Chapter 2: Shipboard Encounters

It's the second day; December 29th, 2020. A fresh sea day aboard the Poseidon. Cruising the mighty Pacific Ocean on her way to her first port of call: Hilo, Hawaii; the largest island of the state. She won't arrive there until the sixth day of her journey at 10:00 AM. Then stopping other islands such as Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu (the state's capital); Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. Then crossing north-eastwards to Ensenada, Mexico to satisfy the U.S. law since she's flying the British flag.

The breeze is chilling and breezy. For early risers, it's a good morning for jogging on deck seven; the promenade deck. Two tigers in their sport clothes, stretching their limbs for warm up. It's been quite a while for Jett to spend some time with his father, and he thought this is a good way to start. Only because his father came back home from an early retirement from the Navy last Christmas.

"Still feeling jet lagged, huh, Jett?" Said Sylvester. No intentions.

"No, I'm good." He twist his torso left and right. Not even bothered.

"So… I haven't asked…" Sylvester started.

"What's up?"

"Your mother told me you've retired from your career, is that true?"

"Yeah," Jett sighed, "it's over."

"I'm very sorry to hear that, son." He said. "Did you have a hard time?"

"Yes, I've had a tough semester. I hardly spoke with anyone in school. Everyone practically hates me. Well, not everyone though. Just… Everything changed when I came back to Miami." He takes some breath and continues. "Listen Dad, I… When you came back home. I felt kind of better to see you again and I wanted to spend time with you on this trip. It's really been a long time, Dad." Jett calmly said. His honest words.

Sylvester's surprised to hear this from his own son. He couldn't figure out what to say on his own words, but… instead, he patted his son's upper back and smiles. "Hey, cheer up. A nice jog would do well for you."

"Alright." Jett replied. The two started to jog together through the wooden covered deck and lifeboats overhead. Everywhere they go, there's always a view of the blue horizon.

After seeing the two for a second time while they're running. A blonde woman in her thirties, taking a chilling morning at her balcony stateroom from one deck above, spared from lifeboat obstruction. Peering down, she noticed one of the tiger-men, the younger one. She took off her big round stylish sunglasses to have a better look, there's no doubts… It's him. "Hmm, I've never thought I'd get to meet him in person." She said. "Hmm, I wonder…" She leaves from the railing and walks away with no alarm, enters inside the stateroom. She looks the other separated bed with an occupant… He's still sleeping… Well, it's still morning.

"You're still asleep?" She mutters. She shakes his shiny-black-furred shoulder. "Malcolm, wake up!" She shouts.

"W-what?" He mumbles. The shirtless Rottweiler dog-man stands up his upper body and rubs his eyes, yawns and stretches. "What is it, Portia?"

Portia Matthews chuckles. "Get your things, I think we have work to do." And smirks.

"Work?" Malcolm Robertson raises his eyebrow. "On my vacation? Oh, hell naw!"

"Oh, come on. It'll be fun. You'll see." Portia assures.

In just three laps around the encircling deck, Jett and Sylvester finished one mile. Exhausted, sweaty and smelly, the two are panting for breath. Were they were racing each other? Like everyday fatherhood, one day, your son would beat you in your everyday activities. "Damn… you're a lot faster." Sylvester said between huffs.

"That felt great! Looks like your son just beat ya!" Said Jett. "What's wrong? Getting old?"

Wishing he didn't hear that, Sylvester recovers and replies, "I'm 38. I'm too young to be a grandfather, you know."

"Heh, that's only the beginning." Jett smirks.

"Whatever, let's go back to our cabin, Jett."

"Roger that."

Awaked by the excitement, little Sasha Parkinson tries to wake up his sleeping father. Their penthouse's windows is naturally lighted by the morning sun. The little pup dresses himself and climbs over where his father is sleeping, anxious to get him up. "Dad! Wake up! Wake up!" He cried and shoves his father's large body with his small furry hands.

Joshua mumbles. "Not now, kids, give me ten minutes." And turns his back to Sasha.

"Dad, come on! I want to eat breakfast and Mom is not going to cook, you know, because she's not here!"

"Not now, Charlie…" Joshua mumbles again.

"Dad!" He shouts. "If only I could use the ship's horn." And mutters. "Come on! Wake up!" He shouts louder. Then Joshua extends a hand and taps Sasha's head between his ears like hitting the seven-o-clock wake up alarm. It kind of hurts. Must be his habit of hitting that piece of junk for all his life. "Ow!" He cried.

"Huh…?" He raises his head and sees his son rubbing his head. "Sasha?"

"Finally, you're awake! I'm hungry!"

"Sorry, kiddo." He stands up and yawns, stretches and scratches the back of his head. "Get dressed, Sasha. I'm gonna take a shower."

"I already did." He's wearing a green t-shirt, white shorts and tennis shoes.

"Oh, alright." He yawns.

"Hey, who's Charlie?" Sasha asked.

"Who?" He looks really tired and puzzled, he scratches one of his pointed ears.

"You were talking in your sleep and I don't have a friend named Charlie." He stated.

"…" Really, who's Charlie? Joshua is silenced. Where did that come from?

"Dad, who's Charlie?" Sasha continues, he's curious.

"Oh! Uh, I don't know, but, I kind of like that name." He said.

"But you named me Sasha, and my middle name is Skyler." He points it out. "Are you seeing someone?"

"Sasha!" He burst out. What kind of kid says something like that!?

"Just asking."

"I wouldn't do something like that, Sasha, and don't say such-things like that." He strictly said. Sasha apologized.

Jett and Sylvester came back to their stateroom, once inside, Stephanie is brushing her hair in front of the mirror and Carolyn is reading the shore excursions while they're in their way to Hilo. There was a lot to do on those islands. From snorkeling to parasailing activities to choose from.

"Oh, you're both here." Carolyn said. "How was your run?"

"It was breeze." Sylvester said.

"More like stinky breeze." Stephanie said and flaps her hand. "Hurry up, you two. You both need a shower."

Jett places his hands on his waist and grins at her. "Looks who's Mom?"

"Oh, cut it out, Jett."

On deck 12, the buffet restaurant is a favorite place for passengers for those who don't want to be served by a waiter and they just want to be served for themselves. Usually is more packed at breakfast and lunch than dinner times. From cereal bowls to delicious pancakes you can choose from. Passengers waiting in line to order their omelet or sandwiches with everything on it. And others carrying a plate and stop by every stall what offers for breakfast. An ice sculpture of the cruise line's trident logo is the first thing you see when entering in the café and welcomed by a steward whom repeatedly saying to their guests: "Welcome the Seaside Café!" Over and over again but it does bring a smile from their guests.

The Rycrofts enjoying their meal together as a family next to a large rectangular glass of window of the ocean. Pretty much a boring thing to see than just seeing something more intriguing than just all blue water and clear skies. And of course, they will be spending six days in the ocean before arriving to shore.

"Stephanie, how's Kent?" Carolyn asked about Stephanie's boyfriend.

"He's spending his Christmas holidays and New Year's Eve in the Bahamas with his family this week." She replies.

"On a cruise?"

"No, seven-days in Atlantis Resort." She remarks. And takes a bite of scramble eggs.

"How nice."

"Who's Kent?" Her father asks. He really wasn't around.

"You don't know him, Dad. I met him this last semester, he moved to Miami from Orlando last spring break. He joined the soccer team with Jett."

"I see, and how he's like?" He just want to be sure if he's worthy of dating her.

"Sylvester, please, before you come up with anything against him. He's a nice and honest boy and I know him enough than you do." Carolyn said.

"Alright, alright." He sighed. "So, what are you two gonna do today?" Sylvester asked to Stephanie and Jett. "Your mother and I will be at the spa parlor."

"Isn't too early for that?" Stephanie said.

"People do early reservations and I did it at the last minute yesterday." Her mother said.

"Oh, well. Jett and I will be at the pool, the sun is really in shine." She said.

"And then we can go by at the teen lounge for later." Said Jett.

"Have fun, then." Said their tiger parents.

The college kids' windowless stateroom is full of breakfasts ordered from room service, too lazy to it least leave the cabin and go somewhere or do something around. But this is what they decided to do. "This is the sweet life." Said Spencer the bear. "Eat up everyone!"

"OMG, you guys should try the strawberry pancakes!" Christine exclaimed.

"Come on, Clover. Food service's here." Cried Pricilla.

"I'm coming." Replied Clover as she leaves the bathroom with a fresh cleaned jeans and a pink shirt and torn sleeveless jean jacket, she doesn't seem amused like Pricilla's friends are. Royce passes by her and enters the bathroom. The lynx-man is holding a bladder.

"Oh, come on, Clover, light up. We're on vacation." Megan tried.

"You know, I'm wasn't even gonna be on this trip." Said Clover. She took her plate of waffles and sits down. "'Cause I'm the reason that she's here now."

"Why she's here, Pricilla?" Megan asked.

"My parents told me if I'm going on this trip I'm must fulfill an under condition." She said.

"And what's that?" Megan said.

"That I take Clover with me."

"I wasn't even interested at all, but she begged me." Clover said and sighs. "I really wanted to stay in Rhode Island for New Year's Eve."

"Bummer." Megan said.

"I hope I didn't cause any trouble on your ticket prices, Spencer." Said Clover.

"Not at all, Chloe." Said Spencer.

"Is Clover." She corrected him.

"My bad."

"A lot of guys in her high school calls her like that, when flirting." Pricilla and Christine giggles. Clover growls of annoyance.

"I think I had enough for today." Clover said. She stands up, leaving the half eaten plate alone.

"Where're you going?" Isaac said.

"Somewhere, not here." She leaves the cabin and closes the door.

The cheetah-girl turns to the beagle dog-girl with a confused expression. "Is there another reason why she's here?"

"Just to keep an eye on me. But I'm 20, I'm the one to keep an eye on her." Pricilla said.

"She looks more mature than you are." Megan said.

"Oh, shut it."

"Hey, what I missed?" Royce the lynx just leaved the bathroom with a great relief from holding and noticed Clover's missing presence.

"It was nice of your brother to take over of our restaurant, Sylvester." Carolyn said to her husband. The tiger couple entered in the ship's spa parlor on deck 7 at the reception area.

"Robert may be a chef, but he can handle being as manager by himself." Sylvester explained to his wife.

"But who will take charge of the kitchen?"

"Cody will."

"Cody? But he's still in cooking school."

"This could be his opportunity, Carolyn. He could use some extra credit." Sylvester said. "Don't worry, Robert will take good care of the restaurant."

"You could've at least talked to me about it." Carolyn stated.

"I would, but Robert told me not to." He responded. "Come on, time to chill out." Carolyn just sighed at the end.

The sun really is in shine for all the sunbathers with colorful bathing suits resting on wooden deck chairs to be kissed by the sun. The main pool, on deck 13, is located between the two black-and-white funnels. The five pools: one is for adults with a glass enclosed magrodome for weather conditions, two openly at the stern, and one indoor on deck 7 in the ship's spa parlor. The main public pool has a bar, a rock climbing-wall placed behind the first funnel and the other end a flat LED screen placed in front of the aft funnel. There's also a small stage for musician performers, but there's no show today. Today is pretty quiet, save for the slight sound of the ship navigating through the water.

Jett and Stephanie, in their bathing clothes, walks up to the nearly crowed lido deck. Searching for an empty spot to rest on. Stephanie finds two available space and places their towels. Jett lifts his dark-green shirt and then adjust a little his green and blue trunks, playing his favorite sport since middle school, Jett has a developed physique of a pro athlete. Stephanie all comfortable in her pink flowered bikini and covered in sunblock of SPF 50. She has that healthy figure of a natural beauty herself, which gave her better confidence around her teenage life. The two lied down and facing the sunshine but Stephanie starts. "Hey, Jett." She shakes his shoulder. "Are you fine?" She knows something is off about his brother, looking both left and right in alert. Like being stalked.

"Nothing, I'm fine, just, a little insecure." He assures.

"I'm sure no one will stare at you, so don't be paranoid." She said. "Hey, did you have a talk with Dad?"

"Yeah, nothing serious. Just about my ordeal." Jett said.

"You'll get over with soon. But I'll have to admit it was kind of fun back there. It was some heck of an experience."

"Yeah, it was. I'm gonna miss it though." He mutters.

At the hot tub, the young Hispanic human trying to overcome his mind from everything from the past: By reading through his phone. Yesterday was a little rough: flying from New York to Los Angeles on one of the most incompetent airlines ever to fly the skies; Got himself distracted on the phone and crash into someone's suitcase; And of top of it all: a text message from his ex-girlfriend with a angry description with final blows. Rico didn't replied to her message and he continues with his own business in peace. Still upset to himself, but nothing can be done about it.

"Hey, you don't mind if we sit here?" A wolf-man said.

"Not at all, this is for everyone." Rico replied and continue reading his phone.

"Cool. Come on, Kale." The wolf-man and the human enters the hot tub. The tub can fit like six people. Just then, out of the blue. "Marrero? Is that you?" One of the two fellow occupants said an unmistakable surname. Rico moves his attention to the two and he remembers them very well.

"Wolfson?"

"Ryder, do you know him?" Kale asked.

"He's the travel agent who booked us on this cruise, Kale." Ryder smiley explained. "So what a surprise! Why you're here, Marrero?" And asked.

"What are you talking about? This is my treat." He poorly chuckles. "I have totally forgot I booked you both on the Poseidon." Rico felt a little awkward of meeting one of his clients while on vacation. Ryder Wolfson is been quite a costumer of Marrero: ordering either plane tickets or train tickets. He at first always ordered one ticket until Marrero noticed he started with two tickets since then. Now he knows why, obviously. He wipes the thought out of his mind of his encounter and said. "So, how's your accommodations?"

"Er, our stateroom is blocked by a lifeboat." Kale stated.

"I didn't know our room was cheap because of that." Ryder added.

"Oh, I see." Rico said. He quickly clarified what he meant. "Well, you could've called me and talk about it. But I guess you two were busy packing."

"Oh, don't mind about it. It wasn't your fault." Ryder said.

"Well, if you say so."

"And why do you mean by 'treat'?" Kale asked.

"Oh. I'm also a blogger. I do some reviews around while traveling. I'm now off to Hawaii for my next review. So I'm on my job and enjoying myself."

"That's interesting."

"Here's your drink, sir." A waiter in a casual uniform brought a piña colada with rum and a little umbrella to Rico he ordered.

"Thank you." Rico said. "Cheers." Raises his drink to both.

Clover Forrest is looking her way around the ship, not familiar with the ship's layout. "Big ship and so much confusion." Said to herself. She just got out from lunch at the sushi bar and now she's on her own looking for a place to gather or meet new people onboard. She found herself in the lobby and asks a crew member. In this case, she found the cruise director.

"Excuse me, miss, I'm looking the teen lounge area. I'm kinda lost." Clover said.

"Sure, is on deck 13. Take the elevator." Joyce Blake directed her.

"Thank you, miss." Clover walks up to the crystal elevator while other passengers or crew stepped in. After a ding, the elevator lifts up from deck 2 to deck 13. Right after the help, the blonde woman and the Rottweiler dog-man walks up to Miss Blake. She looks dressed as a ready reporter looking for a good story: closed shirt in gray suit and trouser, and black shoes.

"Cruise director?" She said.

"Yes. Can I help you?" Joyce said.

"Hi, I'm Portia Matthews. I'm a journalist of Channel Starr California and Magazine. I'm starting to see some famous faces onboard and I'm looking forward to have some nice interviews with them."

"Really? Well, I'd like to help. So, who are the people you're looking for?"

"Let's where to start." She started to think. "If I'm correct, is there a woman named Aubrey Quinlivan?"

"She's one of the entertainment staff. She's the singer." Blake said. "As far as I know she used to be in Britain's Got Talent."

"Good, and, is there a passenger named Jett Rycroft on that list?" After hearing the second request, Joyce starts looking through her tablet device and checks the passenger list. A few seconds she found it.

"Yes, he's traveling with his family." Joyce said.

"Huh, just his family?" Said Portia. "So he's not with his fellow felines then."

"Is he a celebrity?" Asked Joyce, she doesn't seem to be familiar with it.

"Was a celebrity." She corrects.

"So why you're after him?" Joyce asked. Portia's face grinned sassily.

Arriving the teen lounge on deck 13, Stephanie and Jett sees a modern and very hip decorated room for teens alike. A social gathering place to hang out and to escape-away from their parents. So many to do from music to video arcade games. Usually is for 14 to 17 of age, but Jett's age (eighteen) could be an exemption.

"What's wrong, Jett?" Stephanie asked worried.

"I'm not sure if I should go here and people go staring at me if they recognize me." He said.

"That's ridiculous, Jett. You're no longer in that fame. All that's behind you. You're now a normal person."

"Still, people will recognize me, even on this boat."

"Ugh, there's like few people around here today." She gestures the public room. There's like less than a dozen teenagers here. "Are there any chances that one fan will bump you on this boat? Oh, come on, let's have fun. We're here to chill out."

"Alright, I'm hitting the games." He walks away and goes to one of the racing arcade games.

Stephanie wanders around and then she meets a fellow teenager and they started to hit it off and both hang out at the teen lounge's non-alcohol bar. "So, what brings you on this cruise, Clover?" Said Stephanie.

The beagle dog-girl sighs without bothered. "Ugh, just me and my cousin's college friends. She begged me to come on this trip, so she can be with someone closer who is traveling along with us. And now, I'm stuck on this boat."

"Oh, sorry to hear that. But it can't be that bad."

"I'm sleeping on the sofa bed." She stated.

"Bummer." It's not easy being the black sheep, thought Stephanie. "So, where you from? You seemed to be from the north."

"Newport, Rhode Island."

"Oh, my brother visited there on his world tour." Stephanie smiled.

"World tour?" Clover questioned.

"Oh, my brother was…"

"Hey, Steph. I could use a second player..." Jett came by to them but just then he caught the attention of the beagle dog-girl's unexpected reaction: jaw dropped, eyes widen.

She gasped. "Jett Rycroft?! From The Feline Boys?" The young dog-girl cried surprised.

Jett wasn't ready for an unexpected surprise, especially from a fan. At least Jett kept an awkward optimistic smile for meeting an old fan. "Oh, uh... Yeah… It's nice to meet a fan."

"No way! On a cruise!?" She shrieked. "Hi, I'm Clover. It's so great meet you."

"So you're are a big fan of my brother and his band, huh?" Stephanie said.

"Yes, and I have all of their albums! It's kinda sad that the band broke up though." Clover said and smiles. "I've never thought I would meet my favorite." She holds her excitement. Stephanie laughs at this than how awkward it was for Jett. He's a little quiet but then saw another beagle dog-girl stomping aggressively.

"Clover, there you are." Pricilla burst into the lounge. She looks upset. There's trouble.

"What's wrong?" Clover said.

"Did you took my keycard with you?"

"Yes, right here." She shows it to her.

"Did you use it by any chance?"

"Hey, a girl has to eat. So I went to the sushi restaurant." Clover said without any care. Her own keycard doesn't apply for any purchases because of her underage.

"How dare you!" Pricilla barked. "And what are you two looking at!?" The two tigers looked the other way. Pricilla glares at Clover. "If you try to spoil our trip, you're gonna be sleeping in those big orange hammocks hanging outside."

"You mean the lifeboats, right?" Sternly said.

"Whatever! Just give it to me!" She swiftly took the card from her hand and leaves the area.

"What was that?" Stephanie asks.

"It's nothing. I just took her card without her permission." Clover said, not even guilty of it. On the other hand, Jett so far didn't saw any negative reaction on the beagle dog-girl. Little of disappointment, but still admiring a former singer of a boy band.

The evening at sea darkens for the night as MS Poseidon lights the calmed, glassy sea reflecting under her. Tonight is the Captain's Gala Dinner and every single passenger are wearing their best for tonight. Low-tempo music is played in the ship's three-deck high grand dinning room on deck 2. Modernly luxurious of Art décor, glass-covered ceiling, multiple tables of different sizes and shapes, and constant chattering around. The newlywed cat couple walks to the main entrance door and to be greeted by a well dressed steward. "Ah, Mr. Maxwell, is great see you again." Said Sidney Jennings.

"Mr. Jennings, I'm so glad you're looking after us." Killian Maxwell said. He's a Royal Trident Member and had sailed on the Poseidon before or other ships under the line. He started from Bronze, Silver to Golden rank. Now, he has access to the most exclusive places on the ship and other special activities.

"It's a pleasure, Mr. Maxwell. And is nice see you again, Mrs… Maxwell?" He pauses for a short moment and stares at Mr Maxwell's different looking wife in a dark-red gown.

"I don't think we've met, I'm Zoey." The cat-woman said.

"Uh, of course, uh, you know," Jennings started, "Golden Card members can dine the Calypso Grill on deck 7." Offered Jennings.

"I know, but my wife wants to start simple for now." Said Killian.

"Well, in any case, I'll guide you both at table 10. Come with me." The Afro-American steward smiles and leads them to their table. Despite a slight confused sight.

"What was that about?" She whispers to Killian.

"I'll tell you some other time." Replied Killian.

On the second level of the dining room, a steward brought an appetizer for the college kids' table. Spencer the bear is into the gastronomy and so he's into everything on the menu. Megan the cheetah looks forward to have some caviar. Christine will just start with the salad. Royce would just simply eat mozzarella sticks. The boys looking sharp and the girls looking elegant. Isaac asked, "Pricilla, where's Clover?"

"She's eating at the buffet." She replied.

"How come?"

"Did something happened?" Megan started.

"No, is nothing. You know how self-sufficient she is." She actually got rid of her by tricking her. Clover is all up there by herself.

"Pricilla, after dinner, can we have a talk?" Isaac proposed.

Pricilla felt a spark in her heart and smiley replies, "Sure, Isaac." Her tail wags subconsciously. Christine chuckles her hidden reaction.

The three lions gathered up on the captain's table with other fellow passengers who were invited to seat and dine with the captain. This table for twelve, located right in the center of the dining room, is for Silver and Golden Card members.

"You know, we could make another proposal for the New Year's Eve party in front of your Dad and everybody." Red, wearing his semi-formal gray turtle-neck shirt and a black blazer, whispered to Gwen.

"Oh, please don't. I'll do the talking, but not tonight." Gwen, in a golden-brown gown, whispered back.

"Did you say something, Gwen?" Her father, in a sharp looking tuxedo, asked.

"Nothing, Dad." She responded.

The three sat down and the guests awaits for their host of this evening until the albatross bird-man with the captain's formal uniform, without the cap hat, arrives on time for his social duties. "Good evening, guests." Captain Whiteford said and takes his seat. "It's great you all were able to join me for dinner." Later, Foxley the fox-man came by with another fellow steward from India and started to serve the guest on the table.

Next from the captain's table, the Rycrofts were guided by a steward to their assigned table. "Here's your table and have a seat." Said the monkey-man steward. Sylvester first pulled the seat for Carolyn to seat on and did the same with Stephanie. The three picked the menu cards of tonight's dinner.

"You know, Mom. You could've taken me to the hairdresser and have myself a new hair-style for the gala." Said Stephanie.

"Sorry if your mother was selfish, but she really needed a new look." Her father smiled.

"I'll take you the next time before the New Year's Eve party." Said Carolyn with her new shoulder-length dark-brown hairdo. "Where's Jett?"

"He's…right on time." Sylvester said when he saw his son in a tuxedo, arriving to their table. With a poor tied tie.

"Sorry if I'm late." Jett said and seats with his family and few other diners. "A lady stopped me and asked for an interview, but I ditched it."

"An interview?" Sylvester asked.

"I don't know, she was sassing me around." Jett added.

The four of them takes their seats until the same monkey-man steward came back with two more people. It's very common on cruise ships' dining room to seat with other people. The little dog-boy sits next to Stephanie and politely greeted him. "Good evening."

"Good evening, you look handsome tonight." Stephanie smiley responded.

"Thank you, good thing my dad got rid of that hideous sailor suit that mom bought me for the gala." He stated. Stephanie giggles of what this little shepherd just said. "You look nice, too." Sasha complimented.

"Oh, thank you."

"Watch out, kid, she's has a boyfriend." Jett interrupted. Sasha leans to and sees who's next to Stephanie, a teenage tiger-boy, there's now way that can't be him. But it is.

"Is that Jett Rycroft from The Feline Boys?" Sasha said to Stephanie.

"Uh-huh, he's my brother. Wanna meet him?" She offered.

"Please don't." Jett overheard.

"Sorry, kid. He's not in the mood." Stephanie apologetically said.

"Was it about the break up?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so." Stephanie sadly said. The table goes as far as lively and casual. The stewards brought rich wine, and different types of bread. The stewards later brought the ordered food from their diners.

"So, Mr. Parkinson, what do you do for living?" Sylvester asked.

"I'm Vice President of the California Corp.," he replied, "we rely on working on new technologies for house living and utility for the alike market." He said.

Jett mutters, "First shepherd I met who's not a cop."

"Jett, please." His mother scolds him.

"It's all right, Mrs. Rycroft, I get that a lot." Joshua said.

"My classmates thinks that I should be a policeman." Sasha added.

"Don't let everyone get in your way of telling you what to be, little dude." Jett said.

The dinner gala went smoothly for the stewards, a great excellent service provided by Royal Trident Lines, and the diners are retiring the vast room. All what is left for the guest is to spend the night while is still young: entertainment, and lots of it! But not everyone is in a good mood for it. "Will that be anything, sir?" The stewardess asked the Hispanic.

"No, that'll be all." Said Rico as he sips his third martini. The stewardess leaves him alone whilst he spins around the glass and watching the olive moving around under the liquid. He looks at two cat couple from another table, the black-and-white cat-man gives a small gift to his beloved gray cat-woman, she smiles lovely and kisses him. Disgusted about himself, he leaves the dining room and sips the rest of his cup.

"Oh, is so beautiful…" Cooed Zoey after opening her present, is a silver watch with tiny diamonds.

"It's actually a gift from my brother after our wedding day." Killian explained.

"How thoughtful of him… What's this?" She picks a small piece of paper from the small box and reads. "Please take care of my little brother, Zoey. I think you'll be a great wife. Sincerely, Tony." She chuckles and smiles of how her brother-in-law appreciates.

"Oh, Tony…" Was all what Killian could said.

The guests are retiring from the table and Foxley had served the last of it for tonight. "Will it be all, Captain?" Foxley asked.

Before he could reply, the hidden wireless-telephone under the captain's table it silently rings with a red light beeping. Whiteford picks it up, "Captain here. What is it?"

"This is Reynolds from the engine room." It was Chief Engineer Jonathan Reynolds from the engine room, "We're having trouble with engine number three."

Whiteford's reaction is unaffected, he's used to hear this kind of situation, even when he's having dinner with guests. "I see…" He responded.

As promised by Isaac, Pricilla never thought that her chances weren't that wide. She prepares by adding lemon-flavored lipgloss on her lips. If everything goes as planned, she will have the most romantic cruise experience ever had. Nothing will go wrong. Outside on deck 7 looking the aft side of the ship's wake left out. Isaac nicely escorts Pricilla around the deck for a little chat, just her and him. "This is nice, Isaac. A little chilly though." Said Pricilla.

"I might going to pass on that." Said Isaac, not going to give her his black jacket for warmth and comfort.

Pricilla blinked out of confusion of what he said. "What…?"

"Pricilla, I think you're a nice girl, but I don't like how you treat Clover at all." He stated.

"Oh, she just a little upset for going on this cruise, that's all." She excused.

"I know you got rid of her and she's eating at the buffet." He sternly said.

She stammers. "How… How did you know?"

"She texted me." Isaac shows his mobile phone to her with an angry description from Clover. "I'm also friends with her on Facebook, so she told me a lot about you." He added. Annoyed and defeated, she looks the other way. "Do me a favor." He continued, "If you two don't get along, I don't think you and me we'd have a nice vacation together, plus our friends."

"Ugh, really?"

"Pricilla." With a serious tone.

"Okay, okay! Jeez. I'll make it up for her." She rolled her eyes, annoyed.

"I hope so."

"Can... Can we at least continue our night?" She hopes, but…

"Not tonight." Pricilla's hopes were crushed.

The ship's magician, a hyena-man, Floyd Archer is looking sharp for tonight's magic show in the ship's theater. When someone think of a magician they always think of them as wearing a black cape and black top hat, but Archer is the modern-day type of magician wearing just only a black tux. He came back to his seat at the cocktail bar near the casino from the restroom where he meet back with the same Caucasian waitress with the name tag: Kacy Fullerton. He sat on the bolted stool and relaxes. "Another Manhattan, please." He ordered.

"Coming right up!" She proceeds and picks the certain ingredients to make a Manhattan.

While waiting, Floyd noticed a missing presence and looks at his left, an empty stool and a finished Bone Dry Martini. "Say, where's the Spaniard I was talking to?" He asked the waitress.

"I don't know. I think he left." She replied. "I don't think that advice of yours worked."

"I didn't even finished what I wanted to say to him." He said. "Oh well, how heartbroken can he be?"

"I don't know, Mr. Archer, but whatever she did to him, he must be taking it really heavy." Said Kacy.

The cold night breeze lightly howls the promenade deck, as every passengers wants to take a time from the crowd at this time of the hour. Away from everything and mostly a nice romantic time for their special one. "The sea is really calm, Ryder." Said Kale and he looks at the dark-blue horizon and the countless stars like never before seen back in New York.

"That's how the Pacific Ocean is named." Replied Ryder the wolf. The two kept on walking the deck until the wolf-man in a tux speaks. "Kale, uh, can I ask you something?"

"Yes…"

"Care to explain why did you brought an urn in your suitcase?" Ryder asked. Kale kept silence for a moment. "Kale?" Ryder kept on.

"I haven't told you, have I?"

"Who's inside, Kale?"

"My grandfather." Kale stated. "He died before I started high school. You see, after you told me we were going on this trip. This was my opportunity, so I brought it with him so I can release some of his ashes to the sea as part of his will." He explained.

"And his will is this ocean specifically?" Kale nodded. "So, when are you gonna do that? Tonight? Tomorrow?" Ryder kept asking.

"This New Year's Eve tonight." Kale announced.

The pair then stared at someone who is walking like no drunk person ever walked before and started singing some classics 70s. "The love boat! Soon we'll be making another round!" He drunkenly sang. Swinging his arms and heading close to the railing. Startling the two bystanders and decided to take action. The man climbs two steps on the rail and leans forward over the rail. Below him was the rushing water against the ship's starboard side.

Ryder quickly grabbed him from behind and pulled him away from the rail. "Are you crazy?!" Yelled Ryder. "You could have fallen over!" But the human curses him in Spanish drunkenly and then his cheeks puffed up with a sick feeling on his face. Somehow recovering his soberness and runs to the rail again, but the position was different, only his head out and started soiling out of his mouth into the sea.