The Meryton Cruise ship cut a path in the wide ocean, screaming its horn at the oncoming clouds. I leaned against the railing, feeling the fading sun on my arms and the cool breeze in my long, gray-blonde hair. Customers of the ship mingled around the deck, admiring the sunset across the ocean and asking friendly employees for the activity schedules for the next day. I smiled to myself, perfectly content to hang around here for the next century.
"Captain, are we clear to start clearing the decks for the night?" Lieutenant Cambell asked behind me.
"Yes, carry on." I sighed. I too would have to begin the nighttime routine. I straightened my blue double-breasted jacket and walked across the deck. I crossed towards the back of the ship where the engine was, smiling and nodding to my customers. I opened the door leading to the engine room. It was hot and stuffy in there, as usual. Machines lined the walls of what looked like a long corridor. They cast an orange glow.
"Hello, Cap. Everything's fine in here, as usual. No need to check in." Mr. Limber smiled a toothless smile. He bent over his cane, rubbing his back. I would have dismissed him long ago, but he flat out refused.
"Ah, Mr. Limber. I check everything, captain's job. Now go and check in for the night."
With another toothless grin and a nod of the head, Mr. Limber exited. I checked the engine, muttering the routine to myself. Everything was in order. I crossed back to the door.
Then I heard it.
A low screech. Almost like a metal rod scraping against the machines. I turned swiftly, almost expecting Mr. Limber. But I saw no one. I took a couple steps forward.
"Anyone in here? I'm about to lock up."
No answer. I shook my head, arguing with myself. I was going on forty five, which was pretty dang old in my opinion. I could have well imagined it. I turned back to the door. I heard it again. This time it was louder and longer. Goosebumps crawled on my skin. I faced the corridor again.
I screamed.
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