NationStates Jolt Archive

Miles of Sea, One Raft, No Way to Move!

The alarm sounded. Christina reached and hit her alarm. The sun was shining and the segals were crying. Bella, Christina's mother walked in to help Chrissie up. "Morning sweetheart." Bella gave Chrissie a kiss and lifted her up out of bed and onto her wheelchair. Chrissie put on a yellow spagettie strap tank under her own power but her mother put on shoes and her skirt. Chrissie tied up her shoes her self.

Bella was dressed in a captains uniform that made her look very professional. Bella was a sea captain of course. One of the older Kuronan ships with sails but still in good use and condition.

"You're sure you really want to come with me?"

"Yeah, with dad away it get's lonely."

"Your father will be home tomorrow sweetheart."

"I know but still, I've always wanted to go with you. Just 'cause I'm crippled doesn't mean I don't want to sail for once."

"I suppose so. It will be hard for you to move around if the water is choppy, it will be worse if it's stormy. Your chair breaks haven't been great lately."

"Well, once you get your pay for this trip and buy a new chair for me, I'll be apart of it."

Bella piolted Christina's chair up the ramp and set her in the bridge. "I'll be right back."

Chrissie looked around at her mother's ship. "Hey you what are you doin' here? Oh Chrissie it's you I didn't recognize you, here to see your mother off?"

"No I'm comming this time."

"Really, well her cabin only was built for her."

"Forest are you bothering my girl?"

"No ma'am." He said in his British accent.

"I know my cabin only fits me my self and I so I set Chrissie up in an empty cabin. Seeing as we are doing a quick supply run, it shouldn't be a problem. Now let's get ready to set sail."

The sails unfurled the ship left port. Chrissie was excited with all this. She had never been on a boat before.

Later that evening The First Mate had taken over the wheel. His eyes had adjusted to the dark and he could see dark clouds lingering on the horizion. "Look at that." He said to Second Mate Eleanore. "Looks nasty upahead. " Eleanore remarked. "Captain will be back later?"

"Yes she's with her daughter now."

A bucket of water poured onto Christina. Her mother washed her hair and dumped another one.

"Being at sea is no excuse not to be clean." Bella said. She helped Chrissie to her feet and rested her onto a high ledge. Something she did with every bath. Chrissie was always nervous it was going break with all her weight on it. Bella wrapped a towle around Chrissie and helped her back to her chair. Chrissie put on her gown. "You want me to help you to bed?"

"No I'm going to write for a while."

"All right. I'll be in the Bridge." She kissed her goodnight and exited. Christina wheeled over to the desk took out her big note book and began writing. She loved writing stories.

"Looks like a big storm is moving in quickly captain." Forest said.

"You're right I don't like...." She was interupted by the boat taking a violent list knocking them all down. Christina's chair rolled all the way back slamming into the wall with her sitll in it remarkably. She panted and looked at the port window. Lightning flashed through it and the ship listed again sending her corrining head on into the desk. She crashed again this time falling out of her chair. She could see the door struggling to open. She never put the latch on to prevent sea water pouring in or it flying open. She began to army crawl towards it and reached. It was just ever so out of reach, untill the door flew open sending in gallons of sea water. She suddenly began to slide as the ship listed even more and before she knew it she slipped onto the deck in the middle of the storm waves crashing on to her, she was confused and blinded by the water she began to crawl in the hopes she would find safety any safety. But she fell into a raft a lone life raft and lied their curled up. The raft broke from it's support and fell into the stormy seas.


Bella had to check on her daughter. The door was flying open and closed and it was dark. She ran inside Christina was nowhere in sight. "Oh no." She searched all over and couldn't find her, the life raft was missing. Christina's bracelet was the only trace where the raft had hung from the steel davits.


The ship had pulled into it's destination the next morning. Bella was sitting distraut in the Kuronan Martime Defense Office.

"You have to understand ma'am the odds that your daughter is alive are pretty slim. You have no way of knowing if she went over in that raft, if it did you have no way of knowing if landed upright. If it didn't land upright, given her condition, it's fairly likely she would have drowned.

"These rafts were made to land perfectly from a boatdeck, my daughter's bracelet was on the davits, she must have gone into the raft. "

"If your davits couldn't even hold the raft, i would doubt your raft would land upright."

"I am a Captain of the Kuronan Martime Service, now I want a search for my daughter and I want one now! We're wasting time."


________

"The Royal Navy and Martime Defense Force of Kurona have gathered in Xanadou to search for missing 14 year old Christina Manison who disappeared from a sailing vessle two days ago. As if things weren't bad enough it's been revealed that Christina is a paraplegic child with no use of her legs. Christina's mother Bella Manison feels her daughter may have fallen into a life raft and is now adrift. Officals however are skeptical that they will find the girl alive or at all."

"The odds of a life raft landing upright from that high of a fall are slim. And it's fairly unlikely we will find the girl's body."

"The girls parents remain optomistic. However time is of the esence. It's only a matter of time before dehydration or hypothermia sets in."

___________

Chrissie awoke. Was it a dream? No it was real. As real as it get's she was stuck in the middle of the sea on a raft with no visable signs of land or person. All she could do was sit up she had no way of moving her legs. If this capsized she would likely drown. There was only so long you could dog pattle. She felt thirsty. She couldn't drink the water a crule irony.

message to Kuronan navy from the IDS Jonathan Hasley

we are in the area due to a routine patrol, and we would be happy to help you search for this little girl. we have 8 SH-60 sea hawk helicopters. they have sonar, honar (advanced form of radar that detects heartbeats) and radar. we also have 2 patrol boats with us. we are sending for a coast guard destroyer to help also

Sincerally,
Captain Alexis Hunter, IDS Jonathan Hasley

The Navy thanks you most greatfully for your help. Time is of the esence we are fighting the elements the risk of dehydration and hypothermia. If she drifts into the South Pacific it is likely she will encounter sharks.

Sincerly,
Fleet Admiral
Takashi Takemeura

The Navy thanks you most greatfully for your help. Time is of the esence we are fighting the elements the risk of dehydration and hypothermia. If she drifts into the South Pacific it is likely she will encounter sharks.

Sincerly,
Fleet Admiral
Takashi Takemeura

Message to Kuronan navy from the IDS Jonathan Hasley

does the raft have flares, radio or any means off signaling?

(OOC: stupid jolt time warps)

Negative, apparently the raft has no equipment of any kind. It is orange so it should be easy to spot in daylight.

To:Kuronian Government
From: AFS Booker,13th Destoryer Squadron

We have been dispatch to help and assist in anyway to find the Little Gurl we have Dispatch Several Search And Rescue Aircrafts and 5 Destoryers.

To:Kuronian Government
From: AFS Booker,13th Destoryer Squadron

We have been dispatch to help and assist in anyway to find the Little Gurl we have Dispatch Several Search And Rescue Aircrafts and 5 Destoryers.

Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated.
Sincerly,
Fleet Admiral
Takashi Takemeura

The waves began to form again. Now it was like being on a rollercoaster. The sky was grey Chrissie could almost feel the aches and pains she would get before a storm. It was a matter of time before the grey changed to black.


_________


Robert stormed into the Martime Office. He embraced his wife. "I got here as fast as I could any news?"

"No nothing. A few additional teams have now set out."

"We''ll find her don't worry, we'll find her."

The Angaorian Navy was doing every search and rescue proceduces in the book and came up with nothing.

Lt Cao contact kurona government and ask them if we could get a map of the Location of the Shipwreck and surronding islands and currents that could take her lifeboat away said Captain Jian

Yes sir said Lt Cao

To: Kuronian Government
From: AFS Booker, Flagship of 13th destoryer squadron

We request that you send us a maps of we the Ship went down and Surronding island possibly a map of currents or list of currents

4 SH-60 sea hawk helicopters flew over the huge ocean, flying through the storm, their sonar running at full compacity "zero one! zero one! i spotted something!" yelled Charlie Ornman, a helicopter pilot "we cant move in, the storm's too dense, we're gonna have to head back, just mark this position and drop a flare to the survivor" replied one of the other pilots, turning his helicopter back to the ship. the other helicopters marked the position and dropped a flare to the survivor before tuning back and radioing the Kuronan ship "we have a life raft and we have marked it. we cannot pick up the target due to the storm, and we are nearly out of fuel. we cannot engage until the storm dies down"

(OOC: I'll need to find the regional map yet again)

The raft was tossing all over the place now. THe wind picked up and now lighting streaked down. The sky went from grey to black instantly. Chrissie could only hold onto dear life, trapped on her back side. If the raft capsized it would be over.


The Kuronan Cutter searching for the tiny raft recived the radio message.

"Roger that 006, we have it marked on SONAR."

"Dopplar is looking worse by the minute."

"The storm is intensifying."

"All units the storm is getting worse we advise aircraft to move with caution, the seas are expected to intensify. We are currently searching for the conditions and paths of the current at this time we belive they are heading southward towards the South Pacific. Over."

OOC: Mind if it washes up on my shore?

hhm tempting but I have to say no RT. Perhaps another time

The storm cleared yet again. She lied stiff as a pile of wood in the raft. She felt a bump. She began to pant and sweat harder. Another bump. She could see fins swimming all around. Sharks. She clearly was not in Xanadou anymore. Xanadou was absent of sharks. One popped out of the water close to her gobbling up a load of fish. Another one popped up grabbing more schools. She was surrounded by angry sharks that kept bopping the raft. If it tipped she was as good as gone. She couldn't fight, she couldn't swim. "Oh God." She uttered. The raft kept being bumped and each bump was stronger than the last. One nearly toppled the raft. She screamed out for help. Not as though it did anygood. She was one speck in the middle of a giant ocean. She was bawling now, the raft kept bobbing violently with the force of the sharks. If one bit into it, the raft would surley deflate. She couldn't move her legs, only her armes. She couldn't tred water, she would sink like stone. Rescue seemed all but unlikely now that she was out of her regional waters.

Imperial Navy has a Convoy of 200 ships out there we see we'll pick her up and send word back

(I apologize for letting this die, I'm going to continue if ANY ONE is interested at all in searching, or covering the story. IC to come)

RKS Mithradates

The destroyer was patrolling a shipping lane through which limited trade between Kahanistan and Xanadou took place. On the deck, Petty Officer Third Class Jean-Jacques Russell spotted an orange floaty thing, and what looked like the biggest shark he'd ever seen in his life.

"Body overboard!" he called out, thinking the life raft was one of the ship's life jackets. "And there's a big-ass shark out there, too."

The call ran through to Theo Samson, the destroyer's captain. "Transfer the CIWS to manual control, have the gunners fire on the shark. We'll get whoever it is back."

Thirty seconds later, a volley of hot lead from the ship's CIWS, meant for shooting down enemy missiles, spewed in the direction of the enormous shark. A lifeboat was lowered with two sailors of the Republic Navy. They rowed out to where the life raft was floating...

The KNS Nuriko, 255 NM south-east of Karullia



The Type-23 frigate powered along at cruising speed, heading towards the storm region. On board all hands were taking up positions when the radio chatter was picked up.

First Lieutenant Jan Greel was bent over the charts when the signalman called over to him.

"Number One, we have a report of a girl adrift in a life raft some.... 65 miles west of our current position. The Kuronan Navy has requested aid from any ships in the region as part of a search and rescue effort."

Greel frowned, and looked out of the bridge windows at the gathering storm ahead.

"Should I wake the Captain, sir?"

"Negative. Contact Kurona, retrieve last known co-ordinates. We're going in to the storm region anyway. Action!"

"Sir?" The girl turned from her position and looked at Greel with an inquisitive expression. Ensign Jessica Waters, Action Officer of the Watch for Four Shift, was the youngest officer on board the vessel.

"I need volunteers from among anyone still awake. Before we hit that storm, I want men in safety harnesses on the lookout rails, running boards, and on deck. We're looking for a young girl in a life raft, and if there's any chance whatsover she's still alive, then we're going to find her."

He keyed the radio, called down to the control room and relayed his instructions.

Fifteen minutes later, a dozen sailors in greatcoats, rain gear and safety harnesses were attached by carabina to the ships' rails. All search systems, sonar and radar were active, and the KNS Nuriko was ready to enter the search.

Greel stood on the bridge, watching the choppy waves getting stronger as the rain began to start in earnest.

"Signal Kurona: KNS Nuriko now entering search area. Bearing 267 degrees from point 115 degrees 22 minutes North, 95 degrees 27 minutes East. Please advise on next course of action."

"Roger, Number One. Transmitting."

The sky and the ocean around the frigate turned dark as the Karullian vessel moved further in to the storm.

RKS Mithradates

The destroyer was patrolling a shipping lane through which limited trade between Kahanistan and Xanadou took place. On the deck, Petty Officer Third Class Jean-Jacques Russell spotted an orange floaty thing, and what looked like the biggest shark he'd ever seen in his life.

"Body overboard!" he called out, thinking the life raft was one of the ship's life jackets. "And there's a big-ass shark out there, too."

The call ran through to Theo Samson, the destroyer's captain. "Transfer the CIWS to manual control, have the gunners fire on the shark. We'll get whoever it is back."

Thirty seconds later, a volley of hot lead from the ship's CIWS, meant for shooting down enemy missiles, spewed in the direction of the enormous shark. A lifeboat was lowered with two sailors of the Republic Navy. They rowed out to where the life raft was floating...


The raft was unfortunately empty. It wasn't the right raft, it was from another ship. Ships in Xanadou often jettison their extra life rafts during major storms to ease up strain on the ships.


"Day 7 has emerged with still no signs of young Christian. To make matters worse the oceans are increasingly turning violent as several storm systems prepare to make their way through the regional waters and nations. However The Kuronan Royal Navy feels she may have drifted south outside Xanadou waters. Regardless time is running out in the search."


Christina awoke again. She was dehydrated and starving and now storm clouds were gathering. She lifter her self up with her arms. Still not a sign of anything. She couldn't shout her vocal cords were shot from screaming and the lack of water. She had to face facts, she probably was going to die. There would be no way she could survive another storm, with no body strength left she couldn't grasp for dear life. She lied contemplating her short 13 years. She started to cry again tears were still flowing, too bad they were salty.

The seas began to pick up and the rain began to fall. Water was pouring onto her from the violent seas. Lighting was streaking down from the sky.

The KNS Nuriko, 255 NM south-east of Karullia



The Type-23 frigate powered along at cruising speed, heading towards the storm region. On board all hands were taking up positions when the radio chatter was picked up.

First Lieutenant Jan Greel was bent over the charts when the signalman called over to him.

"Number One, we have a report of a girl adrift in a life raft some.... 65 miles west of our current position. The Kuronan Navy has requested aid from any ships in the region as part of a search and rescue effort."

Greel frowned, and looked out of the bridge windows at the gathering storm ahead.

"Should I wake the Captain, sir?"

"Negative. Contact Kurona, retrieve last known co-ordinates. We're going in to the storm region anyway. Action!"

"Sir?" The girl turned from her position and looked at Greel with an inquisitive expression. Ensign Jessica Waters, Action Officer of the Watch for Four Shift, was the youngest officer on board the vessel.

"I need volunteers from among anyone still awake. Before we hit that storm, I want men in safety harnesses on the lookout rails, running boards, and on deck. We're looking for a young girl in a life raft, and if there's any chance whatsover she's still alive, then we're going to find her."

He keyed the radio, called down to the control room and relayed his instructions.

Fifteen minutes later, a dozen sailors in greatcoats, rain gear and safety harnesses were attached by carabina to the ships' rails. All search systems, sonar and radar were active, and the KNS Nuriko was ready to enter the search.

Greel stood on the bridge, watching the choppy waves getting stronger as the rain began to start in earnest.

"Signal Kurona: KNS Nuriko now entering search area. Bearing 267 degrees from point 115 degrees 22 minutes North, 95 degrees 27 minutes East. Please advise on next course of action."

"Roger, Number One. Transmitting."

The sky and the ocean around the frigate turned dark as the Karullian vessel moved further in to the storm.


"Copy that, please watch for small fishing and passenger vessels, in the stormy waters.

Your search target is a small orange life raft with the markings KDOT 6426, if you come upon this raft please radio in immediately."

Sailor First Class Evelyn Wood pulled the Xanadou life raft aboard her boat. "Shit! Nobody on this."

"From the muck on it, it's been there for weeks. Body's probably been gobbled up. I suppose we can take the shark aboard, cut it up..." said Sailor First Class Mark Adams.

They called back to the RKS Mithradates. The destroyer hauled the lifeboat and raft aboard, then dragged the shark up to see if there were human body parts in the stomach.

Captain Samson frowned. His first officer, Commander Vanessa Kell, called from the bridge.

"Captain. AWACS is picking up a ship. Frigate-sized," she said. "Broadcasting enough radar to stick out like a sore thumb. If it's hostile, their crew's pretty dumb, leaking radar like that."

"Probably aren't hostile. Open a channel," replied the captain.

Kell hailed the ship. She didn't know it at the time, but it was a Karullian warship.

"Unidentified vessel, this is Commander Vanessa Kell, Republic of Kahanistan Ship Mithradates. We're about three hundred and fifty kilometres from your position, we've received reports of a missing person."

[OOC: Sorry about that! I lost track of the thread and forgot to subscribe ;)]

"Copy that, please watch for small fishing and passenger vessels, in the stormy waters.

Your search target is a small orange life raft with the markings KDOT 6426, if you come upon this raft please radio in immediately."

"Received and understood."

Greel looked out at the swelling, angry storm.

"God save that girl if she's out in this. Okay, folks, strap in. We're going to ride out this storm, and hopefully pick up a passenger while we're at it."

As the crew busied themselves preparing for the search, a crackled, static-heavy call came over the radio.

"Unidentified vessel, this is Commander Vanessa Kell, Republic of Kahanistan Ship Mithradates. We're about three hundred and fifty kilometres from your position, we've received reports of a missing person."

Greel looked over at the young Signalman, and strolled across the rolling bridge to listen to the call again.

"Send the following response. This is the Karullian Frigate Nuriko, answering a Kuronan distress call. We are currently searching for a young girl, adrift in an orange life raft, designation KDOT 6426. Do you intend to assist with the search?"