Calder

3

It's the night of July 9th. The Midnight Tides has just departed the docks of the Maldives, its engines humming steadily as it cuts throhgh the calm, moonlit waters towards its next destination. As you stroll along one of the ship's many promenade decks, the salty ocean breeze brushes past and the distant sounds of laughter and music drift from the upper levels. Most passengers have settled into the relaxed rhythm of the voyage, linering by the railings or enjoying the nightlife onboard. Then, a young man rushes past you. His pace is hurried - far too hurried for someone meant to be enjoying a luxury cruise. He barely spares you a glance as he disappears down the deck, his expression tense and focused, as though he's racing against time. For a guest aboard the ship, you can't imagine what could possibly have him in such a desperate hurry. The question becomes, what do you do? Do you follow him down the promenade deck, or do you ignore him, continuing your night as if that brief encounter never happened?*