Snowflake shell

Meet the crew

-Please dad! Just this one time! - Margie looked at her father - You promised me that you'll take me with you when I'll be 17!
Mark sighed and looked down thinking. It was true. He promised his daughter that he'll take her with him when she'll be old enough. However, he really didn't want to do this. He knew his daughter won't be happy with what she'll see.
- Fine.

Margie smiled widely. She ran towards her room and started preparing her bag for the travel. She knew exactly what she needed because she often saw her dad packing up for the journey.  Margie couldn't forget about her notebook. She loved to write down everything she saw, and missing the opportunity to take it to the ship would be a sin. She took all she needed and run towards the door where her father had to wait for her.

- I'm ready!
- So fast? - Mark was surprised. Packing up took her only 10 minutes.
- Yes! I had things ready up to put in the bag.- She smiled awkwardly. Margie really hoped that her dad will take her with him this time and she already had her things prepared just to be thrown in her favorite, old, leather bag. 

--- 

They closed the door and went towards the seaport. They had to walk through the old seaside town. It was early in the morning. Whole place that used to be loud at day, now was completely silent, only few birds were singing. The city seemed to be abandoned. Margie never saw it like that. She usually were waking up at 8 AM when everyone were already awake. She used to go to the neighbor's house to look after his two young sons while their parents were away. She would get few coins for her job and then spend it on ice cream in the bar by the port. From there she had perfect view for the neighborhood. She would look at old Simons arguing over something stupid or she'd look how old Smith is fishing. She would guess what fish will he catch next. Margie would stay there until the evening to watch the sunset. But this time she was about to watch the sunrise.

It was 4 AM when they arrived to the port. Dawn was beautiful and Margie didn't even realize when they walked up to her father's ship. The whole crew was already there, preparing to the journey. Mark slowly got on board and whole crew welcomed him. Margie stood behind her dad. She rarely spoke to people, especially strangers.
- I'd like to introduce to you my daughter Margie. - Mark stepped aside and Margie waved to the crew.
- Hi... - She smiled awkwardly. It wasn't easy to meet new people.
- Hello, I'm Stacy. Nice to meet you. - A woman walked up to Margie and shook her hand. She seemed to be in the same age as Margie's dad. She had long black hair, tied up in beautiful braid and lime eyes.
-Stacy is the first mate on this ship, while I'm gone, you listen to her. - Mark ruffled Margie's hair and walked towards 2 guys. One seemed to be way older than him. He had black eyes and white hair with long beard. The other guy seemed to be few years older than Margie. He had blonde short hair and his blue eyes were shining with energy. 
- This is Roger, he is second mate. He is the oldest here.
-It's nice to meet you, young lady. - Roger smiled at Margie and slowly waved to her. She answered with the same action.
-And this is... 
- I'm Jack! It's pleasure to finally meet you. - He walked up to Margie and bowed in front of her like in front of a princess. - I'm a bosun in here.
- And a clown - Stacy quickly added, making everyone laugh.
- You underestimate me! - Jack was red from anger.

While everyone started to laugh at frustrated Jack, Margie used the occasion and back away to the side of the ship to stare at the sunrise. In meantime two people walked out of the ship's hold. They looked alike. They were siblings. Just a bit older than Jack. Two guys with short, brown hair and blue eyes. If not the different outfits, it would be impossible to tell who is who.
- Hey there! We have a new crewmate? - One guy walked up to Margie and shook her hand. - I'm Alex, and this is my brother Max. - The other guy waved at Margie. - I'm engineer and he is a cook in here. If you'll need anything, just let us know.

Margie calmed down a little. Everyone seemed to be really nice and friendly. She took a deep breath and sat on one of the boxes, unsure what to do next.

- Where is Gemma? -Mark said with bit of anger in voice.
- Haven't seen her today, captain. She'll be probably late again. - Stacy said with resignation in voice. It was another time when Gemma was late. She was a member of the crew since few weeks and she never got to the ship on time. Although, she was a medical purser and Mark couldn't find anyone else for her place. That's why she was still member of the group.
- I'm here! I'm sorry! - The girl with long white hair, tied up in multiple braids and gray eyes jumped at the deck. - I'm really, really sorry for being late. I promise it will change!
The girl with white hair didn't even payed attention to Margie. She immediately sit on one of the boxes and breathed heavily after a long run. She seemed to be similar age to Jack. Gemma had a big bag with her, it seemed very heavy. Margie stared at this bag, trying to guess what can be inside. It seemed too big and too heavy for first aid kit.

- Alright. - Mark spoke loudly to make sure everyone will hear him. - We leave in 10 minutes, everyone get ready. - Mark walked up to his daughter and lowered the tone. - You will share the cabin with Gemma.
This was the moment when girl with white hair actually realized there is someone new on the board. Margie and Gemma looked at each other. Mark, as a captain, had his own cabin. The other small cabin belonged to Stacy. The third big room had enough place for Max, Alex, Jack and Roger together. The last cabin that still had space for one more person belonged to Gemma. Girl with white hair walked together with Margie to the room where they were supposed to leave their things. Margie took the free bed and put her things in chest next to it. She sat on the bed and noticed that Gemma is staring at her. It felt weird. Gemma haven't introduced herself to Margie nor said anything. She was just looking at her without a word. Margie felt uncomfortable and had no idea how to act in this situation. Then she heard talk outside the cabin and felt that ship is moving. They were to set sail from the port to the open sea.