Classless

Chapter 4- The Seas

Chapter 4- The Seas

Castle ignored me, the man could hold a grudge, who knew? By the time we got back to the office, the men had their bags ready and they were waiting for Chief. I sighed internally, I seemed to be doing a lot of that today, granted, they had no idea that they would get a new crew member today but how could they be so cold and unreceptive? Then again, in a way I could see how I was an outsider considering they spent a lot of time together on sea. I went back to my locker, gathered my things, hoping that we came back quickly so that I would be better prepared for the voyage or better still, find other opportunities.

Joseph was surprised by my presence, "You haven't gone yet? Is that bravado or stupidity?"

"It's none of your business." I replied in the same spirit.

Chief had a bag on his shoulder, he stared at me like he forgot that I was there in the first place, "You can sit this one out if you want, and no one is going to blame you. After all, you had no idea what you signed up for when you came to work today."

I did not know how to take this gesture, "Thank you for your consideration but I signed up to work and to work I shall."

"Is there no one waiting at home? A boyfriend, girlfriend, partner?" Chief asked impatiently.

I tilted my head to the side amused, "Is that your way of trying to find out if I was single?"

"Are you?" Chief asked blatantly, I was surprised by the question. I had thought he would dodge or throw some snide comment my way.

"I am."

"Good." That was all he said and left the office with the rest of them following after him. He probably meant it differently from what I took it to mean but why play safe, it was only in my head anyways.

When we got to Martha, one could tell how at home they were with her, I wondered what it took to be this comfortable on any ship. I was curious about the system that drove the ship, if it was also manufactured by the crew or given to them by Tokhe. I was as excited as I was nervous, I threw my bag on the small bed in my room and relaxed truly for the first time today, I took another look around the room, there was a small window, this would be my room for now, I smelt the sheets and they smelt like soap; I comforted myself with the thought that it was neat. If I were to be sincere, this was a lot cozier than my room in Kolanpur, my neighbors consisted of a meth head with a heart of stone and a DJ whose sole purpose was to ruin my life with loud music regardless of the time. This place was quiet, the walls were sound proof which meant that when I was alone, I could truly be alone. I almost felt bad about what I said about Martha but I already apologized.

A speaker that I did not know existed called my name in the room, drawing me out of my thoughts, if you could call them that; I left my room and joined others on deck, Chief told me to follow him, the others knew what to do as they dispersed in different directions, I followed Chief closely into the engine room. I was impressed by what I saw, it was way fancier than any part I had seen so far. It was cold, the air condition used could power the entire sheep. Was I that far behind on my studies because this looked nothing like any engine room I had seen before. Chief removed the key hanging on his neck and put it into a key hole, a smooth purring sound reverberated all through the ship.

"Martha, have you missed me?" Chief said with a wry smile.

No way, I thought in my head. No way, a feminine soothing voice came through the board, "A little Chief, Hello Fedor."

"H...Hi." I said slowly, hoping for the best that she knew my name from the database and not that she heard me call the ship...

"You are right, I do have a personality." She said with amusement in her voice.