[02] Sinking Ship!

[Victoria]

People were rushing by her, it was apparent that word of the ship sinking had gotten around. She moved aside as an older woman and a servant shuffled by with a large suitcase, the woman berated the man, upset that she could not take all of her luggage. Victoria rolled her eyes once they were out of sight. “A ship is sinking and all they care about is their materialistic possessions.” She continued down the long corridor, clutching the long fabric about her legs so that it wouldn’t drag or hinder her.

If anyone knows what’s going on, or how I can help, it’ll be the captain, she surmised, and stopped quickly at the sound of voices. She slowly entered the next hall, and watched an exchange between two passengers. The girl was visibly uncomfortable, wearing a long trench coat that did not suit her. Victoria watched from the doorway, curious that they were not rushing like the others.

“Do you know what the objective is, here?” the man asked, looking at the map that they had stopped in front of.

“From the looks of it,” The girl trailed off, “this ship is sinking, so I guess we have to survive that.” She looked away timidly, and then right towards Victoria.

The Hunter walked towards them, and adjusted her dress accordingly. “You’re both in the game, then?” she asked, looking at each in turn. “I met another fellow, he’s also in this game.” She held out her hand politely. “The name’s Victoria.”

The girl looked away, suddenly shying away from the proffered hand. Victoria looked at Alex, and he grasped her hand firmly in return. “Nice outfit, looks like you got lucky, not like my friend here.” He jabbed a thumb in the timid girl’s direction.

“Alex,” she looked at him suddenly, distraught.

“What? It’s true.” He lifted his hands in emphasis. “The name’s Alex, and this here is Sage.” He said to Victoria.

“I’ve got a plan, sort of, but you’re welcome to join me. Either way, we need to get higher, the lower decks are going to flood and the lifeboats may be our last resort.” She said, walking past the two players. “I don’t bite, either, so you don’t need to be so shy.” She lightly punched Sage on her upper arm, a friendly gesture.

She paused at the stairwell, looking up to see if there were any passengers nearby. “What exactly is your plan?” The man asked, having followed her, the girl in tow.

“Well, we aren’t the only ones in danger here, this entire ship is going down and there aren’t enough lifeboats for everyone. I want to find a way to save as many people as I can.” She explained, looking around the two and down the adjacent hall. “I’m going to find the captain; chances are he’s up on deck, or on the bridge.”

“What’s going on?” A voice interrupted them, and they all turned to see two more passengers headed towards them. Coincidentally they were both blonde. “Thought I’d track down the other person I knew to be real on this ship.”

“Kaden, right?” Victoria confirmed, furrowing her brow slightly.

“Right and you are Vicky,” he held out his hand. “Now that you’re not in such a rush, you said something about a plan?”

She shook her head and cleared her thoughts. “Yes, and this is Alex,” she motioned to the shaggy haired man, “and Sage.” The girl had turned away from the others, either out of wariness, or because she just didn’t care. Victoria contorted her face slightly and looked back at the new comers.

“Sage? I knew it was you.” The other blonde remarked, running forward to interact with the girl. “Oh,” she turned to extend a hand towards Vic. “My name is Sophia.” They clasped hands, and then she quickly turned away to Sage.

“Alright, now that we’ve introduced ourselves, let me explain,” the Hunter addressed everyone. “We can go about this event in a couple of ways. Gamer wants us to entertain him, that’s what I’ve gathered since coming here.”

“How is this entertaining?” Alex asked, “We’re on a sinking ship.” He looked around in mock amazement.

“If we weren’t any the wiser, we would be running around like chickens with our heads cut off. That’s probably what he wants, but I’m not about to do that.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “While I was working downstairs in the engine room, I realized that these men and women, real or not, are also in danger. We can sit here, wait for the ship to sink, fight for our survival, or do the unthinkable.” She looked at each person in turn.

“You’re not thinking...” Kaden looked at her quizzically, “You want to save everyone?” he finished.

“That’s what I’d like to do, it may be possible, or not,” she shrugged lightly, and then readjusted her dress once more. “Do any of you,” she paused, remembering Joal in this time of need. “Can any of you manipulate metal?”

They all looked at each other, either shrugging or shaking their heads. “Great, that would have been perfect.” She snapped her fingers. Just as she did another shuddering groan echoed through the ship. “We have to go up,” she pointed towards the ceiling. “I know it’s a crazy idea, but it’s what I plan on doing. You can join me, or do your own thing; it’s no skin off my back. If either of you have any other ideas, I’ll listen, but we have to move.” She turned and started up the stairwell; unsure as to whether her acquaintances would be as eager to save a ship full of code.