Oceans Apart

Mira

'The Golden Age of Piracy, a time that contributed to the quantities of valuable cargo that was transported across the Atlantic Ocean. Sailors and seafarers plundered and raided coasts, having little regard for the authority of those in higher ranking. Arguments about the origins of piracy are still debated, but it was in the 18th century that piracy became unique.'

I rubbed my eyes, feeling the tiredness creep in. Being a museum conservator isn’t exactly what most would call a glamorous job, or the most entertaining for that matter. However, for a person who is passionate about history and is committed to restoring historical artefacts – it is the job that supplies the most wonderment.

Researching and writing about these periods of time is something I consider fascinating, even if others would most likely, disagree. Though my favourite responsibility within my role is that of preservation. Working as a conservator provides me with the opportunity to make discoveries and work with intriguing objects, artworks and relics. Restoring items to their former glory; a responsibility I hold close to my heart.

“Mira, we have another box to check in.”

My colleague's voice drifted in through the ajar door of my office. The sense of excitement rushed through me as a small smile crept on my face. I swear, there is no better feeling than that of discovering new artefacts for our museum to showcase.

“Bring it through to my office, Gideon.”

In a heartbeat, Gideon rounded the corner of the office, pushing the door open further with his hip as he carried the precious cargo in his arms. Gently, he placed it on the table opposite my desk and eased open the lid of the box. I stood up from my desk and glided towards the table, coming to a stop by Gideon’s side.

“This has been recovered from the wreckage of the Serena, the ship that belonged to that Captain you’ve been researching so much,” Gideon commented as his eyes flickered from the box to my own.

Captain Lorenzo Sosa. The infamous cut-throat pirate of the Spanish seas. History tells us that this particular Captain lived a rather raucous lifestyle, one that stemmed from his rivalry with 18th century Admiral Thomas Helston.

“You look like you’re about to faint.”

I snapped my gaze away from Gideon and focused on the box that laid in front of me. I possibly might do just that.

“This is going to do wonders for my research,” I whispered, placing my hands on the sides of the box. Sliding it towards me I let out a slow breath, focusing on the contents.

Inside there were multiple objects. Items one would expect to find in a sea Captain’s quarters. Maps, scrolls, a spyglass, a small pouch of golden coins and a silver pistol. Carefully placing each item on the table, I marvelled over the details. Considering that these objects have been underwater for the best part of 200 years, the detail was still breath-taking.

“Stunning.” Gideon’s voice was a caress as his breath skated over my cheek.

Turning my head towards him, I saw his gaze travel up from my lips, returning to my eyes once more. Heat rose to the surface of my cheeks as I blushed. Gideon’s affectionate gaze burned through me, but it was not one I could reciprocate.

Okay yes, even I can admit, he was an attractive man. He had light brown hair that curled and toppled over his forehead, shining hazel eyes that made every inch of my skin feel aflame under his intense stare. He was tall and dare I say – cut a striking figure in his white shirt and suit trousers. But, although he was pleasing to the eye, I would not risk our friendship by indulging in a relationship with the man. He was one of the only friends I had since I tended to drown myself in work rather than take up to socialising out of the comfort of my home or office.

Clearing my throat, I took a tentative step back. “Thank you for this.”

Something flickered through Gideon’s eyes. Disappointment perhaps? I couldn’t say for sure.

“Well,” he paused, tracing idle circles on the table with his finger. “I’m sure you want to get back to it, so I’ll leave you be. Don’t stay too late.”

With the slap of his hand against the wooden surface, he pushed himself away from the table and sauntered out of my office. He took a quick glance back at me, flashing a small smile and a coy wave as he departed.

Sometimes, I swear I’m my own worst enemy. Most women would have jumped at the opportunity of a man like that. Maybe I should be drowning myself in the heat of his gaze rather than my work. Many others would do that, so why not me?

I suppose the past has everything to do with that. My last relationship didn’t exactly end so well...

Long story short – I caught him cheating.

That kind of thing is something that puts someone off finding another. That, I can say with certainty.

Refusing to think about it any more, I turned my attention back to my work, zeroing in on the objects on the table. I spent the next few hours observing and examining each item, making notes about the artefacts and their properties.

As the night clouded through the window of the office, I felt my eyes drifting shut, struggling to concentrate. Stifling a yawn, I decided it best to cave to the sleep my body so desperately needed. Packing away everything I came to a halt, struck by the glimmering of metal against moonlight. A smooth black box with golden trim sat at the bottom of the box of artefacts.

That was not there earlier.

Strange.

Allowing curiosity to get the better of me, I reached inside, grasping the box tightly in my hand. The smooth texture seemed all too odd for something that was supposedly hidden in a wreckage under sea. Feeling a small golden clasp, I flicked open the lid of the box, revealing a compass. The magnetized needle spun wildly in the centre. My chest hummed, energy flowing through me, as my field of vision restricted to all but the glimmering needle spinning in an entrancing circle, until there was nothing but darkness clouding my thoughts.

I felt as though I was spinning, becoming one with the needle as time seemed to come to a… a stop. I was drowning in the darkness and increasing pressure that I felt pull and tug at me. All sense left my body, knocking me to the ground. My pulse skittered, the taunting blackness lulling me into a weary state, one that I caved to easily, as I slipped into a deep sleep.