Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Jester on 06-12-2011, 20:05:59</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>06-12-2011, 20:05:59</strong>
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				&nbsp;It was the Cruise Ship Adonia. The smallest of the seven ships, Adonia is designed to offer a delightfully intimate cruising experience. Radiating small ship charm, she carries just 710 passengers. What this means is that in no time at all you’ll experience the cruising camaraderie that comes with being surrounded by friendly, familiar faces. And thanks to her small size, P&amp;O Cruises Adonia is a pathfinder ship, exploring ports the larger ships of today are unable to visit - with 75% of her staterooms featuring a balcony, the views are second to none.With wood-style panelling, a grand staircase and traditional artworks, her ambience and décor are in keeping with the traditions of cruising. Yet being a 21st century ship, (she was built in 2001) there is modernity to her detailing, all of which is beautifully crafted. Her Crow’s Nest offers far reaching views by day and live music by night and Anderson’s bar feels reassuringly British. In her grand lounge, the dance floor plays host to an elegant waltz or cha-cha-cha and its stage presents a wide range of evening entertainment, from shows to classical recitals. There is dining overlooking the wake and evenings with after dinner speakers. There is a card room with panoramic ocean views, ample sunbathing space and restaurants which include Sorrento, the Ocean Grill and six course silver-service in the elegant Pacific Ocean Dining Room. And of course being smaller, everything on our Adonia cruise ship is just a short walk away.<br><br>Jenny loved the ship and she enjoyed the fame she got on board. It was away from her parents and she got to meet some lovely people. During the day she used to lie by the pool perfecting her tan and at night she would perform in one of the venues on board. Jenny Grey is an eighteen year old singer and one of the many entertainers on the cruise ship. Jenny had got through to the final of American X-Factor but unfortunately was not good enough to win. She was dedicated to her singing though and had worked hard since and was delighted when she got the job on the cruise ship. Her speciality were ballads and easy listening and she had styled herself accordingly. She was famous for her waist length flowing auburn hair and her slender yet slightly boyish figure. <br><br>The spotlight was difficult for her though and her father was extra dominant the further she got in the competition. The cruise life has made her happy and she is not keen to return to real life. She was a self harmer as a child and the urges have returned. She does not have to work hard to keep her figure at all and can eat as much junk as she wants. She has a naturally pretty face that does not need much makeup but she does like to look after her hair.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>The Bermuda Triangle was supposed to be a myth but there was some reason for the rumours and the legends..... The triangle however never stayed in the same place and this cruise ship would get into trouble in the next couple of days........
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>08-12-2011, 15:16:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				John saw some of the other people at the conference in and around the bar. He had found himself drawn to it, in spite of or because of, the name he supposed; matching his own. He sipped at a whiskey with water as more familiar faces passed by, exchanging polite nods. He had made some advances against a couple of the prettiest females, but it was quite obvious they weren't interested. There were taller men around with stronger chins, better suits and cooler haircuts.<br><br>Not that John was homely. No, he was one of those many people in the mediocre section of the scale of attractiveness. With his average height and build and average face, he could have upped his marketing value by having an interesting personality and radiant charisma. Unfortunately, he was only supplied with average abilities in that department as well. The kind of things John Anderson excelled at were areas of expertise that weren't in high demand in modern life and on the corporate ladder.<br><br>The mirror across the bar showed a man in his early thirties. Divorced, with no children (not that that really showed in the mirror). His dark hair was short on the sides and longish on top, combed back or sideways pending his mood. He wore a casual suit with a white shirt.<br><br>Turning away from the bar, his attention was drawn to the windows. The sky was going the color of his eyes. Dark and gray.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>10-12-2011, 04:00:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Margo Harding entered the bar and saw the loser that had hit on her earlier in the cruise sitting there.&nbsp; What was his name?&nbsp; Jim? John? Whatever.&nbsp; One of those boring names that dull parents gave to children that would grow up to live sedate suburban lives.&nbsp; &nbsp;She glided past him with a smile that said, "oh, you...poor dear.&nbsp; I know you wish you had a chance with me, but go ahead and watch me while I go for a real man."<br><br>She sat down next to a player.&nbsp; She could tell by the cut of his suit, the bearing of his body, and the way he spoke to the bar tender that he was a man used to being in charge and obeyed.&nbsp; Not that she intended on obeying any man, but it was nice to know she was with an equal.&nbsp; Someone else who could get the job done, whatever that job needed to be.<br><br>She sat down next to him, knowing that she did not need an explicit invitation.&nbsp; He turned to her and gave her a slow look before tapping the spot in front of her and nodding to the bar tender. <br><br>"Margo," she said, holding out her hand and letting him take hers into a gentlemanly kiss on the top.&nbsp; <br><br>"Kent," he said, kissing it again before letting go. "Kent Morganstern."&nbsp; <br><br>Margo had no idea who the fuck he was supposed to be, but the way he said it made her think she ought to. <br><br>"Oh, not THE Kent Morganstern," she asked, her voice turning playful and a little coy.<br><br>"Indeed," he said.<br><br>"Margo Harding," she said to make it equal.&nbsp; <br><br>He paused and blinked for a second. "Wait, Margo Harding?&nbsp; Over at Fidestro Finance?"<br><br>"Oh, you've heard of me?" she said, the corner of her lips turning upward.<br><br>"Yeah," he said. "I've been following your quarterlies for the last four years.&nbsp; The performance on the Olympic Portfolio has been unbelievable."<br><br>"Why, thank you," she said, purring. Here was a man who knew his business, and her own.&nbsp; He would certainly do for a few days worth of cruise ship fun. It wasn't like she would get any work done since she'd been entirely cut off by her boss for an enforced fourteen day break from work.&nbsp; Her passwords wouldn't work, and everyone had been told to hang up on her if she called in for any reason. <br><br>They made small talk for a little while before he asked her if she wanted to see his portfolio.&nbsp; The old line made her laugh out of the pure corniness of it. <br><br>"Sure," she said.&nbsp; She downed the remnants of her wine before spinning the stool around.&nbsp; Her short skirt had ridden up to reveal the lace at the top of her stockings, and she glanced around to see who might have noticed.&nbsp; &nbsp; She gave the loser guy a wink as she slid slowly off the stool, letting the skirt hitch up a little more to reveal the round firmness of her thighs, too.&nbsp; Might as well give him an something to masturbate to when he returned to his lonely little cabin in the bowels of the ship.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>13-12-2011, 12:39:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny made her way to the stage in a simple black dress and her hair flowing down over one shoulder. The nerves were there as usual but as she heard friendly comments and the clapping from those who heard the announcement that she would be singing she smiled a warm smile. <br><br>She would never forget the excitement of being in front of thousands of people but here where she was welcomed by old retired pensioners and rich families she felt safe. No one would boo or heckle her here. They came to listen, to chat and to enjoy each other's company. It was not a huge stage but it was enough for her. <br><br>She started with a simple song at first and she let her eyes settle on everyone in the audience. She knew she was pretty and so she let her eyes gaze into the men's eyes and smile knowingly at the women. Each song grew in tempo and after a bit she was singing her heart out until it was time for her break where she politely thanked the audience and made her way to the bar. <br><br>She was too young to drink in her own country but no one seemed to question here here so she asked for a cocktail and watched the waiter prepare it. She sighed softly as she felt relaxed and calm... <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>13-12-2011, 15:05:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				John watched the beautiful business woman flirt with that man. He knew perfectly well that in a little while she'd be on her back in his cabin or on all four or whatever position he'd use to fuck her brains out. He wished he had the willpower to look away when she was flaunting her sensuality like that. But he wasn't that strong. So he stared.<br><br>His attention was caught by the singer for a while. She was quite a beauty too, although quite different than that other one. Perhaps someone as young as her could be taken by his experience and maturity. Or she could think he was an old pig. But there was no harm in trying.<br><br>John edged a little closer to her and tried his most charming smile. "You're quite good. You have beautiful lips to carry your beautiful voice." His eyes roamed down along her body and up to her face again.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>14-12-2011, 14:39:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned to face him and her eyes widened at the compliments. Well she thought they were compliments but they were also a little freaky. <br><br>Jenny returned her sweetest smile. "Thank you." She said as she suddenly realised he said "Quite good". "I am glad you think I am ....quite good. Its very nice of you to say so." She hoped she managed to keep the sarcasm from her boice. <br><br>It was then that she realised he was looking her up and down in a very rude manner. <br><br>"I think you may not realise but I am probably a bit young for you. There are plenty of women who would be perfect for you but I am afraid I am a bit boring." She turned away and sipped her drink hoping he might have got the hint. She felt her heart racing and she suddenly felt naked in her dress. She really had not felt so ogled in her life. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>14-12-2011, 15:15:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The businessman made a disarming gesture, like a soccer player who claimed innocence in tackling a player on the other team. "Don't worry. I just liked your voice." He paused, looking out one of the big panorama windows on the far side of the salon. Dark clouds were quickly amassing in the distance. John wasn't worried. Minor tropical storms were common fare in these waters. This ship was built for all sorts of conditions.<br><br>"...Then again..." He continued as he turned back. "If you're <em>legal</em>...there's nothing <em>illegal</em>." It was a phrase he had used a lot in his life, both as a personal philosophy and for business. He had found that a lot of things were half-way in between those concepts.<br><br>"I don't find you boring at all."<br><br>The clouds grew quickly darker and more fierce. The ship made a slight adjustment to its heading, something John really didn't notice. He pointed to his glass and in effect asked the bartender for a refill of his whiskey and water. His own eyes followed the curve of the girl's back, over her bottom.<br><br>"I'm John. What's <em>your</em> name?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>14-12-2011, 22:08:35</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kent had four fingers inside her when he paused and withdrew, stepped to the window of her cabin and looked out.&nbsp; The water splashed up hard against it and he backed away.&nbsp; <br><br>"Jesus," he said. "Do you think the waves are supposed to be like that?"<br><br>Margo sat up on her elbows with an annoyed expression on her face.&nbsp; "You know what? If you are more interested in watching the weather, you can leave."<br><br>There was nothing more annoying than a man with ADHD or whatever the fuck he must have.&nbsp; Who gets up in the midst of practically fisting a woman to look at the window.&nbsp; Then, just as she was thinking this, the boat, if you can call it that, gave a distinctive lurch.&nbsp; Not just a little one, but a big one, and went a little cattywompass for a moment.&nbsp; Her stuff on the minuscule desk in her cabin shifted and slid.<br><br>"That's just not right, " Kent said.&nbsp; <br><br>A loudspeaker announcement came on within seconds telling them to not panic, that the weather was getting rough and everyone was advised to return to or stay in their cabins.<br><br>Kent turned back to her and said, "Well, I guess that means I better stay put.&nbsp; They don't sound all that alarmed.&nbsp; I guess...I should get back to what I was doing."<br><br>Margo spread her legs wide and welcomed him back to business.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>15-12-2011, 11:30:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny felt herself slip as the ship lurched and she fell straight into John. She looked up fearful and stepped back immediately. <br><br>"What was that?" She said looking around and seeing others picking themselves up. "Is there something wrong John?" <br><br>She had never felt the ship do that. It was an immkense size and had stabilisers so technically it should not be a problem. She looked at her drink and gulped it before stepping away from the bar. <br><br>"I thnik I had better go back to my room John." She said turning paler as she saw people milling around confused. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>15-12-2011, 11:54:06</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				John liked the feeling of having the young singer pressed close, even if it was just briefly. He decided right away that he was going to pursue her more, in spite of her concern for their age difference. "Nah, nothing to worry about. Nothing at all." John sported his most assured smile.<br><br>At this point he listened to the announcement, turning his right ear towards a speaker to catch the details of the message. Like hell he was going to stay in his cabin. It was way below the upper decks and without a proper window. On the off-chance anything should happen, it'd be much better here, near the deck exits and lifeboats.<br><br>"Actually, I think we're fine here. Unless...you wanted some company in your room?" John suggested this as innocently as he could.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>19-12-2011, 14:37:06</strong>
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				Jenny looked up and gave him a look this time. She was not so worried about where to be safe but she suddenly felt a real need to be in her cabin with all her possessions. The dress she wore made her look good but it did not fill her with confidence in an emergency. <br><br>"Thank you but no." She said with a serious voice. This man creaped her out a bit and she certainly did not want him knowing where her cabin was for the rest of the cruise. <br><br>"I will be quick. Perhaps you could wait for me here?" She turned away and once again found herself falling. She hit the bar across her chest winded and slumpbed to the ground. <br><br>Elsewhere there were screams. The storm was picking up. And the ships stabilisers were not supporting the ship. <br><br>Jenny looked up at John. "Please. ....." She did not know what she was asking but tears came to her cheeks as she heard panic grow around them.&nbsp; Something was wrong. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>19-12-2011, 21:45:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Kent was gamely licking her clit when the ship lurched again.&nbsp; Another announcement came blaring through the speakers, and the sounds of people's rushing and pounding feet came through the ceiling above her.&nbsp; She pushed Kent away,"Damn it.&nbsp; Sounds like something serious.&nbsp; You better get back to your cabin or something."<br><br>She slipped out of bed and put on clothes.&nbsp; Without even understanding why she was doing it, she put on several layers of clothes--swimsuit, leggings, camisole, t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, jeans and ended with a sweatshirt reading "Harvard" on the outside.&nbsp; Kent just looked at her like she was crazy.<br><br>"Why are you doing that?" he asked.&nbsp; He was slowly putting on the suit he'd been wearing that evening.<br><br>She looked herself up and down and said,"If this ship goes down, I don't want to be out there in my pajamas, now do I?"&nbsp; <br><br>The ship lurched again and she reached into her drawers grabbing her phone, off for the duration, but probably mostly charged and her backpack that included her kindle, her camera, a package of tylenol and a couple of bags of M&amp;Ms.&nbsp; <br><br>She headed to the door just as Kent was done struggling to get his shoes on.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'll see you by the life-boats--you know that place they told us about at the start of the cruise, the emergency meet-up spot."<br><br>"Wait, what?" he asked as she ran down the hallway and toward the stairs to the upper deck.&nbsp; "You listened to that spiel?"<br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>20-12-2011, 13:37:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				John watched the girl fall. For now, he had some remaining faith in the ship's capabilities, in spite of the heavy rolling. When the storm abated, he was definitely going to score some points with this girl if he helped her now. Perhaps he'd even get that invitation to her cabin.<br><br>He bent down to help her up. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."<br><br>"We'll just head over there and up a deck. There's this salon next to the exit to the decks." He wanted to stay near the lifeboats if the worst case scenario did come to happen. And he could always ditch the girl if his survival depended on him having only himself to worry about. His eyes fell on some items just over the counter of the bar, which he quickly pocketed before they moved.<br><br>"Take my arm." John guided the girl up where he had intended, where a few more people were gathering, pale or green faces showing their fear. Opening one of the many lockers along the wall, John found them some life jackets; handing one to the young woman at his side. "You'll feel better wearing this one. Even if you probably won't be needing it."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>21-12-2011, 14:21:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny took the jacket gratefully and she nearly followed him before grabbing his hand. <br><br>"Please. I have some things behind the curtain. I will be right back." She turned with the jacket in hand and ran behind the stage. She had a cardigan and her handbag left her for the end of the night. She quickly shrugged on the cardigan but still felt very naked. <br><br>The bag she placed over her neck in the manner her friends did to stop it from being snatched. There was not a lot in there but it made her feel better to have her possessions. <br><br>That was when the ship lurched the worst. She fell again and she could hear screams all about. The boat was being lifted up and she barely had time to grab anything. She felt fear like no other and she scrambled to her feet. It was then that she acted in a way that some would consider mad but for her it was all she could do. The lights had gone now and back stage it was dark and all she could see was a coffin used by one of the others acts. She quickly ran to it and without thinking she climbed in and pulled the casket door shut. She heard a bolt click and she lay still feeling the coffin sliding around. She did not know why she ran here for safety. It was mad really. But the coffin would save her life when the ship began to sink.......<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>02-01-2012, 15:12:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				John waited a little while for the girl, pretty confident that she would return. When the ship lurched however, that confidence was gone, nor did he really care. He was now definitely sure there was a pretty good chance the ship was going down! He held on to the railings and fought to move forward - his goal was the large lifeboats; massive inflatable rubber rafts that could easily hold fifty people each.<br><br>Adrenaline pumped fast through his body, fueling him ahead. More people were about, with both crew and guests struggling to free the first few lifeboats. The ship lurched again and it was becoming apparent that the ship might capsize before even a single raft was deployed.<br><br>John's world was shifting dramatically. Up and down was becoming sideways and he slid along the deck, smashing hard into a pole of some kind. Luckily the life vest cushioned some of the impact.<br><br>Rain and wind and waves whipped across the ship as it turned entirely over, sending a few people into the sea while the rest remained trapped inside. They would have gone down with the ship and rest in this massive metallic grave on the bottom of the sea had it not been for the fact that the cruiser was just brushing up against some cliffs or reefs.<br><br>The steel was cut open and spilling tons of debris before sinking.<br><br>John was in the water, fighting for survival.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>06-01-2012, 00:07:05</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Margo never turned back to see if Kent was following her or what.&nbsp; All she knew was that she wasn't going to be like one of those people on the Titanic, left behind in the lower decks to die.&nbsp; Sure, there weren't icebergs around, and there was probably no real problem going on, but she was at the lifeboat meeting point with a first onrush of other passengers.&nbsp; <br><br>In her experience, most people facing a crisis became babbling idiots unable to think clearly and barely able to do what it takes to stay alive.&nbsp; Some people managed to hold their own and get past a crisis by "keeping it together."&nbsp; There was a trick her father had taught her when she was a little girl and prone to panic attacks.&nbsp; She had honed it into a useful like skill that she pulled out only when something big was happening, like now.&nbsp; She grabbed a life jacket for herself out of the newly opened box and tightened as they had instructed when they had embarked.&nbsp; <br><br>The twenty-something purser who was supposed to be in charge was running around in his short uniform like a scared school-girl without a clue what to do.&nbsp; She grasped him by the shoulders with a very firm grip and ordered him to get a grip.&nbsp; The kid seemed about ready to comply when the ship literally hit rock.&nbsp; The screeching of the metal against rock was painfully loud and Margo put her hands against her ears in simple self defense.&nbsp; <br><br>Then the ship lurched to the side, and Margo reached out for the railing as people seemed to just fly past her and into the water.&nbsp; She swung there, with her fingers wrapped around the pole, a sickening version of the childish playground nightmare where you are stuck on the monkey bars without your underwear on and everyone is underneath you looking up at your naked parts.&nbsp; The danger here, was much more real and scary than the childhood fear.&nbsp; Something told Margo that if she got out of this situation alive, that particular nightmare would be forever morphed into something different.<br><br>She scrambled and swung until her feet caught on another part of the railing.&nbsp; The relief from the weight of her body on her arms was immediate and welcome, but the railing was continuing to get closer and closer to the water.&nbsp; People were now jumping into the water, not even trying for the lifeboats.&nbsp; She inched her way along the railing until she reached the lifeboat rope and worked at the knots until they began to fall, one by one into the water below.&nbsp; One fell directly on top of a person, and Margo's stomach twisted and turned as she realized she had probably just killed him.<br><br>Others began to swim and climb onto the newly released boats and some began to call at her to jump now.&nbsp; There must have been something she couldn't see happening below her, but then the boat tipped upward and she was lifted high into the air as the ship literally cracked into pieces and upended into the water.&nbsp; There was a sudden rush of movement as the boat plunged straight down into the water, heading straight for the bottom of the ocean.&nbsp; <br><br>Margo knew if she let go, she'd simply be pulled down into the resulting sucking whirlpool that would follow the boat.&nbsp; They were close to the rocks, so they couldn't be far from land. She climbed upward on the railing as much as she could and when her feet felt the first cool rush of water she took the biggest deepest breath she could possibly take and prayed for the first time in ten years.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 14:35:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny thought she had died. She was in a casket but she was not dead. She had fallen unconscious quite early on but her strange boat did not capsize or get dragged into the water. Nor did she drown.....<br><br>She awoke hours or days later on the beach still inside her strange boat with the lid still firmly shut. She had not much air left and so she lay gasping as he memory finally returned. Her arms were stiff and weak but she managed after some effort to push and heave the heavy wooden lid from her prison. The novely magic act was a strange saviour but she was certainly thankful...<br><br>The first rays of sunshine blinded her and hurt her poor eyes and she stopped turning away until they could get used to the bright light outside. It took many minutes for her to finally accept the bright sun and push the last of the lid off. <br><br>Her feet touched sand when she managed to climb out and her eyes slowly adjusted. All about her were broken wood and metal and items from the great cruise ship. The cruise ship itself dangled on a reef just out to sea. It had obviously landed on the rocks during the great storm that had hit them and she wondered if the ship had drowned everyone first. She could see no movement on the ship from here. It was then that she saw the first bodies. She felt her heart race as she counted 1, 2, 3.......and then she stopped when she hit double figures. There were too many for her to comprehend right now. <br><br>Slowly she sat on the casket.... What would she do? Even in this heat she shivered and pulled her cardigan and the man's coat around her tighter. Was she all alone? How would she survive? There was obviously no help from the ship...... <br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>11-01-2012, 14:29:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It was the Caribbean, but the water was cold as hell nonetheless. John went under several times, swallowing gallons of water it seemed. He tried to swim, but the currents seemed to have their own plan of where to carry him. They smashed him hard against the reefs, cutting him bloody and threatening to knock him unconscious.<br><br>John spluttered and struggled. He swam as best he could, not having any idea where he was going. It was all just a matter of staying afloat; of living for another second, another minute.<br><br>When he crawled up on a beach he had no idea how he had gotten there. He just felt reasonably, momentarily safe and let himself collapse.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>18-01-2012, 02:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Margo held her breath for what seemed like ages.&nbsp; She remembered reading that people can actually last for a lot longer without breathing than they think they can, that it's more a matter of mind over matter to control it.&nbsp; People like Houdini and other magician's did it all the time. She didn't have practice, but she did have motivation.&nbsp; Margo was not a quitter, she was a fighter.&nbsp; She struggled against the strange undertow the ship produced until she thought to swim sideways to it, as if she were on a beach.&nbsp; After what seemed like her lungs were about to burst, her head popped out of the water.&nbsp; She looked around and found a piece of floating debris and climbed on top.&nbsp; She could see other's off in the distance, but the effort of holding her breath for so long had taken its toll on her and dizziness overcame her.&nbsp; She sprawled across the piece of plastic to make herself as flat and untippy as possible before she closed her eyes for just a moment to get a grip on her spinning mind.<br><br>She woke up when the thing she was on skidded onto the beach with a thud, withdrew a bit and hit again with the movement of the water.&nbsp; It must have been hours.&nbsp; She crawled up onto the beach and dry land.&nbsp; Rolling onto her back, she stretched out her arms and threw back her head into the sand.&nbsp; Solid ground had never felt so good.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>23-01-2012, 10:35:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny saw John first. Her dress was wet and her hair a mess but she did not care about these things. At least there was movement from one of the bodies. <br><br>Jenny had tried to wake at least five of the bodies on the beach and finally she gave up. She waited for movement and then when she saw it she ran straight for him. <br><br>She fell into the wet sand next to him and turned him over. He was barely conscious and she tried to remember the recovery position. <br><br>"Please..." She said repeatedly until she was sure he had not swallowed any water. He would recover she told herself and looked up as he lay recovering. It was then she saw the second body move. Both of them had landed on the beach further down the beach. The others near where she had landed were dead but these two were alive. <br><br>Jenny stood up and reluctantly left the familiar face of John and moved to the next. It was a woman and she was awake. She had her eyes open but was still recovering. She must have swum here and she looked exhausted. <br><br>Jenny knelt beside her and again tried to roll her into what resembled the recovery position. <br><br>"Are you ok? Did you swallow any?" She said through tears as she looked down at the once glamerous Margo.&nbsp; She then looked back at John hoping to see if he looked any better. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cecilia</strong> on <strong>28-01-2012, 07:40:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Margo was more annoyed than anything at the "help" the girl was trying to give her.&nbsp; She rolled away from the girl and sat up.<br><br>"I'm fine.&nbsp; Just exhausted," she said, seeing the girl was in tears.&nbsp; No need to bite her head off given the situation.&nbsp; Margo knew she could be a bitch, but the truth was, this was a shitty situation as it was.&nbsp; She looked around at the flotsam and jetsam of ship pieces and bodies around her.&nbsp; She could tell without touching they were dead. <br><br>"You...me..." Margo could see by the coloration of the loser from the ship he was alive.&nbsp; Figured.&nbsp; She ends up with the one man on the whole fucking boat who had hit on her that she had totally knocked down.&nbsp; Crap.&nbsp; Here's hoping they didn't have to interact much before they were rescued.<br><br>"And him..." she added finally.&nbsp; "Don't suppose you've seen or heard any rescue boats or choppers or anything?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Cruise to a New Life (Tom, Cecilia, and Jester)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jester</strong> on <strong>31-01-2012, 10:42:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jenny sat back with a harumph. And seeing that the woman was looking at her tears she tried to stop. Using her wet sleeves to wipe her face. <br><br>It was then that Jenny realised that she had not heard anything. <br><br>"No...I don't think I have. I think we are...... Oh I don't know. I have seen to many dead though. I can't bear to look any more." She said trying to stifle a sniff. <br><br>She sat up and moved across to help the man. <br><br>"Hello...Are you ok? Can you sit up?"<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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