to know about this, despite the fact that he and his grandpa were pretty close.” Oasis said as she looked at Dark with a concerned expression.

Then he got a call from someone and spoke to with whomever for quite some time before hanging up and closing his locker. I could tell we all had to be the nosy teens we were and get the details of what had just happened.

“So who just called?” Oasis asked curiously.

“Just my dad saying that it’s time to clean out the attic and sort through what Grandpa left me to remember him by. You guys can come if you want.” He said as he started to walk towards the front door of the school.

“You can count me in all the time Dark.” I sighed under my breath, but it didn’t go unnoticed by the two next to me with sly grins on their faces and Dark thankfully didn’t seem to notice.

(Dark’s P.O.V)

After my Dad called about cleaning out the attic, I still couldn’t get over the fact that my own Grandfather never told me about being the one of few to survive the Saurotania. I pressed my mind harder than being squished by Bulk Biceps. The assignment could be a breeze if I could find something in the attic because who knows, My grandfather may had been on the Lusitania or even Titanic.

With all those thoughts in mind, I still had to get home which was only a ten minute walk from school. I looked behind me and saw my friends chatting as we walked to my house and I smiled a bit. Not many people knew this, but ever since my break up with Roseluck, there has always been one girl on my mind, and that was Minuette. Her smile was the kind that could make every dentist have orgasms over how perfect her teeth were. Finally arriving a note was on the door from my parents.

“Dear Dark,

By the time you’re reading this, we’d already left to the airport for our business conference in Beijing. We trust you can maintain the house for the next week we’re away and we know you can be responsible. We left a hundred for you in case you get hungry and expect us calling at least twice a day. We love you son.

Signed,

Mom and Dad.”

After reading the note, this had been a thing going on for quite some time for the last two years since my parents worked for Stotile, an industry that masters the art of strong and efficient iron that has been used world wide and my main guess was that they wanted to set up trade with China to help expand the company to one of the world’s biggest consumers.

“What’s up man?” Randy asked as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Parent’s left for business and I get this place all to myself once again.” I simply replied as I turned my house key into the lock and opened the door.

“Cool, are they cool with us staying here, ‘cause our folks won’t mind as long as we don’t end up partying, drinking, or making reckless decisions.” Randy said as he followed me inside to the foyer.

“Oh I’m sure they’re fine with it, I mean I had a small get together with some of my gaming buddies on their last trip and man we made a huge mess. Luckily we cleaned up after ourselves and I told my parents what had happened, they became fine with it and as long as the guests clean up after themselves, they’ll have no problem with company.” I a said as I locked the door behind everyone and headed up towards the attic.

Taking down the retractable ladder up to the attic and climbed up to find the dark attic. Upon entering, I turned on the light and the room to light up the room little to see where you’re going. “I really miss you grandpa.” I said as I picked up one his favorite photos of me and him out on the lake fishing one summer.

“Your grandad must’ve been a really great guy to have when things got tough.” Minuette said as she made her way up to the attic.

The area was cluttered with dusty old knick knacks that date as far back to what I believe the 1920’s. Hanging on a rack were multiple uniforms and by the look from one in particular was a World War 2 army uniform. The rank on the uniform was a Captain and the bronze nametag even said ‘Cpt ‘Spy’ Glass’. “Huh, so you had a nickname as well?” I asked as I wiped the dust from his nametag.

“So, why’d they call him ‘Spy’ Glass?” Oasis asked as she appeared behind me.

They called him ‘Spy’ Glass because he was the sniper of his group, and when their previous Captain was killed, he was the second in command. Well that and he had very good eyesight.” I replied as I remembered my grandpa’s explanation as to why he was called ‘Spy’ Glass.

Moving on, Minuette found some really old photographs in a box that was slightly opened. “Check it out, it seems like Your Grandad loved to keep memories.” She said as we all gathered to see many black and white photographs. However, one really caught our attention to see My Great-Grandfather, Great-Grandmother, My Grandfather as a baby, and a friend to the family, Rocky Mountain, A Scottish Immigrant who came to America visit his family and help out in their Scottish restaurant.

“Where was this taken?” Oasis asked curiously as she gazed at the photo. In the background, there was a large ship behind them and moored to the dock. On the right was a building that only read ‘Gladiator Lines’ as people were boarding the ship on the gangway. “I think this was before a ship’s departure somewhere.” I replied as we scanned the photograph for any specification to which liner it was.

“Why don’t we use the greatest search engine we have of all time, Google.” Oasis said in a smart ass tone.

“Wow that’s a great idea! Good thinking Oasis.” Minuette said with an appreciative smile.

“I was being sarcastic.” Oasis stated blandly.

“It’s still a valid means of research.” I said as I looked at the photo as we exited the attic.

(Randablitz’s P.O.V)

Dark began with researching which possible ship was in the photograph and was owned by Gladiator, Oasis and I began on the essay and like it never ceases for some teasing, Minuette is just staring at Dark from across the room.

“So, if you have any suggestions about our project, feel free to let us know.” I said to Minuette, startling her a little.

“Oh, uh right, I guess I did it again, didn’t I?” She asked with a sheepish smile and rubbing the back of her head.

“Hey guys, I’ve been looking at the picture for quite some and thanks to the research on multiple websites I could find, I have found out that this photo was taken in Baltimore, Maryland June 9, of 1917; The Departure of Saurotania.” Dark said as he put the picture on the table.

“Astonishing, but let’s look at the photo one more time because it looks like it was soaked in ocean water due to most of the color being gone, and it doesn’t feel like paper should, it feels slightly softer.” Oasis said as she lightly touched her index finger and thumb together with the ticket in between them.

“That’s right, but right now time to focus on an important matter, Who wants Mexican for dinner?” Dark asked as he headed downstairs.

“I do!” Minuette, Oasis, and I exclaimed simultaneously. We followed Dark downstairs as he phoned up his favorite restaurant for food.

Within fifteen minutes, the order was finished and Dark left to pick up the order. Obsidian found his 1988 Lincoln Continental. A classical car that he had refurbished and with some help from his dad since he was the original owner.

Swinging around the place and back to Obsidian’s home didn’t take more than five minutes since it was a little drives away. We sorted the food to who wanted what and we chowed down on some cultural flavor.

After some good dinner and sodas, we returned to our work for our history class. That was until the photo started to glow for a fraction of a second. I looked over and saw the photo just sitting on the table. “Huh, must be the sun reflecting off the table.” I said as I shrugged it off. Then the glow returned, but this time it glows for about two seconds then returns to its natural state. “Uh guys are old photos supposed to glow like this?” I asked as I looked at the photo with a concerned expression.

“What are you saying man?” Dark asked as he and the others turned to face me.

“I thought I saw this photo glowing… you know what nevermind.” I said as they too saw the photo glowing brighter for a couple of seconds. We stared at it for a few seconds in complete amazement, and shock unsure of what to think. “That is something you don’t see everyday.” Oasis remarked as we stood up and approached this glowing phenomenon.

“What the hell is going on….” Minuette asked as the glow intensified and consumed us in the light.

Visitors of the Past

(Baltimore Harbor, Maryland, June, 9, 1917, 3rd P.O.V)

As the light dimmed from the process, the four teens took a look at their new and less modern location. Sea air filled their lungs and a few people walked by as if nothing had occurred in their area. “Where are we?” Dark asked the teens looked around at their surroundings and clothes. “Why do we look as if we’re a part of a 1920’s music number?” Minuette asked as she looked at her white dress with low heels to match. Dark was dressed in a white shirt, black pants with silver suspenders, black shoes, and a flat cap to make him seem like a poor worker. Randy was in a black fedora with a black suit jacket, light gray vest, white shirt, black tie, black pants, and black and white shoes. Oasis was wearing a white dress with short sleeves with navy blue trim, low cut heels, and fashionable white hat. “I think we look rather nice.” Oasis said as she looked herself over. “I can agree, who knew I looked good in a flat cap.” Dark concurred as he messed with his hat a little. “I know we all look nice, but why did I get a three piece suit? That’s ridiculous!” Randablitz said with a slight hint of annoyance. “How about all just agree that are all look equally nice.” Minuette pointed out as they just agreed.

Not far from where they were standing the sound of a ship’s horn rang through the air. The four teens covered their ears due to the loudness. “Oi have ya heard? The Germans had set up a new unrestricted submarine warfare into play and just a month back, the Lusitania was hit off near Ireland.” A man said to another in a conversation as they passed by the recovering teens. “No kidding, Hopefully Gladiator’s reliable could avoid Lusitania’s fate.” The other responded as they walked off over towards the pier. The teens just now realized where they were. “Guys, we’re in Baltimore on the day Saurotania left the harbor!” Dark exclaimed in slight excitement, and fear. “I guess we better get going, because from what that video in history, the ship leaves at 1:00 PM.” Oasis remarked as a clock tower overhead showed that was five minutes til 1. “Do we even have tickets?” Randablitz asked as he checked his pockets. Lo and behold a piece of paper was felt in the pocket. “I have one.” Randablitz said as he held up his ticket. “Me too.” Minuette, Oasis, and Obsidian said as they held up their tickets. “Ok so I suppose have another 3 minutes to make for the gangway before Saurotania leaves so.” Dark said as everyone else had the same sense to run for the Saurotania.

Running around a block, the Saurotania was still moored to the dock, but a large crowd was seen cheering as the people aboard bid their farewells to America. The four teens ran for the gangway as it was being lifted and jumped for it. “Excuse me, but did you lot go through security and do you have boarding passes?” An officer asked. “Yes sir.” They all said as they presented their tickets. “Very well, you’ll be sharing a room with that group. I’m sorry for any inconvenience, but it’s all we can spare seeing as how we’re a bit crowded until we get to Scotland.” The officer said with a remorseful tone. “It’s completely fine, thank you by the way.” Minuette said as the teens walked into the ship and headed up to the boat deck to watch the Saurotania’s departure.

In the bridge, Captain Francis .C Bartlett, Brother of Charles Bartlett, who also captains the Britannic, looked out into the Atlantic as he gave the order. “Proceed with departure, All ahead Slow. Hard to starboard.” “Aye sir!” The quartermaster said as he used the order dial on the ship engine order telegraphs to have the crew below decks see their current orders. “All ahead, slow!” The chief stoker shouted over the cacophony of noise from the boilers and furnaces. The stokers shovelled in the coal to help produce the steam pressure the engines require to operate properly. In the engine room, the chief engineer saw the EOT at ahead slow. “Alright lads, All ahead slow.” He said as the steam pressure rose to allow the engines to slowly activate. “Aye!” an engineer shouted as the pistons started to pump in a slow and steady rhythm. As some small tugboats helped pull the ship from the pier, the crowd cheered ever more to see the glistening vessel on another grand voyage as the Saurotania let out another whistle from atop her funnels.

Meanwhile on Deck E Section 3, the four teens and their living companions were just getting into their room and stow away their valuables. “So what brings ya four here?” The scotsman asked as he placed his suitcase on his bed. “Oh well, we’re just going to work on our family’s sheep farm.” Oasis said hoping it would convince him that it was true. “Ah so ya have family in the Highlands?” The scotsman asked with a surprised look on his face. “Yes we do, it’s just that we were raised in America, but we are Scots at heart.” Dark said with a nervous smile. “Well I wish ya luck, name’s Rocky, Rocky Mountain.” Rocky said as he extended his hand invitingly. “Great to meet you too, I’m Shadow Fang.” Dark introduced himself with a different identity. “Prophetic Sculpture’s my name, sculpting is my game.” Randablitz said as he made up his fake identity. “I’m Clashing Dawn, pleased to make your acquaintance.” Oasis said as she slightly bent her knees in a greeting. “Romantic Chaser, I’m pleased to meet you Rocky.” Minuette said with a cheerful smile.

“Pleasure ta meet you all, Hope ta meet ye again, but for now, I have to catch some sleep.” Rocky said as he took his suitcase and left to another cabin next door. “See ya later, we need to get sorted ourselves.” Randablitz said as they gently closed the door to their cabin. Their room was not too fancy, but adequate with two beds, a bathroom, a little bookshelf, and a small desk, it was like living in style. “So, I guess we share beds for this trip and the bed on the right is where I call dibs.” Dark said as he leapt into the soft and plush mattress. “Looks like I have the one on the left.” Randy said as he gently laid down on his bed. “Guess you ladies have your pick then.” Dark said as the two looked at each bed quizzically. Minuette blushed at the thought of sharing a bed with a boy, it didn’t matter if it was Dark or not, it was just an awkward situation for her. While she was lost in her thoughts, Oasis already made her way to the left bed and Minuette nervously looked to her right. “I guess I’m with Dark then.” She sighed in defeat as she waded towards Dark’s bed. “Great, sleeping arrangements off the list, what’s next?” Dark said as he lowered his hat over his eyes as he was to prepare for a nap. “I was thinking of going to a lounge to explore the ship a bit, and maybe get a bite to eat.” Oasis said as she stood up and opened their cabin door. “Anyone of you is welcome to join me, or stay here either way I’m going out for a bit.” She offered as she slowly closed the door, minding their neighbors. “I can agree, let’s get to know our surroundings, maybe this vessel could have more to offer than we think.” Randablitz said as he rose from the bed. “I’m gonna go with them, I need to get out more anyway.” Minuette said as she joined the duo leaving. “Ok, have fun, I’ll just get some shut eye and find you guys later.” Dark said as he closed his eyes when Oasis turned off the lights. “Sleep tight.” Minuette said with a tender motherly tone.

Back on the Bridge, Francis Bartlett was standing on the starboard wing overlooking the bow of his grand vessel with a few passengers strolling the decks. His first mate by the name of Zachary Hill stood next to him. “Let’s stretch her legs, Mr. Hill, Full Speed.” Francis smiled as Zachary nodded. Walking into the Bridge, he met with the Quartermaster. “Full Speed Ahead.” Zachary said as the Quartermaster set the EOTs dial to Full Speed. Down in the Engine Room, the chief engineer saw the new orders. “Lads, let’s give all she’s got! All Ahead Full!” The chief engineer shouted with a smile on his sweaty face. As the pressure increased to produce more power to the main turbines, The pistons began to accelerate in a faster beat. In the Boiler Rooms, more coal had to be shovelled in to keep the steam pressure high. “Go men, come on, put your backs into it, let’s light these up bright.” The chief stoker shouted to his fellow stokers. “Sir we have a small surplus of steam, we need to vent it!” A stoker shouted over the roar of the furnaces. “So be it, the better we maintain these babies, the better she runs!” The chief stoker replied as he opened the funnel vents. Black smoke escaped through the three large stacks and the Saurotania’s propellers began rotating quickly as the speed increased. Back to Zachary in the Bridge, he approached the Captain with a smile. “23 knots sir.” He informed Francis as he sipped on a cup of tea. “Excellent, now have some of the attendants see how our guests are doing.” Francis said as he placed his tea down on his desk as he played the morning paper’s puzzle.

Meanwhile within the luxury liner, The three teens were heading up to C Deck by taking a lift up from the early elevators to explore what made this vessel what Gladiator says. Immediately they can hear some elegant music that you would typically hear from a formal dance. “Now this is good music, not that crap we’re exposed to.” Randy said as he listened to the sound of a proper string quartet. “Oh come on modern music isn’t that bad.” Minuette said as she defended their era’s music. “It’s not that bad, it’s just annoying and repetitive.” Oasis pointed out as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. “Well would you look at that, An elegant ballroom.” Minuette said as they stepped off the elevator. The strings played some of the classical hits, People danced with grace to the music as people were having their own conversations in a mini bar. The Ballroom flooring was mostly polished Purpleheart hardwood with a marble dancefloor as a grand chandelier hung overhead, glistening the ballroom with sheer beauty and elegance. “Now I can see why Saurotania had a knack in luxury.” Oasis said as they looked in awe at the elegant area. “Uhuh, so let’s have some fun and loosen up a little.” Randy said as he skimmed the ballroom for a good place to sit. One of the young teenage boys came up to Minuette with a shy smile on his face. “Excuse me miss, I’m terribly sorry.” The boy said as he accidentally bumped into her. “It’s fine, just pay more attention to where you’re going next time ok?” Minuette said as she smiled at the boy. “Damn it, I got nothin’ maybe she stole those clothes, like I stole the bartender’s tip jar.” The boy said in disappointment.

Back in the stateroom , as Dark woke up from a really good nap and found that he still had some daylight to kill. “I wonder where they went?” I said to myself as I headed out of the room and headed down the hallway to the lift that was nearby. With little to no knowledge of the vessel’s interior design, they could be on any deck, so he decided to head up three decks to B Deck. “Okay, so where am I now?” Dark asked as he heard the sound of jovial music coming from the end of the hall. Curiosity prevails as he went down the hall to follow what he was hearing and much to his surprise, he found one of the ship’s reservation rooms. Many people were having a good time as if they were in a pub with music and drinks everywhere. The Irish like music was upbeat and makes anyone want to dance a jig. Many of the dancers were in their late teen, early twenties and several of them were slightly tipsy. One dancer stumbled into the awestruck Dark Obsidian and held on to him as a support. “Sorry ‘bout that dear.” A young British woman with scarlet hair said with a slightly drunken smile on her face. “It’s fine, just take it easy with the alcohol or you’ll end up like that poor bastard over there.” Dark pointed over to a passed out Irish man with a half-empty beer in his mug. “Point taken, I needed to sit down anyway, but some asshole took my chair.” The young woman said with a frown on her face. “Where’s this guy at?” Dark asked as he looked around the room. “Over there, where that girl is sitting. My name’s Claire, by the way, and you are…” Claire said as she managed to stabilize herself a bit. “Shadow, Shadow Fang and I’ll be back in a moment.” Dark said as he headed over to the people that took Claire’s spot. “Excuse me lads, but I’m afraid that you have taken a seat that someone else was using and I’d very much be appreciative if you were to return it.” Dark said humbly to the two.

“Listen here lad, how about I get ya another chair for yer woman and we can have this matter settled, and nobody gets hurt?” One of the men asked as he looked at the boy. “Fine, just as long as you don’t have a sack of potatoes to hit me with.” Dark said as he rolled his eyes. “Oi! Is that crack about me bein’ Irish?” The buzzed Irishman asked as the rest of his friends tried to keep him at the table. “Oh no I meant no offense, all I mean is that I hope you don’t hit me for asking.” Dark replied with confidence. “Oh, so you were afraid of me hittin’ ya’ ‘cause I might’ve been intoxicated, well I can understand laddy, so here’s yer chair, and how’s about ya stay for a couple of drinks, a man like you looks like he can hold his liquor.” The Irishman said as he gave Dark the chair that was behind the table. “No thanks, I was just trying to find my friends.” Dark said as he grabbed the chair. “Ok suit yerself, but if yer lookin’ for a good time, I suggest ya get me and my mates to join ya for a good ol’ fashioned drinking game. Name’s Slate Cider.” Slate said as he sat back down at his table. “I’ve never touched alcohol to be honest so I might not know what to expect.” Dark said as he handed Claire her chair. “Well then we need to change that then. Bit of advice though, pace yerself, don’t try ta drink a whole glass at once, or you’ll get sick. Second stay with friends, keep some water close by, and never drink on an empty stomach!” Slate said as he gave Dark a whole mug of beer. Hesitant for a moment, Dark grabbed the mug and took a small sip to taste the beer. Alcohol filled his tastebuds and the smell hit his nose hard, but it was actually pretty good. After taking a few good sips, the mug was empty and his new Irish companions cheered as Dark took a new step into manhood.

Meanwhile back at the stateroom the three teens saw that their friend was missing from his bed. “Where do you think he went?” Oasis asked. “Maybe he asked himself the same thing when he came to try and find us. Too bad cell phones don’t exist yet, otherwise this would’ve been a breeze.” Minuette said as she sat on the edge of her shared bed. “Agreed, for now let’s try and find our friend.” Randy said as they left their room and headed back to the lift. “Whoa mate, The party on B-Deck was really lively, reminds me of that pub in Dublin.” An Irish man said with enthusiasm to his companion. “I know, me legs were killing me after that last jig and I’m quite surprised that a young man would take on Slate in that little wager.” The other man replied as they passed the teens. “Excuse us sirs, but would this young man happen to have black and silver streaked hair and dressed like a working class man?” Minuette asked. “Oh yeah, that boy has a good stomach, to drink six beers, and not pass out, that’s a man in a boy’s body.” The first Irishman said with a smile. “We need to find him, Now!” The three said in unison as it became a mad dash to the lift and B-Deck. After a ride on the lift, the three teens heard the sound of laughter from down the hall. Entering the room, the sounds of an Irish pub was as clear as day as men drank, danced a jig and even the drunken Irish guy had a few more beers than he should. “I see him, over there!” Randy said as he saw their friend with a smug grin on his face. “Is that all you got?” The drunken teen asked. “Laddy, I’m callin’ it quits here, ya beat me at my own game. The new champion of the pub is Shadow Fang!” Slate announced as he admitted defeat at the hands of a teenager. The men and women rejoiced as Dark got up from his chair and smashed the winning mug and gave a loud, long belch of victory. The three teens made their way over to their drunk friend. “I wonder what you’ve been up to?” Minuette asked as she helped Dark sit back down. “Hey guys, how’s it goin’ ya missed all the fun!” Dark said as he laughed at Minuette’s disappointed expression. “Oh boy, he’s gonna have a hell of a morning tomorrow, but thanks for showing him a good time, he really needed it.” Randy said as he shook his head. “It was a pleasure, he does have a stomach and give him some of these, it’ll help with the hangover.” Slate handed them some pills and the pair of friends left the party to head back into their stateroom.

As the teens were on their way back to their stateroom the ship’s intercom came on. “Attention crew and passengers, we’ve received reports of drifting icebergs in this region, so if you hear any loud noises during the night, that would be an iceberg breaking against the hull, so no worries. Have a safe and pleasant evening.” Captain Francis announced over the intercom. “Well that’s assuring.” Minuette said as they entered the room and laid their friend on the bed. Outside the sky was growing dark as the first night of their voyage was beginning. “Well, it’s time for bed, we’ll deal with him in the morning.” Oasis said as she took off her clothes and laid down to go to bed. “You sleep in your underwear?” Randy asked as he saw his girlfriend semi-nude for the first time. “Yeah. You got a problem with that handsome?” Oasis asked with a smug smile. “N-no, I’ve just never seen you like this before.” Randy said as he took off the majority of his suit, but left on the shirt and pants. “Whatever, good night.” Oasis said as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. The others followed suit and the end of the first day had come.

Exploring Luxury

In an Ice field in the North Atlantic, just a couple hundred nautical miles from the shores of Newfoundland, Saurotania had to reduce speed in order to avoid a dastardly collision with any of the drifting ice from Greenland. Some small chunks of ice would just bounce off the hull and even break up a little due to the reinforced steel plating. “Clear the deck of the ice, if it freezes over, it’ll be a bitch to get rid of later.” Captain Francis said as he looked at the chunks of ice on the deck. “Sir, I’ll take over from here, why don’t you retire for the rest of the night?” The First Mate asked. “Very well. Good night Henry.” Francis said as he went to his quarters for the rest of the night.

The next morning, The sun shone over the ocean and after passing through the ice field, there was nothing else by the Atlantic ahead. As Francis entered the Bridge, he smiled at the calm weather and looked at his men. “Full Speed Mr. Hill.” Francis ordered. “Good choice sir.” Zachary Hill responded as he and another mate rotated the EOT dials to Full Speed. Down in the Engine Room the engines were running at a reasonable pace to allow the ship to proceed on her voyage. “Ok, lads All Ahead Full!” Chief Engineer Donald Rivet said with a smile. “Aye aye!” an engineer said as the signaled the Boiler Room to up the pressure. “Ok Lads, Full Steam Ahead!” Chief Stoker, Cole Burner ordered as he looked at the pressure gauges on the boilers. As the furnaces burned brightly as more coal was shovelled in, The turbines in the Engine Room began working quicker as more pressure was added and rotating the propellers faster to move the grand ship through the ocean.

In the stateroom on E-deck section 3, the four teens were sleeping peacefully until the sound of a baby crying in the cabin next door roused them from their slumber. “Gah! My head, it feels like I was hit by a train!” Dark groaned in agony as he awoke with a gruesome hangover. “One of the downsides when it comes to alcohol.” Oasis said as Minuette got a glass of water ready and added the pills Slate had given them the other day. “Here, this should help.” Minuette said as she handed her crush the glass of water and pill. “Thanks, does anybody remember what I did last night, because all I remember is drinking a couple of beers with Slate Cider, but the rest is a blur.” Dark said as he swallowed the pill. “Well according to some people leaving the party, you have the stomach of a professional drinker, and became a champion after beating Slate in a drinking game.” Randy explained as Dark sat up and put the empty glass on a table. “Wow, I didn’t think I could do it, so what was that noise earlier?” Dark said as he rubbed his temples a bit. At that moment a knock on the partition door was heard. “I’ll get it.” Oasis said as she got her dress on and head to the door. “You must be the teens, Rocky told me about, I’m Divine Aurora and I’m sorry if little Jonathan woke you, he gets fussy when he’s hungry in the mornings.” Divine said as she held the baby in her arms and looked over at the hungover teen. “What happened to him?” Divine asked. The others looked over at their friend. “He had a little too much to drink last night, but he’s got the stomach of a professional.” Randy said as he looked back at Divine while shaking his head in bemusement. “Oh, hope he feels better, I’d recommend a stroll on the boat deck to clear your minds, but you’d probably are quite famished so I’ll leave you all.” Divine said as she left the room to tend to her little bundle of joy.

“She is right, I am quite hungry and I wonder what they do have here onboard.” Minuette wondered as Dark began to feel a bit better from the pills effects. “Agreed, but we need to get some new clothes.” Oasis said as she put her shoes back on. “Yeah, I mean we can’t just wear the same thing all the time, it’s completely unhealthy.” Minuette agreed as she smelled her clothes for any unpleasant odors. “There’s probably a store aboard for clothes and there has to be a laundry room somewhere.” Dark implied as his hangover began to settle more to the point where he can actually think. “Or perhaps they have a store onboard the ship, but we need money.” Randy said as he looked under the bed for anything that could be of value. “Hey look, I found a suitcase under one of the beds.” He said as he pulled out the suitcase. “What do think is in it? Clothing? Money?” Oasis asked as the teens gathered to see what may be inside. Opening the suitcase, inside was at least $50 divided into 1’s, and 5’s and some new clothes. “Holy crap! Guys during this time we’re considered to be wealthy, so we better hide this and use it when we absolutely need it!” Oasis said as she closed the case. “Guys, Does anyone else think this could be too good for it to be a coincidence?” Minuette asked unsurely. “I think you’re right, this was obviously too convenient to be sheer luck, I think this time-travel thing might be involved.” Dark pondered for a moment. “Maybe, or perhaps somebody left this here from the last voyage.” Minuette proposed to keep their options of good fortune open. “It would make sense, but let’s not put this to waste as we now have some new clothing for the time being.” Oasis said as she pulled out a lovely dress from the suitcase.

After some time passed with the teens changing into their new clothing, they felt the effects of hunger hit them in their stomachs. “Okay, now let’s get some breakfast, I’m hungry as a bear.” Dark said as he opened up the door and gestures for the two girls to exit first. Taking the elegant stairwell this time to get familiar with the ship’s luxury, a stained glass dome that shone over the top of the stairwell was a grand sight. “Stunning to what stained glass window makers can create.” Minuette said as the light from the early morning sun lit up the stairwell. “Yeah, and I love the color combinations they have here. Red, blue, green, and yellow.” Oasis commented as they ascended the stairs and entered on of the ship’s dining rooms. The dining room was as elegant as the ballroom they saw, with a lovely view of the ocean all around, it opens up the place to a beautiful sight of the Atlantic. Taking a seat at a table-for-four, the teens looked at their menus as they awaited for their waiter to arrive. “Oh you four are teens my wife spoke to this morning, I am Black Honor.” Black Honor said as he shook hands with the boys and lightly kissed the hands of the girls. “Pleasure to meet you, and you have quite a son there.” Dark said as he looked over at his infant grandfather. “Yeah, Jonathan is a handsome kid, I just hate that our vacation is during such a barbaric time.” Honor said as he shook his head in disappointment. “You’d think that as reasonable adults we would learn from the mistakes of our forebearers and work together as one species.” Randy commented as he took a sip of water. “From what I heard, it would be marvelous, but in our situation it’s just a battle that doesn’t seem to end. As long as man exists, I don’t think humanity will ever change.” Honor remarked. “I’ll drink to that.” Oasis said as she drank her glass of water.

A waiter soon came to take their orders. “Sorry about the wait, we’re really busy this morning.” The waiter said as he opened his order book. “We’re quite aware of such, but what specials do you have this morning?” Minuette asked as she skimmed through the menu. “We have pancakes with hash browns, served with the choice of eggs any style, or sausage links.” The waiter said with a smile. “Also coffee, tea, and juice are complementary.” He continued as he waited patiently. “We’ll have the pancakes for all and with scrambled eggs.” Oasis said as the waiter took up their menus. “Very good choice, expect your food soon.” The waiter said as he left into the kitchen as the teens talked amongst themselves. “So I was thinking about heading to the spa later.” Minuette said as she looked to her friends to hear their plans for the day. “I’m heading to store to look at some jewelry.” Randy said with a smile. “I’ll take a stroll along the deck.” Dark added as he looked at Oasis. “I’m just gonna find a quiet place to read for a bit.” Oasis said as she looked out the window and saw the beautiful sight of the blue ocean. They were soon introduced to their food after another ten minutes passed and chowed down on the gourmet food. Once breakfast concluded, the teens bidded each other farewell til dinner and went off to where they wanted to spend their time.

(Ship’s Jewelry Store, Randy’s P.O.V)

I walked through the ship’s small market and found the jewelry store and I wasn’t disappointed as I looked at the beautiful pendants in the display window. “Now what can I get for Oasis for our third year anniversary?” I asked myself as I looked around the store’s cases. “Ah young love at its finest, the guy looking for something really romantic for the girl to love.” The Italian Jeweler surprised me by popping out of nowhere. “D’oh! Jesus! You scared the crap out of me!” I exclaimed in surprise. I was slapped in the face by the owner. “Ow! What was that for?!” I asked. “That’s for blasphemy.” The owner replied. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend, you just scared me that’s all.” I said apologetically. “It’s alright, but seriously, what’s her taste?” He asked with a smile. “Well she absolutely loves sapphires and amethysts. I was wondering if you had any pendants with those particular jewels in the shape of the Yin and Yang symbol.” I said with a nervous smile. The Jeweler thought for a moment and rubbed his mustache. “Hmm. I don’t have anything in that form in stock, but I have the jewels, and the metal to set it in. All you have to do is tell me when you want it ready, and of course pay me $35.” He said with a smile. “Do I pay you now, or when I come to pick up my order?” I asked with an arched eyebrow. “You pay me when you come and pick it up, if you’re not satisfied, then it’s free.” The Jeweler said as he wrote up my order. “Sounds fair, I’ll be back later with the money have nice day.” I said as I left with a smile. “You too, and may God bless you and your woman.” The Jeweler said as we parted ways.

(Spa and Sauna, Minuette’s P.O.V)

After arriving at the spa, I was looking at the different treatments and services this spa had to offer from steam therapy to mud baths. “Hmm, a nice steam session would help relax my muscles from carrying Dark back to the stateroom last night.” I thought to myself. “Hello mad’am, I’m Soothing Lavender and I wish to know if you’ve decided which treatments you’d be interested in.” Lavender introduced herself with a smile. “I’ve decided to go with a steam bath today, if it’s not too much trouble.” I said as I told Lavender my selection. “No trouble whatsoever dear, please follow me and we’ll get you set.” Lavender said as she lead me into the spa. Looking around, I saw some men and women relaxing in bathrobes and had hot towels on their faces. “So is this your first time in a spa deary?” Lavender asked. “Yes, it is.” I said as I blushed a little. “It’s no trouble at all, I’ve seen a bunch of people like you before, so just remember that nobody is allowed to touch you without your consent, even our masseuses apply to this rule too.” Lavender said reassuringly. “Why thank you. It does sound assuring to me.” I said with a smile forming as we reached to the steam room. “Alright deary, use this changing room to get into a bathrobe and the rest of your clothes are on my personal rack so there’s no confusion.” Lavender said as I stood in the line for the steam room. “Thank you Lavender.” I said as she smiled in response as I waited for my turn in the steam room. “No problem, enjoy your treatment Ms.Chaser.” Lavender said as she went back to the entrance.

As some time passed during the wait, people didn’t take as long as half an hour which to me seems like a reasonable time. By the time that it was my turn, the steam felt really good. I could instantly feel myself sweat and my muscles relax to the heat. “This is sooo what I needed.” I said to myself as I sat down on the bench within the room and let the steam do it’s magic.

(Ship Library, Oasis’ P.O.V)

I was enamoured by the amount of books that the ship’s library had. The subjects ranged from history, romance, comedy, poetry, periodicals, etc. “Wow, I love this place already.” I whispered as I looked for a book to read to pass my time. “What should I read? It’s going to be hard to find one book.” I said to myself as I scrolled through one shelf to another. Reading each title and I would be astounded by what the story could be about, but I wanted a book to really blow me away. “Looking for anything in particular?” A librarian whispered to me as I was looking at the romantic fiction section. “Actually I was looking for a story that would really peak my interests, maybe something kind of sad, but has a good ending.” I explained and the Librarian seemed to understand where I was coming from. “Right this way.” He said as he led me to the Adult Section. “Here we go, how about this one? It’s about a man who was raised by a tyrant, but grew to love a young woman who was nothing more than a simple farmhand.” He whispered as he gave the synopsis of the book. “I’ll give it a read and I can keep this for a short while right?” I asked. He nodded his head. “You can bring it back when you’re done with it.” He said as we left the Adult Section. “Thank you for your help, have a nice one.” Oasis said as she took her new book and left the library to read the new and interesting story in the stateroom.

(Boat Deck, Dark’s P.O.V)

As I go out onto the boat deck, the breeze felt great as the sun also shone on my face. The deck had some people relaxing on the lounge chairs and others who were strolling the deck. “Now this is a perfect time for a walk.” I said to myself as I headed down to the stern section of the deck. Seeing the ship sail through the Atlantic, I saw a few off-shore dolphins just speeding by the ship’s hull and easily keeping pace since we were going at about 23-24 knots. Some of the mammals jumped up about 4 feet putting on quite the show for some who looked down into the ocean. “Now this is beautiful.” I said as I saw the dolphins swimming alongside the ship. “It sure is, lad.” A familiar voice said. “Hey Slate, how’s it going?” I said as I looked over to my left and saw my new drinking buddy. “I’m fine, and I see ya got over yer hangover.” He replied with a smile as he saw that I wasn’t in agonizing pain. “Yeah, this relaxation was what I really needed.” I replied as I looked over the horizon. “So, what brought you aboard Saurotania?” I asked. “I came aboard this beauty because one of my cousins managed to get me a ticket because he said I needed to unwind for a bit. So I told my lass that I was goin’ on vacation and she was so excited that she was going to be with me, then the rest is history.” Slate said as he remembered how he found his way onto this vessel. “That’s great lad, I’m just going to Scotland to work on my Uncle’s sheep farm, I was raised in America, but my parents thought it be nice to help them out.” I replied as I had my reason for boarding. “So who was that one lass that managed to carry ya?” Slate asked. “That was my friend Romantic Chaser, but I want to be more than just friends with her.” I replied, confiding in Slate. “Well lad, in my experience, if ya love a woman, but ya don’t know if she loves ya back, just tell her, and if she doesn’t reciprocate, then leave her behind.” Slate responded as he gave me a couple pats on the back. “Thanks a lot.” I said with a smile. “No problem, and good luck with yer woman, just remember to treat her right if she does love ya.” Slate replied as he walked away from me. “He makes a valid point there, If I don’t do something, then she’ll probably think less of me, but what can I do?” I thought to myself as I looked around the deck to find any kind of ideas. Then it hits me. “I will get her a necklace as a gift!” I thought as I remembered what Randy was doing today and headed back to the stateroom.

(3rd P.O.V)

In the stateroom, Oasis was sitting on her shared bed reading her book that she was hooked with and could almost not stop reading as she pondered what could happen next. “Come on, just say yes, be his beloved, the suspense is killing me!” Oasis said to her her book as she continued to the next page. Randy came into the room startling his girlfriend a little. “Ahh! Oh hey babe, how was your day?” She asked as she saw Randy looking for something. “It’s been great, but I need to find the uh, aha here it is!” Randy said as he found the suitcase and counted $35 in cash. “What’s the money for?” Oasis asks with a curious face. “Just a little something I wanted to get as a souvenir.” Randy said as he covered up what he was up to. Just after he said so, Dark walked in feeling more calm than earlier than in the morning. “So how are you doin’ Dark?” Oasis asked. “I feel a lot more better than I was earlier and I also wished to see where that Jewelry store was so I could find myself a souvenir.” Dark replied completely mellowed out. “Well what a coincidence, I was just heading there myself, so if you want something we’re gonna need some extra cash.” Randy said as he got an extra $10 out of the case. At that very moment, Minuette came back with a relaxed smile on her face. “Oh Minny, how was your day?” Randy asked. “Just perfect, that steam room really worked wonders for me!” Minuette said with a joyful tone. “We can see the results, anywho we’ll catch ya later.” Dark said as he left the stateroom with Randy.

The two boys made their way towards the Jewelry store on C-Deck. “This is the place, also the owner is Catholic and he slapped me for saying the Lord’s name in vain.” Randy cautioned. “I’ll keep that in mind while I’m looking around.” Dark said as they entered. The bell on the door rang signaling their presence. “Ah, if it isn’t Mr… uh, I never really got your name.” The Jeweler said. “My name’s Prophetic Sculpture, and this here is my friend Shadow Fang, he came with me to look for something for his lover too.” Randy said as he introduced Dark to the Jeweler. “Wonderful, I am Treasured Diadem and I take it that you wish to pick up that pendant you asked for yes?” Diadem asked. “Correct, but he needs some time to pick out what he wants.” Randy said as he pointed at Dark over by the silver and gold collections. “I see. I have to say Mr. Sculpture that this pendant was possibly the most challenging one I’ve ever made, but I got it done and I hope you’ll be pleased with what I’ve done.” Diadem said as he pulled out a small velvet box. Opening the box, the Yin Yang pendant with Sapphire and Amethyst gems embedded within to bring a shine to the necklace. “It’s perfect. My girlfriend’s gonna love it! I can’t ever repay you for this.” Randy said with a gleeful smile. “I’m just a man doing God’s work to bring happiness to others by running an honest business.” Diadem said with a smile. “Here’s your $35 for the pendant.” Randy said as he handed Diadem the cash and the pendant was handed to Randy.

Dark on the other hand wasn’t having much luck, he seemed to have stumbled into a tight situation where he can’t decide what Minuette would love to have. “Sweet merciful Earth, this is quite difficult. Do you have any ideas or suggestions Diadem?” Dark asked as he looked at the Jeweler. “Well, let’s see judging from what I can gather, your lover like to keep things simple, and to the point. Tell me what color are her eyes?” Diadem asked as he rubbed his moustache. “Her eyes are as blue as the ocean.” Dark said trying to keep the answer simple and avoid sounding love struck when he thinks about her. “Then how about these rare beauties? They’re a very rare type of diamond that are as blue as the ocean.” Diadem said as he showed Dark a collection of pendants that had the rare blue diamond as the stone. “Ah it’s impressive, but could you craft it into the shape of a toothbrush since she always seems to be on top when it comes to dental hygiene?” Dark asked as he looked at the stone. “Sure, it shouldn’t take me very long, just sit tight and I’ll be finished in a few minutes. Also your total is an extra $8.” Diadem said as he went into the back room to work his magic. “Sure, here’s a ten, but keep the change.” Dark said as he handed over the $10. “Gratzi, you two really know how to treat people, not unlike a lot of people I meet on these voyages.” Diadem said as he continued to work in the back.

After a few minutes of waiting, Diadem was finished with the diamond toothbrush design and added some quartz to make the bristles on the brush for detail. “It looks incredible, thank you ever so much.” Dark said much to his amazement. “No problem, it’s just my job.” Diadem said with a smile. Putting the pendant in a small light blue box, Diadem handed the young man the box. “I’ll see you all again soon, you’ll find good quality here.” Diadem said as the two men left the jewelry shop. Upon returning to their stateroom, the two boys managed to hide their gifts in their back pockets out of sight. “If we're going to do this, I want to pull off a really great setting, tell Minuette I’m on the ship’s promenade on C Deck overlooking the sea.” Dark said as he headed off to the deck. “Great now let me get Oasis away from her novel, then we’ll go.” Randy said as he entered the room and tapped his girlfriend’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s almost time for dinner, wanna go, and you can bring your book too.” He said with a sigh. “Ok, let’s go!” Oasis said as she got up and grabbed her boyfriend’s arm and ran out of the stateroom. As the two headed down the hall, Minuette was just on her way to the stateroom when she found her two friends. “Oh hey guys, where are you two off to?” Minuette asked. “We’re going to dinner, and Dark is waiting for you on the C-Deck promenade.” Oasis said as the three of them entered the lift.

After a short ride on the lift the tree teens arrived on C-Deck and walked through the hallway to find the promenade. As the sun set over the front of the bow of the ship, the sky turned into an orange gold color to bring out the beauty of the end of another beautiful day at sea. “It’s so beautiful.” Minuette said as they looked at the sunset. “Quite, but Dark’s waiting for us.” Oasis said as they continued their way towards the promenade. On the C-Deck promenade, Dark waited outside of another fine restaurant that was mostly vegetation themed as multiple plants and vines decorated the place. Looking down the deck, he found his friends approaching as he stood for their arrival. “So, what do you think of this place for dinner?” He asked as he pointed towards the restaurant doors. “Perfect, this way we can enjoy the sunset for once.” Randy commented as the sky glowed a beautiful shade of orange and red. Entering the beautiful nature-themed dining area, a waiter approached them with his order book. “Welcome to Vegetation Sensation, I am Eugene Eclare your waiter this evening. May I interest you in our finest specials for this evening?”

“Sure, what do you have for us?” Minuette asked with a smile. “We have a fresh Garden Salad with hand picked tomatoes, sweet onions, and carrots. Served with breadsticks, and your choice of celery sticks, or sweet potato casserole. Also some fine red wine for a lovely accompaniment.” Eugene replied as it all sounded really delicious. “Perhaps we can have the Garden Salad with some sweet potato casserole and as a drink the finest wine you have good sir.” Randy replied as Eugene took up their menus. “Right away, expect your orders soon, but please enjoy the lovely decor.” The waiter left the group as a conversation kicked up.

“Oh Oasis, I have a gift for you.” Randy said with a smile. “What’s the occasion?” Oasis asked. “It’s our third year anniversary as a couple, and I went to the jewelry store to have this made for you.” Randy said as he presented his small box to his girlfriend. “Oh Randy, that’s so sweet, but I didn’t get you anything.” Oasis groaned in self disappointment. “Your company is your gift to me.” Randy said as he opened the box and presented the pendant made of sapphires and amethysts in the form of the Yin/Yang symbol. Oasis was in pure surprise and the only response that she could make was a full planted kiss on her lover. Dark saw the waiter appearing from the kitchen, but decided to let them have their moment. “Sorry to interrupt this precious moment, but dinner is served.” Eugene said as he placed the bowls of salad on the table and four wine glasses along with a full bottle of red wine. “Please enjoy.” The waiter said as he left to the group to tend to their food.

After a filling dinner, the group were stuffed as the sun was just leaving the sky, but enough daylight to see the blue sea turning orange and red like the sky. “Minuette, I would like to talk to you, alone.” Dark said as he looked at his other two friends. Randy and Oasis nodded and opened the door to the ship’s exterior and left them be. “Minuette, I… I need to say that ever since Roseluck and I broke apart, I would never think to fall in love again, but up until a few months ago, I felt something different since we got back from Spring Break.” Dark said sincerely as he then decided to not make this a public thing. “Could you follow me to the forecastle, I don’t feel comfortable here.” He asked her. “Sure, but I have something to tell you once we get out there.” Minuette said as she blushed a little. As they headed outside and down the well deck, they had an entire open area of the deck with an endless view of the Atlantic. “Ok, so you had something to say?” Dark asked as he allowed the girl to speak first. “Ever since Roseluck had you as her boyfriend, I felt hurt that she just up and left you for Thunderlane, I’ve always wanted to tell you that… I’m in love with you.” Minuette confessed as tears came to her eyes. Dark saw her crying a bit and wiped away her tears and cupped her chin in his hand. “Hey don’t cry, because I’ve wanted to tell you that I love you too, and I have just the thing to show you how much I love you.” Dark said as he released the girl’s chin and pulled out the blue box that held her pendant.

Minuette took the box and opened it to reveal a toothbrush with a blue diamond that matches her eyes and Quartz for the bristle details. What also amazed her was that it did define her about the perfect dental hygiene she always cared about. Minuette was speechless, but she formulated her response into a passionate kiss on her new boyfriend’s lips. Much to Dark’s surprise, he hadn’t been kissed by Roseluck on the lips, but the feeling was spectacular. The two of them separated and let a small string of saliva connect between their mouths. “Wow, that was amazing!” Dark complemented with a smile. “That was my thank you gift and I hope I could be that special someone to you?” Minuette said as a blush formed on her face. “I’d be honored, Miss Romantic Chaser.” Dark bowed using her cover name. “Shall we head back to the others?” Minuette only nodded as the Saurotania sailed into the night of the vast open ocean.

(5,000 Nautical Miles from Germany, U-74, 3rd P.O.V)

Below the surface of the Atlantic, a deadly submarine lurks following a possible target. Captain Franz Rictohvan looks through the periscope to see a large three stacker steaming towards the English shore. Since the ship was slower and the submarines can go as fast as 25 knots, they could easily set up an attack on the ship, but unfortunately the submarine can’t go faster than 18 knots and even if she does surface to increase almost 2 knots faster, the Saurotania would still be able to outrun the sub by a knot or 2. “Captain, ship sighted, three stacks, two masts and heading towards the English warzone.” A German sailor reported. “Prep for an attack, load tube one and get into position.” Captain Rictovan ordered. “Aye sir.”

In the crow’s nest, two lookouts on duty were patrolling to be sure there was no ice as they were heading farther up north to loop over the mainland. “See anything from your side?” A lookout asked. “I don’t see a damned thing.” The second lookout said with a slight frown. “Maybe your age is catchin’ up to where you can’t see ten feet in front of you.” the first lookout joked. “Oh ha ha! Well unlike you I…” The second lookout cut himself off when he saw bubbles rising from the water in an unnatural way. The lookout picked up his phone. “God Damn it pick up you bastards!” He cursed waiting for someone to pick up the phone. Captain Francis came out and picked up the phone. “Is there anybody there?” the lookout asked. “Yes what do you see?” Captain Francis asked. “German U-boat three clicks off Starboard!” The lookout yelled in fear. “Thank you. All Ahead Full, If it puts a strain on her I don’t care we have several thousand civilians onboard and there’s a U-Boat in our way and we need to get the Hell out of here!” Captain Francis ordered over the ship’s intercom. “Bleeding hell, Alright men, put some more coal into those furnaces and burn those as bright as the sun!” Cole shouted as the stokers began shovelling more coal into the boilers. In the Engine Room, Chief engineer Rivets was unsure that the engines could take more than what she was designed for, but knew civilian lives were at stake. “Alright, more steam pressure on those engines!” The engineers within began adding more p.s.i and the turbines began to rotate the four bronze propellers faster than normal.

Inside the U-boat, Captain Rictovan watched as his intended target began moving quicker and farther from the torpedo range he had pre-set. “Ship speed?” Rictovan asked. “29 to 30 knots sir.” A sailor called out as this did surprise Rictovan as he had never let a victim escape before. “We’ll have to let her go, she’s too fast and we need to return back home. She’ll strain herself with that kind of power and it’ll only be her downfall.” Rictovan ordered as the sub dove beneath the surface and headed back to Germany.

On the crowsnest, the lookouts could no longer see the sub and hoped they had outran the death machine. “Sub is no longer visual to us, I can say we are safe.” the lookouts said over the telephone. “You saved a lot of lives today lad, great work!” Francis commended as he announced over the intercom the all clear. In the engine room, Rivets was relieved that a disaster had been averted. “Lower the pressure to cruising speed.” The Chief Engineer ordered. “Yes sir.” a stoker replied as the p.s.i was lowered to their normal status as the stokers were given a little break to let the excess coal burn to reduce the steam pressure. However, Ship Designer, Colin Murdoch was not pleased with this reckless decision even if it saved thousands, but he was going to have a serious conversation with the captain in the morning.

Put That Money Where Your Mouth Is (Mature)

(Ship Schematic Room, 3rd P.O.V)

As day broke over the Atlantic on their third day at sea, Ship Designer, Colin Murdoch was overlooking the design of the Saurotania and waited for the Captain to enter as well. “I can’t believe he would do that? Doesn’t he know he risked permanently damaging the engines, or overheat the boilers?!” Colin muttered angrily at Captain Francis’ actions last night. At that moment, the Captain walked in to see the angry designer. “Good morning Mr. Murdoch.” He greeted him. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” Murdoch asked angrily. “I don’t quite understand what you mean sir.” The captain replied. “You’re actions to overwork the engines could have permanently damaged them or overheated the boilers to the point of an explosion!” Murdoch pointed out angrily. “With all due respect sir, we’re carrying several thousand unarmed, innocent civilians, yourself included. Not to mention that there was a German U-boat possibly prepared to blow our vessel to smithereens and kill all of our passengers, I would say that my actions were necessary.” Francis defended as he did point out that Murdoch was a civilian, despite being the owner of the vessel. “I understand your intentions, but overworking the ship is another, Saurotania may be a liner, but she still can outrun a sub by a knot or two. Given that fact, would it be worse for the ship to explode from your actions making you responsible for the deaths of hundreds?” Colin shot back in a more mannered tone. “No I don’t want to be the cause of the deaths of these people, but what’s worse,being killed by a ruthless enemy who will kill women and children, or a freak accident?” Francis pointed out with logical precision. “I see your point, but still be more careful, if more than 3 of the boiler rooms explode or more than 5 of the bulkheads were to be breached, this ship will be at the bottom of the Atlantic.” Colin forewarned the Captain as he marked the schematic of the ship’s interior design. “Understood sir, I’ll schedule mandatory checks for the engines and boilers and limit coal usage to avoid any unfortunate accidents.” Francis said as he turned to leave the room. “See that you do, but still we’re indebted to you Captain. It would be a shame to lose somebody like you.” Murdoch said with a sincere smile on his face.

(Stateroom, Minuette’s P.O.V)

As I opened my eyes to see the sight of our stateroom entering my vision. I turned over in my shared bed and saw my new boyfriend Dark Obsidian lying next to me still asleep. I saw that he was shirtless and I blushed when I thought of what we might’ve done last night. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Dark groan a bit as he woke up. “Good morning sweetheart.” I said with a soothing tone. “Heh, good morning to you too sweetcheeks.” He replied as I layed on top of his sculpted chest with a smile. “So, what plans have we got today besides heading to breakfast for a bite?” Dark asked as he stretched out his arms and rubbed the back of his head. “I was thinking we could just relax on the deck and look at the clouds.” I said as I pecked Dark on his cheek. “Sounds divine, allow me to grab my shirt and we’ll be on our way. Dark said as he got out of bed and grabbed his shirt. “Listen I never really properly thanked you for having this made for me, so I want to do something really special tonight, just the two of us.” I said with a seductive smile. “I see where you’re going with this and I think if we got to know each other a little better, then maybe I’ll consider it, but let me take you out for breakfast as our first date.” Dark said with a smile and a roll of his eyes. “I can accept that, but while we’re hanging out today, we exchange info about each other?” I proposed with a slight shrug of my shoulders. “Fine and just to let you know, I had an amazing time last night.” Dark said with a sly look and a smirk on his face. “Wha- what do you mean? Did we?” I asked as I tried to comprehend what we did last night before going to sleep. “Whoa calm down, I was just messing with you., but your reaction though was both hilarious and cute.” Dark said as he left into the bathroom. “You ass!” I playfully shot back. “Well that’s what I’m known for.” Dark said from the bathroom as I got myself ready for the day ahead.

After we got dressed and freshened up, we headed up the Grand Stairwell to head up to the same restaurant with the pancakes as good as the modern day pancakes. “So what are you getting? ‘Cause I’m getting pancakes with sausage this time.” I said as I sipped my water. “I think I will get a waffle with scrambled eggs.” Dark said as he closed his menu. “Ah it’s great to see you two, but where are your other two companions that are with you?” The waiter asked. “They’re still asleep so best to just leave them be.” Dark said politely. “Very well, so what will it be this morning?” The waiter asked as he prepared to jot down the order in his book. “I will have pancakes with sausage links and some coffee, black if you please.” Absolutely ma’am, and for you sir?” The waiter asked as he looked at Dark. “A waffle with scrambled eggs and some water good sir.” Dark said politely as the waiter took up their menus. “Good choice, I’ll return in a moment.” The Waiter said as he left into the kitchen as I just could not help myself but look at Dark. “See something interesting?” Dark asked as he snapped me out of my daze. “Oh, I uh just saw some interesting painting of you, I mean a plant.” I said nervously and added a sheepish look on my face. “Uhuh. Sure you were.” Dark said as he rolled his eyes. I felt relieved when our waiter arrived quicker than the service at some restaurants back in our time. “Here are your orders, please enjoy.” The waiter said as he gave us our orders. “Thank you very much, have a nice day.” I said to the waiter with a smile.

After we ate our breakfast, it was about 10 in the morning and it was perfect weather for some nice relaxation on the boat deck. “Ready for some relaxation?” Dark asked as he got up from his seat. “Ok. Let’s talk a bit, so what are some important things I need to know about you, like what do you like to do for fun?” I said with a curious expression. “Well, in all honesty I do read, play video games every so often and not many know this, but I do like to pretend that I am a king after my father read me a really good medieval story as a child. What about you?” Dark replied as we both left the restaurant and walked down to the Grand Stairwell. “Well I love to read, play video games, but not horror, it really freaks me out, and I love movies too. So what types of games do you play?” I asked curiously. “Well I play pretty much anything, but I was forced to play this one horror game calledAmnesia: A Machine for Pigs once because Randy said we couldn’t stop playing until the game was completed.” Dark said as he sighed in defeat at the memory. “Was it really that bad?” I asked. “No, it was just weird, but the atmosphere of the game is what was scary. If you want we could play it together, and we can take as long as you want, because the game autosaves as you play, so no worries.” Dark said as he wrapped his arm around my waist to comfort me. We arrived on the boat deck, which was a bit cluttered as people walked about or were relaxing in their deck chairs. “Maybe. So after this do you have anywhere to go in mind?” I asked as we passed a couple of people who looked at us with brief curiosity, then went back to relaxing. “Well, I did hear we are low on money and I’ll give you three guesses on the place where you can get some.” Dark riddled up a question as we headed down the stern towards the docking bridge where it was far less populated. “The casino?” I asked. “Bingo! And it just so happens that I know the perfect game in this time period that I’m sure a child would learn.” Dark said as we pulled some deck chairs and got set up for some time in the sun. “Sure, just don’t go overboard with gambling, or drinking and get yourself into trouble.” I pleaded with my ‘Guilt trip’ face. “Fine, but no promises can be made.” Dark simply replied as he chilled in his chair. “Acceptable. I wonder what our bedridden friends are up to.” I wondered to myself as I relaxed in my deck chair.

(Stateroom, Randy’s P.O.V)

It was a beautiful morning onboard Saurotania once again, but this was even better because I was cuddling with my girlfriend. I looked down at Oasis who looked as beautiful as the sunset on clear day. “What a night, but look who’s here.” I said as Oasis began to wake up. “Hey.” Oasis replied. “Have I ever told you that I love watching you wake up?” I asked her lovingly. “Let’s make that a habit.” She replied as she kissed me on the lips. “As you say Miss Spring.” I replied. “I guess they went to breakfast, and it’s nearly 10:00, so we only have two hours left for breakfast, so let’s go eat and talk about something that’s been on my mind for quite a while now.” Oasis said with a hint of concern in her voice. After getting ready and straightening out our room for a bit, we headed over to the elevator to head up to the restaurant. “So what seems to be concerning you?” I asked as the lift rose up. “What are we going to do when we have to tell Time Turner about what we’ve been through, I highly doubt he’ll believe us, so by the end of this we’ll still have a couple of days to do our project, so how about we find Saurotania’s wreck in her resting place?” Oasis proposed with a sheepish smile on her face. “Well, those are some valid points and I think we should at least some idea of how the ship would look after we see how she sank in the first place.” I replied still puzzled to how we can explain this to Time Turner. “Well I think that we have to stay here until she sinks, and by then we’ll have the exact location of her resting place.” Oasis theorized. “Possibly, and it makes sense otherwise we would’ve left a long time ago.” I said as the lift stopped on B-Deck.

After entering the restaurant, we met our waiter from yesterday and he guided us to a table. “Great to see you, I understand you slept in longer and explains how you weren’t with your other friends. Anyway, what might you like for a late breakfast?” The Waiter asked as he opened his order book. “I’ll take some pancakes with hash browns, and apple juice.” I said as I looked over at Oasis. “I’ll take pancakes with a fruit bowl, and some orange juice.” She said with a smile. “Great choices. Expect your orders momentarily.” The waiter said after taking up our orders. “Thanks a lot.” I said with a smile. “So what are we going to spend our afternoon doing today?” Oasis asked. “I’m not sure, if I were to take a hint, you’d probably be reading your book.” I said with a small smug. “Maybe, or maybe I was planning to head to the spa, and maybe you could join me.” Oasis said with a sultry tone. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t” I replied. “Fine have fun looking for something to do while I’m being pampered.” Oasis replied with a sly smile. After saying so, our waiter returned with our food and the smell was an aroma to my nose would die for. “Bon Appetit” the Waiter said as he left us to eat our meal.

After our breakfast was eaten, Oasis and I left for the spa and to be honest, I did want to see what some of the treatment was like and relax a bit. “So are you going to get a massage, or a mud bath?” I asked as we entered the spa. “I need a massage to help ease my mind of those stressful thoughts from earlier.” Oasis replied as we took a seat in the waiting room. “I think a steam room session would feel great.” I said as I saw someone walk up to me. “I am Soothing Lavender and you wished for a steam session, correct?” Lavender asked with a smile. “Correct, and she wants a relaxing massage.” I replied to the young woman and pointed to my girlfriend. “Excellent, please follow me and I will get you all set up.” Lavender said as we followed her inside the spa. “Thanks a lot.” Oasis replied. “I’ll see you later, ‘kay babe?” I said as we ended up at the massage parlor and headed off towards the steam room. Oasis merely nodded her head. After changing into the spa’s bathrobes, I entered the steam room which was surprising due to there not being a line, but Minuette was right when she mentioned the instant relief upon entry. “This is going to feel soo great.” I sighed to myself as I sat down and allowed the steam to do it’s magic.

(Oasis’s P.O.V)

I sighed in relief as my masseuse worked on my tense muscles. “Wow you’re really tense, have you ever had a massage before?” She asked after pressing on a really tense area on my shoulder. “Yeah, Probably from the amounts of work I did back at my father’s warehouse.” I replied in a much relaxed tone. “So what does your father do for a living?” She asked as she continued her glorious work. “He works in the meat industry, I occasionally help out when I’m not with my mother.” I said as she motioned me to lie on stomach. “I see, based on what I’m feeling here, you must had been working since you could stand and some of your kinks seem to be very tight.” The masseuse said as she pressed on my spinal cord. “Yeah sometimes I have to haul in ‘cargo’ and if you thought this was easy work, it’s quite the opposite because the full weight of the animal is bearing on me, then I have to place the product on the hook in just the right place.” I explained as I heard small pops from my back. “I understand, for now just relax dear as I take good care of your stressed tensions.” The masseuse said as she hit a big stress point which caused a loud pop and I felt as if a boulder had been lifted off me. “Can do.” I replied as my masseuse continued her work. “Turn over please, and don’t worry about anything inappropriate, I’m a professional not a pervert.” The masseuse said as I was a bit apprehensive about the next stage of our session.

After half an hour later, my body felt so rejuvenated from the massage. “Thanks a lot I really needed that.” I said appreciatively. “No problem. It was interesting to hear some good stories from a girl who knows her stuff and stays in shape instead of being a stuck up priss.” My masseuse replied as we went toward the main lobby to wait for Randy. I didn’t wait for another ten minutes to see him and he looked as if he had ran a cross-country marathon. “So how was your steam?” I asked in a relaxed tone. “Fantastic, I can see why Chaser went in there.” He said with a smile. “Good, now let’s go find our other two love birds before they do something outrageously stupid, like having a little too much fun and an accident happens.” I said as I rolled my eyes at the thought of Dark and Minny having sex in our stateroom.

(Stern Docking Bridge Deck, Dark’s P.O.V)

After a wonderful time of getting some Vitamin D from the warm and relaxing rays of the sun, the time came to an end when the sun began setting over the horizon from the possible six hours we spent exchanging about one another and ordering an occasional snack from a steward. “Alright, so I think it’s about time we earned some money, you in?” I asked as I arose from my deck chair. “Sure, let’s just be cautious.” Minuette said with her ‘Guilt Trip’ face. “Ok, ok. We’ll be careful.” I said as I tried to make her stop staring at me with those teary eyes. Once entering through one of the back entrances of the ship’s superstructure, we took an elegant aft staircase that was as grand as the one we usually see. We only went down to D-Deck to hear the sounds of laughter from men and I had a hunch we were close. The place was known as ‘Easy Money’ and it really made since if you were really good at a game. Upon entry, we saw multiple card games in session such as Hold em or Poker. “Now was Blackjack or Jin Rami invented during this time?” I asked myself as I looked at the various tables. “Ah! There ya are laddy, and it seems ya got yer lass. Nice work, especially with the jewels, are those sapphires?” Slate Cider said from his Rami game.

“Slate, I swear we keep running into one another and I used a blue diamond with quartz.” I replied as I approached my Irish friend. “Blue diamonds?! That’s amazing and it compliments her eyes.” He said as he nudged me with his elbow. “All the more reason I chose it, so what are ya playing?” I asked as I looked at their set up. “We’re in the middle of a game of good old fashioned Gin Rummy, go grab some chairs for you and yer lass and we can teach ya how to play.” Slate replied as he looked at his hand with a smile. I did exactly what he said as I grabbed two chairs for Minuette and I and we sat with my friends as they finished their game. After seating in with the rest of the group, Slate had shuffled the deck and began passing out everyone’s hand face down and place the remaining cards in the center, but left one face up revealing a 3 of hearts. “Alright, ya know how to play Gin Rummy right?” Slate asked me. “Yes I had back in Baltimore.” I replied. “Great, then perhaps ya like to try and play for $10,000?” Slate asked as the amount of money would make me and Minuette the richest in the casino. “I accept your challenge, but I wish to raise up the rice with $10 for some extra sauce.” I place a ten on the board. “Alright, place yer bets men, the score be up to 300.” Slate said as each man placed down a certain amount and once the bets were made, the game began.

(Stateroom, Randy’s P.O.V)

After our relaxing day at the spa, we returned to the stateroom to hopefully stop any unwanted sexual contact. “Somethin’s wrong here.” I said with a suspicious expression as I pressed my ear to the door. “What is it?” Oasis asked. “I don’t hear anything. If those two are going at it, then we would hear moaning on the other side of the door.” I explained as there was nothing but silence. “I know I like quiet, but this is ridiculous.” Oasis replied as she opened the door and discovered that the room was empty. “Where are they if they’re not here?” I asked. “Maybe they’re on the deck, or possibly getting a few drinks somewhere.” Oasis hypothesized. Outside, we heard some men laughing as if they had left a bar. “Man, I can’t believe ya won that much money!” An Irish man said ecstatically. “Thanks mate, but let’s go back ta our room and count the money we won.” The other said as they were about to enter their stateroom. “Excuse me sirs, but where did you acquire your winnings?” I asked as they were about to pass our room. “Oh well apparently it seems this ship had a special surprise by not mentioning a casino aboard and man is it one of the best ones we’ve ever been.” the Irishman replied as he looked through his money. “Interesting, and where is this place located?” Oasis asked. “On D-Deck, but hopefully ya have luck on ya to maybe win a bunch of cash.” The other man said as they left us be.

(Easy Money Casino, Minuette’s P.O.V)

I looked on the game of Gin Rummy with an ecstatic smile on my face. “I wonder who’s gonna win?” I thought to myself as I saw two card players remain during the multiple rounds of sitting out with at least 150 each. Gazing upon Slate and Dark, they looked at their cards and each other confidently since a smug grin or smile could give away the fact that you had the best hand. “Yer doin’ good lad. You’ve lasted longer than the others.” Slate said as he drew another card from the deck. “Yeah, when your dad has been playing cards with friends, you can pick up on things.” I replied back as I waited for his turn to end by withdrawing a card. “Aye, I guess ya could say I started playin’ when I was a wee lad and me Dad used to play with Mum with some of the neighbors on a weekend.” Slate said as he withdrew a card from his hand. Dark picked up a card and began throwing out some hits before withdrawing another, leaving him with one card left. I was really on the edge of my seat in hopes he could win the game. “What did your parents do for a living?” I asked with a quirked eyebrow. “Me father was a Potato Farmer as my mother was a waitress at a pub I would go to visit her and get a drink.” Slate replied as he drew a card from the deck and began throwing some down. “My dad works for a leather company, and my mom used to be a school teacher.” Dark said as he drew a card. “So what about you lass, what did your parents do for a livin’?” Slate asked. “My dad used to work for the meat processing industry, until he almost lost an arm on the pig line. My mom works as a dental assistant, and now you know why I have such perfect teeth.” I said with a smile showing off my pearly white teeth.

They were amazed, but resumed with the card game with Slate going all out as he placed his last card on the deck. “All out.” He said as Dark looked and saw he had a royal in his hand. After they sorted through the cards that had been hit and did the math, Slate won the game with 210 and Dark had 195 in the final score. “Congrats on your win Slate, I guess I still have some training to do when I get home.” Dark said as he shook his opponents hand. “It’s ok lad, I’ll give ya about 50% of my winnings, and I can help ya if we play again.” Slate said as he gave Dark $5,000. “Thanks, but I only came so we can earn some more money.” Dark said as he handed me the winnings. “Yeah, and ya got some, now how’s about we get you and yer lass some drinks?” Slate asked as he headed over to the bar counter. I nudged Dark and I slightly frowned at him. “Sorry, I’m gonna have to pass on that, maybe next time.” Darks said as he and I began to walk towards the door. “Sure thing lad. Have a good rest of yer night with yer lass.” Slate replied as he handed the bartender his fare. “Did you have to ruin my good time?” Dark asked in a playful tone. “Somebody has to keep you sober for something special.” I said with a wink. “Fine, but one drink would not have hurt anyone.” Dark said as we left the casino with a wad of cash in our grasp. “Fine, but I want some red wine, nor any of that beer you drink.” I replied with a roll of my eyes.

(D-Deck, Oasis’s P.O.V)

After arriving on D-Deck to find this casino and hopefully find our two friends before we catch them about to do something completely stupid. I heard the sound of Minuette laughing and looked over to see her with a glass of red wine. “Oh no, not her too.” I groaned as I threw a facepalm. “But still, I would have never snuck into that theatre if it wasn’t showing my favorite movie, ‘The Mighty 8’.” I heard Dark as he walked beside Minny. “Please tell me that you two still have some amount of sobriety?” Randy asked the two of the drinkers. “Um, do you see us stumbling or making out pretty rough?” Dark asked as the two looked at us questionably. “Slightly stumbling, but I have the suspicion that you’re going to start… yeah.” I said as Dark and Minny started to make out in front of me. They may have been somewhat drunk, but their kiss was still so passionate and not sloppy done like they had drowned ten bottles worth. “Alright you two enough.” I reprimanded as I tried to get the two of them to separate. The two of them moved out of my way and I nearly fell on my face. “Seriously babe, shouldn’t you be helping or something?” I asked that he could help me. “Hey guys come on, break it up. If you two don’t stop then you leave us no choice but to do the ‘girls to one bed and guys to the other’ rule.” Randy said as he tried to stand in between the lip locked couple. Finally they separated and just stared at each other with goofy smiles on their faces. “Perhaps they are right, but I think we did have more than we could swallow.” Dark admitted as he felt kind of stupid with his decision. “Yeah, but you really are a great kisser, I wish we could try this in bed, but those two buzzkills will be there too.” Minny whined as she pointed at Randy and me.

I chuckled at my friends’ whining because it reminded me of our classmate Rarity when she would complain about some aspect of fashion. “Ok, look after this is over, you two can rail each other for as long as you want, but until then keep it in your pants.” I said as I patted my friend on her shoulder. “I suppose, but you’d be interested on the $5,000 we won in a Gin Rummy game.” Dark said as Minny pulled out a large wad of cash from her pocket. “Ok when did you learn to play Gin Rummy?” Randy asked with a stunned expression on his face. “My father used to play cards all the time and when you observe the game and try it, you pick up on some tricks. I may not have won, but Slate was generous to split the prize 50/50.” Dark explained. “Based on that info, I’m guessing that the original prize was $10,000.” I said while rolling my eyes. “Anyway, If I did the math, each of us should get about $1,250 if we split the $5,000.” Dark continued as we all got our share of the money. “I think he’s getting sober again.” Randy joked as we both knew that Dark, and Minny’s sobriety would return in the morning.

(3rd P.O.V)

In the mind of Dark Obsidian, he knew the ins and outs of this fine liner, which is why he made a plan with Minuette. With one wink, it became a mad dash to the lift near the Grand Stairwell. Closing the gate and hitting the button to the lowest deck, they left the two confused friends running to the lift and watching them descend. “Now what are we going to do?” Randy asked his significant other. “Maybe we shouldn’t interfere, and we can have our own fun back in the room, but we have to handle this quietly.” Oasis said pinching the bridge of her nose. “Really? That’s what you want to do tonight?” Randy asked. “No! We’re going after them and we’re taking the stairs.” Oasis said as she began to run towards the Grand Stairwell.

Meanwhile on G-Deck, Dark and Minuette were having their fun moment with a laugh on their reactions, but they knew that Randy and Oasis would come after them and it’s exactly what they intended. “Okay, so when we run, we head down the hallway and to the right and not left due to the party the English are hosting?” Minuette asked making sure she had it right. “Exactly, we’ll be heading to a private area that I got from Titanic, the Cargo Hold.” Dark nodded as the lift stopped and the gates opened. When the two got out and ran down the hall a bit, a very pissed Oasis came down the stairs with Randy not too far behind. “I will get you two, and when I do, you will wish you weren’t drinking in the first place!” Oasis shouted as she charged at the two like a mad bull in a bullfight. “I knew she liked the thrill of the chase but this is ridiculous.” Dark said as he and Minuette ran down the rest of the hall and turned a corner as Oasis was charging too quick to stop before faceplanting into a wall. Minuette and Dark were now running for their lives.

“We need to hide and fast, or we’re chow for the hungry dragoness!” Minuette said as their next turn was coming up. “Why do you think we’re heading to the Cargo Hold?” Dark asked as Oasis was getting back up. “Hey babe are you okay?” Randy asked his angry girlfriend. “No I’m not okay.” Oasis said as tears began to form in her eyes. “Hey, how about we go back to the room and we could have fun like them and maybe you’ll stop freaking out a bit.” Randy propositioned Oasis who sniffled and nodded her head in acceptance. “Ok, I just wanted to protect my friend, is that so wrong?” Oasis asked. “I think she can handle herself, besides she learned CQC from you, so if he fucks up, the local church has a new soprano.” Randy said in a humorous manner. “Ok, let’s go.” Oasis conceded as she pecked her boyfriend’s cheek.

At the Cargo Hold entrance, Dark and Minuette were waiting for their hunter to thunder by like runaway freight train, but after a few moments of silence, they couldn’t hear or see her in the corridor. “I think we lost her.” Dark said as he looked down the corridor. Little to their knowledge, Oasis was standing directly behind them as silent as a ninja.

“Did it just get colder in here?” Minuette asked as she felt a disturbing presence. “Oh we’re right fucked aren’t we?” Dark asked knowing they had been beaten. “Right in the down under, but I won’t destroy you because I have a proposition for you.” Oasis said with a smile. “And what would that be exactly?” Dark asked still not facing their hunter. “You two still get to have your fun, only if we get to have fun with you.” Oasis said still keeping her smile on her face. “And who’s we?” Minuette asked slightly afraid of the answer. “You didn’t think I’d let her come all the way down here without me now did you?” Randy said as he appeared from behind a corner. “You clever bastard. Let me guess, we turn this into a four way don’t we?” Dark said still not facing his hunter. “If you want to be technical about it, then yes.” Randy replied as Dark slowly turned around to face Oasis. “You seemed to have calmed down awfully too quick, what’s the catch?” Dark asked suspiciously. “Don’t push your luck.” Oasis replied with a slightly dark tone. “In all seriousness though, how are Dark and I, and you and Randy going to make this work?” Minuette asked. “In the hatch, there are two cars on opposite ends of the hold, One to accommodate each pair.” Dark said as this peaked the interests of the others. “Perfect, now let’s go.” Randy said as he grabbed his girlfriend and headed towards the first hatch. “Dibs bitches!” Oasis said as she went down the hatch. Once in the hold, It was packed with parcels and crates of luggage and cargo. But the two cars were actually being sent as gifts to help the Scottish industry jump into car manufacturing on the major components of how such machines operated. As Dark and Minuette reached the other vehicle on the other side of the hold, Oasis looked at Randy with her seductive bedroom eyes.

“Hi there.” Oasis said seductively. “Hey, wanna take off that dress so we can have some real fun?” He asked as he felt his impending manhood calling to him. Oasis slowly and seductively began removing her dress with the first strap coming loose and the second to follow and her dress began to reveal her broad chest. “Like what you see?” Oasis asked as she jiggled her natural c-cup breasts seductively. “You know I do, now it’s my turn.” Randy replied as he started to strip himself of his clothes. “Well then, seems like we some fun ahead of us.” Oasis said as she began to move in for the prize. “Let’s begin then.” Randy replied as he gently removed Oasis’ bra and panties. “I couldn’t agree more.” Oasis replied as she removed her lover’s underwear and revealed his erection. Oasis wasted no time, and began to stroke her lover’s boner and began to give long licks along the shaft. “Mmm, Oasis, suck on it please.” Randy moaned out as his girlfriend continued her ministrations. Oasis took her lover’s member and put it in her mouth and started to gently suck on it as she began to pleasure herself. Noticing that he was neglecting his lover, Randy pulled his dick out of Oasis’ mouth and licked her inner thigh causing her to moan. “Yeah, eat me out baby.” Oasis said as she pressed his head into her nether regions. Randy did as his lover asked as he began to explore her folds and tease her clit to get her more aroused. “Yes! Yes! Just like that!” Oasis moaned in ecstasy as her hold on her lover weakened. “You ready?” Randy asked. Oasis only nodded her head in response.

With their hips lined up Randy slowly pushed forward as his member managed to push through his lover’s entrance, until he met the resistance of her hymen. Randy gently pushed forward and popped her cherry making her tight pussy strangle his cock. “God damn babe you’re really tight!” Randy exclaimed in pleasure as he penetrated his girlfriend for the first time. “What would you expect from a girl’s first time?” Oasis asked with bliss in her tone from the unimaginable feeling. “It’s a compliment. I’m going to start moving now.” Randy said as he began to slowly withdraw his member from his lover, only to slowly thrust it back in. Oasis could only kiss her lover as the magic within her did it’s job and Randy used a free hand and fondled with one of his lover’s breasts and pinching the nipple. Oasis moaned in pleasure as her breast was being played with and along with the feeling of Randy’s dick kept hitting her g-spot. Eventually, the moment she awaited for arrived as she felt something sensational inside of her due to the repetitive ramming of her g-spot. “Randy, I’m so close!” Oasis screamed in ecstasy. “Me too! Where do you want me to…” Randy said as Oasis cut him off with a kiss. “Inside, make me yours!” Oasis said after she broke the kiss. Randy thrusted into Oasis one last time as her pussy tightened around his member as their orgasms hit them. Oasis could feel the warmth of her lover’s seed spilling into her as her own fluids mixed with his. Both teens were now panting in exhaustion in the afterglow of their intimate contact. “That felt soooo good!” Oasis said as she kissed her boyfriend passionately. “I know you’ve heard this before, but you are beautiful.” Randy said in a dream like trance. “You too.” Oasis said as she cuddled up against Randy before passing out on him.

Meanwhile on the opposite side of the Cargo Hold, Minuette and Dark were kissing each other passionately and moaning into each other’s mouth as they did so. “I never would have felt this much love in my life, I’m just glad you’re here to be a part of it.” Dark spoke as he broke the kiss and brushed some strands of hair aside Minuette’s face. “I’m glad you’re the one who’s going to take my virginity.” Minuette responded as she cupped her lover’s face in her hand. “Same here. Now let’s get that dress off and get to know each other better.” Dark said as he removed his shirt. Minuette began to take off her dress only leaving on her bra and panties that matched the color of of her hair with the white portion near the space in between her lovely c-cup breasts. “You’re so hot right now.” Dark complimented as Minuette turned to face him. “You’re no slouch yourself. Now let’s have some fun.” Minuette said with a cute giggle. Dark removed the suspenders and shirt to reveal his upper torso, it may not have been like some steroid using bodybuilder, but it was average for a teenager at his age. He slipped out of his shoes and socks quickly before he removed his girlfriend’s bra to cup a breast and began to kiss the nipple swirl his tongue. “Mmm. That feels so good, keep going.” Minuette moaned out with slight gasp. Dark needed no further instructions as he fondled the neglected twin and flicked the nipple with his tongue and lightly suckled on it and fondled with the one he suckled on. Minuette felt truly in heaven, but she felt it was time to return the favor and began stroking the building tent in her lover’s pants. “Eager aren’t you?” Dark asked as he felt Minuette stroking his member. “Yeah. How about we have oral in everyone’s favorite position?” Minuette said with a seductive smile.

Dark nodded in agreement as he took off his boxers and allowed his lover to climb onto him and present her moistening sex to him. “You smell like bubblegum toothpaste.” Dark said in a sly tone as he prodded her entrance with two fingers. Minuette moaned as she put the tip of Dark’s dick in her mouth and began to bob her head up and down. Dark could only moan in pleasure as his lover sucked him off. Dark repaid the favor by prodding Minuette’s pussy with his tongue taking in her taste. As Dark decided to have some fun, he teased his girlfriend’s clit which responded to the teasing with a severe blush on her face and moaning desperately. Minuette decided to put her special talent to good use by shoving her head down and swallowed. Dark was amazed that his girlfriend didn’t have a gag reflex as she deepthroated him. “I see dental hygiene isn’t your only special talent.” Dark said as he began to faceplant his mouth into her and swirling his tongue within her walls. Minuette moaned and made the dick in her throat vibrate. “Oh God, babe, I think we’re ready to move on to the next step.” Dark said as he lightly pushed Minuette to let her know she could get off of him. Dark relished the feeling of freedom for a moment as he then saw Minuette position herself with her pussy faced toward him. “I love you so much!” Minuette said as she kissed Dark passionately as she straddled him, her nethers aligning with his. “I know.” Dark said as he broke away from the kiss. “I promise, I’ll make this the best experience you’ve ever had.” He said as he held his girlfriend’s hips in place as he slowly pushed forward and entered her. As Dark slowly pushed forward, until he broke Minuette’s hymen and she gasped out of pleasure and a little bit of pain. Dark halted his movement, allowing his lover’s insides to adjust to his presence. “Oh my god! This feels so good!” Minuette squealed in ecstasy as she felt her inner walls loosen up. “I’m going to move now. You just sit back and let me do the work.” She said as she playfully booped Dark’s nose with her index finger. “Sure thing baby.” Dark said as he did what he was told as Minuette began to ride her lover and grind her hips. After a while, the need to thrust into Minuette became too great as Dark thrusted his hips and sent Minuette onto her back into the missionary position and Dark began to thrust into his lover, striking her g-spot over and over. The moment came when the pleasure surge began to grow and the movements became more rapid as they began to reach the climax. “Hey Minny, I’m getting close!” Dark said as he looked into her eyes. “I feel it too.” Minuette responded with a blissful tone. “Where should I…” Dark started, but was interrupted by Minuette. “Inside! I want you to cum inside me!” Minuette squealed as her insides clamped down around Dark’s phallus as he released his seed into her. Minuette and Dark sighed in bliss as they stayed together for a couple of moments until Dark’s dick softened and popped out of his lover. Minuette lied on top of Dark panting.

“That was truly amazing, I’m glad I got to enjoy it with you.” Dark said as he brushed his girlfriend’s hair tenderly. “I’m so happy that you and I are together now.” Minuette said as she lightly kissed Dark on his lips as she fell into the grip of slumber. “Me too babe, me too.” Dark said as he too drifted off to sleep holding his girlfriend tightly.

Scotland or Bust

(Morning over the Atlantic, Saurotania Bridge, 3rd P.O.V)

As the sun rose once more over the Atlantic, The Officers aboard the Bridge were still maintaining the course to St. Andrews as the Captain arrived. “Morning Gentlemen, how’s the weather?” Bartlett asked while he sipped on his tea. “Quite lovely sir, also it appears that we are nearing the Orkney Islands a few days ahead of schedule and we should arrive in the afternoon of tomorrow.” First Mate Zachary informed as he looked over the map. “Excellent and we haven’t ran into any subs except two days ago which to me is oddly suspicious, Be sure you send up lookouts to watch for any subs, we are still in the danger of their usual patrolling area.” Captain Bartlett ordered. “Aye sir, right away.” Zachary saluted as he left to find the lookouts.

(Cargo Hold, 3rd P.O.V)

Within the two cars onboard the ship, the two couples were awakening from their slightly uncomfortable ‘beds’. Oasis was a heavy sleeper most times, but this time she was the one to wake up first as she leaned in and kissed her boyfriend. “Good morning.” She said sweetly. “Hello to you too.” Randy replied as he began to sit up a little. “So did you enjoy last night?” Randy asked as he handed Oasis her clothes as he found his own. “I loved it, but next time we’re doing that on a comfortable bed, never in the car.” Oasis said as she cracked her neck to accentuate her point. “Agreed.” Randy replied. As they got dressed in their attire, Dark and Minuette had already been awake and dressed, but couldn’t help but hold onto one another and cuddle. “I never knew that you didn’t have a gag reflex.That’s awesome!” Dark said as he hugged his girlfriend. “Yeah, apparently it’s genetic on my mom’s side of the family. I mean dentistry is not for people with weak stomachs, ya know.” Minuette pointed out with a small giggle. “So let’s meet up with the others and head onto breakfast, but really quickly, You did have protection correct?” Dark asked as he was about to open the door. “I’m on the pill, so no worries.” Minuette replied with a smile. As the two met up with Randy and Oasis on the entrance to the Cargo Hold, they decided to head to the restaurant on C-Deck for breakfast. “So what was it like for you guys?” Dark asked Randy. “Oasis was great! She was so tight, that it practically strangled my dick, and it was glorious!” Randy said as he looked at his girlfriend and Minuette having their own conversation. “Nice, Minny has no gag reflex, and she deepthroated me with no problem.” Dark said as he went over what happened last night. “Awesome! You’re one lucky bastard you know that?” Randy said as he playfully punched his friend’s shoulder.

After arriving to the restaurant with the good breakfast, the gang sat down and looked to see if there was anything new they had yet to try. “Ooh, they’ve got biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls today!” Minuette said excitedly. “I’m all for it, what do you guys think?” Dark asked. “Yeah, I love that stuff, even if it’s just junk food most of the time.” Oasis said with a grin. “Hey, hey look at this the gang’s all together this time!” The waiter said with a smile. “Yeah, but I think we’ll all get biscuits with gravy and cinnamon rolls, good sir.” Randy said as the waiter took up the menus. “Very good.” the Waiter replied as he left into the kitchen. “So ladies, what did you think about last night minus the epic chase to the Cargo Hold?” Dark asked. Oasis sheepishly smiled at the memory of how pissed she can be as Minuette responded. “It was like the most magical moment in my life, way more magical than anything I’ve seen at school.” “Glad to hear it, when this is over, we’re definitely going to have to tell our parents about our relationships, but leave out our sex lives.” Randy said as he remembered that their parents will be hounding them about this. “Your dish is served, please enjoy as always.” The Waiter said as he unveiled the biscuits and a gravy boat full of gravy and lastly the plate stacked with cinnamon rolls. “Thank the lord. I haven’t had this in so long.” Dark said as he stared at the food, mentally drooling over it. “Let’s dig in then shall we.” Randy said as the gang began chowing down on the delicious breakfast before them.

After everything was eaten, it was about 10 in the morning and plenty of daylight to enjoy. “We really need to shower we smell like sweat and sex, not really an attractive smell for public situations.” Oasis stated matter-of-factly. “I agree, Luckily there is a shower room in the spa, plus I believe we are all in need of some relaxing.” Dark agreed. “I don’t think that Lavender has seen us all at the same time yet.” Minuette said with a giggle. “Oh yeah, well there’s a first time for everything.” Randy said as the lift stopped on the deck where the spa was located. “You got that right.” Dark said as they went down the hall and found the spa just around the corner.

“Ah If it isn’t Chaser, Sculpture, and Dawn, Great to see you once again. Who is your friend there?” Lavender asked as she was happy to see some familiar faces. “This is our friend Shadow Fang.” Minuette replied with a smile. “Happy to meet you, so what brings you four in today?” Lavender asked with a cheerful smile. “We need to use the showers, then we need some relaxing massages if you don’t mind.” Oasis said. “No problem at all. The showers are down the hall to the left, and I’ll get you guys set up with your masseuses.” Lavender said as she penciled them in. The gang began to head down the hall and stepped in a separate shower stall to wash themselves and rejuvenate their hygiene. After their showers they dried off and headed to the massage rooms and began their relaxing afternoon.

(Saurotania Bridge, 3rd P.O.V)

Meanwhile on the Bridge, 1st Officer Zachary Hills was in charge of the ship while Captain Bartlett was at lunch. The Lookouts were patrolling from the crowsnest for any signs of sub activity as they were sailing within the U-Boat patrolling waters. “Sir, we should be seeing the Orkney Islands on our port side.” An officer reported to Hills. “Good, now to check the engines for any mishaps.” Hills said as he picked up the phone to the Engine Room. “Chief Officer Rivets.” Rivets replied on the phone. “Hello Rivets, just wondering if there’s any trouble with the engines.” Hills said. “Nothing out of the usual, Pressure is stable and the all valves show normal.” Rivets replied after checking some of the systems. “How about the turbines and pistons?” Hills asked. “Turbines and pistons are functioning at peak efficiency.” Rivets reported. “Excellent, we are about to reach our destination by tomorrow and after this voyage is complete, we’ll replace the engines to ensure there is no threat.” Hills said informing the engineer with what will be happening. “Good, we could use a new engine. I was really excited when I heard the engine pumping out more speed.” Rivets said with a gleeful tone. “Good keep up the great work.” Hills said as he hung up the phone and went out to the port bridge wing and saw a few landmasses that were the Orkney Islands. Not too long after Captain Bartlett returned to the Bridge. “What’s the report Mr. Hills?” Francis asked.

“Captain, the engines are doing just fine, and Rivets is looking forward to getting the new engine.” Hills said with a smile. “That’s good news, hopefully we can be one of the first ships to complete a crossing during a war zone and the headlines will be buzzing, just be sure everything is secure.” Francis said as he looked over the Orkney Islands. “Can do sir.” Hills said as Francis sat at his desk.

Meanwhile on the wireless telegraph, Operator John Reven was receiving messages from their sister ship, the RMS Gladiator about the submarine positions and warnings for the past few minutes. John made sure he jotted down the last known positions of the submarines and was messaging the St. Andrews Gladiator Port on their progression of the voyage. The other Wireless Operator, Quick Tap entered the wireless operator room for any updates on telegraph. “Let’s see what’s new today.” Quick said as he sat down at the telegraph. “Oh well that’s very distressing.” He said as he looked at the report. “What’s goin on? New submarine position updates?” John asked as he looked at his partner. “Yeah, and I managed to report our latest miracle of going 30 knots.” Quick replied as John turned around to face him. “Yeah well that’s fantastic we pulled it off, but apparently most of the subs are returning to Germany.” John said as he focused on a telegraph message. “Why is that?” Quick asked as he raised an eyebrow. “Nobody knows, but I suspect that it’s because they need to restock on their ammunition, or something.” Quick said as he waited for the reply from Gladiator. “That would make sense, so have you gotten a response from the Gladiator on our little miracle?” Quick asked. “Yeah and I’ve just got her response saying she is impressed but is concerned that our engines could have exploded from being overworked.” John said as he listened to the message. “I’ll tell them that things are going just fine and we’ll be in Scotland in no time.” Quick said as he began his message.

(Spa and Sauna, 3rd P.O.V)

“Ahh, this feels sooo good!” Oasis sighed as her masseuse kneaded her lower back. “Judging from your reactions, I think we’ve found the source of your discomfort.” Smooth Stone said as she started to work on that specific area. “Yeah.” Oasis replied. “And you’re positively glowing, like you had an intimate evening.” Stone said as she pressed down a bit harder. “Yeah, last night my boyfriend and I had our first time last night and it felt like heaven.” Oasis said as she smiled at the memory of her and Randy from last night. “I see, I’ll bet he was a gentleman and went slow and steady, not hard and fast like my first time.” Stone said as she remembered her first time. “Sorry to hear that.” Oasis sympathized. “It’s fine. I really do enjoy chatting with my clients, it makes my job more worthwhile.” Stone said as she motioned for Oasis to turn over.

In the next room over, Dark was in the middle of getting a crick out of his neck when it finally popped and making a wave of relief rush over the once sore area. “That’s the spot, I’m telling you that spot was killing me.” Dark said as the masseuse worked on his shoulder blades. “I can tell, and your lower back is pretty tense as well as if you had sex the night before or something.” The masseuse commented as he applied more pressure to Dark’s spine making it pop in several spots. “Yeah I did and it was one of the best moments of my life.” Dark replied as let the wave of relief drown him in sea of relaxation. “Really? Well, what was she to you, girlfriend, one night stand, or what?” The masseuse said as he continued to relieve the tension in Dark’s back. “Girlfriend and future wife if the relationship stands.” Dark said in a calm tone. “Good on ya mate. It’s all about how you treat her. Trust me, my relationship with my girlfriend lasted for five years, then we shagged and after that I proposed to her about three months later.” The masseuse said as he reminisced about his youth. “I’ll be sure I take that advice into consideration.” Dark said as the masseuse continued to work his magic.

“I love my life right now.” Randy said as his masseuse worked on his upper back. “Why’s that?” The masseuse asked. “My girlfriend and I had sex for the first time last night, and hopefully she’ll still want to stick with me after awhile.” Randy said as he groaned after a rapid succession of pops were heard. “Nice, I wish you luck on your plans, hopefully she’ll stay with you especially if you’ve been together in a platonic relationship for a while.” The masseuse said as he worked on the teen’s legs. “I hope so too, I mean I know we love each other, and I would make a great husband and father.” Randy said with a sigh. “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll want to marry and have kids with you as long as you communicate with her.” The masseuse said with a smile. “Yeah, you’re right. Want me to turn over?” Randy said curiously. “If wouldn’t mind.” The masseuse replied.

“My dear, you are quite tense in your lower back, have you been through an intimate evening recently?” Lavender asked as she began working on the tense area. “Yes actually. It was with my crush from school. He had a girlfriend, but they broke up and now I stepped in and mended his heart.” Minuette said with a sigh. “I bet it must have been quite hurtful for having someone get left for someone else, I’m just glad you're one of the few who actually care about feelings instead of looks and wealth in a man.” Lavender said as she stated one of the most common problems in society. “I think it was a mutual break up, but yeah I’m glad we got together and he gave me this beautiful pendant.” Minuette replied. “Goodness, he must certainly have good tastes for a pendant like that, but anyway would you be a dear and turn over.” Lavender said as she finished alleviating the tension in her client’s lower back. “Sure, the jeweler made it out of blue diamonds and quartz for a reasonable price.” Minuette replied as she turned over.

A few hours later, the group felt great from the treatments the spa had to offer. “God that was good!” Dark said as they walked out of the spa. “Yeah, and Lavender was really surprised when she was massaging my throat, that there wasn’t very much tension there.” Minuette said with a devious grin on her face. “You told her that you don’t have a gag reflex didn’t you?” Oasis asked. “But still I went easy on you, but next time if we do it I might be a bit more harder.” Dark said in a sly tone. “Oh is that right?” Minuette asked in a sultry tone as she leaned in close and pecked him on the lips. Dark accepted this as he wrapped his arm around his girlfriend’s side as they walked to their destination. “So what’s next?” Dark asked as he looked at Randy and Oasis. “How about something to eat?” Oasis said as she clung to her boyfriend lovingly. “I can eat, just in time for dinner too.” Minuette smiled at the idea and looked at a small clock in the Grand Stairwell.

They ended up at the Vegetation Sensation and found a good place to sit. “Well, well look at what the cat dragged in.” Eugene Eclair said with a grin. “Eugene, nice to see you too.” Oasis said as she looked through the menu. “Good to see you guys too, what can I get for you this fine evening?” Eugene asked. “Well, what would you recommend?” Dark asked looking at Eugene. “Well we have a lovely alfredo linguini pasta with a magnificent House salad with Italian dressing.” Eugene said as he looked over his specials for the evening. “Sounds great, we’ll take it with a bottle of scotch.” Randy said as Eugene jotted down the order. “Very good.” Eugene responded as he left the table. “Why scotch?” Oasis asked. “Never had it, so why not try it now?” Randy replied with a raised eyebrow. “Must taste like alcohol since I’ve heard some people order scotch at that Irish party.” Dark inputted as he relaxed in his seat. “Well, gotta start somewhere right?” Randy asked as Eugene returned with the food and bottle of scotch. “Bon Appetit.” Eugene said as he placed the food down onto the table. “Thanks Eugene, have a nice evening.” Minuette said with a smile. “No problem, I’ll be here if you need anything.” Eugene said as he went to another table.

Dinner went off without a hitch as the food tasted wonderful and the view of the sun disappearing over the horizon. “Well, that was delicious.” Minuette said as she slid into her seat. “Sure was, so who wants to play strip poker back in our room?” Oasis asked with a devious grin. “Loser has to give the winner a lap dance, no matter the gender.” Oasis added. “I’ll have to pass, I kinda wish to have some of my night spent outside.” Dark said as he rose from the table. “I’ll see you later at maybe 11.” With that he left the restaurant and out onto the promenade.

(Engine Room, 3rd P.O.V)

Chief Engineer Rivets was enjoying his bowl of soup while the pleasant sound of a healthy engine hissed, and pumped its pistons to propell the vessel forward towards Scotland. “Can’t wait to give her a new engine, she certainly need one after all the work she does.” Rivets thought as he slurped up a spoonful of hot soup. “Sir, we’ve finished the routine check and the boilers are operating as well as the engines.” An engineer reported to Rivets. “Good, hopefully we’ll be in St. Andrews by tomorrow afternoon without any complications.” Rivets replied. “That’s great to hear sir. I’ll be on my rounds sir.” the engineer said as he walked away.

As Dark saw the sky getting darker with the sun no longer in the sky, he saw the stars overhead and a waxing crescent of the moon. “This is peace.” He said to himself as he looked over the ship’s railing and out on the horizon of the North Sea. “Yeah, but I wish it wasn’t so damn cold.” Black Honor said as he walked up next to him. “Oh hey Honor, how has it been with little Jonathan?” Dark asked looking over his shoulder. “Things have been fine. Jonathan is quite content with his surroundings, you know it’s his first time seeing someplace other than our apartment in Baltimore.” Honor said with a chuckle. “Yeah, so what brought you out this evening, stargazing or pondering life?” Dark asked looking into the sky. “A little bit of both. I have always loved the stars, and it has been said that one’s destiny lies within the stars if they look close enough.” Honor said as he remembered an old tale he was told when he was a boy. “So what’s bringing you to Scotland?” Dark asked for family reasons. “It’s to get away from the polluted city and live in the clean country and raise a family.” Honor answered with a smile. “If I may be so bold to ask, what do you see in your future with that nice girl with the blue and white hair?” Honor asked. “Well, I wished to move here to assist my family’s sheep ranch and hopefully one day marry the blue girl.” Dark replied with a small smile forming. “It’s good to look for a positive future. My mother used to sing to me when I was little. She sang this one lullaby that despite its sad connotation, it proves that forever sounds too good to be true, so it’s best to keep those you love in your heart.” Honor said as he looked at the beautiful tapestry that was the night sky. “I could not agree more, anyway I’ll be off wandering the deck, See you later.” Dark said as he then left for the boat deck.

After a few hours and returning to the stateroom, Dark saw his girlfriend lying in bed sleeping peacefully and his other two friends sleeping in a spooning position. Dark smiled as he entered the room, took off his shoes, and climbed into his bed. Minuette shifted a little and opened her eyes a bit. “Hey.” She greeted with a sleepy smile. “How was your game?” Dark asked as he got comfortable on his side of the bed. “I won and I had Oasis give me a lap dance, Randy got one too, but she did it with him because she loves him.” Minuette said with a soft yawn. “That sounds interesting, but tell me by how much did you win, if you don’t mind me asking.” Dark said as he planted his head on the soft pillow. “I won by 20 points, Randy was behind by six, and poor oasis was down by 40.” Minuette said as she giggled quietly. “You’re cute when you do that you know that right?” Dark asked as he kissed his girlfriend on her lips. “I do know. Care to spoon me tonight?” She asked. “How can I not resist.” Dark responded as he began kissing his girlfriend more passionately.

(Boiler Room 4, 2:00 AM, 3rd P.O.V)

As the stokers were shovelling coal into the furnaces, the routine check of the boilers had been complete, but it wasn’t as thorough as anyone had thought as coal dust had been accumulating more rapidly since their little encounter with the submarine. “Alright lads, we’re almost in St.Andrews, let’s keep those boilers running like new.” Cole shouted to boost morale to his fellow stokers. “Aye aye sir!” A stoker shouted from across the room. Things were going well as the furnaces roared with vigor as they produced huge amounts of steam. But as the stokers continued shovelling the coal into the furnaces, A sound only feared from a warship can be heard, a violent explosion erupts from a boiler burning and scorching the stokers nearby as water began pouring into the exposed hole in the ship’s hull. Cole ran to the watertight door into Boiler Room 3 and shouted. “Come on men Hurry let’s go!”

Another boiler in the doomed boiler room ignited from the seawater mixing with the furnaces and adding another breach on the starboard side. Cole quickly got on the emergency phone. “Captain, First Officer, Anybody pick up!” Cole frantically shouted. On the bridge, First Officer Hills heard the phone ring and answered. “Yes Mr. Cole what is it?” Hills asked. “Sir we have a massive problem! Boiler Room 4 is compromised, we have an idea of what caused it, but we’re not sure!” Cole frantically said into the phone. “Thank you, begin evacuation immediately, we’re closing the watertight doors now!” Hills said as he hung up and quickly gave orders. “All Stop!”

The Engine Room received the order by the EOT. “All Stop!” Rivets shouted as he turned down the steam pressure until it read zero. As the watertight doors began closing and the stokers began making a mad dash to get through, but some were unfortunate as they were too slow. Back on the Bridge, Captain Francis Bartlett came from his quarters and out in the bridge. “What’s happened Mr. Hills?” Bartlett asked. “Boiler Room 4 is completely compromised and we can’t risk anymore damage or she goes under.” Hills reported with a worried expression on his face. Bartlett reflected on this matter and spoke. “Get Mr. Collins immediately, Hills, you and I are going to inspect the damage.” Bartlett ordered as a crew member left to Collin’s quarters.

Knocking on the door to Collins’ quarters, the crew member happened to be 4th Officer Hudson Delong. Collins opened the door in his pajamas and quite annoyed why he was awaken so early. “What is it Mr. Hudson?” Collin asked with a stern expression. “Sir we have a serious problem that demands your immediate attention!” Hudson said with urgency. “Fine, I’ll grab my schematics.” Collins replied as he grabbed the ship’s interior design and followed Hudson to the bridge. In the scorched and flooded remains of Boiler Room 4, on a catwalk over the room Bartlett and Hills looked to see the water steadily rising as high as the third furnace. “This is quite the damage, hopefully Collins can give us some insight on the situation.” Bartlett said as he looked at the damage. “Best get back to the bridge and get down to business.” Hills suggested.

In the Bridge Schematics room, Collins, Hudson, Bartlett, and Hills looked over the ship’s interior schematics for a damage report and analysis. “Water over 100 ft above the keel in five minutes and an approximate 30 foot gash in the starboard hull.” Collins remarked as he jotted the information on the ship’s design. “From where we stand sir, it seems that as long as we don’t have another boiler cause a rupture, we should be fine.” Bartlett remarked as he looked at the other boiler rooms on the schematics. “Yes and Boiler room 4 is a sealed compartment, so she’ll be fine, but we need to take it slowly and check for anymore possible mishaps.” Collins said as he looked at the Captain. “Aye sir. We also need to calm any passengers who are assuming the worst. The last thing we need is absolute chaos.” Bartlett replied with a frown on his face. “Mr. Hills, All Ahead Slow and Mr. Hudson make sure you tell the stewards to calm the passengers to cease any panic.” Bartlett ordered his two officers. “Aye sir.” The two officers replied with salutes as they went to their respective tasks.

(Engine Room, 3rd P.O.V)

In the silence of once the loud and noisy engine room, Rivets stands by the phone and EOT for updates to why they had to stop the engines and what the loud shuddering was. The EOT rang out for them to switch to ‘Ahead Slow’. “We got new orders boys, take it nice and easy, and somebody find out where that damn shuddering is.” Rivets said as he rubbed his temples with a displeased groan. As the engines began to slowly activate with the pistons beginning to pump and the turbines rotating the propellers, The stokers in the other boiler rooms began shovelling some coal and still shaken by the recent event, especially Cole Burner, one of the few to survive the devastating explosions and floodings of Boiler room 4. “Hold on girl, just a bit longer and we’ll get ya fixed in no time.” Rivets said as he walked back to his seat.

Mystery Unraveling

(North Sea, 140 nautical miles from St. Andrews, 3rd P.O.V)

Steaming at a speed of 10 knots, the RMS Saurotania had sustained damage from a boiler room explosion and is slowly limping to the port of St.Andrews, Scotland. Things were going fine for the current circumstances, but many of the crew had a terrible sense of foreboding. Captain Bartlett had ordered Hudson to inform the stewards and stewardesses that if any passengers question on the events, they were to tell them that the ship may likely had lost a propeller blade. Many of the passengers took their word for it and went back to their business.“Just a bit longer, then we can deal with the flooding.” Hudson thought to himself as he headed back to the bridge. Bartlett took the helm of the ship as the wounded liner slowly limps to its destination and was determined to not let his ship go down without a fighting chance. After half an hour of steaming a wounded giant, Bartlett felt it necessary to release the watertight doors, except the ones that were keeping out the water from Boiler Room 4. “Mr. Hills release the watertight doors.” Bartlett ordered keeping his eye out on the sea ahead of him. Not willing to question the Captain, Hills went to the phone and called the Boiler Room. “Cole here.” Cole replied when he picked up the phone. “Mr Cole, open up the watertight doors.” Hills replied as he sighed in exasperation. “We’ll get right on it, Cole out.” The stoker replied as the call ended and Cole was in the Engine Room.

“Alright men, we’re going to open the doors, but do not open the doors to Boiler Room 4.” Cole shouted to the men that made it with him and began to turn a crank to slowly but steadily raise the watertight compartment to Boiler Room 1. “Alright boys back to work, but mind any coal dust in the furnace.” Cole ordered as the stokers went back to their stations and started to shovel smaller amounts of coal to keep the ship moving, but also to reduce the amount of coal dust buildup. With the boilers burning up brightly as the other two boiler rooms were opened to increase the steam pressure and all seemed to be back to normal.

(Stateroom, 3rd P.O.V)

It was around 2 in the morning when a quake of vibrations shook the ship about as Oasis, Minuette, Dark, and Randy were jolted awake from the odd and rude awakening from their peaceful slumber. “What the hell was that?” Oasis asked while rubbing her eyes. “It was an explosion, but why aren’t we sinking?” Randy asked as he took a tentative step out of the bed. “It sounded like we scrapped along something and I don’t recall any icebergs around.” Dark inputted. “I don’t think it came from outside, what if it came from the inside?” Minuette proposed. “It’s possible, I mean I read that the ship’s hull is double plated so most icebergs wouldn’t be an issue.” Dark said as he rubbed his chin in thought. “Maybe we should ask the stewards or something, maybe they can help?” Minuette asked as it was a good possibility. “I’ll go, you guys stay here.” Oasis said as she got out of bed and put her dress on and headed out of the room to find a steward.

Not too far from the room, Oasis found a steward wandering the halls when she approached him. “Excuse me, but do you know what might have caused a loud shudder?” The teen girl asked. “Oh we most likely had thrown a propeller blade, that must have been the shudder you felt.” The steward explained before asking. “May I bring you anything?” “No thanks.” Oasis replied with a smile. Oasis went back to the room shaking her head in disapproval. “So what happened?” Dark asked. “I found a steward and he said the shuddering was from the ship losing a propeller blade.” Oasis replied. “Why are they lying to us?” Minuette asked. “It’s just to keep everybody calm so nobody assumes the worst and decides to go overboard.” Randy said as he understood the situation. “It makes sense, but it still ponders to the mind of what might be worse than throwing a propeller blade.” Dark said as he thought for a moment. “Maybe a boiler, or engine failure due to extreme temperatures.” Oasis theorized. “They seem to vary, but we can’t check out the damage since we’re not allowed down there.” Minuette inputted as she was correct about the restricted public areas. “True, so all we can do is keep our suspicions to ourselves for now.” Dark replied. With the other three in an agreement, they decided to sleep off their worries for the night and get through the rest of the voyage.

Back down in the flooded compartment of Boiler Room 4, the sound of groaning metal echoes through the next door compartments and it worries some of the stokers working nearby. “I don’t like the sound of this.” A stoker says as he stops for a moment and listens to the on and off groaning metal and iron. “Cole we have a massive problem, I think the watertight doors on Boiler Room 4 are going to rupture!” A stoker shouted. “Everybody out! Shut the dampers!” Cole said as the stokers started closing up the furnaces and started running towards the Engine Room. “Cole what the hell?!” Rivets shouted as he saw the stokers running in. “Shut the doors!” Cole yelled one of the stokers ran to a phone, but it was too late, the doors to Boiler Room 4 ruptured and began to flood the ship. Some men shouted and were swept off their feet as the cold sea water raced into the next compartment and with the furnaces shut, there was a prevention of another boiler explosion.

Cole rang the phone from the Engine room and desperately waited for someone to pick up when he did. “Mr. Hills.” Hills answered. “What is it Cole?” Hills asked. “Sir, we’re taking on too much water, the Boiler Rooms are compromised and there’s nothing we can do. I already had the other boilers closed up to prevent anymore explosions, but I’m afraid we’re not going to make it to St. Andrews.” Cole said with a slightly choked up tone. Hills nearly dropped the phone in shock of the events, but he eventually found his voice again. “I’ll seal the doors once again, but you need to vent out the steam to prevent a dastardly explosion when in contact with seawater.” Hills ordered as he closed the doors once more. “Aye sir.” Cole replied as he hung up the phone. “Vent the steam!” Cole shouted as Rivets came stomping up to him. “Cole, what in the name of God are you doing?!” Rivets demanded. “We need to vent the steam from the boilers otherwise it’s a recipe for disaster.” Cole said as he turned the valve to release the steam from the boilers and vented out from the ship’s three funnels. “Great. Next I suppose you’re going to say that you secretly had a crush on my wife.” Rivets replied sarcastically. “Ugh! Rivets, this is not the time to be a smartass, if this doesn’t work, you’ll never see your wife again!” Cole replied angrily. “Ok, take it easy man, Jesus.” Rivets replied.

Within the ship, Boiler Room 4 not only floods into Boiler Room 3, but the pressure had also burst into Boiler Room 5 and rapidly filled as the ship was still in motion of 10 to 12 knots. Due to the other compartments not being as high as Boiler Room 4, the water spilled into the Cargo Hold in the bow causing the ship to lurch down. The action didn’t go unnoticed as Collins felt a slight slant and did not like the feeling. “Something’s not right. I need to go back to the bridge.” Collins said to himself as he began to make his way back to the bridge. “Hills, what’s going on?” Francis asked. “Sir, we’re taking on water, too much to manage, I’m afraid we’ll never make it to Scotland now.” Hills said with regret as Francis stepped away from the ship’s helm when he overheard Hill’s report. “All Stop and prep the lifeboats as quickly as possible, but don’t launch them until we slow down. Mr. Collins and I will determine how long we have.” Francis ordered as Hills went to the EOTs to set the dial on ‘Stop’. “It’s been an honor old girl.” Hills said as he set the dial of the EOT to ‘Stop’.

(Stateroom, 2:45 AM, 3rd P.O.V)

The teens awoke once again to the ship shuddering violently beneath them. “That doesn’t sound like we lost a propeller blade.” Minuette stated as she worriedly glanced around the room. “I did happen to hear some weird groaning.” Dark added as he sat up on his bed. “Maybe if we…” Randy started, but didn’t feel the just the floor beneath his feet, but water. “Well, now we’re sinking.” Oasis said blandly. “OK we should probably get some warm clothing and life vests on now, who knows how long we’ve got.” Randy said as he quickly left to grab the life jackets from the closet and they looked similar to the ones used on Titanic. “Right, now let’s grab that suitcase we may need it.” Dark said as he scrambled out of his bed and retrieved the suitcase from under his bed. “Hey guys the is it just me, or are we slightly tipping?” Minuette asked as she got out of the bed. “By the looks of this, I think it’s taking a bow or starboard list, but we need to hurry guys.” Dark answered as a flock of people outside the room began screaming and making a beeline to safety. “So it begins.” Randy says grimly.

After quickly getting dressed and getting their lifebelts on, the gang found the water rise up to their knees and time was beginning to run out. After leaving their room for the last time, they tried to wade through the seawater as quick as possible to the lift when the lifts entrance was blocked by the operator. “C-C’mon w-we’re a-almost t-there.” Dark stuttered from the freezing cold water. The operator was talking to a few people and spoke to them as he blocked the elevator. “I’m sorry, but the lift is closed, you’re going to have to find another way.” the operator said as the crowd of people turned to find a new route. “Damn, now where do go?” Randy asked as he tried to stave off the cold water’s effects. “We’ll have to go up the stairwell, come on.” Dark said as he lead his friends to the Grand Stairwell as the lift activated to head up to the top deck.

Out on the boat deck, the crew tried to quickly uncover many of the boats and kept the passengers inside the ship. Communication was difficult due to the steam venting out from the funnels. As some boats were swung out ready to be lowered, the starboard list was taking a toll on the port side boats as they couldn’t be launched effectively. The bow davits couldn’t be used as it was dangerous and not much time would be given to launch the boats. “That’s it men, keep it going, I’ll ask the Captain to board the boats.” Hills said as he went to the Bridge. “Good work Mr. Hills, I’ll join you in a moment, just give me a chance to say goodbye.” Francis said as he caressed the ship’s helm like a father hugging his child. “Goodbye my good friend, it’s been a trip.” Francis said with a slight smile. “Come on sir, let’s go.” Hills said with a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

In the Wireless Operator Room, Hudson entered to the two men and handed them a piece of paper to send out to all ships in a 200 nautical mile radius. “CQD 57.8N 2.00W?” John Revan asked. Hudson only nodded in response and left the room. “What’s happening?” Quick Tap asked his partner. “I dunno, but it must be important.” John replied as he began using the telegraph to send out the distress call. Quick Tap started hearing the muffled sounds of screaming outside the room. “Oi, John, I think we’re sinking.” Quick Tap said. “Really? What makes you… Oh, now I get why Hudson came in here.” John replied as he slumped down in his chair. A message was shortly received as Quick Tap began to write the message and it was a response from the ship’s sister, RMS Warrior, but was too far to be of any assistance. As John kept sending out the distress call in hopes that a ship was close by to help, another response came through from the S.S Javel. Quick Tap wrote down the message and hurried to the Captain on the Boat Deck to hand him the message. “Captain, the Javel has heard our call!” Quick shouted over the crowd screaming in terror. “And what’s her estimated time of arrival?” Bartlett asked. “Two hours sir.” Quick replied. Bartlett was stunned for a moment since the ship will have less than about 45 minutes to live. “Thank you Mr. Quick, you are relieved of duty, please save yourselves.” Bartlett ordered as he and Tap saluted one last time before Tap went back to the Wireless Operator room.

After nearly ten minutes of trying to control the building panic, the first boat was launched with only 37 people of the 50 each boat can provide, but with the engines ordered to stop to at least slow the ship down, the propellers were still rotating and breaching the surface. “Next boat is for women and children. The one after is for more adults, please calmly enter the boat one at a time.” An officer said as he started to get a headcount for the boat. Many women carefully board the boat and mind the gap between the sinking ship and their savior or it’s a 30 foot drop into the North Sea. But as the boat was filled to it’s maximum capacity, the two officers on the davits began to lower the boat gently to the water. But when the panic escalated, some passengers tried to jump into the boats, but causing them to tip them out or snap a line and cause them to dangle on one davit line. The people in the boat fell out into the freezing waters below. One however filled with men were in complete danger as the moonlight shone to the bronze propellers still rotating and breaching the surface. The giant blades sliced up the boat and the people inside.

As the little gang finally reached the boat deck, chaos brewed as the bow was brought under and the ship’s starboard list continued to about 20 degrees. Some of the boats had been launched, but others had large amounts of people waiting to board including Diadem, Slate, and Eugene. “Hey guys, how’s it going, other than trying to escape death that is.” Minuette asked sheepishly. “Things were going fine until the dining room started tilting.” Eugene said. “Me and my wife were just settling down for the evenin’ ‘til we heard the groanin’.” Slate said as he held his wife close to him. “I had to collect as many jewels as I could carry, and of course my business, jeweler’s licences, and all the money I made from the safe the moment I felt the ship shaking.” Diadem said as he held his briefcase which was handcuffed to his wrist by a spare necklace chain. “Clever as it is, I feel as if we should hurry, the water is rising quite fast and we need to escape.” Oasis pointed out as everyone nodded in agreement. “I’ll catch up with you guys in a moment, I need to grab something first.” Dark said as he ran back toward the flooding areas. “Where are you going?” Slate shouted as he was concerned for his friend. “To the one place where you can find any information on this tin can.” Dark shouted back as he approached the Bridge area that was slowly submerging into the North Sea.

Upon entering, he had a time limit of a few minutes to find what he needs and get out before the water gets too high. “Now where is the log?” Dark asked himself as he rummaged through the drawers and shelves. Eventually Dark found what he came for when a drawer fell out of the desk and broke open to reveal the ship’s travel log. “Got it, now to get the hell out of here,” Dark said as he ran out of the bridge. That was until Captain Francis stumbled upon the teen. “And just where do you think you’re going with that?” Francis asked. “I was going to give it to you, you left it behind in the bridge and I know the British Inquiry would be interested in last known position of the ship.” Dark said hoping it would convince the Captain. “Nice work boy, that’s what I was coming to do, but it seems you saved me the effort. Now let’s get you and whomever you were travelling with to a boat.” Francis said as the two men ran away from the Bridge area just as the glass was about to shatter from the water pressure.

As the bridge was submerged, The ship was beginning to gradually list heavier to starboard and when many had little choice, people jumped off the sinking liner, some swam when the water reached them. Sitting behind the bridge over 60 feet tall, the forward funnels weight took it’s toll as lines snapped holding it down and toppled over the starboard area, crushing those within its wake or washing over some in a nearby lifeboat. As Dark ran over to the stern area of the ship where he witnesses his family on a boat holding on by a davit line. A boat was able to row over to the family which thankfully had Rocky Mountain on board who quickly took baby Jonathan Glass. Before the two parents could get out, the line snapped due to the pull of water from the propellers and the other lifeboat had to back away and watch the couple drift to their death. Dark could only watch as the couple held on one another as the propeller sliced up the boat.

On lifeboat 14 almost a mile from the sinking Saurotania, Oasis, Randy, Slate, Diadem, and Minuette watched the liner slowly slip to her grave as the water reached the second funnel and the lights still illuminated the night. Minuette was weeping at the sight. “He’ll be okay Minny, he will make it.” Oasis said trying to reassure her friend. Slate quietly prayed to the sweet lord to those still aboard the doomed liner.

Inside the Engine room, some engineers stayed behind to keep the electricity on the ship alive as much as possible by keeping the breakers in. As one engineer tried to put a breaker in, the electricity sparked and lead to him being electrocuted and causes the lights to flicker twice and go out forever and the four propellers finally stopped after the lights died Dark reached the railing of the starboard side and climbed due to the list being hard to walk on the deck until he reached the flagpole on the very end of the stern, crowded with hundreds of other passengers fighting for their survival. One man jumped from the railing, but misjudged it by clipping the rudder and pinwheeling into the sea.

Loud groaning of the hull echoed through the night followed by a loud explosion as the hull split between the funnels and the stern settled back level for a little bit. Being still attached due to the reinforced steel plating, the bow section dragged the stern with it and raising the stern up once more. “God, please let me live.” Dark prayed as the stern bobbed for a bit and began its descent into the sea. People screamed as the stern submerged into the sea, some losing their grip and falling. One person even hit the docking bridge before entering the icy ocean. The Saurotania’s stern finally disappeared into the North Sea at 3:30 AM, almost an hour and a half since the first boiler explosion and Dark had been one of the few to be back washed as the stern slipped into the darkness and making a one way journey to the seafloor. With Dark on the surface, hundreds of other passengers screamed for help and begged for the boats to return. The S.S Javel wouldn’t arrive until another hour and of the 34 boats on board, only 21 were launched, but 2 were destroyed and one was overturned.

1st Officer Zachary Hills took charge of boat 14 and rallied the other boats in one area. After the Saurotania sank, he looked over the cold and scared survivors. “Right we are going back! I want everyone from 14 to move to 3 and from 5 to 17. Make some room for others now and quickly.” Hills ordered as the survivors began to move as instructed. In the wreck site, there were lots of the people in the sea and some debris from the ship or what people threw overboard. After being back watered from the ship, Dark saw many people flailing around and pleading for help, but he needed to get out of the freezing water otherwise hypothermia would set in. He found a large piece of what appeared to be a door and climbed on it. “H-help, p-p-please, somebody, a-anybody!” Dark shouted hoping someone would have the common sense to come and save him. But after five minutes, his luck seemed futile as the screams grew quieter.

Hypothermia took it's prize on many in the freezing water and little hope to some still alive that rescue will ever come. Dark lied adrift on his piece of debris with his face growing pale from the cold and small pieces of ice were present on bits of his hair. When all seemed lost, Boat 14 slowly approached the survivor, they managed to find the freezing teen and haul him into the boat. “Don’t you ever do anything like that again, you crazy bastard!” Minuette sobbed as she hugged Dark tightly to warm up the drenched teen. “N-no p-p-promises.” Dark stuttered as he returned the hug. “Lad, you are the most reckless man I ever knew God bless you laddie.” Slate said as he placed a blanket around Dark. “T-thanks.” Dark replied with a shivering smile. But of the 2,125 in the water, only 8 were rescued by Boat 14 including Rivets, Quick Tap, Captain Bartlett, and Cole.

After waiting for an hour, the SS Javel retrieved the survivors and continued towards St. Andrews to pay the Saurotania her respects. Among the dead were Collins Murdoch, who went down with the ship, John Revan, who sent messages til the end, many stokers and engineers who tried to keep the power alive, and over the 2,690 the survivor count was 573 and 2,117 died.

After a few hours on the morning of June,13,1917 the SS Javel arrived in the port the Saurotania was supposed to be docked in as survivors got off the gangway sad and scared from their ordeals or lost family and friends, including little Jonathan Glass. Black Honor and his wife were now unable to comfort their boy, but they entrusted their son to their friend Rocky Mountain and his family. At some distance away, the teens were conversing about their project. “Well we know where she’s entombed, and you changed the ending slightly stealing our thunder, but nonetheless we managed to change history in her memory.” Randy said with a sly smile. “Yeah, at least I know my grandfather ended up with some good people, and it also explains my amazing alcohol tolerance.” Dark replied. “Yes and now that we know what this makes the project a lot easier and we can finally go back to our time.” Oasis remarked with a sigh of relief that it’s finally over. The inside of the suitcase began to flicker with a mysterious light, the same one that sent them there. “It’s time to go home.” Minuette said as the glow brightened and consumed the teens.

When the light dissipated they found themselves in Dark’s house wearing the clothes they had on the moment they disappeared from St. Andrews. “Well time to get some rest, then get started on our reports tomorrow.” Randy said as he drifted off to sleep on the floor with his companions. “You know I have spare rooms right?” Dark asked as he trudged to his bedroom that was thankfully close by. “Yeah we do, but do you mind if I join you?” Minuette said with a sleepy smile. “Not at all.” Dark replied as he and Minuette steadied each other as they went into Dark’s room. “Wanna sleep together tonight?” Oasis asked. “Sure babe.” Randy said as he pecked his girlfriend on her cheek. “Good, now let’s get to bed.” Oasis replied as she led Randy to their guest room.

Epilogue: Summer Time Lovin

(Canterlot High School, 3rd P.O.V)

The day had finally come, the presentations for the Saurotania project were due and every student had some very creative ideas for their projects. It came from dioramas from the wrecks of the Britannic to slideshow powerpoints of the Lusitania and there had been a few Saurotania presentations, but the theories were admirable since no one knew what actually happened, but when it came time for the final presentations of the class, Dark, Oasis, and Randy stepped forward. “So what do my three favorite students have for us today?” Time Turner asked with a smile. “We have done some extensive research and we have found the true source to Saurotania’s demise.” Dark said with a confident smile. “Really? Then by all means, explain.” Time Turner replied.

“On June,12, of 1917 at approximately 2 AM, an explosion of some kind had erupted within the lower decks, Our guess was at Boiler Room 4. Ship Designer, Colin Murdoch predicted that if anymore watertight compartments were breached, it will founder the ship and since Boiler Room 4 was a sealed compartment, the water would not spread throughout the ship and thought they could limp the ship to St. Andrews.” Dark started off before allowing someone to take over. “At 2:45, due to the amount of water that was collecting in Boiler Room 4, the watertight doors ruptured and began to flood the other compartments. The other boilers were sealed shut to prevent any further explosions, but it was to no avail as the ship’s cargo hold flooded and caused the ship to list forward and towards starboard.” Oasis stated. “As the lifeboats were being launched, there was panic and chaos as some passengers tried to hijack a boat, but fell into the waters below, many of the engineers tried to keep the power on, but ultimately the power shut off and the hull split, but thanks to the reinforced steel plating, she stayed in one piece and when the bow section went under, the stern bobbed for a few moments and sank as well.” Randy said with a somewhat saddened expression on his face. “Of the 2,690 aboard, 2,125 were in the freezing North Sea and when a boat returned, the freezing waters were far colder and hypothermia set in faster, but 8 were rescued from the sea. 8 of 2,117.” Dark said as he remembered the many frozen bodies. “Among the survivors was Jonathan Glass, Dark’s grandfather. This is further evidenced by this photograph taken before Saurotania left the harbor in America.” Oasis stated as she presented the photo and passed it carefully to Time Turner. “Not only that, we also have today’s paper saying that Saurotania has finally been found in her resting place yesterday, by none other than the great-grandson of the ship’s captain while on a leisurely mini-sub dive.” Randy concluded with a smile as he placed the morning paper on the desk. The class walked up to the paper and saw the ship’s wreck for the first time.

The ship was standing upright and had a gaping hole in between her third and second funnels where the break up occurred, smaller holes where the explosions took place, the forward mast toppled over backwards, but missed the bridge and hit the seabed. The students were amazed on how well preserved the ship was and that the superstructure was mostly intact.

“Very intriguing.” Time Turner said with a stoic expression, clearly ecstatic at the news that the Saurotania has finally been found and the cause of her demise was confirmed. “To all of you who have spent time doing research, building models and dioramas, I have to say that all of you have passed my class with flying colors!” Time Turner said with a smile. “Maybe sometime I can schedule a trip to visit her grave where we can pay homage to Saurotania.” Time Turner continued earning cheers from the class. Then the bell rang for the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. “Class Dismissed, see you all next year, while I have an amazing summer with a certain mailwoman.” Time Turner said as he slicked his hair back as the students grabbed their stuff to go home.

Outside in the hall the three friends waited for their fourth group member to arrive and boy did she look tired. “Well I passed, but studying for three days can really put a strain on the brain, so all I want to do is go home and rest for a bit, you’re all welcome to come over, but I don’t have much in the way of entertainment.” Minuette said apologetically as she went to locker to get the rest of her stuff. “You got any plans for the summer Randy and Oasis?” Dark asked as he looked at his friends and walked over to his girlfriend’s locker. “Not really, just gonna hang, possibly have some fun at the local amusement park, and chill. Why?” Randy replied. “Because I was wondering if you could help me and my evil side get back at Rose for ditching me for Thunderlane.” Dark replied with an evil grin forming. “Bitchin’ how we do?” Randy replied with a smirk of his own. “I have a few ideas like frame her for defacing Thunder’s car, or record a video of Thunder possibly cheating on her, or vice versa.” Dark said as he tilted his phone back and forth, but Minuette steps in after gathering her stuff and Dark thought mentally. “Why do I feel Minuette is not going to like this?” “So what are you guys talking about?” Minuette asked with a curious expression.

“Oh, well I thought of getting back at Roseluck for ditching me for Thunderlane. I know your friends with her, so if you`re not okay with me doing this, then I’ll understand, but just know she must know that consequences will follow when she crosses with Dark Obsidian’s dark side.” Dark said as he looked at Minuette with seriousness. “I know we’re friends, but she needs to learn that she can’t always lead a complication free life. So if you’re doing this, I want in plus your dark side is pretty hot.” Minuette said with a devious grin. “Glad to see we’re in an agreement, Rose should be at the field by now, and I’ll explain the plan along the way.” Dark said as he lead his friends outside to the field.

Upon reaching the field, the group saw Roseluck sitting on a bench in her tennis gear. “Ok, let me handle this.” Minuette said with a smile as she sauntered up to her friend. “Hey Rose, how was tennis?” Minuette asked waving at her friend. “Just fine, I wish Thunder would join me for a couple of rounds instead of playing baseball.” Roseluck said with a slight pout as she wiped the sweat from her brow. “I see, so uh you wouldn’t believe this, but you should’ve kept Dark because he’s a beast in the bedroom!” Minuette said with a slight coo in her voice. Roseluck’s mouth was agape from what she had just heard from her friend. “Y-You didn’t” was all she could say. “I did, and by the way, I don’t have a gag reflex, so good luck with your jock, ‘cause Dark’s all mine.” Minuette said as she patted her friend on the shoulder and went back to her friends. “I never knew you handled it so well, but how does she take this?” Dark pointed out as they looked over to see Rose’s reaction to this. They saw Roseluck fall to her knees and start to cry. “I should have fucked him when I had the chance!” Roseluck shouted as she sobbed. Just as fate would have it, Thunderlane came rushing to his girlfriend’s side to help mend her heart. “Hey, you okay dear?” Thunderlane asked. “N-no, I’m not because I’m still a virgin!” Rose whined as she sobbed into her boyfriend’s shoulder. “Hey, babe I promise, we can take care of that when we go back to my place ‘cause my parents are taking my brother on a cruise, and are leaving me in charge of the house, so no worries about being caught.” Thunderlane said as he managed to calm Roseluck down a bit, but little did they know that their ride home was going to smell awful.

But meanwhile just yards from the two, The small group of friends had their laugh and were ready to kick off their summer in the best way possible. “Ok so now all we have to do is wait for them to get a whiff of this.” Randy said as he revealed the most lethal, foul smelling concoction known to man: Liquid ASS. The others snickered at the possible outcomes as they looked at the couple heading towards Thunder’s car. Right when they opened it, it was a massacre to their noses as they were bombarded with the most foul odor emitting from the car. “Oh Jesus, what is that smell?!” Rose asked trying to hold her nose. “I don’t know! It smells like rotten eggs and overheated lotion!” Thunderlane said as he refrained from gagging. The group laughed quietly hoping not to gain their attention as Thunderlane tried to locate the source of the foul odor. “I just had her cleaned yesterday too!” Thunderlane exclaimed. “Why is this happening all because of my break-up with Dark Obsidian?!” Roseluck asked. The group then thought that this was going well, and continued to laugh silently as Thunderlane started his car and turned his a/c to full blast to combat the smell. Unfortunately it made it worse with the freezing air blowing the smell into his face causing him to try and not breathe, but it did make his eyes water a bit.

“How long does that stuff last?” Minuette asked as the car left the parking lot. “About three hours, and he lives about an hour from here, so they have to deal with that for the entire drive.” Randy said as he laughed his ass off. “This was the best start to the summer, but it’s still open for opportunities until we have to come back for the fall.” Dark stated as he began walking on the sidewalk with his friends in trail. “I hope that we travel into the past again sometime, maybe to WWII.” Oasis said. “I hope that we could meet my grandfather back when he was a young man, and possibly get to know him a bit better.” Dark said as he looked up to the sky with smile. “He’s watching over you dear, I’m sure he’s proud of the man you’ve become.” Minuette said as she pecked Dark’s cheek. “Until next time, but for now, who wants to watch movies and eat pizza at my place?” Randy asked with a smile. “Let me guess it’s Tolkien Time again?” Dark asked with a smile. “You know it, and the Battle of Five Armies Extended Edition was just released a week ago!” Randy replied with a slightly girly squeal. Rolling their eyes and laughing a little, the group followed Randy to his home and thinking about it for a while their time aboard the liner with their new fashion and financial souvenirs.