They spent the remainder of the day gathering provisions and making plans to reach the island.

Roy suggested that they should check the steerage(cargo holder) of the ship for some supplies. Nil however wanted to stay with Professor Vera and help in making plans. Will told Jem that Nil had became some sort of personal assistant to the professor, ever since he had prevented him from falling from the ship. Neither Will nor Alex wanted to go to the steerage either. Jem however didn’t want to stay on the bridge with the captain. Something was off about him. “Let’s go check the cargo” Jem said.

The steerage of the ship gave an akward smell. Roy suspected that it could be from dead rats. As they were going though all the boxes in the storage, time slowly crept by, without them realising it. By the time it, was dawn, they had found boxes of dry fruits, cheese cans, apple, breads and wine. Now there was only one huge box left but it had a huge lock hanging from it. Someone definitely didn’t want anyone to open it.

“Looks like nobody is here, well I’ll get the crowbar” Roy suggested with a mischievous gleam. He always, wanted to do those which were restricted. Maybe that is why, he was so often found in the restricted sections of the library, even though never liked reading storybooks.

The box was plated with iron platings and breaking it would never be easy. With a lot of effort, they broke the lock. Huffing, Roy removed the lid and was rendered speechless. When Jem took a look, he almost forgot how to breathe.

Inside stacked inside hay, were a heap of M4A1s(assault rifles) and G18s(revolver). It could be easily deduced that these guns were newly manufactured and they were being transported illegally. Upon futher, digging and removal of hay, they found an AWM(sniper rifle), boxes of ammo and two hunting knives.  Slowly and carefully, Roy picked up one of the G18s. All the guns had their safety locks on. Roy did something and with a click the safety lock opened.

“Where did you learn that?” Jem asked.

“Story books” he replied.

Jem raised an eyebrow. “Fine” Roy muttered. Youtube”.

What a fine appreciation of talent.

“Is it loaded” Jem asked.

“Nah”

Upon further searching they found a piece of paper in the stack. It was ragged and folded. Upon unfolding it, they realized that it was a note. The writer was clearly in a hurry. It read.

Dear Sinnon,

When you receive this crate, make sure the test subjects are in their prime physical condition, before giving them the arms. I sent my best man across the pacific to make sure the delivery is on time.Don’t mess with him, His name is Rick. I am sure you have heard of him before.

                                                                                         Adieu,

                                                                                        Robert.

Sinnon, Robert and Rick. Jem was sure they had heard the first two names before. They were the CEOs of Matrix Incorporate, which was infamous for doing cruel genetic researchs on humans and animals. Everyone knew about their business, but no proof ever came up against them. They are good at hiding the truth. Guess that the common thing between all big companies.

However the thing that Jem trouble was the person Rick. He hadn’t heard of him anywhere. But after reading the note, Jem was sure that Rick was on board of the Luxior(the name of the cruise). And what does they mean about test subjects. Who were they, how was Matrix Incorporate involved. Was it Rick, who made the navigating system of the ship to malfunction? If so, who is he. There was nobody named Rick on board. Who is he disguised as?

After reading the note, Roy nodded gravely and said “Let’s keep it a secret for now. We don’t want to cause anymore panic” and then he picked up a magazine and inserted it in his G18 and tucked it into his belt and hid it with his shirt.

“You should take something as well, if the person Rick was on board then we might need to defend ourselves in the future.”

Jem reluctantly picked up a hunting knife and tucked it into his belt and made sure that it was well hidden.

As they made their way to the deck, there was a deafening noise of a blast.

“You worthless scums shall die at me hands” boomed a voice.

Jem looked out of a window. A ship with a black mast had appeared on the horizon. Jem turned slowly to face Roy, his heart pounding and said slowly “Pirates”…