Chapter Nine

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That night, the captain called everyone to the deck for a meeting. Everyone except for Piles and Davis, that is.

The crew, once hardened men, looked a bit shaken. They were hungry. They were tired. They were confused and in fear. Edmond had to keep a brave face for the men.

The fog hadn't lifted, so seeing all the men's faces in the back wasn't easy. He wondered if they could all see him. Probably not. As long as they could hear him, that was most important.

Edmond began, "You all know about Bell and Shepherd. It was a tragic loss. And it could have happened to any of us. Therefore, we need to be more mindful."

"How could they just fall into the sea?" Marlin asked. "It just doesn't make sense."

Of all the things Edmond had witnessed, he wasn't sure how much to share with the men. Would he even be believed? They knew Davis had been attacked, but they hadn't known by what. The men didn't know about the incident with Davis' eyes. Only Edmond, Halcreek, and Willas were in on that much.

As much as Edmond wanted to protect his men, he also didn't want to spook them unnecessarily. But was this unnecessary? How much could he share that could potentially save their lives?

"There's no saying." Edmond answered while looking to Halcreek. He didn't want for him to start yelling all around the deck about monsters in the sea. At least not in his over-the-top manner. This was a delicate matter.

Edmond continued, "We will need to work in groups of four or more. Make sure that in all you do, you are with others. Safety in numbers."

"What about rifles?" Halcreek asked. It was as if he was just waiting for his moment to say something.

"Why do we need rifles?" The researcher spoke for some of the men, "What are we shooting?"

"We don't have enough rifles for all the men," Edmond reasoned. Though he did see the potential need for it. "All who patrol in the night will have them."

The researcher felt the need to press, "What are the rifles for?"

Edmond sighed. Would he believe him? Would the whole crew find him mad? Would they think he had lost his mind?

"For protection." Edmond told him. He turned and nodded to Halcreek. The men looked to each other, wondering who to group with.

"Tonight, I will patrol." Edmond felt it was his duty to protect them, and that meant putting himself in front of his men. "Which three of you will patrol with me?"

"Me!" Halcreek was quick to raise his hand. He just seemed happy to finally be getting his rifle.

"Aye!" DeVitas volunteered.

"I'm at your side. Always." Willas clasped the captain's shoulder.

The rest of the men went about below deck to try their hardest to get some sleep.

The four men collected their rifles.

The night seemed calm. No rain. No wind. No thunder. Only fog and the creaking of the ship. The four of them stayed evenly spaced, spread out along the ship. They couldn't see each other, but called out to each other every few minutes. If anything climbed onto the ship, they would be sure to see it.

There was a whisper over the waves that came soothingly to Edmond's ear. At least, it started as a whisper. Then, slowly grew into a soft song. That beautiful voice again. He swore it sounded just like Maryann.

He could actually hear the words now. He could make out what her voice was singing.

Sink within below the waves
The surface never knew you
A peace that everybody craves
Surrounded by the vast blue

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