McCann gripped the controls tightly as he piloted them toward the formation. Gail noticed that his complexion had paled. Sweat and rainwater ran down his forehead and face. His knuckles were white, his arms stiff.
He’s scared, she thought. And so am I.
At Novak’s request, Warren went below decks to wake up some of the others and form a landing party. Ben and Caterina returned to their lookout positions. Deciding it best to let McCann focus on the task at hand, Gail glanced around the bridge and found herself alone. Novak had walked back out on the deck and was standing at the rail, studying the island intently through the binoculars. The boat rocked over a sudden, particularly strong swell, nearly knocking all of them off their feet, but Novak didn’t seem to notice. His attention remained focused on the mysterious mass. Clutching her coffee, which was now lukewarm, Gail inched her way across the slippery deck and tapped his shoulder.
“Anything different?”
He shrugged, lowering the binoculars, and turned to face her. “Nothing. Can’t figure out what it is. I don’t think it’s metal or wood. Guess we’ll know soon enough. Here. Have a look.”
He handed her the binoculars and held her coffee while Gail peered at the structure. She squinted, straining to make out any details, but the lenses were fogged and mist and rain swirled around the mass. She handed them back to Novak and accepted her coffee in return.
“Are you sure about this?”
Novak shrugged again. “No. But it’s like I said last night—we’re running low on fuel, food and clean water, not to mention other things. If there’s anything to be scavenged off this island, then it’s worth the risk, if only because we won’t be fishing it out of the ocean like usual.”
“But if there’s danger—the shark-men or maybe more of those flying fish, is it worth it?”
“If we worry about that, then we might as well all check out now. Quick death getting eaten by one of those fucking monsters or a slow death by starvation. Not much of a choice, is it?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Sounds to me like you’ve made up your mind about our conversation from last night.”
Gail flinched, blinking rainwater from her eyes. “I’m not saying that. I’m just scared. Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Nothing’s felt right for a while, Gail. It starts raining at the same time, all over the world, and doesn’t stop. Everything floods. Then the monsters come—giant worms and fungus creatures and fish with scales like razors and all kinds of other bullshit… none of that is right. Chances are this place won’t be either. But it’s not like we’re going ashore unarmed. If we can find supplies—if we can find anything—then it’s worth the risk.”
They fell silent, watching as the boat slowly approached the mysterious mass. Even as they drew closer, their visibility didn’t improve. The smooth grayish-black surface lacked any topography—there were no buildings or vegetation. The small dome in the center didn’t appear to be man-made, but a natural formation.
“Know what I keep thinking of?”
Gail shook her head. “What?”
“The serpent mound in Ohio. Ever hear of that? The Indians built it a long time ago. This giant fucking hill that looked like a snake when you stared down at it from above. People lived around it for years and didn’t realize that it was man-made, or what it was supposed to resemble. They didn’t figure it out until the airplane was invented. There’s all kinds of similar mounds in this part of the country—barrows and burial sites. I mean, most of them are probably underwater by now, but what if that thing is one of them?”
Before Gail could respond, Warren pounded up the ladder and emerged on deck. With him were Riffle, Paris, Mylon, Tatiana, Lynn and Morgan. All of them appeared tired but alert. While the others yawned and stretched and flinched at the rain, Tatiana was fresh-faced—the benefits of sleeping through the night without a watch shift. Only Morgan seemed angered by being woken. His expression was dour and impatient. When Novak nodded at him, he sneered.
“What’s this all about, Captain?”
“I’ve told you before, don’t call me that. I’m about as much of a Captain as you are.”
“And yet you’re in charge.”
“You want to volunteer, Morgan? Cause if you’ve got any better ideas, I’m all fucking ears.”
“I think you’re doing a commendable job.”
Gail noticed Novak’s shoulders stiffen, but he ignored the sarcasm.
“What this is about,” he said, turning back to the ocean, “is that land mass over there. At least, we’re pretty sure it’s a land mass. Might be some type of man-made structure—a water tower or something similar. In any case, we’re gonna find out. That’s why I had Warren wake everybody up. I know that most of you just went to bed three hours ago, but I need all hands on this. Riffle, I want you to take over piloting for McCann. He’s more awake than you are, so I want him out there with me. Go slow as we approach. I don’t want us bottoming out. The rest of you come with me. Each of you gets one weapon. Half of you are going to stay behind to defend the ship. The other half are going ashore with me and McCann.”
Morgan’s gaze went from the island to Novak. “And if we refuse?”
“Shit, Morgan. I’m not twisting your arm. If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to. We can wake somebody else up. That just means if there’s anything of value over there—like food, for instance—you don’t fucking get any of it. Fair enough?”
Novak turned and winked at Gail. Then he strode past the sulking man and headed for the weapons locker. Grinning, Warren and the others followed him. Morgan trailed along a few steps behind. When Gail turned to glance at him, his face was twisted into a hateful, loathing grimace.
Well, she thought, looking forward again, this should certainly be fun…
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This does not look good for the landing party!!
God damn it, just get them to the island already! I’m dying to know what happens!
Haha
7 chapters of filler crap so far, whats going on here?
“7 chapters of filler crap so far…”
If you’re not enjoying it, the bookstores are full of books you have to spend money on, instead. Perhaps one of those will suit you better?
Good store… Nice job on the writing and for giving that guy smack down…
I meant good story..
“7 chapters of filler crap so far…”
There is just no pleasing some people. Personally I’m loving Deluge (ALL the chapters) and I can’t wait to see just what this island is. Keep up the good work!
that was not ob…..
F U to the guy who says this is filler. All stories have to build suspense or they are BORING. I say the mass is the Kraken & they are going to find out soon what it’s like to be devoured. Or all turn on each other out of insanity.Good work Brian.
Also hope if it is an island not full of the horny monkeys from Castaways.lol
We are all entitled to our opinion people I pay the same for his books as you do.
I for one welcome our new aquatic overlords.
“We are all entitled to our opinion people I pay the same for his books as you do.”
This is very true. It does seem a bit churlish though to come here and criticize a book that a guy is writing for you for FREE. After all Mr Keene has got a family to feed and he could be using the time to write something he’d get paid for.
^Still thinks it’s a giant turtle.
I like the build up. Plus it gives us insight to the Dynamic of the working relationship of the Survivors. Keep up the great work BK!
Another awesome chapter Brian! And to the user Ob: yes you defintly have the right to an opinion but Mr. Keene doesn’t have to be writing this at all like clench242 said. But again, another great one Brian!
This sequel keeps getting better and better!
Granted the build up is slow but there have been payoffs already, I personally like the pace the story is going and where it’s going, the story gets more interesting every chapter, keep our Friday treats coming Brian!!!
Best “filler” I have ever read. Perhaps the island houses more secrets of Leviathan!
Maybe, Mr. Keene can have some one say “Fillller” instead of soft.
That would be funny.
Ack! I gotta know what it is!!! You’re killing me Brian!
Ob, from the bottom of my heart and with all sincerity, you GOTTA know that ANYTIME you make a derogatory comment about an artists work, you’re going to piss them off. I agree that you may “pay the same” as the rest of us, but this PARTICULAR novela is a labor of love that Big K is working on free of charge, for NO OTHER reason than to thank his fans for their support.
Do you see?
He DOESN’T HAVE to write this, in fact, he could probably better use the time to work on some paying gigs. Ya see, the thing is, Ob, that people (whether artists or not) might receive 99 glowing compliments out of 100 on something, but it’s the ONE NEGATIVE comment that they remember. You’re are, in essence, rejecting a personal piece of the author by criticizing his work. If you want to do that on an independant review forum, or with your “reading friends” (you know, the ones that help you sound out the larger words), that’s one thing, but to come onto the man’s own website and make a shitty comment about a work that he is creating FREE OF CHARGE to thank his fans, THAT takes some balls, son (OR an incredible amount of ignorance). Now I know that you’re going to accuse everyone of ass-kissing, but seriously, it’s just good manners. When someone invites you to their house for dinner, you don’t take a crap on the dining-room table (well, you SHOULDN’T anyway).
Now hush up before BK stops writing this story and you end up spoiling it for everybody.
Just read all 34 chapters in one sitting…Exceptional work. Maybe everyone will be saved and transported through the labyrinth by a Amish looking fellow named Levi to a safer parallel planet. However Keene’s ending are not always that happy. Great read so far
At least do it with more tact than 7 chapters of filler.
If I was this good at writing quality ‘filler’… I’d have pushed a novel or two out of the nest by now. I for one only hope I’ll be able to pick this up in paperback one day… reading something like this piecemeal is pain in my butt, but I realize that’s MY issue, not Brian’s. Some people just need to keep their opinons to themselves.
And for the island..? I’m hoping for Ninja Turtles. Lots of ‘em.
Thank you again for another great chapter. I for one Brian do not think you are giving us filler crap. I think you are telling us the story as you see it in your head. I appreciate Deluge not only because it is a great story but because it is a big thank you to us loyal fans for all the support. And yes because it is free. It is a gift. Everybody has to be a damn critic. If they do not have something nice to say they shouldnt say anything at all. Especially when it comes to Deluge. I just hope you do not let those negative comments get to you. A vast majority of your fans love and appreciate Deluge and the majority rules! Thanks again Brian!
Heh, Waking every one up reminded me of a little quote.
“Where’s the gimp?”
“Gimp’s sleepin.”
“Well, Wake em up.”
If you’re not enjoying it, the bookstores are full of books you have to spend money on, instead. Perhaps one of those will suit you better?
LOL You tell ‘im! Thanks for the story!
Dude, everything you write is pure gold, cant wait for the next chapter!!!
I have no issues with the storyline. Drive on, Brother!
Brian keep up the good work love your work, i love your build up and character development.
Probably seems like a “filler” because your reading one chapter a week. You should do what i do. Wait until you have 5 chapters to read then read them all in one go! Admittedly its not easy being that patient.
Anyway, cracking stuff so far!
For those that have read selected scenes this “island” seems to be similar to the story about the message in the bottle. Is it that we may see a cameo of a terrifying monster other than leviathan in the waters around our survivors!
You may be right. We’ll find out this Friday! ;>)
“7 chapters of filler crap so far, whats going on here?”
That was indeed an ignorant way of stating my displeasure with the current pace after the intermission. No excuse I think I was just cranky that day and only human. That being said overall great story.
No worries. We all get cranky. Something else to keep in mind – each of these online chapters would only make up about a page and a half in a printed book. It takes two month’s worth of installments to make an book actual chapter. So what might seem as ‘dragging’ is, in reality, only a page or two.
I wonder if the characters knew they were in a BK story if they would still go to this “bulbous” land. Btw i agree with jon guy, Levi would be handy in their situation.
i am just now reading the story,and it is fucking awsome…