Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Limping To Port Part 1

The boom thundered from the darkness hiding the derelict ship. Pentam cursed as he tried to see through the spyglass, but it only magnified the black void.

Others lined the rail with him, watching, praying. A cheer went up when a speck of light appeared.

"Someone's moving over there." Dr. Franklyn said.

Pentam put the useless glass in his pocket, then stood watch at the rail. The others gradually faded away, back to duty or bed. He stood staring at the tiny flickering light until the sun burst from the ocean.

"Make ready the boats." Captain Cully bellowed. Sailors scurried to get them ready. They loaded one with tools, Captain Cully climbed in the other. "You coming?" He looked back at Pentam.

Pentam scrambled into the boat and they rowed off toward the ships. He jumped aboard the wreck as soon as the boat nudged it.

"Permission to come aboard." Captain Cully stood in the row boat, a crooked smile on his face.