Mysteries of the Deep [Exploration/Survival RP; IC]

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

OOC Thread

The Atlantean Gate

First mentioned in Plato's works Timaeus and Critias, the island-city of Atlantis has long fascinated everyone from scientists and historians, to people with outstanding imaginations. The rumours of a great naval power, swallowed by the sea as punishment for falling out of favour with the Gods, has been a cause of great debate and mystery. Many have wondered where the ancient rival of Athens was located, if it ever existed at all; Was it in the Atlantic, or was it a Mediterranean island? Some even debate whether or not Antarctica was the basis for the island of Atlantis. Now, in 2015, it seems that the mystery has been solved. Markland Deep-Sea Company, a marine research and exploration group, has compiled enough evidence to send a team of researchers to a site they believe may be the location where Atlantis sunk so many centuries ago. A large submarine sinkhole was discovered by Markland Deep-Sea Company in 2012, but has only just been considered as a potential site for significant exploration opportunities. Calling the sinkhole the Atlantean Gate, the Markland Deep-Sea Company has compiled a team of researchers, security-staff, and expert navigators and boatsmen to explore the depths of the Atlantean Gate, and possibly be the first humans to see the sunken city of Atlantis.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
2 June, 2015
11:15 AM

The Robert E. Markland sat in the harbour of Funchal, Madeira, a rather majestic looking vessel amongst small trawlers and massive cruise ships. Her high towers and strong design quickly betrayed her military history, having been a research ship for the United States Navy before being purchased by the Markland Deep-Sea Company. Several of the sailors working on board the Markland were lounging on the deck in the hot Madeira sun, their duties already done for the morning. On the docks were hundreds of people, ranging from tourists who came aboard the cruise ships, to fisherman who went out of the harbour by day in order to feed their families by night. The whole city seemed to be a well-oiled machine that never stopped moving. One of the people walking about the great island city was a young Englishwoman, Marie Kelly. She was not, despite her appearance, a tourist. Rather, Marie was one of the researchers preparing for the voyage of the Markland. She walked excitedly as she headed back towards the Markland from the Estação de Biologia Marinha do Funchal, which was the primary centre for marine biological research in Madeira. Many people looked over at her as she walked by, but Marie was never intimidated by the people. She waved at everyone, smiling kindly, and even stopped over at several stands as she walked through the market. Her Portuguese language skill was less than average, but she still managed to communicate just fine.

When Marie finally made it back to the Markland, she went towards the bow of the ship. Noticing several of the sailors lounging in the sun, she laughed. On the trip the Markland had taken from Plymouth, Cornwall, to Funchal, Madeira, Marie had gotten to know many of the crew members. She was excited, though, to meet the rest of the team that would be boarding the ship in Funchal. Deciding not to spend any time with the crewmen at that moment, Marie went towards the stern of the ship, where the research lab was located. Once there, she decided to run several diagnostic tests on the two submarines that the ship carried. As the tests systematically checked every millimetre of each vessel, Marie leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, wondering when the rest of the crew would be arriving.

[Barboneia]

Ivo Buric hummed softly to himself as he walked swiftly through the streets of Funchal, Portugal. He forgot the name of the song, but it was about a prince falling in love with a milkmaid. Or something. Ivo loved to occupy himself with such silly stories. They made him feel happy inside. As the harbor came into his view, Ivo wondered how silly he looked.

Ivo had a cigarette sticking out of the right side of his mouth, a thin trail of smoke following behind him as he walked. He was wearing a white, cotton, short-sleeved dress shirt and a black tie. The emblem for the security company he worked at, Serbian Security United, was stitched onto his left breast. He was also wearing a pair of aviators similar to what pilots wore. He couldn't find any other sunglasses in the shop that weren't so feminine.

Ivo walked through and past the bustling crowds of people, before stopping in front of the Robert E. Markland. It was no Helsinki Class, he thought, but it was majestic and beautiful in it's own way. Ivo took the cigarette out of his mouth, blew one last puff, and flicked it into the water before boarding the boat. He looked at the curious site of the sailors that seemed to be sunbathing on the deck, before wondering where that young British woman he was told he would meet was.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Emilie Hansen had arrived in Funchal several days before the Robert E. Markland did, so she had already been around the city. She had been through the markets and shops, and had done quite a far bit of sight seeing. Naturally, her travel and lodging had been on the Markland Deep-Sea Company's dollar, so she didn't mind doing such extravagant things in the city. The island of Madeira was far different from her native Denmark, which was far more flat, and often times cold. Emilie definitely liked the climate on the island of Madeira, but she didn't let these things distract her from the reason she was in Funchal. Once she received word that the Markland was in the harbour, she got herself ready with her bags and checked out from her hotel. From there, she used a taxi to get to the water, which was far more practical for the 1.66 metre tall woman.

Looking up at the Markland, Emilie was impressed. She had seen photos of the vessel, as well as received charts describing it, but she had never been on board the grand flagship of the Markland Deep-Sea Company's fleet. With a great deal of excitement, Emilie made her way onto the ship, her luggage carried on by various members of the crew. She saw several crew members laying out in the sun, which made her grin, but she couldn't be distracted. She also noticed that there was a more official looking man standing there, seemingly also having noticed the relaxed crew members, but Emilie really couldn't stick around to introduce herself at that moment. She instead went directly towards the stern of the ship to the research lab, remembering where it was based on the schematics she had received of the vessel. When she walked into the lab, Emilie was surprised to see that somebody was already there. She knew who the young woman was, of course, so Emilie approached with a friendly smile, hoping not to startle the girl.
"Hi, you must be Marie Kelly," said Emilie in a friendly tone. "I'm Emilie Hansen, we'll be working together on this exploration."

[St Roch]

Papis Salah.
Aboard the Robert E. Markland.
Funchal, Madiera, Portugal.

It was just approaching noon and Papis, sporting a rather heavy woolen jumper, was just finishing off his duties for the day. After rising at around 5:00 am and then having a light breakfast, consisting of cereal and croissants (his Father's personal favourite), Papis set to work doing the mundane, but for him, enjoyable, tasks of scrapping off rust, giving the railing another coat of paint and ensuring the decks were clear and clean.

Papis now, after pouring himself a glass of Coca-Cola, lounged on the deck of the ship that he now called his home. He shared some laughter with some of the other crewmen with whom he had built up a fairly strong relationship with over the past months. They chatted, and speculated, about their upcoming voyage - most didn't really care about the 'what's' or 'where's' of their job, just that they got paid handsomely for doing it correctly.

Checking his watch, Papis could see that it would still be a while until the various members of the crew came aboard the ship - he had heard experts were being ferried in from a variety of nations and guessed that the voyage must have some importance. He closed his eyes and slept lightly in the noon day sun.

He was awoken by the clanging of the gangway and the tapping of footsteps. It was Marie Kelly, just back from some shore leave, Papis assumed. The Englishwoman, who, to Papis, always seemed to be in a hurry, looked over to the Mauritanian and laughed slightly - the sight of ragged and bearded sailors casually lounging in the sun must have appealed to her sense of humour. Papis, and a few of the other men, smiled and waved back - Papis said "Hello" in his native Arabic.

As Marie left, Papis sipped his Coke and tried to enjoy the limited time he had left in the sun before the others arrived.

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie Hansen had arrived in Funchal several days before the Robert E. Markland did, so she had already been around the city. She had been through the markets and shops, and had done quite a far bit of sight seeing. Naturally, her travel and lodging had been on the Markland Deep-Sea Company's dollar, so she didn't mind doing such extravagant things in the city. The island of Madeira was far different from her native Denmark, which was far more flat, and often times cold. Emilie definitely liked the climate on the island of Madeira, but she didn't let these things distract her from the reason she was in Funchal. Once she received word that the Markland was in the harbour, she got herself ready with her bags and checked out from her hotel. From there, she used a taxi to get to the water, which was far more practical for the 1.66 metre tall woman.

Looking up at the Markland, Emilie was impressed. She had seen photos of the vessel, as well as received charts describing it, but she had never been on board the grand flagship of the Markland Deep-Sea Company's fleet. With a great deal of excitement, Emilie made her way onto the ship, her luggage carried on by various members of the crew. She saw several crew members laying out in the sun, which made her grin, but she couldn't be distracted. She also noticed that there was a more official looking man standing there, seemingly also having noticed the relaxed crew members, but Emilie really couldn't stick around to introduce herself at that moment. She instead went directly towards the stern of the ship to the research lab, remembering where it was based on the schematics she had received of the vessel. When she walked into the lab, Emilie was surprised to see that somebody was already there. She knew who the young woman was, of course, so Emilie approached with a friendly smile, hoping not to startle the girl.
"Hi, you must be Marie Kelly," said Emilie in a friendly tone. "I'm Emilie Hansen, we'll be working together on this exploration."

Marie opened her eyes, startled nearly out of her seat by the voice. She first looked to see that her diagnostic tests were completed, which they were. Then, she looked over at Emilie, standing up with a smile. Marie had heard very good things about Emilie, and was really looking forward to them working together. She extended her hand to Emilie, "It's great to meet you, Emilie, I've heard a lot of great things. I was just running a diagnostic test on the submarines out there, but both tests came up with no issues. I guess I fell asleep up here." Marie laughed a bit awkwardly, somewhat embarrassed by the fact that she had fallen asleep.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Marie opened her eyes, startled nearly out of her seat by the voice. She first looked to see that her diagnostic tests were completed, which they were. Then, she looked over at Emilie, standing up with a smile. Marie had heard very good things about Emilie, and was really looking forward to them working together. She extended her hand to Emilie, "It's great to meet you, Emilie, I've heard a lot of great things. I was just running a diagnostic test on the submarines out there, but both tests came up with no issues. I guess I fell asleep up here." Marie laughed a bit awkwardly, somewhat embarrassed by the fact that she had fallen asleep.

Emilie was glad to meet Marie, having heard good things about the young scientist as well. Emilie hadn't been to a school as prestigious as Oxford, but she felt that her education was more than sufficient. She was quite interested in the tests that Marie had run on the submarines, but she figured that there wasn't much to talk about with regards to that. "I'm glad to be working with you, it should be a good search. I'm pretty excited to see what's inside that big sinkhole out there."

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie was glad to meet Marie, having heard good things about the young scientist as well. Emilie hadn't been to a school as prestigious as Oxford, but she felt that her education was more than sufficient. She was quite interested in the tests that Marie had run on the submarines, but she figured that there wasn't much to talk about with regards to that. "I'm glad to be working with you, it should be a good search. I'm pretty excited to see what's inside that big sinkhole out there."

Marie was equally glad to be working with Emilie, and even more glad about the fact that Emilie seemed quite friendly. Marie had worked with a classmate at Oxford on a rather important research assignment, which to put lightly, went terribly. The young man whom Marie had been paired with had turned out to be not only a cruel individual, but also a truly useless research partner. Anyway, it had made Marie more skilled in her research abilities. She stood up from her seat, figuring that she and Emilie should go to interact with the crew, who were likely still by the bow of the ship lounging. "I'm also very excited to get down into that sinkhole with one of those subs out there. I think it'll be an outstanding opportunity to learn. Right now, though, I figure we could go up front to interact a bit with the crew." She started out of the lab, looking back to see if Emilie was coming along.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Marie was equally glad to be working with Emilie, and even more glad about the fact that Emilie seemed quite friendly. Marie had worked with a classmate at Oxford on a rather important research assignment, which to put lightly, went terribly. The young man whom Marie had been paired with had turned out to be not only a cruel individual, but also a truly useless research partner. Anyway, it had made Marie more skilled in her research abilities. She stood up from her seat, figuring that she and Emilie should go to interact with the crew, who were likely still by the bow of the ship lounging. "I'm also very excited to get down into that sinkhole with one of those subs out there. I think it'll be an outstanding opportunity to learn. Right now, though, I figure we could go up front to interact a bit with the crew." She started out of the lab, looking back to see if Emilie was coming along.

Emilie felt that it might be fun to take a walk to the bow of the ship. She felt somewhat bad about not going over to say hello to the crewmen earlier, so she figured she'd make up for it. As she and Marie walked along the side of the ship towards the bow, Emilie had many thoughts race through her mind. The more she thought about the mysterious submarine sinkhole they'd called the Atlantean Gate, the more her imagination, as to what was inside, was free to roam. She pictured magnificent ecosystems within the walls of the sinkhole, but she also pictured the absolute terror that the sinkhole could provide to the crew. She knew that the sinkhole could most definitely cave in, trapping anybody inside, likely sealing their deaths. She tried not to think about this, though, instead turning to her new research partner. "So, Marie, have you been on the Markland for long? I remember reading in the booklets I got that the ship set out from England."

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie felt that it might be fun to take a walk to the bow of the ship. She felt somewhat bad about not going over to say hello to the crewmen earlier, so she figured she'd make up for it. As she and Marie walked along the side of the ship towards the bow, Emilie had many thoughts race through her mind. The more she thought about the mysterious submarine sinkhole they'd called the Atlantean Gate, the more her imagination, as to what was inside, was free to roam. She pictured magnificent ecosystems within the walls of the sinkhole, but she also pictured the absolute terror that the sinkhole could provide to the crew. She knew that the sinkhole could most definitely cave in, trapping anybody inside, likely sealing their deaths. She tried not to think about this, though, instead turning to her new research partner. "So, Marie, have you been on the Markland for long? I remember reading in the booklets I got that the ship set out from England."

Marie Kelly
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
12:45 PM

Marie walked along the side of the ship in deep thought, much like Emilie. She thought about the ancient legends of Atlantis, and how they might relate to the large sinkhole they were going to explore. She felt that the company hadn't really been smart in naming the location the Atlantean Gate. It simply got the hopes of somebody like Marie to be way too high. She was distracted from her thoughts by Emilie. "Well, I've been on the Markland for weeks now. We left out of Cornwall, which is in England, and came straight to here. I've met all of the crew, and they're all very friendly, but I've heard that you're not the only one who will be joining us on this ship. I've even heard that we'll be getting a new captain, which is a bummer, because I like the captain we have currently."

---

Cpt. Vyacheslav "Slava" Markov
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
12:45 PM

Slava Markov paced back and forth, worry in his step. In his hands was the file of the sixty-three year old George Romano, an Italian who would be replacing Slava as Captain of the Robert E. Markland. Slava, who had served in the Russian Navy as a GRU Frogman, as well as achieving the rank of captain-lieutenant in the regular Navy, was somewhat offended that he'd been taken over as Captain. He wished that he would have command of the vessel for longer, but he figured that being thirty-five wasn't quite as impressive as being sixty-three. He read through the file several times, making sure that he knew the man called George Romano well, as Slava would soon be his subordinate chief officer. Bored of reading the file in his hands, Slava decided to go outside for fresh air. He practically burst through the door from the bridge stairway to the side of the ship, nearly knocking poor Marie Kelly and Emilie Hansen into the water of the harbour. Slava knew Marie from their time on the ship already, but he had only read about Emilie Hansen. She was quite strikingly beautiful, like Marie, which made the young Captain uneasy.
"I am so sorry, ladies, I didn't mean to come out of the door like that. Please, accept my apology." He was truly sorry, but also wanted badly to go to the bow of the ship to look out at the water, hoping to clear his mind.

[Winpheala]

Berthing of the Markland
Funchal, Portugal
Captain George Romano

With a slight jolt, the taxi came to a stop by the white, sun-baked pier. The door slammed, luggage was retrieved from the musty boot, and George Romano stood, watching the car speed off. The old captain was not an unhandsome man, with his neatly trimmed beard and hair matching with his creaseless uniform but there was something to the lines in his face that was bitter as an oak gall. For lack of a better phrase, the man had lost hope in the world. Oh, he kept living, but he had no desire to truly experience life. He did not care whether or not he experienced the finer pleasures, or in this case, discovered Atlantis as the rumors spoke of. So long as he lived, and contributed as he could, it was enough for him.

The sea-breeze blew to him and he confronted the familiar smell of salt, the windy gales blustering into his face. It had been a while since he had faced this adversary face to face. One can know of the ocean, but to truly understand it you need to know its moods. He knew it, and he knew not to trust it. He knew how those azure waters could lure you in, warm and inviting, and change in a moment to a silent killing rip. He had seen first hand its power and he admired it and feared it and above all understood it- he faced a similar turmoil inside him each and every waking moment. If only there were a tool to dealing with it as good as the Markland.

Romano shook himself out of his reminiscence and started to stroll down the pier to where the white ship was berthed. She was not an unimpressive sight, measuring 84 metres from bow to stern. An ex-navy tender, she had been purchased by the company of the same name after she was decommissioned, and renovated for less bloodthirsty purposes. In a way, he supposed it was awe-inspiring, though he himself hoped that it would be as utilitarian as it was presentable. Then the sun came out and illuminated the white sides, and he almost smiled. Whoever had been looking after the ship before she had came here had done a good job.

Speaking of which, he could already see multiple expedition members from the shore- The captain looked at his wristwatch and frowned. It seemed that he hadn't timed his arrival quite as well as he would have liked. A swig of whisky from the metal flask at his hip for calm and greater patience when communicating, and he slowly walked up the gangplank.

[Barboneia]

Ivo hadn't really payed attention to anyone, mostly looking around the deck and sometimes staring at the odd sailors sunbathing. He had begun to felt the urge for another cigarette. He pulled a pack out of one of his pants pockets and slid one of the cylindrical objects out. He stuck it into his mouth and took out a Zippo lighter from another pocket. It took him a few tries to get the flame to stay lit, and he lit up the cigarette.

He walked over to the side of the ship where the gangplank was on and heard the clanking of feet as an older man with an amazing beard walked up it. Ivo figured he could exchange some pleasantries, so he smiled at the man as he walked up.

"Hello there. I assume you're one of the sailors on this lovely ship?"

[Cylarn]

Being underneath of ships was something that Allen Hart was completely comfortable with, considering that his previous line of work had him searching for human remains under ships or drug caches secured to the underbellies. He was under the Markland now, clearing out the seaweed that had lodged itself around the propeller during a previous excursion. It wasn't yet a serious problem, but the last thing that the expedition needed was to be stranded at sea because of a broken propeller. Time was never on anyone's side, and they could not afford unnecessary distractions. Despite his task, he enjoyed the cool, clear waters of Funchal, his black "farmer john" style wetsuit allowing him comfort in the water.

Well, as much comfort as one can be allowed while wearing a ton of compressed air on their back, a BCD, and a tight diving mask at they breathe through a tube.

Allen's left hand pulled the "vine" of seaweed tightly downwards, as he used his dive knife to cut through the vine. After a few seconds of sawing, he released the vine and allowed it to float to the surface, before sheathing his knife back down on his ankle. Deep down, a part of him prayed that the motor wouldn't be started up, as he began to pull the remaining seaweed from the propeller. He couldn't work without hands, after all.

A few moments later, his task was finished, and he slowly ascended to the surface.

Spitting out the respirator from his mouth, his right hand then pulled the mask from his face as he took in a gulp of fresh air. He looked up towards the deck of the ship, noticing that additional members of the crew - namely the bookwormish researchers and the holier-than-thou security personnel - were showing up. He scoffed a bit, but realized that he had more in common with the security guys than he honestly cared to admit. His feet began to kick in front of him, propelling him onto his back and towards the dock that the ship was docked to, as two sailors stood by to help him up.

Upon reaching the dock, he removed his fins and passed them up to one of the sailors, along with his mask before he removed his BCD, allowing it to float freely on the surface. He turned his body towards the docks, and took the hands of the sailors, who hoisted him up onto the deck, before retrieving his BCD. He looked towards one of the men, a gent of Somali descent.

"So, the rest of the team is here?" he asked.

The man gave a curt nod, and Allen thought little of the gesture, as it gave him an answer. After disconnecting the first stage of the respirator from the tank, he picked up his gear in both hands and made his way onto the vessel, his eyes taking note of the new arrivals as he moved into the interior of the ship.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Marie Kelly
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
12:45 PM

Marie walked along the side of the ship in deep thought, much like Emilie. She thought about the ancient legends of Atlantis, and how they might relate to the large sinkhole they were going to explore. She felt that the company hadn't really been smart in naming the location the Atlantean Gate. It simply got the hopes of somebody like Marie to be way too high. She was distracted from her thoughts by Emilie. "Well, I've been on the Markland for weeks now. We left out of Cornwall, which is in England, and came straight to here. I've met all of the crew, and they're all very friendly, but I've heard that you're not the only one who will be joining us on this ship. I've even heard that we'll be getting a new captain, which is a bummer, because I like the captain we have currently."

---

Cpt. Vyacheslav "Slava" Markov
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
12:45 PM

Slava Markov paced back and forth, worry in his step. In his hands was the file of the sixty-three year old George Romano, an Italian who would be replacing Slava as Captain of the Robert E. Markland. Slava, who had served in the Russian Navy as a GRU Frogman, as well as achieving the rank of captain-lieutenant in the regular Navy, was somewhat offended that he'd been taken over as Captain. He wished that he would have command of the vessel for longer, but he figured that being thirty-five wasn't quite as impressive as being sixty-three. He read through the file several times, making sure that he knew the man called George Romano well, as Slava would soon be his subordinate chief officer. Bored of reading the file in his hands, Slava decided to go outside for fresh air. He practically burst through the door from the bridge stairway to the side of the ship, nearly knocking poor Marie Kelly and Emilie Hansen into the water of the harbour. Slava knew Marie from their time on the ship already, but he had only read about Emilie Hansen. She was quite strikingly beautiful, like Marie, which made the young Captain uneasy.
"I am so sorry, ladies, I didn't mean to come out of the door like that. Please, accept my apology." He was truly sorry, but also wanted badly to go to the bow of the ship to look out at the water, hoping to clear his mind.

As Emilie walked with Marie, she took in the salty scent of the sea, which, when combined with the warmth of the sun, was a truly welcoming sense. She realised somewhat quickly that there was no place she'd rather be in that moment than on the Markland. She listened to Marie talk about the replacement of the current Captain of the vessel, which surprised Emilie slightly. She was going to respond to Marie, but she was interrupted by the rather abrupt opening of a door, and the even more abrupt appearance of a military man, coming outside from the bridge. The man nearly knocked Emilie overboard, which, naturally, frustrated the Danish researcher. "Excuse me, but you should be more careful next time you're rushing around." She could tell that the man was more than a bit stressed out, and he seemed uneasy, so Emilie calmed herself. "We're going to the bow, if you'd like to join us."

[Phoenix2012]

Jonathan Ruston
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
2 June, 2015
Around Noon

---

Jonathan kept a close eye on the activity around the Markland. As the Officer of the Deck, he was responsible for the safety of the ship, whether in port or underway at sea. Keeping a careful eye on the radar monitor and listing to the radio chatter, Jon made sure that there were no hazards to the safety of the ship or crew. Next to him, Captain Markov paced back and forth nervously, obviously not happy to be replaced.

Jon was quite at home on the Markland, having spent his entire service aboard ships of the USN. Very little had been changed in the ship's refit, and the ship was still as utilitarian as any naval vessel, with little thought having been put into creature comfort. Jon preferred it that way. Utilitarian meant efficiency, and Jon would much rather be at the helm of a destroyer over any cruise ship any day. Of course, the Markland could not be expected to handle like a destroyer, but for a research ship, it was more than Jon could ask for. They were going to be working in the middle of the Atlantic, which Jon didn't mind. Of course, the Atlantic could throw some of the harshest weather in the world at them, but the Markland should be more than capable of handling any storm that brewed up, especially with Jon at the helm...

Glancing at the deck, Jon noticed that people were starting to board the ship. After checking again to make sure that everything was normal, Jon left the bridge under the supervision of a Junior officer, making sure that the two way radios were working if he was needed.

He quickly made his way down to greet the new members of the expedition, keeping an eye out for the arrival of the new Captain...

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

As Emilie walked with Marie, she took in the salty scent of the sea, which, when combined with the warmth of the sun, was a truly welcoming sense. She realised somewhat quickly that there was no place she'd rather be in that moment than on the Markland. She listened to Marie talk about the replacement of the current Captain of the vessel, which surprised Emilie slightly. She was going to respond to Marie, but she was interrupted by the rather abrupt opening of a door, and the even more abrupt appearance of a military man, coming outside from the bridge. The man nearly knocked Emilie overboard, which, naturally, frustrated the Danish researcher. "Excuse me, but you should be more careful next time you're rushing around." She could tell that the man was more than a bit stressed out, and he seemed uneasy, so Emilie calmed herself. "We're going to the bow, if you'd like to join us."

Cpt. Vyacheslav "Slava" Markov
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
12:57 PM

Slava was glad that Emilie didn't seem too upset with him for nearly knocking her overboard, but he was still quite upset at the thought of being replaced. He figured that going to the bow of the ship with the lovely young ladies would be less than terrible, so he did his best to put on a smile. "Thank you, I'll join you." As he walked with Emilie and Marie, he made sure to practise proper discipline when speaking; this was something drilled into his head in the Russian military. He walked behind the two researchers, only speaking when spoken to, but this would change when they reached the bow. Slava saw an older man walking up the gangway onto the Markland, and immediately recognised him as George Romano, his replacement. Slava's muscles stiffened and he prepared to speak to his new superior officer, gently grabbing Emilie on the shoulder so that he could pass between her and Marie. Approaching Captain Romano, Slava made sure to look as stoic and official as he could. When he was next to the man, he stopped, extending his hand. "Captain Romano, I am Slava Markov, Chief Mate of the Robert E. Markland. Welcome aboard."

[St Roch]

Being underneath of ships was something that Allen Hart was completely comfortable with, considering that his previous line of work had him searching for human remains under ships or drug caches secured to the underbellies. He was under the Markland now, clearing out the seaweed that had lodged itself around the propeller during a previous excursion. It wasn't yet a serious problem, but the last thing that the expedition needed was to be stranded at sea because of a broken propeller. Time was never on anyone's side, and they could not afford unnecessary distractions. Despite his task, he enjoyed the cool, clear waters of Funchal, his black "farmer john" style wetsuit allowing him comfort in the water.

Well, as much comfort as one can be allowed while wearing a ton of compressed air on their back, a BCD, and a tight diving mask at they breathe through a tube.

Allen's left hand pulled the "vine" of seaweed tightly downwards, as he used his dive knife to cut through the vine. After a few seconds of sawing, he released the vine and allowed it to float to the surface, before sheathing his knife back down on his ankle. Deep down, a part of him prayed that the motor wouldn't be started up, as he began to pull the remaining seaweed from the propeller. He couldn't work without hands, after all.

A few moments later, his task was finished, and he slowly ascended to the surface.

Spitting out the respirator from his mouth, his right hand then pulled the mask from his face as he took in a gulp of fresh air. He looked up towards the deck of the ship, noticing that additional members of the crew - namely the bookwormish researchers and the holier-than-thou security personnel - were showing up. He scoffed a bit, but realized that he had more in common with the security guys than he honestly cared to admit. His feet began to kick in front of him, propelling him onto his back and towards the dock that the ship was docked to, as two sailors stood by to help him up.

Upon reaching the dock, he removed his fins and passed them up to one of the sailors, along with his mask before he removed his BCD, allowing it to float freely on the surface. He turned his body towards the docks, and took the hands of the sailors, who hoisted him up onto the deck, before retrieving his BCD. He looked towards one of the men, a gent of Somali descent.

"So, the rest of the team is here?" he asked.

The man gave a curt nod, and Allen thought little of the gesture, as it gave him an answer. After disconnecting the first stage of the respirator from the tank, he picked up his gear in both hands and made his way onto the vessel, his eyes taking note of the new arrivals as he moved into the interior of the ship.

Papis Salah.
Funchal, Madiera, Portugal.
Aboard the Robert E. Markland.

After lounging lazily in the sun, and drifting in and out of sleep, for about half an hour, Papis and another crew member decided to get up and make themselves useful. Not wanting to be seen as a crew which lacked something meaningful to do, both he and his friend, from Somalia, paced up and down the deck purposefully although with no real task to do.

Papis saw the 'new' Captain come aboard the ship - a person which he had heard the 'old' Captain rant about the previous night, it was obvious he did not like being replaced by someone almost double his age. For Papis, and most of the crew, a new Captain just meant a new person to shout orders at them.

Papis and his friend's eyes were drawn away from the newcomer and towards the water where the surface was disturbed by bubbles which gently made a noise as they were exposed to the warm Madiera air. "A sea monster!" Said Papis, in Arabic, to his Somali friend. This rather childish comment was met with an equally child-like laughter. Then, a diver popped up from the depths - casually removing his mask he revealed his face to the two sailors. It was Allen Hart - a diver who Papis had seen, but had never formally met, previously.

Together, the Mauritanian and the Somalian rushed to help Hart who, with a slightly heavy breath, gratefully accepted the outstretched arms that offered him leverage in order to get him, and his equipment, out of the water. Asking if the rest of the team had arrived, Hart's response was a simple nod from Papis' friend. Hart left, equipment in hand.

Happy that they had done something actually meaningful, the men returned to the vessel. Papis, about to make his way to the mess, bumped into Hart again.

"A fine day for diving, ma' friend, eh?" With his heavy accent he continued.

"If you ever need anytin' don't hesitate to ask me, brutha." As he said this Papis let out a wheezing laugh and patted Hart on the back as he shimmied past him in order to get to the mess.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Emilie was surprised when she felt Captain Markov's hand at her shoulder. She turned quickly to look at him, but he was only passing between her and Marie in order to talk to a man who had just come aboard. By the way that Markov acted in front of the older man, Emilie made the assumption that the man was to be the new Captain of the Robert E. Markland. It seemed somewhat awkward to Emilie as she watched Captain Markov introduce himself to his successor. Although Markov had nearly bumped Emilie overboard, she felt that he was a kinder man than he let on. He had seemed truly sorry for rushing out of the Markland so quickly. As she and Marie continued towards where several of the men were out in the sun, she slowed her pace. The sight of Funchal from the bow of the Markland was brilliant, and she felt she needed to talk to someone about it. She turned to Marie. "This city may be the most beautiful I've ever seen. It makes it seem hard to believe we'll be setting out tomorrow morning."

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie was surprised when she felt Captain Markov's hand at her shoulder. She turned quickly to look at him, but he was only passing between her and Marie in order to talk to a man who had just come aboard. By the way that Markov acted in front of the older man, Emilie made the assumption that the man was to be the new Captain of the Robert E. Markland. It seemed somewhat awkward to Emilie as she watched Captain Markov introduce himself to his successor. Although Markov had nearly bumped Emilie overboard, she felt that he was a kinder man than he let on. He had seemed truly sorry for rushing out of the Markland so quickly. As she and Marie continued towards where several of the men were out in the sun, she slowed her pace. The sight of Funchal from the bow of the Markland was brilliant, and she felt she needed to talk to someone about it. She turned to Marie. "This city may be the most beautiful I've ever seen. It makes it seem hard to believe we'll be setting out tomorrow morning."

Marie was surprised to see Slava go so quickly over to the new guy on board. To Marie, it meant that the new man must be the replacement Captain. She really couldn't help but feel bad for Slava, as he had been such a proud Captain for the entire trip from Plymouth to Funchal. She had actually become quite close friends with the Captain along the way, so it was difficult to see him replaced by somebody completely new to the ship. Nonetheless, Marie kept walking with Emilie, stopping when they reached the proper bow. She didn't bother talking to the crewmen sitting out in the sun, merely waving at the men. They knew her, and she knew them, but none of them had really seemed interested in what Marie was doing on the vessel. She looked over at Emilie, who commented on the beauty of Funchal. It wasn't that Marie disagreed that Funchal was quite beautiful, but rather that Marie missed England terribly. "I love it here, but I wouldn't mind being back home in England. It's quite different out here, with warm weather every day. I'm excited to ship out tomorrow." She knew that she had just unleashed a string of somewhat unrelated statements, but she didn't mind enough to clarify anything.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

Marie was surprised to see Slava go so quickly over to the new guy on board. To Marie, it meant that the new man must be the replacement Captain. She really couldn't help but feel bad for Slava, as he had been such a proud Captain for the entire trip from Plymouth to Funchal. She had actually become quite close friends with the Captain along the way, so it was difficult to see him replaced by somebody completely new to the ship. Nonetheless, Marie kept walking with Emilie, stopping when they reached the proper bow. She didn't bother talking to the crewmen sitting out in the sun, merely waving at the men. They knew her, and she knew them, but none of them had really seemed interested in what Marie was doing on the vessel. She looked over at Emilie, who commented on the beauty of Funchal. It wasn't that Marie disagreed that Funchal was quite beautiful, but rather that Marie missed England terribly. "I love it here, but I wouldn't mind being back home in England. It's quite different out here, with warm weather every day. I'm excited to ship out tomorrow." She knew that she had just unleashed a string of somewhat unrelated statements, but she didn't mind enough to clarify anything.

Emilie understood how Marie could be missing home. Emilie missed Denmark, but she was in no real hurry to go back. She was mostly excited for the opportunities that she would find by the Atlantean Gate. Naturally, she had some thoughts in her mind of discovering a new species, but she wouldn't allow herself to think that way going into the expedition. She was just as excited to ship out as Marie, so she made it known. "I'm also very excited to see this Atlantean Gate. I saw the photos, but it'll be amazing to see it for myself." As she spoke, she couldn't help that her eyes were fixed on Captain Markov. The man was handsome, and Emilie noticed it straight away. She couldn't help herself staring in his direction.

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie understood how Marie could be missing home. Emilie missed Denmark, but she was in no real hurry to go back. She was mostly excited for the opportunities that she would find by the Atlantean Gate. Naturally, she had some thoughts in her mind of discovering a new species, but she wouldn't allow herself to think that way going into the expedition. She was just as excited to ship out as Marie, so she made it known. "I'm also very excited to see this Atlantean Gate. I saw the photos, but it'll be amazing to see it for myself." As she spoke, she couldn't help that her eyes were fixed on Captain Markov. The man was handsome, and Emilie noticed it straight away. She couldn't help herself staring in his direction.

Marie Kelly
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
1:30 PM

Marie clearly noticed that Emilie had her eyes on Slava Markov, which nearly made Marie smirk. She had gotten to know Slava quite well, and never once had he seemed even remotely romantic. Marie had tried flirting with the attractive Russian early in the trip from Cornwall, but there was no clear reciprocation of the flirting. Even though Slava hadn't flirted with Marie, the Englishwoman had to admit that Emilie was quite a good looking woman. Marie wouldn't be surprised if Slava agreed on that point. Suddenly feeling her eyelids getting heavier, she decided that she'd take a nap until the speech from Robert Markland. She looked over at Emilie, "I think I'm going to head to my room for a bit of sleep. I'm quite tired after running tests and preparing various things last night. Sorry to leave you out here." She kindly smiled at Emilie before moving towards the sleeping quarters, passing Papis Salah along the way. Marie had met the friendly man several days earlier, and had quickly realised that Papis was a good person to be friendly with. As she walked past him, she figured it'd be nice to say hello. She placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention, "Papis, how are you? I trust you're keeping the rest of the crew in order?" She was being a bit cheeky, but she figured he'd realise that.

---

C/M Slava Markov
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
1:35 PM

Slava, somewhat bored of being around the new Captain, as well as feeling quite angry at being replaced, decided he needed something to take his mind off of the situation. He looked around, noticing that the researcher Emilie Hansen was looking right at him. Slava was quite used to the attentions of women, but never was he looked at in the way that the intelligent researcher was at that moment. He decided that she would likely be a fine distraction from the stress he was feeling, so he nodded to Captain Romano and went off towards Emilie. Once he got to where she was standing, noticing Marie Kelly taking her leave, Slava put on the best smile he knew how to. "Hello," he said, his Russian accent quite noticeable. "I think we met under bad circumstances. I'm Captain," he paused to correct himself on that. "Rather, Chief Mate Slava Markov." He wasn't quite sure how to make smalltalk with her, feeling that he was being quite awkward. "How do things look in the lab? Will we be ready to set off tomorrow?" As soon as he asked the question, he regretted it. He didn't really want to talk about business.

[Breitenfeld-Sibbesborg]

C/M Slava Markov
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
1:35 PM

Slava, somewhat bored of being around the new Captain, as well as feeling quite angry at being replaced, decided he needed something to take his mind off of the situation. He looked around, noticing that the researcher Emilie Hansen was looking right at him. Slava was quite used to the attentions of women, but never was he looked at in the way that the intelligent researcher was at that moment. He decided that she would likely be a fine distraction from the stress he was feeling, so he nodded to Captain Romano and went off towards Emilie. Once he got to where she was standing, noticing Marie Kelly taking her leave, Slava put on the best smile he knew how to. "Hello," he said, his Russian accent quite noticeable. "I think we met under bad circumstances. I'm Captain," he paused to correct himself on that. "Rather, Chief Mate Slava Markov." He wasn't quite sure how to make smalltalk with her, feeling that he was being quite awkward. "How do things look in the lab? Will we be ready to set off tomorrow?" As soon as he asked the question, he regretted it. He didn't really want to talk about business.

Emilie was surprised both by Marie's sudden tiredness, as well as the fact that Captain Markov was coming over to talk to her. She figured he'd noticed her looking at him from across the bow of the ship, but she didn't think he'd actually come over. When he got to her, introduced himself, and started talking, she realised that he was somewhat awkward, which Emilie figured was because he had some other things on his mind. She decided she'd try her best to get his mind off of whatever was stressing him. "Well, yes, the labs are fine, but I doubt you want to talk about that. Tell me about yourself, Chief Mate Markov. Surely you have a story?" She hoped that he would have some sort of romantic Russian upbringing, like in the stories back home, but she doubted that the military man truly came from such a background.

[Skegness-on-Pirn]

Emilie was surprised both by Marie's sudden tiredness, as well as the fact that Captain Markov was coming over to talk to her. She figured he'd noticed her looking at him from across the bow of the ship, but she didn't think he'd actually come over. When he got to her, introduced himself, and started talking, she realised that he was somewhat awkward, which Emilie figured was because he had some other things on his mind. She decided she'd try her best to get his mind off of whatever was stressing him. "Well, yes, the labs are fine, but I doubt you want to talk about that. Tell me about yourself, Chief Mate Markov. Surely you have a story?" She hoped that he would have some sort of romantic Russian upbringing, like in the stories back home, but she doubted that the military man truly came from such a background.

Slava could tell that Emilie wasn't interested in talking about the labs at that moment, much like Slava himself. He was surprised, though, when he was asked about his background. He didn't have a very glorious upbringing, so he was surprised that Emilie would show interest in it. "I don't think I've ever been asked that question," Slava remarked with a grin. "I was born in Shenkursk, which is a small town on the Vaga River in Arkhangelsk Oblast. It's in the far north of Russia, so the weather was always a struggle. My father was a soldier in the Red Army, so I always had the plan to join the military. Just to spite him, though, I chose the Navy." He chuckled a bit at that. "I was with the naval special forces for several years, then on a ship, but I left the military to come work for the Markland Deep-Sea Company. I figured it'd be a bit more interesting than serving on a Russian naval vessel." He squinted slightly in the sun, but looked over at Emilie. He noticed that one of her eyes was coloured differently from the other, which he immediately registered as a very attractive feature. "I've told you some things about me, so now it's your turn. Tell me about you."

[Ecaria]

Elwood Hale
The Robert E. Marckland

Elwood had to hurry. He had spent too much time yelling in English to the Portuguese natives when his packing didn't go as planned. He decided to abandon a few items that just couldn't be found and book it for the ship.

Elwood had been ignoring the rest of the crew heading to the ship - he was never much one for talking. The man on a ship who is known for arresting sailors for having fun, as any MP knows, never really gains friends on the ship. Poverty had taught him that everyone was looking for something in the end, reinforcing his introversion. As much as the ultra-rich complain about never having someone not in it for the money, this was amplified in poverty. Everyone wanted to mooch you for those extra few dollars you made overtime, or that hamburger you got for free at a company or city event.

Elwood saw the other shipmates as he approached the Marckland. The sailors and security staff he felt ambivalent about, but the researchers he felt a repressed anger. He wished he could be in a position like theirs - not the security staff everyone kind of glossed over and considered expendable. Working two jobs, combating an alcoholic family, and not having a good school system to start with kind of meant he couldn't go forward no matter what. As he approached the ship, and this not quite hatred, but jealousy, was repressed.

As he stepped up the platform to enter the ship, he shook hands with the shipmate greeting him.

[St Roch]

Marie Kelly
On Board the Markland
Funchal, Madeira
2 June, 2015
1:30 PM

Marie clearly noticed that Emilie had her eyes on Slava Markov, which nearly made Marie smirk. She had gotten to know Slava quite well, and never once had he seemed even remotely romantic. Marie had tried flirting with the attractive Russian early in the trip from Cornwall, but there was no clear reciprocation of the flirting. Even though Slava hadn't flirted with Marie, the Englishwoman had to admit that Emilie was quite a good looking woman. Marie wouldn't be surprised if Slava agreed on that point. Suddenly feeling her eyelids getting heavier, she decided that she'd take a nap until the speech from Robert Markland. She looked over at Emilie, "I think I'm going to head to my room for a bit of sleep. I'm quite tired after running tests and preparing various things last night. Sorry to leave you out here." She kindly smiled at Emilie before moving towards the sleeping quarters, passing Papis Salah along the way. Marie had met the friendly man several days earlier, and had quickly realised that Papis was a good person to be friendly with. As she walked past him, she figured it'd be nice to say hello. She placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention, "Papis, how are you? I trust you're keeping the rest of the crew in order?" She was being a bit cheeky, but she figured he'd realise that.

Papis Salah.
Aboard the Robert E. Markland.
Funchal, Madiera, Portugal.

After grabbing a light lunch, again consisting of croissants, Papis began to make his way to his quarters - or rather the quarters he shared with about half a dozen other crew members. Once there he would sleep and then should any problem arise during the night he would be rested enough to deal with it.

On the way he, once again, encountered Marie Kelly. Papis recalled when they first met when the Markland had docked in England, he quizzed her on all aspects of British culture - food, music, traditions and sport. Marie, to her credit, answered Papis' questions as best as she could and even on some occasions tried her best not to laugh at 'Have you seen the Loch Ness monster?' Or 'How often do you have tea with the Queen?' So far Papis has learned that the UK was a rainy, stoic and proud nation which ran on several gallons of tea per day. Papis' fascination with the UK first started when his Father in the 1940s travelled from the then French colony of Mauritania to the Gold Coast, now called Ghana. His Father spoke of the 'British way of life' and from then on Papis was obsessed with Britain.

Marie asked if Papis was keeping the crew in order, as she said this she placed her hand on his shoulder. Papis, realising the joke, as even amoungst the dogsbodies he was low on the hierarchy, laughed - this revealed a surpringly straight, White set of teeth.

"Ya' Miss Marie, I'm keeping de' crew on der' toes. No one steps out of line!" As he said this Papis, again, laughed heartily.

He patted Marie on the back as he continued on to his quarters, deliberately loudly whistling the British patriotic song, 'Rule, Britannia!', so Marie would here it and, hopefully, reveal more about her homeland later on in the voyage.

Deciding to take a quick detour, Paipis again found himself out on deck looking at women who he did not recognise. He believed he had overheard her calling herself 'Emilie' to Marie Kelly. Deciding to make the Danish woman feel welcome Papis decided to go over to her.

"Beautiful day, Miss, a beautiful day indeed." Again, with a wheezing laugh, Papis stretched out his hand and the woman shook it firmly.

"I'm Papis - general handyman and dogsbody aboard dis' fine vessel, the Robert E. Markland. If der' is anytin' you need during the voyage please let me know, eh?"

Papis waited for the woman to respond.

[Phoenix2012]

Jonathan Ruston
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
2 June, 2015
Around Noon

---

Jon greeted every new member of the crew as they boarded with his usual professional attitude. He wasn't usually very talkative around people he didn't know well, but he made sure that he was friendly enough not to come across as cold and uncaring.

"Welcome aboard the Markland. I'm Jonathan Ruston, Officer of the Deck, at your service."

From his naval experience, Jon knew that it was important to get to know the crew. Part of it was being able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each member, as well as how the crew functions as a whole. It was important, especially at sea, that every member be able to perform their best at their respective tasks. At sea, a ship could be thousands of miles away from the nearest ship, plane, or land. A competent and well trained crew was essential to survival at sea.

He greeted a man who rushed aboard, flushed and looking quite irritated with barely suppressed emotion. From what he had heard, this was presumably Ellwood Hale, one of the ship's Security Officers. Jon felt this could be a concern, as a Security Officer should be calm at all times so that they could react and make clear decisions in stressful situations.

Those thoughts were soon swept aside by the arrival of the new Captain. Markov beat him to the captain, earning a frown from Jon. Even though Slava outranked him, Jon, as the current officer of the deck, should have given the new captain a full report before others greeted him.

"Welcome aboard, Captain Romano!" he greeted with a crisp salute,
"Lt. Jonathan Ruson, USN ret. at your service. Reporting all systems normal, nothing of concern. The Markland has been refueled and all supplies have been loaded aboard. Auxiliary power has been turned on, and all navigational systems are online. The main engines are prepared for starting at your notice. All the emergency systems have been inspected, although I would suggest a few drills before we set off for the benefit of our new members, sir."