A Lost Mystery

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.