Chapter Text
1972
Port Everglades, Florida, USA
It’s another ten days worth of cruise and Zee pushed himself extra hard to be motivated to do this job. Again. The weather was clear skies and smooth seas when he checked the moment he got up at four in the afternoon. Now that the forecast was the same as he heard from his portable radio, he taps the handle of it as if it is doing a good job. This should be a smooth departure, he declared and stood in front of the mirror—checking how he had been dressing up himself.
“Not bad,” he said to himself, “but tired.” And presentable enough to engage the passengers of the cruise ship later.
Taking a deep breath, he grabs his cap that has a white top with black hood and with its center badge, the anchor and rope.
The wall-mounted rotary dial telephone rings and Zee lifted up the heavy handset to answer. “Hello?”
“Captain Preston!” He grimaced, looking up for a while and shut his eyes to silently dread the voice he heard.
“Captain O’ree.” Zee then concealed the way he is irritated right now.
“That is too cold of a greeting to say to your harbor pilot!”
It’s him again. With the list of names for the said role that this cruise line has, it has to be him as his harbor pilot. Zee internally groans, trying his best not to show how he detest Captain O’ree.
“Then go to the nearest fire pit so as not to feel the cold,” Zee answered and it was meant to be sarcastic.
“A good day to you too, Captain Zee,” O’ree said in a mocking tone now.
He did not greet back and it might have prolonged the conversation. “We should coordinate later for the safety navigation out of the port.” He looked at his wristwatch. “That is in fifteen minutes. I’ll have to grab my tea first.”
“Yes, yes! See you in a bit, Captain—”
He nodded. “Good. Bye then.” He was about to put down the call when Dan O’ree’s voice was supposed to protest but he did not let it through; he continued to end this conversation.
He looks at himself again in the mirror and forces a small smile that straightens the lines of irritation with just the quick conversation he had with Captain Dan. Zee had hoped for a better way to start the day but the tides are not with him for his conversation with O’ree as his harbor pilot will be the very first thing to encounter.
His eyes then noticed the tattoo on his inner forearm and ran his fingers through it with careful strokes. “It is another suffocating day without you,” he uttered softly, vulnerably. “And I am getting tired continuing this life without you…”
He was silent for a while, only tracing every line and curve of his tattoo and heaving deep, unmotivated sighs. The weight of the past kept him pinned down for a few more minutes, unable to move further. Guilt washes over him like a tidal wave, drowning him—that no matter how many times he wanted to swim himself up, he still found himself lost in the pitch black ocean. Nothing to hold on, no one to save him.
Three knocks finally gave him a chance to breathe, his chest heaving with the release and stood straight once again.
“Captain?”
It’s Carmen’s voice—the captain’s clerk. There is one definitive sign she resorted to going to the captain’s quarters: he is running late.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath and grabbed his suitcase and took one last look in the mirror before turning to open the door to his quarters.
“Good afternoon, Captain! Your tea?”
Zee looked down and the middle-aged woman was holding a teacup on top of the saucer. He was reluctant to take it and looked at Carmen. “Thank you again for preventing me from getting late, Carmen.”
Carmen lifted the teacup instead with a smile. “I have been doing it ever since, Captain. Tea?” She said once again and let the teacup be near Zee’s chest, encouraging him to take it. “The temperature is to your preference, a hundred thirty-seven in fahrenheit to be exact.”
The secretary put up a wider smile when Zee finally took the teacup from the saucer and had its first sip. The warm temperature soothes Zee’s heart, calming the chaotic waves inside of him that he preferred not to carry with lives on the line.
“Any reports to tell me, Carmen?” Zee inquired and they started walking along the halls of the quarters.
“As I was looking at the passengers’ list earlier, most of them are resting from the winter break—mostly schools and universities.”
“Do we have students on-board?”
“Yes, Captain.”
Zee took another sip of the tea she prepared and Carmen painted a relieved smile. “College students, deans from schools, principals, professors, teachers—mostly.” She adjusted her glasses and took a look at her clipboard that contains the general information of the passengers. “And we also have requests to have them at your captain’s table slash dinner.”
“Can I not do this again—”
“You don’t expect your second in command—the Chief Officer to carry it for you again.”
Zee groans, finishing the tea all the way through and Carmen takes the small cup from him as she follows the captain through the VIP Area.
“C’mon, can a captain just be a captain, Carmen? What do you mean I have to go through the guest list and determine who I should dine with? Can I just eat alone and enjoy it myself?”
Carmen reaches out a paper in front of Zee. “I knew you would complain about that and I sorted it out for you.”
Zee grabs the paper and reads through it. “Eleven guests only?”
“I left the twelfth guest to be your own choice. Your mother insisted.” Zee frowned. “She is hoping you will introduce your very own omega spouse soon.”
An image flashes on Zee’s mind then lets out a chuckle. “I doubt I will ever find one today.”
“This is it! The magnificent Celestial Melody of the Teal Tides Cruises!”
NuNew looked at his friend who had his arms wide then properly looked at the vessel itself next. “It’s… big,” he uttered, amazed. “This is their newest cruise ship, right?”
JJ nodded twice, full of enthusiasm. “It is! To see it in person, it is just… wow!”
The ship was a towering monolith of gleaming white steel, its hull streaked with the salt of a thousand miles. Rows of circular portholes winked like golden eyes in the afternoon sun, while the heavy wooden lifeboats hung in their davits like ivory ribs against the superstructure. As the sun dipped low, the string lights draped across the aft deck flickered to life, turning the vessel into a lonely, glowing jewel suspended between the indigo sea and the oncoming stars.
NuNew flashes his widest smile and grabs JJ’s hand. “Let’s go!” He took a few steps forward and pulled his closest friend with him and JJ giggled.
“Someone’s excited!”
“It’s not everyday my sister lets me get on with things like this. You know that!”
“Yeah, right!” JJ now matches NuNew’s speed as they start to make their way to board the ship. “I am glad she allowed you to do this. You needed this more than me.”
NuNew sighed. “I really do. The last semester drained me and I barely passed my subjects, JJ. Oh, it’s already bad not to have the same intellect as her.”
“Remember when we were freshmen? I asked you why you took the Ocean Engineering program when your sister is in the medical field? You said it’s because—”
“It felt close to me.”
JJ nodded. “Exactly! Without elaborating it further? Hello? It’s still a vague explanation until now and look at you—I mean we—to struggle to finish this degree or this degree will finish us.”
“That is why this cruise will be beneficial to us, JJ. We might find the passion we are looking for in this draining college program we got ourselves into. The winter break will soon be over and boom—the second semester of our senior year will be approaching.”
“And find ourselves some alphas!” JJ squealed and NuNew laughed. “I hope no one from our batch is here though.”
“That’ll totally ruin this vacation.”
NuNew and JJ nodded in unison, the cabin stewards welcoming them to the cruise.
“Good afternoon and welcome aboard the Celestial Melody!” One of the cabin stewards said and the two students were influenced by her smile right away. “May I please have your passport and cruise ticket, Sirs?”
There is no need to rummage their bags when their passports and cruise tickets are already on-hand as they presented it to the warm lady steward that welcomed them.
“Is it your first time joining the cruise?” She inquired.
NuNew and JJ nodded. “Yes, it’s our first time,” NuNew answered. “Do you mind showing us where our cabin will be?”
The lady nodded with a smile after verifying everything on their given identifications. “Please wait for a while as I get the key to your room.” They watched her as she went to the counter and with a few talks, a key was provided right away.
NuNew and JJ happily nudged each other as they followed the cabin steward who was really kind to even assist them towards where they are staying during the course of this ten-day cruise trip. The deck was already full of families, groups of friends, and individuals who are seeking solace and adventure for the upcoming days. The place was filled with a seagreen ambiance, velvet carpets, multi-layered chandeliers, lights that were being held by the wooden carved design of seashells, glass elevators that provided a sense of modern luxury.
“This is the atrium or The Grand Lobby. We will have our traditional Captain’s Welcome before dinner here. The dress code is already in the pamphlet given two months before the cruise date. So we asked the passengers to dress accordingly.”
“There’s a Passengers’ Talent Night later, right?” JJ inquired. “My friend here is really good at singing!”
“JJ!” NuNew warned and pulled his arm.
“Yes, there is! You may list down your name at the entrance of The Grand Lobby later. The talent night will be happening at the theater.”
JJ turned to his friend. “Nunu, if your career is not in STEM, you could’ve also chosen Music!”
NuNew cannot help but roll his eyes. “Just one song then.”
JJ clapped his hands with NuNew’s confirmation to participate. “Oh believe me, the audience will surely ask for more once they hear your voice!”
NuNew was shaking his head as they went around the cruise ship, still following the cabin steward. The surroundings then turned quieter as they entered what they believed this section is where the cabins are. It seemed many passengers had settled in already.
“Here is your cabin, Sirs.”
They stopped walking; Net and JJ held their breaths as the lady unlocked the room using brass keys then turned the knob to push open the door.
“The promenade deck is just the perfect choice!” NuNew compliments.
“It has a terrace!” JJ added.
“This will also be a safe place for omegas like you who do not have mates, yet.” They turned to the cabin steward once again. “The ones we have in this floor are betas and bonded mates as well.”
“That is a relief, Brooke,” NuNew read out the name of the steward placed on the stitchings of her uniform. “Thank you.”
“We prioritize the safety of our passengers in all forms, Sir. We must ensure each has an enjoyable stay with us.” She handed out the keys to them and put the palm of her hand on top of her heart and bowed her head. “Here is the key to your room, Sirs. Good day!”
Brooke now turned her back against them and the two friends squealed as soon as they closed the door to their room.
“Isn’t this the best vacation ever, Nunu!” JJ let go of his handcarry luggage and laid flat on one of the single beds inside the room. “We are so going to enjoy this!”
“I am already hoping there is no end to this already!” NuNew laid beside JJ and looked at each other while giggling.
“But we have to graduate first!”
NuNew groaned even with a smile on his face. “We should land a job that pays well so we can go on cruise trips monthly!”
“Or better yet, marry a captain of a cruise ship!” JJ winked at him and NuNew playfully punched his friend on his chest, the latter chuckled.
“Do you think the captains are too old for us already? They could be ranging from… I don’t know… maybe in their forties or fifties already?”
“They might be young ones who are the same age range as ours! We might be seniors in college already but we are nearing our thirties already.” JJ sat up on the bed and NuNew followed. “We’re both twenty-seven. Our professors said there are skilled ones who can climb up to the hierarchy of captainship already before they are even thirty. Don’t lose hope yet!”
NuNew shrugs. “Well, what we have in our batch was young ones and some are kinda immature.”
“Yes, a mature mate is much more secure.”
NuNew flips the pamphlet. “We should be going to the upper deck already. The Sail Away ceremony is in twenty minutes.”
JJ’s eyes widened. “What?” He exclaimed and scooched closer to NuNew, reading the content. “Let’s go now!”
They both stood up from the bed but stopped heading towards the door when a melodic sound played through the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We have just received clearance to depart. As we begin our journey towards the Princess Cays, Bahamas, I invite you to join us on the open decks to enjoy the view and the breeze. Thank you for choosing Teal Tides Cruises, and let us turn a new page on this wonderful voyage.”
NuNew grabbed their keys once again and pulled JJ out of their room. “We don’t wanna miss it. C’mon!”
“This Passengers’ Talent Night is only a one time thing right, JJ?”
“Yes and just this one time, please!” JJ put his hands together, his pleading face plastered right in front of NuNew.
He knew better when in the middle of taking a bath, JJ was able to sneak out of their room and register his name in place for this event. Instead of going to a simple welcoming dinner, he must participate in the said event then.
“Alright, alright,” he surrendered and tightened his flared, bell bottom denim pants with a mocha brown string belt to style as well. His floral bell sleeves front tie crop top shirt enhanced the shape of his body and made sure it was well in place.
“Pretty!” JJ complimented as he himself is wearing a plain green tight-fitting crop top shirt and patterned wide leg pants.
Now their outfits are according to the theme of the party: Retro Night.
“You, too,” NuNew said and pulled JJ in front of the full length mirror.
After a few touch ups, they are now ready for day one dinner of this trip. They did not waste any time going to the Grand Lobby where the buffet was served and many people have gathered here already. There is music, noises from children, conversations currently taking place, and laughter.
The grand piano was included in giving the relaxing vibe that the passengers are enjoying as of the moment, violins and cellos included.
“Yum!” NuNew uttered cheerfully.
Of course, the first thing they should go to was the food and both of them already have their plates in hand, ready to take on the seafood buffet that was prepared for the passengers.
“Alaskan Snow Crab?” JJ read out the label. “I never had one before. Let’s try this one!”
Varieties of food were served and though they wanted to try them all, it was all just too much. They mingled, sometimes creating small conversations with other passengers and exploring the ship, discovering where the amenities are and as time passed, the night was only beginning.
The passengers were then led to the theater as it was time for the Passengers’ Talent Night already.
“You got this, Nunu!” JJ cheered him on and the names of the participants were ushered to the third row.
“Just be there, JJ. Don’t leave me until this is finished.”
“I got you!” JJ tapped his shoulder and NuNew sat on the seat he was assigned in while JJ went towards the audience’s seats.
The music fades and the spotlight is directed to the host who walks onto the stage.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Celestial Melody Theater! How are we doing tonight?”
The audience responded with a scattered cheer, thin against the vastness of the room.
“I can’t hear you! We’re in the middle of the ocean, folks—there’s no one out there to complain about the noise. I said, how are we doing tonight?”
This time, the response was a roar that shook the crystal chandeliers.
“That’s what I like to hear,” the host said, matching the enthusiasm from the audience. “My name is Jo Anthony, and tonight, we’re putting the professional dances and the Broadway singers on ice. Tonight, the spotlight belongs to the bravest people on this vessel: you.”
A wave of applause broke against the stage. Jo signaled to the wings, their eyes gleaming.
“Let’s get this voyage underway. Our first performer comes to us from Tampa Bay! Please, give it up for NuNew Cotterell!”
NuNew got up and plastered a smile when the spotlight directed at him as it continued to shine upon him until he got up on the stage.
“Good evening, everyone!” He greeted and the audience cheered for him.
The band was then revealed when the curtains were lifted up and NuNew looked back for a moment and nodded at the bass guitarist to signal the start.
He faced the audience once again as soon as the music started, then adjusted the mic to his height and started to sing.
🎶 I feel so bad I got a worried mind
I’m so lonesome all the time
Since I left my baby behind
On Blue Bayou
His confidence went up when whistles and cheers of encouragement were heard after he sang the first verse of the song.
🎶 Saving nickles, saving dimes
Working til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou
He swayed his hips a little and held the mic tightly to follow the slow rhythm of the song and the audience responded with a deep hoot.
Captain’s Deck
Captain Zee Preston stood at the center pedestal, his silhouette framed by the steel dials of the gyrocompass. He held a ceramic mug of black coffee, the steam rising in a thin, ghostly ribbon.
“Moon’s rising to port, Captain,” whispered Jimmy, the Second Officer.
Zee shifted his gaze. A sliver of silver was cutting through the darkness, bleeding a shimmering path across the calm Atlantic. “It’s a beautiful night, Jimmy. Not a breath of wind to fight.”
The heavy sound of the hydraulic door muffled as it opened and the Chief Engineer, Irvin Boyd stepped in, smelling the faintly caffeine and industrial grease. He leaned against the chart table, his voice a gravelly rumble.
“Everything’s purring down below, Zee,” the Chief Engineer said, nodding to Preston. “Fuel flow is optimal. I’ve dropped one generator offline for maintenance since we’re making such an easy time.”
“Good. Keep the vibration down,” Zee said, his eyes scanning the radar—a clean sweep of green, save for a lone freighter twenty miles out. “I want the guests to wake up in the morning wondering if we even moved at all.” A soft beep echoed from the internal comms and Zee picked up the handset. “Bridge, Captain speaking.”
“Captain, Chief Officer Net Sakowski is ready to take over for the night. In the meantime, might we suggest going to the theater during this free time?”
Zee could feel the playful stares towards him, wondering how he would respond this time. “Third Officer Thomas Turnock, right?”
“Aye, Captain!”
“Tell Net he should be make his way here in three minutes—”
“At your service, Captain!” Zee then put down the handset and turned to where the voice was.
He saw Net that was briefly followed by Thomas who was gesturing a hand salute while the former combined it with a sly smile painted on his lips. “What a crew I have for this cruise. Really.”
“We have been your only crew for the past year already, Captain,” Jimmy said on the side.
Zee walked towards them and greeted them back with a salute and they put down their hands. “Take over for me until the talent night finishes. I will return as soon as possible.”
“Understood, sir. I have the gauge.”
Nodding, Zee pats Net’s shoulder. “You have the conn. Maintain this heading and if the visibility drops below two miles or if that tanker makes any unexpected maneuvers, call me immediately.”
“Understood, Sir!” Net walked past him and stood beside Jimmy, going straight for the job.
“Good, she’s all yours, Chief.” He glances at Thomas. “Third Officer, let the Trainer Officer take over you during this moment and come with me.”
Thomas’ eyes widened and walked towards him, a kept smile visible on his face. “I have given him the necessary details earlier, Captain.”
“Good.” Zee turned to the young gun he was pertaining to that is currently undergoing sea experience for license. “Officer Kong, take this time to learn a lot more.”
Kong held out a salute. “Aye, Captain!”
Zee and Thomas head out of the Captain’s Deck and as what the latter suggested, they made their way towards the theater. The stewards recognized Zee right away and ushered the both of them inside immediately and had them enter towards where the first row of the theater was.
The lights were already a little dim, indicating there was someone performing already.
🎶 I’m going back someday
Come what may
To Blue Bayou
Zee suddenly stopped on his tracks, his ears wringing with the utmost familiarity. He cannot move, his whole body still and let the song go on to fully verify—to confirm the voice he has been longing for to hear again.
🎶 Where the folks are fine
And the world is mine
On Blue Bayou
Where those fishing boats
With their sails afloat
If I could only see
That familiar sunrise
Through sleepy eyes
How happy I’d be
“Captain?” Thomas’ voice was now just a blur for Zee and the Third Officer wondered what’s gotten into him. “Our seats are over there. Uh, sh-should we go?”
Zee ignored Thomas’ words, his heart hammering on his chest like wild waves and lifted up his gaze on the one performing on the stage. The spotlight blinded him for a moment but when the view unblurred, he released a breath like salt water once filled his mouth.
🎶 Oh that boy of mine
By my side
The silver moon
And the evening tide
Oh some sweet day
Gonna take away
This hurting inside
Well I’ll never be blue
My dreams come true
On Blue Bayou
“N… N-NuNew,” he stammered, almost losing his balance but Thomas was there to help the captain up back on his feet. “Y-You’re here…”
“Captain, we should be—”
The crowd erupted in cheers by then, concealing Thomas’ voice. Zee’s stares did not even waver towards NuNew. He wore a smile that felt like the gentle pull of a receding tide, his eyes were mercurial, catching the light like the ocean’s surface under a full moon—shimmering, silvered, and impossible to pin down.
“And that is only our first performer for tonight!” Jo Anthony entered the stage once again and lifted up NuNew’s hand as he gratefully bows towards the hollering audience. “And may we also welcome the presence of the captain of this ship, Captain Zee Preston!”
Zee squinted his eyes when another spotlight lit on him. He groaned and as soon as his vision cleared, he was eager to find NuNew but the stage was only consisting of the host. He panicked, his eyes roaming around the place in a frantic pace—determined to set his eyes upon him again.
“Where… where are you?” He whispered to himself, his head turning from left to right, insistent on convincing himself that this is true.
“Good evening, Captain! I am glad you were able to catch up to watch my performance! Please, tell me what you think!”
Zee paused, his head slowly turning towards the voice talking to him. His breath hitched, his mouth opening at the sight in front of him, the very reality settling upon him.
“NuNew,” he breathlessly said while carefully looking at him. His hands itched to reach out for him.
“Oh? You know my name?” NuNew stared at Zee in wonder and a slight confusion.
Zee blinked. Twice. “What do you mean, of course, I—”
“I think this is the first time we met, right, Captain?”
Zee almost shakes his head and though the realization was hitting him like roaring waves, he chooses to ignore it. “F-First time?” He spits out like sour bile.
NuNew nodded and with that response from him, Zee’s head screeched out that resembled an anchor sliding through the ocean floor in denial.
“Mm-hmm, I don’t think we have ever met before.”