Across boundaries (1D series - Book two)

Across boundaries >> XII <<

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Across boundaries  

Across boundaries >> XII <<

"I want it in by three pm today!" I yelled into the receiver before slamming it down. I dumped the stack of papers on the table loudly, causing the young third officer to jump. He scampered away in a fright.

"Miss Allyson..." Neil handed me the log book nervously.

"What's this?" I snapped.

"The deck records which you have asked for..."

"Where's the engine log book?" I barked.

"Chief would be coming shortly," he answered meekly.

"What time is it now? Didn't I say I want it by lunch?"

"..."

"Allie," Sammy said as she waved for Neil to go out which he did thankfully.

"What?"

"It won't do any good to shout at them," she pointed out.

"I'm not," I said.

She stared at me, "You have been in a foul mood the entire morning."

"That's because I'm not getting what I want."

"And you are not going to get them even if you shout yourself hoarse."

It had been one week since Niall and I broke up. He was doing very well in avoiding me, so did I. I spent my time in my room or in the ship's office.

"Shut up Sam."

"It won't do you any good either by shouting at me," she folded her arms.

After eighteen years, she was accustomed to my bad temper.

A knock rang out on my door.

"Miss Allyson?" The Chief Engineer stood at the door.

"Come in," I said.

"This is the log book you have requested for," he handed me a book.

I flipped a few pages before narrowing my eyes. "Why is the bunker consumption going up?"

"We are having some bad weather for the last few days," he explained. "And one of the boiler was down."

"Boiler down?" My ears piped up.

"It is nothing serious," he answered. "We have repaired it."

"Boiler down on first voyage?! Better get proper repairs done at the next port!"

"Yes Mam," he said.

"I will take a look at this," I said as I waved the log book.

"If there's nothing else, I will take my leave now."

"Please do."

I walked to my refrigerator and grabbed a can of sprite.

"Are you going to take lunch?" Sammy asked.

"No," I answered. "Go ahead if you want to."

She sighed before leaving the room.

I had been skipping meals or eating irregularly ever since. It was common during peak work periods. But onboard, there was actually nothing much to do. I was just trying to be difficult; digging things to occupy my time.

I found that time passed faster this way.

A knock rang out on my door again.

"Can I come in?"