The Hodgepodge

  Chapter 2: Currents of Adjustment Troy woke to the hum of the ship’s engines vibrating softly through the metal floor beneath his bunk. It was his second day aboard the  Neptune Star , and the reality of his new life at sea was beginning to set in. The novelty of his first day, the excitement of boarding and finding his way around, had given way to the realization that he was just one small part of a massive machine—one of many, with a lot to prove. He sat up, rubbing his eyes as the faint morning light filtered through the porthole. The horizon stretched endlessly outside, the line between sea and sky blurring in a grayish hue. He showered before heading to the mess hall for a quick breakfast. It was still early, and the ship’s hallways were quiet except for the constant drone of the engines below. The ship moved steadily through the waters, bound for its next destination. After his breakfast, he rested and quickly wen to the changing room puling on his overalls and hea...

  Chapter 1: Crossing Paths         The tanker "Neptune Star" lay anchored off the coast of Tramandai, Brazil, its vast hull swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. Jules, an able-bodied seaman (AB), stood at the aft of the ship, leaning against the rail as he stared out at the horizon. It had been a month since he’d come aboard, and the days had begun to blend into one long, monotonous stretch of routine. Work was repetitive, the isolation deep and the silence between tasks was something Jules had grown accustomed to.        A distant hum caught his attention as a service boat appeared on the water, cutting its way through the gentle waves toward the ship. Jules knew it was bringing fresh crew members. Rotations happened every so often, and while Jules didn’t typically concern himself with the arrivals, today he watched with a hint of curiosity. Maybe it was the need for a change—anything to break up the long days at sea.   ...