"Chopper 3178 stand by for coordinates on the fishing vessel Arctic Storm."

"Roger that base, chopper 3178 standing by," replied the pilot.

Andrew watched as Andria began to put on her gear for the rescue mission. He noticed when she first drove into the base that she was wearing a dress and makeup and had even done her hair. He could not help but wonder what she was doing before the call came in. Part of him knew that it was not any of his business, but then part of him wanted it to be. He still cared about Andria after all these years and he wanted to be part of her life again…as more than just a good friend.

"So," he said after a moment, "Where were you?"

Andria shot him a confused look as she put in her ear buds so she could hear any orders that the pilot gave her while she was in the water or aboard the vessel.

"The dress," continued Andrew, "Where'd you go?"

"A party," replied Andria.

"What party?"

Andria felt a flash of annoyance at Andrew. Why was it any of his concern where she had been? He was beginning to sound just like her father.

"Why does it matter?"

Andrew shrugged, "Just wondering why I wasn't invited."

Andria rolled her eyes in exasperation. As if now was really the time to be discussing something like this!

"Because I went there to meet someone," she snapped.

Andrew blinked in surprise. So she was seeing someone else? He should not be surprised, he knew. After all she was a very attractive woman. Why shouldn't she be seeing someone?

"Who?"

Andria shot him a highly irritated look.

"In case you weren't aware of the situation, there is a fishing vessel out there on fire and we're going out to help them. Discussing personal business has to wait!"

Andrew's eyes flashed angrily but he nodded curtly in agreement. If that was the way she wanted it…

"Okay, Andria," said the pilot, "We are approaching the Arctic Storm. Are you ready?"

"Semper Paratus!" replied Andria, giving the Coast Guard motto meaning "Always Ready."

The pilot laughed slightly, "Nice answer! Fishing vessel is right below us now."

"Permission to open cabin door to get a better look?" asked Andria.

"Permission granted!"

Andria slung open the door and was taken aback by the brilliant light from the fire. The Arctic Storm was a one-hundred and fifty foot fishing vessel, one of the largest of the crab fishing fleet. It was a house-backward 

vessel, meaning that its wheelhouse and quarters were located in the rear of the ship as opposed to the front like the Northwestern. The entire wheelhouse was lit up with flames and was beginning to sink ominously into the frigid waters.

Off to the right, the Coast Guard Cutter was moving in, preparing to put out the blaze. They radioed into the chopper, sounding frustrated and uncertain.

"This boat's a goner!" said a man, "Chopper 3178, request that you rescue survivors. There is nothing we can do here."

"Roger that cutter, we'll take it from here," replied the pilot as he turned to give Andria a glance.

She nodded, indicating that she had heard and was ready to respond. As she looked back down, she saw three men standing on the bow of the boat, waving and calling out to them.

"Swimmer ready," said Andrew as he finished attaching the cable to Andria's suit.

Andria was lowered down to the sinking vessel. The second she hit the deck, she unhooked her line and waved, signaling them to lower the basket. As the basket came down, Andria glanced over the men, trying to determine who would go first. She saw a younger deckhand and grabbed him. He looked no older than eighteen and was utterly terrified.

She pushed him into the basket and urged them to lift it quickly. The boat was not going to hold out much longer. After several long, tedious minutes, the three men had been hoisted to safety. Now all that was left was to get Andria back onboard the chopper.

Just as they began to lower the basket for a final time, the boat groaned loudly and the bow shot up as the stern began to sink.

Andria screamed as she felt herself losing her grip on the bow railing. The ship began to slowly sink into the freezing water. Andria glanced over her shoulder and saw that it was sinking very quickly. She forced her tired limbs to work and climbed over the bow railing to stand on the other side. She leaned against the rail and looked up at the chopper. She saw Andrew's face contorted in fear and the pilot's stunned, unsure look.

The burning boat was about to go under completely. Andria steeled herself for what she knew she had to do. Against all her better judgment, she leapt off the boat and into the Bering Sea…

PLEASE REVIEW!!

Okay, so I'm leaving for college on August 12 so I may have to write every other day, depending on what all I have to do to get ready. Just FYI!! : )