Atlantean

By MICHAEL L. OLVERA

A magnificent city lost over time destroyed by the Gods and sent to the bottom of the Ocean forever later to be written by the Greek philosopher Plato in two dialogues. Destroyed was their home but not its people who rebuilt their city back to its former glory. Learning from their violent past not to repeat it, the centuries go by and the outside world has populated the surface, no place for the Atlantean people to call home. Safe from the outside world and their advanced technology that is generated by a rare element only found at the outer reaches of the solar system. The Atlanteans decide to stay below the waves to watch over and nurture the people from above giving them technology through the centuries until they are ready to accept them and their technology. Creating another city on the other side of Earth deep below the Pacific Ocean, the city grows rapidly hungry for more energy and power, the people in time rebel against Atlantis. With all-out war looming over the peaceful people of Atlantis, one man not from their world will come to understand the past and his future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504909525

MICHAEL L. OLVERA

Michael Olvera is the latest Sci-Fi writer to come along; he takes his inspiration from his love for the Sciences and History. He has an intuitive ability of melding together History and the Paranormal to create a suspenseful, thrilling twist to stories and events that have intrigued us for generations. You will find yourself fascinated by how he combines events and facts from the past and bring it all together to make a present day thriller. Mr. Olvera was born and raised in the Bay Area where he resides today; he presently works in Silicon Valley as a Product Development Engineer.

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© 2015 MICHAEL L. OLVERA. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/04/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-0946-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-0947-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-0952-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015906599

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

The Story of Atlantis

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Many great and wonderful deeds are recorded of your state in our histories. But one of them exceeds all the rest in greatness and valor. For these histories tell of a mighty power which unprovoked made an expedition against the whole of Europe and Asia, and to which your city put an end.

This power came forth out of the Atlantic Ocean, for in those days the Atlantic was navigable; and there was an island situated in front of the straits, which are by you called the Pillars of Heracles. The island was larger than Libya and Asia put together and was the way to other islands and from these you might pass to the whole of the opposite continent, which surrounded the true Ocean. For this Sea which is within the Straits of Heracles is only a harbor, having a narrow entrance, but that other is a real Sea, and the surrounding land may be most truly called a boundless continent.

Now in this island of Atlantis there was a great and wonderful empire, which had rule over the whole island and several others, and over parts of the continent, and, furthermore, the men of Atlantis had subjected the parts of Libya within the columns of Heracles as far as Egypt, and of Europe as far as Tyrrhenia.

This vast power, gathered into one, endeavored to subdue at a blow our country and yours and the whole of the region within the straits; and then, Solon, your country shone forth, in the excellence of her virtue and strength, among all mankind. She was pre-eminent in courage and military skill, and was the leader of the Hellenes. And when the rest fell off from her, being compelled to stand alone, after having undergone the very extremity of danger, she defeated and triumphed over the invaders, and preserved from slavery those who were not yet subjugated, and generously liberated all the rest of us who dwell within the pillars.

But afterwards there occurred violent earthquakes and floods; and in a single day and night of misfortune all your warlike men in a body sank into the earth, and the island of Atlantis in like manner disappeared in the depths of the Sea. For which reason the Sea in those parts is impassable and impenetrable, because there is a shoal of mud in the way; and this was caused by the subsidence of the island.

PLATO…

THE STORY OF ATLANTIS

Over 11,000 years ago, there existed an island nation located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean populated by a noble and powerful race. The people of this land possessed great wealth thanks to the natural resources found throughout their island. The island was a center for trade and commerce.

The rulers of this land held sway over the people and land of their own island and well into Europe and Africa. This was the island of Atlantis.

Atlantis was the domain of Poseidon, god of the sea. When Poseidon fell in love with a mortal woman, Cleito, he created a dwelling at the top of a hill near the middle of the island and surrounded the dwelling with rings of water and land to protect her.

Cleito gave birth to five sets of twin boys who became the first rulers of Atlantis. The island was divided among the brothers with the eldest, Atlas first King of Atlantis, being given control over the central hill and surrounding areas. At the top of the central hill, a temple was built to honor Poseidon, which housed a giant gold statue of Poseidon riding a chariot pulled by winged horses.

It was here that the rulers of Atlantis would come to discuss laws, pass judgments, and pay tribute to Poseidon. To facilitate travel and trade, a water canal was cut through of the rings of land and water running south for 5.5 miles to the sea

CHAPTER 1

It is in the middle of hurricane season across the tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea. Where hurricanes will wreak their devastation across the countless islands that dot the tranquil paradise, to eventually fade away into history in the colder climates of the Northern hemisphere only to be reborn again somewhere far out in the Atlantic Ocean to seek out a new path of destruction.

Michael Belen knows this all too well as he and his friends set sail on board his yacht named the Estrella as they depart from a Marina in Miami, South Florida. Their destination is the Bahamas region to an island group called the Biminis approximately fifty-three miles due east of Miami and the closets island chain to the United States. His good buddy and soon to be law firm partner Nick Savon owns a beach house on one of the islands and where they will stay while on their weekend vacation.

Michael has done well for himself; He has worked at the law firm of Savon & Drexel LLP for ten years and now they are making him a full Partner in the firm. So, this boat excursion out into the Caribbean that his fiancée Danielle and friends had put together for him is in his honor to celebrate his new position. They set out from Miami and head out to a spot where the locals call the Bimini road an underwater rock formation that resembles an ancient causeway that stretches along the bottom of the Ocean.

Michael, Danielle his law firm buddies and a couple old friends with their spouses tend to do some scuba diving around the area and to check out the local Sea life that lives amongst the coral reefs that dot the warm waters around the Bimini islands. They arrive at their destination just above the Bimini road; Michael and Alan his longtime friend help cast the anchor over board than grab the scuba gear that is stored in the storage bins on deck. Everyone on board are avid divers except for Danielle who has only dived a couple times in her life but feels safe since Michael and their friends will be in the water also to accompany her. Michael helps Danielle with her gear checking the tank then helping her strap it on. He adjusts the tank and tightens the straps as he glances into her eyes periodically seeing the apprehension she is exhibiting by her body language. He grabs the zipper tongue on her suit and pushes it up until it will not go up any more.

He glances into her eyes and asks.

You look a little nervous; you know you don’t have to do this just for me you know.

She looks up at him as she grabs her breathing apparatus and with a nervous but endearing expression takes a nervous swallow before answering.

No, I’m alright. I want to go, as long as you stay close to me and don’t go wandering off.

Michael laughs.

I won’t…promise! I’ll be right with you the whole time, besides you look pretty good in this wet suit.

She gives him a nudge on the chest with a nervous laugh.

I’m serious! I’m already nervous enough and you better not mess with me while we are down there!

Michael chuckles.

Okay, I swear. I’ll behave myself!

Michael gives her a quick hug and a kiss on her forehead for reassurance.

Everyone is ready as the group sits on the ledge of the boat flipping backwards into the water. Michael and Danielle are the last ones to go in; he puts his arm around her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

Are you ready?

She nods her head not wanting to say too much that might talk her out of it, she puts on her goggles then positions her breathing apparatus. Michael does the same then they both flip over backwards into the water. They begin to make their way down; the water is crystal clear as they can make out a few silhouettes of Sea life in the distance. They continue to dive down, three meters then to five meters and beyond as they approach the Ocean floor a rectangular rock formation starts to come into view. They dive down to the formation and swim along the path stopping long enough to snap a few pictures of each other to show everyone back home that they had stood on the Bimini road. The others are scattered about checking out the coral reefs and Sea life as a large Sea turtle makes its way past Michael and Danielle. She swims up alongside of the Sea turtle grabbing onto the shell being carried away as the turtle meanders its way across the sea. Danielle follows the turtle for a while as Michael snaps some shots of her.

Time goes by and they have been down for quite a while, their tank gauges tell them that it is time to head back to the surface. Dave Drexel, another good friend of Michael’s and also his new law firm partner swims by gesturing that it’s time to head back to the boat. Michael gives the okay sign then swims over to Danielle pointing up to the surface to let her know that it is time to go back up. One by one they emerge from the water tired from their long day of diving, it is now time to rest a bit and to grab something to eat. Everyone climbs back onboard, drying themselves off they start to remove all their diving gear and after head to their cabins to shower and to put on some dry clothes for the evening. Its Michael’s celebration dinner tonight and the group have planned a special dinner for him to congratulate him on his new Partnership position at the firm.

The Night is beautiful and clear and the Sea is calm that you can see the endless number of stars glimmering off the surface as though they appear at times to be dancing with each other as the wakes from the boats hull sends ripples across the dark but still surface. Everyone has made their way to the main dining area where the table is set and the food is about to be served. The guys are hanging out around the bar laughing, drinking, enjoying a good cigar, telling Michael that he had earned and deserved the Partnership but also teasing him as good friends do to each other. The girls have gathered around the dining table talking about the dive and showing off their pictures that they had taken. Danielle, after a while wonders how Michael is doing, getting up to look into the other room where the men have gathered to watch Michael grab his beer then head out onto the deck.

He steps out to get some fresh air and to gaze out into the night’s sky to reflect about the past. Feeling good about his future with a half-smile on his face, he takes a chug of his beer. Danielle follows him out onto the deck seeing him standing there alone leaning up against the railing looking out into the still night. She walks up behind him placing her arms around his waist then putting her head against his shoulder giving him a gentle hug. She asks him if everything is all right because he seemed now to be a million miles away.

Michael snaps out of his gaze of the horizon looking back at Danielle.

Ah, yeah, I’m alright!

He turns around to face her and to give her a hug back.

I was just thinking.

Yeah…. Tell me about what?

All of this.

Michael looks about his surroundings.

I was just reflecting back on my life and everything that I have worked so hard for, I just wished my Dad was still around so he could be here with us. You know the last time I saw him was right before he began his solo trip from San Francisco to Japan, he was standing right about here. I remember being very young standing on the dock with my Mother waving goodbye to him and the last thing he told me was that he was very proud of me and for me to look after my Mother while he is gone.

Danielle, not knowing the full story of what had happen to his Father only that he had disappeared some time ago.

She asks him.

"Is that when your Father had disappeared?

Michael takes another swig of his beer slowly nodding his head.

Yes, they found the boat empty days later floating aimlessly in the Pacific not too far off the coast of Japan. No one really knows what had happen to him, they just speculated that he had fallen over board but I never really found out what really had happened to him. After the investigation they brought the boat back to San Francisco that is when my Mother and I took possession of the Estrella.

He gives Danielle a hug telling her.

I’m just happy that you are here with me right now and can’t wait to soon call you Mrs. Belen.

Danielle gives Michael a big hug and a kiss; she tells him how much she loves him and cannot wait either to be Mrs. Belen. She turns her head back hearing the laughter coming from the cabin. She looks back at Michael telling him how proud she is of him and that he will do a wonderful job as the newest Partner at Savon, Drexel and now Belen as she kisses him with affection.

She hears the laughter again then tells Michael.

We better go back inside; they will be serving dinner soon.

Michael, tells her to go ahead without him.

I’ll be there in a moment; I want to sit out here for a little while longer by myself. Go ahead and save me a seat and some ribs. I know how much Dave and Nick can eat.

Okay, but don’t be too long, I don’t know how long I can keep those guys away from the food, you know them and their ribs.

She gives him another kiss looking into his eyes then turns to go back into the cabin when Nick walks out onto the deck.

Hey! Is the party out here? You two love birds dinner is being served, we are just about to dig in!

Michael waves.

We’ll be right there.

He pulls up an Adirondack chair opening up a cooler that he had stocked then grabs an ice-cold beer. He kicks his legs up on the railing popping open the beer then taking a couple of swigs. He stares out across the horizon hoping that his slight case of seasickness will go away soon so he can go back in and maybe eat something.

As he gazes out into the distance, he sees a flicker of light; squinting his eyes for a moment to hopefully help focus his eyes a bit clearer. He takes a couple more swigs of his beer watching the lights not thinking much about them or of any importance just probably some jet flying across the horizon or another boat far in the distance, but still he watches the lights since it’s the only thing moving in the night sky.

The lights start to get brighter appearing to be getting closer to the boat moving at a speed that seems to be faster than one would usually see a commercial airlines traveling. The lights all of a sudden drop from the sky heading down toward the surface of the Ocean, Michael now taking bigger gulps of his beer stands up to lean up against the railing to get a better view. Michael tries to count how many lights he can see, counting three no five maybe more. The lights still a ways away seem to have dropped from the sky now riding just above the surface of the Ocean moving in formation and still heading in the boats direction.

Michael, starts to get a bit alarmed as the lights move closer to the boat fearing that if the lights do not veer away from their present course that they will collide with the boat. Looking back into the cabin to see if anybody else has seen the lights everyone seems to be preoccupied and are unaware what might happen. Thinking about running inside and warning everyone but for some reason he can’t pull himself away looking at his beer crushing the can throwing it to the side thinking that he might have had one too many and that his bout of Sea sickness is playing tricks with his eyes. The lights stream across the surface of the Ocean and are now for sure on a collision course with the boat, Michael is stunned and braces for impact.

As Michael watches the lights as the Ocean not too far away from the boat begins to open up. A perfectly round portal appears across the Ocean’s surface with no sound and no waves the water around the portal is calm. The lights speed toward the portal entering it, one by one, the lights dip into the Ocean but there is no splash and no waves, it is as if the Ocean had just opened up and engulfed the glowing lights. In Michael’s amazement, he watches as the lights speed in single file just under the surface of the Ocean still moving toward the boat, the lights pass directly under the hull of the boat.

Breaking out of his initial shock Michael races to the other end of the boat to watch where the lights will appear and are heading to, the lights speed past him in a single line quickly moving away from the boat. Not like anything, he has ever seen before out of all the times he has been in these waters but had heard of tales of mysterious of lights that appear from time to time throughout the Caribbean Ocean. With not a single sound or even a ripple, he gazes out watching the lights move away getting fainter as they disappear in the distance.

As the last light can barely be seen, all of a sudden it veers away from the rest of the lights moving rapidly just below the surface it begins to double back toward Michael and the boat. Approaching the boat the ball of light begins to change colors dimming as it approaches the hull; it starts to slow as it passes directly under where Michael is standing. Michael leans over the railing so he can get a better look at this object as he tries to focus in through the darkness of the water. As the object moves silently just below Michael, he gets a glimpse of a metallic object with a light blue luminous body that appears to be very smooth and a shape that closely resembles the body of a Stingray.

Michael gazes down at some sort of craft that glistens through the pitch-dark water slowly making its way to the other side of the boat. Michael races to the other side leaning over the railing waiting for the craft to reappear as it comes into view slowly passing by then moving away from the boat the craft suddenly comes to a stop. Watching the motionless craft only a few feet away from him, he leans further out from the railing trying to get a closer look at the craft forgetting about his safety coming dangerously close to tumbling over the side. Michael becomes entranced in the soft luminous light that the craft has been emanating when all of a sudden he is struck by a bolt of energy that surges through his entire body that sends him tumbling backwards away from the railing.

Able to grab hold of some rigging, he fights to stay on his feet with the energy still pulsating through his head, he is struck by another surge of energy that engulfs his entire body sending vibrant images flashing through his mind at rapid speeds causing him to lose his balance sending him crashing to the deck hard. The images flash through Michael’s head as he lies on his back holding his head from the pain, he tries to clear his mind then the images just stop. Gathering his composure, Michael grabs his head trying to clear his mind stumbling to get back to his feet. Still shaken up from the surge of energy that hit him he staggers back to the railing where the craft is still hovering motionless. Michael shakes his head trying to remove all the haziness that is clouding his mind trying to focus back on the craft then watching as the craft begins to move slowly away then in an instant, it vanishes into the darkness.

Standing at the railing looking out waiting to see if the craft may return but with his head pounding from his experience he decides to head back in and to go lay down for a while. Making his back into the cabin, Michael tries to avoid his friends that are still sitting around the table enjoying their dinner. He quickly walks past the entry way where everyone is gathered on his way to his bunk down stairs, Danielle happens to catch a glimpse of Michael as he passes by noticing that he is acting a bit peculiar. She gets up and follows him down where Michael had plopped himself down on his bunk. Danielle enters the room seeing Michael lying down with a look of someone that is not feeling well; she approaches him sitting down on the edge of the bunk placing her hand across his forehead.

Michael what’s wrong? I saw you walking by the dining area heading toward the bunks, are you not feeling well?

Not knowing what to say about what he had just witnessed and still feeling the effects of whatever had consumed his body and had clouded his mind. He turns to look up at Danielle, glad to see the warmth of her face and to feel her comfort.

Oh, I think I just had a little bit to drink and started to feel a little Sea sick. I decided to go lie down for a while until I started to feel a little better.

Danielle smiles shaking her head at him.

You know how you get when you have a little too much to drink when we spend time out on the Ocean. You always get a little Sea sick, now look at you and you are going to miss out on your celebration dinner. Well, you should just rest for a while until you start feeling better, anyways we should be arriving at Nick’s beach house tomorrow and we’ll have the whole weekend to relax.

Danielle gives Michael a kiss on his forehead then pulls the blankets over him; she walks to the cabin door then turns to Michael before leaving.

I’m going back up for a while to help clean up and then I’ll come back down to see how you are doing.

Michael nods his head wanting to tell Danielle what he had seen out there before she heads back up to their friends but something inside tells him not to at least not right now. Eventually Michael is able to fall asleep but all through the night images that flash through his mind of strange places and people that he has never seen before menace him. The next day the boat is still anchored where they had dived the day before, it is early in the morning and everyone is still asleep from there long night of celebrating. Michael awakened by an image of a woman that flashes through his mind; he opens his eyes turning to see Danielle lying beside him. He wraps his arm around her and tries to fall back to sleep but is troubled by what he had encountered last night. Rolling to his back placing his arms behind his head staring at the berths ceiling until his intense curiosity causes him to jump out of bed in a hurry to go back to the place where he had first sighted the strange objects.

Putting on his clothes in a hurry, Michael heads up stairs to the main cabin. As he walks by the main room, he sees a couple of his friends sprawled out across the floor and on the couch sleeping off their night of celebrating. As he makes his way to the top deck walking to the railing at the stern of the boat he gazes across the horizon where he first had sighted the lights in the sky. Looking around the boat, he searches for something anything that will make sense of the events from last night and if it was just a bad dream that he had or did he really come in contact with an object unknown to him. Looking down at the deck he sees the crushed aluminum beer can that he was drinking, picking it up he stares at it for a moment trying to recall step by step all the events that he had taken. Walking towards the bow of the boat and standing exactly where he had looked down to see the strange craft slowly move under the hull, Michael gazes out across the Ocean’s surface trying to see if maybe the craft was still out there somewhere but there is nothing.

Confused by the whole situation and by the images that periodically rush through his mind he looks at the crushed can that he has been holding tossing it into a pile of strewn life vests. Michael walks back into the cabin and into the control room to check the weather report; he switches on the radio to hear the latest news then switching on the Doppler system to see what weather anomaly might be lurking out there. Looking at the radar screen, he picks up a large swirling formation that can only be one thing, turning the radio station to the weather report to hear if there is any information on this new storm that seems to be brewing just south of their location.

The weather report describes a new tropical depression that has been building up over the last couple of days given the name Gilbert that is pushing its way toward the Bahamas and if it stays on its present course will take it directly over their location. The weather person confirms that the tropical depression by the time it reaches Puerto Rico is likely to become a category one or two hurricane. Knowing that one does not want to be caught in the path of a hurricane, it is best to pack up and head for land. The waters around these areas can change in an instant with one moment being crystal clear the next you can find yourself in the midst of a hurricane. Tales from sailors that have sailed these waters telling stories of strange phenomenons and of mysterious happenings when the weather begins to change within the Bermuda Triangle.

Alan walks into the control room standing by Michael, he peers down at the radar screen and the storm that is building in strength. Still looking at the screen, Alan remarks on the situation.

That doesn’t look good, how long has that been heading our way?

Don’t know but it looks like it might be cutting our fishing time a little short. I do not think it’s a good idea to stay out here for another day. We probably should head back in and stay the night or two at Nick’s.

You might be right. I guess we should wake everyone up and tell them what is going on.

Yeah, too bad, I was looking forward to doing more diving with Danielle today. I’ll go wake her up and Nick and let them know that we are heading out.

Okay, I’ll go get the rest of the passed out crew up.

Michael heads down to the bunk area first waking up Danielle to let her know that their vacation plans are going to be cut a little short due to the impending storm that is looming in the distance. He then heads to Nick’s cabin that opens his door looking rather disheveled from the night before. Michael tells Nick that there is a tropical depression building up in the Atlantic and that it looks like that it will be heading their way. Michael goes on to tell Nick that the weather report has predicted that the storm will reach a category one or two by the time it reaches their location and that it would be best to cut the boating trip short and to head for his beach house before the potential Hurricane is able to make landfall.

Nick agrees telling Michael that they can hunker down at the beach house for a couple of nights until the hurricane decides to pass them by. They had already planned to spend some time at Nick’s place anyways on one of the Bimini islands, but now with an impending hurricane, heading in their direction their stay just became a little longer. Nick tells Michael that he will meet him back on top and that he will get Dave, Michael heads back to the control room where he and Alan begin to pull up the anchor. After pulling up the anchor, Alan heads back to the control room to start the boats engines then bringing up a map of the region. Nick and Dave enter the control room to view the storm on the radar screen, with both of them having experience out in Sea they both realize that this storm is nothing to take lightly. They both agree that the best thing to do is to make it to Nick’s place and to wait the storm out. They plot a course to the Biminis then push down on the boats throttle and head for safety.

Heading across the Ocean a small island comes into view and as they approach the island, a beautiful beach house that sits back a bit from the shoreline is surrounded by clear blue water as they approach the dock. The group has made it ahead of the storm and now they have to wait out the potential Hurricane until it passes them by. Pulling up alongside of the pier, they moor the boat securely then everyone gathers their belongings and heads up the narrow pathway to the beach house. It is a beautiful setting with lush vegetation with palm trees that surround the house but with the advancing storm closing in there might not be time to take in the beauty and the picturesque views. Nick opens the front door as they all step inside looking all about impressed by the roominess and the antiques that adorn every room as they drag their luggage behind them. The group splits up making their way down the hallway to see what room they will likely be taking for themselves. Finding the bar area, Dave yells out.

Hey! I found the bar and it is stocked already with cold ones and some of my favorite libations. I think I’m going to like staying here for a while.

Michael and Danielle slowly make their way down the hallway entering a room that has a view of the beach with French doors leading out to a veranda area. Nick walks up behind them placing his arms around their shoulders while all three gaze out toward the panoramic view, Nick smiles turning to both of them.

I hope you like it, this is your room. I’m giving you guys the master bedroom; it has everything that you will need…Congratulations partner! This is a small way that I can say thanks for your hard work all these years…Enjoy!

Michael and Danielle look around the room at all of the amenities and at the same time say.

This is really nice!

Laughing that they are on the same page and love the room, they tell Nick thank you as Nick directs Danielle to some of the features of the room. Michael turns and stares out of the French doors toward the blue Ocean, something inside of him begins to draw him out to the veranda. He walks to the double French doors opening them then stepping out, he walks to the short cement wall that surrounds the veranda. Gazing out toward the horizon in the area where they had scuba-dive the day before reflecting back on what he had encountered that night.

Nick walks out onto the veranda to join Michael; he walks up to the side of him standing there also gazing out toward the horizon. Looking out at the crystal blue water and the beauty that is awe inspiring, Nick turns to Michael.

It’s a beautiful view don’t you think?

Michael nods his head then glances over at Nick.

Yes it is! It’s very beautiful.

Nick smiles knowing that this room would be perfect for Michael and Danielle with their upcoming wedding and now with Michael becoming a full Partner that Nick and the others had set up as a pre honeymoon vacation for the two. Nick tells Michael that the room is for them to enjoy it as he puts his arm around Michael’s shoulder.

You know you are going to do a great job! I just wanted you to know that before making our decision, we gave it a lot of consideration and we felt that you were the right choice. We know that Alan was vying to be a Partner also and that he has been at the firm just as long as you have but we felt that you had a little more experience and what put you over the top was how you handled some of the high profile cases like the Moskowics case. We had to make a decision and we chose you, I hope this does not cause any problems between you and Alan. I know you two have been buds for a long time and besides you are the only guy at the firm that plays golf worse than Dave and I.

Michael chuckles but also feels a little awkward about the situation, knowing that Alan really wanted to be made a partner at the firm. Michael looks over at Nick.

Thanks, I won’t let you or the firm down.

Nick smiles patting Michael on the shoulder.

We know, we know. Well, we better head back inside and prepare for the hurricane; it’ll be here before we know it.

Before walking back inside, Nick looks into the sky and the horizon.

The clouds are beginning to move in; if we are lucky it will turn and head out to Sea.

Walking back into the room, Nick starts to leave the room but stops to give Danielle a hug.

I know you two will enjoy the room and you are always welcomed to stay at the house whenever you like but please make sure he shows up for work. I know how hard it is to leave this place but we’ll going to need him back at work.

Danielle, smiles.

Thank you Nick and don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes it to work!

That night everyone gathers in the living room and around the bar area that opens up into the living room. Dave is entertaining everyone telling the same old jokes he has told over and over again while serving drinks behind the bar as others gather around the game table playing card games and socializing amongst each other enjoying fine Cuban cigars that Dave gets sometimes on his business trips around the Caribbean.

The weather outside begins to worsen as you can hear the wind picking up and the shrubs and tree limbs rubbing against the windows and the side of the house. All of a sudden a loose shutter fly’s open slamming against the side of the house, the impact startles everyone from their activities. Alan jumps up to run outside to see where the noise is coming from; he walks to the side of the house to see a loose shutter flapping in the wind. Reaching out to grab it, the wind happens to catch the shutter swinging it quickly back around toward him. Grabbing it in the nick-of-time just before it is able to hit him in the head, Alan pushes it back against the house locking it back into place.

Looking up into the sky, Alan watches the clouds roll in. Michael comes out to help and to see if he is all right.

Yeah, I’m alright but I almost clocked myself in the head pretty good. Looks like we’re not going to escape the storm, we’ll going to have to secure this place before it gets worse.

Alan and Michael head back inside to tell everyone that the storm is coming in and that they probably should go around the beach house to make sure it is secure. Nick drops the cards in his hands on the table then walks over to the radio to turn it on to hear the latest news about the storm. He turns the radio knob adjusting it until he gets a station that is giving an up to date weather report then turns up the volume so everyone can hear it in the room. Everyone slowly gathers closer to the radio also turning around while sitting on the couch to hear better as the weather report describes a category one hurricane nicknamed Gilbert that can potentially become a category two or three by the time it hits the East Coast and the Miami area. The warning goes out to all vessels to stay clear of the path of the hurricane and to stay indoors if you are within the Bahamas region. After hearing what they needed to know, Nick puts down the volume telling everyone.

Well, it looks like we are staying for a while. We better go around and board up the place before we need to take shelter.

The lights begin to flicker in the room as the palm trees sway contacting the power lines. Nick walks to the center of the living room.

I have some plywood in the shed that I use to board up the windows with and there are nails and some hammers in the shed also. We better get the boards on the house before the wind really starts to pick up.

All the guys stand up and head outside following Nick to the shed on the side of the house as Nick opens the shed up handing out the hammers and nails to everyone. Pulling the plywood out of the shed, they split up into teams carrying the boards to their side of the house. Michael and Alan take their boards to the other side of the house hammering the boards into place over the windows making sure that they are secure. Dave and Nick head for the front of the house where the wind is blowing directly at them. Dave begins to lift his side of the board up into place over the window when a gust of wind catches the board slamming it into Dave sending him to the ground. Nick rushes over to help him pulling the board away helping him back to his feet then making sure that he is all right. A little embarrassed, Dave waves Nick off saying that he is okay then grabs the board again to finish the job.

The rain begins to fall as they hammer the last boards into place. Heading back indoors, Nick suggests that everyone should gather what they will need to take with them when it’s time to head for the shelter. Everyone heads for their rooms gathering what they will need then taking it back to the living room with them to wait. Time goes by as they listen to the weather report hanging out and talking when the lights begin to flicker again then go out. The rain now is coming down so hard that the house begins to rumble as the showers slam into the tiled rooftop. With the lights out, Nick heads to the back of the house to start the power generator and suggests that they head for the shelter down the hall. Everyone gathers their belongings following Nick down the hall; he reaches down pulling away a throw rug then tossing it to one side. Beneath the rug, there is a hatch; Nick grabs the handle pulling the hatch open to reveal a narrow staircase that leads to the bottom of the beach house.

Instructing everyone to head down to the shelter and to make themselves comfortable and that he will join them as soon as he is able to turn on the generator. One by one everyone heads down the narrow staircase when Dave remembers something that he had forgotten to take with him. He drops his baggage and runs back to the bar grabbing a couple bottles of rum. He returns with a big smile across his face holding up the two bottles.

I almost forgot the precious cargo to take with me. Don’t know how long we are going to be cooped up down there.

Dave kicks his luggage down the stairs then makes his way down the stairs; Nick has started the generator closing up behind him he heads for the shelter locking the hatch behind him. Turning on their portable radio, they listen to the news that the hurricane is making its way across the outer islands and that the wind speed and progress of the hurricane is steadily increasing as it moves closer to the Florida coast. Everyone hunkers down for the night that there is not much they can do but to wait out the storm. The hurricane hits during the night as the group tries to get as much sleep as they can hearing above the wind howling across the small island and debris being tossed about. The Hurricane goes on through the night and into the next morning but by the late afternoon the worse of the storm had passed.

Turning on the radio, they listen for the news that it is safe to emerge from their shelter and to find out the location of the hurricane. The weather person reports that the hurricane had reached the main land and is now making its way up the Eastern coast and is beginning to lose some steam as it crosses over land. Nick gets up to turn the station to hear the local news of the damage done to the islands; he hears that the damage was extensive to the islands around the Bahamas and that the area was the hardest hit. With the worse now behind them, Nick is anxious to see how much damage his beach house had sustained. He flips the radio off and heads for the shelter door, unlocking the hatch he swings it open as debris falls across the top blocking it from opening all the way. Dave joins in to help as they both push and move the debris away from the opening until the hatch is freed and their escape is clear.

Nick makes his way up the last few steps followed by Dave. The others see the light shining through the opening then proceed to make their way out of the shelter. As they all stand in the hallway they watch as Nick slowly makes his way down the hall kicking away the debris of broken glass that had shattered from the picture frames that had fallen from the walls. He kneels down to pick up a picture of his family then brushing away the shards of glass, he places it back on the wall. The beach house is in shambles with gaping holes through the ceiling exposing the partly cloudy sky above. Dave, Michael and Alan begin to pick up the bigger pieces of debris tossing them to the side to make a path to the rest of the house. Walking down the hall, they witness the devastation that the hurricane had done to the beach house.

Michael approaches his and Danielle’s room pushing open the door to witness that it lies in complete ruins. Part of the roof had collapsed and the double French doors were no match for the hurricanes strong winds torn from their hinges and strewn across the ground. He walks further into the room where Danielle entering the room places her arms around his waist holding him tightly as they look about at all the damage. She looks out toward the veranda and beach area that is littered with fallen palm leaves and branches.

Look what it did to our beautiful room and view. We didn’t even get a chance to enjoy it.

Michael nods his head in disappointment.

Yeah…Well, we better gather up what we can. We’ll need to check out the boat to see if we can get off the island.

As Michael and Danielle work through the debris gathering up their belongings, the others comb through the house trying to piece it back together as best as they can. Dave walks by the bar and sees that it is still in tacked nodding his head in contentment that the bar still stands.

In time, everyone has gathered in the living room wondering what he or she are going to do next. Alan pushes open the front door scanning the surrounding area and the beach amazed at the damage that Hurricane Gilbert had left behind. He glances toward the dock where the boat was moored noticing that the dock had sustained considerable damage but that the boat seemed to be intact, but the only way to be sure is to go investigate.

Alan pops his head back into the house to suggest that they go check out the boat to see if there is any damage to it and to see if it is still Sea worthy enough to get them back to the mainland. If not then they will have to find some alternative way to get off the island. The group begins to make their way down the small pathway to the beach tossing aside palm leaves and other debris as they make their way to the dock. As they look out to the end of the dock, the boat had loosened its way from the dock but still tied down by a single. They make their way to the dock watching their steps as several wood planks have come loose or missing.

Reaching the boat the boys grab hold of the rope pulling the boat back to the edge of the dock but as the boat gets closer they can see that it had sustained some damage to the side where it must have been slamming against the railing through the night. The damage didn’t appear to be too bad or bad enough that it wouldn’t be Sea worthy. Mooring the boat securely back to the dock, they check the sides to make sure that the hull was still intact then jumping on board to see the damage to the top side. Michael reaches into his pocket pulling out the keys to the boat then switching on the instrument panel to watch the board light up then turning the key to start the engine. Alan, Nick and Dave hear the boat engines turn over as they drop what they were doing to join Michael in the control room giving each other kudos as they enter.

Dave grins.

It looks like we are going home boys!

Glad that the boat had started and is able to get them back home, still Nick is disappointed that his vacation plans for the group had to be cut short.

I hate to say it but we probably should cut our vacation short and head back to Florida. We can’t stay out here with all the damage that was done to the house.

The others concur then head off to tell the group the bad news. Gathering what they can from the house they board the Estrella and set sail back to Florida, luckily the islands are not far from Miami and they make it back in good time. Back into one of Miami’s harbors, they pull into a berth then securing the boat to the landing, they prepare to disembark. Gathering up their gear, they head down to the landing area to say their goodbyes to each other telling one another that they will see each other back at work and that they need to do this again when the weather is much better. Michael walks down the side of the boat running his hand across the side of the hull where the boat had sustained the damage wondering how much it is going to cost to have it repaired. Danielle comes up behind him placing her arms around his waist seeing that he is upset about the damage knowing how much the boat means to him. She thinks of something to make him feel better about the situation.

Hey! What about if we go to your favorite place to eat, I bet a Prime rib sounds pretty good right about now. You must be hungry and there isn’t much you can do about the damage until tomorrow. We will call the insurance tomorrow and have them take a look at it. Come on Michael lets go before it gets too late.

Michael smirks as the thought