David hesitated, holding the envelope with a tight grip, his heart pounding as he braced himself for what he might find inside. Slowly, he opened it.
Inside was a single sheet of paper, neatly folded. He unfolded it, his eyes scanning the brief, urgent message:
"Jonas,
The mission is getting more dangerous than we anticipated. Be cautious. You're getting too close to something powerful, something they don't want anyone to find. This is no longer just about project R. They know you're onto them.
Whatever you do, don't trust anyone, especially those who claim to be helping you.
You have to complete this. But remember, they're watching. If anything happens, leave clues behind. Someone will follow in your footsteps.
For all sakes, please keep this quiet.
M."
David's breath caught in his throat. His father hadn't just been chasing legends. He had been on a mission, a dangerous one. David's mind raced with possibilities. Who was "M," and what was Project R? And what had his father uncovered that was so dangerous it could get him killed?
The journal in David's hand suddenly felt like a ticking time bomb, a piece of a much larger puzzle. Whatever his father has been involved into was dangerous. And If his father had left clues behind, they might be buried within the pages of the journal.
David carefully folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope, placing it in his pocket. He couldn't leave it behind. This was something he needed to study later. He gave the room one last glance, searching for any other hidden messages or clues, then turned and left, his mind swirling with the implications of what he had just discovered.
The journey ahead was no longer only about saving his daughter; it was about uncovering the truth about his father mission.
David on his way to the airport when reality struck, finding Atlantis wasn't just about ancient maps and deciphering cryptic symbols. The journey would take him across perilous waters, to places no one had ventured in centuries. He will need a boat, but not just any boat, one capable of withstanding the unknown dangers of the deep seas.
This brought the remembrance his father's boar.
His father had once owned a magnificent vessel. The boat had been docked somewhere in Los Angeles, but David had never paid much attention to its whereabouts. He recalled his sister, Rachel, mentioning it had been rented out after their father passed away. It was a fleeting comment at the time, but now it was his only hope.
His pulse quickened as he redirected the cab to the harbor, because that could be the only possible place it would be.
As they weaved through traffic, the more he thought about it, the more he realized how crucial the boat was, not only as a means of transport, but as a link to his father.
When he finally arrived at the harbor, the place was bustling with activities. Sailors were securing their boats, while others prepared to head out for the night. The salty air mixed with the sounds of waves clapping against the docks, creating an atmosphere of anticipation, as if the ocean itself knew what David was about to embark on.
He walked through the rows of boats, each one different in size and shape. Some were small fishing boats, others were grand yachts, but none of them felt right, he kept searching, scaling his eyes trying to find that boat that he remembered from his childhood. Then out of Neptune veil's there it was nestled among the other vessels his father's boat. The sight of it stopped David in his tracks. It was a beautiful ship, painted a pristine white that had somehow resisted the wear of time. The boat's sleek lines and tall masts stood out against the backdrop of the harbor. The sails were furled neatly, giving the boat an air of readiness, as though it had been waiting for this moment.
As David approached, he could see the name etched on the side in elegant, bold letters, "Star Voyager." The name alone sent a shiver down his spine.
David reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he touched the hull. The smooth wood under his fingers brought back a flood of memories, of his father's voice, of nights spent listening to tales of the sea, of dreams that had once seemed so far away. It was almost as if his father was there with him, guiding him, urging him forward.
He took a moment to absorb it all. The "Star Voyager" wasn't just a boat; it was a connection to his past, a tangible piece of what his father had left behind, and now, it would be the vessel that carried him toward the future. He stepped aboard, feeling the gentle sway beneath his feet. The boat creaked as if welcoming him back, its timbers whispering promises of adventure and discovery.
David was lost in thought as he stood aboard the "Star Voyager," his fingers brushing against the polished wood. The serenity of the moment was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of an elderly coast guard. Hey, what are you doing here? the man called out, his voice gruff but not unkind. He approached, squinting in the fading light.
David turned, taken aback but quickly regaining his composure. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. My name is David Specter. This is my father's boat. I'm here to get it ready for a journey.
The coast guard scrutinized him for a moment, then his expression softened with recognition. Specter, you say? Jonas' son?
David nodded. Yes, that's right. My father was Jonas Specter.
The coast guard's demeanor changed slightly, a mixture of respect and curiosity replacing the earlier suspicion. "If you're Specter's son, that means you must be David, he said, a smile spreading across his weathered face.
David answered with a nod. Yes, that's me sir.
The coast guard chuckled warmly. You were always by your father's side. It's incredible how time flies. I never thought I'd see you grown up and back here. It brings back so many memories.
David felt a swell of happiness at the recognition. It means a lot to hear that. I've come back to get the boat ready for a crucial journey. My father's boat means everything to me."
The coast guard's eyes softened. Well, if you're anything like your father, you'll take great care of her. She's a fine vessel but might need some work. I'm here to help.
David's spirits lifted at the offer. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
No problem, the coast guard replied with a nod. Seeing you all grown up and carrying on your father's legacy is truly something. Let's get her ready for your journey.
As the coast guard stepped away, David felt a deep sense of connection to his past and renewed determination for the challenges ahead.
David stepped inside the cabin of "Star Voyager," the scent of old wood and saltwater filling his nostrils. He moved toward the engine room. The engine was covered in a fine layer of dust, looking sturdy but showing signs of neglect.
As David inspected the engine, turning knobs and checking the oil, the elderly coast guard followed him inside. The old man knelt beside him, hands deftly examining the machinery. She's still in good shape, the coast guard said, his voice tinged with surprise. But she'll need some tuning to be ready for the open sea.
David nodded, appreciating the old man's expertise. As they worked, the coast guard glanced at David, a small smile crossing his face. You know, David, you look just like your father.
Jonas and I were close friends back in the day. We shared a lot of adventures until… well, until he was gone.
David looked up, a mix of curiosity and sadness in his eyes. Did you know what happened?
The old coast guard exhale deeply as he leaned heavily on his cane. I apparently don't know how he died, but how I found the boat will give you a clue.