A Great and Glorious Ship

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As the first book I am starting here, this is a very overwhelming experience but I am so ready to get this thing going and finished.
I am grateful for each opportunity someone has given me and this book.

If you like it, let me know! Things like commenting, voting and sharing gives such a motivating boost and a great way to let me know that you want more from me.

What I love even more than writing is talking about it; the stories, characters, reasons, possibilities, twists and double meanings - especially because ambiguity is my best friends when it comes to writing.
Take part in this conversation, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN READING!!!

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"THE objective is clear. You are not to stay long."

A deep breath in. A shaky breath out.

"Once you return from your short trip, we expect a report on the conditions, the Captain, and all events occurring prior and during your presence."

A slow breath in. Sweaty palms.

"There mustn't be contact with individuals not on the ship, even in the event of emergencies or for urgent matters. You must not, under any circumstances, be connected to what we have discussed."

A swipe of the forehead. A sharp breath out.

"Understood? Sir?"

In this very moment, in the very spot the young woman stood, as any young woman would think, she thought of what seemed to be the very slim possibility of experiencing what she was about to experience. The slim possibility that every young man and woman dreamed of, prayed for. Even staring out of their windows at night, staring at the glistening moon as they wished at the glowing stars that they would see it with their own eyes.

She didn't have to dream, or pray, or wish to stars for it anymore, because now she was privileged to be close.

Close enough to be one of them.

The deafening horns of the Mother Vessel blared three times, almost breaking the heavenly trance she was in. The distance was closing between the Mother Vessel and the large, glorious ship that drew nearer and nearer and nearer. The rising sun's beams cast a dim, heavenly glow over the slow swaying sparkling water. The dark silhouette of the large and glorious ship loomed over, ready to engulf the Mother Vessel, before finally undressing herself for all to see.

She searched. Lowered her eyes. Searched. Lowered again.

What she saw, rather, what all could see, was that the Vessel was seemingly ready to engulf the glorious ship, which proved to be significantly smaller than legends told. It had just been an illusion, the illusion of the Vessel's great shadow.

Despite the illusion, the overwhelming feelings of admiration did not waver once. As she looked down towards the ship she was soon to board, she couldn't help but to feel it was everything she thought it would be.

Small and mighty.

The young woman took a deep breath. She squeezed the rails of the Vessel as she stared at the mighty ship before her. The exhilarating tales of adventure of the famous ship - travels from land to land, across the seas, through little-known cultures - harbouring some of the greatest, most ambitious individuals known to the oceans. Led by the bravest Captain in search of the most coveted secret, so mesmerising and otherworldly that not one should beyond the walls of the ship knew its true nature. A rare opportunity it was to even witness the ship with one's own eyes, but to be able tow work on it as one of the most significant members was an honour very few could claim.

This was absolutely frightening and unnerving. But it was enthralling too. Truly a privilege.

For the rare occasion matched an immaculate uniform, fabric the colour of the deep blue seas and as soft as the wind that blew. There was no opportunity she would allow to disappoint.

The young woman made her way down the steps, preparing herself to cross into another world, fighting to contain the wild beating heart in her chest. Watching the members of the Vessel secure the bridge, a gentle hand rested on her shoulder. Turning, she met the pitiful eyes of a man she had not had the opportunity of knowing on her journey, though they crossed paths often as he was part of the crew that worked on the Mother Vessel.

"Good luck," was all he could say, nudging her to walk onto the bridge.

Glancing back for the last time, she saw the tireless men of the crew, swimming in their own sweat, oil and dirt, preparing the supply that was to be transferred to the ship.

Off of the bridge, her feet were officially standing on the mighty ship she had only heard of. The wooden floors creaked with every slight movement.

She took another breath.

A man with short hair and a deep scowl on his face moved the supply the Vessel's crew had brought, seeming lost in a world of his own and unresponsive to her presence.

The familiar blaring of the Mother Vessel's horns rang thrice again, now disappearing into the glaring shine of the sun, forcing her to shield her eyes with her arm. She watched what was her home for the last few weeks became smaller and smaller. The last connection to the outside world, gone.

She took a moment to inspect the deck in front of her. The wood had clearly been there to witness life on the ship for a long, long time. Rusty, old, not unkempt or dirty per se, but certainly, she was sure that the ship was not one of a kind as the legends had stated. At least from what she could see. It wasn't the old, rotting wood, nor the creaky floors or the eerily void deck, though, that had caught her attention. Across the floor, a large, dark stain could be seen. Around it lay discarded mops and tissues, those too drenched in a dark red substance. The ship's motion caused the dirty water in the bucket to spill from the sides. Before she could get closer, she heard loud, angry voices in the middle of a heated argument.

"Just do what I say for God's sake," a gruff, harsh voice ordered. Not a second later, as she stepped forward, one scurried around a corner and out of sight, before she could catch a glimpse of them. Then a voice boomed from the helm.

"You must be the new Assist."

***
A short little starter for what's to come.
So, how was that as a first ever chapter? Any thoughts so far?

This is going to be a long, messy, gritty but great ride so join the journey.
If you like it, vote/comment/share, all is deeply appreciated.

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