Shipwrecked Hearts

5

Kabanata 5

I can’t believe what was actually happening. I was commanding a ship, a pirate ship! Ramdam ko ang paghampas ng malamig na hangin ng dagat sa aking mukha. I can feel it carrying the length of my hair behind my back. I smiled as I looked at the view. Blue, the pure color of the ocean, then other colors—silver, white, blue, red, gold, black, and more—they were the colors of the ships scattered around like floating ants.

All of these were Maximo’s, I don’t understand why he was still raiding. Hindi pa ba sapat ang lahat ng kayamanang ito? He seems to want the world for himself. Ah, ambitious.

“Captain, your walkie-talkie. Though it’s only connected to one line, Maximo’s.” Tumingin ako sa lalaking lumapit. Hmm, his name is Charles if I’m not mistaken.

“What are you waiting for? Take it.” Inip na utos ni Marco mula sa gilid ko.

I rolled my eyes and took the walkie-talkie, “thank you.”

Tumango naman ang lalaki at saka umalis. Nakita ko siyang umakyat papunta sa sightseeing area, if I’m not mistaken, that is called the Crow’s nest, as it is high and it gives you a bird’s eye view of the ocean, mas mabilis ma-spot kung may kalaban. That’ll give you more time to steer the wheels and maneuver, change course or director. Or continue with a b****y fight, to sink or not to sink.

Saktong iyon ay biglang tumunog ang hawak kong walkie-talkie. “Starfish. Do you copy?”

“Yes, I copy.”

“Starfish, do you copy?” Pag-ulit ni Maximo na tila hindi nakuha ang aking sagot.

“Stupid, press the button when you speak!” Marco hissed, tinuro niya ang button sa gilid. “Do you even know how a walkie-talkie works?”

“Wow ha. Stupid talaga? Of course I know. Nakalimutan ko lang pindutin.” Sinimangutan ko siya. I pressed the button and started to speak. “Copy, Maximo.”

“Next time, answer faster.” Halata ang pagkaseryoso sa kanyang boses. “By now, I expect Marco to have explained to you the entire plan and all the details. You will be crucial with this operation.”

“I know.”

“Good. Keep in touch.” Aniya at saka nawala. Mula naman sa malayo ay nakita ko ang Treasure Trove, I caught a glimpse of Maximo hanging on the sails of the fast ship. It was fast compared to Siren Steel. Well what can I say? That ship was made of light materials compared to this.

“Nick!” Sigaw ko.

“Yes, Captain?”

“Make sure we are going to the North direction. Always keep an eye on that.” Sabay turo sa compass na ginawa niyang pendant. Tumango naman ito sa akin. “Charles!” Pagsigaw ko naman sa lalaking nasa crow’s nest, “make sure to keep an eye on Treasure Trove and the entirety of the ocean floor!” He nodded at me and looked at his telescope.

“As for the rest of you,” tinuro ko ang iba. “Mind the deck. Prepare the weaponry. The cannons, the balls, and explosives.” Agad naman silang nagsikilos.

“As for you, Marco.” Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. I smirked, “watch me do how it’s really done.” I grinned and held the stirring wheel, turning it towards the northern direction.

Hour passed, I can feel the beads of sweat falling from my forehead. Meanwhile, Marco was taking his leisure time at the shaded part of the ship, smirking at me. “I’m watching you captain, just as you commanded.”

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at pinunasan ang pawis. The clothes I am wearing are too tight, perhaps that’s what makes me feel too hot. Kaya naman hinubad ko muna ang tuxedo ko, I unbuttoned the first two upper buttons of my silky sleeves. Umiwas naman ng tingin si Marco.

It was too hot and the sea was too calm. Tumingala ako, nakita ko ang paggalaw ng mga ulap. I can smell it. My instincts are telling me. If there’s one thing dad loves about me—is my accuracy. The accuracy of my instincts, especially with the weather. And I know it like I know the tips of my palm—a storm is coming, and it’s strong. This is the calm before the storm.

“Captain, I prepared you tuna salad and lemon juice.” Eli said.

I smiled, “thank you.” Agad ko namang ininom ang kalahati ng juice at kinain ang salad, pagkatapos ay inubos ko ang juice. It was fast, I feel so refreshed. It’s like the heat of the sunrays that prickles my skin no longer matters.

“All hands hoay, mateys!” Lahat ng mga atensyon ng mga pirata ay bumaling sa akin. “Make sure the explosives especially the powdered ones won’t be drenched with water. We expect to be hit by a storm by an hour and a half. Yes, sires! There’s a storm fast approaching. It’s going to be ruthless and merciless.” I announced. Tumigil naman ang lahat at nagkatinginan, nakita ko ang pangungunot ng kanilang noo.

Tumayo si Marco mula sa kanyang silong, “are you out of your mind?”

“What? No.”

“Then what did you just announce?” He huffed. “Impossible! The sky is clear! There are no signs of a storm coming!”

“Marco, I told you to just watch.”

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga at umiling. “Okay. But if there’s no storm by an hour—I swear to God.”

“An hour and a half.” I corrected. “My instincts tell me, I trust my gut feeling. You know why I said a storm was coming?” Tanong ko. He remained silent, though I can tell the curiosity in his eyes. His vacant expression don’t lie, especially now that it is filled with wonder.

“Look at the waters.” Naglakad kami patungo sa berindilya ng barko. “They’re unusually calm. Now, try to feel the air. Unusually hot.”

“That’s it? And you say a storm is coming?” He asked in disbelief.

“Now, look at North.” I ignored. He followed my instructions, nakita naman namin ang maliit na anino ng Treasure Trove mula roon, tinuro ko ang himpapawid, “look at the movements of the clouds there. It’s circular. You can see it from here. And try to feel the wind again, it’s northwards.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Good, because it’s a talent only I have.” I took my walkie-talkie out and pressed the button. “Maximo, do you copy?”

“Missed me?” His deep and husky voice resonated.

“I just want to warn you that a storm is expected. An hour and a half. I don’t care if you believe me or not, but be prepared.”

“Blimey! Well, thank you for your concern.” I can hear the playfulness in his voice. He doesn’t believe me. He thinks I’m lying. Okay. Fine.

Tinignan ko muli ang mapa sa mesa, tinuro ko ang karagatan kung saan naroroon kami at sa ruta ng cargo ship na aming ire-raid. By the looks of it, the expected time the mission is operated is by an hour and a half too.

An hour passed and the humid air turned cold, sinuot ko muli ang aking tuxedo. “Batten down the hatches! The formation of Cumulonimbus clouds is spotted. As Captain says, a storm will hit us by thirty sharp.” Charles shouted.

I stood proud because of the accuracy of my instincts. Marco was speechless but I can see he was amazed.

Tumunog ang walkie-talkie, “starfish, was it a wild guess or a luck?” I think he was pertaining to the storm I predicted. Sobrang nakaka-tense na rin ang mabilis na pag-iba ng panahon. Perhaps the climate change has gone too far. This is a clear sign that Earth is dying and beyond help—the people, us, are reaping the consequences of our greed.

“Neither.” Sagot ko naman kay Maximo.

I heard him make a deep chuckle. “Well, you’d be a great asset to my personal crew. Hmm, makes me think twice of making you a squadron leader, perhaps you’d be more useful beside me rather than having your own fleet to command. But the test is yet to come. I expect more from you.” Then he ended.

“Don’t get your hopes too high and be complacent. This ain’t the real test.” Marco said out of the blue. Sobrang galing talaga niyang manira ng feels, ano? Why not compliment me too? But then and again, that’d only make him feed my ego and pride. Maybe he said that to tell me to know my priority rather than being spiteful over trivial matters like this.

“I know.”

“Well as much as I hate to admit it, well done predicting. As the powders and explosives are already wrapped up. Hindi na sila mababasa pa.”

A few minutes passed and a lightning struck the water besides us, kasunod naman nito ay ang pagkulog. I was shook because of it. Oh, right. Lightning is attracted to metal like a magnet! Basic Science! And this ship is made mostly of steel! Metal and steel are quite of the same element!  Quite, but not actually.

“That was close.”

“Fold the sail!” I ordered. We were already at the target position and distance. Sumunod naman silang lahat, bumagal ang takbo ng barko, “drop the anchors!” I added. Tuluyan nang tumigil ang Siren Steel, “Charles, keep your eyes on your telescope and warn us if you see the cargo!”

“Yes, captain!”

I can feel the rush of adrenaline in my body. My senses are sharp as of this moment. I don’t know why but it feels like I carry the success of this operation. My role is vital in this game. Lives are within my palm.

“Cargo spotted.” Charles announced. “A hundred and fifty meters away, from East to Westwards direction like what the route stated. In estimated one twenty degrees.”

“Starfish, keep in touch.”

“I know, Maximo.” I said over the walkie-talkie.

“Are you afraid?”

“Yes.” I said with all honesty.

“Good, because if you’re not, you must be very brave or foolish. Fear is what keeps us alive, always remember that. Okay, then, all hands hoay!” It seems like Maximo is about to command his fleet. “sink the ship in twenty minutes. Scuttle, okay?”

“Copy.” I answered.

I looked at my crew, they are all calm and relaxed. I can see it, they are all highly experienced men. Meanwhile, I’m just a newbie. I don’t even deserve to command a crew.

“What are you doing? Always keep an eye at the target!” Marco groaned.

I nodded. “Here’s a spare telescope.” Binato niya sa akin, mabuti na lang at nasalo ko! I used it and I got a clearer and closer view of the cargo. It was green. Kumunot ang noo ko. It was awfully familiar. I searched for the name of the target cargo ship. I saw a print of a cream anchor and a yellow ribbon on its top. Beside it was the name of the ship, or rather the corporate that owns it. Marine Sky Corp.

I gasped. That cargo ship, it’s dad’s corporation! Dad is actually the shareholder of the 50 % of the stocks of this business among the five other holders. In short, Dad is the owner of the entirety of the trading.

I wasn’t interested in his business but as the unica hija, I was exposed to this field—I actually didn’t want to study Marine Engineering, I just did for the heck of it, for dad. But then my passion for being a captain became true.

I got hooked up with the marine life. Dad said it was a good thing as I was about to hold the corporate that has something to do with marine trading when he becomes the president of the country.

Well, dad is confident in his self.

Marine Sky Corp. is a corporate in charge of exporting and importing goods from countries to countries. Weapons, canned goods, products, and all others.

I don’t know if Maximo knew this and did this on purpose—or perhaps he was testing my loyalty. Or perhaps he knew nothing. But this cannot be taken as a mere coincidence.

“Parang matutunaw ang barko dahil sa pagtitig mo dito.” Saad ni Marco dahilan upang bumalik ako sa huwisyo.

I faked a smile. “Of course.” I gritted my teeth. For a moment, I felt annoyed by Maximo and all the pirates in this goddamn world, including myself. Can I bring it to myself to sink that ship? It was dad’s. Dad was the closest guy to me, I’d do anything for him just to make him happy. I’m a daddy’s girl. It feels like I’m facing one of the biggest decisions in my life—why can’t it be other ships? Why must it be something that has to do with the ones I love?

Should I tell Maximo to quit? To not raid that ship? No. I can’t.

“You seem doubtful. Backing out?”

“Of course not.” Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Marco.

“Good, I was starting to think you are. Focus on the mission.”

“How many are on board that ship?”

“A few hundred.” Marco shrugged. “I heard one of the stockholders of the corporate is on board that ship.”

I opened my mouth but no words came out. Please don’t be dad. I silently prayed. Of course, it’s not dad—it’s probably one of the board of members, but definitely not dad. He must be busy with his presidential campaign. On land. Not on sea.

“Is it really necessary to sink that ship?”

“Are you seriously asking me that?” Marco frowned.

“I mean, you all did not sink the cruise ship I was in! Why can’t the same thing happen on that cargo?” Turo ko sa barko.

“You ask too much question. Why not just focus on the mission?”

“I have the right to ask and know.” Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. “Hundreds of lives are on that ship which we are about to raid. Innocent lives. They have families too. I have the right to know.”

“Innocent?” Marco huffed. “Those are illegal dealers. They’re dirtier than us, pirates.”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t know? Of course not. Well, Marine Sky Corp. is one of the biggest illegal trading corporations in the world. The cargo that ship is shipping are illegal weaponries. Unregistered. Guess what? The government doesn’t care as they are paid 10% of what that ship is carrying. They will be auctioned in the underground world. Well, that won’t happen as we will take all of the weapons. And sink that ship. Boom.”

What? Is he saying dad is doing bad business? That can’t be true! I know him! He won’t stoop this low for money!

“Why do you care that much?”

Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa aking walkie-talkie. No. This cannot be true. I refuse to believe. “Dad will never do that.”

“What?”

I was about to explode when I felt the heavy drops of rain above me. The cold water that drenched me entirely relaxed my tensed muscles. The storm has begun.

I calmed my senses. This is not the time to let my emotions to control me. I need to be rational. The heavy rain moistened the view, making it harder to see the two ships—the Treasure Trove and the target.

I tried to use the walkie-talkie to keep in touch with Maximo but the signal was choppy.

“Seems like the storm is distorting the signal. Don’t worry. I’ve set the timer, in exactly twenty minutes, we will boom that ship a goodbye kiss. After we loot its armory, of course.”

Calm down, Kira. Calm down. Don’t kick Marco on his d**k for being such a dickhead. Don’t. You’re being tested.

“Ten minutes left.” He announced right by my ears, as if teasing and annoying the hell out of me. I remained still on my spot. “Command your crew to prepare the cannons.”

I nodded. “Everyone! Fill all monkeys with explosives!” I shouted. The command was passed one member by the other. I can already see them all preparing the bombs.

How I wished I never said anything about the storm coming. So that the powders will be wet and the explosives will be unused. Can I really do it? Command my crew to sink that ship my father owns? I will have a word with Maximo about this later!

“Black spot!” Sigaw ni Charles mula sa standout area. “There’s an enemy ship fast approaching, 120 degrees from East! I repeat, black spot!”

“What do you mean black spot?” Tanong ko kay Marco sa gitna ng malakas na ulan.

“A threat. An enemy. Your command?” Marco asked.

I turned the ship 90 degrees using the stirring wheel until both sides were facing the target and the invading ship. “Sink down that f*****g intruder!” Sigaw ko nang makita ko na ang kalabang barko.

“You heard the captain! Blow the ship down!” Sumunod naman silang lahat. “Cannons prepared. Your command?” Tumingin sila sa akin. I remained still. I was aiming for a one-time attack only. One that is enough to sink whatever that incoming ship is.

“Captain, your command!” Sigaw ni Marco.

“Wait.” I hissed. “Wait.”

And they all waited. When the enemy ship was close, I got a clear view of it—a red flag with a cracked skull.

“b****y Crackers.” Marco groaned. “f*****g enemy pirates.”

“But I thought every pirate see Maximo as their king?”

“Not all. There are some who are against him. Like them. And they’d wait for the perfect time when we are focused on our prey. Cowards.” Tinuro niya ang b****y Crackers. “Your command?!”

“Fifty meters away with twenty meters speed per minute!” Charles announced.

“Wait.”

“Are you telling us to wait and sink?!” Marco groaned. “If you’re gonna keep commanding us to wait, I will take charge!”

“I f*****g said you f*****g wait!” I raised my hand. Tumakbo ako papunta sa gilid ng barko. I did a mental countdown as the ship was closing in. “Fire!” I shrieked after.

“Fire!” They all repeated. I heard the deafening sound of the cannons as the balls were propelled into the air. I saw all of it wrecking the enemy ship that was fast approaching, sinking it slowly. Down. I saw the pirates who were on board jump out of their ship. Water splashed, the vibration and impact of the explosion created waves, the smolder rose up, mixing with the dark clouds, and the fire burnt down even the rain into a black smoke.

Wrong move, bitches. I smirked.

“Now focus on the target ship! You,” pagturo ko sa isa sa mga pirata, “shoot down any pirates you see floating.” I looked at Marco. “Marco, how many minutes more?”

He looked at me in shock, “t-three minutes.”

“Okay. Good. Fill all monkeys you used and go to the other side of the ship!”

I am very confident dad is not on board that cargo ship. That’s enough. It won’t hurt to sink one of his ships, right? It won’t be much of a loss for him. Plus, Marco said it’s illegally shipping off weaponries?

Dad, I’m sorry for what I’m about to do.

The rain stopped. Doon ko lang narinig ang mga putukan mula sa cargo ship. “Starfish, do you hear me?”

“Yes, I hear you. The rain must have destroyed our connection.” I answered. And the background noise—guns, explosions.

“True to that, starfish. The rain washed away the effects of the sleeping gas earlier than expected. But we’ve successfully looted all the weaponries already. We’re just caught in a salvo with the guards.”

“So I will still sink the ship?”

“Yes, we’re already almost at the Treasure Trove.”

“Just tell me when I will command my crew to fire.” I answered.

“Your crew?” I can see Maximo smirking, “well, I won’t debate on that, and well, good job sinking the enemy.”

“You saw it?” Kumunot ang noo ko.

“I’ve got the best eyesight in the world. And right now, I can see you from the Treasure Trove’s lookout point. You’ve turned the ship sideways to deal with both enemies which is a salute from yours truly, oh, I see what you are doing, you’re in front of the stirring wheel and is trying to look for me.” He chuckled.

“You’re looking through a telescope. I can tell.”

“I don’t need to. As I said, I got the best sight.” He laughed.

I smiled.

“Now you’re smiling. You got a beautiful smile.”

My smile became wider.

“Okay, starfish, enough with the sweet-talk. The cargo ship is now free for scuttling. We’re sailing away!” And as Maximo said that over the walkie-talkie, I saw Treasure Trove on its max speed as it escapes.

“Everyone! We’ve got another ship to wreck! Fire!” I screamed. The cargo of my dad was forced down to the ocean floor and all I can do was watch as I ordered.

And that’s when it hit me—I’m not just a pirate anymore nor a ship-wrecker. I’m also a killer now.

“Good job.” Marco patted me on my shoulders.

Good job? Was it really a good job? Initiating the killing of these lives I never knew but will constantly haunt me from dusk until dawn?

I simply smiled.

“Mission complete.” Marco declared as my eyes were nailed at the view of my dad’s cargo, slowly getting devoured by the ruthless waters.

“Everyone, sail back to Anarchist Harbor!” Marco took command. “Take a rest. I’ll take it from here.” He told me with a smile.

The walkie-talkie vibrated. “Starfish.” It was Maximo’s voice.

“Yes?” I bit my lower lip as I entered the captain’s cabin which is mine now. I closed the door and locked it. I removed my wet clothes and changed. It was such a good thing there was a spare cloth at the wardrobe. It was a dress though. Still, I needed to change if I don’t wanna get seasickness.

“You’ve done well.” Maximo said.

“By having to command to sink a ship and killing people on it?”

“Killing people...” Maximo repeated, “that’s one of the horrors a pirate must face everyday. Horrors you’ll get used to.”

“What if I don’t?” I felt my tears coming out.

“Are you crying, starfish?”

“I’m not.” I bit my lips, hard enough to feel it bleed.

“You are.”

“I just can’t believe what I did today.” Simpleng sagot ko. Pinunasan ko na ang aking mga luha ngunit may mga tumulo pa rin.

“There are things we must do even if we don’t want to. Things that we never thought we’d do.” Maximo said in his knowing voice. “And that’s what makes us humans.”

“I don’t feel human anymore.” I answered and turned the walkie-talkie off.