It's the 12th day of research, and you're starting to regret taking this assignment. You walk the deck checking the various instruments mounted along the ship, for the 5th time that day, out of boredom than any concern.
"Relax, doc!" The captain smiles you pass him. "Nothing but clear skies and smooth seas for miles." He motions to a small red cooler of beer at his feet. You wonder how much of the hold is devoted to this man's beer.
You start to correct him, but have come to take the term as a nickname more than a title. Though it does slightly sting. You're a mere grad student, not a doctor. The researcher in charge is back on land, along with the rest of the (all-female) graduate team. The dirty old fart could've at least spared one of the girls to accompany you. Fuck, the old man would probably die if one of them even just flashed her tits at him.
"Yeah," you force a smile back. "I'm gonna go below deck and take a 'break'."
The captain laughs. "That's the second break today! To be a young man again! We'll we won't disturb ya, just clean up as usual."
You force another smile and head down. You pull out your laptop, fire up a random porno clip, and take your 'break'. Shit, even masturbation is losing it's appeal. You clean up, and drop back down in your bunk. Overwhelmed by boredom, you fall asleep.
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You awake with a start as something slams into your side. You quickly realize it's the floor. The ship is rocking like mad, and you have a tough time getting to your feet. You slowly make your way to the deck and your jaw drops at the scene. The wind is howling, with dark clouds blocking out the sky, the only light coming from flashes of lighting.
"Oh crap," you mutter. The equipment. If it gets fried, you'll have to go back to port and start all over. No fucking way are you doing that. You grab a life jacket from the storage locker and secure it as you step onto the deck. You head along the side of the boat to reach the equipment in back.
Just then a huge wave comes over the side and slams you against the cabin. You can barely catch your breath before the wave washes back and pulls you over the side.
You fight to get back to the surface, and get some air into your lungs. You're behind the ship now, it's just barely in reach. You manage to grab hold of a trailing rope, and pull yourself up. The last thing you see before it all goes dark, is a small red cooler flying at your head.
You're knocked overboard into the sea. The crew doesn't notice until the storm has passed, and they've drifted far away.
You come to on a beach. You feel the sun warming your face, and you slowly realize that you're miraculously still alive. Someone stands over you, blocking out the sun. It takes your eyes a few moments to focus. |