A Lost Mystery

(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.