Separated

Chapter VII

MIA

Music: Deprived Sanctity from Gradius II PC-Engine

Why did I think this would be an enjoyable vacation? I mean, it should've been obvious to us that going on this cruise would lead to nothing but disaster. We try to do something enjoyable with our lives for once, and we end up separated at sea, with half of the group likely long gone at this point.

I can't tell how much time has passed since the storm. The only clue is the sun still partly visible in the sky, and it hasn't quite begun setting yet, so it's likely late afternoon. The storm itself has dissipated, although the water's bobbing is still just a bit more hectic than normal. There are only scattered clouds, and the reflection of the sun off of the ocean is nearly blinding.

And as for us... well, not much to say there, either. We've pretty much been just sitting the entire time. Nobody has anything to say that would start any sort of a meaningful conversation. Instead, we just let the water carry us, which is probably not the best idea if you ask me.

Finally, someone speaks. "So, are we not going to address the elephant in the room?" Sean asks.

The rest of us look at him. Sean continues. "As in, this whole situation?"

"What is there for us to address?" Shanna sighs. "We're lost at sea. Plain and simple."

"How far away from land do you guys think we are?" Elle asks.

"Too far," Luke replies, staring out into the deep blue. "It could be days before we see land again. Weeks, even."

"Brilliant," Elle mumbles, slouching back on what little room of the raft she has. I look around, identifying the members of the Boats are Unreliable club.

"Well, at least we're not stuck at sea with five other people. It's much less crowded." I shrug, trying to bring light into the situation.

Elle looks at me with disgust. "Mia! Don't joke about them like that!"

"What? I mean, chances are, they're not dead. That's how this shit always works."

Sean scooches between us and tells us sternly, "Mia, Elle, let's not get too worked up here. We've got bigger problems on our hands here."

"Yeah, like, we should probably establish a leader for us for the time being," Shanna adds.

"Well, the obvious choice would be-" I start.

"I hope you were going to volunteer me, Mia," Luke glances at me.

"Sorry to disappoint you.," I glare at Luke, "I'm definitely the most qualified of all of us."

"I beg to differ," Elle says.

"What, do you think you would be a better leader? Please, enlighten me."

"I never said that! I just think Luke's more qualified than you are."

"What makes him the better choice?"

"Look, my money's all for Luke if it'll just keep you two from ripping each other's heads off," Sean sighs.

"I'm with him," Shanna adds, gesturing toward her brother.

"Alright, majority rules," Luke says.

"Fine. I guess if that's what everyone thinks, then it's only fair that Luke lead us," I sigh.

I'll show them who's qualified.

ELLE

Music: Clyde in the Caldera from Pac-Man World 2