It's 1973 and the Vietnam war has just come to an end. James Conrad and his partner in war, Sophia Dawson, are wandering the depths of Vietnam when they're visited by two curious looking Americans who say they'll pay them to lead a group through the...
Sophia Dawson hadn't been to Thailand in a while. She had missed the busyness of it all, the smells, the sounds and the spirit. It was different than Vietnam, it wasn't home and that's what she liked most about it - out of her comfort zone.
James Conrad was walking behind her as they navigated through the vibrant, Bangkok market and Sophia had to hold herself back from stopping to taste the cuisine.
Conrad could sense her eagerness as he hitched his bag further up his shoulder, but he didn't need to comment, he knew she had self restraint - had learned it 5 views when they ventured into Vietnam.
Watching the back of her brunette head, he could sense that she wasn't fully committed to the job, yet he also knew that no matter what, she would complete it to the best of her ability - which was pretty damn high.
Dawson gripped her bag as they rounded a corner and ducked out of the way of the crowds of people swarming through the market - their faces plastered with determination. The smell of the sea got stronger - sat and algae - and it wafted into Sophia's nose, reminding her of the times she would set sail for thick jungles that were bursting with possibilities.
The pair emerged from the market and the smell got stronger, it permeated the thick Bangkok air and soaked into their skin. Then, the ship came into view and Conrad let out a low whistle - she was an immense machine. Reaching over 1000ft long, the Athena sat in the pacific with confidence. Coming to a halt, Conrad spoke "She reminds me of the USS Fox" "Which one?" "DLG - 33"
Sophia pushed her bottom lip out and thought about it. "Hmmm, this one seems too wide" Conrad looked at her before he grinned "Hey, leave her alone, the war was hard on her" and Sophia rolled her eyes with a smile. "What do you think will happen to her?" Conrad asked, referring to the fox. "Now that the war is over and all" he carried on and Sophia nodded "Probably be reclassified as a guided missile cruiser"
Conrad looked at the Athena solemnly and his blue eyes glistened in the nightlight. It was silent for a beat as they admired the Athena, then Conrad whispered "Wonder if we'll be reclassified as anything" He pondered into the air and Sophia slowly turned to him, feeling a sense of sorrow for his contemplative words and she nudged his shoulder, sending him a small smile.
"Hey" she said, grabbing his attention "We aren't ships Con, the decision is ours" and Conrad's face slowly began to lift, his cheeks raising as his lips turned into a smile.
