CreepCast - My Crew And I Are Stuck Aboard An Abandoned Ship | Creep Cast

Episode Date: February 23, 2025

After their ship nearly capsizes, seafarers seek refuge on an abandoned ship. Quickly they realize it’s a ghost ship lost at sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is the cold habitual, and it is the froy of the mountains blue. The frowice at its summit. Coors Light, t'envee in a fraud. Celebrate in a fashion responsible, you have to have the age legal for consuming the alcohol.

Woo! Stop! Do you know how fast you were going? I'm going to have to write you a ticket. To my new movie, The Naked Gun. Liam Nissan. Buy your tickets now. I get a free Tilly Dog.

Chili Dog, not included. The Naked God. Tickets on sale now. August 1st. I'm going to be able to be. Welcome back to another exquisite episode of Creepcast. Today, we are going to be reading a delightfully terrifying tale called Me, crew and I are stuck aboard an abandoned ship. Can you help us?

Part one of part six. You know me. I like boats in the sea. So I'm very excited to read this story. He found out an hour ago that this story involves British people and he has not quit the accent since. you might be a little more culture this episode because I might do the whole thing in this accent so this story is written by an author uh goes on uh reddit as j l goodwin 1990 uh and i don't see any links on their stuff to like any books or off site but they are an incredibly prolific

no sleep brighter there are a ton of stories titles like i used to love driving late at night or I don't shower with the door jar anymore or my wife and I went to Las Vegas for our honeymoon. They have a ton of stories and this one comes highly recommended at least on No Sleep itself and also just the premise,

the title of it seemed really cool. My crew and I are stuck aboard an abandoned ship. And we don't do, like I'm terrified of the sea and I like nautical stories and like nautical horror and stuff like that. So I am eager for any excuse to crack into a story. story like this. So I'm, I'm looking forward to it. I wouldn't mind if he got a little lovecraftian

in nature, is what I would say. And I'll tell you something else too. If this story's good, he might become Sir J.L. Goodwin, 1990 by the end of this podcast, because that's what we're going to do. Will the author be knighted by the end of this story? I'm very, very intrigued to see. be sure to continue to like and support us on audio platforms thank you all for your time be sure to support the author you know the drill you all are great great community and we're lucky to have you just want to say one last thing as well right off the top is for anybody who maybe likes to listen to these on long drives or maybe locks to you know not maybe look at the two not so attractive hosts consider it's going over for your eyes in your ears audio listeners as I'm saying, and go to Spotify. From there, these episodes are there in their entirety, and it helps support the channel. So please go and listen there on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

And oh, do be sure to give us a five-star rating. Thank you. All right. Actually, while you were doing whatever it is that you're doing, I was scrolling through his Reddit, and I have an exciting announcement about this guy. He is incredibly active in R slash creepcast. Oh!

Well, by golly, we caught ourselves a live one, haven't we? Someone mentioned his story in our subreddit, R slash creepcast saying the guys have to read this soon. And the author replied and says, I do indeed plan on eventually when I have the money. uh to do the cover art and editing justice release it as a novel so he has plans to put this story that we're about to read into a novel uh and seems very hyped he says at the end i'm hoping the guys will see your recommendation and cover it in a future episode so well that's pretty cool

i think that's great you go here you go good one you know what how about we go one father if we love this story me and isaiah will chip in to get the cover art done for your novel i will so i'll say this if we like this story we will finance it the cover art at least that part of it but if Hunter does not if we cannot break his accent by the end

of it all right so I have to stay in character I will finance it entirely myself but if he breaks at any point from here on out we have to split it challenge accepted so let's read my crew and I are stuck of all an abandoned ship

can you help us part one go ahead if you're seeing this that that means the prayer that i've been making with every single ounce of hope left in my body has been answered thank god i've been trying for the last three and a half hours to get through any way possible to the outside world with no luck i'm no computer expert but the water damage my laptop has suffered must have severely screwed up the satellite link up something fierce in the attempt to reach any website be it the official coast guard one or even most social media sites like Facebook or Twitter have all yielded with the computer crashing and rebooting.

But for reasons unknown to me, Reddit, or I should be more specific, and say this particular page on Reddit managed to load perfectly without any issues. So I'm asking here and now if anyone reads this for help. For the record, my name is Nathan Rogers. I'm 33 years old, and I am, I mean, I was the helmsman of, fishing vessel called the point of no return. That is a bad idea to name a boat.

Right, exactly. Sometimes they'll give like like warships brutal names like that. Right. Like the, uh, the ones that the, um, Northwest passage crew were lost on were called the Arabis and the

terror. They were only called that because they were previously war vessels. Right. Um, right. Well, the terror too. just want to say, great show. If you haven't seen the show. It is, it's a great show. Check it out because it's bloody brilliant.

It takes a lot of like historical liberty, the terror TV show does. It takes a lot of historical liberties and like some of the visions or maybe stories they had or what was stalking them. But as far as the actual like setting and timeline and like the people involved, it's actually very accurate. Yeah, I know that it gets a bit, uh, it takes some creative liberties here and there. but actually it's, you know, it's, I believe if I remember correctly, they wrote the entire show off of sailors' diaries, based off of diaries they found from the sailors, but I could be wrong. That's, the point of no return seems like an intense name for like a fishing vessel. Seems a bit metaphorical, probably, right?

Yeah, probably, yeah. What I'm afraid is I'm going to get used to the accent and I'm going to quit thinking about it. I'm afraid that's going to like. I don't know what you mean. I, like, Isaiah, at this point, I'm at my. own point of no return. I say was because currently she's thousands of feet beneath my feet and the churning surface of the North Atlantic.

Then I'm getting out of myself. In case anything happens to us before anyone reads this or I permanently lose connection, I should give as much of a detailed account as I can. That way someone might know where to find us or at least know what happened. We left our home port of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about a week and a half ago. Oh, they're not even British. They're home ports, New Hampshire. Oh, my. This is quite the debacle. I found myself of it. Not sure, but I believe this was British. You know, why did you think it was British? You just said at the beginning, he said when we started

the call, he said it in a normal voice, oh, they're British. And then, He kept doing it. I thought you had info. I didn't. Why did you assume they were British? I think I might have looked into a backstory of a different author's story in our episode recommendations. Well, this makes, well, you know, I'm a seaman. So I'm really a civilian of the world.

So New Hampshire, Port Town, that's fine. I'm still British. I'll have to be. You have to be or else you, you have to spend however much much more. money this dude's cover our car. Well, maybe we get a deviant artist to do the art

to maybe save a little, a couple of pins. Maybe we commissioned a $40 artist on fiber. That might be that might save, you know, I don't have to dig too deep into your trousers to find that.

We reached out to him and we're like, here you go. And it's like an MS paint like screen. I would be, I would be insulted if he didn't use it. Can I tell you a secret? I'm in desperate need of medical attention and care. I'm so old, fat, I'm falling apart

at the seams. But I don't know what doctor to use. I don't know anything about doctors. And that's why I use Zock Doc. Zoc Doc is a free app and website where you can search and compare high quality in-network doctors. Choose the right one for your needs and click to instantly book

an appointment. We're talking about in-network appointments with more than 100,000 and health care providers across every specialty. From mental health to dental health, eye care to skin care, and much, much more. Probably dick and ball stuff, boys. And the nice thing about ZogDoc is that you can filter for doctors

that take your insurance, are nearby, and are highly rated. It's super easy to use, and you can find an appointment time that works for you, with the right doctor for your needs. Plus, Zock Doc appointments happen fast. Typically within just 24 to 72 hours of booking. You can even score same-day appointments.

Oh my God! You don't want to admit it, but you should probably see a doctor. So stop putting off those doctor appointments and go to Zocdoc.com slash creepcast to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. That's Zoc-D-O-Coc.com slash creepcast. Zoddog.com slash creepcast. About a week and a half ago, bound for the Grand Banks off the coast of Newfoundland.

The point of no return is a little. long liner, and our aim was mainly to catch swordfish, along with cod and haddock. The prime season for a good haul was coming to a close, and with our haul during the summer, falling short of our usual quota, we decided to make one final run to try and make some extra dough. When we arrived, we started off hauling in many good-sized fish. Everyone was happy. Woo! Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about. Called Spencer. All of these guys from New England, like, from Jersey.

It's kind of fitting, New England. With like a super strong, like, Colton Spencer, the youngest member of our crew, as the first fish was hauled on board. But it was short-lived. After a few days, we began to fail to catch anything. It was as if all the fish had disappeared from the area. with our holds not even a quarter-full, Gabe or captain made the call to sell even farther east to the Flemish cap.

Thanks to a few of us making the mistake of watching the perfect storm to pass the time on the trip out, a few of us understandably had reservations about going so far from any landmass, but the captain pointed out the obvious. Boys, I wish it weren't necessary to do. He began rubbing his thick white beard. But it's either try the cap, I got home broke. You look to the sky, which looked clear.

Besides, the radar says there shouldn't be any storms for the duration of our trip. Up until now, I've never believed in the concept of jinxing. But I can't help but swear that he jinxed the hell out of us with those words. You also watch the perfect storm. Am I wrong? I mean, like, what do you mean? He's the one who jinxed you. You're on a boat called the point of no return,

and you've watched the fucking Mark Wahlberg and George Clooney movie, the perfect storm. Notorious... That's a really good movie. I haven't seen in so long, and it's, it's, yeah, notorious ship going, you know, things go a little mucky on the sea on a boat kind of movie. So, just want to say, can't put it all

on the captain. Just want to point that out. Right, right. It's partially there far as well. Right. We made way for the cap and reached it about a day or so later. To our shock, and of course our elation, we began to haul in a metric a metric ton of fish any apprehensiveness we had melted away like butter in a pan

and we all became infected by the thought of how much money we were going to make until that is the dark clouds began to move in on the horizon I'd been at my station at the helm and I looked out the starboard windows

to see the ominous darkness rolling towards us what the hell according to the weather reports the nearest storm was hundreds of miles away and yet here I was staring one dead in the face you gotta be fucking kidding me

I muttered flicking on the ship's autopilot and walking for the door that let outside push it open thick smell of the ocean and fish wafting over me looking down at the aft deck saw the captain helping the others ready the lines for their next drop hey cap

I yelled out raising my voice to be heard above the boom box blasting out hard rock music glanced up shielding his eyes so he could see me better I stabbed my finger towards the gathering storm, which occasionally flashed with lightning. Still perfectly remember how the captain's face filled with shock and surprises he turned to see it. The rest of the crew turned and spotted it as well. Oh, that's just great.

Will, another of our crew shouted out, exasperatedly, dropping the hooks and lines to the deck. The rest of the crew led our curses and some turn to the captain, asking them questions I couldn't hear over the music. After speaking to them for a minute, he walked over and turned off the bow. boombox before making his way up the steps stand beside me where exactly in the hell did that come from he muttered pulling his hat off his head and scratching at the tufts of gray hair that remained there i don't know sir i admitted watching another bolt of lightning flash inside it

all i know is i was at my station looking around one minute i don't see it in the next trailed off i followed the man back into the wheelhouse as he walked to the radar display. For a moment he stared down at it and lightly began to smack at it. Piece of shit. What's wrong? He gestured to the screen. The stupid radar

must be on Fritz again. It doesn't show the storm on the radar at all. A small wave of confusion swept over me. I personally repaired the system last time it walked out and as far as I knew it had been working perfectly. But as I stepped next to him, I saw he was right.

You know, storm clouds were displayed on the in the direction the storm was coming from. What the? Shiver rushed up my spine when I didn't understand why it had. The cabin was warm and comfortable and yet it felt as if we just walked through thick fog.

Finding my voice, I looked at the captain who held a thoughtful gaze. So, what do he do? He took a second to answer, then sighed. I'm not going to risk you boys in my shiv, especially not after we have a good catch

the hold start plotting us of course back to portsmouth hopefully we'll manage to stay just ahead of storm and with that he turned and left the wheelhouse heading back outside to help the others store the gear in preparation for our departure i could hear the faint sound of them yelling to each other as they rushed about the music playing again as well i walked to the starboard windows and gazed out the storm appeared closer now lightning flashes becoming more frequent particularly bright flash came for a moment my eyes locked on a particular cloud formation that had been silhouetted in it. I blinked my eyes rapidly, the rational side of my brain attempting to wrangle in the other. No, there's no way you just saw that. You know full well storm's play trick on your eyes. Shaking my head, I returned to the helm,

turning off the autopilot and nudging the throttle forwards, hearing the rumble of the engines increase. I kept telling myself that I'd been seeing things. did another shiver ran up my spine as I couldn't shake the image from my mind the image of a cloud formed to the shape of a human skull what a delightful trip absolute hell

nothing bad evident let's let's let I know let's get on the point of no return let's go out farther than we're supposed to watch perfect storm I will say I locked the setup so far like the idea of being on a vessel and then having to

having an unsuspected storm that's not being caught on your radar. I don't know. I like that. It's fun. It's a classic like ocean mystery set up, I think. I did. Yeah, very like scooby-doo.

We only made it about seven or eight miles west when the storm overtook us. I've been on the water my entire life and I've been fishing on commercial vessels since I was 18 years old. I've seen many strange and sometimes unexplainable things.

And I've seen my fair share of storms, some very bad. But I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I've never seen a storm as fierce as this one. 20 minutes after the dark gray, almost black clouds slid over my head. The point of no return was being hammered by 12 to 14 foot swells,

crashing water under the deck. The wind howled as fiercely as a banshee and the world around us turned almost pitch black, the only illumination coming from the almost blinding flashes of lightning, which were followed by roars of thunder. I gripped the helm with hands that had begun turning wide at the knuckles, bracing my legs for each impact. The captain stood beside me, gripping the metal railing next to the helm to keep from falling. Just keep going!

yelled at me. Some of the crew stood behind us, staring out at the maelstrom with wide, frightened eyes. It was a fear that I found infectious. For as much as I kept calm for all outer appearances, inside I was terrified. It's horrifying as horror movie monsters are made out to be, they don't hold a candle to the existential dread and terror that Mother Nature at her worst can instill you with. Suddenly, Wyatt, one of our engineers, flew up the stairs from below. Captain, we're taking on water somewhere, and I can't find the source.

So many of the crew's faces go pale, but the captain remain calmed. All of you get below and help Stroxie find this source in either patch it or seal it, then start the pumps to get the water in the boat out. For a moment, nobody moved until he barked again. Do you want to end up at the door? bottom of the ocean move your asses that got their attention and they quickly followed Wyatt down the stairs to the crew quarters and lower decks as we crested another huge swell i spared a glance at the radar screen it still showed no sign of the storm on its green screen as the line

made its way around in a circle i shook my head feeling a strange feeling what i couldn't place to come over me but i pushed it away forcing myself to focus everyone's counted on you nate Keep your head in the game and pray to the good Lord above, you may get out of this. I shot a glance at the captain. You really think we're going to make it through this, Gabe? I asked the seriousness in my using his first name, making him look hard at me before clapping a hand on my shoulder. With a good crew, a terrific man at the helm. Son, yes, I do.

He declared pulling out a pipe from his pocket and lighting it. Thick, hazy smoke filled the room as he spoke again. I've been through far worse than this. or all. Somehow, I doubted the man's words, but I tried to let them bring some much-needed comfort to me. A large wave crashed over the bow, splashing the front windows with water and obscuring my view ahead for a few moments. When it cleared, the world outside was again pitch black, the outer lights of the boat barely illuminating 20 feet around us. Strong vibration suddenly emanated from the floor beneath my feet and I shot a glance down at the metal. What the hell was that? My answer was given a

moment later as another crew member, Andrew, ran up the stairs. He was soaked with seawater and his eyes darted around in their sockets in panic. Captain, the pumps are working the hardest, but we're taking on more water than we can expel. We can't find the source of the leak either. Captain cursed and turned to me. Nathan, hold fast up here and keep going east. I'm going to go below and try to help. Not giving me a chance to answer, he turned away, beginning to head towards the

companion way stairs. I just turned back to look out the window when the brightest flash of lightning came turning the world around us for night today. It also revealed something dead ahead that made my heart almost stop. Oh, fuck my life. Racing towards the point of no return

was a rogue wave. Oh, fuck. One that dwarfed all the swells around us. My mind screamed at me that it had to be at least 30 or 40 feet high, enough that it blocked out the sky ahead. Captain!

I screamed at the top of my lungs. I heard him stop from the sound of his footsteps as he dashed back next to me. Good God Almighty. Nate, turn us broadside into the wave. I only hope is for us to roll over completely. I turned to see him snatching for the microphone

handset, which connected the wheelhouse to the ship's intercom as I began ripping the helm to port. Oh my gosh. I think I would rather be shot. Yeah, I would just say, Captain, put a bullet in me head. Yeah, the only,

our only option is to do a complete barrel roll. No, absolutely not. I'm not fucking doing that, no. Yeah, no, no, kill me, please. Yeah. Behind me, I heard Andrew let out a strangled scream as he spied the behemoth racing toward us. All heads!

We have a rogue wave and come. The captain shouted it to the bike. Below I heard the terrified shouts of the crew spring up. I clenched the helm and a death grip as tears silently poured out of my eyes. In my head, the scene from the perfect storm flashed. The Andreah Gale being flipped and driven into the ocean. I only had enough time for one quick thought. Please God, no.

The waves smashed into us with all the force of a dozen runaway semi-trucks. The portside windows of the ship shattered into a thousand pieces, and the freezing seawater rushed over us in a seemingly unending wave. For a moment, my mind was unable to comprehend what had happened. And then it began screaming at me as I felt the world began to rotate. We're underwater, we're flipping underwater in the way. The realization horrified me, and I felt certain that we would begin sinking like a stone to the bottom of the ocean. Let us silent prayer for my death to be quick. and then to my astonishment we emerged back into the world above the waves the shock at still being

alive froze me in place and then i looked around i spied the captain locked his arms in a death grip around the metal bar next to me Andrew had been tossed at the back of the wheelhouse I saw a large gash in his head as he stumbled to his feet coughing out water instantly the captain ran to the stairs and shouted down them somebody get up here and give me a damage report as he did i looked down at the screens in front of me fell a wave of despair wash over me as i saw most short-circuited after being after their meeting with the ocean

the radar still glowed green was a screen crackled and flickered as though it would go out in a second wide appeared at the top of the stairs blood dripping from his right arm and soaked to the bone give me some good news wyatt The captain yelled over the howl of the wind that screamed into the wheelhouse through the broken windows. To me, it sounded almost more like a plea

than a demand. Wyatt shook his head. The port side engine is dead, sir. Starboard is still running, but barely. Our main generator is dead, and the backup is running everything at full capacity. Let out a shaky breath and looked at the floor before finishing. Then the pumps are dead as well, sir.

For a moment, nobody spoke. The implication of the man's words hung like nooses around all our necks. The pumps were dead, and so were we. There was only a matter of time before the ship filled up with too much water and foundered. We're now running on borrowed time, I thought,

numbed. When the captain spoke again, his tone was more subdued. Go down below and tell the men to gather all the emergency supplies they can. Food, water, first aid kits, have them bring the life raft up

and set it down. down. We'll stay with the ship as long as she'll take us. Then we'll abandon ship into the raft. Wyatt began to speak. Captain, with all due respect, these waves will tear apart that... Don't argue with me! Just do it! Why I took a step back and turned wordlessly and headed back down the gangway. And then turned to Andrew, who had begun shaking slightly, a result of both the freezing water covering him and fear. Andrew, try the radio and send out a distress call. you know the drill for a moment the younger man stood as still as a statue then he rushed to the radio

and jammed his hands down on the transmit button mayday may day this is the fishing vessel point of no return registration number 57306 we're approximately i don't know somewhere off the coast of newfoundland and we need urgent assistance our ship is taking on water and sinking does anyone read me i tuned his words out as he began to repeat turning instead to to look out the broken windows. I didn't say it out loud, but I knew we were royally screwed. Why it's right,

these waves will tear the raft to pieces long before anyone reaches us. The numbness began to spread as I was faced with the unavoidable thought that these might be the final minutes of my life. Moments of my past flashed in front of my eyes. Growing up as a child in Portsmouth, spending weekends at friends of my mother's

and Kittery Point, visiting Bigi's boathouse with my mother and aunt my relationship with Dana, my ex single image suddenly appeared in my mind my friends and family crowded around across commemorating us crying the breath began to come in short, ragged gasps

as I tried to force away the image Bing the sound snapped me out of the inner battle with my mortality and I blinked for a second what the then it came again Bing The realization suddenly crashed into me As hard as the wave had

The radar Looking down I watched the flickering screen As the line made its way around again This time as the sound rang through the wheelhouse A third time I saw the large shape appear And it sent a bolt of renewed hope through me Captain I've got something on the radar

Sound of Andrew's distress call stopped As both men turned towards me I think it's a ship instantly the man was at my side gazing down to the screen I don't believe it you're right he breathed out in an astonished tone then he locked eyes with me are you thinking what I'm thinking Nate he asked I swallowed

Gabe right now there isn't much of an alternative looked at me for another second before nodding it had approximately south southwest and pour on the power for the next 20 minutes we crashed through the storm in silence aside from Andrew, who returned attempting a distress call. Finally, he gave up. Captain, the rogue wave must have snapped off the radio antenna.

Still, we continued on. I strayed my eyes against the lashing wind and rain pouring through the windows, praying to catch sight of our only chance at survival. And then, in the flash of the lightning, I saw it. Even a few miles away from us, I could tell the ship was huge. She rose, almost imposingly out of the water, rolling up and down in the waves of the storm.

Another flash of lightning showed that her hole was black while her upper decks were painted white. Two large red and black smokestacks rose in the sky, almost disappearing out of sight. I heard the captain let out a low whistle as he spotted it as well. She's got to be, what, 800 feet long? I called over the wind.

Try more like a thousand. By now, most of the rest of the ground, crew had reappeared from the below deck. They brought the gear the captain had ordered up and had packed it into waterproof bags. I'd also requested that the satellite phone and laptop be brought up as well. Unfortunately, the phone was very much dead from being submerged, but the laptop, according to Will, was able to be salvaged. When they caught side of the giant's ship, they let out cheers and turned to hug one another. I realized I hadn't been the only one feeling that death was breathing down our necks. As we drew within half a mile of the ship, I realized

something was off. Captain, she's dead in the water. Not moving at all. If she'd been under power, it would have taken longer to draw near. Captain looked hard, but nodded. You're right. She must have snapped off her mooring lines

in the storm somewhere. It's a ghost ship adrift. Saw the crew's faces at the news. So, what do we do now? Kenny, the other engineer, asked. Captain turned to them as I steered us closer. We stick to the plan. We draw alongside her

And find a way aboard We transfer our equipment on board And then we'll go from there The look of hope returned in some of their eyes But I saw apprehension in her others I didn't blame them one bit Fear still course through my veins All it takes is one screw up

One mistake And we're all dead The captain ordered me to move around To the ship's port side So as to give us a small bit of shelter From the storm He then snapped on the powerful searchlight which, thankfully, had it been taken out by the wave and traced it over the ship.

A few minutes later, I heard him let out a triumphant laugh. Nate! Move us next to the middle of a ship! There's a ladder dangling there! He was right. I saw the white lines and wooden steps flailing about in the wind. Sparing a glance behind us and seeing that the ocean was beginning to creep over the back of the transom, I hastily maneuvered the point of no return over to the ladder, nudging the throttle into neutral as we drew alongside. Sparing a glance out of the open side door, I saw Spencer and Will reaching out with boat hooks to snatch the ladder.

Yes, the two men hooked it and lashed it onto our railing. Okay, one minute at a time, get the gear and get up there. Slowly, almost painfully, the eight members of our crew made their way up the ladder and onto the ship. As I watched why I climb out of sight, the sound caught my attention. I looked down to see all of the remaining gauges die, and the sound of the remaining engine idling died away.

Crap, almost immediately afterwards I became aware of a new sound. It was one that spurred a new wave of panic in me. It was the sucking sound of the sea rapidly flooding the point of no return. Captain! She's going under! I screamed, snatching up the last bag of supplies. I saw the man give an almost pained look as he cast a final look at the vessel he worked his entire life to afford before shouting at me and Kenny, last to abort the same. sides himself.

All right, boys. Abandoned ship! Kenny went up the ladder first, unable to wait for him to make it all the way up. The captain and I unsnapped the ladder from our railing and began climbing after it. We were halfway up when I heard the second sound increase to a fever punch. Stop and sparing to look below me, saw the boy of the bell return to bow, lift out of the water as their stern slipped below the waves. She rapidly began to sink, and I turned to continue climbing.

That was when a scream came from overhead. I snapped my gaze up to see a body fall past me, missing me by less than a foot. For a moment, shot kept my mind from working until I realized who I'd seen in the split-second flash of lightning. I screamed out into the dark, when the lightning flashed again, I saw no sign of him floating in the waves, only the bow of our ships that finally slipped below the waves. I shouted the man's name again, the wind tearing the cry from my lips and off into the storm. Nathan, he's gone!

Came a cry from below me. I shot a look down, seeing the captain looking up at me with a horrified expression. Get at the ladder! I fought my emotions for a moment that climbed as quickly as I could for the railing. A few moments later, both the captain and I hauled ourselves over, collapsing onto the wooden deck with sputtering coughs and groans. When I raised my head, it was to see the ashen face of Wyatt looking down. us. Where's kidding? I took in a shaky breath and shook my head slowly at him. I saw the shock and horror

flash into his face. The same happened to all of the men standing behind him. For my part, I simply felt numb. Even though I'd lost my aunt to ovarian cancer in 2009, lost one of my mom's family friends to a brain tumor in 2012, I never actually seen someone die before. Not in real life anyway. My mind was a chumble. I couldn't think properly. Thankfully though, the captain stood up and spoke up. His voice shaking only for a second before hardening. As hard as this may be for everyone, we need to get inside and out of the storm. We'll have time to be able to grieve later. Right now, we need to get away from the wind and rain before we catch pneumonia or hypothermia. This word seemed to bolster everyone, even myself, and we all stood, gathering our supplies and movie to find

a door inside. After a few minutes searching, we found one. And after snapping on the waterproof flashlights we all had, we stepped inside the ship. Again, I've got to say, that was awesome. That entire sequence of like the ship going down and the storm and then rolling and everything

and having to catch the ladder. Oh, that was so good. You just said, yeah, without the British accent. Yeah. Yeah, there we go. Yeah. No, I mean, that's what they sound like. I mean, you know, not every word is going to be so colorful. No, no, no. That was a break. That was a break for sure. I'm still in my accent. I'm still doing it. Just, yeah. Sometimes you sound like that.

Okay. Not everything. Some fruity delightful piece of ginger, you know, I don't know what I'm supposed to tell you. Anyway, um, I, that, that whole thing was great. I really loved it. Uh, the descriptions of like the captain in the file moments, watching the ship go down, like the tear of it, the intensity. That was great. That was awesome. And now how cool of a concept. There's a ghost ship in the middle of the ocean. in the middle of this storm that they have to go on to. And like, oh, man, that's so cool. This is great. This is stellar. I love this. Okay.

Anyway, instantly, the sound of the howly wind grew fainter as we found ourselves inside a companion way of some kind. It seemed like it was meant for the crew. It seemed more Spartan and function overformed than what I'd seen from the rest of the ship. Nobody said a word, so we made our way down until we came to another door. Will, being the first in line, reached out

and opened it. And we stepped into what I can only describe as the most luxurious lounge I've ever been in. The walls were plastered with wood that reflected back in the glow of our lights. What appeared to be marble lined the ceilings overhead, I saw dozens of tables and chairs, ones that had been once scattered across the room, line overturned or on their sides. No doubt thrown about by the storm. Walking further into the room, I turned to the left and aimed my flashlight at the wall. Nearly jumped out of my skin as my light reflected off a huge face that gazed back at me. Jesus!

Feeling my heart began a marathon in my chest. What? What is it? I heard Andrew call out. All the men ran to me and aimed their lights at what I'd seen. Instantly, the tension that filled the room was replaced by the sound of laughter. Fucking hell, Nate. Are you really that afraid of the Queen of England?

Okay, now you're... now you're redeemed. It's like redeemed. Well, no, because these are

American sailors on the British chef. Are you the of the queen night? That by the way is like

a a like hand of God pull for you. This becomes a British story after you completely

made up the British part of it. Vinny, another one of our crew asked as he fought for breath.

I let out a shaky breath of my own as I played the light over what I now saw was a painting. One of Queen Elizabeth the second. Then I began to laugh along with him. Good Lord, Nathan. You really are a pussy. For a minute,

we all stood there, laughing and feeling the mood lightened somewhat. The levity helped lighten the sadness that we all felt. It was cut short by the captain's voice as a loud rumble of thunder came from outside. All right, everyone. Changing to dry clothes and break out the

sleeping bags, then get some sleep. This has been one of the worst days of our lives. We need to rest. Tomorrow, we'll take stock of the ship and figure out what to do next. And with that, everyone began to fan out, finding a lone corner to change in without being seen. As I did, I approached the captain. Gabe. I sat tapping the man on the shoulder. Turned to look at me and I instantly saw the haunted look in his eyes. The poor man blames himself for Kenny. I wanted to say something, say that it wasn't his fault. Said I told him I wanted to stay up a little, get the laptop out and try and get a signal from the satellite connection, try and find a way to send out a call for help. After a moment's hesitation, he agreed, gesturing towards the vast amount of chairs and tables.

Go ahead, just try and get some slip afterwards. I nodded, patted him again on the shoulder before turning away. That's where I am now. I changed in a dry clothes and found a thick, cushioned armchair on its side. set it upright that pulled out the laptop battery was thankfully fully charged i have a solar charger if it gets low which survived but as i said to the start it adds to have sustained some kind of water damage because it won't let me go to many if any sides only this one i'm the only one of us left awake now all around me i can hear the snores of my fellow crew members hear them rolling over to get comfortable on the carpeted floors i still hear the rain pounding on the roof of the great ship hear the thunder rubble feel the ship lurching up and down in the waves. Pray she doesn't hit any rocks during the night. We don't need another

problem on our hands. There is one final thing I have to say. Though I can't help but feel foolish about it. I know that we're the only ones on board. Otherwise, people would have already come by now. We'd be swarmed with crew or passengers. And yet, I can't

shake the feeling. I'm being watched. I know it's ridiculous, but I can't make the feeling go away. I feel like a goldfish, with its owner staring in at me, and I don't like it one bit. I ever took a walk around outside this lounge to reassure myself nobody else is here. I know the captain wouldn't have liked me doing so, but I wouldn't have been able to sleep otherwise. If anyone reads this, can anyone help us?

We're only fishermen who've dealt with a 70-foot-long liner, not a giant cruise ship or ocean liner. Does anyone know what we have to do to get power going again, where we have to go, if we can get power restored we might be able to get the radio on board working again and let people know we're out here and is there anything else important we should do tomorrow anything at all you can think of please let me know if anyone sees this check back in the morning see if anyone has oh and one final thing i don't know if it'll help but when i went for my walk to prove to myself no one else is here i found a life ring which had the name of the ship stamped into it maybe someone can look to see if the ship has been labeled missing or something, which would work to try and get someone to know where we are.

The name of the ship bears the same name as a huge, almost creepy-looking painting on the wall that in the dark I try not to look at. The RMS, Queen Elizabeth. End of Port 1. I got to say. I got to say. Go ahead and say it.

What do you got to say? I like it. I like this a lot. Yeah, I do too. premise just just the the uniqueness of the premise we were a fishing vessel that found this abandoned crew ship it looks like but no one's on it and like we don't know where we're at and there's a storm and I feel like there's some entity watching us just got to say like I already have it like a soft spot for like ocean stories or nautical stuff and this is hitting every checking

every box I have for a story like this it is so cool I'm love I'm liking this a lot right now. It's very nice. That name, I like that it's also setting it up to where I feel like it's setting up a paranormal angle, potentially ghost ship kind of thing. You even get some fun, you know,

it could go any direction, which I think is fun, paranormal, monster, you know, whatever. It could go in so many different directions and I'm excited to keep unveiling the story.

I thought that name Queen Elizabeth was familiar. And I was like, what's that? So I look up RMS Queen Elizabeth. In 1972, while she was undergoing refurbishment in Hong Kong Harbor, a fire broke out aboard under unexplained circumstances and the vessel was capsized by the water used to fight the fire.

The following year, the wreck was deemed an obstruction to shipping in the area and in 1974 and 75 was partially scrapped on site. Well, that doesn't seem too good. Well, that's not great. Just got to say, being on that ship now, not a good thing, I would argue. So, yeah, they're, they're on a ghost ship. So that's great. They're on a ghost ship at the moment, right?

They're on a, they're on a go ship with a giant skull in the clouds looking down on them, apparently. It did give some Harry Potter vibes there for a moment, but, you know, you know what? You know what? I was thinking about that. I was like, uh, there's a skull in the cloud and there's a mention like before the wreck of the captain lighting a pipe. But I'm also having so much fun with like the tone of the story, like, it's great.

The ship and like, captain, we're. taking on water, whatever, that I'm willing to forgive it. I'm willing to look over it. Yeah. Yeah. It's okay if it's a little cheesy. I mean, they're on a ghost ship in an ocean, right? Yeah, no, I'm having a great time with it. All right. So we are now on to part two. Thank God. To say I'm relieved that the first post got through would be an understatement of massive proportions. Even though it seems like not many people saw it, the fact that anybody did

is a blessing in itself. It gives me hope that all of us might make it out of the situation yet. First and foremost, to the people who did see it and commented, I can't think you enough. Especially to the person who suggested a plan for what to do in regarding the power, it was actually thanks to you that I was able to give the captain and the others who suggested of what to do today. Unfortunately, due to the fact we were so excited to get off the point of no return before she sank out from under us, we didn't bring the life raft with us, only the supplies we thought we'd need. We were too caught up in the fact we had a better alternative to remember to like it up the life. ladder. I do have to convince one thing to you all, though. When I first woke up this morning

and check the comments you left, I thought people were either pulling my leg, thinking I was bullshit in you all, or that you had to be mistaken. After all, if the Queen Elizabeth caught fire and sank years, if not decades ago, how the hell could we be on board? Ghost ships, legitimate ones, only exist in horror films, not real life. That'd be a mistake made here. However, after some of the things that have happened a day, I can't help us start to wonder if you're right. And if you are, we're in a whole lot bigger trouble than I thought we were.

I'm jumping the gun, though. I should tell you what went down today. When I first woke up, the first thing I realized was that the storm had passed. The rain no longer pounded on the roof of the ship and it no longer twisted about in the swells. For a moment, it was so calm that I forgot where we were what had happened yesterday.

Then everything came crashing back to me, causing me to sit up straight in my sleeping bag. The first thing I saw was the captain, who sat in one of the lounge chairs. He must have woken up a while ago. He said turned to my direction as I pulled myself out of the bag into my feet, and he gave a short nod. Winding my way around the sleeping forms of the others, I made my way over to him. How long you've been up, Cap? I whispered as I picked up another chair and set it beside him.

He shrugged. A little well now. I was planning on waking everyone up in about 20. minutes or so anyways. I can still see that losing Kinney still weighed heavily on his shoulders. The man likely had it got much sleep due to it eating away at him. I decided to say something. You know what happened wasn't your fault, Gabe.

Kinney was above us. We couldn't have done anything to save him. It was just an accident. For a moment, I saw his eyes hardened and his mouth opened as if to snap at me. Then he slumped into the chair, his body seeming to sag. I appreciate you saying that, Nathan. more than you know but a captain's job is to keep his crew safe

to get them home and I didn't do that for Kenny and I'm going to have to live with that I wanted to argue but I saw that no amount of it would change his mind instead I nodded and turned to look out across the massive room we roused the others a few minutes later and as they opened up the supplies

we'd brought to bring out some food and water the captain reminded me to check the laptop but in it up I saw the battery was low, making a mental reminder to set the solar power charger and the sunlight outside to charge it back up. Then I checked the post it had made. Hope and excitement surged through me as I saw comments left below. You guys. People saw what I wrote. In seconds, I was surrounded as everyone crowded around me.

A bottle of water and a granola bar were shoved into my hands as they read the comments you all had left. There was silence for a few moments that Spencer spoke up. That can't be right. He said softly. He looked up at us. These people can't be right, right? There's no way the ship they're talking about is the same one we're on board. Wyatt answered him.

No way, Spence. They either think we're playing with them or just spewing bullshit or the thinking of another ship. We're not in some early 2000s horror film. Shot a look at the captain. Cap, you're the oldest of us. Do you know if there was a ship called the Queen Elizabeth? That did catch fire and sink?

He stayed quiet for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before answering. There was a ship called the Queen Elizabeth that was built in the 1930s. And it did catch fire and sink in Hong Kong Harbor in the early 70s. But no, there's no way this could be the same one. There's no such things as ghost ships that manifest out of nothing. He stood up, seeming to push away any remaining thoughts of the matter from his head. We need to be getting onto a more realistic and pressing matters, though. We need to find a way to get power going.

Without it, we have no way to operate the radio to send out a call for help. I pointed out a particular comment that gave an idea of what to do. He leaned down, silently reading it before nodding. That's our plan for the day. He declared before splitting us up into two teams. One team comprising of myself, Andrew, Spencer, and Will would explore as much of the ship as we could. All the captain, Wyatt, and the only other remaining member of our crew, a tall, muscular Italian man named Vinnie

would try and find their way down to the bowels of the ship to restore power. With the plan made and a set of walkie-talkies given to the captain and me to maintain contact with each other, we exchanged a last, good luck and stay safe, left the lounge. Flicking on our flashlights, the four of us slowly walked back through the hallway we'd taken to get inside. A moment later, we emerged into the bright light of day. The sun felt nice and warm on my face, and I couldn't help but let us. a small smile across my face. Disappeared, though, some eyes looked out beyond the railing.

The endless ocean surrounded us, stretching far beyond the horizon. No sign of land anywhere. Small shivers shot through me as the image of our ship slipping beneath the waves replayed in my mind, along with watching Kenny fall to his doom. I shook my head. Snap yourself out of it, Nate. Keep focused. Pulled a solar charger from my pocket and set it down next to the open hatch. Pick it up later when we came back this way. Andrew spoke up, pointing to the row of lifeboats that hung from Davids that spread out away from us. You think those would still be safe to use?

I shrugged my shoulders. I don't see why not. But I wouldn't want to try and use one of those to get back to shore. I pushed the hair out of my eyes and push my glasses up my nose. All right. Let's keep moving, guys. For the next few hours, the four of us explored both the inside and outside. of the ship, occasionally stopping to radio our position back to the captain. The Queen Elizabeth was indeed a luxury ship in every sense of the word.

The wood on the outside decks was well varnished, teaked, shining brilliantly in the sunlight. The same was true for the miles of wood that plastered the walls of the carpeted hallways and rooms that crissed cross the inside like a maze. I was almost in awe of how beautiful it was. However, there was one thing that surprised me, and I wasn't the only one to notice. As we walked through another lounge, Will said the words that incessantly reverberated in my head. Anyone else noticed we haven't seen a single TV on board yet? Andrew shrugged his shoulders.

Hey, who knows? Maybe they took all the TVs off the walls for renovations or something. Or maybe it's one of those ships that deliberately doesn't have any in order to keep the passengers from not taking part of the activities. His words reassured me a little, but I still couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. The entire time we'd been exploring the ship, an indescribable feeling had followed me like an annoying dog. And to make matters worse, the feeling of being washed I'd had last night hadn't gone away.

Every so often, I would shoot a look behind us as we had walked. Amy and my light backed the way we'd come. I saw nothing. But for whatever reason, it felt like something had been there and pulled back just out of sight every single time I'd look. As we entered what, according to the sign above the door, door was the first class smoking room. The radio on my belt chirped. There's a layer of static above everything due to the massive amount of steel and wood in the way, but the

words of the captain were unmistakable. Nathan, we finally reached the engine room. We also found the power source. Art a small trace of surprise in the man's voice as he continued. You're not going to believe this, but the ship is powered by what appears to be Yaro Boilers. I haven't seen these things on a ship since I was a young man in the Navy. Spencer's face crunched up in confusion. What in the air was a yoro boiler? I shrugged my shoulders, then hit the transmit button. Can you get the power going?

There's another wave of static before he answered. It'll take a little while, but yes. We'll be able to get power back on, back to this ship. Just give us about 20 minutes or so, half an hour at most. It's been a while since I've had to fire one of these P and the Sups. And there are 12 of them down here. And with that, he clicked off. Well, now what do we do in the meantime?

Well, last, Spencer began to answer him. I remember saying on a map on the wall that there's a first-class gym on this deck. The four of us could go and lift some weight until they get everything going. Or if we fancy a swim, there's a swim pool as well. Or hell, we could even... He kept speaking, but I'd stop listening to him. The feeling of being watched at return, this time with the vengeance that caused a cascade of shivers to shoot up my spine.

For a moment, I resisted the urge to look around. Then I cast my eyes towards a set of windows to the outside where someone peered in at us. On the outside of a cruise ship? Oh, man. Yeah, who's staying on the ship, you know? Well, I mean, he's looking outside, so it would be on the side of the ship, right?

Well, I assume that he's probably like on a deck looking in is what I would assume. Oh, I see what you're saying, yeah. I only caught a glimpse of the figure for a moment before they realized they'd been spotted and yanked their head back out of sight, but it was enough to see what looked like a small boy or young teenager. Hey! I shouted out rushing over to the window. It didn't open, but I was able to crane my neck enough to look around the corner.

The deck was empty in all directions, but I knew I hadn't seen things. There had been someone there. Hey, guys, did any of you see that? There's no answer from behind me. I could imagine them looking at me like I just groaned two heads. They probably think I'm nuts. Seriously, I'm not kidding. I saw someone out there.

They still didn't respond. I felt a slight pang of irritation flowed through me and turned back, beginning to speak. Guys, don't be assholes. I'm asking you... The smoking room was empty. My voice died in my throat, and I felt a wave of confusion watch over me. What the hell? I looked around, my eyes wondering into the innate wooden bars.

that lined the back of the room, but there's no movement over there either. What the hell? Did they freaking leave? I breathed out incredulously. The irritation I'd felt a moment ago reared its head again, and I strode to the open doors to the hallway. Hey, assholes! What the hell's the matter with you?

We're not supposed to split up! My voice echoed away into the gloom, bouncing off the wooden walls and dying away. But nobody answered. A thought suddenly entered my mind. mind. Oh, this better not be a prank. This is not the time or place for that shit. I knew that the three men left to play practical jokes on themselves and the rest of the crew, but I would have thought they known better than to pull them with this predicament. I let out a deep sign began to

walk down the hall. My footsteps muted by the carpeted floor. If this is a joke, I'll fucking ring your necks. I muttered reaching a T-junction and shining my light down it. Empty, empty and silent. Kept going straight, passing by a sign showing the direction of the gym and movie theater. I remembered hearing Spencer talk about it and quicken my pace. I expected the sound of their voice

to slowly began filtering down to me. But as I approached the door to it, still heard nothing. And when I shone the light inside, reflecting off rowing machines, stationary bikes, and other exercise equipment I didn't recognize, my exasperation grew.

No what? Screw there. I said through grid of teeth snatching the walkie-talking from my belt and thumbing it Hey captain You're not gonna like this but the others quite literally abandoned me And ran off to God only knows where I'm trying to find them but they've completely fucked off

Any advice of what I should do? Over Wall of Stad agreed me as I let go up the transfer button Nobody answered Hit the button again Captain do you read me I'm alone the others have run off over more static began to fiddle with the dials changing channels

interference stupid piece of shit I hit the button again hello does anybody read me over the static suddenly stopped the hallway went silent a silence I've never experienced before one that seemed to be alive if that makes any sense

then voice suddenly tumbled from the walkie talkie speaker hello Nathan my shot down to the radio and my hand, my breath catching in my throat. It felt like someone had just poured a bucket of ice water down my back. That wasn't the captain's voice. That wasn't any of the crew's voice. For a moment, I debated saying nothing. And I slowly pressed down the transmit button. My throat had gone as dry as cotton. Hello? My voice coming out gasped me and ragged. For a few seconds,

there was no reply. And then came the voice again. A man's voice. deep and low. Welcome aboard to all of you. My heart began to thump hard in my chest and my breathing quickened. What the actual fuck, man? I forced myself to hit the button again, forced my voice to come out much calmer than I felt. Who the hell are you?

There's another stretch of silence in which I began to furiously look over my shoulders, the feeling of paranoia growing by the second, and then my blood turned to ice as a new sound emanated from the radio speaker. Sound of the man beginning to laugh. Another laugh joined the first, this time a woman. I stared at the radio as if it were possessed as more and more people's laughter began to filter out of it.

It sounded as if an entire room full of people had just found what I'd said the most hilarious thing they'd heard. Fear began to fill every five of my being. A new kind of fear different than the one I'd felt in the storm last night. And then it climaxed as a horrifying scream. one that sounded like a woman being brutally murdered tore from the speaker. I practically flung the walkie-talkie out of my hand to the floor, clapping a hand over my mouth as I backed up into the wall.

As soon as the scream finished, the radio went silent, dead. For a few moments, I stood there. Hand still clapped up from my mouth and staring at the radio like it was about to sprout legs and chase me. I fought to get my racing heart, shuddering, breathing under control. The logical part of my mind trying to make sense of things. You're panicking, Nathan. You're panicking, and you're panicking so much that you're beginning to experience auditory hallucinations.

When the mind breaks, it conjures up things that aren't there. What you need to do is get outside into the fresh air. The fresh air will do you good. I took a deep breath, feeling myself beginning to calm down. The fear I'd felt began to melt away like ice in spring. I shook my head. Yeah, you're supposed to be the calm and rational type, Rogers. whispered to myself

I let out a soft laugh and took a step towards my dropped radio but I stopped as I felt my foot step on something something that wasn't the carpet looked down at the floor there crushed under my foot was what appeared to be a folder of some sort no not a folder

I crouched down aiming my light as I picked the object up there was artwork on the cover I could see a violin a film reel shuffleboard and other items decorating the cover. Big, blocky black letters in the middle of the cover read, Program for today. And in the bottom right-hand corner was the word

cunnered in cursive scrawl. I looked at the cover as I walked over and picked the radio up, clipping it back to my belt. Focusing my attention on it was helping me rapidly calm, and I saw it quickly flip it open and see what it said. There are only two pages inside. The top of the left page was adorned with the word notices, while the right page was headlined by

Program of Events. My eyes began to slide down them, silently reading it out, until my mind caught up with my eyes. Wait, I didn't just see that, did I? I flashed the light back up to the top right of the page where the date was stamped. Thursday, June 21st, 1956. What? I blinked to my eye a couple times, silently praying that the date would change. I was seeing things. But no, it remained the same. I began to feel my heart pounded my chest again.

This makes no fucking sense, man. For a moment, my mind flashed back to the comment I'd seen that morning, about the ship having sunk decades ago. I shook my head, tried to stay called. Just get the hell outside, Nathan. Taking a breath, I turned to head back in the direction of the smoking room and froze. The program fell for my hand to the floor. My heart thundered in my chest and my breathing came in short, ragged gas. There were figures standing in the hallway down by the T-junction. I couldn't tell how many, but there were enough that they blocked the way back. In the gloom, I couldn't see any features, just the dark outlines of them.

Remembering the flashlight of my hands, I began to raise it to aim at them. That's when the light flickered out. I was plunged into gloom as I stared down to the light, smacking in and mentally pleading for it to come back to life, but it was no use. The light was dead. Realization suddenly filled me as my mind screamed at me that I'd taken my eyes away from the figures. When I snapped my head up, I almost screamed. They had drawn closer, packing the hallway from wall to wall.

They made no noise at first, and then I heard the whispering begin. It started quietly, almost to the point I thought I was hearing things, but then it began to grow louder. I couldn't tell what was being said. the voices were so low it was impossible to distinguish individual words. Even so, I felt a new bolt of terror shoot through me at the sound, and then my fear compounded as I saw the figures take a step towards me. I began to violently shake as I slowly began to back away. Then they came from me.

The figures were suddenly a blur of motion, moving far faster than any human being could. They streamed towards me, the whispering suddenly intensifying to a fever pitch. Caught off guard, I stumbled backwards, tripping over my own feet and falling to the, the floor. My right elbow slammed into the wood paneling, and I felt a bolt of pain shoot up my arm. The figure swarmed over me, the whispering morphing into laughter, laughter and screaming. A moment later, more screaming began. My screams. I raised my arms over my head, covering my face

and curling into a ball. Tears began rolling down my face, and I felt at any moment I'd be torn apart. Nathan! The shout cut through the silence? I stopped screaming but kept my arms over my head protectively. Then I felt a hand began to roughly shake me. The terror returned and I lashed out. Don't get the fuck off me! The voice came again, a familiar voice. Hey, easy, bro, easy!

The realization made me lower my arms and open my eyes. Three faces, etched with panic and fear, looked down at me. For a second, I fought to find my voice. Andrew Will Spence? Relief crossed the faces of my crewmates. He's back!

Andrew said quietly, wiping visible sweat from his brow. I uncurled myself and set up, looking around. I was lying on the floor of the smoking room, close to the windows I'd seen the figure outside. Sunlight still streamed in, landing on where I collapsed to the floor.

Looked up at the others. what the hell happened Spencer shook his head still looking rattled but Andrew again answered me dude I have no fucking idea one minute you were talking about going to check out the other areas of the ship

the next you suddenly yelled and ran to the window then you just started pulling a statue routine you didn't respond to anything we said you just stared at the ocean not moving and not blinking until you suddenly fell to the floor and began screaming Let out a shaky breath of his own

He scared the ever-living shit out of us I blinked rapidly My mind trying to make sense of his words And I really hallucinated everything And it all just been in my head I stumbled to my feet Aided by Will and Spencer Andrew just kept looking at me

Concerned look on his face It's a good deep breath of my own I'm okay My voice sounding far calmer And sure than I felt you sure I nodded I must have gotten less sleep last night than I thought

the stress in the sleep must have made me I don't know far asleep standing up or something I can see the other two relax immediately taking my words at face value but Andrew continued to look at me for a moment seemingly unconvinced finally he nodded

sound of static stab through the air causing me to almost jump out of my skin then the sound of the captain's voice rang over the radio on my belt we're in business boys I heard him declare happily A moment later I felt the floor beneath my feet shudder slightly from what must have been the boilers coming to life

and then the lights came on all throughout the ship smoking room became a blaze with the yellow light of what had been the incandescent bulbs banishing away the gloom that lurked in the corners like monsters in the closet I began to say something to the others when a new sound began music music began spilling out from what had been

the hidden speakers in the wall walls are ceiling. It echoed all throughout the deck. I could hear the instruments, along with the woman's crooning voice reverberating far down the hallway, likely all throughout the ship as well. Spencer looked up the walls. Man, that's one hell of an old song. Andrew nodded, still looking hard at me. Will suddenly snapped his fingers. I know this song. My grandmother used to play it all the time when I was a little kid. began snapping his fingers again, thinking hard. it's by a singer from the 40s and 50s called I think Joe Stafford

Now Andrew did take his eyes off me Looking over at him What's the song's name? He asked mildly interested Will thought for another moment before answering You belong to me As if on cue the singing voices sang out the four words Couldn't help but shiver slightly at them

Still feeling as if I jumped through From Kansas to Oz And then been booted back to reality cleared my throat um hey guys would you would you mind not telling the captain about what happened with me they looked at me for a moment thinking yeah sure nate as long as you don't ever do that again feeling relieved i nodded spencer spoke up come on we should try and meet back up at the captain figure out what to do next with that he walked out of the room well following close after him andrew shot me one more I'm sure you're right?

I nodded. Yeah, I'm fine. I lied. I raised my right arm to rub the back of my neck as he began to leave the room. But I stopped as a throbbing pain suddenly shot up my arm. I led out a small gasp of pain, bringing my left hand over to field the back. As soon as my fingers touched my right elbow, another sear of pain rippled out. I turned and looked at where I'd fallen.

There was nothing there for me to have slams my elbow into, and the carpet had been thick and plush, to plush. you have hurt myself. The mental image of falling back in the hallway suddenly burst forth in my mind, falling as those figures rushed towards me, whispering and laughing and screaming. My slowly rose to look down the now brightly lit hallway. Even from where I could see the sign showing the location of the gym, shuddered. It was just a hallucination, wasn't it? I swallowed hard, forcing the thought from my head, and hurried to catch up to the others. We met the captain. We met the The captain and the others back in the lounge we'd spent the night in.

They found a way to turn the music off, and for that I was thankful. All we'd heard as we walked through the ship had been songs that sounded like they were 70 years ago or older. All they did was remind me of the program I'd clutched in my hand, seeing the date on it. We could tell they must have been breaking their backs to get the boilers going. Sweat and black stains covered their faces and clothes. The captain glanced down at his watch. We have only about an hour so daylight left. let's try and make our way to the radio room

to see if we can send out a distress call after that we'll figure out where to go from there we all nodded and hurried after the man as he led the way the room wasn't hard to find at all once we'd entered the upper levels of the ship ones I could tell were met for crew only signs let us right to it

my hopes of being able to get off rose with each step we took and then we're dashed as we reached the closed door to it the captain reached out and attempted to turn the handle but it refused to turn a few of us gathered up next to him and attempted to force it to open but it wouldn't budge a single inch damn it's locked captain growled as he finally gave up felt my heart sink could see the same expression everyone else's face but then the captain continued okay that means there's got to be a set of keys somewhere on board that we can get us that can get us in there he wrapped on the metal door with his knuckles so a next job is to find them they'll likely be in the crew's sleeping quarters maybe in the captain's cabin you looked at his watch again but i'll be a job for tomorrow we should head back to the lounge get some food and

water our systems and get some sleep we've done a good job today and finding our way through the ship now the she has power is going to be much easier i felt equal parts dismay and anxiety as i followed the others back to the lounge and as much as i tried to ignore it i still felt watched the lights didn't help one bed. I kept looking back over my shoulder, afraid I would see the boy I'd seen in the smoking room window again, or worse, the shadowy figures. Thankfully, though, I never did. And we made it uneventfully back to the lounge where we ate our dinner, packages of MREs that had been part of our emergency supplies, and then began to settle down for the night. I used the solar charger I left outside all day to charge the laptop. As I booted it up, Will came over to me. You truly all right, man?

quietly asked me I nodded at him giving him a false smile he sighed you know as much of a fucked up situation as we're in the only good part

was hearing that song again I haven't heard it since my grandmother passed away I looked up at him you like that kind of music honestly I look everything about this time period

about that time period the 1950s I mean like the music the movies the celebrities the cars between you and me bro I like it a hell a lot more than the 21st century.

If they invented time travel in my lifetime, I'd go back down a heartbeat and never come back. He let out a soft laugh and patted me on the shoulder and walked away to his sleeping bag. I watched him go and looked over at the captain. Gazed around at everyone, looked over at me. And I started

slightly. I saw something in his eyes that I wasn't used to seeing. Worry. Worry and fear. Did he see something down in the engine room? also but my prediction by the way is uh what was that guy's name who just got will uh will a hundred percent is going to get like sucked into the the 1950s time loop after that quote there's no way

monkey paul's wish he is going to the abyss he's going to the time prison on the ship just as quickly it washed away and he nodded at me i returned the gesture and he pointed at the laptop in my lap there's an unspoken question are you going to try sending a message out again nodded and he stood up, stretched in his arms over his head and yawning before shaking his head slightly and heading for his own sleeping bag. And now here I am. The only one left awake again. The captain turned out most of the lights in the louch, something I really did not like. So I moved over to a table that remained upright, one that had a lamp built into the middle of it, turned it on. I now set here typing this out, but I can't help but look up my eyes starting around the dark,

expansive room. I'm terrified every time I take my eyes off the screen. I'll see those figures again. I standing in the dark and staring at me. I wish so much that we could just jump into one of the lifeboats on the side of the ship, lowered into the sea, and row away from this godforsaken place as fast as we could. But with only about a week and a half's worth of food and supplies, no idea where we are. We could end up rowing directly into the middle of the Atlantic if we're not there already.

Like I said at the start, when I first started this day, I felt for sure you all had to be wrong. that just because this ship was named Queen Elizabeth it didn't mean it was the same one that caught fire and sank long ago but after what I saw in that hallway both the program from 1956 and those things things that I truly don't know whether I hallucinated or not I'm starting to believe you might be right

as much as my logical mind tries to tell me it's impossible I think we might have jumped out of the frying pan of our sinking ship and into the literal fire. And honestly, I'm beyond terrified. I have no idea how I'm going to sleep tonight. I think in the morning I'll see about getting myself some kind of weapon. A chair, leg, a knife, something. May not do anything against any kind of ghost,

but it might make me feel better, at least. Please, if you're still there, if you end up reading this, please let me know what we should do tomorrow. Should we try and find the keys to the radio? video room like the captain suggested, should we do something else? Is there anything that I might be missing here? Does anyone know anything more about the Queen Elizabeth? Anything that might give me a clue as to why this is happening or just to direct us to any important places? Anything you can think of might help us. God knows right now, we need all the help we

can get. End of part two. You know, I lot that it's going this paranormal route, like a ghost ship. Yeah. In theory, I feel like a ghost ship from a forgotten past sounds kind of corny, but it's working really well here. I think also just showing that each person, each person kind of goes into their own hell when they basically experience these, uh, these phenomenons, these like ghosts almost, right? So it seems like, uh, uh, Nathan, our main character, he experienced it and so did captain is what I, is what I think. Yeah. Yeah, I think it's, um, it is a theoretically corny idea, but it's played in such a way here where it's like more personal torment. And like, I think I'm just so in love with the setting that I'm willing to like look over any other issues. I think the, uh, I'm like, yep, I think the setting is

fun, but I think what's important here that makes the story not go into a super cheesy or like corny areas that it's good characters. If you don't have good characters in your story that you care about, no one's going to give a fuck. So you can, if your characters, if you have likable characters,

then that's all you need to really have to make a compelling story, to make it more emotionally tied in. And right now I like all the guys. Like, I think all of the, um, all of the characters seem to be,

I don't know, just well, well, well, crafted. I like Nathan and Gabe or captain a lot. So, yeah,

every time, uh, you quote him, I imagine Captain Price from Call of Duty. sounds in my head but then I like the idea of like Andrew being like kind of skeptical of him

and stuff like that like it's playing it pretty well so far on to part three the only phrase I know how to describe our current situation right now is up shit creek without a paddle things have gone from bad to far far worse since last night and to tell the truth everyone now is scared

out of their damn minds well almost everyone but I'll get to that in a minute Before I say anything, let me again say thank you to those of you who commented on last night's post. Despite everything that happened today, we managed to make some progress, and I can't help but thank it was thanks to you all giving us some direction. Let me quickly answer a few things that you have brought up. First and foremost, as soon as I opened the laptop and saw the comment,

I went and pulled one of the maps of the ship off the wall, looking to see if there's indeed any sort of chapel or religious gathering areas for us to hold up in. Unfortunately, the Queen Elizabeth seems to never have had one built aboard her. So that idea is out. Secondly, the reason why we set up base camp in the lounge is because it was the first place we reached when we came aboard. It's the place we know best. After yesterday, though, and specifically with our current predicament, I'm beginning to think moving to one or two adjoining cabins might be a better idea. Not as much room for anyone or anything to creep on us.

That being said, let me tell you what happened today. We were aroused by the captain just after 10 in the morning. Come on, Nate. He said softly to me, shaking my shoulder. We've got work to do today. Then he moved away to wake the others. For another minute, I simply lay there, staring up at the ornate ceiling high above our heads. The horrible mental images of the shadowy figures had followed me into my nightmares,

and I dreamed of running down dark and seemingly endless hallways. The figure is always just a step behind me. I shivered slightly as I remembered the voice welcoming me, welcoming all of us aboard. I attempted to force the image out of my head as I pulled myself from the sleeping bag into my feet. Once everyone was awake, we all quickly had breakfast before I broke out the computer to see what people had said. I quickly scrolled down to the comments I saw were there as the others came over. As much as I wanted to tell the others about what I'd seen yesterday, a small part of me whispered that none of them would believe me.

especially after what Andrew, Spencer, and Will said they saw happen to me. If anything similar happens to me or anyone else, I'll tell them, but not until then. Everyone gathered around to read what you all suggested. I could tell to them it was like a lighthouse beacon, helping guide them to safety. I couldn't help but feel a small pang of disappointment to flow through me as they again dismissed the ghost ship comments, even though I'd known it was coming. Apart from potentially the captain to me, nobody else had seen anything out of the ordinary. Shut a glance his way as he leaned in to read the screen,

but any trace of fear I'd seen last night had been wiped away, replaced by as usual calm, calculated expression. Well, at least people seem to agree with my idea to find the keys. He said finally, standing back up and seeming somewhat pleased, Wyatt leaned in and pointed at another comment. Cap, what about this person's suggestion to move from the lounge to some of the cabins to sleep? It'd be a hell of a lot more comfortable than another night on the floor. The captain rubbed his beard thinking.

They may have a point. I wasn't able to get much sleep last night. We'll move our stuff into some of the first class cabins. Just as the same as yesterday, we were paired off into two teams. The captain Andrew and Spencer would head off to the crew quarters to try and find the keys, while myself, Wyatt, Will, and Benny tried to find any food we could add to our slowly dwindling supplies. I very much didn't want us splitting up again, not after both what you all had said and what I'd experienced. But try as I might to say so to the captain.

He remained steadfast. We need to cover as much ground as possible, Nate. He said after we dumped our stuff into some adjoining cabins near the lounge. And with that, he turned and hustled the other two in his group away. I watched them go, saying a silent prayer for them to be safe before turning to the others. Well, which way do we go? Finney asked gesturing to the many hallways that branched away from us. I looked down and studied the map of the ship for a moment.

Myers drifted past the maze of rooms and lounges. in areas before settling on a large area near the stern of the ship. How about we start here? At what looks like a restaurant called the veranda grill? Three men crane to look at the map. Sure, why not? Wyatt said, shrugging his shoulders. With our destination set, we turned and began heading aft.

Passing through the lounge, we found ourselves in more hallways that seemed to stretch on forever. Man, they had a lot of cabins just in first class alone. Vinny said as we passed a small setting area looking out on. onto the starboard side of the ship, and he lowered his voice slightly. Hey, did any of you have anything weird happened to you yesterday? Question caused me to stop dead in my tracks. What do you mean weird? Everyone stopped now.

Wyatt let out of soft groan. Oh, come on, Vin. Nothing weird happened yesterday. The captain said so. But I could tell you wasn't being completely honest. Will's brow furrowed. What are you guys talking about? Took a step towards Vinny.

So that happened to you guys down there in the engine room. Wyatt let out another protest, but then he seemed to ignore him. I don't know, man. All I know is we were down there working like crazy to get the boilers up and running. When I looked over at Captain, he stopped in the middle of us giving, he stopped in the middle of giving us directions. I had no idea what to do next. Saw the big man shiver slightly before continuing.

He had the creepiest expression on his face. It was like he'd been hypnotized or something. The lights were on, but no one was home. Then he just snapped out of it. He looked absolutely terrified for half a second. Then seemed to remember what was happening and kept going. Wyatt cut in. That's because he didn't get much sleep last night.

He literally told us that when you asked him what was up. I swear to God, Vinnie, you're making a mountain out of a molehill with this dude. Vinny shot a slightly irritated stare at him before turning back to Will and me. I just need to know. did any of you have anything weird, unusual happened to you guys yesterday? An exchange to glance with Will. His expression was that of a perfect poker face,

but the look in his eyes betrayed what race behind them. For a moment, neither of us said anything. I debated whether to come clean about my experience, but Will spoke before I did. No. Nothing like that. Nothing besides accidentally tripping over an overturned chair. Yeah, they shouldn't do that.

That's a horrible idea. Well, I thought that he was already going to, um, say that he's like oh if anybody brings it up I'll tell them I wonder why he just didn't outright say yeah it happened to me too he should out he should be like no this is the thing that happened we don't know what's going on

we need to have all the cards on the table this is not time for whatever this is yeah absolutely not I felt a wave of surprise shoot through me the entire time I'd known Will I'd never known him to deliberately lie he was someone who always told the truth even if it ended up bad for him

where the hell does this side of him come from there see all is as well as it can be Wyatt said triumphantly Happy now then I saw him study our faces for another moment before shrugging All right Guess it really was nothing

And with that Turned it began walking down the hall again I spared another glance at will But he simply shrugged at me And turned to follow them I stared after him for a moment Unable to move Until a familiar shiver shut up my spine

One that indicated I was being watched I swung my head around looking behind me back down the hallway. Nobody was there. Nobody I could see anyway. Until another shiver passed through me, I turned and jogged to catch up to the others. We found a set of stairs

that, according to the sign next to them, led down to the restaurant deck from where we were on the main deck. Heading down a few flights, we found ourselves on yet another landing. Will suddenly let out a small laugh and pointed. Hey, guys, check it out! Across the landing from us,

what was what looked like a small booth. Glass and metal bar separated the person who set inside from everyone outside. Looking up, I saw a sign hanging over the window. Purser's office. That must be where you drop off any paperwork

you need to travel aboard. Along with valuables you want locked in the ship's safe. Wyatt said, he let out a laugh. You think there's anything valuable still in there? Jewelry, cash, shit like that. Turned to him, feeling a bit astonished. you're joking right

hey we'll loan a board on here if you took anything I don't think anyone would know he said grinning slightly yeah until the ship gets brought back to dark and the owners discover shit

missing from their dumb ass Vinny said in a displeased tone now is why it's turn to give him an irritated look he's just kidding geez he looked down to the floor chill joy for my part I gave him a long look

then looked over at the purser's office again. I don't think it'd be anyone on land who'd be pissed if we stole anything. I thought. If anyone else could say anything, the radio let out of squawk. My heart momentarily began to thud in my chest. For a moment, I was terrified I'd hear the man's voice from it again.

Instead, the elated voice of the captain came. Night, we found the keys. They're heading away the desk in the captain's cabin. A feeling of relief washed over me, and I pulled the walkie-talkie from my belt and thumbed it as I saw a relieved smiles crossed the other's faces. That's terrific, Cap.

You want us to head straight to the radio room? The man spoke again, a sharp burst of static, masking his voice. Say again? Now the man's voice came in loud and clear. Negative Nathan. Might still need some supplies.

We don't know how long it'll take for anyone to reach us. We're going to begin running low on food soon. Go check out the restaurant, like you were planning. Gonna come meet us. White's face fell at his words, but I saw the other two nod at me.

Roger that cap. We'll try and be quick as we can. Over and out. With that, I clicked off. Come on, guys. This way. I said pointing to a sign at the start of the left hallway.

Ferranda grill, this way. Four of us made our way down the hallway. A porthole stood open halfway down it. As we passed it, the smell of the ocean filtered in. I slowed to take a deep breath of it, letting it invigorate me a bit. It froze. I didn't just see that.

I did not just see that, but I knew I had. As we passed the porthole, I'd shot a glance out, hoping to catch a quick glimpse of the relatively calm waters, and I'd caught a split-second glimpse of someone walking past it. It had been too quick to see anything besides a blur, but it had been enough. I felt the fear of yesterday return Oh shit not again man The heart raced in my chest

And I felt a lump in my throat Hey You all right Nate The voice snapped me back And I looked up to see the others Had turned to look at me All of them were confused expressions On their faces

I thought to find my voice for a second Then spoke trying to sound calm Yeah Yeah sorry about that guy's I Willcocked his head at me giving me an odd look, but didn't say anything. Fusing the urge to look out the porthole again, started walking, pushing past them to begin leading the way.

Come on. Let's go get this over with. For a moment, I heard nothing behind me, and then I heard the others follow. Holy freaking shitballs! Wyatt breathed out. That's... Wow. We stood at the entrance to the restaurant next to a small sign that read,

Please wait here to be seated. For my part, I couldn't blame him for such a reaction, even after what just happened. I couldn't help but feel in awe of the expansive room in front of us. Like the rest of the ship, what in paneling covered the walls? The only difference was that in here, squares of tiles of aquamarine had been indented into them. Some had or innate shapes, and across the room saw a massive painting or stitching of what appeared to be a woman clad in ancient Greek or Roman clothing. below her four horses reared up as if to charge while several men seemed to hold everything up in the midair tables with expensive looking tablecloths littered the room the sea green upholstered chairs around them almost inviting people to come and sit in them shooting a glance to my ride i saw a huge grand piano set against the far wall and a huge aquamarine curtain covering what must be a window to the stern deck i don't even want to imagine what it must have cost to eat in here vinyy said causing everyone to laugh awfully. You're not joking. I replied, then pointed across the room at a metal swinging door.

Look, there's the door to the kitchen. Winding our way through the sea of tables and chairs who reached the door and stopped in front of it. I turned back to the others. All right. Cross your things. We find something, guys. Taking a deep breath, I put my hand to the metal and pushed. We found ourselves in a huge industrial kitchen. Pots and pans of all kinds hung from hooks on the ceiling and multiple stoves stretched away on the far wall. Fading out, we began to Explored the room, opening cabinets and drawers. Got what looks like flour here. Benny called holding up a large white bag.

That's something, at least. Continuing on, we pulled out more than a few ingredients, but nothing we could immediately eat. It got worse when we opened a giant fridge and saw nothing, but items like butter and milk inside. Damn it. Wyatt suddenly yelled, slamming the fridge close with a slam. He leaned back against the door, leaning his head back.

Benny spoke softly. Look, man. If they were at port when the storm ripped her way, it stands to reason there might not have been much in the restaurants. We still have the holds and the meat lockers to go through. At least we found some things. Wyatt's eyes snapped open and he glared at the man. Oh, yeah?

That's always just like you, Vin. You've always got to try and cheer people up. When you're not talking shit about things that have no merit. I realize the situation must have been eating heavily at him, and it was finally bursting out. Then he narrowed his eyes and took a step. towards him clenching his fist. Hey, fuck you, man!

At least I'm not the dumbass who thinks about robbing his ship when we should be searching for food. The two of them began to shout at each other, their voices filling up the room and bouncing off the metal walls. I shot a glance at Will, who wore a helpless expression on his face. Finally, it got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. Shut up. Both of you!

I screamed out the top of my lungs, feeling my own anger flare up at their petty squabbling. I stood there, breathing in deeply as the two went dead. silent, turning to look at me with slightly astonished looks on their faces. I'm not someone who yells often. Usually I'm quiet and calm. When I yell, people take notice. For a few moments, there was nothing but silence in the kitchen as we all stared at each other. Looks of shame and guilt felt over Wyatt and Benny's faces, and I saw them open their mouths to speak, likely to apologize. Whatever words they might have said, died away as a sound suddenly spring up behind

us back through the metal door. The sound of a piano began to play. That wasn't the sound that caused all of our faces to go pale, though. That made the blood in my veins turn to ice and aghast to escape my lips. No, that was because, along with the piano, came to sounds of people talking and laughing softly. Occasionally, the sound of cutlery or glasses being picked up and put down, punctuated in between, my breasts began to come in short, ragged gas as I slowly,

turned to look at the swinging door. Vinnie was the one who spoke first, his voice barely above a whisper. Oh, fuck. I turned back to look at him. His mouth hung wide open. His lower lip, trembling slightly. Sight frightened me more than the sounds emanating

from back the way we'd come. Vinny isn't someone who spooks easily, after all. Then again, this isn't exactly your normal level of creepy shit. Sounds continued. I heard what sounded like a woman let out a particularly loud laugh. why it spoke up um what do he do the unspoken answer was one i've been trying to avoid in my head

aside from the door there's no other way out of the kitchen i forced myself to take a step towards the door knight what the hell are you doing viny hissed at me but i ignored him taking another step forward with each step i took the feeling of terror i'd had yesterday returned rearing its ugly head to begin tearing apart my insides i pictured dozens of shadowy figures waiting just on the other side of the door waiting for us, waiting for us to step out so they could rush us. But it was either set in the kitchen until the sounds went away, if they go away, or open the door and peek out. By the time I stood next to the door, my heart felt like I had just finished running a furlong and sweat rolled down my face. God, please, don't let it happen again.

Don't let them be there. Slowly I reached out with a trembling hand watching as it made its way to rest on the metal, which felt shockingly cold to the touch. I turned and gave one last look at the others. They looked absolutely petrified, as I began to turn back a new sound came. This one louder, almost ear-piercing. Toot? I ripped my hand away from the door,

clapping both over my ears as they threatened to burst. What the shit? It continued for a few moments, and the realization slammed into my brain what the source was. It's the freaking ship's horn. Then it ceased. dying away but leaving the sound echoing in my head slowly pulled my hands away looking up to see everyone else doing the same that's when i realized everything had gone dead silent

sounds of the piano and the people no longer came from the other side of the door it was as if they'd never even been there in the first place turning i saw the others had realized it as well why it suddenly strode forward pushing past me and slamming his shoulder into the door flew open, softly hitting the wall behind it with a thunk, revealing the empty restaurant. As empty as it had been when we'd entered. For a moment, he simply stood there as we gathered behind him and looked out. Then he took two steps into the room.

No. No, there's no fucking way. He softly muttered to himself. He swung around and almost wild look in his eyes. I mean, you all heard that too, right? Slowly we nodded. His eyes darted around as he looked at the floor. that's freaking impossible

we're alone in the ship but there were fucking people out here people talking and shit there was a fucking piano playing suddenly swung around raising his arms and screaming into an empty room what the fuck is going on the three of us slowly left the kitchen

benny went to stand beside Wyatt trying to calm him down but I could see that the experience had for lack of a better phrase royally screwed up the man's brain That wasn't even half as terrifying as what I saw yesterday. Thought made me snap my head up and look around the restaurant, half expecting to see the shadowy figures emerging from the corners,

but nothing stirred. The radio on my hip squawked. Hey, come in right now. Over. I reached down, trying to steady myself, took a deep breath and thumbed the walkie-talkie. I'm here. What's up, Cap? The man's voice came again. I noted with a ping of surprise that there was a trace of anger in it.

Wherever your team is, get the fuck up. to the radio room now i looked up from the radio seeing that everyone had turned to look at me saw the same expression of confusion worries i must have had on my face i hit the button again we're on our way sparing a last look around the restaurant i motioned for the others to follow as i hurried for the hallway so you tell me that none of you managed to get inside the radio room and rip out the microphone the captain demanded the veins in his neck bulging out from barely disguised rage everyone stood in front of the radio room which now hung wide open

the metal door swinging slightly letting out soft creeks I looked inside seeing the ancient set up sitting along the left wall of the room Myers ran over all the equipment stacked neatly on top of each other finally coming to rest on the place where the microphone used for transmitting radio calls stood

I should say where it should have stood instead the space lay bare and I saw that it hadn't been gently pulled out of the system either freight and snap wires hung from the jack still hooked into the radio showing someone had ripped it out with great force I finally found my voice no no none of us would ever do that not when we want to get off this ship shot a glare at all of us and shook the keys in his hand for emphasis so you expect me to believe that while we went to hunt for these that the room just happened to unlock itself and the microphone just happened to tear itself out and walk away Vinny spoke up.

Look, Cap, Nate's telling the truth. We were nowhere near here. And none of us would sabotage a rescue like this. The man's eyes snapped up to look at him. I saw Spencer shoot an accusatory look at us. Then where exactly were you?

Considering that the captain called you over 20 minutes ago and told you to meet up with us right away. A wave of confusion washed over me. What the hell are you talking about, Spence? He rolled his eyes at me. Oh, come on. dude. Don't give me that confused look bullshit. The captain raidered you

and said we found the keys. When you asked me if you forced your meet up right away, he said yes. Then you said that you guys were on your way and you'd meet us here. A mix of shock and further confusion began to rise in me as I saw Wyatt and Vinny exchange puzzled looks.

No, that's that ain't right. White finally said. Nate asked the question, all right. But when the captain replied, he told us to keep going and such the restaurants for food and supplies. Captain turned an incredulous eye on Wyatt.

What restaurants? Nobody ever said anything about restaurants to me. I just said to try and find some food and supplies. Everyone began to argue, but the sound was drifting away from my ears as my mind raced. He's right. He never said anything to me about restaurants before we split up, just supplies. Shiver shot up my spine as another dot connected. And I never said anything about the restaurant when I never said anything about the restaurant

when I replied to him, he was the one who the realization slamed into me like a truck and felt all the blood drained from my face as simple but terrifying conclusion came to the surface.

That wasn't the captain. Everyone stopped arguing to stare at me. What? Andrew asked, seeming confused. I slowly turned to look at the three who'd been with me,

quietly repeating myself. That wasn't the captain who was talking to us. I saw the realization slam into Wyatt and Benny's faces, saw their faces turn his pants, all his mind was. Oh,

fuck, no. Wyatt whispered, his eyes beginning to frantically dart around in their sockets. Somebody won't explain to me

just what the hell you're saying? Captain demanded, but I didn't answer. I stared at the shocked and frightened faces of my crewmates, my two crewmates,

forced my voice out and a squeak. Wes Will. Everyone went silent as they began to look around. They began to call his name. finally everyone began to run around searching for our missing friend Spencer dashed up the stairs to the bridge returning later to confirm it was deserted

panic began to well up inside me as he moved from the bridge back down to the promenade deck the guy was here not even five minutes ago how the hell did he slip away will I heard the captain call as he led the way to the main lounge which stood as empty as it had when we left he looked around look of panic on his face where the hell did he go as he continued to run for the other end of the room a thought slowly began to push forward in my mind for the life of me I still can't explain why it came to me

but the more it persisted the more I became convinced I was right veranda grill I shouted out everyone turned to look at me realizing most of them didn't know what I met I stabbed towards the ass section of the deck the restaurant we went to wide and Benny's face has changed as their minds clicked moments later the three of us were racing down the hallways the other struggling to keep up we took the stairs down to the restaurant deck two at a time the marble steps threatening to fling our feet out from under us reaching the landing we sprinted past the purser's office and down the hall i didn't even spare a glance at the still open porthole i didn't look at anything until we reached the entrance to the veranda grill where i stopped dead in my tracks

would you stop running the captain began but his voice died away as he heard it as well everyone stood as still and silent as a statue listening there were voices

coming from inside the restaurant just out of sight around the corner I felt my pulse quick and in my heart began to pound again the first voice I instantly recognized

as wills the man snorting laughter was unmistakable but it was the second voice voice, a woman's voice, that for yet another time that day, froze my blood in my veins. Like Will's voice, the voice spoke too softly for me to be able to make out any specific words, but it was loud enough. I was able to make out one specific detail. The woman spoke with a clear British accent. Redaimed. No, no, now that makes it a weirder because it's

the crew of British men being like, was that woman British? No, no, no, no, no, no. no. It should have been saved for this. It should have been saved for this scenario. Shut up. Shut up. I'm tired. You are, you are, no.

Absolutely not. Okay. Shut up. Quit. What the actual fuck. Andrew managed out. I slowly turned to look at the captain. His face had turned white as a sheet.

I saw his lower lip quiver slightly. Then it sat and he strode forward. forward. Captain, no! I whispered reaching out to snag his arm, but he tore himself out of my grip and walked into the restaurant. Instantly, the voices stopped speaking, and he simply stood there, staring at something out of sight. Then he gestured for us to come and join him. He all walked quietly to stay next to him. The restaurant was empty, looking exactly as it had when we left, with one exception. At a table near the piano, Will sat with his back to us. He didn't turn around as we entered, simply continued to sit and stare at the wall.

Everyone exchanged a look. The captain led us over to him. As we approached him, I suddenly became aware of a smell which hung in the restaurant, one which was impossible to miss. Perfume? It grew stronger as we stepped next to him for a moment. I was terrified that we'd see him dead, his mouth wretched open, and a silent, unending scream.

Instead, to our surprise, a happy, content smile. adorned his face. His eyes were glazed over, almost as if he were drunk or hypnotized. Will? The captain finally asked his voice low and gentle. At his words, he swung his head to look at all of us.

Oh, hey guys. He said, his voice sounding almost like a character in a cartoon who'd been struck by Cupid's arrow. Wyatt spoke up. Dude, where'd you go? You scared the hell out of us. Will shrugged his shoulders.

I'm sorry about that, everyone. Just, I just met the most wonderful woman. He let out a content, sigh. Ah, the woman of my dreams for sure. She'll run up my spine in his words. What woman? I managed out. He smiled.

Her name's Diana. She's an actress. A singer. So intelligent and interesting. Oh, God. What a woman. Then he turned more towards us, exposing the other side of his face. If I hadn't felt so mentally fried, I might have gasped.

There's a red lipstick mark on Will's right cheek. The kind you get when a woman wearing it kisses you. It stood out clear as day. And even from this distance, I could still see it looked wet. Will's smile grew. She likes me, you know. He declared, looking like the happiest man in the world. In any other situation, it'd be a sight that would warm my heart and make me happy for the man.

In this situation, it scared the ever-loving shit out of me. Okay, this is too fucking creepy. Spencer finally said, his voice trembling slightly as he looked around the restaurant. You're not kidding, man, I silently said. The captain turned to us where he now clearly. etched on his face. Does anyone know what the hell is going on? It's time to come clean and tell him

till all of them the truth I forced myself to speak. As much as I wish I didn't, I think I do. Everyone turned to me. Took a deep breath. Then I began to speak. Told them everything. But all the things you guys said, the things they denied about the horrifying things I saw

in the dark hallway yesterday and about what the four of us experienced. not even half an hour ago right in this very restaurant. As I spoke, I saw some of my crewmates' faces go Pell. Others seemed to fight what I was saying. I saw Spencer and Andrew didn't believe a word, I said, or at least didn't want to, but I saw that the captain did. When I finished, there was a long silence.

Then the captain spoke. I'm not entirely sure I believe all this, but this is the actual Queen Elizabeth, and we're aboard an actual ghost ship. but this he gestured to Will's still smiling face and the lipstick on his face this

this is all I need to see to make up my mind he looked over at me we have over a week and a half's food and water left we're going to gather it up and lower one of the lifeboats we're going to row the fuck away from the ship as fast as we can

and we're going to pray we make it back to land at his words Will's face suddenly turned worried no no i don't want to leave not after meeting diana i want to stay the captain grabbed will by the arm and hoisted him to his feet frankly son i don't give a damn what you want we're leaving now the younger man began to protest and struggle trying to wrench himself out of his grasp but the captain was stronger and he pulled him towards the exit he was almost shouting as we entered the hallway get the fuck off me I don't want to fucking go back to that shitty

fucked up world that's 2023 I want to stay she said I could stay that's my dream to stay forever in the 1950s it could be real I felt a chill at his words but continued following the captain we just reached the bottom of the stairs

when a huge vibration surged up through the floor into our feet it was so strong that I nearly fell on my ass the hell was that Vinny spoke the same words aloud A new sound began filtering up from beneath our feet, a deep, low-pitched hum that slowly began to intensify. I suddenly saw the captain's face pale even farther than it already had. No.

He breathed, then began tearing up the stairs, dragging Will behind him. As we followed, I suddenly realized why he reacted the way he did. When I was a little child in the 90s, I traveled aboard a cruise ship with my aunt and uncle. And I clearly remembered the noise the giant engines made as they powered up before we left port. The engines are starting. Everyone raced for the nearest door to the outside deck. I prayed that I was wrong that the ship would still be dead in the water when we emerged outside. I wasn't.

When we emerged on the deck in the fading light, it was to see that the ship had begun moving, accelerating far quicker than I thought such a huge ship ever could. The water at the stern stretched out behind us in a foam, churned up by the ship's huge propellers. As we stood on the deck, I felt a sinking, hopeless feeling fall over. me. We can't escape in a lifeboat now. Be sucked under and torn apart. Slowly, silently, everyone turned away from the sight, unsure, looks in their faces, except for Will's. More grinning, ecstatic look. We're back in our cabins now. You've partnered up, each having three or four people per room. Nobody wants to be alone now. The captain took Will into his room, refuses to let him out

of his sight. The doors are firmly locked, though I doubt after what I've seen, if they truly want in, they'll find a way. And the fire axes we've brought into the rooms with us won't do a damn bit of good. Somehow, the others have fallen asleep. Spencer and Andrew on the giant bed, Wyatt on the floor with a blanket and pillow. I think I'm the only one still awake. The ship doesn't want us to leave. Enough to fire up its own engines to take off or wear. I don't know. I'm terrified. I don't know what's going to happen to us. I want to ask you what we should do now, but I don't know if any of you would have any idea of what to do in a situation like this. And yet, I have to.

It's the only shred of hope I have left. So please, what should we do? How can we attempt to stop the ship? How in the hell can we defend ourselves against things that are already dead? And what the hell's happening to Will? And did that woman he spoke of, Diana? What did she do to him? I was about to finish, but I have to tell you of two final,

things. Two things that scare me almost more than anything that's happened today. The first is that I hear music. Not music over the intercom, but actual live music, filtering in through the door and walls. It's an old song. One I recognize, a song my grandmother used to listen to constantly. The big band song called In the Mood by Glenn Miller. Worse said I hear voices. I hear laughter and occasionally I hear screaming. But that's not the part that scares me the most. That fills me with an existential dread. As I was sitting here typing, something was forced under the door.

When I flicked on my flashlight, it was shaking fingers and aimed it, I saw one of those programs like the one I found yesterday. When I went over to it, though, I saw it was different. A smiling, cartoon octopus stared up at me from the corner, one that was playing a trumpet and violin, in, stinnacles holding the same objects that had been on the other program. When I flipped it open with shaking hands, I saw two things that made me want to scream. The first was the date in the upper right-hand corner, Wednesday, December 6th, 2023.

Second was what was on the left-hand page under the Notices Bulletin. We would like to welcome aboard our newest passengers. Gabrielle Lerner, Wyatt Strowski, Vincent Gaiton, William Jenkins, Andrew Weber, Spencer Michaels, and Nathan Rogers. We hope you enjoy your stay with us. God help us.

End of part three and a part four. Definitely taking a shining route for sure, which I'm enjoying. Maybe not specifically because like my idea of the shining was it was all about like Jack's mental break. Like the members of the hotel were convincing him to murder his family, right?

This seems more so like everyone's screwed. Like maybe they're pulling in will with a seductress route, but it feels one by one is what I'm thinking. But what I think is that, yeah, it's going to lure you in. And I think it's going to make you not want to leave. Like it's going to basically, uh, yeah, it's going to tantalize you to stay. Like I'm guessing all these other souls were. Oh, there's an example.

There's a horror example. I know there's several about like a place where you die and your spirit doesn't leave, right? I mean, it's a form of purgatory because what I'm reading it right now is that I think that maybe they died. during that wave, like when the, when the ship... Oh, that's an interesting idea. Yeah. That's what I... Maybe they just died on the show.

That's kind of what I've been thinking in that this is like the ferry, the ferryman basically is like it's either on it. Now that they're on it, now it's going to start moving, you know. What is? Oh, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, right? You flip the ship and you're in the, uh, you're in the underworld, right? You're on the other side. It's been a long time since I've seen Pirates of the Caribbean 3, so I'm not. I'm not really sure.

Well, no, you remember the scene where, like, they have to go get Jack from the afterlife, so they flip the boat by running back and forth across the sides of it? I don't. I don't. The only thing I really remember about that series is Will Turner continuously saying, that's my dad. That's bootstrap bill. Okay, okay, okay.

Those movies are incredible. They are great. I'm not saying they're not. I'm just saying they haven't seen them in a long time. You are putting it down a little bit with that attitude. No, I'm not. But there is a scene in the third one where they have. to go into the afterlife and you do it by flipping the ship at sunset so they like flip the ship

by running back and force the point i'm making is that similar here maybe the ship flip they all died and they're in this afterlife and everything that's happened since in like coming across the elizabeth was a part of that or the the figure in the clouds or whatever uh it's just kind of like a vessel that this ship that this queen elizabeth ship travels through who knows uh but as as mentioned with the earlier parts this is great this is so much fun there's not a like

and I understand why but there's not a lot of horror stories we read that just want to have fun right like a lot of them are so and they're good stories we're not saying they're not

but a lot of them are so like it has to be a home invasion or it has to be like there's this one scary monster it takes itself seriously and a lot of them deserve to be taken seriously but this one's just like fun

like you have a crew of like salty sailors who are a board a ghost ship that burned down in the 1970s like that's great. Yeah. No, I think it's a lot of fun. I think once again it's just strong characters, good conflict that's happening, that's keeping us

engaged. And I think that it's like the cherry on top is the paranormal ghost ship that's happening. Like that's the thing that is making it so sweet. But really it's cool. It's a fun, isolated, uh, basically desert island kind of, uh,

meme you know people stuck together you know fighting for survival there's fear building anticipation and now one of them's gone absolutely mental it's it's doing very well uh i'm stoked i'm gonna be happier with where it's at right now so part four the captain is dead oh oh no oh that's so rough No, I'm sorry. Come back. Can we stay in part three? I love the captain. He was such a cool character.

He was like, I imagine it was like Captain Price. Oh, no. Oh, man. We're not, this isn't the last we'll see of him, though, I think. You think it'll be a ghost or something like that? I think so. I think it's going to be a Jack Torres situation, like the Shining. Yeah.

The fuck his last name is in that movie, a book. When we first started today, the seven of us were three. really creeped out, terrified of what might lie in wait for us as we woke in our cabins. Me especially, after hearing the music, voices in screaming, filtering in from down the hall and the very lounge we'd slept in for the last two nights. But I never imagined that when the day would end, there would be two less of us. Three, technically. As hard as it may be to concentrate on anything, but that horrible fact, I'll try and get to

what you guys have said and commented. Say I appreciate everything you've suggested. Say all of us are thankful would be a massive understatement. I feel like you guys are what's helping me to cling to the last vestiges of sanity remaining in my mind. To the people who have commented about making it to either the engine room or the bridge to try and stop, sabotage, or even change the course of the ship, that was the very idea that the captain came to us with when we gathered.

But as I'll explain in a minute, it seems the, I don't know what to call them. Ghosts, entities, evil spirits, hell, demons for all I know, anticipated the move on our parts. So I'm sure, like this is part of the thing, like the ARG interacting with the comments and stuff like that. But I never get that from these stories

because every time I scroll the comments, the first five are like, have you thought about killing yourself? Thank you for the writing tip. Thank you. You really did give me. a light to be guided by. Yeah.

I mean, you know, for the context of this story and it being on no sleep, it's fine, but I always just wish these weren't in this. I just wish it would just get me in more, you know? Just rip it out of. Yeah, you know, sometimes it's nice. I think that, but now after we've done so many,

I'm just like, I don't know. I'm more compelled by the story than it is to keep up the visage that this is like real. Yeah. Yeah. And thankfully, it seems to just be the first couple and last couple paragraphs.

But I'm with you. You know, to be fair, I mean, the no sleep rule guidelines for posting here are like cutthroat. So I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if they have to include it in every segment that they do.

You know? Yeah. Yeah. There's a good chance. Yeah. Salt was one of the few ingredients we didn't seem to find in the Vranda grill. though from what the map of the ship shows there are numerous more restaurants on board

so we're going to keep our eyes open for it I just hope you'll be right about these things being unable to cross it to the person who mentioned the Morseco transmitter I'd forgotten to mention last night that it had been torn out along with the radio microphone these things very much do not want us trying to call for help

we're most definitely not splitting up anymore either knowing what we do now it's just too dangerous even if it means more slower going but I should get on and tell what happened the four of us were woken up by several rapid bangs on our cabin door

after seeing the program which had been shoved under the door last night I was only able to catch small spurts of sleep ones that were all interlaced with horrendous nightmares of dozens hundreds thousands of the specters outside pressing up against our cabin

asking us to open the door and inviting us to the party down the hall before bursting into laughter and screams. So when the knocking began, I shot up from where I'd been curled up on the room's left seat, my clouded, half-sleep mind

filling with panic and terror. They're here. They're here for us. However, the voice on the other side of the door filled us with a momentary sense of calm. It was the captain's voice. But remembering what had happened with the walkie-talkie yesterday, while I had shushed us and crept at the door

put in his eye against the people. He stood there for a moment, they pulled away, a look of relief in his eyes. It really is him. He breathed out before unlocking the door. Instantly, the captain strode in, followed close behind by Vinny. For a moment, the relief returned

until I realized that they were alone. He answered my unmasked question before I was able to open my mouth. Will's gone. He put a hand over his face, taking a deep breath before continuing. I don't know how he managed to slip. about without waking me.

But when Vinny woke up a few minutes ago to use the bathroom, we found our cabin door unlocked and standing open. There's no sign of him anywhere. The man's words hung and the tension and dread filled the air. Every single one of us knew exactly where he'd gone. He's gone off to find that woman again, Diana. Finally, the silence was broken by Andrew. So, what do we do?

A pain looked across the captain's face. I'm honestly torn, boys. Part of me thinks we should immediately try finding him if it's not already too late. But another part thinks we should try and find any way to either stop the ship or sabotage the engines. He looked over at me. Nate, have you checked the computer to see what those people have said? I shook my head and began to turn to boot up the laptop. When I caught sight of the program line on the floor,

I knew if I showed it to them, the already palpable fear infecting our group would grow. at this point hiding anything might end up being a fatal mistake they need to see it I cleared my throat um sir before I do that there's something you all need to see I picked up the program and handed it to the captain

everyone crowded around as he flipped it open saw the men's faces to impel as they read the notice inside saw their own names written there Andrew led out a shaky breath okay I think me starting to turn into a believer of the whole ghost ship idea. After that, we quickly broke out the laptop and checked your comments. After reading them for a few moments,

Wyatt pointed, smiling slightly. Cap, looks like they have the same idea you do, about either taking control of the ship or straight up sabotaging the engines. The captain stared for another second at the screen before nodding. Then that settles it. We head first back for the bridge. and if that doesn't work the engine room

he gazed seriously around at all of us from now on we don't split up from each other at all it'll mean things will be done slower but in my personal opinion

it just might be safer shut a glance back at the open door to our cabin especially with will being who knows where on board putting away the laptop I quickly took a moment

to set the solar charger on the lift at the porthole together at charge The laptop's battery had gotten precariously low, and the six of us moved out in the hall, closing the door behind us. We now carried three fire axes we'd taken from red emergency boxes scattered around the ship. My head swung on a swivel as we passed each T-junction, half expecting something or, now someone, to lunge at us from around a corner. Silence, only broken by the low throbbing sound of the ship's engines, rising from far below us, didn't help the tense atmosphere that had fallen over. us. I didn't know if I was more afraid of running into the ship's inhabitants again or our own

colleague. So what's the over under that one of them has a hallucination and kills another one with an axe? I mean, I would say it's got to be the under, right? No, I mean, probably the over. I think that more than likely that's going to happen. So the over. I agree. I agree. I think it might my money says that's how the captain dies. That's my prediction. When we reach the door to the lounge, however, all thoughts evaporated in my head as we froze, staring into the room.

It still looked the same as it had yesterday, with two large exceptions. The first is that the race section of floor near the back of the room where a band would play, one that was desolate and empty when we'd arrived, no longer was. Even from across the room,

I saw instruments set up on it. violins, trumpets, bass, a drum set, and more were set up as though they'd just been put down by a band. Realization flashed through my mind. The music I heard last night, it wasn't a hallucination. It was real. The second noticeable change of the room was to clear after remnants of a party. Confetti and balloons, which had lost the helium,

needed to keep them afloat, littered the dance floor, and on a few tables we could see half-empty wine and cocktail glasses. They had themselves one hell of a shindick last night. Vinny said softly, shut a glance at him. The look on his face mirro the emotions I felt. In any other situation, the scene would have been one to feel happy about, people celebrating something. Here now, though, it evoked the sort of dread and fear

that one would get stepping into a haunted house. The captain shook his head slowly, the gesture to us. Come on, let's keep moving. and moving quickly across the lounge, kicking balloons out of our way before heading to the bridge. What the hell? Spencer exclaimed as we stood in front of the hatch, which led to the bridge area of the ship, which yesterday had stood wide open, held in place by the metal hook which had been set into an eye swivel on the wall. But now, as we stared in disbelief, it had been tightly shut.

Not just shut, but locked. Try as hard as we might to the point our hands turned red and stung from exertion, the handle refused to spin. You've got to be fucking kidding me. Andrew muttered as the captain began patting at his pockets. He said snapped up. His eyes wide as he realized something. The keys are gone. He said before shaking his head.

Will must have lifted him from me before he snuck out. The realization that we've been effectively blocked from reaching the helm caused the hopeless feeling we'd had yesterday, seeing the ship moving to return. I let it a sigh and put my back to the hatch, resting my head on the cool metal. After a minute, we slowly made our way down to the bowels of the ship. I already knew full well what we'd find, but we still followed the increasingly hunched shoulders of the captain down the narrow,

graded steps, flicking on our flashlights as the incandescent bulbs over our heads became fewer and farther between. When we reached the hole and rounded the final corner, I saw what I expected. The metal hatch, above which the words engine and boiler rooms were stamped, was closed. Wyatt suddenly burst into a sprint, pushing past the captain to the door, where he frantically, almost hysterically, began yanking on the handle. As if he hoped he'd be able to wrench it open by sheer will, but it remained steadfast.

Finally, he stopped and began kicking the door. Fuck you, you stupid fucking ship! He screamed, his voice bouncing off the grated floor and pipes echoing away in the gloom. And fuck all of you dead, ancient, last century-ass ghost! He collapsed to the floor, beginning to cry softly. I couldn't do anything but watch stunned by the man's apparent mental breakdown Andrew

the captain and Spencer moved to comfort him leaving me and Vinny standing in the hallway I shot a look to my left seeing another closed and likely locked hatch the sign above this door declared at the auxiliary machine room sign I placed my head in my hands they knew we would try this

they knew and they got ahead to cut us off likely with Will's help I was just trying to calm myself when the sound, one that was almost so quiet I missed it, reached my ears. I froze in place. A massive shiver racing up my spine at the call. It was replaced by a steady stream of chills as my eyes widened behind my fingers. For a moment I waited, barely breathing as I strained my ears to hear. My heart was doing the macarena inside my chest.

All I could hear was the soft hissing of the. the pipes that ran alongside us and over our heads in the ceiling, along with the soft voices of the men ahead of me. I forced myself to let out a deep breath, trying to relax. You're hearing thanks, buddy. It's just the pipes. Nothing more. They're not down here with you. I was just beginning to believe it when it came again. And this time, it was unmistakable. Oh, it was the man's voice I'd heard on the radio on the second day aboard. the one I'd heard through the radio. It called out to me in a mocking sing-song manner.

Without seeing anything, I knew the owner of the voice was smiling. Not a pleasant smile either. I slowly stood up straight, pulling my hands away from my eyes as my breath became ragged and shallow. Then, just when I thought it was impossible to feel any more frightened, the feeling of being watched came again. Now from directly off to my right, another chill shot through me as I realized where I was standing

standing almost directly in the middle of a T-junction oh shit swallowing hard I slowly turned ebbing my flashlight with shaking hand down the hallway I almost screamed the shadowy figures were back they stood at the end of the hallway underneath the sign labeled water softer and air conditioning plant

I couldn't tell how many there were but they packed the hall from one side to the other standing just out of reach of my flashlight's beam. Horror and dread filled every crevice of my body, and I felt myself begin to shake. I attempted to speak, but the voice seemed to catch in my throat, and then they took a step forward. The horror I felt increased as I saw the overhead lamp wink out,

pledging the next section into darkness. I found my voice struggling to pass a single word over my lips. Fuck. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vinny turn and look at me. Slight curiosity on his face immediately melted as he caught sight of the expression I wore. Nate, what the hell's wrong?

He asked. Faintly, I heard the others stop talking, as well as them slowly began to make their way back to me. I kept trying to force more words out. I have to warn them, my mind screamed at me, but it was as though I'd lost my grasp on the English language. I felt Vinny's step next to me and saw his flashlight aimed down the corridor

and then I felt him go stiff as a board as he caught sight of what I'd seen Oh shit And then a little louder Um Guys But now the rest of our group had reached us And everyone collectively aimed their lights down the hall

I heard why it suddenly began to hyperventilate As the figures took another step forward Another overhead light went out Jesus The captain whispered Spencer said nothing, but I knew he had to be scared shitless. Finally, face-to-face was what he denied about until now. As the third light went out, I finally found my voice again.

Gabe! I felt the captain put a hand on my shoulder. What is it, Nate? I swallowed hard and spoke the words I knew in the marrow of my bones to be true. I think it's time to start running now. The next moment, all of us were turning and sprinting back the way we come. Behind us, I morphed. felt, then heard our pursuers give chase, and I heard a noise that chilled me to the bone.

The sound of the overhead lights just behind us, not just clicking off, but shattering in their housings. The metal halls rang out with our screams and shouts as we urged each other to move faster, reaching the stairs and beginning to climb. Move your asses everyone. The captain shout as he dragged wide off the top of the stairs. As we climbed, my eyes flashed to the metal signs indicating what deck we were on. We passed G-deck, the F-deck, making our way up. As we reached the top of the landing, I spare to look down, and this time, I did scream. The figures were swirling up after us. Some didn't even touch the floor, flying through the air in pursuit.

I heard the whispers, laughter, and screaming I'd heard when I'd been cornered by the gym. This time, however, the voices somehow held even more malevolence than they originally. They're angry. They're downright pissed that we just tried to sabotage the ship. I raced to keep up with the group. We just reached E-DEC when a loud, clanging sound came from above us. I reached the bottom of the next set of stairs when the others had gathered and looked up. And I almost screamed again.

More shadowy figures were swirling down from above towards us. We were trapped in a pincher moment. No way to escape. For a moment, the existential dread I'd felt facing the rogue wave that night came again. And I felt sure this was the end of us all until Spencer let out a cry. look there spinning around I saw a closed hatch

standing a few feet away from us the sign above it read Cargo motor car hold I was the closest to it and leapt for it my hands locking around the handle and praying that it wouldn't be locked to my relief though

the handle spun and the hatch swung open come on I yelled moving out of the way to let the others in as soon as the captain dragged Wyatt through I slammed the hatch close as I heard the man's voice ringing out again

you're only delaying the inevitable gentleman I felt someone slam into the hatch next to me, turning to see Vinny began locking the hatch. Reaching up, I did the same on my side. On a moment too soon, either. As soon as the last lock had flipped into place, something slammed into the hatch with the force of a speeding freight train. The two of us let back as the banging continued for a few seconds. Then abruptly, it stopped. An eerie, unsettling silence fell over the hold, and after fighting to get my breath back,

I turned to look into the room. Crates and other large boxes rose high around us, seeming to go on forever. Directly ahead, my light glinted off something powder blue. Focusing my light, I saw it had found what looked like an old mid-50s Cadillac convertible. The top was down, I saw a matching blue leather interior,

excellent with white stitching. For a moment, everyone fought to find their breath, then the captain spoke. Okay, boys, we need to find a way out of this hold and back up to the upper decks try and find another exit there has to be one

trying to stay as close to each other as we could we began to move across the huge fold to find it stopped as I reach the Cadillac reaching out and put in a hand on the quarter panel the cool metal felt nice against my sweaty hand

and I was suddenly overcome with the feeling that I was about to collapse my legs felt like jelly under me I need to sit for a minute sliding down I put my back against the car and slid to the floor putting my head in my hands I felt myself began to shake as the image of the figures chasing us replayed in my mind get a hold of yourself Nate you're okay you're okay just keep it together I whispered suddenly a voice came from nearby dude you okay it was Vinny not wanting him to see my fragile mental state

it chose to keep my head of my hands and nodded. Yeah, yeah, just, uh, I just needed a few moments to collect myself after that. I mumbled through my fingers. Then he replied after a moment. I get that, but you shouldn't split up from us. It's not safe. You know that by now. I sighed.

He was right. Oh, no, man. I began before letting out a shaky breath. Just, I honestly don't know if we're going to get off this ship alive. And that scares me. Speaking the truth felt like a massive, weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt the car rocked slightly.

He'd leaned against it. I let out a deep breath. Honestly, need, I've had the same thought. For a moment, the man's words comforted me, knowing someone else felt the same. Then he continued. But, I mean, maybe it won't be so bad. What, what, and another one bites the dust.

Vinnie is gone. Goodbye, Vinnie. Speaking of another one, biting the dust, there's six of them, right? Or seven counting our narrator. Right.

So Vinny's about to die, or he's going to be the next will, the same thing that happened to him. But the line Vinnie said where he was like, you shouldn't walk away from the group like that. Did our narrator walk away? And that's what caused his hallucination early on? I think so.

Because I figured that was, okay, okay. Yeah. Confusion washed over me. What? Vinny's voice came again. I mean, come on. It turned to be on board a classy ocean liner

surrounded by people who just want others to join them. It can't be all that bad, right? You get to party forever after all. Oh, man. He let out a sort of laughter. But it hadn't sounded like the... Thank you. But it hadn't sounded like the way I knew Vinny laughed.

His laugh was a deep, booming laugh. This one had been short and nasally. Another juggle came. The realization suddenly flashed through me as I remembered the radio call yesterday. They can imitate our voices. Oh. A fresh dose of fear coursed through my veins as I slowly pulled my hands away from my head, suddenly feeling extremely vulnerable, realizing just how stupid I'd been.

But there was nobody there. I mean, after all, it is inevitable. Oh, so hold on. so Vinny didn't make it then no I don't think so I think that they probably got him and they're imitating him now so for one that's really cool because Will

could have been like that the whole time yesterday or whatnot and anyone could be like that at any point you constantly have to do a head count but also do you think everyone else can see him or just our narrator I'm guessing that everybody can see them but I think there's because we're through the POV of the narrator that it's just more

Yeah, it's the way he sees it, yeah. But we've seen, or we've heard that the captain also went into like a trans-like state as well or hypnotic state. So I'm guessing that everybody's feeling it, but I don't think everybody is fully telling each other what they've seen or what they, you know, feel. Yeah, everyone's being way too bravado, tough guy about this and it's getting, it's making everyone confused and die. You know that? Also, I think it's a matter of, I think if you admit it, you believe it. So I think by trying to not, I think that you also are just trying to deny its plausibility and keep yourself a bit sane and not scare yourself.

It's like if I acknowledge it, then it becomes real. Right. So if I don't think about it, then it's all figurative until then, yeah. Yeah. The voice came directly over my head. I began to violently shake, began to hyperventilate as I heard all pretext of my crewmate's voice melt away. I was terrified to look up, but I couldn't help myself. slowly, feeling as though I were about to die of a heart attack at any moment,

I crane my neck to look above me. A pair of eyes stared down at me, peeking over the side of the Cadillac's hood, one that held both amusement and malevolence to them. The next few moments are nothing but a blur to me. The only thing I can remember is hearing my own shrill screams, that and blindly running away as I heard the confused, terrified shouts of the others just they attempted to chase after me. I didn't even become cognizant of anything

until I found myself in an unfamiliar foyer. Snapping back to reality. Oh, there goes gravity. Oh, snap it back to reality. I looked around. I could hear the other's voices filtering up from below, calling out my name. Okay, our narrator's got to keep it together.

He screams way too much. He's running. He's sprinting. Like, I understand this is a stressful scenario, but you're making things way more complicated. There's one segment back there where I think he said he was about to scream like five times in a row.

like he's I'm fully imagining like scream I'm gonna do it I'm fully imagining like shaggy levels of like oh let's get out of here is definitely the kind of guy to run in place for a couple seconds before being able to actually move yes yes a hundred percent and it makes that noise it's like blu-loos like the legs winding up yep yep what just happened swallowing I turned and looked over the railing I could see the flashlight's wildly aiming a I swallowed, then yelled. Here, I'm here! A light flashed up, hitting me in the face momentarily blinded me.

I found him! I heard the captain's voice call. Nathan, stay right where you are. We're coming up. All right. I called back down, took a step back. I'm in my light to see where I was. My light flashed off the sign which declared I'd somehow dashed all the way up to C deck.

Three decks? Then the image of the eyes staring down at me. swam forward in my mind, began to shake again, hearing the thing's voice, imitating Vinny echo inside my head. Trying to call myself, I took a few steps into the middle of the foyer, aiming my light around. It reflected off another sign, one that stuck out from the wall, first-class swimming pool. Beneath it were a set of double doors which stood open, the light inside spilling out into the landing. I couldn't see much inside, so I took a few more steps until I could see clearly.

I blinked a few times. Am I seeing things? I wasn't. Swimming pool was packed. I saw people in old-style bathing suit swimming in the pool. A woman wearing a bathing cap swam by heading left

doing the butterfly stroke. The happy cry of children laughing can be heard. And two suddenly flashed by the doorway as they chased one another. I realized music filtered out from the room as well. Old swing music, which was playing from an intercom inside. None of that was what catch me.

None of that was what caused me to gasp. It was who I saw standing across the other side of the pool. I struggled to find my voice before calling out. Will. At my call, he turned to look at me. A huge grin spread across his face, and he raised an arm to wave at me. He looked nothing less like the happiest man on the planet, and he wasn't alone.

a second pair of eyes that turned to regard me at my call a pair of blue almost sapphire eyes once that for a moment made me feel as though I were falling under some kind of spell platinum blonde hair bobbed around the shoulders and voluptuous lips pulled back into a smile

one that held equal amounts of warmth and eerieness to them she wore a white turtleneck and slacks that accentuated her figure her bracelet dangled for one wrist the lips contorted into a smirk as she snaked an arm around Will's shoulders one eye close and a wink

I never seen the woman before but instantly I knew who she was dying do you want to explain what the moaning is that you were doing during that whole paragraph excuse me okay then the doors to the pool slammed shut on their own

well I screamed spreading for the doors as I heard the others reached the landing. I heard them call out to me, but I was ramming my shoulder into the doors, trying desperately to get them to open. What's happening? I heard the captain cry out. Will, he's in there!

I screamed. Instantly, the others joined me in pushing. After a moment, the door suddenly swung inwards, almost sending us into the pool. I froze, feeling a wave of shock flashed through me. The pool was empty. What? No, no, he was there. He was there, and there were dozens of people.

people in here as well. I began blabbering out. There were people and there was a woman next to him. I swear it had to be the one he was talking about. Diana. Then the door slammed shut and... I trailed off looking at the others. Some held frightened expressions on their faces. But some, like Andrew and Spencer,

I saw it confused, disbelieving looks on theirs. I fell a wave of anger flashed through me. I'm not crazy! I suddenly began screaming. I'm not fucking crazy! So don't you dare look at me like that. none of the hell we just went through it down below instantly i saw reality crash into them

looks of guilt and shame passed over their faces they know they're in the wrong cure so spencer began to open his mouth okay from everyone else's perspective they ran through the porthole and then our narrator starts freaking out and screaming and sprints away and then they find him three stories up and he's like but but will was here and diana and a party and it would tie him up. I mean, he's definitely, he feels the most manic out of all of them so far. He seems to be like, sure, him and the captain happen simultaneously on the first day or the first full day on board, but like, even then, um, the captain got a hold of himself, at least

outwardly, this guy is not, makes me think that Nathan's going to kill the captain is what makes me think. Oh, I didn't even think about that. That's pretty good. Well, I don't know. if he killed the captain, would they still give him his laptop and let him type out the story? Well, that's the thing is that if he kills him, if he kills the captain, another person who, like, if he does it and the other person who stays alive doesn't realize that he's done it, and even Nathan himself doesn't realize he's done it, maybe. I see what you're saying.

I got you. Like in one of his deliriums, he does it. Right. Nathan definitely seems the most susceptible. But I was cut off as why it began to scream behind them. you know what fuck this the other's turned to see him running for another of the red boxes

which contained a fire hose and axe to my shock he punched straight through the glass with his bare hands something that should have broken them somehow he yanked an axe from it without a glance at his shredding and bleeding hands his eyes dance wildly around in his sockets and I instantly recognized that

he'd gone off the deep end he began to scream again both at us and around him in general fuck this man I've had it with these fucking with these fuckers dicking us about and trying to drive us insane before they kill us. You fuckers want to get out.

You fuckers want to get it on with me? Well, that's fine, because I'm coming for you. And with that, he turned and bolted up the stairs for the upper decks. Why? Just let that guy go. Wyatt, wait. The captain yelled, but he was already out of sight.

Come on out, you 20th century shit heels. I heard him scream. The captain turned to us. Come on. We can't let him get too far away from us. we all began sprinting up the stairs following the man's voices ranted and raved about wiping them all out he really has gone over the deep end he's yawning about killing already dead people with an axe pursuing wyatt we reached the promenade deck stopped on the landing

wyatt had stopped screaming the entire ship had gone dead silent not just dead silent a deadly silence that held the worst connotations to it. Oh, oh no, I thought. I saw the same realization reflected in everyone else's face. I swallowed. What? I called out. My voice muted bouncing off the carpet and wooded paneled walls.

There was no answer. White, buddy, talk to me. Where are you at? Andrew yelled out. Still nothing. And then slowly at first. First, a new sound began reaching us, the sound of sobbing and mumbling. Please.

Please. I'm sorry. Please, not that. Wyatt? Come on. The captain was just leading the way down the hall towards the lounge. The door still stood open, and I could see the balloons and decorations still on the floor. As we drew close, my blood turned to eyes as I heard Wyatt began to scream, half angry, half terrified. No, no, you're not doing that to me. The captain yelled out.

Wyatt, we're coming. He was the first to reach the doorway. The axe suddenly swung around from the right side of the doorway faster than I thought possible. In that horrible split second, my lips began to yell out a warning, but it was too late. The ex buried itself into the captain's stomach, stopping the older man dead in his tracks. I heard him let out a strangled cry. more of a gasp as he doubled over the axe pulled out of him

blood spilling to the floor from the man's wound a moment later white emerged from around the corner a wild insane rage plastered on his face I got you you fucking ghost he screamed in the captain's face I saw him raise the axe again this time high over his head as he screamed again

bleed you shitter I saw Vinny and Andrew began rushing towards him trying to stop what they saw was coming But again, I saw it was too late. I closed my eyes and turned away quickly. I didn't want to see the axe slamming of the captain's head. Headed the man who'd taken me under his wing and kept me from going broke. To help pay for my aunt's funeral when she passed away, couldn't bear to.

But I heard it, and it's a sound I'll never be able to forget. Horrified silence settled over the room, and I turned back feeling like I was about to vomit as I saw the axe buried into his skull. he lay on his back on the floor rapidly spreading pool of blood beginning to surround him staining the carpet wide horrified eyes stared unblinkingly up at the ceiling and his mouth rose and open in shock the man was very very dead swung my gaze up phny and injure had frozen in place their arms still stretched out as if to still try to stop the atrocity that had just occurred Spencer clapped his hands over his mouth His face wide as a sheet

As his body shook uncontrollably My eyes lifted to the blood splattered face At the captain's murderer The look of insane rage and bloodlust lingered in Wyatt's eyes for another moment Then I saw it die away Saw him snap back to reality Oh there goes gravity

Oh they go right Captain He asked in a whisper Looking down to the corpse His breathing quickened And he lifted his own hands to stare at them, as though he were just beginning to comprehend what he'd done. His eyes lifted to us, and I saw the panic begin to reappear in them.

I didn't know it was him. I ran into the lounge, and I was completely surrounded by them. They said they were going to kill me, torture me for eternity for thinking about stealing from the person's office. They called me a coward for crying and breaking down, dared me to attack them. His voice rose to a scream. did they said their leader was coming in and I heard there was horrible voice coming

from the hallway I swing from my life and he cut off began to shake as violently as Spencer was he looked directly at me I'm sorry then he turned and began sprinting through the lounge towards the companion way we'd taken

to get inside the first night we remained frozen for a moment they began to chase after him Wyatt wait then he shouted at him white's terrified hysterical scream flew back at us as he rounded a corner fuck you i'm not staying on board this ship i'll swim on if i have to he slammed into the final corner and a new horrific realization hit me i remembered what i thought about the lifeboats when queen

elizabeth had begun moving we'll be sucked under and white don't i screamed out as we reached the corner but it was too late i caught a split second glimpse of wyatt flint flinging himself over the railing. Then he was gone. Out of sight. None of us heard a splash. We ran to the railing and peered over. For a moment, we sought nothing.

Then Wideshead broke the water surface, coughing out waters he began to thrash, attempting to swim away from the ship. Then he was pulled under. Oh, fuck! Spencer yelled, then began running for the stern of the ship. Vinnie, Andrew, and I right behind him. Part of me prayed.

that he would miss the propellers, that he'd be spat out at the back of the ship. Drowning would be a less painful way to die than this. But as we reached the stern railing, I felt despair and horror flood into me. Seeing the dark red stain emerged from beneath the ship, spread out with the phone which drifted behind us in the ship's wake. We stood there for a long time, staring out of the water as if doing so would return our lost crewmate, our lost friend. Could have been there minutes, could have been there hours. All I know is the next thing I knew

I was looking up to see the sun beginning to set on the horizon none of us knew what to do we were numb numb and unable to function so we did the only thing we could do we went back to our cabin and locked the door

that's where I am now there's only five of us left now others have for the life of me I don't know how managed to fall asleep I can only guess how much mental and physical energy was sat for them to the point they couldn't stay awake

even if they wanted to? Me? I'm too afraid to sleep. Afraid I'll dream of the horrifying things I've seen today. Of the figures, of the voice, the eyes staring hungrily down at me from the hood of the car in the hold. Of Wyatt, either driven insane

or hallucinating, a false image brought on by these ghosts plunging the axe into the captain's body, and of him disappearing into the water, of him being sliced to pieces by the giant propeller blades. The ship is doing everything it can to drive us insane, have us kill each other,

or just flat out take us. It's already taken Will. I know he's lost now. There's no way to bring him back. He's one of them now. It makes me realize something. I said that there is only five of us left, but in reality, there's only four.

For how much longer, though, I don't know. The compass half of my supply spins around non-stop. I can't even tell which direction we're heading in, and I don't know how to position our location by the stars. The only person who knew how to do that was the captain, and he's dead. All I know is this. I'm not going to roll over and let the ship take me. I'm going to fight and try to find a way off to help get myself and the others back home.

Or die trying. Will might have wanted to stay in the 1950s forever, but I want to go back to the peace and normality of 2023. Compared to this hell, the relative peace and normality anyways. I don't know, though. Do any of you guys have any ideas at all of what to do now? Even if it's the dumbest idea in the world, I'll take it. Anything's better than just letting the hopelessness overwhelm me.

Just please give us any direction to take that might help us get off this damn ship, please. The music started again. I hear it filtering through the walls. different tune now, but again one I recognize sing, sing by Benny Goodman it's not the worst part though someone began softly knocking

a few minutes ago on the cabin door and then began calling in asking for us to come and join the party the voice that asked it was Will's and then another voice joined him, a woman's voice one that asked the same question with a British accent

and finally a third voice one that made me want to break down in tears the captain's voice the implications pierce my heart and soul like a dagger to will the ship was is heaven a place where he can eternally spend frozen in time period he wanted to go back to to me it's hell end of part four as we dive deeper down the rabbit hole into part five uh so i i like this it's a lot fun something out something i like about this that a lot of like set piece horror doesn't do because we'll read a lot or you'll see a lot of movies about like a horror movie set in i don't know a shopping mall a farm whatever uh is

they're not unique enough with the kills a lot of the time like they don't use it to their advantage but so far we've had one person uh get murdered by an axe we've had one person succumb to the demons temptation we had another one get like physically captured or overwhelmed by them in the staircase and then we had someone jump off the boat and get crunched up by a propeller like that's that is utilizing your setting right and it's excellent i love it yeah yeah this is this is an incredibly fun story to me for it's a will to the captain to everything like it's i'm having a great time got to say um good one it's looking pretty good for uh me and hunter paying your uh book cover as soon as i get hunter to break so oh i plan i've broken

have you i think i have yeah but i will keep doing the voices okay all right part five so i've got good news and bad news good news is we have a plan if all goes as smoothly and precisely as possible tonight will be the last we spend on this godforsaken ship i'll tell you about that in a minute but as uncertain as we might be seems like the only chance we have of making it out alive the bad news is what started this morning as the four of us it's now ended us three so it's one of those good news bad news good news we've got a plan bad news

one of us is dead also like does this sound like a heaven to you because to me this just sounds like torment like being in one place for eternity but it's just like a place like a party you know yeah I mean you could say that about heaven though you know you could

you could say it being being in the same kind of paradise like a party is a fun thing that's like but here okay here's here's the difference though to me with heaven it's like you are like an altered form of yourself you're like a different creation and you're among like infinity like infinite creation so there's always something else to be on a boat from the 1950s forever I feel like I mean that is just like a purgatory yeah it'd be like uh yeah yeah I think that it's disguised as, you know, a lavish, you know, a lavish forever, you know, it shouldn't be too bad, but no, I think the mundane nature of it would, it would get, it would get boring very quickly unless you're just like, you know, you restart every day and you don't realize that you've died or something. Yeah. Yeah. And I can't help but feel consumed with guilt because, because the only reason that is, is because I made a stupid mistake, a great A dumbass move. that most people would yell at a character and a horror movie for doing.

Shit. Let me get to what you've said first and foremost. I feel myself beginning to precariously dangled near to insanity. Focusing on your comments will help keep me going the way of Wyatt. Mentally breaking. To the person who made the biggest most detail comment, any of the ideas you suggested along with others and what is going to ultimately go into our plan.

So for that, thank you. Fortunately, your idea about crossing out our names in the activity program as good as an idea as it was, is impossible to do. When we return to our cabin to hole up for the night, I noticed that it had been taken. Whether that's because an action like that would have worked or not, I don't know. As much as the idea of dropping the anchor seems like a decent idea,

none of us dares tread down into the crew decks and bows at the ship again, not after yesterday. As for the idea of Holy Water, while I may consider myself a believer, it's been many years since I've stepped inside a church, let alone kneel down and prayed. Any power of faith I might have is so damn it would effectively be like flicking the nose of a hungry tiger and hoping it'll make it go away

and the others as far as i know are not the religious types but there's others who have said things i appreciate but i should and need tell you about today when the four of us first woke up nobody said a word the first few days aboard we'd all gathered round and discuss aloud what the plan for the day was now though after the horrific and soul-destroying things we saw yesterday Any attempt at conversation seemed pointless. Without any prompting from anyone, I booted up the laptop, hoping against hope that someone might have an idea which would germinate into an escape plan. I felt the numbness which had settled over me lift somewhat as I scrolled through your comments. My eyes flickered over the suggestions, and I began to open my mouth to call for the others to join me.

But I shut it just as quickly, seeing the comment one of you made about the specters likely listening to us. I silently cursed myself but the realization hit me they're right they've likely been listening to us the entire time it's been out they've managed to always stay a step ahead of us

just because we can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there the thought made me cast a wary and somewhat paranoid eye to the far corners of the cabin ones filled with shadows that even the bedside lamps couldn't banish the mental image of a grinning face

slowly appearing out from the gloom swam forward in my mind and I felt myself beginning to breathe quicker. I forced it away, willing myself to calm down. Instead, I snapped my fingers and beck in the others to join me. Putting a finger to my lips, I pointed to the screen. The others crowded around me and read as I silently scrolled past the suggestions. Then fumbling around for a moment,

I found some stationary likely one choose to send letters while aboard, along with a pin. I hastily scribbled down a message and passed it around to the others. any of these ideas seem good to you after a moment the three of them took turns writing things down quickly before sliding the paper back to me bidding over I saw the ideas about jumping from the stern of the ship ejecting as many lifeboats as possible to use and even feigned insanity to throw chairs and tables overboard

to use this rotation where all ideas they liked okay now we're getting somewhere I thought feeling a little lighter until I saw the final thing my crewmates had ridden the idea of burning the ship making her catch fire like she did in the 70s yes let's burn this thing down uh I feel like I feel like you're I know they're in dire straits

but to be like okay plan A we jump off the ship but we throw off chairs and we'll use those after we jump off the ship yeah I mean like the current and the speed of what you're doing but I mean I don't know I mean I'm at this spot now where I'm just kind of like I would rather just die

than I guess just be like tormented well yeah I guess I don't hate the idea of just being like fuck it but what if you hold on but what if you die

and then you just still are stuck on the ship then at least I feel like at least I know that I tried something other than just sitting there waiting for something to kill me so you're in eternity with like your

your Diana your blonde haired lady and after like 2,000 years you're like Well, at least I tried to jump. Yeah. At least I did something. Yeah, at least I can try some of my body's on the ocean floor right now. I looked up Archie my eyebrow gesture into the line.

I saw Andrew and Spencer immediately not enthusiastically. Vinny, however, looked unsure as unsure as I felt inside. Wait, isn't Vinnie dead? No, why it is. I thought Vinny was the guy that was the ghost. no uh that's uh andrew no andrew's here i saw andrew and spencer or no will will is the guy who ran off no will's the guy who ran off with diana i'm saying the one who when they were in the room with the car who turned out to be a ghost yeah that was wyatt is the one who stabbed uh the captain

and he was like no i look okay you're i don't fucking know i don't care but i just want this to be done immediately please god no you know what just just for that attitude i think i'm going to draw it out a little bit longer. Vinnie, however, looked unsure, as unsure as I felt inside. I remembered that Wyatt had babbled to us before throwing himself overboard. If they got that pissed off to serve as a suggestion to rob them, and even more about trying to sabotage the engines, well, they do to us if we try and set the ship on fire. My heart of hearts, I knew it was a bad idea. I knew that as the captain's second in command, I was de facto leader now. Even if the ship I would have been leader of, was long gone. But I also knew that if I tried to force the others away, there might be

another fight, the one that could clue our host, where of our intentions. So instead, I quickly jotted down another note. Honestly, don't know if trying to burn the ship is a good idea, but I'll put it to a vote. If you want to burn the ship, write an X beneath this. If you don't, draw a circle. Quickly, I drew a circle and passed the paper to them. Andrew and Spencer scribbled their answers down instantly. Fending took a while longer, all the while shooting glances at the others who gave him almost judgmental eyes. Finally, he took the pen and jotted his answer down, passing the paper back to me. Three exes stood beside my circle. Shit. I took a deep breath and looked at them. I knew I'd been right. Any attempt to dissuade them would make things worse. But was making

things worse now? Worse than what might to come? I didn't have a chance to ponder that for long as I saw the others regarding the map of the ship. Andrew's face lit up as he tapped the half-moon shaved room at the very front of the promenade deck, one that was marked observation lounge. He tapped at the label below it. Cocktail bar. I knew what they wanted to go there for. Alcohol, which they could make into Molotov cocktails. I shut the laptop down and closed it up as they stood, moving to the door as quietly as possible. As they did, the memory of being called to through the door suddenly forced its way to the front of my mind. I remembered hearing the three voices calling to me, first will.

You guys have got to come out and come to the party. You'll see you've been afraid for no reason. Everyone here is so damn nice. Trust me, it's so much better than going back to the world you came from. Then the woman, Diana. Come on out, boys. You have no idea the wonderful things you'll see. It's bloody beautiful.

I like how every character in the story gets a British accent. Except for the one, especially British. I'm not going to refuse to give the actual British character British voice. Then finally, the words that had followed me into my dreams, my nightmares. Those are the captains speaking directly to me. Nathan, we were so wrong to have been afraid of them. This place is amazing. The ship is only the beginning. There's a whole world beyond it. One so much better than what we left. I know it hurt you to see me die, but I'm okay now, I promise. Please open the door and come, have a drink with me. It's funny to imagine like this old

soggy captain like pressed up against the door like nathan nice and i'm sorry nathan you got to take me back could you also send a picture of you with your pants now what the fuck he talking about you know that okay where my bit was going in my head is there's that you know that thing that's like can you send a picture of you like from the front from the back one you know what i'm talking about where it's like all right i didn't know whether it truly had been the man i looked up to for so long or just another facsimile to torment me i don't know which would be worse i was snapped out of my thoughts as the sound of the cabin door being unlocked reached my ears looking up i saw andrew peek out the small opening before looking back and flashing the okay sign pulled the door all the way open

leading the way stepped out of the room spencer immediately followed behind then he gave me a laugh pain looked before gesturing for me to follow. After a moment, I did. The hallway was deserted as we slowly made our way towards the staircase to the upper decks. As we walked, I noticed with growing unease, and yes, dread, that there seemed to be more signs of life on the ship

than there had been when we first arrived. Sets of period shoes ranging from men's wing tips to women's high heels had been left out in the hall next to close cabin doors for someone to come and shine them. ash trays were passed contained cigarette butts and as we stepped onto the landing

saw a sign on the concierge desk that read sorry we stepped out for a moment we'll be back shortly it is like the ship is slowly coming back to life like the ghost on board becoming more active the more the ship steams along the thought caused another shiver

to shoot up my spine I couldn't understand why I'd had the thought not right at that moment anyways climbed the stairs until we reached the landing to the promenade deck. I've been looking down the steps as I climbed, lost in thought when I accidentally walked straight into Vinnie's back. I stumbled backwards a little,

feeling as though I were about to begin tumbling back down the stairs like a scene from a comedy movie. My nose painfully throbbed and I shot a look up. All three men had come to a dead stop, looking down the hallway to the right at something I couldn't see. Despite our situation, a pang of irritation bubbled up at size of, me, and I pushed past Vinny, beginning to speak in a whisper.

Why the hell did you guys? But my words died in my throat as I saw what they've been looking at. Or, to be more precise, what they weren't looking at. The captain's body was gone. From where we stood, we could plainly see the entrance to the lounge where he'd been killed. We could even see the blood stain which still stay in the carpet. A mop and bucket standing next to it as if someone had been about to try cleaning it up. but the captain's body no longer lay there and to make matters worse there didn't appear to be any sign he'd been tracked off as if he just vanished dread and tension permeated the air as we stared and i felt the biggest chill yet run up my he has had a lot of chills run up his spine hasn't so many it's cold it's a very cold chill it's a very chilly chilly ship this ship is freezing felt the chill run up my spine as i imagine the man's bloody corpse stayed

standing on the other side of the cabin door and knocking a smile on his face. Isaiah, I have a question. Do you think he's going to scream and run at any point in this? I don't know about that. I would be more likely to say, I think he'll run and scream. Oh, okay. I think the order of events. Up his spine, though.

Yes. So here's the order of events. I think he'll have it. I think he will see something and he'll almost scream. Oh, true. But then he'll choke on his words. You'll choke on his words and he'll almost scream. but then he'll see something else and that will cause a chill up his spine that causes him to run

and then he'll scream as he's running. Yeah, okay. That's what they clap. That feeling seems correct. That's my call. Yeah. Come on. Andrew finally whispered the move forward heading for the bow of the ship.

As we followed the signs of the observation deck and cocktail bar, I began to feel sure and sure that this wasn't just a big mistake. This is going to be a fatal one. Along with it came a new feeling. a new thought. Why the hell am I just playing along with this malarkey? The captain chose me because I always knew what's best. I lined him down by doing this.

That thought was what decided for me. I picked up the pace and sped past the three, coming to a stop in the middle of the hallway and shooting my arms out to the side to block the way. I spoke, my voice low. Guys, no. That's such a light put off of like, don't burn down the ship that we're all on.

Guys, stop it. Guys, think that, think this through. Let's talk about this. No. I saw a surprise enter Vinny's face. You're not Andrew and Spencer's. I saw irritation, even anger flash. Get the hell out of the way, Nate.

Spencer hissed, shook my head. No. Doing this is his worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas. Okay, hold on, hold on, don't, time, time, time. If you keep doing that voice, I'm going to look. I'm enjoying myself. If you do that voice, me and the audience are going to immediately lose it.

It's going to fall out of favor. You got to lock in until the next shiver or run away. Here, here, all right. No. I hate you so much. No. Doing this is the worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas. We don't know what they'll be,

we don't know what they'll do if we try and set the place on fire. Andrew's nostrils flared. I don't give her. fact what they think of us burning their precious ocean liner to embers were doing it now get the fuck out of my way before i make you move veins popped out of his forehead i could see any rational side of him had been overtaken by emotion he wasn't thinking he wanted to lash out one final time at them for the deaths of our crewmates i knew what would come next but i didn't budge instead shaking my head and standing my ground even though i anticipated it the punch still caught me half by surprise i didn't

realized just how strong Andrew was, with how wiry of a build he had. I crashed into a heap on the floor. My head smashed into the wooden wall as he loomed over me, fistballed as if ready to take another swing at me. He leaned down and got right in my face, spit, striking my nose and cheeks as he spat at me. Stay the fuck out of my way. This is being done whether you like it or not. With that, he strode past me. Spencer only stopped but to spit at me before. follow. I looked up at Vinny, feeling a small trickle of blood began dripping from just above my eyebrow where Andrew's ring had caught me. Please don't. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to agree with me. Then he shook his head, his shoulders slumping as he succumbed to the peer

pressure of the others. I'm sorry. He whispered softly before following after them. That's funny how he went from like, the captain shows me. I'm the new captain. Like men stop and now he's like on the ground bleeding. He's on the ground like it. He's on the ground like it. I just. Gosh, no. Gosh, no, please. Don't do that. Don't do that. What if the ghosts are mean to us?

No. I turned and watched him hurry down the hall before disappearing out of sight around a corner. I fought the urge to scream after them. It's angry and hopeless as I felt I didn't want to bring the spectral horde their way. You stupid facts. I whispered quietly to myself before slowly hauling myself to my feet. I stood there. trying to call myself for a moment, felt almost impossible to do.

And in the heat of the moment, I made the great A mistake I will forever regret, the one that will eat away at my soul forever. I didn't follow after them. Instead, I turned and stalked away in the opposite direction. The rational side of my brain screamed at me how dumb an idea this was. What are you doing? You're not supposed to split up. This is leaving you so damn vulnerable and open, but I didn't care. The anger that consumed me silenced my inner war.

mornings and I walked back onto the landing. I stopped there, breathing heavily. I didn't curse the others. You fucking morons. As I said there, trying to compose myself. Familiar, but most unwelcome feeling washed over me. A massive shiver shot up my spine. There we go.

Another shiver up the spine. That's one for the bingo card. The light of so cold on this boat. It's so cold on the ship. mate, it is frigid. Did I mention it was five degrees fire and height? It's like I'm traversing the Atlantic Ocean because it's so chilly.

Washed away by a surge of fear and terror. Good soda. Oh, hell, dude. Slowly I turned to look behind me and I felt my blood run cold, still cold, skin cold, at what I saw. My blood run cold. I am frozen.

I'm frozen. frozen still. I keep feeling these chills at my spine. Why don't you put on a jacket, dude? Oh, God, I can't. It's so cold. The scene of him like stamp it, like, he's on a ghost ship where like, you can get trapped in hell.

And he's like, well, I know I shouldn't go off of myself, but I'm just so upset. I'm just so, I'm just so, I'm just so meekish and vulnerable right now. Like, I don't care if that dude, like, killed your family. Like, don't be alone on the ship. He's mad because they're not following his idea. Well, I'm not thinking right because I'm so chilly. Oh, that's right. I forgot how cold he was.

I'm shivering. Yep. Standing almost directly on the spot where the captain's body had been lying, in the middle of the bloodstain was one of the shadowy figures. Stood dead still, even though it had no face, I could tell from the feeling I'd had that it was looking directly at me. Then a new fear began to flood into me. When it came with a thought that, as I might, I couldn't push away.

What if that's the captain? I let out a gas, feeling my heart began to beat harder in my chest. I couldn't take the thought that I might be about to be attacked by the spirit of the man I'd looked up to as a father figure. So I turned and hurried into the opposite hall, heading in the direction of the stern. The feeling of being watched intensified as I hurried down the hall, and I mentally cursed myself for letting my emotions lead me into such a dangerous spot. stupid stupid stupid i shot glances over my shoulder feeling that at any moment i'd see the figures shoot around the corner in pursuit of me or worse see all of them appear trying to find some place i could

duck into to potentially hide a sign appeared hanging down from the ceiling with an arrow pointing to the right theater not knowing where else to go i jogged right until i saw the large door with an identical sign above it yanking opened the heavy door i jumped inside and pulled it shut behind me I pulled back on the inner handle as hard as I could, seeing with a sinking feeling that there was no lock on this side of the door. Not like it would do much good if they want in here. But as the moments ticked by into minutes, nothing came. No force ripped the door out of my hands.

I began to breathe a little easier. Feeling my heartbeat began to slow as relief swept over me. Feeling safe that I wasn't about to be swarmed, I finally turned around to look at the room I dinnered. I found myself staring past red drapes, which I've been pulled back. At the low light, I saw dozens, no hundreds of empty red seats stretching out away from me towards the back of the room, and blue carpeting covered the floor. I only had a moment to look at the ivory white walls before I froze realizing something. It should have been dark, almost pitch black in there.

There was no windows to the outside, meaning it should have been like trying to walk around with your eyes closed. But it wasn't. and my eyes flickered up at the back wall I realized why the projector was playing I suddenly became aware of sounds playing from the speakers on the walls a lump formed in my throat

and even though every fiber of my being told me to leave instead stepped from the entryway into the theater itself taking half a dozen steps or so until I was halfway up the far right aisle turned to look at the screen a movie was indeed playing and not knowing what else to do

sat down in one of the seats I could tell the movie was old both by the fact that it was in black and white and the scene of what had to be in London in the mid fifties what if he sat down and he was like I could tell the movie was old

because it was a Disney movie Sandra Bullock the blind side I could tell it was because it was appropriate for Sandra Bullock to play a Southern woman taking in an inner city youth and stealing from him.

Have you heard that that story that that guy? Yeah. He's just like, yeah, they fucking stole money. Well, the craziest thing to me about it.

Because it was like the family sold the rights to the story or something like that. The craziest thing to me is how he's depicted, especially in the movie where in real life he was, I think they like adopted him when he was like 14, 15, and he was already like a pretty good football player. And they just kind of like helped him get into a good school. But in the movie, it's like he's so stupid.

He doesn't know what football is. So the eight year old white kid has to explain to him how football works. Not only that, but in the movie. Yeah, they're like like, oh, we'll help him get like in the in real life. I think that like first of all, I don't think that he was a fucking moron. And then also too, he think he was he was a big kid. athletically gifted to where i think that they just saw this kid and they're like oh you want to just live with us and we'll just like basically like i i seriously feel like he could have

gotten into like those schools without their help oh yeah almost almost certainly like the i the real story that's a that's a fucking horror film right there blind side the real the real blind side the real the real the real plot of it yeah oh you can say with us don't worry um now the crew it's it's wild to me to be like imagine you adopted like a kid who sure was from a trouble background but he was like fine and like you know you you like took care of him and stuff and then when it's time to make the movie you're like what if we make him stupid what if we all right now michael he didn't know anything now michael i'm going to take 20% of your revenue for the rest of your life but then also we're going to make a movie about you and

you're basically going to be radio. But I'm not, I'm not like radio. Sure you are. Whatever you say, Slingblade. Yeah, exactly. What do you all got to eat back now here? There's like, there's that see. Because like the whole movie, it's like, oh, he actually has a heart of gold because the whole,

the character in the film is like too dumb to say things. Like there's a scene where like he gets into a car wreck and he sticks his arm out to say. Well, yeah, they make him seem like a fucking mutant. it's like he sticks his fucking arm out like, I don't know, the thing. And catches a car crash. Yeah, exactly. Where I'm like, what the fuck are you saying about this kid?

He's like the elephant man. And he can't just be like, he can't be like, oh, I'm injured, my arm hurts because I was trying to take care of the kid. He's covering it. And then she has to come. You're like, what the fuck are you talking about, dude? I was keeping him safe.

It's like, what? Is it morally sound to put this kid into a contact sport? I will say this. If I walked in, if I was on a 19, let this kid play football. If I was on a 1940s

British cruise liner, a ghost cruise liner. And then I went in and the only movie that played was Blindside. I'll tell you right now, my spine would be officially chilled. What was the, was Blindside just on your mind?

I don't know. Honestly, honestly, I have no idea. where you pulled that from. I wonder when Blindside isn't on my mind. You know what I think. I think of Sandra Bollock's southern accent a lot.

I think is what I think. You're going to go to Bama. Remember the accent, but you're going to Alabama State, Michael. I do remember that Bama. You're going to Bama. And he's like, I want to go to Ole Miss. She's like,

you're going to Bama. Something like that. I don't know if I can know. Also, I was just thinking I'm like, that movie was just insufferable. Also, like, what is that, Tim McGraw or somebody? It's either Tim McGraw or Keith Urban.

it's like another country music star just plays the dad and he's just like all right really sure i guess this per yeah i'm a hundred percent positive here let me look it up yeah tim mcgraw he's sitting there he's just like sandra bull it comes home she's just like by the way this boy staying with us he's going to live with us forever and he's like okay you're the boss ma'am you're like wow that's some interesting conflict for the story you know what happy wife happy life whatever you say what the hell are we just going to let this random stranger live with us you realize he's going to go to old miss here he's going to go bamma he's like there was that whole era of like the white savior films that happened for a while you know i think still one

my favorites is uh god's not dead don't don't get me sorry i love that film i grew up evangelical like well maybe not even adjacent to evangelical stuff so that movie was like all anyone talked about that was a big deal for us. us that was like oh was that a win that was so well you know what actually that's true he's not you know what when you put it that way he's not dead you know what he isn't dead that's true was there a white was there a white savior thing and god's not dead i mean i don't know it's just like one random kid standing of the back i mean it's just a guy other than their depiction of jesus but it's literally just a guy yeah exactly it's just a it's just a guy like a science teacher just being like

that's why I think it's kind of cringe if you believe in God and like a kid in the back stands up and he's just like I disagree that's the movie there there was a lot

of that growing up where like it was drilled into my head for so long like when you like when you get out of like churches and like Christian schools because like went to Christian school

grown up it's like they're going to hate you yeah they're going to like you're going to be the enemy. Everyone's going to be like, like I see TikTok's about now where people are like what I thought the world would be like outside of church. And it was like, oh, you want to go to,

you want to shop at the Starbucks? Well, you have a cross on your necklace. So security if you get escorted. You had this idea you're going to be like super persecuted. So like that kind of gave it. That was me. I was the guy. I was the guy persecuting people.

I said, uh, Hey, freak. Get out of here. That's what I said. You, you what? And I'd be like, everybody, let's pants this guy. Let's rip off his diaper is what I would say. But no. The idea of a college professor being like right down on a piece of paper that you're an out your religion is insane. I will say it would have been. I'm like, it would have been the lawsuit should have happened. But he's just like, no. I'm not going to. I'm like, go and sue this man immediately. Yeah, just like this is, this is insane malpractice. You just. You just got. You got a massive payday, my friend. You just got rich if you played your car. Quite literally pass go, is what I would say.

I'd visited the city in 2004 as a teenager, and I instantly recognized Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square, as different as I was seeing it now. The scene began to follow a woman in a trench coat, who always walked with her back to the camera. She got into a cabin was shortly dropped off. as she walked, I suddenly noticed something. The woman had very familiar platinum blonde hair hanging down to her shoulders.

Instantly, the little curiosity I had vanished, and I felt a heavy pit began to form itself inside my stomach. But it was as if I had been paralyzed. I could do nothing but watch as this thing continued, the woman reaching a door and attempting to open it before hiding as what looked like an old thunderbird ran to the corner. As another woman got out and the music began to swell, felt my heart began to thump in my chest

dread washing over me in waves but not because of the tension the movie was clearly trying to give off it was because I felt sure of who I was about to see and as the blonde woman reappeared again blowing a revolver from her purse and aiming it at her the camera changed revealing her face

as she began to fire I let out a strangled scream he screamed so much fuck Nathan you're looking at a screen you know where you're at you're watching a movie you know it is and you're like Now, I wonder when he scream, though, did he officially, did, you know, did his spine get officially chilled? Did he get a chill?

Did he get a chill? Did he stop another scream while letting out this one? I was starting to get my scream. I started to get a chill. I stifled the. Did he think about running? He could have, yeah, he's like, my fire or flight kicked in and I began to run out of the theater. It was her, the woman who Will had spoken about in the restaurant, the one I'd seen with her arm around him in the pool, Diane.

You know, this is my proudest moment as an actress. I felt the blood drain from my face. The voice, sultry one with an unmistakable British accent. The same one. The same one I heard calling to us through the door last night. It hadn't come from the speakers. Come from directly behind me. Feeling my body began to shake his fear and adrenaline surge through my system.

Slowly turned and look behind me. A pair of sapphire, blue eyes gazed back. That did it. out of the chair, spinning to face the woman as she rose from her own. She gestured to the screen where the movie continued to play. Actually went to the big film festival in Cairns because of it.

I felt on top of the world. She let out a small snort of laughter. Of course. I didn't realize that that was the highest I'd ever, I'd ever bloody be. He said bloody at every sentence. The whistle. I'm British.

the wistful look left her eyes and focused on me wills told me a lot about you you know said a lot of good things every fiber of my being was screaming every fiber of my being was screaming at me to run but it was as though I'd once again been paralyzed I couldn't move I couldn't even speak only stand and stare that's when her face

changed, instantly turning from the half-warm, half-eary smile to ice. You're right, you know. Your friends are making a big mistake with their plan. Them trying to set fire to the ship isn't going to work. All it's going to do is make us mad. My eyes went wide as the realization hit, renewed horror-filling me. They know. You know how we get when we get angry, Nathan.

I finally managed to take a step back, seemingly able to speak again. the words of one of you that I'd often seen flashed through my mind of asking these ghosts, demons, whatever, a question. My mind still screamed at me to run, but the slight hope that I could reason with them, perhaps convince them to let us go was too much. So I asked my voice trembling. What the hell do you all want?

Instantly, I realized how dumb my choice had been as Diana began to laugh. Small Snickers at first, then blossoming into loud giggles. They stopped as she smiled at me, one that, despite the fact it made her look strikingly beautiful, made me feel as though I wanted to scream. We want you, Nathan. We want all of you.

She took a step forward. I took a step back. My eyes flickering to the exit behind me as she spoke again. You think the past just dies? It doesn't. It just melts away into what I can only describe as another reality. A beautiful one. where nothing ever ages

nothing ever changes one where we all stay where everything as it was stays she closed her eyes shaking her head slowly but it gets lonely for all of us the only bad thing about nothing ever changing is that we never see any new faces

new people to meet just the ones where we came the ones who've died her eyes flew open again locking on me I just began to take a step back when I again felt rooted to the spot. But we're able to come back, you see.

Thanks to the fact that this ship's sister still exist in your world, your time. It gives us the ability to come back to find new people to join us in ours. Her face suddenly contorted into the most wicked, evil smirk I've ever seen in my life. And we're always looking for new people to join us. Her word stabbed into my soul, filling me with horror the likes I never felt before. In that instant, I knew there was no reasoning with them. there was no bargain that could be made for us to leave

they would never let us leave they wanted to take us back to where God only knew and they'd done it to countless other people how many people lost at sea is due to them I let out an involuntary gasp as I finally manage

you know what if I know anything about my boy Nathan I know he's working up a scream like If I, you know, shot in the dark, if this man gets a noise out, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's going to. He likes to talk to himself. He likes to scream out loud. That's he likes to do. Yeah. And run and get cold. I let out an involuntary gas as I finally managed to take another step back and froze. See? Cold. Chilly. My blood turned to ice in my veins. See? As the realization hit me. And I finally did screw. I finally did scream

Because Diana's eyes weren't the only ones on me anymore There were hundreds of eyes Hungry eyes had occupied every seat in the room I turned and ran Ran for the exit as every person in their seats Melted into the horrific shadowy figures That had chased terrified us That chased and terrified us

Ever since we'd come aboard The whispering, laughter and screaming, which had plagued my nightmares was so loud in my ears, I felt as though my ear drums first and began bleeding. I let out the shrillest. I let out the shrillest, most high-pitched scream I ever have in my life.

My arm stretched. My arm stretched. My arm stretched. I kept crying. I let out the shrill. Oh, gosh. I let out the shrillest, most high-pitched scream I ever have in my life. my arm stretched out and reached

for the door to the hallway. So he's like a full Scooby-Doo. It's literally, he is literally doing the fucking the Fred Flintstone yab-dab-dab-do and like running in place and dead sprinting off.

If Nathan at this point ate an eight-foot-tall sub and one bite, I would not be surprised. I'm gonna, I'm gonna ask you something. Do you think in the story? Do you think there is going to be a scooby-snap? esk item that gives him courage

to stand his ground because isn't that the whole thing they do with Scooby do is he's basically like they lace A one scoby snacks and he like gives them Yeah yeah yeah it's like I'm not going in there What if would you do it for two scoby snacks? Yeah yeah so

What about two? Okay Like Scoob Like Scoob I think you're right But I don't think it will be an item it will be like an emotional thing like he'll remember like the captains it might literally it might literally be a dog treat i don't know that'd be great okay my arm stretched out and reached in the door

the hallway i slammed into it with all my might and bounced off it crashing back on my ass on the floor what the hell i stumbled to my feet running for the door and slamming into it again and just like the first time it didn't budge at all do i screamed out ramming it a third time But the medal refused to give. It was locked. Nathan. I froze. My body beginning to violently shake as the voice reached me.

A voice I knew well. A voice which had called to me through the door last night, along with Diane and Will. I slowly turned to look behind me. All the shadowy figures stood less than ten feet away from me. The whispering, laughter, and screaming had stopped, allowing the speaker to be heard. One of the shadows took the first step forward, and then it spoke again. It's time for you to join us. I turned and began hammering on the doors,

the captain's word echoed in my ears, sheer terror fueling my screams. Somebody over the fucking door! I began to cry. This is it. These are the last moments of your life, all because you screwed up. You're dead.

My mind began to shut down, trying in some physical reaction to spare me of the horror was about to happen to me. Nate? I snapped back to reality. That's a dude. Okay.

So many times. I'll give you one. I'll give you one. the third time of making me think about M&M in the middle of a ghost story. The main influences for the ghost ship story was 8 Mile and Forrest Gump. I snapped back to reality as the voice came from the other side of the door. For a moment, I thought I'd finally snapped like why it had.

Then the voice came again. Night, are you in there? It's Vinny, my mind screamed at me. I began furiously pounding on the door again, seeing out of the corner of my eye, the figures, began to sweep towards me. Vinnie, unlocked the door for God's sake.

I heard the sound of him beginning to fumble with the lock. Shut a glance over my shoulder and scream. I shot a glance over my shoulder and screamed again as I saw the fingers less than a foot away from me. Now in my head it's like, it's like a ony plays animation of like,

ah! The door wrenched open and I was suddenly falling forwards, crashing to the floor. and feeling pain as the abrasive carpet tore at my hands and elbows. For a moment, I was unable to think, the realization that I'd been saved causing my brain to short circuit. Till the horror of realizing where Vinny stood smashed into me like a brick wall. I flipped around my eyes wide as I screamed at my friend.

Vinnie, get away from the door. But it was too late. The only way I can describe what happened in those next moments is that it happened exactly like the scene in the 1999 remake of House on Haunted Hill, the one where Chris Catan's character It was the basement door to let the others out And it snatched and dragged into the evil mass inside So I've been to Vinny Got a split second look of the horror on his face

As he saw the figures reaching out to grab him The next he was gone Yanked inside the theater The door slam and shut behind him I screamed helplessly Reaching out a hand as if I could pull him back Through the door with cheerwill But nothing else

Vennie! The ship became deathly silent again for a moment But only for a moment the sound of racing feet suddenly sprang up from behind me I spun around beginning to frantically crab walk backwards as my mind screamed at me that the figures were now coming for me instead I felt a wave of shock as Andrew and Spencer flew around the corner terrified looks in their eyes

night get the fuck up Spencer screamed at me reaching out a hand and almost tearing my arm out of my socket as he wrenched me to my feet run I didn't question him I just ran I ran after the two as the ominous terrifying sounds whispering, laughing and screaming, began filtering down from the hallway, they'd emerge from it. It scared me almost more than anything and how pissed it sounded, more than when they caught us trying to sabotage the engines. We sprinted for the stairs, taking them down two at a time, and only able to

think about staying a step ahead of our pursuers. I don't know how long we ran, only that I was only able to keep going from the sheer amount of adrenaline that kept filling me, that in the image of Benny being dragged into the theater to Fate I Can Only Pray Was Quick We headed for the only place we knew Our cabin When we slammed inside Shut it, locked it, and proceeded to pile as much

furniture in the room against it Trying to make what was likely a feudal barricade But one nonetheless It was the only thing we could think to do When we finish I turned to the two men What the fuck happened I demanded

For a moment neither of them said anything. Andrew spoke, his voice shaking. We got to the observation lounge, found a shit ton of alcohol at the bar, and started making Molotovs. We were halfway done when the voice came. The voice we heard the stairs that day.

We turned, and we found ourselves staring at him. Who's him? I pressed. Him, the captain of the ship. He was dressed in an old captain's He wagged a finger at us and said it wasn't worth trying. That all would do is make them do it to us.

What they did to Wyatt. So we lit and threw a bottle at him at the floor. Spencer spoke up. Nate, it did nothing. It hit the floor and lit up for a second and then it, well, it was, it was as if it reversed. The flame disappeared. And then he said he was angry. His eyes turned black.

And we ran. Look down to the floor, unable to speak. anymore. There's silence in the room for a while. What happened to Vinny? Andrew finally asked. My eyes flashed up to him. I felt the heat of rage burn to my stomach. I wanted to scream at him, strike him like he'd done to me. But I held it back as I saw the look in his eyes. He was broken. So I simply answered. He didn't make it. In my words, I saw both men's shoulders slump. We're not getting out of here alive, are we? Choked out. Took a deep breath and spoke. My voice calm and authoritative, like

the captain had always spoken. We're getting out of here tomorrow. We're going to plan. And tomorrow, we're getting off this damn ship. We're going to die trying. I didn't say the last part out loud, but I didn't have to. And so as the sun began to set again on the horizon, we planned.

Their sleep now, both passed out on the bed, but not after each went into the bathroom for a few minutes, and them softly crying to themselves. Part of my heart felt for them. But another still burned with the fire and hatred of a thousand sons. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Where did that come from? If it hadn't been for their hairbrained idea, everything that happened today wouldn't have. It was your idea. Didn't you make the, okay, whatever. If Andrew hadn't punched me, I wouldn't have stormed off. If he hadn't

punched me, I wouldn't have stormed off. Unable to think straight. I would have gotten to that theater and video and still be alive. This dude sucks. Yeah, I hate Nathan. He's so annoying. But as much as it me inside to say, I'm as much to blame as they are. No, neither. You are more to blame. He's like, I'll admit a little fault. There's a crumb. There is a freckle. Yeah, here's your crumb peasant.

Did I tell you the other guys cried earlier? But they cried. That's the more important factor. I should have been more level-headed. I should have let my emotions get the best to me. And part of me thinks I should have just let the figures take me. That would have been best for everyone, instead of him ending up as a sacrificial alternate for me. Benny, I'm so sorry. I'm so

so sorry. I'm staring out the porthole now as I type this out. I watch the moon rise in the sky and glimmer off the waves. It's all I feel like I mentally can do now, but I know I have to pull myself together before dawn. We want to have any chance to escape off the Queen Elizabeth alive. There's no choice but for it to be tomorrow because as I said here typing this, another program was jammed underneath the cabin door flying under our barricade. When I flicked on my flashlight, I saw that someone had written in black ink at the bottom for Nathan only. When I flipped it open, I know two things. The first is that the date on this one doesn't say 2023 like the last one. The date says Monday, June 25, 1956.

Second, it's the first notice at the top of the left page. Two days until arrival in New York city. If you have not already bought your travel papers in the Perchers office, please do it no later than 4 p.m. tomorrow evening. Thank you. I honestly don't know if the words that Diana told me are true or not. About the past ever dying, simply moving to a different dimension when it changes, where the world stays stuck forever in one time period, endlessly repeating over and over for eternity. But honestly, don't want to know. The idea of such a world horrifies me almost worse than everything we've been through. And I think if she's right and we don't escape tomorrow, the New York City will arrive in, won't be ours. So I'm going to try and rest. The music's beginning again from the lounge,

not a big band song this time, but a slow love ballad, a song my grandfather used to sing to my grandmother, Earth Angel by the Penguins. As much as I dread the nightmares that are going to come, seeing Vinnie be taken, I need my rest. He is as much of his as I can get. If we're going to carry out our plan, dump all the lifeboats off the starboard side of the ship, then leap off the stern far enough away from the propellers where we won't be sucked in and swim for them, hopefully make it back to land. I'm not going to ask you guys for advice this time. This is the one time I don't think you can help us.

I can never thank you enough, all of you. You've helped us, kept us going when we didn't have any clue what to do. You've given us the hope to keep going, tiny connection to the world, to sanity, and everything good. You're all wonderful people, and I'm indebted to you for life. Now, how's the part we have to do on our own? But if we don't make it, thank you for help giving us a fighting chance, at least. I do ask you one thing, though, please. Wish us luck.

All right. Final time. All right. Final part. It's finally over. As I sit here, typing these words out on the laptop with the ocean spray, splashing my face, I almost can't believe it. The last few days have felt like nothing more than one long, continuous nightmare that I can ever wake from.

It's what I imagine it must be like for someone in a coma, locked in in and in the sleep. But it's over. The nightmare's over. Before I tell you what happened, let me just say one thing to all of you reading this, all of you who did all you could to help me and give me advice. I know I've said it so many times now that I probably sound like a broken record. I need to say it one final time. Thank you.

I forget any of you for everything. thing you did for me, and if I can ever return the favor, I will. That being said, it's time. Time to tell you what happened. When the three of us woke up, it was still dark out. According to my wristwatch, it was only a little after six in the morning. None of us said a word to each other, only exchanged you nervous, but determined glances as we packed the things we thought we needed to a single bag, including all the food of water we had left. As I shoved the final things in, Andrew came up beside me, holding out another sheet of paper on which he'd written something.

Nate, I'm so, so sorry about yesterday. Read the note and looked up with the man's somber face. Still felt the angry heat in me, but I pushed it down and simply nodded at him. Now wasn't the time to hold a grudge, regardless of whether it was deserved or not. I tick the pen and wrote a message back. Let's just focus on getting out of here. Nothing else matters. He read it then nodded, seeming a bit relieved.

I cast one final look at the program, which had been shoved under the door last night, lay on the room's writing desk, the declaration of reaching port staring up at me like a tombstone. Freedom or death, I thought. One of them happens today. Stealing myself, I motioned to our barricade, which had gratefully managed to hold through the night. Try to remain as quiet as possible. We pulled the chairs, night's hands, and other items away until the door was clear. Took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of fear and anticipation be unrising. Then reached out and took the doorknob in my hand. I looked up, locking my eyes with Andrew and Spencer.

He slowly nodded at me. Here we go. I turned the knob, pulling the door open. In silence, we crept down the hallway, looked as deserted as always. Though the shoes still set next to cabin doors, I became aware of one difference from yesterday, though. Something that made the fear and uneasiness increase.

The ship was no longer silent. The intercom had been turned on again. sometime during the night. As I listened, I realized the first ever song that had played when we'd powered the ship up was filtering out from the speakers. You belonged to me. I shivered slightly, but listening to the music strengthened my resolve. Yeah, see about belonging to you. Making sure the bag over my shoulder didn't make any sound, we entered the landing. The first thing I noticed was that a sign had been set up next to the floor's concierge desk. Stop for a second to read it. Horse racing sign-up.

Next to it was an open ledger. Inside, which many people had signed their names, along with their cabin numbers. My eyes flickered down the list, seeing many names that I didn't recognize. On the people who had passed from this world decades ago or longer. Then I froze. It felt like someone had dumped the frigid sea water down my back.

My eyes read and reread the last three names on the sign-up list. I saw Will's name, the captain's name and vennies and wait a minute that means that uh Wyatt isn't trapped right I didn't Kenny

uh yeah maybe that means that means that it's yeah okay so we're back to your plan hunter throwing ourselves into the ship propeller it works thank God I close my eyes and turned away from the ledger feeling as though my emotions were about to overwhelm me seeing his name knowing that all three

of my crewmates were among them shattered a piece of my soul, especially because I knew there was nothing I could do for them, not now. Someone patted me on the shoulder and opened my eyes, turning to find Spencer standing beside me. He wore grim expression on his face and looked from me to the letter, having seen the same horrific side I had. For a moment, I did nothing.

Then I nodded at him, turning to follow him and Andrew up the stairs. The lifeboats were hooked up on the promenade deck, which is where we were heading. The plan was to hide the bag of supplies near the stern railing of the ship behind a few of the giant cleats used for mooring. Then ready all the lifeboats on the starboard side of the ship to drop. Normally they would slowly be lowered from

the Davids via steel cables, but I had noted there was a sort of quick disconnect switch, which would allow the small boat to simply free fall to the water. All of us knew damn well. At the moment the ship's inhabitants realized what we were doing, it was in everything they had after us to stop us. And that meant the second we had launched the last of the lifeboats, we would have to quite literally run for our lives to the stern,

snatching up the supplies before leaping overboard. From there, it was simply a matter of making it to one of the lifeboats, climbing inside and rowing like mad away. The idea conjured up an image from an old horror, 80s horror movie, I'd seen a battle-possessed ship of it turning to run down its escaping prey. It was replaced by the horrific side of the Queen Elizabeth coming about to do the same to us. I pray to God that doesn't decide to do that, because we'll be sitting ducks. Shaking the thought and image from my mind, we reached the top stairs at the promenade deck, looking around.

The music continued to play, the song changing to Mr. Sandman by the Chardettes. Aside from that, though, the ship was silent in the gloom, which meant that they hadn't caught onto our plan yet, and that gave us more of a fighting chance. I spared a split second glance at the captain's bloodstain. then turned towards the opposite direction doing this for you cap all of you come on

whispered the first words any of us had uttered that day motioning to them I knelt down into a crouch and slowly began moving down the corridor to following close behind as we reached a corner

a sign hanging overhead pointing in the direction which showed the way to the outer deck something filtered out from down the hall in the other direction in the direction of the theater is the sound of laughter not eerie sinister laughter

but the genuine infectious laughter of people who have been bowled over by something hilarious even still the sound sent the sound sent chill after chill down my back they're watching a movie I realized for a moment I wondered if our lost crewmates

were sitting beside them watching I shook my head knock it off Nate I jerked my head putting my finger to my lips as we reach the door outside feeling my mind entire body tints up, I reached out, grabbing the handle and slowly pulling it down. It opened, the smell of the ocean immediately rushing into my nostrils in the hall.

Moving quickly, we stepped outside and closed the door behind us. Andrew easing the door shut as quietly as he could, then he finally spoke. His whispered almost torn away by the whipping wind. All right, let's get the supply bag down to the start and get ready. This place is going to pop off when everything starts. Spencer nodded. Let's do it. together the three of us descended a few sets of stairs until we reached the stern deck

thankfully it seemed as deserted as the rest of the ship moving quickly we scuttled over and set down the bag step one was complete as we slowly began to back away the hairs on the back of my neck straight up i froze as the shiver which came with the sensation of being watched passed over me my heart began to beat hard and fast in my chest shit swallowing, I slowly turned and looked at the mass of decks over our heads. Expecting to see a shadowy figure staring down at me. No one was there. What did you see?

Andrew hissed at me. Steered up for a moment longer before shaking my head. Nothing, nothing. I just thought we were being watched for a moment. Their faces paled slightly at my words, but they nodded. Come on. Let's get back upstairs. We need to prime the quick release on the lifeboats.

Then do one final check to make sure they're, not near us. Then we do it. So the color began to come back to their faces. The fearful looks melting back into the determined ones they had until now. I shot a look off the side of the ship. The sun was beginning to raise itself over the horizon, the orange glow giving way to the yellow glare as it looked to be pulling itself out of the sea. Turning back, I jerked my head forwards. Let's go. We made our way back up to the promenade deck and began readying our potential escape vessels to drop. It was extremely, almost painfully slow going, especially trying to be quiet. Some of the hinges had formed patches of rust, making the davits hard to swing out and the levers

even harder to raise. But eventually, every single lifeboat on the starboard side of the Queen Elizabeth dangled high above the water, which moved by below. The three of us stopped for a moment to wipe our brows, and we allowed ourselves a small smile at our accomplishment. We might actually make it out of this. we might actually pull this off. Thoughts in a surge of hope, almost giddiness, to flow through me. When I get back home, I'm going to literally kneel down

and kiss the ground beneath my feet and I'm never setting foot on or in the ocean again. Now came the final task, making sure that the coast was clear and that we hadn't been spotted and swarmed. None of us had discussed this portion of the plan yet, mostly due to the fact of what it entailed.

One of us had to sneak back inside the ship and give a last look, Signaled to the others to begin releasing the lifeboats. None of us wanted the less than envious task. I didn't blame the others for not volunteering, but after seeing that neither of them were going to step forward, I sighed. All right, I'll do it. Simultaneous looks of guilt and relief entered the other men's eyes.

And after a moment in which I saw them inwardly fight with themselves, they nodded. Began to turn away when Spencer spoke. Hey, Nate. I looked back, seeing the barely disguised, fear on his face, not fear for him, for me. Yeah. I asked, took a deep breath and answered. Stay safe, man.

Please. Small bit of gratitude of the gesture flooded me, and I nodded at him. Just be ready for my signal. With that, I opened the door and slipped back inside. Tension filled every fiber and sinew of muscle in my body as I crept forwards, hearing the pounding of my heart inside my eardrums as sweat began trickling down my face. everything seemed the same music still played over the speakers and the ship still remained silent i didn't hear the laughter anymore but that could have just but that could just be because whatever

film they were watching wasn't in the middle of a funny scene right now at least i hoped took another few steps towards the t junction ahead straining my ears for any abnormal sound still it remained quiet but they really don't know what we're up to keeping my breathing as quiet and shallow as possible i finally reached the T-junction, taking a single, deep breath before stepping out into the middle of it. I cast a look in all directions I could see. Nothing moved in the stillness. Time to leave. I turned and gave the two faces in the door's porthole of thumbs up, then crossed my arms and made a slicing motion. I was in the burst into a later grins and disappeared, dashed and began dropping the boats as I turned to joy them. Nice try, Nathan.

the voice from over my right shoulder froze me on the spot my feet rooting themselves to the floor every ounce of hope and happiness i had was sucked away from me like a loved one in the grip of a tsunami replaced by the mixture of horror fear and dread oh fuck my breathing became ragged and i felt tears begin to spill from my eyes slowly i turned my head to look behind me Will stood there, looking as alive and human as he had the last time I'd seen him, next to the pool. He cocked his head, slowly giving it a shake as a sad, pitying smile played over his lips. It was a valiant effort. I'll give you that. You've impressed me. He jerked his head towards the door leading outside to the last help of my salvation.

Bird brains, especially getting those two bird brains to work together with you. Second voice spoke up to my right. But the game's over now, darling. My head swiveled to see the Diana now stood between me and the exit. And she wasn't alone. It looked like at least a dozen men, women and children stood beside and behind her, all wearing clothing from the mid-20th century. The L. War a muse smiles on their faces, their eyes fixated on me.

Behind them, I could hear the dull thunk of the lifeboats being released. My dear boy, Nathan. The biggest chill, yet ran up my spine. And I slowly turned around to find three of the four hallways packed with people. Hundreds, no thousands, were stretched away and out of sight. We're not only old clothing, but crew uniforms as well. They're all here. Then my eyes fixated on the man who'd spoken.

Spoken with the voice I'd heard through the radio that second day, welcoming me aboard. He was dressed in a captain's uniform. A white cap set in atop his head. I knew instantly who he was. It was a man that Andrew and Spencer had seen. I tried, set it on fire, and then running from the captain of the Queen Elizabeth. He smiled, an ear-to-ear smile that reminded me of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. Only this grin wasn't going to be followed with raising any philosophical points or trying to cheer me up.

This grin held a wicked hunger, and it made me feel as though I were staring at the devil himself. Then two figures stepped out behind him. Two figures made the blood drain for my face. The captain spoke again. I think you know what you had to do. now, everyone. And I finally wrenched my mouth open and screamed.

Why? Why would you? He's scared. I know, he's scared. He's so scary. Scream was all the air in my lungs as I watched him, Vinny, and the captain, my captain, and all of them melted to the shadowy figures

that it stalked to pursuit us from the day we'd stepped aboard. I didn't wait for them to make a move. I turned and ran. I ran in the only direction that was available to me, back down the hallway that led to the lounge and the stairs. Sparing a glance behind me, I screamed again as what I can only describe as a maelstrom flew after me.

The maddening whispers, screams and laughs emanating from them melting together to what I can only assume is what hell itself sounds like. Running faster than I ever had in my life, I reached the landing and made a dash for the stairs, but I'd only taken a few steps down when I heard even more of the infernal noise rising up from down below. I peered over the banister and down the space between the stairwell, and I felt a new surge of tear as I saw even more swirling figures surging up the stairs.

Shit! I yelled turning and sprinting back up the stairs. I emerged back onto the landing just as the figures, which had originally started chasing me entered. Black, soot-like arms reached out to snatch me, and I ducked, managing to dodge them with less than an inch to spare. I ran towards the open doors to the louch, my momentary thoughts of running for the opposite. observation room squatch, as I heard yet still more whispers coming from around the corner of the hallway to it. I had no other choice aside from turning around and letting them take me, and that was not happening. I burst into the lounge, almost tripping over one of the chairs that

still lay on its side and racing forward the crew hallway we'd first entered the ship from. As I made it to the center of the room, I could see it, the door hanging slightly open. I have to make it. It's my only way to escape. Momentary surge of hope filled me as I reached. it heaved it open and then died as a shadowy hand thrust out from the darkened companion way trying to snatch me and pull me in assembled backwards almost falling as i turned to run the other way panic and fear that was slowly driving me now as i made it to the middle of the room and skidded to a stop i was completely surrounded spun around in a circle feeling the strongest wave of horror burst forth as i saw the shadowy figures had made a circle around me there was nowhere left

for me to run. I began to shake uncontrollably as I watched them slowly closed the circle more. Tears began to fall from my eyes as the grim reality of my situation slammed into me. There's nowhere for me to run anymore. No where for me to go. I'm not getting out of this. I'm going to die here. I just hope Spencer and Andrew managed to make it off. And then one more thought. God, please don't let it hurt. I close my eyes. Nate! my eyes shot open flicking over the shoulders of the shadowy figures as they stopped stopped and turned back to look at and jen sir who had dashed to the doorway of the lounge panic looks on their faces their eyes found mine and i saw their faces go pale and they saw my situation and then to my horror some of the figures turned and began to move towards them no i began screaming hey i'm here you wanted me come take me leave them alone me and I heard the whispers morph until the only sound I could hear was them laughing.

It's when I heard Andrew scream at me. Nate, look out! I looked up to see him pointing his finger. Behind me, spun around, catching a glimpse of something rocketing towards me. The terrified realization, I recognized it was one of the giant lamps that had been set up in the four corners of the lounge. And at that speed, the huge marble and glass bekemeath was traveling, I would be killed instantly if it hit me.

It was what was meant to kill me. I didn't think there wasn't time to, simply turned it over the floor. The carpet slammed it to my face as I felt the monstrosity whizzless and a foot over my head. Seconds later, I heard it slam into the opposite wall with a thunder crash. For a moment, I could do nothing but lay there. The shock of not being deaded all I could feel. Then I got to my feet. Andrew and Spence's faces were horrified expressions at how close I'd come to death,

and they could do nothing but stare at it. And as I did, I realized something. something that's in a bolt of hope through me. Some of the figures were still moving towards the two men. Quite a few of them, in fact. Enough that they made a mistake and left a narrow but noticeable gap in the circle. I ran. Instantly, the figures realized their error and attempted to pluck the hole in their line.

But they were just a moment too slow as I managed to sprint between them, feeling the tips of their fingers brushed the collar of my jacket. A new sound rose from them as I flew out of their grass. one that spurred me to move faster, a single unanimous scream of rage, rage at having to have me dead to rights and then letting me slip out of their grasp. As I broke free, I shot another look up towards the others. I've been ready to yell at them to run, to head for the stern of the ship, but I saw I didn't need to. They were already bolting for the exit. I felt fresh tears began to well up in my eyes, this time once of hope. I crashed into the corner as I saw them ripping open

in the exit door, sheer adrenaline powering me on as I raced to catch up to them. Come on, you're so close. Move. I spared to look behind me, fear adding more fuel to my escape, as I saw the mass of figures spill around the corner I just come from. They were desperate to keep us from escaping. I slammed it in the door, yanking on the handle as it flew open. The sun momentarily blinded my eyes. It slammed into the outer wall with a crash, and as I caught sight of Andrew and Spencer racing down the stairs, they shot a terrified look back at the sound. I was too focused on staying ahead of the horde to say anything. The only sound I made being the labored breathing as I took the stairs down two at a time. The stern section came to view

and I raced down the final set of stairs and I saw Andrew snatching up the supply bag. The screams of anger and desperation behind me now filled the air, drowning out the cry of the goals overhead. I saw my two crewmates take two bounding steps jumping and pushing off the stern railing with their feet and they disappeared out of sight. A moment later, jumped as well. The frigid cold water took my breath away as it enveloped me. For a moment, I thrashed underwater, then my head broke the surface. I sputtered out sea water and looked around. The live boat. I saw that her planet worked. At least half a dozen of the small boats had successfully survived their fall and floated away from the ship. I began swimming for them as hard as I could,

seeing the others do the same. Behind me came the biggest scream yet. I spared a glance over my shoulder to see that the Queen Elizabeth steaming away from us. For whatever reason, they couldn't pursue us. The sight slammed the reality home to me. We made it. We're free. Moments later, we reached the closest one and hauled ourselves on board. For a few moments, we could do nothing but lay there, gasping for air as the sun rose higher in the sky. The warmth that radiated down felt like heaven to me. Slowly, I heard Spencer began to chuckle triumphantly. Andrew joined in a moment later, finally so did I saw we were able to do

being so mentally and emotionally fried from what we'd experience you know what I'm sorry but I can't I can't lie to you not after all you did for me I know that's what you wanted though wasn't it you wanted to read about

how the three of us managed to beat the odds managed to escape the nightmare ship and are floating somewhere at the Atlantic that we're going to be all right am I right well I'm going to have to burst that bubble I can't imagine you sitting there now all of you reading this.

Wait, what? You'll scream a shocked expression on your faces. He lied at the start. But did I? I said at the start that it was finally over. I said what I felt was a nightmare was finally over. I never said I escaped, though. You only took it to mean as much.

Fuck off. Yeah. The truth is, everything I just told you actually happened. until the point where I turned to see the giant lamp flying towards me. I never dove out of the way. I didn't have time to. Slammed into me with the force of a 747. I can still remember it.

I remember flying across the room before being crushed into the wall. Truth be told, it was so quick that I didn't even feel anything. I didn't suffer if that makes you feel better. I actually kind of want Nathan to suffer because he's so insufferable. I also didn't lie about standing up to the horrified looks on Andrew and Spencer's faces. They did indeed have horrified looks and they did look back terrified as they slain. to open the door to chase after them because i was rushing after them to tell them how wrong we'd been how wrong we'd all been i realized it as soon as i stood up looking down at myself and seeing the shadows

clinging to my body they were right will diana the captain they were all right about it being beautiful about the past not dying the other reality all of it there truly was never anything to fear because i feel so happy i never have to worry about death again about growing old i never have to to worry about things changing, about the world moving on, whether I want it to or not. Tell you the truth, I feel so silly for being afraid this whole time. If I know the truth, I never would have run from them. I would have let them take me. I didn't lie about them escaping either.

Injured Spence, I mean, they really did leave off the stern of the ship into the water and swam to a lifeboat. I could see them now, actually. I could see them trying to roll away as I lay on a sun lounge on the promenade dick with others, the laptop I left in our cabin in my lap. Diana and Will are smiling and laughing together as they share a drink on my left Vinnie and the captain are lounging on my right my heart warms as I see them shoot me smiles

almost as warm as the beating summer sun but I can't help feeling sad for Andrew and Spence they're never going to be able to experience this just like White and Kenny won't I even asked the captain of the Queen Elizabeth if they could return if I could try and convince them to come back to us but he said because they tried to burn the ship down it wouldn't be possible

as much as that sucks I could see his point but I can't help but feel a little bad for them seeing their little lifeboat get farther and farther away as the storm rolls in to swallow them up I hope they don't suffer too much we're so close to arrive in a New York City I'm so excited when I look over the railing towards the bow

I can see the first glimpse of it on the horizon and it looks so amazing seeing it as it did as it is 1956 without any of the ugly modern buildings ruining it Diana told us that she's going to show us around the city that she's going to take us to her home in Los Angeles we're even going to go see Elvis perform

I can't wait after the traditional horse race and party tonight traditional horse after the horse race and party tonight of course which brings me to something I wanted to tell you about you see Diana also told me that when newcomers arrive they do have to do something they need to contribute to help them the Queen Elizabeth will eventually leave New York

heading back out for open sea She'll cruise between here over to England and then back through the Atlantic, where we first came across her. Crossing from this world to ours to yours, thanks to the tether that the floating hotel her sister ship became. But because after enough time, the four of us will stop being new faces to everyone here. It'll stop being new faces to us. And it gets ever so lonely, not seeing any new faces. So I'd like to do something for you. Before I finally lose the signal, the computer has.

back to you before we fully cross over. The entire reason I'm posting this last update, remember at the start when I said, if I could ever return the favor for all you've done, for all the advice, if I could do anything in return for you all being such kind-hearted people, I would. Well, there is. I'd like to extend you all an invitation. If you're able, charter a boat and sail for the Flemish cap, or for the route the ship used to take in your world across the Atlantic. Look for the dark and storm clouds and steer course for them. You'll be battered about a great deal, fortunately. Won't be pleasant, but you'll eventually

see the great ship appear on the horizon. Steer course for come on board where we wait to welcome you with open arms. We're always looking for new people to join us. And that finishes off our story of my crew and I are stuck aboard an abandoned ship.

There it is. There it is. Okay. So I still thought it was fun. I still like it. It's good. It needs a second draft. but the author has talked about that in some of his post and whatnot where he's like, I'm going to rework it for a book.

I think if you, I think if you shorten it, condense it down, cut out some of the filler, change the verbiage a bit to where there's not as being repeating words. And then I, like I know it's part of no sleep saying,

but if you remove like the Reddit stuff, I feel like they didn't contribute that much. I feel like this is a very workable, very good. And I love the concept of a go-shymp. ship in the middle of the ocean like what's not fun about that um so i enjoyed it i thought it was good it just bogged out of it and i don't like that it was all a dream ending i however i will add that that is my ultimate uh pick for how it ends that the guys who hated him spence and

uh andrew they make it out and nathan die so i am happy about that part i think um having to be a go ship and everything is fine i think like even the thing of like a crew that's i think that he's if I had any I think all the critique that you gave is good I think that if you were going to do another draft I think building out the character Nathan Moore to resemble somebody who's maybe like how do you tie in the idea of like like basically wanting to be complacent forever as a character arc is basically what you're saying here by being stuck on this thing where now everything is beautiful and doesn't have to worry about anything anymore how do you parallel that with who he is at the beginning of the story you know um like his his solution at the end even if this isn't nathan at the ending and it's like his spirit that's been altered or whatever at least play that off some way with him because the only real mentions we get of nathan's like he talks about the horror of his family around a cross that's made for him and stuff so maybe like a return to his family and then at the end there's like a rejection of it but well even if it wasn't that it was him looking for family the whole time and

at the end he could find it in this new crew and it could be like a bittersweet ending I think is fine but I think establishing those core values I think just like the general theme of like how did the other people on the ship also contribute to that theme and how they play and how do they play off of it as well I mean the story kind of set that up

because he talks about like how tragic it was his aunt died like three times so say that like well if it's the 1950s we can go find your aunt when we get to New York we'll find her you know she'll be younger you can spend you know she can be your friend or whatever and like you could play off of his emotions.

If the arc is supposed to be like the ability to not like the inability to move on or process that I think that in a way it should feel a bit more bittersweet at the end when he basically rejects the idea of moving on and he basically like like finds permanence and stagnation of that of like basically living in a fantasy world. I think that's got to feel I think kind of bad, right? As a character arc, I would say that's something where it's like the, the, the, I guess the, what am I saying here?

I guess like the, the distraction or the, the fake reality of being like, yeah, I'm totally fine. This is exactly what I wanted. It needs to, I guess, either hit harder that that's what you think is a positive or a negative approach. Because right now, I feel like it's a, it's a positive, even though I don't know if, even though I don't know if them being on this thing and being like tricked it's almost like somebody like giving you heroin and you're like I feel great it's like it's like you want to be on heroin

you know maybe what so uh I don't know I mean all and all like I said I think that like as a fun Scooby-Doo kind of story I think it's cool takes elements of the shining and it reminds me a bit of a welcome to Deadhouse by the goosebumps story yeah yeah a little bit about like you know a town of people being like, you know, we just have to eat you. And then you can be one of us. And we're super stoked that you get to stay here forever with us or whatever. I think that there's that.

So fun psychological stuff. But yeah, I mean, all in all, I think that it's a fun place. And like, you know, if you put it into a book, get rid of the no sleep filter stuff at the beginning, like you were saying, Isaiah. And I think of anything, if you do that as well, maybe just explore the characters a bit more. So we just get more who they are to where whenever people get picked off or they do that, it feels like, I don't know, the domino effect feels a bit crazier uh so all in all i thought it was fun reach out to us if you hear this or we'll try to reach out to you as well and we'll also uh try to get something set up to see what you think for your cover and we'll make sure and uh

help you get that funded for sure yeah yeah we got you got you covered it is fun and uh you certainly have a talent as if you watch this you certainly have a talent as an author keep keep working at it you keep making stories that's all you can do baby it's all i can do All right, guys, thank you so much. Thank you for all the people who listened on Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well. Be sure to live us a good rating there. It does help. Until next time, guys, we will see you in the next one.

See you the next one. Don't get stuck in a 19th, 50 grocery. You know what, actually? Don't scream. Yeah, that's unless you really want to, or it's cold. I don't know I don't know. I don't know.

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