The mess hall buzzed with an uneasy tension, the low hum of conversation underscored by the Arctic Endeavor's steady creaks and groans. The crew had gathered in a loose circle, the smell of reheated coffee mingling with the metallic tang of the sea. Evelyn sat at the center of it all, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug that did little to thaw the chill in her bones. Her father's journal rested on the table before her, a silent witness to the debate brewing around her.
Graves leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed and his face set in a grim expression. His voice was steady, but the undercurrent of frustration was unmistakable. "We've seen enough. We should document what we have, pack up, and leave before this expedition turns into a rescue mission—or worse."
"That's absurd," Evelyn shot back, her voice sharper than she intended. She placed her mug down with a decisive thud, the sound cutting through the rising murmurs of agreement from some of the crew. "This is the discovery of a lifetime. We're not turning back just because you're afraid of shadows."
Graves's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "It's not shadows I'm afraid of, Rourke. It's the fact that we're in uncharted territory with no idea what we're dealing with. This isn't just some ancient ruin. Whatever's down there… it's different. Dangerous."
Evelyn opened her mouth to respond, but Drew's voice interrupted, cutting through the air like a blade. "He's right. It's not just a city. It's alive."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Drew, whose usually animated face was pale and drawn. His hands fidgeted with the edge of his jacket, his gaze flicking around the room as though searching for unseen threats.
Evelyn sighed, her skepticism evident. "Alive? You're being dramatic."
Drew shook his head vehemently. "You didn't hear what I did in the control room. The whispers—they're not just noise. They're… intelligent. They're calling to us, and not in a good way."
Naomi leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. Her usually lighthearted demeanor was subdued, her voice soft but firm. "Drew, we all heard the sonar. It was eerie, sure, but it's just sound. You can't jump to conclusions based on a feeling."
"It's more than a feeling," Drew insisted, his voice rising. He slammed a hand on the table, making the mugs rattle. "You've seen the images. That city wasn't built by accident. It's waiting for something—or someone."
"Enough!" Evelyn's voice cut through the escalating tension, and the room stilled. She ran a hand through her hair, her mind racing. Drew's words unsettled her, though she'd never admit it aloud. The whispers had been growing louder in her own mind, and the visions… She shook her head, focusing on the present.
"Listen," she began, her tone measured. "We're scientists. Our job is to investigate the unknown, not run from it. Yes, there are risks. But there are always risks. This isn't just about us—it's about uncovering a piece of history that's been lost for millennia."
Graves scoffed. "History isn't worth dying for."
"Neither is cowardice," Evelyn snapped back, her eyes blazing.
The tension between them was palpable, the air crackling with unspoken challenges. Naomi cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "What about a compromise? We gather more data, but we stay cautious. No diving until we know exactly what we're dealing with."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Graves asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Drones," Naomi said simply. "We send down the drones for a closer look. If something goes wrong, we're not risking anyone."
The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement. Even Graves seemed to soften, though his scowl remained.
Drew shook his head. "It won't be enough. The drones can't hear the whispers, can't feel what's down there. We're only scratching the surface."
"Then we scratch," Evelyn said firmly. "We'll send the drones, map the area, and reassess. But we're not leaving until we've done everything we can."
Graves sighed, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. "Fine. But if this starts to go south, I'm pulling the plug. I don't care what you think you're chasing, Rourke. I'm not losing my crew over it."
Evelyn nodded, though her jaw tightened at his tone. She turned to the rest of the group. "Any objections?"
There were none.
The meeting broke up slowly, the crew dispersing in twos and threes. Naomi lingered, her eyes studying Evelyn carefully.
"You okay?" Naomi asked, her voice low.
Evelyn forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Naomi didn't look convinced but didn't push further. "Get some rest. We'll figure it out tomorrow."
As Naomi walked away, Evelyn remained at the table, her hand resting on her father's journal. The room was quiet now, the hum of the ship's engines the only sound.
Her eyes drifted to Drew, who stood by the doorway, his shoulders hunched and his face shadowed. "Drew," she called softly.
He turned, his expression haunted.
"What did you mean, 'it's alive'?"
He hesitated, his hand gripping the doorframe. "You'll see," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's already started."
Evelyn's heart sank as she watched him walk away, his words lingering like a shadow in the back of her mind.