What sleeps in the deep

Ch 16: New friends

As  Stella and the others followed closely behind Chen, we see how all the new submarine members were laser focus on their task. They only answered when Chen spoke to them. 

As we pass the main area were all common crew traveled,  we moved further into the sub and reached higher ranked officers/crew. In the back room stood leaders and specialists in their own fields. Top professional people hired by Chuck to ensure that journey went smoothly. Among these people was Captain Hunt. Luis eyes lit up to see a familiar face among the ruthless new team members. The pleasantries were short lived, everything was straight to the point and dry. 

This experience was all overwhelming but keeping my composure was necessary. Among the pristine personnel I also carried my own value over my skill sets.  The engineers were siblings both brother and sister were a strong unit, mechanical miracles were made with these two. Demolition expert was less social and was low in patience. However, the doctor kept the demo expert in check.  Then there was my crew and as we tried to be better acquainted with the new team it felt all to incongruent for even the most sociable ones in our squad. 

After being dismissed were we then directed to our quarters, where it was a room full of bunk beds but each with some distance for personal belonging to be added.   Jade chose a bed toward the middle of the room because of the book shelf and asked me to be her Bunkie as top bunk. After, tossing my bag on the top bunk everyone else was choosing where to stay. Jade inspected the book shelf that was embedded in the wall. Luis chose a bottom bunk closer to the closet as he still got a good view of Jade. Kilo seeing the placement chose his bunk above Luis. Not too long after one of the crew members they met earlier came into the room. It was one of head mechanic. Nicky walked in and looked around seeing how everyone settling became quiet when she walked in. 

"Hey guys, My name is Nicky. Me and my brother specialize in machinery. You've all  meet my brother-Nick; from earlier."

Luis then out of curious spoke, "So your parents called you both Nick and Nicky?"

"My mom and dad thought it would be quirky of them to give us similar names. But it works for us. I see you guys chose this side of the room. You guys comfy?"

"Well, we couldn't help but notice some stuff on the other side. So we settled for the this."

"It's fine. We could use some diversity honestly. It's a bit exhausting hanging out with brainiacs all day. Not to throw some shade but you guys are easy to talk too."

Stella then extends her hand, "Nicky it's really cool to meet you. I'm Stella, this is Luis, Kilo and Jade. I hope the rest of the team is as accepting as you. All of this was pretty unexpected."

"Yeah, no worries. I couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable all of you looked when Chen gave you guys the run down on how things work here. We all are normally a lot more chill it's just hard to relax with these company guys pressing us."

Kilo then shouted from his bunk, "Oh we definitely agree. We know how you guys feel." 

Nicky chuckled as she got a good look at Kilo. She walked over to her bunk and pulled out a small tool set under her bed. 

Then as she reached the door, "if you guys wanna get your stuff; Chen's guys would leave it at the lower deck. Gotta go, see you guys at lunch." 

Everyone, "Bye Nicky."

After the girl left, everyone looked at each other and then unanimously got up leaving the room to find the lower deck. Venturing through the hallway they checked each marked wall that had a map to find the lower deck. Once they reached the doors Luis flicked on the lights and lead everyone downstairs.