The Bermuda Triangle Expedition

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

With the pictures done of the group infront of the 'Bermuda' Joel turned and gave a one handed signal to the Captain of the ship. The Captain came strolling down the gangplank in confident strides. Captain Olaf Bergsen of Teutonic blood descended from the bloodline of Haralde Baldaxe Kanute smiled at the group and nodded at Proffessor Thorne.

"Welcome to the Bermuda, my ship of the high seas. I am the Captain of this ship, Mr Olaf Bergsen, but call me Captain. Shortly after introductions, you all will be given the choice of rooms and then you all can meet the crew, except you of course Proffessor Thorne. As soon as we board we will set off. So who do we have here," The Captain smiled as he shook hands with everyone in the expedition as introductions were made by Joel.

With introductions made they walked up the gangplank where two uniformed crew nodded solemnly as they boarded and when Captain Bergsen nodded they started to bring up the gangplank and Joel looked back knowing that the journey was truly about to begin.

"Proffessor on your direction," the Captain said.

"Let's get going," said Joel cheerfully. He turned to the others "We really are setting off."

The next hour was taken with the introductions to the crew, a orientation around the ship by the Captain and rooming issues with the members.

Joel's room was next to the Captain's already pre-arranged for safety reasons. Joel entered the unlocked room and walked over to the doublebed where his bags lay. Breathing in deeply he felt the engines of the coastal ship start to power up as they left the marina and entered open waters.

The expedition had begun.

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

The feeling of the ships movement as it left the harbor and headed out for open water brought back a flood of pleasant memories. After the orientation a tour of the ship from bow to stern a few cautionary notes about the use of water for bathing, short cool showeres were recommended, as they had to make their own water while at sea, to watch their exposure to too much sun as the reflection of the water made for a quick sunburn. Staying off the deck if the weather was rough and if it was necessary to take a companion with in case trouble occured. Especially at night.

The captain had laughed easily adding that "He hadn't lost a guest or crew member yet. On a more cheerfull note, he highly recommmeded viewing the sea at night in calm water, "Very romantic." he added with a wink.

Jim chuckled too thinkg about the times in the Navy when he had wished he had someone to share the beautry of the sea at night with someone from the opposite sex. Nnoting the tidiness of the ship and that the crew worked with proficiency and exactness as they handled the lines and prepared to get underway he felt reasured.

Not an unnessary step was taken and the broad smiles and good natured kidding led him to believe they were as happy as him to be leaving dry land. "No hung over sailors here." he surmised. He would have to compliment the captain on his choice of crew when he had a chance. He was looking forward to swapping some 'sea stories' with him later.

For now he wanted some time to himself as he made his way to the bow his favorite place to be even though the motion of the ship seemed more pronounced and the dashing of the waves against the hull required a new sense of balance. A goup of sea gulls, an occasional pelican and a variety of other birds filled the air around them as if bidding them farwell. In a few hours they would slowly dissappear making their way back to the safety of the land. A pair of porpoises played in the water ahead of them dancing in the waves moving ahead and then returning to the side of the ship.

Jim took a deep breath of salty sea air and made his way along the port deck past the two lifeboats and the pilot house towering above him. He waved up to the captain and continued on hs way toward the hatch that led below to the sleeping quarters and galley, picking up the two bags that he had left there when he boarded. It was a good feeling to be able to just leave ones belongings wherever one wanted to without worrying about someone making off with them. Entering the hatch and the passageway that led to the guests cabins and finding his, he dropped his bags off and changed into a pair of shorts and put on a pair of dark glasses.

Bare backed and bare footed he headed back out and walked to the fantail where he saw the shoreline had almost dissappered behind them.

He made his own silent farewell to land.

 

[Destiny]

Janine

Moving down into the interior of the ship, Janine was amazed at the cabins provided to them. Although she shouldn't have been. She had been on a yacht out in California when her friend got married and they had chartered a yacht for the wedding and the honeymoon. But this time she would be staying on and it was an awesome feeling.

Moving about her quarters as the ship began to make its departure she began to stow away all of her things. The two bags contained nothing but shorts and a tank tops with a couple of exceptions of two dresses, she had packed them spontaneously and still wasn't sure why. She had also packed a pair of dressy sandals that would go with either dress. Finally everything packed away, Janine left the cabin.

The ship swayed with the waves coming in on the tide and she bumped a few times into the walls, yes she would need to learn how to walk again she giggled to herself as she moved. Up on the deck she moved to the bow of the ship and lifted her face up and toward the wind feeling it brush back errant strands of her from her face and felt the spray of the water as it touched her hands. Looking down toward the water she leaned onto the rail watching the dolphins now zooming in front of the boat watching them jump and play in the wake off to the side.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

David Hayter

David let out a soft sigh from his lips as he gathered his bags after the final picture. "Sure am a long way from Arizona.." he thought to himself as he placed those familiar mirrored-lens sunglasses over those green eyes. He shook his head gently as he gathered his bags, slinging the backpack over his shoulder. Then he filed in with the group as they boarded the ship.

He wasn't particularly fond of any one specific cabin, though he did take one nearest to the galley as he figured if he ever decided to help out with the cooking he could do so. Tossing his bags onto the bed that had been provded as he stepped out of the cabin and ventured back out onto the bow to do as many individuals happen to do on a ship or boat: look out onto the sea from the vantage point.

A gentle sigh again left his breath as he placed his hands on his hips before, his eyes gazing about. "Wow," he said quietly as he finally joined two of the other four individuals in the group, where they stood at the bow. "Nice, isn't it?" he said to them while still gazing about.

It almost seemed odd to David how quickly he felt to be adapting to this group. Usually, he would feel rather introverted from the group, his role diminished. Perhaps he figured there was no point in being quiet with this group, as he would need to be in contact with this group. Regardless, it would be a time to remember... should they survive the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

The expedition was underway, after years that turned into months and then days and then mere hours, his dreams, his expedition had come to bear and Joel was so very pleased that it had. The feel of the movement of this seaworthy vessel made Joel smiled.

Having taken out his research labtop supplied by his Universe, he left the sactuary of his room and walked out onto the open deck of the ship. Joel instantanously inhaled the crisp air full of the smell of the ocean. Looking out of the sides of the ship, land was now just a spec on the horizon. Soon they would be in the open waters of a undauntless Atlantic. The start of the journey. The middle of the day was superbly clear, no clouds in the sky or the horizon.

Joel watched for a moment more before moving away from the side of the ship and walking to the accessway opening the door and ducking in. He walke down the walkway to the other end that ended in a metalic doorway with the words 'Expedition Hub' written in creative tecture ink.

He opened the door and opened the lights, the room went from dark to light illuminating the computer control keyboards and monitors in bright light. "Time to get the equipment functioning before the others are introduced to the expedition control centre of the ship," said Joel out aloud to an empty room. Excitement coursed through him, finally Joel was happy as the ship was on due course to connect with the beginnings of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle within the next 6 hours.

Dropping his labtop on a empty desk, Joel went around switching on all the equipment and computers. He had programmed these computers with a expedition BIOS and Interface. After all the set up was done he would meet with the rest of the members and show them around the hub. Finally Joel opened up his labtop and booted it up as he waited he pulled out a network cord and plugged on end into the side of the labtop com port and the other end into the nearest computer. All computers were now connected within a network that was held together by a LAN sattelite orbiting the Earth. Almost immediately a software update began a feed from the labtop to the 12 computers getting them ready for the research ahead.

Proffessor Joel went from one computer to another checking that all diagnostics were running and all programs were up to date. Finally nodding to himself, Joel knew everything was set.

Leaving the hub active, he set out to meet the others on the upper decks.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

After the picture by the boat, Lydia picked up her own bags and boarded the ship, her experience on her father's boats serving her well as she quickly got her sea legs under her. Shaking off the offer of assistance with her baggage from one of the crew, she put them down breifly while they toured the ship and then went to pick them up and head to her quarters.

Stepping inside, she looked around and smiled. Nothing fancy but then, her father had raised her to appreciate everything in life, not just what one could buy.

And one couldn't buy the sense of excitment and anticipation she was feeling right now as she felt the ship move out into the sea.

Quickly dropping her bags on her bed, she dug around for her laptop and some pens and paper. Sitting on the bed, she jotted down her first impressions of the journey and her companions then placed it on the laptop so she could transcribe them into the hard drive later.

Opening up her bag, she took out some shorts and a tube top as well as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to shade her from the harmful effects of the sun. Lydia didnt mind a tan but she knew better than to have overexposure to the elements.

Quickly changing and dropping the sunscreen in a bag, after liberally applying it to her own skin, she headed up to the deck and joined the other three with a wave.

"Looks like I'm not the only one to have this idea," She said with an elated laugh as she joined them at the rails, leaning out and enjoying the sights and sounds around her.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Proffessor Thorne reached the upperdeck in a matter of minutes and looked around for the others and found three of the members, Lydia, David and Janine by the side talking and enjoying the new environment that would be home for the next few months.

"Well there you all are. Let me show you our control room on this ship for our expedition and I promise after this to let each of you spend your times as you wish until we get to the Triangle." Pausing Joel smiled at the members. "By the way where is Jim?"

He smiled, cheerfully loving being out in the open waters heading mile by mile closer to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Long after the last signs of land had disappeared from sight Jim turned his gaze seaward and then made his way forward to the bow again. He was surprised to see Lydia, Janine and David there obviously looking froward to the voyage maybe discussing their course. As he got closer he noticed Joel approching from the starboard side and overheard him asking the others about him. "Good," he thought. Now that they were underway perhaps they could discuss their course more thoroughly. He had lots of questions and felt like this was the time to ask.

Looking in Joels direction he began. "Are we going to be stopping at any of the islands for supplies and fuel? There are several that would be interesting to visit....and..." He caught himself in mid sentence....I know this isn't a pleasure cruise theres work to be done but... well it feels like I'm coming home in a way.... having been here before ...and wanting to see if things have changed..... or if life in the islands still revolves around enjoying life to it's fullest...." He found himself lost for words for a moment but was rescued by the ships stewart who had wheeled out a cart with a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice and five glasses. "Compliments of the captain." he said as he offered the bottle to Joel.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Joel didnt have to wait for an answer, for the man in question, Jim, came forward from the bow of the ship to join them.

"Ah there you are Jim," Joel said cheerfully.

Before Joel could lead them to the Expedition Control Center, Jim had a question. Are we going to be stopping at any of the islands for supplies and fuel? There are several that would be interesting to visit....and...I know this isn't a pleasure cruise theres work to be done but... well it feels like I'm coming home in a way.... having been here before ...and wanting to see if things have changed..... or if life in the islands still revolves around enjoying life to it's fullest..."

"Yes a few islands have been pinpointed by the Captain for supplies and fuel stops. Jim depending on whatever Lydia, Janine and David say, if you have any extra islands you want us to stop at Im fine with that, as long as it's not a big detour and alright with the Captain. Alright?" Joel replied

Joel smiled as the ship steward came by with a cart that had an iced champaign bottle with compliments of Captain Bergsen.

"Thankyou Steward, give my thanks to the Captain and ask him if it is fine with him, that his company to dine with us would be greatly pleasured."

"I will ask Proffessor," said the Steward who placed the cart in a locked position and walked back the way he had come from.

Joel took the wine and looked at everyone. "May I do the honours and serve my fellow expeditionary members a glass of wine each. And then I can show you all our expedition control centre."

Proffessor Thorne opened the wine pouring 5 glasses of wine, bubbly white sparkly. He handed the glasses one by one to his crew. And then raised his own.

"Cheers to a successful and memorable expedition and a pleasure to have met such a group of wonderful people. Chin -chin."

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

When the complimentary drinks appeared, Lydia made her way over to the cart and listened in on the conversation.

"A girl never says no to a chance for shopping or sight seeing," She said as she took the glass and raised it to Joel's toast with a "Here! Here!"

Putting it to her lips, she felt a giddiness and excitement that had nothing to do with the liquor and everything to do with the anticipation of what was ahead.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

David Hayter

David felt almost whimsical, like removing his clothing and jumping into the inviting water - though he thought better of the idea, as it would slow down the journey. Alas, he simply turned around with a gentle sigh, his lips with a gentle curl as if he were trying to smile. It was then, at this time he had noticed the entire group was beginning to gather.

He turned to face them all, his arms folding across his chest while listening to Joel request Jim's presence. He had attempted to point out Jim with his elbow, but the other man obviously heard his name before anybody could really react.

Then he listened to Jim, and seemed to chuckle lightheartedly - the thought had crossed his mind that somebody may already be missing land! He sighed softly and thought to himself, "I'm sure you're going to start missing the desert soon, Dave - what with all this water! But hell, all this water is just the opposite of a barren desert!"

"I've got no problem with it, Joel" he said with a gentle shrug, then gave Jim a slight nod. He looked to the sky a bit, and said quietly as the ship's steward approach with a cart, "I'm no weatherman, but those look like storm clouds..not that they'd really hinder us," he said, creating some sort of idle conversation. "...Then again, it's been a while since I've seen any kind of rain in Arizona," he said with a little laughter.

It was then that the steward delivered the chilled champagne, and Professor Thorne poured each of them a glass. David took it with a nod and a quiet "thank you" before raising it in the air as Joel spoke. "Hear! Hear!" he said, echoing Lydia and tapped glasses with them before taking a sip from his own glass.

Once he brought the glass from his lips, he cleared his throat and spoke aloud to the group. "There is one thing I'd like to do before we do anything," he said, his voice with a hint of anxiety. "I'd like to have my hair cut," he then blurted out as he rain a hand through his long, auburn hair. "I always told myself that if I ever left Arizona, I'd get my hair cut." He then laughed quietly, almost to himself as he took another sip.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

With the toast done, they tapped each other's wine glasses, creating a sound of chiming tinkling. Then he took a sip of the chilled tasty cool white wine. "Very nice," he said as he swallowed.

"There is one thing I'd like to do before we do anything, I'd like to have my hair cut," said David.

Smiling at the good natured banter as they all milled together Joel answered "I believe the Captain does a nice haircut ask him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Pausing Joel looked at the horizon that David mentioned and saw the dark clouds rolling across it still far off. He would need to ask Captain Olaf Bergsen about it when he saw him next.

In the meantime, though, it was enjoy the moment.

"By the way gang, another 4 hours before we arrive at the beginning of the Bermuda Triangle."

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

"Sounds like enough time for me to get some time in on the laptop," Lydia said with a smile,"But, in case I get too engrossed in journalling our first steps on this journey, someone come and drag me away, I don't want to miss crossing into the Triangle. It should be a moment to remember."

 

[Original_Cyn2]

mikhail

Heather Michelle, nicknamed Mikhail, is an unusual product of a pampered and spoiled upbringing. Her paternal family, American bluebloods dating back just a bit later than the landing of the Mayflower, her maternal line first generation immigrants. The dynamics of the union created a schism that segregated their small family of four from all contact with her paternal line until her final year of college.

Spoiled, loved from a distance her entire life, she’s a challenge junkie always reaching for the next unknown vista. She’d started school a year early, skipping the fifth grade, graduating high school at 16. Always precocious she’d taken the extra year and with her parent’s encouragement, enrolled herself at the Free University in Brussels, Belgium.

A year that became pivotal to her development, her formal study centering tritely on psychology, her less formal studies expanding into the raw and fascinating world of alternative sex. She’d excelled in both areas.

Returning to the U.S. to finish her degree at a small, prestigious Eastern college she’d thrown herself into her studies, found herself a mentor, and pursued both with an avid rapaciousness that surprised no one but herself. At the end of three years she’d developed what would become a life long focus in the art of submission, the joy and serenity of surrender. She’d also walked away with a Bachelors in Psych, a CPA’s license, pursued on the side, her mentors warm, supportive encouragement to expand, reach out, grow, ringing in her ears, and an in-depth understanding of computer hardware, software and programming. What she didn’t have was any real interest in applying either one of her formal degrees and an invitation to travel the world with her mentor. What’s a girl to do?

The intervening twelve years have been a tapestry of new experiences. Having pursued the travel option, early on and again and again in those years she’s seen ¾ of the world. It had given her a fine appreciation of her own country, its freedoms, its resources, the potential of its citizens – and an unjaundiced view of the economical and educational black holes that were also a part of her country.

Returning home a year and a half after graduation, she’d applied her resources…mental, physical, societal and fiscal …in an attempt to even the odds. From women’s shelters to housing projects, food depots and homeless organizations she’d pitched in - in every way she could find. Along the way, numerous small private companies had sprung up in her path; counseling services, construction companies, a low income housing portfolio, and a number of non-profit ventures. All in all the majority of them had done very well for themselves so that, when the inevitable had happened, the mental and physical burn-out of an overwhelming societal issue, her finances were in good order. Beyond the resources she’d been born with her own personal triumphs left her wealthy…ridiculously so.

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Setting his empty glass on the cartand glancing mometarily at the sky, Jim noticed too the dark clouds buildingn in the distance ahead of the Zepher. Perhaps it was just a squall that would soon pass and then they would see the sunset in all it's splendor. He was reminded of an old saying pertaining to sailors and sailing.

"Red sky at night sailors, delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning." He quoted to the others, and smiling, added. "Any wagers as to which it will be?"

Without waiting for an answer as the question was purely retorical and just food for thought, Jim had a sudden impulse to follow Lydia to her cabin. He wanted to talk more about the prospect of publishing as he had little idea of how to go about it or who to contact. Before he left to follow her he turned to Joel. "If it is required for someone to man the Expedition Control Room at all times I would be more than happy to take the first four hour watch. I will meet you there at..." He looked at his watch. "Say, 1600 hours and you can explain the opperation to me. Im sure most of what goes on is automatically controlled but requires someone to be there to notify the others of any changes or conditions which might put the expedition in peril. He nodded to the others and made his way aft.

She had already dissapeared into her cabin when he made his way inside and down the narrow passageway. His sense of anticpation was telling him that he was more than just interested in discussing publication but that he was looking forward to learning more about her.

At her door he took a deep breath and knocked softly.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

Lydia had not wanted to seem rude in opting out of the tour but she wanted to get her first impressions of the trip onto her wireless laptop and sent via email to her computer at home. Just in case the Triangle proved to be as unfriendly to electronics as history would have them believe.

She was had opened her laptop and sat it on her bed, beginning to transcribe what she had written when a knock sounded at the door.

Looking up in surprise, she called out,"Come!" and then bent her head back to her work as she waited for whoever was on the other side to enter.

 

[Original_Cyn2]

stage right, from the depths of a different continent...mikhail

All of which had all led her here, she muses silently to herself, glancing around the primitive dwelling with amusement, a small shack on the edges of Lake Victoria, in Nansio, Tanzania. It had started, a year and a half ago, as a horseback riding trip. They’d flown into Capetown, South Africa and made their way north by all form of transportation. She’d stayed, her mentor of twelve years finally flying home with a final, patient shake of His head while she chose to settle into a small Australian public services group, the equivalent of a Red Cross camp.

But the flight…the flight to get here is one that she’ll never forget, its circumstances waking her up, even now, in the dead of the night trembling in cold sweat.

~~They’d been running behind. No, she admitted to herself, she’d been running behind…she always was and it drove Him crazy. They’d made it to Miami with time to spare and she’d wanted to do some shopping.

The mechanical, uninterested response from the young attendant, telling them that the next flight available was early tomorrow had sent her steaming to the next counter, and the next, with no success. Needless to say, she’d been early the following day, waiting patiently as He finished His breakfast, biting her tongue against the silent venom His amused grin, sent her way again and again that morning, created.

The flight was postponed, delayed for technical issues and it had been late when they’d finally landed. It wasn’t until breakfast the next morning that they’d heard about the plight of the aircraft they’d nearly been on. Even in Afrikkaaner, the message on the old black and white television was crystal clear. The plane had encountered mechanical and communication issues and had gone down just North of the Dominican Republic. She’d trembled, deep in His arms for an hour, sobbing. ~~

Her mind wanders back to the stories she’d caught over the first couple of days in Capetown, centering on the plane, its unknown difficulties and the Bermuda triangle. Her eyes fall on the ragged pile of Wall Street Journals lying on the desk. They were shredded from the long journey to get here, handed from person to person amongst the small community of American and Australian WHO volunteers that flew in and out of Africa.

In each was a blurb, circled in ink, covering the grant and information about Joel Thorne and his expedition. She remembers him, vaguely, from a couple of parties with friends from Yale. Another odd product of a pampered upbringing, a truly nice guy, a bit quiet if she remembered right, but then, she’d always been a chatterbox. She wonders if it is irony or something more, three weeks ago, that brought her mothers voice, 3400 miles away from Minnesota on lines notorious for never completing a call, to her ears to ramble on about “Joels” trip. “Didn’t you go to school with him dear?” her mother’s voice, the clear gossipy tone making her stiffen. “He’s still single, you know.”

Her own soft sigh and the inevitable affectionate eye rolling that came naturally with thoughts of her mother took her gaze to another pile of papers, lying on her desk. The bios and backgrounds on the crew and any other information her attorneys back in the states could procure for her on the grant and the adventure Professor Thorne and his group were on. The email address, boldly circled in red, lies on top. Not that it would probably do her any good, they’d left port already and God knows, she knew what satellite uplinks were like out amongst the islands. Another soft sigh, glancing around the shack she’d called home for the last eight months and knew she was ready to move on. She’d just been lacking the next challenge…the next step.

“Just?” The word sounded loud in the tiny confines. She’d been contemplating heading into Mwanza, across the waters, to a colleague’s house with an open internet link to….to what? Email someone who probably wouldn’t remember her to ask if, in one of those crazy moments he wasn’t very well known for he’d consider allowing her to participate in the adventure. Hmmm…her credentials? Let’s see…some computer knowledge, which he already had in himself, a yen for adventure, a close call with the Bermuda Triangle…did that count? For a moment she considered the empathy that might generate before rejecting it as not her style. Well, there was always the financial aspect, she admitted to herself with a wry grin. From the research the attorneys had done it seemed like the trip was fairly well financed, but who knew for sure…”fairly well financed” could mean different things to different people. And there were the 90 day sailing trips through the Gulf and the Caribbean she’d participated in every year for the last six years…she at least had some direct experience with the waters in and around the Triangle. On that note, she muses, I’d best get a hold of Tezza, too. Find out where he and the Stocks and Blondes are sailing right now…who knows, maybe he can even drop me off.

Chuckling with the huge streak of optimism the last thought portrays, she realizes she’s already made up her mind. Nothng like counting her chickens before they hatch...she just hopes the Professor is counting too. Glancing around, remembering the prohibition against more than three bags, she acknowledges that at least THAT won’t be a problem. One backpack would about do it, here….she’d head in to Mwanza on a slim hope and if worse came to worst, she could always head home from there...

 

[Original_Cyn2]

mikhail

Date: 6 June, 2004

From: M_Carnegie@mailhaven.com

To: Jthorne@Yale.edu

Subject: A wing and a prayer


Dear Professor:

Greetings from Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

Michelle (Mikhail) Carnegie here…I made your acquaintance, oh, about a hundred years ago at a couple of the Alpha Phi-O gatherings. I was the outspoken blonde that hung on M. Fitzgeralds every word *rolls her eyes*…remember?

I caught a blurb or two about your excursion in the WSJ, which is ironic, really. The Wall Street Journal is not run of the mill fodder here. I was intrigued …highly intrigued…with the adventure.

I thought I’d take a moment and see if there is any chance you might need a fifth wheel for the trip…after all, any well stocked excursion should have a spare *impish grin*… Seriously, I’m really interested in becoming part of the group. I don’t have much in the skills department that you don’t already have on board…but I do have a bit of experience in the triangle. A group of friends and I sail in and around those waters every year – for the last six years. Not to mention I’m willing to pitch in wherever necessary. I’d also be willing to contribute financially, if that’s any incentive…I would imagine a research trip such as yours might be able to use a bit of extra income.

I realize that you’ve set out already and as I mentioned, I have friends in the area that would make it easy to meet up with you at your convenience at perhaps a supply stop, should you take me up on my offer.

I’ll be in an area with internet options for the next week. After that, I can be reached via sat phone at 763.555.1212. I look forward to speaking with you.

Cyncerely,

HM Carnegie

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Even as he knocked Jim had reservations about his decision to join Lydia in her cabin. surely she had wanted some time to herself or she wouldn't have left so suddenly. But it was too late to change his mind, he had knocked and heard her response. It would be foolish for him to walk away leaving her to wonder who was at her door.

Stepping inside he saw her bent over her computer and realized he was indeed intruding. Obviously, she was too busy for idle chatter.

He saw her raise her head and give him a look that he interpeted to mean, what do you want.

Feeling out of place and foolish he backed towards the door. "I'm sorry to bother you, Lydia I was just in the mood to talk but I see you are busy perhaps I should come back some other time.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

Lydia was surprised that it was Jim standing at the door. She had assumed someone from the ship would be there telling her when dinner was or something of the sort.

Pushing the save button on her computer to back up her file, she shook her head and put it aside.

"Nonsense," She said with a warm smile to him,"Please, come in and sit down. What's on your mind?"

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

The glass of wine went down well with Joel, he liked the bubbly pick me up feel it gave him. Soon after the wine toast and drinks were done, people started doing their own thing, and Joel was okay with showing his expedition members one on one the Control Hub.

Lydia excused herself to go back to her cabin to journal the beginning of the journey. He smiled as she passed him and nodded to her in a amicable nod.

As Joel put his now empty glass on the tray that had been put in a locke position by the steward so that it didn't go over the side of the vessel, he was about to return to the control hub alone when Jim spoke up. "If it is required for someone to man the Expedition Control Room at all times I would be more than happy to take the first four hour watch. I will meet you there at.. Say, 1600 hours and you can explain the opperation to me. Im sure most of what goes on is automatically controlled but requires someone to be there to notify the others of any changes or conditions which might put the expedition in peril."

Nodding Joel replied "Yes, I would like the ECR manned at all times, come around at 1600 hours and you will find me there. Thankyou Jim."

He left the others at the side of the ship talking avidly amongst themselves as Joel turned and walked back to the Control Room, accessing the ladder and walking crookedly to the closed hub door, opening it. Joel loved this room, the Captain had given him this wide spacious room to set up the expeditionary equipment and this room became like a home to him.

Closing the door behind him, Joel looked around sighing contentedly, all the equipment so far was functioning well and the diagnostic tests fared well with 0% problems. The real test would come within the Bermuda Triangle and the unforeseen.

It was then, that Joel noticed on his linked in lab-top he had brought onboard the mail icon was flashing as a screen-saver which to Joel meant that whilst he was away someone had emailed. Joel immediately thought it was Yale University Dean wondering how things were going. Lets see who it is.... Joel said to himself.

Sitting down on a stoole he pressed a button on the lab-top keypad and the screen saver vanished to a desktop. The Intray Email icon was flashing and with his mouse, Joel clicked on the flashing icon and opened the email.

He read the email a first, second and finally a third time, and he still could not believe that it was Mikhail. Oh yes, he still remembered her from those frat parties he attended at the prodding of his friends between Yale and Harvard. Back then, he was to shy to ask her out on a one on one date, but Joel knew he had been then very attracted to her. Joel smiled as he read the message one more time to himself before replying;

Date: 6 June, 2004

From: M_Carnegie@mailhaven.com

To: Jthorne@Yale.edu

Subject: A wing and a prayer


Dear Professor:

Greetings from Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

Michelle (Mikhail) Carnegie here…I made your acquaintance, oh, about a hundred years ago at a couple of the Alpha Phi-O gatherings. I was the outspoken blonde that hung on M. Fitzgeralds every word *rolls her eyes*…remember?

I caught a blurb or two about your excursion in the WSJ, which is ironic, really. The Wall Street Journal is not run of the mill fodder here. I was intrigued …highly intrigued…with the adventure.

I thought I’d take a moment and see if there is any chance you might need a fifth wheel for the trip…after all, any well stocked excursion should have a spare *impish grin*… Seriously, I’m really interested in becoming part of the group. I don’t have much in the skills department that you don’t already have on board…but I do have a bit of experience in the triangle. A group of friends and I sail in and around those waters every year – for the last six years. Not to mention I’m willing to pitch in wherever necessary. I’d also be willing to contribute financially, if that’s any incentive…I would imagine a research trip such as yours might be able to use a bit of extra income.

I realize that you’ve set out already and as I mentioned, I have friends in the area that would make it easy to meet up with you at your convenience at perhaps a supply stop, should you take me up on my offer.

I’ll be in an area with internet options for the next week. After that, I can be reached via sat phone at 763.555.1212. I look forward to speaking with you.

Cyncerely,

HM Carnegie

With shaking fingers he hit the reply button and tabbed to the message reply field. Breathing deeply, he took out the Captain's stoppage itinerary and saw they were close to New Providence Island and Nassau was a good place to meet up at.

"Greetings Mikhail,

It's been a long time, and it is good to hear from you. I am flattered that you heard of my expedition and even more flattered that you would like to join. We have left Miami in the last few hours and are on our way to the Bermuda Triangle. However, if you can get yourself to New Providence Island at the port town of Nassau, we will be there to pick you up.
Welcome to the Expedition and it will be good to see you again Mikhail. We will meet you there as soon as possible.

Ciao for now,

J.T

With that typed he sent the email and watched his message being uploaded via satellite.

It was then that the hub door opened and a ashen faced Captain Olaf Bergsen entered.

"Proffessor Joel, Janine Radcliffe has collapsed on the upper deck and is not regaining conciousness," he said in a firm manner.

"What? What happened?" Joel asked worried as he stood up and followed the Captain up the walkway and ladder to the upper deck.

"Ship's Doctor cannot diagnose it. We have changed course and will set down at Nassau so Janine can be transferred to medical care," responded Bergssen.

Joel nodded and they came to the upper deck infirmary where a unconcious Janine lay. "Ok Captain, that sounds best as a new long time lost acquaintance will be joining us from there."

It was then that Joel saw others milling around and both he and the Captain told them the new slight change of plans.....

 

[Original_Cyn2]

mikhail

The email she’d received from Professor Thorne had created an exhilaration that had sung through her veins for three days now, an elation that was pure bliss. She was going…

Pausing on the wide, graceful steps of the hotel, rummaging in her knapsack for sunglasses, the brilliance of the suns rays against the white marble bringing tears to her eyes. Finding them, sighing with relief over the soothing respite Mikhail glances down at her slim wrist to check the time. With a soft chuff of annoyance she looks away, her eyes still recovering from the dazzle, unable to read the watches face.

“This morning”, she muses, “is a test. A test of endurance, a challenge to my patience, a reflection on my abilities to persevere. I will win this challenge.” The mantra rings clear, like a bell, in her mind, soothing in its familiarity. One of several phrases she’d been guided to use to curb the less pleasing elements of her nature; impatience, temper, sarcasm, fear. Serenity, a slow tide of exquisite calm washes over her.

~~The short hop from Mwanza to Shinyanga had been enough to remind her why she never flew inland Africa. The equipment, abused and battered, was less than reassuring but she hadn’t realized the pilot was drunk until after they’d gotten in the air. Caucasian, having lived in the UK at some point, judging from his accent, he’d eyed her with speculation as she’d taken the seat next to him. His intent gaze, eyes running over her breasts and thighs with obvious interest as she’d connected her harness, had filled her with repugnance and she’d avoided his glance by looking out the window. She’d realized he was drunk when they’d landed in Shinyanga. He’d reached between her legs to unbuckle the harness. She’d frozen with the audacity, for just a moment, before gently pushing his hands away.

“Uppity bitch.” His breath a rank plume of decaying foods and alcohol fumes had changed her plans completely. She’d taken the train into Capetown, two days of slow, hot travel. She had managed to find a card game amongst an irascible group of South Africans, after the border check. Walking away with 10,000 rand – with an exchange rate of 6.5 to 1 on the US dollar – she’d had no choice but to stop off at the bank.

Mercantile Bank Limited, a respectable banking establishment. She can hear the emphasis on “respectable” her attorney had made, a year ago, when she’d asked for his help on deciding where to set up funds, once she’d decided to stay. With her power of attorney, he’d been able to set up the account. Plastic…credit in general…was an unexplored theory in Africa. Cash in hand was one way, networking and the friends you knew was the other form of commerce here.

Cashing in the bundles of rand to the slightly bemused teller, she’d decided to take out a fairly large cashiers check, not really thinking much about the impulse. Mr. Brown had met her with a smile and a warm handshake, ushering her into his office with a friendly wave. She’d been surprised and flattered that he’d taken the time to meet with her personally. Declining the offer of tea with a small grimace, she’d left him; check in hand to catch her flight to Nassau. ~~

Thank God she had! Perusing the purchases replete in the bags scattered about her feet. Her credit cards, unused for well over a year, were all expired. The Bank of Nassau was more than willing to issue her a new one, she could pick it up tomorrow morning, but in the meantime, she’d shopped until ready to drop, American currency just as acceptable here as it was nearly anywhere on the globe.

She’d shopped for jeans and shorts, t-shirts and tank tops, bathing suits and shoes. The bathing suits had been a shock, after 18 months in a country where discreet and unnoticed had been key words. She’d reveled in the styles and colors, blushing as she’d tried on a few bikini’s that were short of even the most liberal definition of decent. She’d walked away with five suits that were appropriate for the expedition, stylish, colorful not too revealing and two sleek, sexy bikinis because she’d been unable to help herself. They were, after all, so nearly non-existent that space was not an issue. A couple of pairs of sandals, the inevitable deck shoes and a couple of sleek dressy skirts and tops made up her wardrobe.

Stopping at an outfitters she’d picked up weather gear, at her favorite victuallers she’d stopped for some of the more unusual spices that could bring welcome variety to the table on a long trip out. She loved to cook, finding it soothing and challenging at the same time and hoped to be able to make friends with the ships chef.

At the height of her shopping spree she’d stumbled across BCD the most garishly fronted retailer she’d ever seen…anywhere. When she’d talked with Tezza from the hotel room last night she’d inquired about the satellite phone that was aboard for their summer cruises and he’d guided her here. Sleek and practical, she’d loved the Nera Worldphone on sight, upgrading from her own, a battered and beaten older version. The salesman had guaranteed its reliability.

Thinking about the Triangle’s history, she’d had her doubts. To round out the day, she’d also purchased a laptop with all the gizmos including wireless hookup…amazing how much technology could change in a little over a year. Now…if she could just get everything into two suitcases and her knapsack….

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

New Providence Island

Nassau Port

The slight detour meant a change of course that Joel understood and had taken into account in his planning of the mission, but this had happened on the first day of the expedition.

Janine Radcliffe could not continue the expedition and the Captain and himself had decided that the nearest and closest island with a port and a hospital would be the best place to drop her off.

He was thankful everybody was understanding and took onboard the loss of Janine and the loss of time. Joel realised that they would get to the Bermuda Triangle soon enough. It was at Nassau where they would pick up a new passenger, that of Heather Mikhail.

Joel was looking forward to seeing her again, his feelings for Mikhail never simply just vanishing but had stayed a part of him for so long since they went their separate ways.

The detour to New Providence Island went without any other drama and in the mid afternoon, the Bermuda reached Nassau harbour. Captain Bergsen had radioed through and let the emergency personel of the island know of the medical situation. Pulling up anchor offshore, the crew went about releasing a spunky looking motored boat. The unconcious figure of Janine was rushed with care onto this motored boat.

Proffessor Thorne went with the boat and a couple of crewmen. Upon reaching the port dock, hospital staff in a waiting red and white hospital took care of Janine. Another crew member took her belongings and put it in the ambulence and solemnly Joel watched the sick Janine go in the racing ambulence to the local hospital. Goodbye Janine, he said inwardly.

And he waited with the crewmen along the docked boat awaiting the arrival of one Heather Mikhail. Only it was Joel who had butterfly's rattling around his stomach.

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Before he'd even had a chance to answer Lidia's question concerning what was on his mind, an announcement had come over the lousoeaker calling for all hand to come on deck because of an emergency on board. Excusing himself saying that it would keep, he had joined the others on deck to discover Janine's sudden illness and the change of plans.

Now as the sky to the west had turned dark red with the combination of the setting sun and the gathering of storm clouds, He had visions of a rough night at sea if they departed tonight. It might be best if they weathered it out in port and set out fresh in the morning. He knew that decision was up to the captain and he said nothing as they waited for their new passenger to arrive.

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Sheesh. Either she is getting old or transportation for the masses had gone downhill since her self-imposed exile. The cabbie pulls up in front of the harbor marina, tires sliding in the dirt of the shoulder announcing her arrival with a plume of dust and the squeal of rubber on pavement. Releasing her white knuckled grip and opening the door she swings long legs to the street with a peal of laughter that is half relief and half nervous anxiety, pulling her knapsack along with her.

Two bags, a knapsack, and a crate of scuba gear…she wonders if that’s permissible? She’d purchased the scuba gear yesterday afternoon after packing her bags. With nothing to do and no interest in sitting on her butt at the pool she’d grabbed the map the concierge had given her of the island and looked it over. Her heart had done a little twist when her eyes fell on the other city defined by the map. Adelaide. Ground zero in OZ for her mentors home base. That was another thing that was getting old…her sex life…or lack of it.

Romantic that she is, she took the afternoon and traveled to Adelaide, enjoying its mangrove swamps and spending a couple of energetic hours at the Happy Trails Stable. She’d been amazed to find the scuba shop in the heart of the lazy, quiet little village and had gotten to talking to the owner, a hearty happy black man that had described the joys of scuba diving to her in just glorious detail she felt like she’d been there. In fact, she’d never been scuba diving in her life. But she was more than prepared to learn, now.

Excitement like a sinuous drug in her veins, she peers around the East Bay Yacht Basin through the dust. Ahead of her a sidewalk leads to the services building which is where she guesses she’ll find someone who can direct her to the Bermuda’s slip. Her knapsack and one bag over her shoulders, another bag and the scuba gear in her hands she heads that way.

At the marina office, a rather grouchy old man lounges broodingly behind the counter as she shrugs off her gear. “Ah, my specialty,” she muses, putting on her brightest smile and her favorite “poor little me” demeanor. It works like a charm. Within moments he’s collared a young man, Seth, instructing him to take her to slip 12. To her initial amusement and then aggravation, the sunny smile worked well enough to keep both her and the young man standing there, for a good twenty minutes, gossiping with the Ernie, the marina owner.

Finally, with Seth hauling all but her knapsack at his insistence they’d walked down the pier, the scent of creosote and seawater prevalent. The bustle and commotion ahead of them draws her attention and concern as she recognizes the white coats and red crosses of emergency service personnel. A young woman, unconscious on a stretcher is rushed past them and she motions for Seth to drop her things with a smile and a nod of thanks. Her eyes land on the strong, familiar build of a gentleman, his back towards her, talking with the emergency personnel. Her concern, while deepening even more, is temporarily overcome by recognition, the man Professor Joel Thorne.

“Had he not turned his head to the side, glancing at the young woman in the stretcher,” Mikhail thought, “I would never have recognized him.” He’d always been a handsome young man tall and rangy, with dark sable hair and eyes to match. Strong cheekbones and sensual lips had saved him from an ascetic appearance, but his quiet confidence, intellectual outlook, the thorough consideration he gave to a topic before responding and his easy affability with silence were qualities that had put off the more juvenile of their crowd, and that she had to admit, had described her to a tee, back then…juvenile.

The man in front of her had filled out from his younger days. The wide shoulders were now solid, the narrow waist pulling her eyes down to a muscular, well defined butt and lithe taut thighs, ropy with muscle beneath the hemline of his shorts. He looked like a man comfortable and capable in his own skin.

“Alright, alright,” she mutters to herself, “well defined doesn’t begin to cover it.”

For the first time in a long time, she finds herself flustered, uncertain, butterflies of excitement in her belly. Where are the other members of the project? Who was the young woman on the stretcher? Will Joel recognize her?