The prospect of being onboard such a remarkable ship felt like a dream, yet the anxieties of the upcoming expedition tugged at the corners of his mind. The schooner itself stood tall on the dock, its worn-out appearance and barnacle-covered hull giving it a rugged, battle-worn look.
'Her' towering, somewhat menacing form was visible in all its glory. The waves crashed gently against the barnacle encrusted hull, the old wood creaking with every sway of the sea, though it was strong and built to withstand the harsh sea.
Each step onto the creaking dock was like a heartbeat for Emmett, his heart pounding in his chest with barely suppressed excitement. Yet, underneath it all, there was a hint of anxiety, a whisper of doubt gnawing at the edges of his mind.
The schooner loomed over them now, its presence almost overwhelming. The salty sea air filled his lungs, carrying with it a mix of anticipation and trepidation whilst he hopped on board.
Captain Tory observed the two men approaching the schooner, an understanding smile crossing his wrinkled face. He was well-acquainted with the sea, and people were just like the depths and surface, full of unpredictable currents and storms.
With a keen eye, he studied Franky's stoic demeanor. The man was sharp, strong, and determined to a fault. But beneath his tough exterior, there was a hidden vulnerability, a reluctance that only time could smooth over.
Then there was the researcher, nervous and young, with a burning passion that almost radiated off him like the sun. In many ways, he was a mirror to Franky back in the day, wistful memories resurfacing.
He had seen men like this young researcher come and go, eager and idealistic, their minds brimming with dreams and hopes. But the life of an oddity exterminator was not for the faint-hearted nor the inexperienced, and the journey they had ahead was no exception. However, there was something about this young man that piqued his interest. Perhaps it was the fire in his eyes or the determination etched on his face. The captain couldn't help but wonder what he would make of this perilous endeavor.
As the two men reached the ship, the captain made his presence known, his voice like deafening thunder over the creaking of the wooden deck and the rhythmic crashing of waves against the schooner's hull.
"Well, well, look who finally decided to join us," he quipped, a hint of good-natured humor in his tone.
"I've got a good feeling about this. I can already tell you two are gonna be like the tides, either clashing or flowing together."
He stepped forward, offering a firm hand to each of them, his grip strong and calloused from years of manual labor.
"Welcome aboard, lads! You're in for quite a ride."
Franky took the captain's hand, his expression unwavering as he shook it with a firm grip. His fingers were rough from countless hours of work, and the captain could feel the strength and resilience that lay beneath the man.
Meanwhile, Emmett's handshake was nervous yet eager. The captain could sense a mixture of both anxiety and excitement in the young researcher, the energy almost contagious.
The captain gave both men a sly grin, his eyes glittering with a hint of knowing. "You two got spirit, and that's what counts. Just remember, the sea ain't no forgiving mistress. She'll test you and try to break you."
He eyed Franky for a moment more, his gaze lingering. "Though something tells me you already know that, eh, Franky?"
Franky's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of annoyance flickering in his gaze. "Yeah, yeah, I ain't some greenhorn," he retorted, his tone gruff yet lacking its usual bite.
