A Pirate's Life For Me (TMNT AU)

Prologue

"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem..." - Jack Sparrow (MY BAE)

Prologue –The Earthquake

"...and, Bryon, as I stand here trying to keep dry and vertical, as Jerry my assistant tries to keep an umbrella over me, we are reminded all too well that in just under two hours Hurricane Asker will make its historic landfall in New York City. For the first time in almost seventy years, The Big Apple will experience a storm that Floridians and other southern coastal states are all too familiar with."

The young woman reporter suddenly cupped her right ear, in which she wore an earpiece radio receiver. As she tried to hear the next question from the newscaster, safely ensconced back in the studio, a shriek of wind drowned out her attempt. Torrents of rain had already soaked most of her clothes, despite her coat and Jerry's attempt to keep her dry with the umbrella, and it seemed any second now both of them would find themselves blown away by the gale. Nevertheless, they held their ground as the newscaster's question finally came through and broadcasted live through the television, "Syn, didn't the meteorologist mention something about a tsunami-like wave associated with this storm?"

Nodding, Syn replied, trying to speak louder over the howling wind, "Yes, Bryon, they're expecting a storm surge. For our viewers' information, a storm surge is a phenomenon that generates huge volumes of water, pushed inland by hurricane force winds swirling around the outer perimeter of the hurricane itself. Meteorologists expect this particular surge to lay claim to coastal areas on Long Island minutes ahead of the main storm and as far inland as Manhattan.. They are expecting swells of twenty-five feet or more, flooding low-lying areas with decimating destruction. The last time New York experienced a hurricane of this magnitude, a similar surge preceded it, having a devastating impact on not just Long Island and the northern coastal areas, but as far north as Rhode Island. As I speak, people there are already preparing for the worst, not wanting a repeat of what happened back in 1938. Nevertheless, Bryon, experts predict record flooding in low-lying areas all along the eastern seaboard, with catastrophic results."

Another blast of wind buffeted her, interrupting the woman's report. Jerry tightened his hold accordingly. With the umbrella still situated, although precariously, over the reporter, she managed to continue, "City officials have declared all subway stations on Manhattan Island non-operational. Citizens are encouraged not to seek shelter there or anywhere below ground, but to find safety at higher elevations. For those living along the coastal areas of Long Island, if you have not evacuated, it is highly suggested that you do. It is worth repeating that severe damage is expected, with estimated destruction to most east-side structures at eighty to one-hundred percent. The Red Cross has set up emergency shelters at local schools. Check the addresses and phone numbers listed on the ticket tape at the bottom of your screen for the one nearest you."

The girl on the screen suddenly lost her composure, ducking reactively and turning her back, as a blast of wind and horizontal rain buffeted her, nearly knocking the girl off her feet. Her coat lost its buttons, exposing her drenched slacks and sweater underneath, as her assistant desperately tried to keep hold of the umbrella. However, the fierce wind was too much. Ripped out of Jerry's hands, the umbrella finally flew away, carried along by the tempest. Now, the man latched onto the reporter to keep her from blowing away, too. Still, the rain continued to batter them and - once again facing the camera - a very wet Syn Lee concluded her report, "As I sign off, the only thing I can do is leave you with a few words of wisdom my grandmother taught me. Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. This is Syn Lee, live at Seventh and Bleecker, New York City, on the cusp of the storm of the century. Back to you, Bryon!"

"Man, can you believe this?" Mike exclaimed as he continued watching the news program. The television station began showing the damage the storm had already created as it traveled northwards along the east coast. "Double hurricanes; is that even possible, Donnie?"