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Chapter 3: Rocking & Rolling

On deck, another bystander witnessed the odd incident and ran directly towards the three individuals. Lucky for them was one of the security officers on night shift patrolling the promenade deck. The Labrador dog-man, Thomas Furlong, saw the out cold body, calls the medic for assistance. In a short while, the ship's doctor, a St. Bernard dog-man Julian Daxner, a retired veteran from the Royal Navy arrived at the scene. Ryder was shocked to realize that the person whom they stopped from climbing over the railing was Rico himself. Why did he do that? He thought to himself. Rico rests on the wooden deck chair completely passed out as Dr. Daxner examines him.

“How is he, Doctor?" Ryder asked.

“He's fine, just out cold." He stated.

“I don't think he deliberately committed to jump, Dr. Daxner." Said Furlong.

“Well, that's a relief." Said Kale.

“I don't understand, he was just fine earlier today." Ryder said.

“Well, not everyone can handle the liquor." Said Dr. Daxner.

In a short moment the human moans and wakes up, “Where am I?" He mumbled and places his left hand on his forehead. “Oh, my head hurts…"

“Marrero, are you all right?" Ryder said.

“Wolfson? Summers?" He glances at the two and glances at another two unfamiliar canids. “W-what happened?"

“You got drunk and climbed over the railing and leaning too close to it. But I stopped you right on time." Ryder explained.

“You got lucky, young sir, otherwise you could've fallen." Said Dr. Daxner.

Rico sighed—his red-face of too much martinis. “I'm sorry. I caused too much trouble, haven't I?" He looked the other way in embarrassment of his careless actions. He stands up almost unsteadily from his deck chair. “I… I thank you for stopping me, Mr. Wolfson… I…"

“No need to thank me… Really." He gestures with his right hand.

“I'll explain everything tomorrow, alright?" He said. “I knew I shouldn't have come here…" And quietly said. The Doctor offered an escort to his cabin but Rico said he was fine by himself for now. But then he loses his balance and rest against the white painted steel wall. Dr. Daxner didn't take a moment to ask again and take him along the way.

“He'll be alright, Mr. Wolfson, have a good night." He said and escorts the half-intoxicated human. “Mr. Furlong, you can take it from here." He added. The Labrador dog-man hadn't said a word after calling Daxner over the walkie-talkie.

“Um, I need a full report of this incident," said Furlong, “Would you two come with me?"

“Of course." Said the pair. The three walk along the deck to the nearest door to get inside and enter the closest elevator sets.

Four decks up on deck 10, the Rycrofts came back from the ship's theater after dinner. They're now tired and tomorrow is another day at sea. “That was great!" Said Stephanie. “The music, the dancing, the singing. It was fabulous! Even that magician was awesome!" She added. The four made it back to the cabin and started to get dressed in their sleep-clothes for bed until a knocking on the door happens. Jett was the closest so he reach towards it. Opening it, a familiar figures he has encountered earlier before: It was that sassy lady he bumped into.

“You again?"

“Hi, sorry about earlier," the lady said, “I was just trying to have a chance with you."

“For an interview, right?" The tiger-boy said.

“Look, I'm sorry I was rushing on you, but do you think you have the time for an interview and then I'll leave your vacation alone?"

“I don't think I'm interested, lady."

“Jett, who's at the door?" Jett's parents came up behind him.

“Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Rycroft, nice meet you both!" She cheerily said.

“So, you're the lady whom my son was being chased on." Said Sylvester.

“I'm Portia Matthews, please to meet you," she shakes Sylvester's hand, “I was just asking your son for an interview for my next magazine article. I just want to know more details about the aftermath of your son's defunct boy band, that's all."

The tiger parents were unsure about this. This was so sudden. However, that was one summer ago. Could Jett be willing to open up to the public? “Well, is up to Jett to decide. I'm not sure if…" Carolyn tried to state her sentence but...

“There's no way you're going to leave me alone, do you?" Jett interrupted sternly. “If I assist the interview, will you leave my life alone?"

“Is that a yes?" She asked.

“Yes!" Without roaring.

“Great! How about tomorrow afternoon? Goodnight." She happily walks away.

Jett sighed and goes to his bed. “Goodnight, Mom and Dad." He closes the door.

The couple prepares for bed, but Sylvester wonders, “What does Jett is going to say to the journalist?"

“I'm pretty sure he's going to come up clean about the break up." Carolyn said.

“Hmm…" Sylvester, just out of retirement from the Navy, wasn't around at the time of Jett's recently broke up boy band. As far what he had learned, an unfortunate incident occurred last summer and things got bad to worse for the band. Jett has something to say whenever or not he feels like it in the interview. If he does, it will be something like a confession. But if not, it will be like a made up story as a piece of his mind.

The following morning of December 30th, 2020, the sea is choppy but still sunny. Poseidon's been bumpy early this morning. The ship, bouncing up and down, rocking and rolling sideways and both ways. One person or beast-men, who are sensible, could easily get a touch of mal de mer (seasickness). The crew's point of view are more concerned than just choppy waters. They are concerned and struggling to get engine number 3 up and running again. Captain Whiteford and his men are hoping any good news of their current situation since the ship is slowing down. Otherwise, they could fall behind schedule. The horse-man, Chief Engineer Jonathan Reynolds finally gives the latest status. Captain Whiteford picks up the phone, “Captain, here."

“Captain, I'm afraid engine number 3 will be out of service." Spoke Reynolds. “We're shutting it down. We must get ashore to receive serious technical maintenance."

“Alright, Mr. Reynolds. I guess we must use the gas-turbines for now."

“Loud and clear, no need to hear it again!" He hangs up. He black horse-man glances his fellow engineers, “Get the gas-turbines ready! We have a schedule to keep!"

While the ship's motion doesn't affect the passengers' day to go outside on deck and breathe the salty-ocean-air of the third day in the Pacific. The dancing crew in the ship's theater are not affected by the small movement of the ship. Their rehearsal has turned out great and going smoothly. The dance instructor has praised Lani's natural dancing skills and suggesting the other dancers to follow her suit. Always with that bold tone of his. Sidney walk by to the theater to see his Hawaiian friend rehearsing. Also there, the cruise director Joyce Blake and her superior; the hotel manager Nicholas Collins, they were viewing the dance crew performance at the front row seats.

“Oh, Mr. Jennings, what're you doing here?" Mr. Collins said. A human wearing his hotel manager rank which looks practically different from the officers' uniform – a turquoise blue blazer. He's the person who takes charge of hotel operations onboard. And Ms. Blake is his assistant as a cruise director.

“Just wanting to see my friend Lani rehearsing." Jennings replied.

“Well, Mr. Jennings, I'll have to admit; I'm really glad you brought a talented dancer with us." The rabbit-woman said. “It's too bad she's only staying for a while."

“Well, she has her ways."

“Alright, everyone, take five!" The dancer instructor commanded. All the dancers relax on the stage. But the Hawaiian girl steps down from the stage and greets her friend.

“Hi, Sid! Guest what?! I'm the lead for tomorrow's New Year's Eve Hawaiian dance!" She cried.

“Really? That's great!" He smiled.

“Like a natural dancer from her accident ancestors." Ms. Blake said. “Mr. Jennings, you really never disappoint me."

A light-brown horse-woman came out from the back stage wearing simply her casual clothing, yellow button shirt and skinny jeans, her hair recently brushed and tied into a pony-tail, yes, ironic it is. During her work, she often wears attractive dresses of variety of colors for every evening performances. She meets up with the other crew members in the big unattended theater. She actually was after the rabbit-woman. “Ms. Blake, was there something you want to talk to me?"

“Aubrey, looking good today." Jennings said.

“Oh, Jennings, always flirtatious with other women." She teased with a sly smile.

“I didn't mean it like that." Jennings said while rubbing the back of his bald head. Lani covers her mouth as she chuckles.

“Ms. Quinlivan, a journalist onboard wants to have an interview with you this afternoon." Ms. Blake informed.

Aubrey blinked twice, “An interview?"

“Yes, I'm sure it won't be long."

“Humph, very well, then." She responded. “This is so unusual to hear." She stated.

“I've seen you on TV before. You were quite a star there." Mr. Collins said. “Getting an interview could be a good shot for you."

“Well, if you say so."

Finally, the engineers activated one of the two gas-turbines for the additional power needed. The officers on the bridge saw the ship recovering her cruising speed. Everything's back to normal, save for the engine number three being out of service.

“We're back at 24 knots, Captain." Said the penguin-man, Fourth Officer Reggie Shore.

“We're good, then." Captain Whiteford in relief.

“Captain, about the weather in the south." Asked Second Officer Greyson.

“I've told you, Mr. Greyson, we're over 100 nautical miles away from it. We'll have calmed seas this crossing." Captain Whiteford remarked. The raccoon-man glances at the polar bear Snowdon with a shrug response.

“Greyson, I've contacted with NOAA and the US Coast Guard that is perfectly safe to travel this voyage." First Officer Snowdon explained. “We're just choppy today."

“If you asked me, Mr. Snowdon…" Randall Seabridge the Fifth Officer, a seagull bird-man, was about to say his statement but a telephone bleeps loudly near him and quickly picks it up with his feathered gray hand. “Seabridge, here." It was Dr. Daxner on the other end, explaining a situation. The seagull nodded, “Thank you, Dr. Daxner." He hangs up. He looks at his fellow officers in the bridge with a slight concerned face. “We got a lifeless body found in a passenger's cabin." He announced.

Was Third Officer Holmes to first to react, she gasps, “Oh my!"

On deck 7, the winter garden lounge; Ryder and Kale found Ricardo Marrero sitting alone on one of the tables. Having some European coffee and reading the news on his mobile phone, he much prefers his native coffee which he imports some from his family. The Hispanic human caught his eyes on the pair approaching him. “Mr. Wolfson, Mr. Summers...?"

“Marrero, how you feeling today?" Ryder started the small talk.

“Just fine, sober." He responded calmly. “Listen, I'm really sorry about yesterday. I have no control, I couldn't kept myself on the line, and…" He couldn't find any good term for his apologies, “Tsk, I'm a mess!"

“Ricardo, you're not a mess. Do you think you can tells us your issue," said Ryder, “because my mate here is a psychologist, he can help you. No charge!" He grinned while resting his hand on Kale's shoulder.

Rico glances at Kale, “I thought you were an artist?"

“Part-time." Kale stated.

“Well, never mind about it." Rico sighed and starts, “You see, my girlfriend left me before I could tell her about the cruise, I was hoping that our relationship could be fixed if we go together. We were having some difficulties a few weeks ago and I was trying to make it work, but I failed." He looks at the nearby window, a view of the promenade deck with the railings and a life-preserver in place and the sky and sea between the horizon, he sighed, “Coming to this tub by myself was a mistake."

“Is that all?" Kale asked. Rico nodded. “But, what made you to come on this trip?"

“First; my job as blogger. And second; I was supposed to bring my little cousin with me since Clara left me, but he broke his leg, and now I'm by myself." He said. “But I didn't know how badly affected I was by the break up that I didn't felt well and I decided to drink a whole." The pair listened.

“Well, I see you're depressed about this situation." Kale said.

“Yeah, that is why I decided to go back to New York when the ship docks on shore."

“Huh? Wait, are you leaving?" Wolfson said.

“Sorry, guys. My mind's made up, I'll be going back to New York." He announced. “Have a good-day." He stands up from his chair but Ryder stood up.

“Come on, Rico. Don't let a broken heart get you in the way. Cheer up!"

“Thanks, but, I think I should settle myself on land. Not surrounded by water." Rico said and left the lounge.

“There's nothing I can do, Ryder. I think this could be good for him." Said Kale.

“Oh, you're right, then." Sighed the wolf-man.

The sky deck, windy and chilly as always and making Gwen's and Red's hair to rustle by it. The lion couple walk together on deck 14, the last and top-most deck of the ship. It's where the sport's court and the indoor –glassed-covered– pool is, and the tall-and-slim forward funnel in the middle while its twin cosmetic funnel at aft.

“So, your old roommate didn't stop playing loud music at pass curfew?" Said Gwen. “You could've gotten into trouble."

“Well, it was a close call." Said Red. “Horace was a terrible liar, but he unbelievably managed to surpass it. I guess he read How to Be a Good Liar."

“Must be a good book." She mumbled.

“So anyway, what's your plan?" Red changed the subject. Gwen just responded with a questionable, muffling hum. “How you're going to tell him?" He asked.

“Umm… I don't know… I was thinking…"

“We got fourteen days left, Gwen. When's going to be the time you're going to tell him?"

“Well, yesterday, Dad told me when we arrive at Honolulu, we'll be spending an evening there in a restaurant. I think it could be a good time to make the announcement. What do you think?" She explained. The ship will be spending one whole night in Honolulu as part of the ship's itinerary.

“Is it for real?"

“I think it can work." She assured. “Any bright ideas?"

“No, I think is convenient."

“I hope it goes well. I just really want Dad to understand from what I want."

“He stills sees you as a cub, doesn't he?" Red stated.

“Dad knows I'm not a cub anymore."

“I bet he's not ready to give you away at the wedding."

“Russell!" Gwen cried but was then interrupted by the ship's forward funnel, blaring out loud. Echoing through the sea, another ship passes her by. White as the great white whale with blue schemes on her hull and funnel, the 135,000-ton Oceanic Queen of Oceanic Cruise Lines sail pass Poseidon as she salutes with her horn. The cruise liner is on her way back to Los Angeles after her long Hawaiian cruise. After a short while, the ship passed away north-eastwards, the horn battle ceased. The lion couple can now continue their talk.

“Sorry, about that. It was just a thought." Red apologized.

“It's fine. You're just too honest."

“Too honest that I could blow a whistle to your father at any moment." He nervously chuckled.

“Your point?"

“I really want to say the words to your father, but you want to take this cautiously. Are you afraid that he'll punch my head?"

“That's not it." She sighed. “What if he doubts our proposal?"

“I'm sure he wouldn't doubt about us." He draws his right arm around her shoulders. The couple continue their stroll around the open deck with their discussion. Red is all confident about the marriage proposal and he wished he could have say it in front of Mr. Kershaw in a normal meeting like the living room. But it all turned out so differently in a blink of an eye; He kneeled down, she said yes, and both are now on this cruise.

The dead body of the identified Mr. Gleeson has died of natural causes, according to Dr. Daxner. Mrs. Gleeson hadn't said a word after finding her husband lifeless in their stateroom on deck 9. Dr. Daxner and the crew involved in the situation condolences her loss. For now on, the body will be preserved in the ship's morgue onboard. These are common but unfortunate scenarios on cruise ships. The crew and staff will keep this in silence from the passengers. But for those who have meet Mr. Gleeson earlier in the days of the cruise will soon ask Mrs. Gleeson where's is he and how is he. The rumors will likely be spread throughout the ship.

“Oh, you're joking, Royce." Scoffed Pricilla.

“I swear, I overheard a passenger was found dead in the cabin by the doctor." Royce claims. “They said it was natural causes."

“Well, it least it wasn't murder." Christine added.

The college kids relax in one of the hot tubs on deck 13 at the lido deck. The tub was sloshing a little in different directions to almost spilling the hot water out. Pricilla does her best to cheer her cousin by joining in the tub to fit in with her friends, but Clover wasn't in the mood. She instead rest on the wooden deck chair and read her favorite book under the sun with sunglasses. As much she hates to be anti-social, she lost her interest to be with them. Clover is going to hate every moment on this trip every time she's with them.

“Is she still mad at you, Pricilla?" Megan asked.

“Kinda, but I'm gonna leave her until she's calmed—Uh, where is she?" She glances at the wooden steamer chair and she was gone. Looking around she quickly spots her with two tigers and the three walked away. If Pricilla doesn't make up with her cousin, Isaac would not be pleased, just so unfair. Last night she tried to apologize for tricking her but Clover barked at her, leaving Spencer, Megan, Christine, Royce and Isaac outside in the corridor. The conflict has worsen.

“How's it going guys?" Clover greeted her new friends.

“Hi, Clover." Stephanie replied. “Jett and I are just heading to the mini-golf court. Wanna join with us?"

“Sure." Without looking behind where the tub is, she continue walking along.

The nine-hole mini-golf course, just behind the aft dummy funnel on deck 14, is filled with golfers, mostly kids; one seven-year-old boy swung the white ball too hard and went overboard, the ball is gone whilst his father is scolding him. Thanks goodness Jett wasn't like that in his childhood. The trio grabbed a putter club and started with the first course. Starting with Stephanie to gently swing the ball. The ball went too off, must be ship rocking around. That is pretty much why the children are driven crazy with this game.

“I haven't asked," said Clover, “What brings you guys on this cruise?"

“Just for the holidays," said Jett, “And my dad just came back home from the Navy."

“That's so cool." It's Clover's turn and she swings the club, the ball went too far and missed the hole. “Damn it!"

“You should totally see how Jett reacted when Dad appeared under the giant present." Said Stephanie. “My mom caught it on film." She giggled.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah… Can we please change the subject?" Jett shake it off.

“Sorry, I know Dad means a lot to you." Said Stephanie.

“Why… Why… Do you have to say that in front of her?" Jett muttered under his breath.

“Anyways, when's your interview?" Stephanie started.

“Um, this early afternoon." Jett replied, “She'll be meeting me at our room."

“An interview, huh?" Clover said, “Whatcha gonna say?"

“I'm still thinking…" Jett swung the club, the ball nearly reaching the first hole, but the ball took a sharp turn by the sudden movement and missed. “Oh, shoot…"

“Well, don't think too long, just say what you've been through and what you know." Said Stephanie.

“Yeah, I know, the journalist wants to know about me and the broken band."

“So, is it true about Bradley?" Clover asked. “I've heard rumors, but I don't know if it they were true."

“You'll soon find out." Jett stated.

“Do you think you can do a favor? For all the fans?"

“What favor?"

The ship's public announcement system rings throughout the ship, a voice speaks up. “It's bingo time! Ladies and gentlemen, we're holding today's bingo contest at the theater. The winner will get a $1,000 dollar reward and a free discount at one of the restaurant onboard you can choose from. Starting at 1:00 PM at the Applause Theater hosted by your cruise director Joyce Blake. Thank you for your attention and I hope you all participate." The voice hangs up.

The early afternoon of one PM in ship's time. Portia and Malcolm gathered up with Miss Quinlivan for the interview. The horse-woman suggested to do it in Portia's stateroom, because her cabin is small and little of space. Portia and Malcolm together asks her common questions about her and career as a singer and working on the ship. The blonde woman and the Rottweiler-man takes some notes and a mobile phone as a voice recorder.

“But sadly," said Aubrey on a comfortable chair along with the two journalist, “despite all the cheers of ovation towards me, I've never made it to go places. And my life has become serious, especially with my twins, it least my mother is taking care of them whilst I'm taking my opportunities here onboard." The pair listened, taking notes.

“Do you have a personal conclusion, Ms. Aubrey?" Asked Portia, clicking the pen slowly.

A silence from her emerges but she smiley got an answer, “For now, I think have what I wanted. I've been working on this ship for months, I might think I could come back to London."

“Are you saying this is your last voyage?" Asked Malcolm.

“No, not yet. My contract would not expire for another three months." She stated.

“Well, I guess that's all we covered." Said Portia as she stands up from her seat. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Aubrey."

“It's a pleasure." She stands up, “I'll see you around." Malcolm opens the door for her and exited. She must go back to her quarters for rehearsal for the New Year's Eve ball party.

Portia turned to Malcolm. “Well, Malcolm, we better find our next celebrity."

“What was his name? Jeff Croft, right?"

Portia's face turned annoyed, “Boy, not even close." And sternly said.

Foxley the steward wanders around the crew members' mess hall, he's not wearing his uniform and he's just being himself, the fox-man found his colleagues Sidney and Kacy in one of the tables with the Hawaiian native. Kameron learned from Sidney that he brought a new dance member for the trip back to Honolulu, he never actually got a chance to meet her. So, here's his chance.

“Kameron, just in time!" Jennings cheered with a smile.

“Good afternoon, Foxley." Said Kacy.

“Hello, Kacy. Hello, Sidney. He sits along with the three. He glimpse at the young beautiful native. “And you must be Lani."

“And you must be Kameron." Lani said. “Sid talked about you."

“Sid?"

“That's my nickname, Kameron. Didn't I told you?"

“First time hearing it." He said and take a brink of his orange juice. “So, have you met the new Mrs. Maxwell?"

“Uh, yeah, I have… at the dining room." Sidney rubs the back of his head.

“Who's Mrs. Maxwell?" Lani asked. “A passenger?"

“Yes, it looks like Mr. Maxwell got remarried." Foxley stated. “They're in their honeymoon right now."

“Really? I wonder what happened to the old Mrs. Maxwell." Jennings thinks. In his past previous works on other ships of the Royal Trident Lines, Jennings met the Maxwells onboard the Oceanus back in 2015 as their steward, what he could recall that they were a lovely couple traveling together around the world. As Jennings doesn't the have the time to remember every single passengers' names, he would always kept few in mind as it is not easy to handle 2,700 passengers on this ship. However, they could curiously ask, but it's more rather too soon and boldly rude.

It's been reported that 27 passengers are seasick during the day as the Poseidon sails into choppy waters of the Mid-Pacific Ocean. Soon the ocean liner would pass the Tropic of Cancer in just several miles through southeastwards. It's nothing special unlike crossing through the equator as most ships celebrate it. Dr. Daxner now has his hands full and brought the needed medicines and make sure they all stay in bed. The St. Bernard dog-man, along with an assistant nurse, heads to the next patient: the Maxwells; in Trident Suite. The Doc knocks the door and wait. A black-and-white cat-man answers the door, his expression are a little agitated.

“Yes?" Killian said.

“I'm Dr. Daxner, I think you've been calling me."

“All morning! Please, come in." Killian guides the two crewmen to the upper level of the suite. “Are you the only doctor on this tub?"

“The only ship's doctor, Mr. Maxwell." Daxner stated.

“Then what happens if somebody would be dying in here?"

“Oh, please Killian, looks who's not dying!" Zoey groaned. The gray-furred cat-woman is resting on the master bed covered in white sheets all wrapped around her. Completely nauseated, on top of it all.

“Several passengers aboard are seasick, Mr. Maxwell. We have to take them in rotation." Dr. Daxner informed. The nurse examines Zoey's fever with the thermometer and Dr. Daxner hands over the medications for seasickness. “Take these now, Mrs. Maxwell, and another in eight hours and remain in bed until the sea is totally calm."

“Thank you, Doctor." Zoey sickly said.

“That's it? So you just came all the way here to give her some pills and tell her to stay in bed? You didn't even examined her!"

“Oh, please Killian, I'm just seasick like I told you!" Zoey remarked.

“Don't you see she's badly sick?" Killian raised his voice. “Just look at her? It could be the norovirus!"

“I'll know what is a norovirus or not, Mr. Maxwell."

“And how she's gonna take those pills if she can't even swallow water?"

The lady nurse explained, “They're suppositories, Mr. Maxwell. You don't swallow 'em."

“Then what the hell are you supposed to do with them?"

“They go in my vagina." Zoey clarified. “Can you asked them to leave?" Killian gawped.

“Um, Nurse, we must continue our rounds." Dr. Daxner said to the nurse. The doctor and nurse exchange glances. They impassively proceed to down stairs, until Killian still has a little of his nerves.

“I still think it's the norovirus!" He shouted them above the stairs before they closed the door.

“I already had the norovirus, Killian!" Zoey shouted. “And what's with you, eh?" As much she wants to overcome her accustomed Canadian dialect that runs naturally from her family, she cannot really help it but break it. Killian, of course, doesn't mind her ways of speaking her native tongue.

“Nothing's wrong with me, I just…"

“Stop worrying about me," she interrupted, “I'm going to be fine soon. It's been a long time since I've been at sea. And you've been on a lot of voyages than I do." Zoey stated. Killian sits closer to her on the bed, not minding her sickness.

“Yes… Yes, I have…" Killian calmly said.

“Killian, are you really moved on?" Zoey asked.

A long silence between the two domestic felines filled the room. Killian looks away from her and glimpses the panoramic view of the ship's wake. “I… I really am trying to live on…"

“Killian," Zoey started and moves closer to Killian, “whatever it is, let me tell you that I'm here. I know you've been married before to someone and she would want you to live on."

“I am trying to live my life to the fullest with you, Zoey. I'm glad of you to be part of my life." Killian said and holds her hand and kiss it. The gray feline weakly smiles.

“You're one caring cat-man, aren't you, Killian?" Zoey softly said.

A grumble Rottweiler dog-man wanders around the corridors of deck 10. Portia told him to find Jett Rycroft because he 'miss-named' his full name, whether or not if that was a made up word. Luckily, he spots him in the distance right on time. Jett stops by the door of his stateroom and looks at the door knob sign hanging: Do Not Disturb. A roar of a wild beast behind the door followed. Jett just froze there of the unexpected. He quickly shakes it off and saw the dog-man coming to him.

“Jett Croft, right?" Malcolm said.

“It's Rycroft." He corrected. “Can I help you?"

“I'm Portia's colleague. I was looking for you. Are you ready?"

“Uh… Yeah, yeah!"

“Come on. I think your folks need some alone time."

“Yeah…" Jett nervously said. He wants to get that thought out of his mind. Sadly, Jett wished he could get some advice from his parents about his interview. Now, his only advices from Clover and Stephanie are his only guide. He follows the dog-man to his direction through the corridor. Walking down two flights of stairs to deck 8. And what seemed like forever until they've reached forward. Malcolm slips his keycard and enter inside the stateroom. Portia was there tidying up for the little reunion.

“Portia, I brought him." Malcolm announced.

She turned around and smiles, “Jett! Looking handsome today. Come, come."

“I wasn't sure where I should meet up. But it least I'm here." Jett said.

“Well, that's what matters. Have a seat." She gestures him a seat. “On the bright side, you don't have to worry about those dreadful paparazzi and social media, just me and Malcolm."

Starting with a nice conversation with the journalists, Jett felt comfortable with them without any pressure. Opening up, little by little, to even share some of his personal life facts; like how he got his name—his mother gave birth in just eight months during a flight between Los Angeles to Miami, the name Jett was the first thing that the pilots came up before his mother was sent to the hospital in a rush. Jett talked about his dream career as a singer or joining in a rock band. He auditioned to join a boy band in Miami when he was 15, and joined along with the other members. The name, The Feline Boys, was a coincidence when the judges and manager were searching for five post-puberty, but talented individuals. They had picked five feline beast-men: a lion-boy (Bradley Roar), a black jaguar-boy (Tiberius Shade), a snow leopard-boy (Sean Wilde), a puma-boy (Quentin Scott), and a tiger-boy (Jett Rycroft). The band made its debut with their first album in 2017, the social media sparked massively wide. The group are known for their multi-bilingual songs (English/other language) which expresses an international feel. When Portia asks about the break up, Jett's comfortable face faded.

“Bradley Roar," Jett started, “he was the youngest of our group. He was really excited as well as all of us being in the band, and be famous and all that stuff. The media considered him as the 'cute one'." Jett chuckles. Jett was also classified as the “older brother type" in the band. “We quickly became friends after that." He continued, “Everything was going awesome in our hay-day…" He paused and thinking about last summer. “…until things got into Bradley's way. I never knew how serious it was. His father was hospitalized while we were in our Summer World Tour. The news hits him like rock bottom, all the way while we were in UK, it distracted him severely. The rehearsals weren't very good. I tried to settled him and cheer him up but then I regrettably told him to at least hold it off and wait. I didn't know how serious it was, so Bradley furiously yelled at me and stomped away. I followed him through the streets but I wasn't quick enough to…" He looked down and stare at his crossed striped arms. “…to save him." Softly spoke. “He was alive though. Thank god. A broken leg —Quentin recalled it as a sign of bad luck. You know, break-a-leg? And it did. Bradley had enough and wants to go back home with his father and he quit. Too much pressure. He didn't wanted to listen to me, I couldn't even say anything or remember what I wanted to say to him. He refused harshly. And told me about that 'you'll never understand of how it's like to be in the worst possible life-and-death situations'. I told him no and didn't talked to me again. Hurt. Betrayed. Lonely. I quietly walked away. The band will never be the same again. I regret of what I just said. The future concerts were cancelled. And we slowly went to our separate ways…"

The two journalist listened, they somehow stopped writing down at some point. Overwhelmed by his point of view. “Any conclusions, Jett?" The Rottweiler asked.

“I want to say to Bradley that I'm sorry for hurting his feelings. I really am…" He concluded. “I've never talked about him or posted anything in public until now."

“Well, I think we got enough." Said Portia and standing up from her seat. “Thank you for coming, Jett. Your story will be published before you know it!" She cheery said. “I hope you enjoy your vacation with your family." She continued, “I've heard Hawaii is an amazing place to bring families closer together."

“Yeah. Same to you, miss." Jett said as he stands up from his seat. Walks to the door and said. “Thank you, guys. It really means a lot to me." He then closes the door.

“Not a bad kid, huh?" Said Malcolm. Pointing his thumb at the door behind him.

“Must be this generation." Replied Portia. “Now stand aside, I'm taking a shower."

“Ever wondered how you won this trip?" Asked Malcolm?

“Before I found out that I was gonna sail with another colleague," she said and enters the bathroom and raised her voice, “I thought I was going alone until Chief announced the second winner, you."

“Well, sorry for troubling you, lady." He said, it didn't sound like sincerity, just sarcasm. “If you need me, I'll be at the cocktail bar."

“Whatever. I was wasn't even gonna get you laid, anyway." She said and turned on the shower. Malcolm heard it clearly, but he left the stateroom and just go. How much credit she would take after publishing the articles? Warned by his colleagues, Portia Matthews will likely take it all. Malcolm sighed and heads towards the elevator to deck 3.

At the bridge on deck 12, the helmsman holding steady the small aluminum wheel, standing and staring ahead, seeing almost as in on top of the world. On a ship. The patient and rather quiet crew operates in good confidence towards one another. Second Officer Greyson silently moves towards the polar bear-man who is now taking charge of the bridge while Captain Whiteford is at his social duties with a couple of passengers. Looking through the binoculars, he was looking at another ship in the distance, the raccoon-man moves a little bit next to him.

“Yes?" First Officer Snowdon responded without Greyson even starting a hello or calling his name. Even sometimes calling him Snowy. The white bear-man's voice was somehow cruel and cold. He wasn't even looking at him, still at forward. Of course, they don't get along well together but they do cooperate one another as experienced officers.

“I guess I was wrong about the storm today, after all, huh?" Greyson said, kind of apologetic and slyly.

“We all make mistakes and sometimes we worry about our safety and everyone onboard." Snowdon said after lowering the binoculars of his forward sight, still not looking back.

“I guess you're right. I can see why you trust Whiteford and all the other crewmen on this ship. I think you can make yourself a great captain one day." He complimented, with a hint of chuckle.

Snowdon finally turns his back to look at Greyson, but the second he realized the raccoon-man already left for his break. Sneaky coon. Snowdon thought.

Third Officer Holmes looks at Snowdon with a near confused face. She said, “Did he said something to you?"

“Kind of, I guess." He said.

“Umm, never mind, but I like his compliment!" She added and went back to her post. Snowdon said nothing and returns to his post before Whiteford comes back.

The sea's calmed, but the howling wind stills dominates the entire upper frame of Poseidon while speeding endlessly to the sun setting horizon. Jett ignores the blows and admires the golden disc ahead on the forward observation deck of deck 7 with both hands resting on the railing. This forward part of the ship is the furthest area for passengers to view out forward and closest to the bow which is limited to go any further unless you are a crew member, and also is exposed to every elements of nature. Sylvester wanders by himself and walks through the eight spare, brass-made, propeller blades exhibiting like an art museum, found his son staring at the natural sight. The tip of the mighty bow can be easy noticed by the slight movement of up and down comparing with the horizon. He stands aside next to him and look out the view, in height comparison, Jett is one foot shorter than his father of six feet.

“Great view, huh?" Rycroft said.

“We hardly have a view like this one back home." Said Jett. “We live in the east side of the state."

“That's true. But we do have a sunrise view, don't we?" Smiled Rycroft. The wind wildly hits his face and covers with one hand. “How do you handle this wind?"

“Didn't Mom gave birth on an airplane and named me Jett because of it?" The tiger-boy stated.

His father laughs, “You got me there. I sometimes forget that origin." He clears his throat. “Hey, so, how was your interview today? Stephanie just told me about Bradley and all."

“It was great." He replied. “It went well. I was going to find you and Mom for an advice from you both, but instead, you guys decided to put a 'Do not disturb' sign on the door and have your romantic time together." He stated.

His father blushes and rubs the back of his neck, “Sorry about that."

“Eh, it's alright, you probably needed it anyways." He said. “So I stick with Steph's advice instead. I hope Bradley accepts my apology." And sighed.

“I'm sure he will. I'm glad Stephanie cares a lot about you." Sylvester said. “And so? Who's your new friend you've meet today?" Sylvester smirked.

“Tsk, she's too young for me and not type. Let's leave it that way, okay?" Without being bothered and shying away. Sylvester knew his son well, always conservative. Jett quickly changes the subject. “So, Dad, uh, what are we gonna do this New Year's Eve? I'm expecting a party, but where?" Said Jett.

“You'll see soon enough." Sylvester replied.