One Last Journey (Completed)

11 days to go

I took a deep breath, opened the door and walked in.

The bridge was exactly like I had imagined. Well not exactly, but more like it. There were all kinds of buttons and levers and radars all around the place. The only thing that was missing was the Wheel. You remember the wheel Popeye used to turn while sailing? They had it in titanic also. But it wasn't here. I guess they removed it in modern ships.

Every single officer in the room had turned and was looking at me. I tensed. I didn't know what to say. Although I had planned everything in my mind earlier, I just stood there dumbfounded.

"Can I help you ma'am?"

I looked at the source of the voice. A tall, fair man was standing there in a sailors uniform looking at me with puzzled eyes.

He had fair complexion, a perfect straight nose, clean shaved and perfectly defined jaw line. His electric blue eyes were the most striking feature of his face. He looked handsome and very young for someone in his position.

I looked at his shoulders for his epaulettes. It had three lines. So he is the Chief Officer or in layman language First mate.

Not Bad.

I looked at his face and saw that he was looking at me intently, waiting for an answer.

"Oh!" I said trying to act like I was confused, "I think I am lost." I fidgeted a little with my map to make it look real, "I am trying to get to my room but can't figure out where it is."

"Its OK ma'am." he said with a calm voice, "No need to worry. Let me guide you." He motioned his fellow workers to handle things while he led me out of the bridge.

"So what is your room number?" he asked.

"Its v16." I replied, "By the way, I am Julia. Thank you for your help Mr..", I looked at his badge, "Mr. Marshall."

"Please, call me Toby." He said offering his hand. I shook it lightly. "And your floor is just above this one."

We made small talk as he led me to the elevators. I was surprised when he got in the elevator with me.

This is your chance. I said to myself. Ask him.

"You know, I was curious..." I said choosing my words carefully, "I am having a hard time finding my way around but I never came across any crew cabins. Where do you guys live?"

He looked at me, uncertain whether to answer or not, then decided he should. "All the crew live below the Riviera Deck. Its called Deck 3. Its entry-restricted, only for crew members."

"Oh of-course." I said giving a fake smile, "I was just wondering. I get so fascinated by all this." I said waving my hands to make him believe.

We had reached my floor by this time. I got out of the elevator and so did he. I was getting a little confused by his actions. Doesn't he had a ship to manoeuvre?

I started walking towards my room and he followed. "So.." I said looking at him, "are you the Captain?"

"Oh No!" he said, "I am the next in charge. In our language we call it First Mate."

"Aren't you a little young to be in such a high post?"

"Well a little yes. But I worked hard to get here." he said blushing a little.

Did he actually blush? I asked myself. Oh My God! he thinks I am flirting with him.

Thankfully we arrived at my room. "Thank you so much for your help officer." I said searching for my keycard in my purse.

"Please, call me Toby. And it was my duty."

"Yes, of-course Toby." I found the keycard and was putting it in when my map dropped from my hands. It landed right at his feet. He bent down to pick it up.

I froze.

He saw all the markings that I had made on the map. His expression changed from happy to confused to angry. He looked at me in the eye and just stood there, expressionless.

"What is all this?" he asked me sternly.

I didn't know what to say or what to do. There were a million excuses running through my mind but I just couldn't pick one.

"Who are you and what are you really here for? There are rules you know. I have the right to search your room and charge you for criminal offences if found guilty." He looked really angry now.

The thought made me numb. I knew I was not doing anything wrong, but the map told otherwise.

"Are you going to say anything? Or should I call the Captain?"

"No wait!", I said, "I know this looks bad, but it is not what you think. I can explain. Please, you have to hear me out." I pleaded.

He looked at me with confusion. Probably deciding whether to believe me or not.

"Listen I know what you must be thinking, but you have to trust me. I am not doing anything wrong. If you can spare some time I can explain you everything." I pleaded once again, making puppy eyes.

The eyes seem to work, cause he looked a little convinced. But before he could say anything his pager beeped. He looked at it and then at me again.

"Fine." He said, " I will give you once chance. I have to go now but my shift ends at 8. Meet me at the pool side by 9 and don't be late."

"I promise I'll be there. Thank you Toby." I said.

"Don't thank me yet. And don't go wandering about pretending that you are lost." With that he turned around and left for the bridge.

Phew! It was a close one. I heaved a sigh of relief. But now I will have to explain everything to him.

This made me sad.

Don't worry, my inner voice chimed in. This could turn out in a good way. Maybe he will understand and help you find Reethe.

Maybe. He will.

Hey everyone.
Sorry for the late update.
For anyone who is wondering what are Epaulettes, they are those black things they wear on their shoulder. Here's the ranking:

For any questions feel free to ask.
The next chapter I am going to do Toby's POV. Excited?

Don't forget to comment your views and vote. :)