As the fleet continued on for days within uncharted waters. As their cartographers would be working overtime to create a map but, other then some sea stacks and odd rock formations the fact was clear that they were still out in the waters. "The skies are empty." Spoke Robin as she was looking to the skies seeing it barren of any stars her form looking outside since everything was rather calm and far from eventful as her boys were doing their best to keep everyone up and eager. As well as to guide the ship thought as it so happened they stopped using the drone for now seeing how the last one was almost lost at sea.
While also with everyone keeping their tools in tip top shape that she had not much work as of lately. Rather she was doing this as a way to figure out about the world they saw now and more. "Moon isn't here too." She added as she waited and soon enough saw that the sea was still rowdy despite the lack of one with large waves being quite normal despite absence of a natural satellite. Rather she would look on and sigh knowing that this world continues to feel more artificial she observes it.
Thought as the darkness continues to envelope their craft the fact she could see a continues blue line in the distance disturbed her. One that was uncanny due to the darkness that swallowed them. One that caused her to ascend upwards towards the search lights where she could see two of the crew talking with one another upon which the topic was her reason to coming here. "Good evening chief." One of them said as she looked on and sighed knowing that she was not the only one that asked at that.
"Yeah we see it and its under the water." Another casually said as he placed down the cards revealing that she had a straight making her partner grunt at her lost. "Its massive is what I know but, unless you get close to it you would know that its fruitless." Another chimes in as she started to shuffle the deck once again. "Want to see?" The smug winner spoke as she saw her nod knowing that the two were taking this quite easily without much of a problem. As she didn't know it due to her being mostly in the workshop but, it was a common sight as the two would soon enough shine showing a massive line of bioluminescent fish all of which were swimming in unison and how some of their fishermen were already spear fishing the fish they call the Gel fish.
One being a circular fish which its internal organs being covered in what was a sticky gel like substance that keeps its interior attached and is the reason as to why they glow a distinct blue. As the fishermen soon enough waving toward them as they were quite happy with the assistance of light from them. As during such times the ship was moving slow enough for them to fish and replenish their food supplies. "Ohh are those the fishes we been eating?" The engineer asked making the two nod in return. "Filling, fat, and sweet oddly." the chief added making the two smile as one of them pouted. "And perfect for a late night snack." The winning one said as she revealed her tray of snacks which she was all too eager and happy to receive.
"Want one?" She asked as she extended the tray to her making her look on with delight as it did seem good enough to eat as well. "No fair I wanted one too." One of them said as she looked on sadly in return as she losing all of her chips and barely made enough to eat later on. As the three were quite alright knowing that the water seems to be quite stable for the time being. With the waves oddly not visible as it was before hand. Making it perfect for some recreation as she sat down and tried it. Feeling a crunch as she bit down and savoured it. "Ohh crunchy and also quite sweet." She told them both making one to pout more as she wanted to have more while the other looked triumphantly in return. "let me join and loan me some I promise to trade you both if I lose." She said letting them have some new gear in exchange making them quite happy for that.
"Better start winning then." She teased as she stopped her from shuffling and soon enough laid down the cards and formed a deck before taking out seven each in alternating currents until they had split the whole 52 cards into 3 leaving one out to make it fair. Giving each 17 each as they prepared. "Its been so long since I've played Pusoy dos but, I'm prepared for it." She said as she looked at her cards and found herself quite lucky in return. Especially with the 2 of diamonds in her deck. "Name is Jasmine and this little thing is June we're new and we've enlisted or the lucky ones that were able to actually enlist." She said knowing that they were lucky on being the first ones.
"Must be hectic." She said knowing that the two were new faces since most of the others here were people she had come to know through her adopted sons. "3,4,5,6,7 all clovers. Flush." She started out as Jasmine smiled before looking at the others. "Anything?" She asked before scoring only two shakes before she places down 4 cards of the same number then placing a throwaway afterwards. " 10 diamond, 10 heart, 10 clover, 10 pikes and 3 hearts. Four of a kind." She named before looking at them again. "Nothing?" She asked as she looked at the two only for her to smile. "4 heart." She continued making June sigh knowing that she already lost 11 cards just like that but, she was quite safe knowing that she had a two though it was the lowest of them all. As she placed down her next number being that of 4 diamond. "Wait!" Spoke nervously by that of June. "Signal the fishermen back." She declared as she saw something odd in the distance.
"Something is moving in the darkness." She declared as she slammed her cards to the table before she moved the search light in return. Illuminating the creature from the darkness. "What?" Asked Jasmine before her eyes widen in shock from what she saw. Namely it was a massive creature jetting from that of the ocean.
Its form rocky and coloured like that of the sea stacks making them virtually invisible if one didn't know how to look at them. It was thing of utter nightmare as seen by the dark abyss that was its gaping maw. A abyssal horror rising from the abundant seas. As it was massive with its elongated body covered in what seems to be large scales the size of a small bus. While at the same time its rows of teeth were varying in sizes as if it was the personification of gluttony. A massive serpentine creature the likes of which could devour the world in time.
As the crew would look on with terror and bafflement at it while the fishermen did their best to get back out of the glowing river of food as to get to what relative safety they could get to. Robin looking on with delight at the magnificent of such a creature as the power that it symbolize was something she admired and wanted to have despite the chilling fear it gave her. As she sat down while Jasmine and June was sounding the alarm and waited for orders. Only for it to descend towards them making them all freeze as they didn't know what to do but, look on in horror as before it reached their vessel that it would move unnaturally to the skies as it was being eaten before being dragged before the depths. As Jasmine and June looked on in horror their bodies shaking as well as Robin as they didn't know what happened but, the same thought circled their minds. Which was what could be eating such a creature.
As not just them but, a whole lot of the crew and settlers were silent trying to figure out if they wanted to see the creature that saved them. As Robin would look on with horror and also that of glee knowing that this world was unlike any other. As she helped the two up and get them to calm down despite her shaking and at a lost of words. With June starting to cry only for Jasmine to snap out of it before she soon enough pulled her in. "We're alive... Don't worry." She said as she embraced her as she slowly calmed her down. As they were trying to recover from the shock that such creatures lived in this world as barring from the curator Leviathan it seems that this one was more feral. But, the fact that it was being eaten itself was something that made them all the more scared of what this world could provide.
Regardless the scare was quite effective in making sure that most of them were forced to retire and rest after their shift had ended. As thankfully most of the personnel were sleeping at this point and resting up as while the alarms were called the event didn't even last for a minute as it ended as soon as it had been seen in return. Oddly being that once the creature was dragged back in that the waves returned to its chaotic nature once more.
"thought those that saw it had been traumatized to the point that the marines that were keeping guard had to be trained once more to acclimate and divers some more. Ironically the badjao spear fishing at the time was spared as while they dive downwards and speared the massive dog sized crabs. As while they could rip a limb against an unprepared diver. As they saw that due to their larger size their eyes were quite larger and such were ideal targets which their spears pierced before soon enough ending with them punching into their shell. Making it possible for them to get them upwards and back to their vessels. Which as they got up soon enough saw their assistants shaking in fear and the tales of a massive creature that almost devoured the fleet.
As Gabriella would see an influx of people wanting sleeping pills making her groan especially when she saw Robin with them. "What happened?" She asked quite unsure and irritated about all of this. But, she soon enough gave them some time to relax as it seems that they had pretty much the same problem. "Did we get attacked and why are you shaking?" she asked before she whispered to her about the creature. "really?" She replied before nodding in return and sighing.
"No one would have prepared us for that." She added as she felt quite conflicted knowing that sleeping pills are not going to last long if this continues on. Thought she did know that such an experience would toughen them out as she sighed knowing too well just how badly their expedition was going. "Come in here you all those that want to stay in a secure room please fill this form and those that just wants a pill go here." She said wanting to at least save as much as she could as she looked at the two groups that decided to rest here in the medical centre where she could monitor them all while she looked at the group that just wanted to go to their own rooms and take the pills in return.
"For all of you please sign this form." She said as she wanted them all to create a support group for one another as since they were suffering the same problem then they were key in making sure that they recover well. One that they were all too glad to do as she motioned to her apprentices to get the beds prepared as they were allowed to sleep well in a comfy bed while she filled the paper work making her sigh knowing that this took her out of her projects but, knew that this was her responsibility as she gave prescriptions to those that wanted medication. Most being that of calming ones rather then sleeping pills and some having a multitude due to the effects that it had with her body. Ending with Gabriella having to see Robin. "You liked it?" She asked still unsure on what to do as she raised her eyebrow in return. "Its exciting and plus it was quite majestic." She spoke out making her look to the sides.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"I see. Odd as always but, its good to see that you weren't too badly effected but, I'm no phycologist. Just come here if you need anything but, remember we need you to fill up the forms every time so bring a pen as long as you can do it." She said as she smiled tiredly in return but, was quite glad about all of this. "Thanks for that and sorry." She spoke out still as soft spoken and quiet in return. "But, yeah heard that you had a complicated story." She told her catching her off guard as she yawn. "No need to tell if you don't want to but, raising kids five years younger then you and leaving a loaded life?" She asked her making her sigh as she knew that her past would never really abandon her. "I. Like everyone felt hopeless in the situation and Dad never really cared just indulged. Women, money, food, and authority." She continued on with a soft and rather uncomfortable sigh.
"I know and as we all knew he abandoned his kids in time so its not like you didn't run away for a reason. The guy is a bastard in the end just that the fact that he left 15 kids out to die just like that is just icing on the top." She continued on knowing that the old really did leave a number on them as she like plenty of the rest knew of the legacy of that bastard. "Those two ironically saved my life. My siblings were pampered and spoiled like I was so when he left them to survive on their own they just did as what he did. "She replied as she sighed in return.
"All of them died as they offended the wrong people, ate bad food, STD and unsafe work. "It sucked for me too but, those two kept me sane." She said as the voluntary mother sighed as she rested her head onto the counter as the staff had started to rotate. Replacing the tired night shift with the well rested morning shift as they slowly but, surely gotten them ready for what was to come in return. "Seems like you had it rough.
Figure that no one would ever let the you are the daughter of a monster down right." She teased making Robin smirk as she heard those words far too much to have any effect on them. "I never thought that I could start anew." She said as she softly sigh knowing that her past was just that history and most of that stuff was being abandon back home or taken if they didn't rot back home by that time comes. "His genes are within me but, that doesn't define me I mean I've raised those two fine and well." She muttered as she was happy and glad knowing that even if she didn't plan it those two made sure to get her alone though her skills as a craftsman was what ultimately sealed the deal for command.
"Yeah kids are a drag. You give them the world and try to mold it for them yet you may never know how they would turn out." She said with a sigh knowing too well how that turned out. "Never really figured out how to parent. Mom would have likely be rolling her eyes at me out there in the skies or can she even see me now I mean the sky is new here doubt her heaven can view me all the way here." She muttered as she sighed knowing that life was a mess especially due to how hopeless the situation was for them and how dire everything was. "Its annoying to be honest." She muttered in return as she sighed not knowing what to expect in this new chance she been given. "Especially when even the peaceful night isn't as peaceful." She said laughing softly as to not wake up the patients.
"I'm sorry." She said as she placed her hand onto her own to ease her. "Don't worry I've gotten over it." She said with a pained smile as she knew too well that it still hurt despite all of it. "Plus I'm not the one that saw a massive death worm right?" She teased making her nod as she knew that she was up and eager about all of this. "So how big do you think it is?" She asked smiling and wanting to forget about the pain of the past. "Easily a mountain." She replied as she knew that it was what she wanted and that she wanted to keep her past to herself. "You're telling me a monster like that rose from the oceans?" she asked before she soon enough shook her head telling her that it seems that it rose because something was eating it from where its home was likely.
"Damn, something bigger to the point that it was eating a monster like that like its nothing?" She said as she sighed knowing too well just how bad all of this seem and knew that these people reaction was normal. "I'll put this in the report and to inform the admiral and the commander since they would need to plan about this." She said as she sighed knowing that her work was far too much even for her. "Anyway lucky you. Heard that you were quite free I just hope that I could have someday like that." She spoke out with glee as she smiled looking at her as if she was a lazy being.
"Well we have a mostly automated system and its not like we could rush it." She continued on knowing that they needed quality then quantity for the time being. "Plus the last produced ones were quite durable and no one has been complaining." She continued on as she looked at her letting her know that she picked the superior class making Gabriella look on with jealousy as she was stuck trying to work everything here and that as the two shared a moment with one another as they waste the night as she started to calm down in return as they needed to relax and have some fun because of this. As while the mental casualties were plenty the crew would get better in time as they gotten busy with other forms of work and even focused on themselves.
As when they found themselves a atoll which was perfect for the crew to unwind. As while the ship could not get closer the vessels attached to the ship was perfect for it. As they anchored near them with men landing and even taking this chance to train. As while it was mostly a rocky atoll the middle was rather mesmerizing as within it was a shallow and because of it the water was perfect for even the kids to enjoy. As while Jazzy and Carl was overseeing the area giving the needed respite for the tired workers. One that kept them fed, well maintained and more as they were allowed to just have fun while the two kept the place safe and sound.
As while they were allowed to waste the morning and night in the atoll, seeing how it was high enough to not disappear at night. Giving them the option to actually sleep on ground despite how hard it was. For the adults they would give this time to actually have some sleep and even to have a bath. As songs rang out from some of the groups as they watched their children be normal for once. Playing and enjoying the waters as they laughing, smiling and chuckling as if the sins of their forefather's never happened at all.
As while they never felt the same way towards the waters of their own lands due to the growing murky tides that became more apparent with each passing time. Yet now the waters were clear, the odd translucent bulbous plants that grew within it was wonderful to look at and even something take as some of them would dive only to get the small colorful plants from below. As they placed it ontop of their heads as they enact what characters they had on their heads as they catch and tag their friends. While their parents were looking at them like hawks doing their best to prevent a tragedy despite how badly they were swimming themselves. All the while the marines that took turns on watching the people were also incharge of rescuing them all.
As for swimwear most didn't care just that they used their extra clothing to play as such. While anything that could float was now a inflatable as they swim and enjoy. As for the mothers they let their new borns to swim only to see them frail around, swim, or even cry as they demanded to be in the arms of their parents. All the while they took out their cameras and took a picture. heirlooms of a past that already disappeared but, for now it was a way for them to create memories.
As families had a multitude of pictures, friends new memories, and couples a way to look back to. All the while the marines and crew that were there were having alternates between that of their shifts and break with Carl letting them go even if it resulted in them having to wear quite the wet uniform for the rest of their shifts. All in all it was quite the fun experience for all as Badjao spear fishers had catch the nearby fauna nearby while the marines were all eager to take the time to get a fire starting. All of them were eager to eat with everyone as soon enough a quick boodle fight was organized. One that due to not having any banana leaf had to improvise with them having to use the pot's as is while all had to get anything clean for their plate.
As by the end of it everyone had a piece of crab meat, Gel fish meat and sauce, and finally fillet of the local fishes that took refugee within the middle of the atoll. Adding to the merry of it all as after some time the children were allowed to get back to the waters. One of them being Gabriella's and Robin's men who were happy to get out of their stations while a small skeletal force was left behind to maintain their work stations. As Robin, Gabriella was eating together with Robin enjoying the taste and enjoying the sauce that they made using the Gel from the Gel fish. "Its sweet and sour." She said as she was loving it. As while she was able to cook the fact that she only had poor cooking material ended with her skills locking only to basic while Gabriella was the opposite which was already thinking of ways to improve it.
As the two should have been with their people under the guise of a team building event but, due to them wanting to be with their families ended with them just chilling and looking forward. Only to see Jasmine and June to come in. "Oh its Ms. Robin." Said June catching the attention of the two while caused Gabriella to smile and wave her hands.
"You're the two." Spoke Gabriella as they nodded as Jasmine now turned around to face them with them having an empty can as their plate with the sharp parts dulled with pliers. As they grab the stuffed food within before eating them unlike the two. With Gabriella having a plastic tupperware and Robin having a hollowed out iron bar for her own. "Can we join?" Asked that of June as she pulled Jasmine down to their spot. As it was clear that the two were quite close as Jasmine soon enough pulled out the cards. "What you all say we play?" She asked wanting to have their relatively better plates in return. "Not a chance." Gabriella said as she had maintained hers hard and she was not going to trade it away.
"Damn." Jasmine said as she rolled her eyes and sigh knowing that she was the type to not bulge and was not easily tempted. "Next time then." She spoke before she took out her stuffed can and started to grab bits and pieces as she act just happy to have something favourable and hefty for a change. "Yeah not everyone have that much free time like you." June spoke as she only saw her look at her. "I'm the one that has free time, Really?! miss I need ten days to pick the best clothes." She told her knowing that she had to be dorm with her. "What's so bad about that!?" She replied making the group to smile and laugh as they were enjoying the pleasant atmosphere as the people were able to enjoy this new world and escape the thought of survival for a day.
Letting the workers unwind, be with their family, their lovers, their kids, and their friends. All in all the morale was high as even the marines were able to have some fun before the day ended and soon enough everyone was forced to get closer to shore as the waves started to pick up once more but, despite the chaotic nature of things the people would see the middle of the atoll to glow. As they saw the bioluminescent presentation of nature as the plants that littered the bottom would light up letting them see a natural light show that illuminated the night sky as they saw the fishes that swam just around them creating a light show of various colours and with fishes of various shape and sizes danced in the skies in what was essentially a natural hologram.
Ending the day of festivities as everyone went back to their tents as they were just happy to relax and have fun as they watched the light show play out until they fell asleep. As the four friends went on to slowly sleep as the swimming and the games tired them out greatly as they went on to retire towards their tents. All the while the crew and the military leaders would look on from their ships, and positions as they called this day as the sky dance which later went on to become their first holidays in this strange new lands.