Strom's End

CHAPTER ONE

Seaworth was a massive ship.

One could easily get lost in the seemingly endless corridors. There were no signs of direction anywhere except the occasional KEEP OUT signs outside of every door and the emergency exits. Apparently the crew believed that it was not necessary to place such signs as the only passengers of the ship were the members of the research teams and the scientists who obviously knew the ship like the back of their hands. Ethan had spent a long time traveling with Seaworth in the past and had no trouble finding his way around the ship, the same could not be said about his team members.

He sighed as he pushed the heavy door and walked out on the deck. The cold air felt like a slap to the face and he rubbed his arms in an attempt to keep himself warm. He instantly spotted the young woman resting on the railing and he shook his head in disapproval as he noticed the smoke coming out of her lips.

I thought you quit smoking, he said approaching her. She turned towards him in surprise and gave him a tired smile.

You sound like my dad, she said rolling her eyes. He sighed again at her response.

I swear you're insufferable sometimes, he muttered as he walked to the railing next to her.

Sometimes, she repeated laughing at his comment.

What's bothering you? He asked starring at her. She had not put that damn thing in her mouth for almost six months and seeing her smoking again was a clear indication that something was wrong. Dawn was one of those people who would rarely open up and it had taken him years to earn her trust.

I'm not very fond of ships or whats laying beneath, she admitted lighting up another cigarette. Ethan was beyond confused by her statement.

You live in a house by the beach, you work in an aquarium with creatures of the sea and now you're telling me you don't like the sea? He asked in disbelief. Dawn laughed turning back to him.

I guess it's my way to fight against my worst fear, she shrugged her shoulders as if it was no big deal.

There's no reason to be afraid as long as you are on this ship. Seaworth is strong and has endured all kinds of storms. You are safe here as you would be if you were walking on land, he said smiling at her.

But we are not on land, she answered as she starred at the black waves hitting against the ship like a wild beast.

What's there to be afraid in the ocean? He asked curiously not understanding her discomfort.

Is there anything more dangerous than the ocean? She asked turning to him and this time he could not find words to disagree with her.

~

Dawn cursed as she came across the same corridor she had come from for the second time. Somehow she had managed to get lost. Again, seriously, it was ridiculous. It wasn't the first time this happened and she made a mental note to herself to ask for directions from Ethan next time they had a meeting. This time she took a different turn and sighed in relief as she came across the red door she was looking for. She opened the door and found the room full of people. She walked inside and took a seat in the last row of chairs. She spotted Ethan on the other side of the room talking with the head scientist Mr. Dunkan.

The excited look on the scientist face made her uncomfortable and she eyed him suspiciously. He was known for using extreme methods to complete his missions and it was no secret that he often exposed his crew members to danger in order to archive his goals. This time was no exception it seemed, Ethan had confessed that he intending to take them to Bermuda where he was hell bent to explore the mystery behind the triangle.