CHAPTER 236: Ghost Ship

CHAPTER 236: Ghost Ship

Captain's Log — Recovered Record
Cargo Ship T-103

Attention: The following document was found aboard the cargo ship T-103, which arrived on the coast of Alaska on September 23, 2013.

After the intervention of the coast guards, the vessel was inspected.

No crew members were found aboard.

There were no signs of struggle.

No traces of aggression.

No blood.

Nothing.

The ship was… empty.

As if everyone had disappeared at the same time.

The only element out of place was a container.

Open.

Its interior… completely empty.

These pieces of evidence, along with the captain's log, were seized and sent to the Bloodvine headquarters in Berlin for further investigation.

Day 1

Today we set sail for Alaska.

If everything goes well, we should arrive in one or two days… three at most.

The weather seems stable for now, and the crew is in order. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Even so, I can't help but feel exhausted. This ship… is getting heavier to handle every time.

Luckily, in two weeks I'll be out of here.

Vacation.

My family.

I just have to complete this trip.

One more.

Day 2

Last night I could barely sleep.

I spent the whole night listening to noises coming from the cargo area. Dull blows, dragging sounds… too constant to ignore.

The crew checked the hold this morning.

They found nothing.

They say it was probably rats. Damn rats that always manage to sneak onto these ships.

I suppose they're right.

It has to be that.

Nothing more.

Day 3

I don't know what happened.

I woke up this morning… and there's not a single crew member left aboard.

No one.

I've searched the entire ship. Deck, engine room, cabins…

Empty.

There are no signs of struggle.

No blood.

There is absolutely nothing to indicate what happened here.

They simply… disappeared.

I don't understand how it's possible.

Last night everything was in order.

Now I'm alone.

It's getting dark.

And for the first time in years… I'm afraid of what might happen to me too.

Bloodvine Headquarters — Berlin
CEO's Office, Lilith D'Arven

The office was in complete silence, interrupted only by the slight hum of holographic screens projecting classified reports. The dim light bathed the office with a cold and calculated atmosphere.

In front of the desk, an agent stood, holding a digital folder.

—This is everything that was found on the cargo ship T-103 —he said in a firm voice—. The captain's log and the coast guard reports. No trace of the crew.

Lilith D'Arven did not look up from the screen immediately. Her eyes scanned every line with surgical precision.

Finally, she closed the file.

—Total disappearance… no signs of struggle… —she murmured—. Interesting.

She raised her gaze toward the agent.

—Thank you, Zuco. Good work.

—Just following orders —he replied without moving.

Lilith leaned back slightly in her chair, interlacing her fingers.

—With the fall of Enid Corp, the balance of power has changed… and we are now the ones who uphold national security.

There was a brief pause.

—That means we need… special assets.

Zuco frowned slightly.

—Do you have someone in mind?

Lilith sketched a slight smile.

—Fenix Roger.

The name hung in the air.

—A lycan with abilities outside the common. He survived things that would have destroyed anyone… and he's still standing.

She leaned forward.

—I want you to find him.

Zuco nodded without hesitation.

—Recruitment?

—If possible —she replied calmly—. If not… we'll evaluate alternatives.

Silence filled the room again.

—Start investigating —Lilith added—. I want a complete report. Location, status, allies… everything.

Zuco took a step back.

—You'll have it.

He turned and walked toward the exit.

Before closing the door, he stopped for an instant.

—I'll bring him to you.

The door closed softly.