Chapter 311

[Atlas]

Clark draws our attention to something reflecting the light on the surface of the water. A member of the crew sends down a net and brings it to the surface.

The aluminum casing of the item shines brightly in the sunlight and I blink. It takes me a moment to recognize it as my eyes adjust. It's just an empty water bottle. In any other circumstance, I'd just dismiss it as old sea-trash. But as I rotate it in my hands I realize how big a mistake that would be. The logo for Steele Industries is engraved on the side.

This water bottle came from this ship, a ship that has not sailed these waters in 25 years.

Clark reaches forward and takes the bottle in his hands. His eyes closed, he rotates it, feeling it with his fingertips as he makes his own observations.

"Jude threw this overboard. He's going through the water rapidly," His voice is rasping and quiet, sounding like they are coming from far away. "We need to hurry. Cordy is hurt. We are running out of time.

We all stand there