Stealth Journeys with the Steam Mapper

Chapter 5: Accepting MYKA and the Ship

On this day, still sensing numbness of relief at being rescued, Stef stood on the deck and recalled the voyage that brought the researchers to the final weeks of the travel to the frigid Antarctic waters.  The travel aboard the vessel had taken longer due to inclement weather, but nearly two weeks ago they were anchored at the remote site where the current Antarctic exploration with the onboard submersibles would begin.  For Stef, previous experience aboard submersibles had been in training at Harbor Branch and Woods Hole, while studying hydrothermal vents as a specialization towards a doctorate in Oceanography.   This long- range trip to the Antarctic and western coast of the Pacific was a first for a really long voyage.   Frequent provisioning required brief stops at coastal towns for refueling and bringing aboard more supplies.  Two longer stops had been in Chile and New Zealand.

Recalling the sudden change of events when first entering the seas of Antarctica, brought Stef back to thoughts of the shared optimism in entering that phase of their journey and was replayed in the mind's eye over and over.   Happier times, looking forward to amazing newsworthy discoveries.  "Be careful what you wish for", thought Stef, thinking back to the initial excitement and dreams of fame.

Stef, reminiscing now of their first arrival to Antarctica,  recalled trying to warm up in that very chilly morning air.   On the fantail admiring the robotic arms on the submersible,  a familiar voice had called out, "Hey StLF!"   The grinning team member was MYKA.   Stef was grateful that the two had become fast friends, who had a friendship that had survived some bumps in the road, some misunderstandings.  Having a close friend to help warm the chilly morning was a moment to remember.

MYKA could be off-putting.  Making the extra effort to get along with someone who seemed just a bit cocky and opinionated was stressful.  Trying to make allowances for "MYKA comments" which seemed to be put downs, was very trying.  Trying to recall when they were strangers meeting for the first time, Stef realized that MYKA had been charming from the first "Hello".   Of course, the desire existed from the very beginning that they would get along famously.  Desperately wanting that friendship to get off to a great start,  had involved a plan to watch for the mysterious Cousteau from day one.

Leaning in close to MYKA, Stef silently recalled their awkward introduction, back in September, the night before they embarked on their long voyage.  They said their goodbyes to friends and families at a community park afternoon barbecue where families stayed on to get acquainted with interested professors.  Science members of the expedition waved goodbye as they were whisked away by limos to a secret locale.  The nearly three- hundred- foot long research vessel was waiting in a deep water slip at a private residence where a send-off dinner was waiting.  The ship's crew would be bringing aboard all of the luggage and private possessions, as the expedition's scientists enjoyed the special dinner in the mansion's grand dining hall.

Everyone was assured that their belongings would be deposited to their assigned berths.  Older scientists were offered the choice of male or female "dorm style" living arrangements .  Younger scientists took whatever remained in the long co-ed area which had storage and dressing areas adjoining a series of lockable heads, each containing a shower stall, sink, and toilet.  The science quarters had bunks for twenty-four residents.   A few in the co-ed area remained empty.   The eight bunks in the male designated area and the eight bunks in the female area were all claimed.

The cook and assistant shared a cabin which worked out well since they were a married couple. The navigator's and ship's crew had quarters next to the captain's quarters which had an office leading back to a private cabin and head.   The chief scientist had a similar but smaller suite located next to the scientists.   The salon/break room closest to the sleeping quarters had a galley snack area.   The brochure of the floor plan and photos of the ship were given to the scientists to peruse as they slipped into the limos for their thirty- minute ride.   Everyone sharing the limousines  remarked on the spaciousness and cleanliness of the suites shown in the photos.   Everyone secretly hoped for compatible bunk mates.