Reckoning (eBook)

Chapter 4
The Nautilus

Eddy led the team out of the boardroom into the ship’s main hall. As they walked out, they entered a small control center where a six-person crew operated everything on the ship. He pointed to various stations. “Here we have propulsion, navigation, weapons, communications, energy reactor, and—” He hesitated, then continued, “—to something complicated I’ll have to explain later.” The room was filled with various types of monitors and 3D holographic projectors. The central table was displaying a sonar image of the ocean around them. The sonar image was extremely precise, showing a detailed visualization of the ocean floor and several nearby creatures.

Monnty pointed out immediately, “This is not a regular sonar image. What technology are you using to create this image?”

“That’s another thing I’m sure I’ll have to explain later.” Eddy rushed everyone out of the control room into a long hallway. He provided commentary as he showed different areas of the ship. “This vessel is about the size of a medium military submarine.” He pointed toward the end of the hallway ahead of them. “This main floor features guest living quarters, a mess hall, a small gym, and entertainment … in addition to the control center and situation room … aka the conference room we all met in.” He directed everyone’s attention to doors on both sides of the hallway. “You’ve all been appointed guest-quarters for the time of your stay here. As you can see, the doors have signs with your code names on them.” He opened his door, and everyone packed in. They were surprised at the large room with rich mahogany and leather modern interior. Eddy grinned and explained, “As you can see, this feels more like a hotel room than a submarine cabin. It’s spacious and well equipped including a large working area, a private bathroom, and a well-stocked bar.” He pointed back to the hallway walls. “During tactical alerts, these walls turn transparent allowing us to communicate easily with the control room and each other.”

Hothead jumped in talking to the Captain, “Hey Cap maybe you could show me where the switch is. I wouldn’t mind having those walls off when Charlie is taking a shower.”

The Captain returned a cold unamused look. While Charlie replied with her middle finger.

Eddy smiled slightly amused, then continued, “All your equipment has already been brought into your room.”

Eddy led them back into the hallway directing their attention to a large monitor on the wall. “These screens are located around the ship and provide its general status … including any areas affected by the damage.” He pointed to the schematic of the ship and ran his finger down to the bottom. “As you can see here, there is another floor right underneath us. The ‘basement’ of this ship houses propulsion, weaponry, probes, crew quarters, engine, several infiltration vehicles, a small cargo area, and more.”

Charlie pointed at another part of the map. “The design of this vessel is quite unique. Can you explain the purpose of these side engines and small wings?”

Eddy and the Captain exchanged a quick glance before Eddy started explaining, “That’s correct … This vehicle is equipped with several surprises including—”

Monnty interrupted and finished the sentence, “—this ship can fly?”

“That is correct.” Eddy reluctantly confirmed.

Monnty continued, “And based on the design of the front haul as well as propulsion … this vessel is also capable of air travel.”

Eddy once again confirmed reluctantly, “I guess there is a reason why you’re all experts.” He continued cautiously, “Yes, if need be, this ship is also capable of short flights.”

Hothead jumped in, “Very interesting. I bet this ship also has a kick-ass arsenal.”

Eddy deflected noticing Captain’s increasing discomfort. “That’s classified. This is, after all, a privately-owned vessel.”

Abbott filled the uncomfortable silence that followed that last statement, “What types of engines does this beast have?”

The Captain finally joined the conversation becoming more and more irritated with these questions, “That’s also classified.”

Russo diverted the tension, “What’s the name of this ship?”

“It is called the Nautilus,” Eddy obliged.

Russo popped in excitement not waiting for the rest of the answer, “How appropriate.” Then, looking at the Captain, she asked, “Are you the famous Captain Nemo taking us for a ride?” She grinned wide, “10,000 leagues under the sea perhaps?”

The Captain grimaced unamused.

Eddy took over the conversation. “I’m sure you will find this ship uniquely equipped to handle what’s ahead of us.” He pointed to their rooms and wrapped up. “Now I’ll give you some time to unpack and setup your equipment.” He looked around to connect with each person’s eyes. I’ll see you back in the boardroom at exactly 13:00.”

Everyone dispersed, although Russo noticed Abbott having issues opening his door while being in the wheelchair. She walked toward him and assisted. “Agent Abbott, can I help you unpack? I’m afraid I have no fancy equipment to set up.” She opened his door.

Abbott replied, “Very much appreciated Russo. I’m not used to being this dependent on people.”

Russo didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the wheelchair from behind and pushed him in. She walked in and closed the door. She broke the awkward silence with a question. “So, what exactly happened to you Agent Abbott?”

He replied, “Please call me Glenn. Behind these doors, I would prefer to drop formalities of this mission.”

Russo responded while extending and shaking hands. “Me as well. I’m Anne.”

Glenn replied, “I read your file, Anne. It’s terrible what they did to your husband.”

Anne avoided eye contact. “Ex-husband. He is not at all the man he used to be.” She lightened the situation with a forced joke. “I kicked him out after he tried to kill me.”

Glenn assisted, “Yes that’s a sure sign of a relationship gone bad … someone destroying your china, your vase, and your life.”

She smiled then turned, hiding a tear in her left eye. She wiped it quickly hoping Glenn didn’t notice.

He was aware that he knew more about her than she knew about him. She had no access to personnel files. So, he took a turn sharing, perhaps overcompensating or perhaps just to take the focus off Anne’s recent life struggle. “Don’t worry. As far as failed relationships go, I’m holding all the records.”

Anne was happy to redirect the conversation. “How so Agent Abbott?” She corrected herself, “Glenn.” She sat down on a nearby armchair.

Glenn began, “I am divorced as well. Was married for 13 years … but more to my work than my wife … blind to how much my work consumed me.” Then, he looked away unsure whether to expose himself. “And since we’re being so open … My wife wants nothing to do with me. Even after she kicked me, she got a restraining order on me. Now we don’t even talk.”

Anne encouraged, “At least you admit to your problems and are open about them. In this scenario, I read that the second relationship is far more successful … the person knows themselves better and has clearer expectations.”

He wasn’t sure how to answer.

Anne filled in the awkward moment. “So, is this why you’re in a body cast? Did you have a fight with her new boyfriend or something?”

Glenn replied, “Oh no. That’s not what happened.” He grinned then continued “But I guess you could say this is from another failed female relationship.”

She followed up. “Since I don’t have your file handy … Strange all of you know everything about me and I know nothing about you … But please do tell how another woman broke your heart and your bones.”

Glenn obliged, enjoying Anne’s sarcasm. “It’s true … although, she never broke my heart.” He turned his wheelchair to face Anne. “It’s actually quite relevant to this case. Innes Tannah worked for Mannix and ran the Genetic Prison Reform Program. She is a reformed Yakuza assassin and convict.”

Anne interrupted, “Wait, I met her. She was elegant, beautiful, and controlled. I had no idea she had such a dark past. This is starting to make sense.”

Glenn continued, “As I investigated a murder, I must have gotten too close to several program details including her old identity. She retaliated quite—” He paused trying to decide which word to use “—effectively.”

Anne frowned, smiling, “Is that not the same woman you just recommended to join our mission?”

He grinned, “I guess I did.” Anne noticed his boyish charm and sense of adventure sparkling in his eyes.

“She could have easily killed me.” He continued, “Not sure why she didn’t. In some ways, she too was trapped in her unusual circumstances.”

Glenn redirected, “How about you Anne? What have you been up to since your now
ex-husband was effectively kidnapped by Mannix’s team? I’m afraid there is not much in your file about that.”

Anne reflected, “That whole experience made me realize who I really am and what’s important to me.” Now her eyes glowed energized. “I used to be so insecure and unsure of everything. This procedure Genne, my ex, went through made me accept and love myself. It allowed me to reconnect with my passions and my faith. I lost everything except for myself. At the same time, I realized all these things didn’t really matter.” She got up and became animated. “I...