Danika

36

'my ceremony' Danika grabbed out her black dress pants, white business shirt and black dress jacket and put them on. 'braid to the side so I can wear my cap. Flats' doing everything she needed to do, Danika grabbed what she needed and walked out to her car. 'time to celebrate the start of my career' exiting her property, Danika made sure it was secure and took off to the docks.
'you have got to be fucking kidding me' exiting her car, Danika held her head high.
Xavion and his men stood waiting for Danika as many in her industry crowded. 'why the fuck are they here. They don't care about my choice in life. Some do' 'fucking hell, she looks so damn good right now' Danika walked past everyone and up to her chair.
Sitting beside Daniel and Ollie, Danika grinned "congratulations to both of you" "the same to you. Nervous?" "Excited. You two?" "A bit of both. There are a lot of people here" "I expected it. They mentioned it in the email. It's an exciting time for all of us water babies" Daniel and Ollie laughed 'more men. Ugh' their master stepped up on stage looking at all three. "master" Eric grinned their way before addressing the crowd.
"An incredible turn out for today's event. Three mates sit to the left of the stage waiting to step up to be captain. Daniel, Ollie and Danika. Three mates that have worked hard. Three mates that have shown enthusiasm, team work, intelligence, skills and experience. These three before you have studied hard over three years to be here today. Please give them a cheer" many in the crowd clapping, Danika looked at Daniel and Ollie. "Did you?" The guys laughed "just as much as you" Danika grinned then faced their master again. "I thank all of you for coming here today. It's an exciting time for other captain's and mates. It's exciting for Daniel, Ollie and Danika. First up, Daniel" Daniel grinned as Ollie and Danika clapped for him. Daniel confidently walked up on stage and shook Eric's hand. "Congratulations Daniel. You show a lot of potential. We look forward to having you join us on the water" "thank you. It's a pleasure" Eric put Daniels cap on. "Captain" Daniel grinned "captain" Daniel waved to the crowd and walked back to his seat. "Ollie" "thanks guys" Danika and Daniel grinned while they clapped. "Congratulations Ollie. You show a lot of potential. We look forward to having you join us on the water" "thank you. I look forward to it also" Eric put Ollie's cap on his head and shook Ollie's hand "captain" "captain". Ollie walked back to his seat "thanks you two" "well worth the celebration".
"Our last new captain but definitely not the least. Danika" Danika stood up with confidence and walked over to Eric. "Congratulations Danika. All three of you have worked so hard and show a lot of potential. There aren't many women out there with us. We look forward to having you join us on the water" "an absolute pleasure. Thank you captain" Eric grinned as he put danikas cap on. "Captain.." Danika grinned "captain" Danika walked back down to Daniel and Ollie then sat down. "For those invited, champagne and nibblies will be served aboard the drifter. It will give those invited a chance to socialise with our newest recruits on the water. I'm sure they are looking forward to meeting all of you. Thank you for coming today" 'they are going to celebrate?. Ugh, we wanted to see her. Xavion researched for hours last night just trying to find where this will be held. All of us came to support her although we don't agree with her career choice'.
Danika pulled her phone out and dialled Teresa's number. "Danika.. whoa video call. YOU DID IT" Danika grinned "I sure did. I wanted to call both of you to show you my new cap" Teresa beamed a smile as xavion approached. "We are thrilled for you. Of course, April will be. She is at school right now. I am about to collect her" "no work?" "I finished thirty minutes ago. I'm not wagging" Danika chuckled "I look forward to seeing both of you. It's been too long" "we both miss you. Can I call you later with April?" "Of course. I am going to celebrate with the captain's and crew right now but I'm sure it will be a professional gathering" "of course. Get hired" Danika grinned "I do hope so. Take care" "you too and congratulations" "thank you. Bye" "bye". Danika ended the call and looked at her father. "Congratulations. This is all you have wanted. How does it feel?" "Exhilarating. I worked hard for this. Of course, it was all worth it. I didn't expect anyone here" "I researched it last night. You mentioned it was today. You didn't invite anyone to celebrate with you?" "I was aware I would be moving to the ship afterwards. It's invite only with no guests unless a spouse and children are present" "oh. Everyone wanted to see you" "dad, you know I don't like them" "what about hartwin and mathew?" "Well they have never crossed me but the rest surely have".
"Miss Keller?" Danika turned to face a man she has never met. "I apologise.." "you don't know who I am. We have never met before. I'm Adrian breynote. I am the master and owner of Pacific Time" Danika grinned "a ship I do have knowledge of. It's wonderful to meet you Adrian. A pleasure" Adrian grinned "you are?" "Xavion. I'm her father" "I wasn't aware parents would be joining" "he isn't. He was here to.. see me receive my cap" "wonderful. I would like to speak with you in regards to a position on my cruise ship" 'no. I didn't think she would be hired so quickly' "i would like that" Danika looked at xavion "thanks for coming. I better move forward" with hesitation, xavion nodded "I will see you soon. Enjoy it" Danika nodded and walked with Adrian. "Your name has been spoken of quite highly miss Keller. For the past year, Eric has mentioned your name a lot. Many are wanting you, Daniel and Ollie but I am hoping I can sway you on to my cruise ship. These cruises run for two weeks at a time. Myself and Fred. We are hoping to split the shifts between three. It would mean less time in control and more time to relax. Eight hours on, sixteen off. Fully paid. Meals are free and you will have your own cabin" "you said every two weeks. With what break?" "I knew you would ask that. It's two weeks on, two weeks off. Your salary for the year would be two fifty but under contract. I'm hoping I can secure you on my ship for at least three years" "the initial start date?" "You ask like you have plans?" "Well yes. Next week I will be in Fiji to watch my niece receive her school captaincy" "another captain in the family. Family is important. We returned yesterday. So thirteen days from now" "I'd like to view your cruise ship" "it's a shame you have never been on their as a guest" "nah I prefer control" Adrian laughed "good to know".

"Xavion?" "She's been approached for a position already" "what?" "It's a good thing for her" "well no, we want her with hart" "she doesn't want that" "we already know that. She would lead well" "if we don't die first" xavion inhaled a long deep breath "we can't board that ship. She could be here for many hours. There is no point waiting around" the men all walked off while from a far, Alexander watched them closely. 'they have a plan but the question is what?. She needs protection. I knew she would be here. She didn't invite anyone due to not having a spouse or kids, we know that' when the men left, Alexander called Ernst. "Alexander, any sighting?" "All of them. She needs to be protected" "I will message Danika. Come home" "alright. It's clear for now I just hope she stays vigilant" "next week will be a worry. If Gunther puts those girls in danger, Danika will be there and won't hold back" "then we need them to take the private plane so she can carry weapons" "I do agree. I will speak with our eagle when she answers" "alright. Bye dad" "bye".
Alexander stood tall and watched closely. 'nope. Some have come back. This isn't good. I will get men here'.