-Part One-

-Part One-

“And we’re clear in three…”

Warm against the cool sea spray, the sun darted against a Caribbean sky now congealing an occasional cloud. Amid the delicate tremor of waves and water, the ocean seemed, but for this moment, silent. Perhaps it too, waited…

“…two…”

Quiet. For the lack of water lapping against the side of the boat, it perhaps would have been too much so. All hands held their breath. The wind grew silent…

“...one.”

Out of the murky blues and into the sky, water shot and scattered, exploding in all directions, buffeting the air before roaring back to earth with a resounding CRASH. Glittering amongst the rain, a large metal nose jutted forward, glinting delicately in the sun while shimmering watercolors of blue and green dripped along its sides. For one heart-stopping second, the entire submersible seemed to hang, fish-like, in the air, captured in a rush of freedom, before gasping back down the water below. A large metal claw swung to slow its fall, lifting delicately until the metal beasts belly hung but a few inches above the water.

“Excellent!”
Captain Jack Diggery stood at the front of the deck, watching the submersibles progress with satisfaction. His eyes twinkled beneath a shaded cap, voice deep and imposing as he moved forward to help steady the beast. From his place at the helm, Nero could just make out the man’s defining blue coat and thick heavy boots. Pulling his own coat further about his arms, he picked his way towards the submersible, following the other handful of deck hands. Grabbing a heavy chain nearest him, he pulled, wincing, until the submersible swung onto a hefty framed dock. By his side, Bianca grinned.

“See? I told you this would be interesting!”

Nero grit his teeth, setting the chain down slowly so the giant white Aura Altum printed upon the submersibles right side came to rest a few feet from his hands. Bianca White was a woman of slight bone structure, wide dark eyes set lightly into her pale skin, looking almost lamp-like on her features. She never seemed to tan, though the sea trip had been at least a week so far. Filled with interest in their latest assignment, Dr. White seemed to have something of boundless nerves and energy. Nero, sweating, sun burnt and tired, couldn’t help but envy his partners dedication.Catching her smile, he found himself returning the favor, hands lifted in surrender.
“Okay, Okay, so you’re right. We haven’t been eaten by sharks yet, congratulations.”

“Oh, don’t be such a jelly-fish.” She sniffed, poking him hard in the ribs. “The likely hood of being eaten by a shark right here, right now, is a mathematical improbability.”

Turning his attention to the side of the boat, Nero swallowed.

“Well here’s one for you. There is a eighty four point three percent chance that some sort of deadly creature is within a ten mile radius of us.”

“Yea? You believe that, and there’s a ninety nine point nine percent chance that you got that doctoral degree somewhere in a box of cracker jacks.”
Nero narrowed his eyes, but warranted no reply. Just then Captain Diggery himself stepped to the lower decks, barking out congratulations and words of encouragement as well as orders too loud for any conversation to continue without difficulty. Shrugging, Bianca extended a pale finger about her forehead, whisking a decent amount of hair behind her ear before nodding to greet him.

“Well, what do you think?” The captain asked, eying the Aura Altum with something of a fatherly glance. Bianca, following his gaze, nodded.

“The testing went perfectly. It’s a beautiful submarine…”

“Submersible.” He corrected, in a voice that was not unkind. “Submarines don’t require an Umbilical.” Indicating the thick, tube-like structure extending from the boat itself to the Aura Altum , the captain smiled. “Thank you, Dr. White. Sonar’s working perfectly and the cameras are as clear as we can get them. If you and your partner would go downstairs, I’m sure Dave can fill you in with the details on the mother system.”

“Err…Captain?” Nero shifted his weight uneasily, feeling left out of the formal talking loop. “What exactly is the chance of say…Oh I don’t know…giant octopuses and the like?”
Diggery chuckled.
“Ahh, an adventurer!” Clapping a hand on the boys back, he seemed to be ignorant of the man’s winces. “You’ve got my spirit, Dr. Nero. I’d say if we cross our fingers we may meet more than one beastie before the day is out…"

“He was joking.” Bianca put in lightly, watching Diggery go. Truth be told, she hadn’t the faintest idea at the accuracy of his words. “Joking, Nero. Now come on, we’re here on business and don’t you forget that. I want to look at the sonar system…” But though the girl continued to walk forward, Nero did not follow her. He seemed preoccupied with the bottom of the boat. Turning back, she sighed. “Nero…Please tell me you don’t think he’s serious.”

“Of course not!” His head shot up, skin turning magnificent shade of pale green. “What would make you think otherwise?”

***