Stealth Journeys with the Steam Mapper

Later: A Shining Path to a New Adventure

StLF and MYKA reveled in the freshness of a cool morning, catching ocean breezes as their vessel moved away, heading eastward from Sydney Harbor. "Sure feels good to finally be on our way again." The weeks spent in dry dock to repair the serious damage done to the hull of their nearly 280 foot oceanographic vessel had them wondering if the original itinerary would ever move forward.

"Yes. Thank goodness our still-unknown backer could finance all of our repairs, and get consent internationally to keep most of our research team. I feel pretty good about our current team of fellow scientists, although I'm still wondering why we have to continue using code names exclusively." StLF felt as though half the crew knew one another well enough to drop the pretense of secrecy. Many had shared their names, affiliations, and research interests. While some had privately shared backgrounds early on during the initial voyage, others got better acquainted over the weeks of furlough in Sydney.

The unplanned time in Sydney allowed everyone to recover from the distressing turn of events that unfolded in the waters of Antarctica. Government officials had interviewed every passenger individually and explained dire consequences for discussing the questioning of each person. News agencies had done their best to pry every iota of information, sensations, memories, and actions taken by every passenger. Families were finally granted permission to reunite with their loved one.

StLF was very glad to have Mom and Dad fly over for an albeit too brief visit. Their visit allowed ten days of "R&R" to sight see together: first to Ayers Rock, or using the preferred name Uluru, given by the Aboriginal people ages ago; then to Ballarat, to visit the nature zoo and botanical gardens, and gold mining museum and, finally to the zoo that was Steve Irwin's legacy. They even flew over to New Zealand to see the filming locations of Tolkien's trilogy as part of "The Accidental Tourist" family vacation.

MYKA was introduced to Mom and Dad, and StLF had hoped the three would get acquainted. But, the invitation to sight see with them was politely declined. The marine biologist wanted to devote every free minute to creating an in-depth essay on characteristics of the mutant mollusk specimens captured after the near-shipwreck.

StLF was disappointed but not particularly surprised. The long lectures on mollusks, especially squid, had made it clear that the love of squid was not just about gastronomic delights. Being the oceanographer trained to use the latest technology, including the steam MAPR device, and more interested in hydrothermal vents and their chemistry, the friend understood the importance of focusing on being first to report the findings to every scientific journal in hopes of recognition at the highest level.

After all, the two of them, MYKA and StLF, were the two junior researchers of the elite international science team. They were well-educated but lacked the "C.V." that brought respect. This voyage had raised their reputations and both wanted world recognition.

Other scientists on the secret expedition had early on eyed them suspiciously. Their shaggy hair, discreet tattoos, youthful complexions and slender builds gave them the appearance of teenagers. Now, they were greeted enthusiastically and invited into serious discussions. As they waited ashore for the ship repairs, many serious discussions ensued. Many wondered if the mutations were wide-spread. Many wondered if everyone had each been sworn to secrecy about the complications in being rescued. Many wondered if some others remaining among them were holding dangerous secrets. Code names known to be connected to secrets included ROBN, VLAD, and, DRNO. But others might exist.

StLF was beginning yet another journal. This one would be very different. It would attempt to retell the entire story of the expedition from the departure along Washington State's coast to the rescue and recovery in the seas of Antarctica. It would be kept secretly as so many confessions and revelations would be included. Thinking it best to write it in third person, but to use the many jottings kept in previous journals created during the voyage to provide details to many discussions, StLF had some trepidation of putting it all down in print. But journal writing had always been therapeutic and recounting it all would provide lots to analyze in private. The title would have multiple meanings: "Stealth Journeys with the Steam Mapper".

The night before setting sail for the next leg of their voyage, the entire crew gathered for a celebratory send-off. Everyone was very excited to travel on to their next destinations to secret man-made islands in Polynesia. These new islands held laboratories and factories employing local islanders to develop solutions which would tackle mankind's most serious crisis. The scientists believed this was the most important reason for the continued secrecy of this voyage. Everyone was very happy to get all of their personal belongings back and find that files had not been deleted on their laptops and I-pads. That night StLF had noticed how MYKA was intent on uploading recent documents that had been composed on a recently purchased I-pad and could be now put on the dearly missed laptop.

Early the next morning, the bunk mate marine biologist was back to uploading onto the laptop. An unanticipated summons by the Chief Scientist to check some of lab stations (to verify that nothing had been overlooked before setting sail) interrupted the task. In haste, the laptop was left logged in, up and running.

This returned laptop had been a source of consternation for months. StLF had grown so close to MYKA, realizing feelings of desire to be the special one to the mysterious marine biologist, who privately claimed to be a "Cousteau". The months of hasty closings of the laptop seemed suspect. Something "fishy" was going on with the marine biologist. The temptation was too great. StLF was hesitantly reaching for the laptop, when MYKA came rushing in. Without missing a beat, the "Cousteau" exclaimed, "You must share this sunrise with me. It is spectacular!"

The Steam MAPR oceanographer, wanting to spend every romantic moment offered up, gave a wide grin and grabbed hold of the soon-to-be an internationally famous marine biologist. Together they raced up the many ladders taking them up to the fantail to enjoy the sunrise together. "And, maybe an enduring future together, too. A secret wish to hold onto", thought one, as the two watched the glorious sun breaking through some low lying clouds.