Poseidon Awakens (Chapter 15)

Chapter Fifteen of a serialized novella

“It’s over here,” said Frank, pointing to a wooden crate the size of a small car. “We better hurry...the professor is probably already on his way and he’ll be pissed if he finds us here.”

“That can’t hold more than one person, looks to me,” said Oscar, his eyebrows pinched. “Wonder who built it.”

Frank shrugged. “No idea.”

Oscar found a crowbar, and Frank helped him pop open the lid and push it aside. “That’s odd...there’s some kind of writing on the hatch.” He shook his head. “Well, we can try to figure that out later; for now I’d like to take a closer look at it.”

Frank grimaced. “I don’t know, man...the professor would be pissed.”

“I’m not going to do anything...I’d just like to look at it. Maybe it can help us get out of this...”

Footsteps? Oscar turned to see Simon and the professor.

“I thought so.” The professor frowned, his arms crossed.

“I’m simply looking at it, professor. I was curious. I may not have a Maritime Archaeology degree, but I do have some experience with underwater exploration. So when Simon mentioned the submersible, I wanted to see it. I was thinking maybe it’s something else...maybe some kind of weapon, or...”

The professor shook his head. “Doesn’t matter, we’ve no idea how to use it even if it was one. Best to let it be.”

“It’s not a weapon, mijo, not like you might think. But it is very powerful.”

Kevin? Oscar scanned the room. Raymond...Kevin...is that you? If it’s not a weapon, what is it?

“It’s a time machine, Oscar.” The diver turned to see the same angels standing next to the crate.

He glanced at the others. They hadn’t heard them. Am I going crazy? Why don’t they hear you guys?

“They don’t need to,” said Raymond matter-of-factly.

Oh. So if this isn’t a weapon, what is it?

“It’s complicated, but you might think of it as a time machine,” said Raymond. “The Kraken is a liar, as is Poseidon, but sometimes they let the truth slip out, even as they try to twist it to their own purposes. But Truth always wins.”

So we can use it to stop all of this from happening? But what about the treasures? They...

“When you use The Host, everything will get set back to where it was before. Poseidon will be in his prison and the Kraken’s powers will be stripped and he’ll return to being a simple giant squid.”

So the Kraken is nothing but a squid?

“Yes...he’s powered by Poseidon’s evil essence...that’s why a blow against Poseidon weakened the Kraken too. It’s connected to the god and has no powers beside those given to him.”

Oh. And the machine?

“Yes...everything,” said Kevin. “But it’s important to know that you are limited in how far back in time you can go. You must only take it back to the day before Poseidon was released.”

But...I wish I’d never taken this job. Can’t I take it back to before I came here?

Raymond shook his head. “No...you must take this job...it’s part of the Most High’s plans for you.”

Okay, but how can we not do this again? The professor will try to release Poseidon, and then we’ll be right back here...that’s madness.

The two angels looked at each other, then again at Oscar. They smiled. “You won’t let it happen.”

What? How? What can I do to keep the professor from releasing Poseidon?

“You won’t. God will.”

“Huh?”

“You know and trust that the Most High is watching over you. You’ve been given the authority as one of His children to approach His throne with your requests.”

So how will I know...

“One step at a time, Oscar. Keep faith.” Raymond pointed at the machine inside the crate. “But first, let’s get this fired up, shall we?”

Okay, but what about the professor and...

Kevin smiled. “Don’t worry about them.”

Oscar frowned. Is this working? Why don’t I hear anything?”

“It doesn’t depend on the physics of this world. Trust me, it’s working. Notice anything different?”

Oscar had been so intent on following Raymond’s instructions that he hadn’t noticed everyone and everything around him had gone as silent as the machine was. The others were looking at each other, seemingly oblivious to him, arms deep in the machine. That’s when he saw himself standing amongst the others, engaged in conversation. Oscar’s pulse quickened until he noticed Kevin smiling. “Yes, you’re in two places at once. This machine is between worlds...that’s why it wasn’t visible until it was needed.”

So, it’s part spirit, part mechanical?

Raymond nodded. “Close enough. It’s nearly finished now. You’ve been allowed to remember all of this...be wise then with that knowledge when you return.”

“Oscar...come on, the professor is waiting.” Frank studied him, his brows pinched together. “What’s up, man...you okay? Getting sick or something?”

Oscar took a deep breath and looked around. We’re back? Poseidon and his Kraken are gone? They were standing on the deck. Warm sunlight kissed his brown skin and the intoxicating aroma of saltwater and ocean life filled his lungs. “I’m fine. Better than fine...I’m great! So what does he want?”

“Don’t know, but if you want to get paid we better head down to the wardroom.”

“Okay.”

Frank raised an eyebrow and gave him a sideways glance. “Who are you and where did Oscar go?”

Oscar grinned. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Come on, let’s go.”