CSS 147

A. 14

The bus only took about 20 more minutes before they pulled up to a very, very busy coast. The coast was set up just like a cruise ship dock, only these people were waiting for their acceptance onto a submarine. The sea was rolling on like a dark, navy blue and purple silk sheet carefully laid across a bed. The rain tapped on the water as thunder rolled on above the water. The ports were covered with a thick roof that had a target on top of it, soldiers were patrolling the port roof tops holding rifles close to their bodies as people were fighting to get on their boat. The family took it all in, overwhelmed to say the least. Jerry glanced over at Michael, "I have to get you all checked in to find out which port you belong to."

Michael nodded.

Jerry walked away from Michael, leaving him and his family near the bus.

Jerry made his way to the checkpoint where an official smoked a cigarette under a metal stand while scrolling on laptop, "I help you?" the soldier was rude, his voice was raspy.

"I need to check a family in," Jerry pointed, "they're over there."

"We are missing a few families, you got a name for me?"

"Michael is the father, the wife is Tina I believe," Jerry thought hard, he realized he wasn't sure about their last names, he waved Michael over who came quickly, "can you tell me what your names are so I can see what boat you belong to?"

"Hello Sir," Michael tried to sound official, but none of his career as a math teacher helped him with communicating with soldiers, "I am Michael Holman, my wife is Tina Holman and our daughters are Isabella Holman (the oldest), Dori Holman (our middle child), and Nadia Holman (the youngest)."

The soldier spat dip out onto the ground while scrolling, "I see you all, ship #147."