The future was not what we thought it would be. As children, we envisioned a bright future with all manner of technological wonders. The computer age that began at the end of the twentieth century seemed to herald the coming of our greatest dreams. Mankind stood on the peak of Olympus and nothing seemed impossible. But things did not continue this way for long. The twenty-first century brought a series of rude awakenings. The Eurodollar was launched as a way to unite Europe but the currency did not last long leaving many of the countries bankrupt. The stock markets that were already on shaky ground could not withstand this blow and crumbled. Nuclear war was in the Middle East while terrorists and pirates plagued the world.
The spirit of the American people had never been stronger. Half of the able bodied population volunteered for the armed services. The other half fought valiantly at home to support the efforts of our military. The family unit was non-existent but children were cared for and loved by the entire community. The majority of the population moved inland as the costal and border states became war zones subjected to invasion from hostile parties.
The internet was still alive and hackers were a prime commodity. A good hacker could keep your ship safe or sink her at the deepest point in the sea. Slave trades flourished as pirates captured not only goods but people as well. Rumors persisted of even American parents selling their children especially the gifted ones. Government programs protected as many as they could hoping to one day employee them. Biological warfare was a constant danger as new and old diseases were released upon the unsuspecting populations. Doctors tried to inoculate as many as possible but more often quarantine was the only treatment.
I enlisted into the navy on my eighteenth birthday following in my father's footsteps. I have seen horrors that keep me awake at night. I have killed more men than I care to count. I have done things that I am not proud of yet I would do it all over again to keep my country safe. I spent some time off of the coast of Canada where I met my wife. She filled my life with hope and love and I'll miss her until the day I die. She was killed during an attack on Prince Edwards Island while I was patrolling the Gulf of Mexico. I can not help but think that had I been there, had I not been so dedicated to my navy, then perhaps I could have saved her. My son died soon after. I will bear the guilt of my son's death for all eternity because I was the one who forced him into military service. The series of blows almost cost me my mind but the support of my dearest friend helped me pull through.
I write this now as I embark on a new journey, a journey that could save the life of millions. I have a new boat. She's the best our navy has to offer. I have a new crew. They're loyal, dedicated, and the best our navy has to offer. Our task is an important one. It will be long but if we succeed all will benefit. We are going to free the sea. For beneath the surface, lies the future.