The Bermuda Triangle Expedition

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Joel talked with the last of the medical personel who had returned to the dock to let him and the crew members know that Janine would be transferred back to Miami, USA, as soon as possible. He nodded and thanked the medical officer, a native to Nassau.

In his left pocket a mobile rang, Joel had almost forgotten about the mobile he had brought with him. The mobile was the property of Yale University given by the Dean as an emergency contact device. The only other person, Joel had given the mobile number too was Captain Olaf Bergsen. And it was the Captain on the phone enquiring about the status.

Joel quickly told the Captain the information and his concentration was broken by the two crewmen nearest to him whistling and commenting about a woman who was coming closer. He looked at them ending the call and turned to the direction their eyes had rivetted too.

And instantly he recognises the woman as Mikhail. The years had passed since their last meeting, but age and time had been very kind to Mikhail. Not only had Mikhail remained good looking, her body sent the pangs of desire rolling through him. As she came closer, he could see her body had retained those curves that Joel had for so long dreamt about and a lithe frame.

Get a grip on yourself, mister, you're acting like a school kid in heat, he admonished himself.

"Hello and welcome Mikhail, it has been a long time, far too long. It is great to see you after all this time has passed."

Joel moved closer and gave her a peck on the cheek and moved back. He hoped Mikhail could not see how flustered he was. The crewmen behind him remained quiet and went to fetch her bags giving her glimpses.

"I know you have alot of questions. The Bermuda is in anchor and I will answer all your questions onboard and we do have alot to catch up on. So you ready?"

Joel smiled at Mikhail. "I am glad you chose to join the expedition."

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She’d smiled at the startled look on his face as he’d reached into his pocket for the phone. She’d given her own number to a few select people the night before and her face had reflected the same look the first time it had rung.
The wolf whistles, piercing in their proximity, had startled her enough to draw her attention away from her avid assessment of Professor Thorne, a slow blush highlighting her cheeks. By the time she’d returned her gaze to her primary interest, Joel’s eyes were on hers. ‘Well, not exactly on her eyes,’ she mused, feeling the path of his stare like a physical caress. Her smile widened and she stepped forward.
“Hello and welcome,” his voice, warm friendly and full of enthusiasm, greets her. The feel of his hands at her shoulders and the light brush of his lips against her cheek had her reacting like a lusty teenager, unable to resist pressing herself against him for just a moment.
Climbing into the inflatable, they’d sat, side by side, at the front of the small craft that would take them back to the boat, the two sailors behind them guiding them there. He was right. She did have a lot of questions and as they got into the inflatable for the trip back to the boat she’d chattered at him like an excited child, enjoying his grin of amusement and indulgence as he let her ramble on.
“The Bermuda, and that’s Captain Olafson,” his quiet interruption preceded by the soft touch of his hand on her thigh stills her chatter, her eyes lighting on the figure of the Captain. Big, strong and confident were her first impressions of the man.
“Permission to come aboard, Captain?” she pipes out, thrilled to be starting the adventure.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

David Hayter

It truely was odd how Janine had suddenly collapsed, passed out, what have you.. whether it was homesickness kicking in, or some kind virus that had affected her. Regardless, she wasn't discovered in her state until roughly a few minutes after everybody in the group had scattered to mind their own business for the particular moment - until one of the ship's crew had found her unconscious on the upper deck.

David was just beginning to speak with the Captain - regarding a personal wish to have his long hair cut short - when another crewman had come running to the Captain informing them of Janine. Both of them naturally ran to where she was lying, the ship's doctor already taking her pulse, checking her breathing, etc. It was then that the Captain excused himself to inform Professor Thorne.

David sighed quietly as he leaned against some boxes, other individuals of the crew and the expeditionary group beginning to gather. Naturally, anybody that inquired what had happened, he could merely shrug and tell them "I don't know.." It was roughly a few minutes later that the Captain had informed the group and crew that they would make for Nassau. In the meantime, Janine was taken to a medical station on the ship until their arrival to their stop.

This new stop - which they were also informed a new arrival to the expeditionary group would be joining them - gave everybody time to take in possibly one last treasure of land. David decided to savor the moment by merely getting his haircut as quickly as possible. The long, auburn hair of his that had reached long past his shoulders now shortened where it was wavy on its on, and combed back. Though, he still often sported a black cap over his head.

He returned to the ship with a pad of drawing paper, charcoal and other drawing utensils. Why not capture the landscape on paper when he'd have the chance? David was notified that the new arrival was at the dock, so he'd leave his quarters to lean against the rail while peering down upon the dock as everybody (save for the Janine, who was advised to stay) returned.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

It was good seeing Mikhail after all those years. For Joel it was a pleasant blast from the past, an excitement that brewed within the soul of Joel. In one way, Joel wanted to impress Mikhail, make her see that he was not that nerdy Yale bloke we had been when he went to University and rarely went to the frat parties that Harvard and Yale held almost on the 3 month timeframe.

On the other hand, Joel wanted to catch up on the old times and each of their lives when they had a chance througout the expedition. The crewmen had loaded her baggage and instruments into the motorboat and they returned to the Bermuda.

On the short journey back to the vessel, the moist warm breeze felt wonderful on his skin as he remembered the slight but definite contact as Mikhail momentarily brushed her body against his when he had kissed her cheek. That, in itself had sent another spark of desire flood his body and soul.

Captain Olaf Bergsen awaited them on the side of the ship, and Joel interrupted her chatter as he pointed out the Bermuda and its Captain, a fine man of Scandinavian origin with the sky blue eyes and straight blond hair.

He enjoyed listening to her chatter and he grinned inwardly remembering how she was the 'life' of the frat parties and little seemed to have changed in all that time.

“Permission to come aboard, Captain?” Mikhail asked the Captain. As the lever and winch decended and the two crewmen worked the equipment to bring the motorboat inside the vessel, the grinning figure of the Captain nodded. "Permission given. Welcome Mikhail to my ship the Bermuda. I see you 'know' the expedition professor...If you have any needs any of my crew or myself can always be of assistance."

The Captain nodded at Joel. "So shall we proceed onwards?"

"Yes Captain, lets get going again, for a second time."

The Captain gave them both a smile and turned and walked back to the front of the ship. The two crewmen brang up the luggage of Mikhail. "Thankyou Thom and Matthias for all your help, I will take it from here," Joel smiled at them.

The crewmen looked saddened that they had to leabe but nodded and set down the luggage and walked off.

It was then he noticed the others coming towards them and Joel said softly to Mikhail "Meet the others and then we'll get you a room,"

Joel smiled at Mikhail as he felt the vessel move again. Onwards and forward.

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She felt an immediate rapport with Captain Olaffson, his warm smile and laughing eyes making her feel immediately welcome. Behind him in the background stands a young man, his auburn hair gleaming like fire beneath the brilliant sun. His gaze, intent, flickers back and forth between the magnificent view of the harbor and the drawing pad that rests against the bollard of a capstan amidships, the black stick of charcoal held between the long sensitive fingers of an artistic hand. One cheek sports a black smear, an inadvertent gesture that left a dark smudge of charcoal behind.

Joel’s quiet words and gesture to the port railing brings her attention to focus on the two people standing there. The intelligent, open face of the young woman, her vivacious eyes sparkling above a broad smile that brings an answering smile, sensing a similar spirit. Beside her a young blond man with a quiet air of strength and serenity looks at her with a small grin on well defined lips, the gleaming blue eyes holding the promise of a mischievous personality.

“Hi! I’m Michelle although everyone calls me Mikhail. I’m really thrilled to be joining in the adventure although I’m very sorry to hear about Janine. I’m sure she’s in great hands though. The medical personnel here are really well trained and the hospital very up to date.”

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

The familliar rumble of the engines below deck and the accompanying sense of movement meant they were underway again. Jim turned to the newest member of the expedition. As she came toward them with Joel. Jim offered his hand politely. "Mikhail it is
then." he said in reponse to her."Since we will be sharing the confines of this vessel for the next six months it is imperative that we be at least friends. I'm Jim and this is Lydia." He paused wondering why he had spoken for the girl he had just met only hours ago. He had no right to assume they were together and yet ... At any rate Lydia didn't seem to mind his imposition and smiling
took Mikhails hand when Jim released it. He was still a little embarrased by his forwardness, so he diverted his attention to the nearby crate. "I see you brought sucba gear, We're all hoping to do some diving in the Burmuda triangle area as there are a number of wrecks in shallow enough water to explore.

He turned his attention to Joel as he scanned the horizon. The sky was indeed red a gathering of clouds meant a rough night ahead and maybe even a rougher day tomorrow. The weather could change in a heartbeat in the Carribean he remembered, maybe his prognostication would not be true. At any rate it would soon be dark soon and if he had the next watch he'd better get some rest. I'll be in the expedition control room to stand my watch at 1600 hrs then." He turned to Lydia. "We'll talk later." He said softly and headed for his cabin.

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She’d smiled at Jim’s mention of her new scuba gear, judging that perhaps now was not the right time to admit she barely knew how to get into it. Her gaze followed Joel’s and Jim’s to the skyline and felt the vague clench of her stomach.

Green was a very bad color on her and despite the knowledge that it was all mind over matter and it always took her about forty-eight hours to adjust to being back on the ocean. High seas over the next couple of days would highlight the problem when she most wanted to keep a low profile. She wanted very badly to fit in with this exciting and energetic crew and doing that from a kneeling position in the head was NOT going to make a good impression. Biting her lip, straightening her shoulders she decided that THIS time it would be a simple act of mind over matter.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

Lydia had heard of Mikhail, of course, their money put them in the same circle but they had never met up til now and, since Jim hadn't mentioned her last name she didn't think the other woman would realize it as Lydia simply didn't take time to do the social scene that much.

She didn't know why but she wanted to make sure that the rest of the party didn't know about her background. Well, yes, she did know why...she hated being thought of as a rich brat...a daddy's girl...only on an expedition because of her father's money. She wanted to make it on her own and so she would let the others think what they would of her and her background could come up after she had established her own worth.

Noticing the slight greenish tint to Mikhail's cheeks, she linked her arm with the other womans and whispered to her.

"I know how you feel. I have something in my cabin that might help if you want. It has saved me face more than once."

Being prepared for almost anything, I always took along seasickness pills as well as those for air sickness and any other kind of motion sickness. You couldn't enjoy an adventure if you are too busy seeing the inside of a toilet or the ground as you lose your lunch.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Joel was quiet throughout the introductions and the initial small talk between the the expeditionary members and Mikhail. Alot had happened and it was only the first day of the expedition. Joel couldn't scratch away the thought that trailed in the depths of his mind, if the actions of today was an omen of things to come.

After the Captain had left to return to normal running of his vessel duties and Mikhail's getting to know the other people on the expedition, all that had happened had made Joel even more resolute to continue this expedition. It was a minor setback....he hoped that is. Time would tell.

He silently listen to the fellow expedition members, knowing it was at the stages of a group morale being formed. He knew morale was important in any long term venture - and this was one of those 'ventures'.

It was then that Jim pointed over to the horizon and for the first time, Joel looked at the horizon and the dark clouds amassing. He mentioned how the weather could change drastically and frequently out in the Caribbean. Jim was right, he was a expert in this area of the world and next to him, Mikhail was also aware of the area's characteristics. Joel nodded as Jim stood up and made his leave stating he needed to rest.

His eyes caught the horizon again momentarily, and Joel did a internal wish that the bad weather would miss them, but to Joel, the weather seemed to be catching up. Underneath his feet, the vessel picked up speed churning at speed toward the beginning of the ill-named Bermuda Triangle......

It was then that Joel turned his eyes from the threatening horizon to the slightly pale face of Mikhail. Joel automatically knew what was a matter with Mikhail, it would take her body to get her 'sea legs' back. He knew it well cause he also suffered the same nauseatic feeling when he first sailed. It would take around 48 hours if that.

Lydia rose and mentioned to Mikhail of seasickness tablets she had brought along and with linked arms, Lydia led Mikhail to her cabin, leaving the lone figure of Joel. Breathing in deep the sea air he ran his fingers along the steele railing and tried to will his body and mind from thoughts of Mikhail. 'C'mon Man, you can't still have that college boy crush for her. She's way out of your league boy, wake up! His mind chastised him. Joel sighed knowing his mind was right yet his body was saying something else. Mind over matter it came down too.

The day was dimming both because it was falling towards dusk and the storm clouds that were drawing closer like tendrils of ill fortune in Joel's mind. With a deep breath, he turned and picked up Mikhail's bags and struggled to the expedition control hub to begin first watch.

Once in the room, he set the bags in a corner knowing later he would give them to the seasick Mikhail...hopefully she would be alone. But now, now he had equipment to check and set online. Be started his diagnostic checks and was lost in his work soon after....

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

Despite her attempts to ignore the increasing height of the seas, the motion of the boat combined with a sense of jet lag leaves her feeling tired and wan, her features reflecting the pallor. Lydia’s warmth and compassion went a long way to making her feel accepted and they laughed together at the sincerity of her heart felt “thank you” in response to the kind offer of help for her motion sickness.

She followed Lydia down the companionway, viewing her cabin with surprise. It was big, huge in comparison to the 90-foot sailboats Mikhael was used to, but of course, this was a much larger ship. Gratefully she took the pills proffered by Lydia.

“Thank you so much! I’m sure my head will clear in an hour or so and then maybe we’ll get a chance to talk?” her eyes fell to the laptop on Lydia’s bed and made her uncomfortably aware that all of her stuff was sitting above decks and she had yet to be assigned a room. “I don’t mean to drink and run,” she shrugs wryly at the can of soda in her hand, warm but soothing,"but my luggage is upstairs and I should probably track down Professor Thorne to find out where he’s bunked me. I really appreciate your help, Lydia.”

Seeing Lydia’s understanding smile she backs out of the cabin and up the companionway. She'd turned around just in time to hide the blush that stained her cheeks, the end of the phrase “he’s bunked me” bringing erotic thoughts and images cascading into her mind, flooding her imagination. She shakes her head, banishing both thoughts and images, taking a deep breath as her feet bring her up the short stairs and above decks.

She’s dismayed for a moment as an empty deck greets her, her bags gone as well. The young crewman Mathias, standing amidships responds to her bright smile with directions to the control hub and Professor Thorne, eagerly offering to escort her. She declines his offer with a reassuring pat on his arms and heads in the direction he indicates.

The door to the hub opens silently and Mikhail finds herself holding her breath, her senses alive with his presence. She pauses a moment to admire the masculine profile, highlighted by the lights of the panels and screens in front of him, wanting to run her hands over the strong expanse of his shoulders. She bites her lip, feeling insecure for a moment, an unusual emotion for her. What possible interest could he have in her, this man that has done so much with his life while she’s gallivanted around the world for the last five years. Acknowledging her body’s signals with a sardonic mental chuckle she has to admit – to herself – that she’s interested in him…immensely.

“Professor?” she can’t help the teasing little grin that outlines her lips, “could you, perhaps, show me to my cabin so I can get settled in? Lydia’s pills should set in in a bit and I’ll either be flying or sound asleep, I never know what these things will do to me.” But she knew what she’d like him to do…the thought registers and she drops her eyes from his, hiding the glow it brings, bending down in a lithe, graceful movement to retrieve her baggage and further hide her responses.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

Lydia nods at Mikhail's request knowing that, though the pills will help, laying down is the best thing for motion sickness.

Sliding onto the bed and picking up her laptop, she smiled. There was definately something between her and Joel. She wondered, breifly, if they had a past and exactly what it was and then chided herself for being so nosy.

Staring at the screen before her, her thoughts wondered a bit and she mused about what Jim had wanted to talk to her about. Probably about the offer of publishing his book. She shrugged and went back to her notes but her thoughts kept drifting back to him.

Frowning, she mentally took herself to task and concentrated harder on her notes. The excitement of the adventure must have her high strung if she was thinking so much about an innocent encounter with her fellow party members.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Joel was lost the in the task he had set for himself. He checked every computer once and twice more, double checking himself. Finally after every diagnostic test showed that each computer and its associated equipment as working within parameters and function as required could Proffessor Thorne sit back in his chair.

Time had passed and if his equipment were correct they were under 3 hours away from entering the Bermuda Triangle. He hit a button on the computer keyboard infront of him and a new screen came up showing the hurricane that had swerved off the Yucatan Peninsular and was heading toward Cuba gaining strenth and speed heading toward the Bermuda. The hurricane center at Miami had on their website models of the Hurricane that showed its erratic path and changes as if the hurricane was a petulant child without direction. They would reach the Triangle just before the bad weather could catch up to them.

He flexed his body in a stretch as he evaluated the mass of information feeds that his computers were gleaning from different sections of the internet, the hurricane tracking just one of them. His muscles twitched and Joel stifled a yawn. He was slightly tired and his thoughts realigned themselves on the newest expedition member Mikhail. He knew that his feelings for her had not vanished in all the years he had not seen her. Yes, Joel, did keep abreast of her doings - but until now he didnt ever think that he would be on a expedition with her.

"Professor?"

The voice cut into his musings and Joel jumped alittle turning to see the still pale yet smiling figure of his musings in person glancing at him. Joel's cheeks blossomed momentarily red. He felt like a school kid with a crush infront of Mikhail.

“Could you, perhaps, show me to my cabin so I can get settled in? Lydia’s pills should set in in a bit and I’ll either be flying or sound asleep, I never know what these things will do to me.”

A smile played across Joel's face and he smiled. He was pleased Lydia looked after Mikhail and as Joel stood up his eyes again lavishly feasted on her frame. God, she's beautiful, he said to himself.

He watches as she bends holding her bags in the corner, her lithe body revealing to his eyes as if a feast. "No...no Mikhail, let me carry.....them...I mean your bags," he said in a voice cracked with emotion. He walked over to her with 4 quick strides and felt the heat of her body. Thoughts unbidden rolled images in his mind, entertaining his wildest fantasies.

"Lets take you to your room and get you settled in," winks Joel as he takes the bags from Mikhail's hands and his free hand cupping her waist to give her the support. As they walk he whispers "You have the room next to mine, and I am so glad you're here..so glad Mikhail."

They walk slowly down the walkway into the cabin hallway. Only one door is open in this hallway and Joel knows this room is for Mikhail. "Voila," smiles Joel as they enter. "This is your room."

Joel looks at Mikhail looking at her smiling, reluctant to leave. Putting down her bags he breaths in deeply and smiles at her. "So......?"

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She watches the soft blush of color touch his cheeks, feeling her own heat in response. Could he sense her thoughts? His measured stride, self confident and graceful, hypnotizes her for a moment, the brush of his palm over her hand as he grabs her bags making her catch her breath, the slow soft slide of his other hand at her waist reducing her to pure sensation, the slow lick of heat in her belly expanding outward, leaving her breathless and still before him.

“…settled in.” It’s her imagination, she knows, but for a moment before the wink, she thought she’d heard a sensual purr in his words, a husky growl that fanned the flames within her. They walk out of the control room and up the deck, down a companionway, hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder, thigh to thigh, Mikhail’s senses swimming under the force of her own imagination.

“…so glad, Mikhail.” She pauses for just a moment outside of the open doorway, her eyes flying to his, intent and discerning, looking for confirmation as her imagination plays with those whispered words. The hand at her waist pulls her forward into a large, spacious cabin. A smile lights her face as she glances around, basking in the luxury of the room, pacing around it’s interior. Her mind registers that his cabin is just next-door, her eyes glancing at Joel as he sets her luggage down. She stands before him, facing him as he sets down her luggage and straightens, to the soft “so…” hanging in the air between them.

“I like the cabin, Mr. Thorne,” a small quirk to her lips as she hesitantly steps forward, eliminating the space between them. “And I like the expedition Professor.” She puts her doubts behind her, drawn to him like a moth to flame, placing one hand against his shoulder, trembling at that heat coursing through her with that simple touch. “And I especially like being here, with you, Joel.” Her hand rises higher, brushing at the small curl of dark hair above his ear, feeling her emerald eyes turn smoky, darkening with arousal as they fall in fascination to the sensual curve of his lips, so close to her own.

“Thank you…” a seductive whisper, smoke over water, as she arches onto her tiptoes, pressing her lips gently against his. She feels his hands encircle her waist and she stills beneath them, breath held inside as she pauses, wondering what his reaction will be…

 

[delphicRENDERER]

David Hayter

"Not my best work," David commented to himself as he stood from a deck chair that he used to sit upon - besides standing against the deck rail - while capturing the landscape. He lifted the pad of drawing paper up, attempting to compare the essence of the world he knew - to the world he saw on paper. It wasn't too bad, though he knew he was always modest of himself.

He set the pad down on a small table near his chair, along with the charcoal and other utensils he used. David then leaned against the railing, he watched the happenings and going-ons of the crew and of the expeditionary group. He had yet to introduce himself to the latest member of their group by the name of Mikhail. She seemed to capture the sea's beauty in her own, just as Lydia seemed to capture the sky's beauty.

A hand lifted up, brushing through the short waviness of his hair. Then he noticed his hands, covered in the charcoal. "Damnit, something told me I should have used something else. Now I probably have it all over my face." Truth be told, he did! A smudge of black across his cheek, though he couldn't see that unless somebody informed him.

David gathered his paper and drawing utensils, and started for the crew lounge area on the ship. Maybe he could share his artwork with anybody that happened to be there, or catch some idle chatter with the crew and group. It seemed boring at first, life on the water. Then again, David was just so used to being able to head out on his own when he wanted to. He was confined, for the moment, to just the ship's crew loungue, the deck, and his quarters.

Once he stepped down into the lounge, the lights on as it was open for anybody at any hour. He set his belongings on a table, "Nobody here, why am I not surprised," he said to himself before heading for a nearby sink.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Joel stands there looking at Mikhail, as she looks at him back. He cannot look away from her, all Joel knows is his feelings for Mikhail from all those years in the past had not mellowed at all, but just like a fine wine, strengthened over the years that they had been apart.

He could still feel the places that Mikhail's body had touched his, it felt so wonderful. The silence is broken only when Mikhail begins to talk in her soft purring voice. “I like the cabin, Mr. Thorne.”

Joel smiles at her comment, simply a smile he could only register, for his throat felt dry, emotion gripping him, inwardly. Outwardly his calm mask did not waver.

“And I like the expedition Professor.” Mikhail says. It was at this point that Mikhail moved closer to Joel, he watched as she eliminated the space between them, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder. Their eyes never separated, staying in that passionate sensual glazed stair. “And I especially like being here, with you, Joel.”

To Joel those words sounding like music to his ears. His insides melted, and Joel placed his hands along her waist pulling her closer to him so their bodies were touching in numerous places.

He met Mikhail's soft kiss on the lips as she seductively whispered; “Thank you…” As her fingers moved up carressing his hair, Joel whispered back softly tenderly; "You're welcome Mikhail."

With that said and with all the passion that he could muster and kept within himself for many many years, Joel deepens the kiss with Mikhail as his fingers run up her back and stroke through her soft silken hair.

With his right foot he closes the cabin door behind him. But for now, this kiss, this moment, his embrace was all that mattered to Joel at that second in time...

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhael

After twelve years of mentored relationships, Mikhail feels like a child, a teenager all over again. Without a rulebook, or any experience, to guide her.

The lips beneath hers, warm and soft with surprise, leave a storm of emotions in their wake. The hands stealing around her waist, pulling her closer to him in intimate contact brings jubilation singing through her senses. Any hesitation on her part flees as her eyes meet his, shyly, basking in the joy that’s reflected there, shining back at her. Her arms encircle his neck, playing with the thick hair at its nape, breathless with the intensity of the moment. Their soft, gentle kiss turns hard, his lips vital and urgent against her own, reveling together in the sensations each eager movement brings. She parts her lips beneath his, her tongue tentatively exploring the full curve of his bottom lip before being met by his.

God, she is dizzy with the bliss his touch brings. Stunned by the aching heat that floods her as his tongue turns bold, she parts her lips more fully for his entrance and they explore one another, dipping deeper into warm willing recesses, eagerly plundering the depths of each other.

Her soft moan seems to startle him for a moment before feeling his hands slip down over her hips, tightening and pulling her closer. She can feel her nipples, swollen and hard with excitement pressed against his chest. The dizzying heat of arousal coalesces to liquid flame in her belly, the rampant thrust of his own hunger pressed intimately against her. Their breath, the sound of soft panting and her own eager whimpers, filling the air around them.

“Professor Thorne?” From beyond the doorway the shockingly loud report of knuckles on the cabin next door, Joel’s cabin, echoes along the corridor, Captain’s Olaffson’s baritone muffled but clear.

Stunned to silence, stilled against Joel like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar, Mikhael’s large, hunger darkened eyes fly to his, looking for guidance. The humor in the situation follows and she bites her bottom lip, stifling the urge to laugh out loud, her gaze pinned to his wondering what his response will be.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Lydia

Lydia yawned and stood, stretching. The time in the sun on the deck chair had been relaxing and her mind was now cleared. She smiled. She was a sun worshiper for sure and had the tan to prove it but she knew that too much was not good and so she headed down below to the coolness of her cabin.

While passing the lounge, she noticed movement and popped her head inside to see David at the sink. Well, her work could wait a couple extra minutes. They had time and having someone to talk to might be nice.

Stepping inside, she walked over to the table and picked up the pad he had been sketching on, looking at it from different angles before speaking.

"Not bad. You have a nice flair for soft edges. I like that better than the sharp corners so many art students fresh from classes put into their sketches."

She turned and had to laugh at the picture he made. Motioning to her cheek, she said,"You have....on your...right there...!"

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

The touches of their lips exploring each other and his fingers stroking her hair, brings jolts of heat like electrical charges moving up and down his body. Joel cannot believe he has Mikhail a woman from his past right now, in his arms sharing with her a sensual, passionate kiss.

He hopes this moment can go on and on, to draw upon eternity. Joel hears her moans as they kiss and he draws more strength from Mikhail. From his throat comes throaty full growls of desire. Pulling her closer into his arms, Joel draws his passion all over Mikhail.

“Professor Thorne?” The Teutonic baritone voice of Captain Bergsen cuts through the layers of desire as the sharpe raps on the cabin door next door to this one is heard clearly. The Captain was knocking on his door, not knowing that Proffessor Joel was in the next room down. Reluctantly he parts the kiss, looking with so much pent up desire into Mikhail's eyes, giving her a silent message that what they shared would not be over, if not now, later.

Joel see's Mikhail bite her lower lips stifling a laugh. He smiled at the humour of the situation. His fingers trailed away from her soft hair and he moved to the door, his body still reacting to the emotion and feeling just shared.

Pressing his body to the wall next to the cabin door he opened and looked out into the walkway.

"Captain, I'm here," he answered in a clear voice.

Captain Olaf Bergsen turned and arched an eyebrow at Joel.

"There you are Proffessor, I was just here to offer you and your expeditionary members a view from the deck of the entrance into the Bermuda Triangle in 1 hour?"

Was it already time almost? Wow, time flies, he said to himself.

He nodded and smiled "That is definitely a pleasure Captain, I will inform the others shortly."

Captain Olaf nodded back, "Good, see you in a hour," he turned with a wry smile and left the walkway.

Turning, Proffessor Thorn looked at Mikhail and smiled relieved somewhat. "We are close to entering the Triangle Mikhail."

But the feelings of his body contradicted anything else he was feeling.....

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

The moment was interrupted, the mood dissipating slowly between them eclipsed by the sense intrigue and dark thrill represented by the triangle.

She stood there, dazed by the force of her own attraction, stunned by his passionate reciprocation, her heart pounding beneath his fingers as he caressed the lock of hair trailing over the slope of one breast. She felt a frisson of relief flood her body with the interruption and smiled wryly to see it reflected in his dark, sultry eyes. Shaken, she reached for the shreds of her composure, his throaty growls still ringing in her ears, stroking her senses as she turned away, a slow hot blush of color painting her cheeks. She was acting like a child…and enjoying every minute of it.

She can’t see his face, but the Captains voice hold’s no surprise, no curiosity. Of course, with his Teutonic background the chances of anything shaking his demeanor were slim. One hour…

Turning toward her as the Captain left she couldn’t help but admire the predatory sensuality in Joel’s gait, the soft sheen of hunger still shining in his eyes adorably out of context with the hesitant, boyish smile on his face. She stepped toward him, closing the distance between them, her fingers tracing the worry line at the corner of his mouth before pressing her lips to his lightly.

“Go, Professor…I’ll meet all of you above deck in forty-five minutes,” her lips moved gently against his, her green eyes indicating her excitement at the beginning of their journey.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

David Hayter

With his back turned, David had began washing his hands to rid them of the charcoal stains. Placing his hands underneath the sink and pulling a small lever toward him, the water turned on. He grabbed the bar of soap that sat dried on the side, he quickly lathered up his hands and was about to return the hand soap to its original spot until he heard an unexpected voice.

"Not bad," he heard a female voice say, to which he slightly jumped, the soap escaping his grasp and falling with a few 'clunks' inside the metal of the sink before it came to a sliding stop. He looked behind himself, spotting Lydia admiring the charcoal landscape he captured. "You have a nice flair for soft edges. I like that better than the sharp corners so many art students fresh from classes put into their sketches," she said.

Fetching the barsoap from the sink, he placed it on the side and smiled modestly at Lydia before replying with a simple "Thank you". It wasn't until she began to laugh, "You have....on your...right there...!" she then motioned to her cheek. David's gaze went around the room in confusion at first before putting a damp hand onto his cheek. "Oh.." he started, embarassed although he figured he had some excess charcoal on some other place than his hands.

"That's the downside to working with charcoal, I suppose," he than said with a soft chuckle before grabbing a couple paper towels nearby and dampening before wiping his face. "Well," he started, walking toward Lydia, opposite of the table as he dried his hands. "Hopefully the real excitement won't be far off," he said, leaning forward on a chair.

 

[PVodogaz]

Proffessor Joel Thorne

Proffessor Joel Thorne stood still his body and his gaze turned to the woman close to him. The room was dark, soft strands of light filtering through partitions in the top half of the walls around the cabin. No words were needed as they looked at each other. The retreating footsteps of the Captain faded as he stepped up the footsteps to the top deck.

The spell was broken by the soft lilac sounding voice of Mikhail with what Joel thought was a trace of succint repose in her words. All Joel knew was that his body felt like a tightrope...like he was a predator deep in a mighty rainforrest chasing then circling his prey.

“Go, Professor…I’ll meet all of you above deck in forty-five minutes,” was all that sweet woman had to say. Then he felt the kiss....that soft sweet kiss upon his lips that further endeared him to her. Joel Thorne was never a devout follower of God, but if he was to be thankful for having Mikhail join his expedition, he would of thanked the first available higher power.

"I...I will see you soon, then Mikhail," he replied softly. Joel pressed his fingers across her cheek before stepping away from Mikhail looking at her one last time, a quick sultry smile appearing and then vanishing just as quickly before stepping out into the empty walkway and closing the door behind him.

Joel sighed as he exhaled lengthily. as he found his way to the upper deck, deep in thought his mind thinking about the future hour and his body thinking of the last 20 minutes......

-------------------

50 minutes later....

"Proffessor Thorne, the Hurricane behind us has changed direction and heading south-east, towards us," reported Captain Bergssen in a business like manner with a touch of concern in his voice.

Proffessor Thorne nodded and looked out on the horizon towards the ever darkening horizon to the north west, flashes of lightening could be seen come from thick cumulus clouds laden with wind and torrents of fresh rain. The storm was still in the distance, but his hands rapped around the steel of the deck railing.

The Captain stood next to him with his binoculars. They both stood just outside the vessels' Control Centre. From the corners of his eyes, Joel could see duty minded crew work around them.

"Will we be able to keep abreast of the storm?"

The Captain nodded and put down his binoculars; "Have faith in me and my vessel, we've faced worst and plus less than 10 minutes we will enter the Bermuda Triangle," he said eagerness etched in his voice.

"The others should be up soon," commented Joel. "To witness the beginning of our expedition."

Joel turned to the south and looked to the invisible distance where the Bermuda Triangle began. He couldnt explain it but a electrical energy he felt at that moment thrust through him, as if it was dose of adrenaline.

-----------------

The Expedition Control Hub Center

The room was darkened, the light being turned off all except the lights from the working monitors and the equipment. The hums of the equipment was suddenly taken over by a beeping sound.

One of the computer monitors showed the progress of the Bermuda....towards the Triangle. A lone dot that represented the ship came closer and closer to a dotted line that showed the beginnings of the Triangle. On the otherside of the Triangle two red dots appeared, blinking on and off, waiting for the Bermuda to cross.......

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Jim was surprised to learn that they would be meeting on the main deck in such weather. It looked like rain was imminent, the decks would be slippery and even though the sea was relatively calm, he knew how fast the situation could change. If the wind picked up like it appeared to be doing one false step could mean at least a twisted ankle or a very sore back at worst one could as well be washed over the side if they were alone and had no one to help them find their feet again. The "Burmuda' was a safe ship equiped with guard rails and well lighted walkways but still Jims experience told him to be carefull as he made his way from his cabin and forward to the prow. It was alomost dark, he realized it was a celebratory event but still he thought it a bit foolhardy to be on deck in this weather unlesss absolutely necessary. Perhaps he should caution the others and maybe it would be better to meet in the control room instead. They could get there without going above deck. Cautiously he moved in the direction of the prow where he knew Joel and the captain would be. "Excuse me." he said when he saw Joel and the captain. "Perhaps I am being overcautious but maybe we should meet in the control room, the decks will be treacherous when the rain and wind arrives." He hoped they would agree. He hoped it was not too late to warn the others via the intercom system advising them to take the inner route. He shuddered thinking of anyone attempting to make their way above deck.

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She’d taken the forty-five minutes to organize her cabin; the sensual tension, a pleasant hum throughout her senses, combined with the anticipation and excitement of their entrance into the Triangle making it impossible for her to settle down. Her mind drifted back to that awful day in Capetown when they’d learned the fate of their initial flight, a low dull thrill of fear adding its flavor to the mix of emotions running through her senses.

Quickly changing clothes, she chose a short watered silk skirt, its playful hemline taunting the eyes as it played over the lithe curves of her thighs, its color a dark indigo that complimented her tan and hid a bit of the sheerness, the nature of the material, that would have made it indecent in a lighter color.

Her top, of the same sensual fabric, a sleeveless formfitting tank that hugged the swells of her breasts, short to mid belly, exposed the gleaming links of the golden chain that rode sensually above the curve of her hips, hugging the slim line of her tanned, toned waist in its shimmering grip. With one last turn in front of the mirror her eyes watching in satisfaction the glide of the skirts hemline flirt daringly with her upper thighs its sleek material caressing the full curve of her bottom, she left the cabin.

As she followed the companionway upward and hit the deck, Mikhail became aware of the soft frisson of danger in the air, a mischievous and mercurial mood that stroked, like the sensual caress of a lovers intimate fingers, her already sensitive nerves.

Her eyes took in the welling, ominous clouds in the distance, recognizing her body’s response to the changing barometric pressure and shivered as her feet padded quickly down the deck.

She heard the excited chorus of conversation ahead of her and came quickly to the group of expectant researchers. She approached Lydia, deep in conversation with the handsome young man who’d been drawing earlier when Mikhail had come aboard. Pausing just long enough to place her hand on the woman’s shoulder with a gentle squeeze, her eyes glowing with thanks for the medication she’d offered, she nods to them both before moving forward.

She felt Joel’s gaze on her long before she swung her head toward him. She found his gaze dropping greedily over her form, eyes pausing on the swell of her breasts, stroking the bare, tanned expanse of belly, the subtle curve of her hips like a physical caress. The impact of the sensual hunger that shone in their depths startled her with its intensity, feeling the surge of heat ripple through the lean muscles of her belly, making her flush, momentarily. They’d shuttered their gazes, putting on public faces, hers equipped with a wry smile and a saucy wink before she’d turned away toward the gentleman just a few steps ahead of her.

“It’s Jim, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I’m so terrible with names. Jim Blakely, yes?” she turned to him with a dazzling smile of warmth, holding out her hand to him. “You’re from South Dakota aren’t you? I think I read that somewhere in one of the promotional bits that was published about the trip. I grew up not too far away in Minnesota. Have you any experience with the Bermuda...”

Her voice fades away as her eyes, scanning his, took in the the tension lines that radiate from the coreners, the sharp, clenched look of his jawline, the tiny muscle twitching in his cheek...

"What is it? Is everything alright?" she reached out to him, her hand gripping his forearm, the frisson of danger growing deeper inside her as her weather sense raised its head in alarm.

 

[slowandeasy]

Jim

Before Joel or the captain had a chance to reply, Jim noticed the others expedition menbers making their way forward Thank God, they had chosen to come now before the bad weather set in. Or maybe he was making too much of it. The sea in fact had become quite calm. "The calm before the storm." he said to himself just before the woman who he knew to be Michail aprroached him. Still preoccupied about the impendig storm he concentrated on what she was saying. She introduced herself. He thought he had already introduced himself but he could be mistaken. Her mention of being from Minnesata made him think that maybe he had met her somewhre before. His home town was not far from the border, Watertown, so he had occasion to visit the Mpls- StPaul area on a number of occasions. It could be he had met her there. In his youth, when he frequented the nightclubs downtown or one of the popular wateringholes in the subburbs, pretending to be a player when in reality he was just a countryboy from south Dakota. But he wasn't sure, surely he would have remembered, she was a strikingly beautiful woman, one who turned heads and was not easily forgotten.

Or maybe it was here, on one of the islands; Puerto Rico or St Thomas, Jamaca or Barbadoes. He'd visited them all and more when he was in the Navy and they were a favorie vacationing choice for those who could afford it. Something about her; her tan, the way she dressed, an air about her, told him that she might have been one of those tourists he may have shared a rum and coke with on some sunny afternoon. But then again, he would have remembered.

"This was nonsense." he told himself besides what did it matter. The chatter from the crew he had overheard earlier was that she was Joel's woman. What did it matter if they had crossed paths before. They would be friends.

Her sudden grasp of his arm broke him from his thoughts and as he looked into her eyes he saw the look of a soft vulnerable kitten. Hhe knew that he would look out for her, protect her from what he sensed was ahead. The look she gave him along with the knowledge of the impending storm made him shiver but he steeled himself and touched her hand lightly patting it where it grasped his arm, wanting to comfort and reasure her. "It's nothing and.... Yes everythings alright.' he said decisively, when she asked. " What is it? Is everything alright? "

"I've been here before, and in worse weather than this. If we keep our wits about us and look out for each other, I'm sure we'll do fine."

 

[Original_Cyn2]

Mikhail

She watched the young man take a deep mental breath, his smile never reaching his eyes and her own scanned the horizon. She was aware of the deep tingle within her, the barometer falling and its affects on her own nervous system, a larger affect than she’d previously experienced…but…that made sense, didn’t it? She’d never experienced a hurricane before.

Her gaze wandered over to the Captains calm face, reassured by the easy serenity in his demeanor.

“Yes, I’m quite sure you’re right, Jim,” her free hand covering his, sending quiet reassurance his way. She recalled the military experience that had been included in the bio her attorney sent her as background information. She respected the strength and mental determination the Navy’s conditioning program instilled in its members and recalled that the young man before her had quite a bit of experience in these waters.

She turned to look over her shoulders as Jim’s eyes focused on something behind her. The anticipation and excitement in Lydia’s eyes matched her own and her smile brightened, welcoming them over.