“Nate!”  Jacob quickly snapped at his brother before he was seen by the two they were following.  “Are you trying to make it so we are caught?”

                Nate looked back at his brother and smiled a toothy grin.  “You know I don’t like doing this sneaking prattle you like to do.  I’d rather just handle this up front.  Really now, sneaking around like a common thief.”

                “Is that what you think I am brother?  A common thief?”  Jacob moved closer to his brother and…

One months later...

The small ship we were on slowly landed on the dock.  Bloody dinghy.  I’m tired of searching for a damn ship.  The fact I had to sneak off my ex-wife's ship in a life raft sickens me to no end.  Just glad Artie disabled the tracker before we took it.  If my wife had found out we had taken one of her ships, even if it’s a shitty little lifeboat like this, she would’ve flayed me alive.  I’m glad I have Artie as a friend and as a mechanic.  I do feel sorry how I have…

The dull roar of the air-crafts could be heard from below, only being muffled by the sound of a random explosion in the distance.  I could see the hot, orange glow of the mushrooms that the explosions made.  The screams of the men hit by those bombs were cut off short, and their voices never to be heard again except in my head.  God, I wish I didn't hear those screams.  They haunt my nightmares and plague my mind in the silence.  I think on them now and I shudder.  Oh, how I miss that…

I stared at the doorway as Charlotte left.  To have actually hear her say those words.  She may not blame me, but she was still disappointed.  I couldn’t blame her.  I was disappointed in myself too.  I balled my right hand into a fist again and assailed my forehead with it.  Artie sat there and watched me with a frown on his face.

                I shook my head.  I can't think like this right now.  My main concern is to find my daughter now and that’s all that matters.  To do that…

"The Hornet..."  My mouth was agape and I was dumbfounded.  This ship wasn't even supposed to be in this area.  Why the bloody hell was my...my...my ex-wife here?!  "Why the hell are we on the Hornet, Artie?!  Do you know what hell you just put me in?!"  I cringed in pain from the motion I had made while yelling.  Bloody arm.  It was going to be a great burden for a while.

                "Well Cain, there weren't any other ships in the area.  I'm just as surprised as you to see this…

Sherri.  My poor girl.  I can’t fathom to think what those bloody bastards are doing to her.  I have to find her, no matter the cost.  If only I could do more for her, but I don’t even know where to look.  The damn blast obscured my vision from seeing the symbol on the hull of their ship.  I don’t even know how long I’ve been in here.

                The door at end of the room opens, and a man walks in.  "Cain?  Is everything alright?"  It’s my ship’s mechanic, the plump bastard.  He…

*Click sound as the transmission begins.  Slight static noise, then a voice resounds through the space*



Good sirs and precious madams.  I am the man of many cures.  The scourge of plagues.  The destroyer of germs.  I am Dr. Cain Marko.  *Presents himself with a flourish of bows and stands erect at attention*  Many ask what manners a man of my caliber would be of use.  Let me show you.



*He removes his long, brown trench coat and places it on the table and pulls the…