After our conversation on the NS Scorpion, we all agreed that a change of sleeping quarters was in order. The truth is, the ship isn't the most comfortable place to catch some shut-eye unless you're in the captain's quarters, which are surprisingly cozy.
The former office of the Scorpion Syndicate beckoned—a structure crafted from a blend of sturdy stones and warm wood. It exuded an undeniable charm, despite the subtle signs of age that marked its surface. This building once accommodated up to 150 individuals, a testament to the Syndicate's ambitions that once flowed through its very halls.
In its prime, this place must have been alive with activity. The lower floor, a hub of business dealings, thrived as the nerve center of the Syndicate's operations. A series of private offices, including one reserved for the captain, radiated a sense of significance, a constant reminder of critical decisions made behind those doors.
As we explored further, traces of delectable meals still seemed to linger in the air. The kitchen and diner, once a bustling hub of camaraderie, resonated with memories of shared feasts. The well-stocked kitchen boasted a sizable cold storage unit, a silent testament to the abundance of culinary creations that had once filled its shelves. Countless gleaming utensils bore witness to the expertise that once flourished here.
Delving into the subterranean depths, we discovered the practical underbelly of the building. Two distinct entrances led to the separate realms of storage and laundry facilities. The soft hum of washing machines and driers hinted at the meticulous care bestowed upon garments within these walls.
Ascending to the upper levels, we were greeted by an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. The first and second floors played host to private accommodations that struck a balance between lavishness and intimacy. Each room held a spacious bed, a functional study table, and a few chairs for relaxation. The focal point of each room was an elegant dresser crowned with a mirror, capturing the essence of the building's storied past and the potential of its occupants' future.
The bathrooms, a blend of classic design and modern convenience, presented a clever dual function. The bathtub seamlessly transformed into a shower, reflecting a harmonious marriage of utility and adaptability.
Under the guidance of Mr. Norman, we each settled into our respective private rooms, embracing the prospect of a restful night's sleep. Our decision to remain in close proximity to the NS Scorpion was both practical and protective, driven by the recognition of the vessel's invaluable contents. The ship was safely docked in the Syndicate's private port—an underwater hideaway that was well-guarded.
"Alright, everyone, let's call it a night for today. We'll decide what to do tomorrow morning," Mr. Norman declared before taking his leave. The rest of us agreed and decided to head to sleep, exhausted from the day's events.
…..
After wishing everyone a good night, we all retired to our beds. With the arrival of morning, the sun's gentle rays managed to slip through my room's window and land on my face.
*Agggh*
I groaned as I woke up, the weariness still lingering. Unlike the movies where actors wake up brimming with energy and good spirits, reality tends to be quite the opposite. In the real world, when you wake up, you're often still tired and not exactly in the best mood.
As much as I wished for more sleep, my curiosity about this new world urged me to rise.
*Sigh*
I sighed, murmuring to no one in particular, "I suppose you can't have the best of both."
Amidst these thoughts, I heard a familiar sound.
*Woof! Woof!*
It was Rex. He seemed to have woken up too.
"Good morning, Rex. Did you sleep well yesterday?" I greeted him before deciding to start my day. After freshening up, I headed to meet with the others.
As I entered the diner, I noticed Mr. Norman and Lucas engrossed in conversation. Mr. Norman was seated at one of the chairs while Lucas was busy preparing some coffee. I approached them and greeted them both.
"Good morning, Mr. Norman, and to you too, Lucas."
"Good morning, Frankie, and you as well, Rex," Lucas greeted me in return.
"Good morning, kid. Help yourself to some coffee. Lucas happens to be quite the coffee Expert," Mr. Norman offered a friendly tone in his voice.
"Thank you, Mr. Norman. Frankie, would you like some coffee too?" Lucas kindly offered, and I accepted, pouring myself a cup and taking a sip.
Its aroma envelopes me in warmth and comfort. With every sip, the blend of coffee, milk, and sugar dances on my tongue—a perfect mix of nutty richness and a hint of caramel sweetness. The texture is smooth and velvety, making each sip a moment of pure indulgence. This isn't just any coffee; it's a masterpiece of flavors that wraps me in a cozy embrace, soothing both my senses and my soul. It was really good as Mr.Norman said
"So, what were you guys discussing?" I asked them.
"We were talking about various things, actually. Planning out our day and figuring out what to do about the people who were captured by those cannibalistic pirates. Ms. Ava is quite distressed as her daughter Grace's situation is weighing heavily on her mind," Lucas explained.
Ava Miller's daughter, Grace Miller, happens to be one of the unfortunate children who were sold into slavery by those cannibalistic pirates. From what I remember, they mentioned that these children were sold in the slums of Port Aurora.
"To be honest, the slums aren't exactly a safe place to venture into. Moreover, even if you go there, I can't guarantee that you'll be able to locate all the people who were sold as slaves," Mr. Norman advised us.
"I understand the risks, but why not give it a shot? We might stumble upon a few individuals who were sold as slaves by the cannibalistic pirates or even encounter more Drifters like us," Lucas proposed with an optimistic tone.
"Drifters, huh? Back when we initially formed the Scorpion Syndicate, our aim was to be a beacon of hope for fellow drifters like us. Briefly, we managed to fulfill that mission, but once we lost the NS Scorpion, Captain Francis, and the crew, everything crumbled," Mr. Norman shared, a hint of sorrow in his gaze.
"Don't worry, Mr. Norman. I understand that we can't change the past, but we do have the power to shape the future. So, let's give it our best and work towards moving forward," Lucas reassured Mr. Norman.
"Well, as for your search, I'll assist in finding those individuals you're searching for. I have some contacts within the slums, so we can work on that. But for now, our focus should be on getting both Frankie and the NS Scorpion back in shape. Additionally, examining those weapons from the monstrous mermen is also on our to-do list," Mr. Norman stated, his thoughts flowing seamlessly as he continued.
"As I mentioned before, I know someone who's an absolute genius in Port Aurora. He's one of the top students from the Avain Academy, which is considered the finest university in this world. Just getting admission there marks you as a prodigy, but this guy managed to achieve the highest score while still in his early twenties. That's a rarity you don't come across often. And that's not all – he's also a recognized genius from the Human continent, acknowledged by the TerraNova government. I'm confident he can assist us in fixing the NS Scorpion and examining the monstrous mermen's weapons," Mr. Norman praised him and continued with enthusiasm.
"Anyway, after the NS Scorpion was lost, I and the other crew members decided to settle down in this world due to lack of options. Given that I used to be an engineer for the NS Scorpion, I established a workshop with a few others. How about we bring the NS Scorpion back to my workshop? It's equipped with advanced tools and technology that could be crucial for the repairs," Mr. Norman suggested, his eyes gleaming with a newfound hope.
…..
We decided to follow Mr.Norman back to his workshop and I stumbled upon an awe-inspiring shipyard. As I looked around, I saw a fascinating collection of ships and boats of various sizes, creating a lively atmosphere of maritime creativity. Different cultures' craftsmanship came together here.
What really caught my eye were the extraordinary ships that didn't follow any normal rules. There were ships with strange and unconventional designs scattered around, each one showcasing the wild imagination of its makers. Among these unique wonders, there was one ship that stood out the most—an unusual combination of a zeppelin's top and a peculiar boat-like bottom. It was called an airship here. It had many windows and a flat bottom that allowed it to land gracefully on water. Even though it might have seemed weird to someone from Earth, it was undeniably beautiful and magnificent.
In the midst of this incredible scene, a young man caught my attention. He seemed to be in his twenties, with brown hair and intensely black eyes. His appearance was strikingly handsome, paired with a strong and fit physique. As I observed him, I couldn't help but notice a certain familiarity in his features. He was like a native of this world, yet there was something about him that felt oddly familiar as if he belonged here while also sharing a resemblance to someone from Earth. It's hard to put into words, but his presence was a blend of two worlds, both foreign and oddly familiar at once.
As he noticed our presence, he approached us with an easy stride and initiated a conversation with Mr. Norman. "Grandpa, what have you gotten yourself into this time?"