A Survivor's Tale

Joe's home was made of solid stone and was as solid as the times because Joe lived in the most powerful nation on Earth, Atlantis. Joe was fortunate to grow up in one of the strongest shipping nations of its time. Daily he would view the magnificent harbors with their many ships, all with a story of their own. Joe and his father would often walk down to the docks and talk to the many sailors and listen to their stories. He always knew in his heart that someday he would become one of those sailors. Joe's father had a special friend at the docks by the name of Captain Hanson. Joe especially liked Captain Hanson and would spend as much time as he could helping out on his ship and listening to the wonderful stories.

In the past few years there has been many serious problems growing between Atlantis and the Europeans. Joe's father, himself a great naval captain, was summoned by his generals and told to sail east on a special mission to the Atantean outpost at Giza. After talking, Joe and his father thought this would be a perfect opportunity for him to start his life at sea for he was now a young man. They walked down to the docks to meet Capt. Hanson who had just come into port from his last trading voyage. After talking with Joe and his dad, Captain Hanson had agreed to take Joe on as first mate and teach him everything he would need to know to become a great seaman. Joe was very excited and eager to grow in the vast knowledge of the sea taught to him by his father.

After three days of loading cargo he would set sail on his first voyage when the sun rose. Joe was much too excited to sleep so he sat on the ship's deck for most of the night. It was a clear night and he could not help notice some bright stars to the north that seemed to be getting larger and brighter as the night got longer. Joe loved watching the stars because he understood the importance of this wonderful knowledge. As the sun rose the ship made ready for sail. Joe's father said goodbye to Captain Hanson and his son. Joe knew his life had changed forever.

2. The Journey Begins

As their ship Sabrina set sail with her hulls full of cargo and her sails full of wind, Joe was confident he was prepared to carry out any task that was asked of him. This was a very special voyage for Captain Hanson as well for they were headed to the South American port of Tia-Tao where he would be able to spend time with his sister Mary and her daughter Joanne. During the voyage Joe and Captain Hanson had many opportunities to discuss life at sea. As they arrived at port all hands made ready to secure the ship and empty it's cargo. After Captain Hanson inspected the ship, he and Joe set off to meet Mary. It was a short walk along the jagged coast to Mary's wooden, weather beaten home and upon arrival Joe could smell a wonderful meal cooking on the fire. It had been ten days since his last home cooked meal. Mary was extremely excited, as was Joanne who was attending to the final details of the dinner table.

Both Joe and Joanne found they had many stories to share. After a wonderful dinner they went out front to the old swing. While watching the stars Joanne mentioned the time she saw a very bright star moving very quickly across the sky. Joe then told Joanne his story of the very bright stars that appeared to be getting closer every evening. He explained why they could not be seen from a southern location. They talked quietly and discussed many other things of interest. Joe felt he had made a very special friend that night and was very happy he had two more days in port. The following day Captain Hanson and Joe returned to Sabrina to make sure the cargo was brought on board. The rest of the day was spent making sure all the ships cargo was stowed safely aboard. Joe knew he and Joanne could spend the next day together.

After finishing chores the next morning they decided to walk the trail up this beautiful mountain that Joanne cared for so deeply. Hundreds of feet up this trail was Joanne's most beautiful view ever of her world. Time passed quickly as they chatted and climbed through this mountainous region. Shortly before sunset they reached the special spot that was in Joanne's heart. Joe was shocked at the natural beauty that lay before him. They decided to stay and watch the sunset. As they were talking a very bright flash of light completely illuminated the dark northern sky. It appeared to be a world away. They gripped in fear.