Thanks to luvtaread for editing
The next few days were trying for all on board the small raft. In many ways Brandon regretted bringing the ladies, but in the same regard the company had its value. For one, due to the rotation schedule he got more rest and spent less time baking under the sun than he would have alone. Also, it helped to have Mel and even Ashley at times when the raft needed to be propelled by the oars due to a lack of wind, as it meant that he could trade off propelling the craft.
Katy was a help here too because, although she was not good at rowing, she monitored the others like a watchful mother and made sure none of them over taxed themselves. She even gave massages to those who had just finished, which definitely helped them relax.
Due to the fact that they had to row a good portion of the way, it took a lot longer to reach where the map showed the shipping lanes and about where the liner had passed months ago. Of course they had veered off course a few times and that was of little help. They also had no way of knowing how far they had gone, but seeing no land in sight, just continued in the direction of the travel lanes. Since they were headed northwest they figured they would eventually hit U.S. waters. The question was would the supplies run out before then?
Brandon's questions were answered one day as he lay under cover resting after finishing his shift on the oars. He had just closed his eyes when Katy shook him awake, yelling his name excitedly. A bit dazed he did not first understand what her excitement was about.
It was then that Mel, who was rowing, said, "Brandon, you better take a look at this."
Intrigued Brandon got up and carefully moved out from under the cover of the dark cloth. When his eyes adjusted a bit he saw both pointing an object on the horizon an object that was getting closer by the second. Upon second glance he noticed a few smaller objects in its vicinity.
"Under cover all of you," he said quickly to the other three who were all now looking at the approaching objects. Mel glared at him and went to argue, but he cut her off, "Mel just do it okay?!"
Mel seemed to think better of arguing with him and begrudgingly nodded and joined Ashley and Katy with the gear. Brandon draped the cloth over all of them and picked up the oars and began rowing toward the oncoming objects. As he did he hoped they were friendly. It would be rotten luck to have made it this long and this far to run into pirates.
As they got closer Brandon recognized them as what appeared to be three ships, one huge one and two smaller vessels. They were coming from the northwest directly where he was headed. Brandon was still a little nervous but the increasing size of each was reassuring, as he figured something that big could not be pirates or smugglers.
A few minutes later when he was sure one was a sort of tanker and the other two were definitely warships. Hoping he was right he raised the colored sail in hopes of being spotted. As soon as he did he saw the group turn away from him slightly. In reaction he grabbed the flare gun he had found amongst John's things when he had searched the camp all that time ago and fired it.
As he did he saw the right ship break from the group and turn in the raft's direction, slowing considerably as it did. Soon after a helicopter launched from the deck of the ship and headed straight for the raft. As it got closer Brandon recognized it a US Navy rescue chopper and he smiled.
"You can come out girls, cause it looks like we're going home."
A few minutes later all four, and Katy's bag, were aboard the navy ship. As they were welcomed aboard a passer by who happened to notice the logo on Brandon's PFD which he still had from the ships lifeboat.
The passer by stopped and said, "Excuse me, sir, I'm Ned Haleman of the NTSB," and he produced a badge to prove it before asking, "If you don't mind me asking where did you get the vest?"
Brandon looked down at it and said, "Well, it's a long story, but to give you the short version I'll copy a popular phrase. I went on a cruise and all I got was a lousy life vest."
Agent Haleman looked at him with shock before asking in disbelief, "Wait...YOU were on the Nexus?!"
Brandon's stomach sank as the shock in Agent Haleman's words and his tone confirmed his worst fears. Out of the corner of his eye Brandon saw Katy break into tears and Mel comforting her.
Trying to remain calm Brandon nodded and said, "Yes, in fact we all were, and I take it from your incredulity that at my statement that something has happened to it."
Agent Haleman looked grim and said, "Yes, I am sorry to tell you this, but it suffered a major catastrophe and sank just over two months ago. The damage was total and until today there were thought to be no survivors. I think we will need to hear that story of yours, sir. All of your stories in fact as well as anything you can tell us about the ship before you got off."
Brandon nodded but in light of his own tired state and looking at his companions he said, "Yes, that is true Agent Haleman, but my friends and I have just spent almost a week on the open water in the craft you found us. We are quite tired at the moment. So if you can wait a few hours I think we could all use rest and some food."
"Of course, forgive me. It's just for us you and your friends are an incredible find. Not only because it's a kind of miracle but you can hopefully fill in some blanks in our report. You see this group was headed to do some salvage work at the accident site when you signaled us."
Brandon nodded and said, "I understand, and you shall have our full cooperation once we have rested."
Agent Haleman nodded and made arrangements for them to be taken to some sleeping quarters. Once all four had slept and eaten each was interviewed by Agent Haleman and his colleagues. When it was all finished and the two sides had compared notes, the truth was revealed.
It appeared the cause of the disaster was a glitch in the computer system that had allowed a gas leak to go unnoticed. Around the time of the storm reached the ship it had been permeated with gas to such an extent that the slightest of sparks could have set off an explosion that would have destroyed the ship.
At the worst part of the storm the gas reached the engine room where it is believe it caught fire setting off a chain reaction that completely destroyed the ship. The size of the explosion combined with the late hour and fierceness of the storm made it virtually impossible for there to be any survivors.
"By the time the cruise line knew anything had happened and help had been sent for, there was no sign of the ship or its passengers. It took us over a week to find the wreckage." Agent Haleman said solemnly, "With over 5,000 passengers dead it is now the worst peacetime sea disaster in history."
With the questioning finished Agent Haleman arranged to have them taken immediately to the head office in Miami. This was not only to file his reports and verify facts, but also to notify family and restore their identities as all who had been on board The Nexus had been assumed dead. So after several flights, they spent another long day telling their stories and filling paperwork. Not to mention once the media got word of their story they were hounded for interviews.
