By nine o'clock that evening, the atmosphere aboard the Santa Lucia had changed completely.
The laughter that had filled the decks earlier had faded.
The musicians had packed away their instruments.
Many passengers had retreated indoors.
Outside, the Mediterranean Sea was becoming increasingly hostile.
The waves were larger now.
The wind whistled through the ship's railings.
Dark clouds covered the sky from horizon to horizon.
Not a single star could be seen.
Captain Lubasi stood near a window watching the weather worsen.
Years of military service had taught him to respect danger.
And danger was approaching.
A loudspeaker crackled overhead.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are encountering unfavorable weather conditions. There is no cause for alarm, but we kindly ask all passengers to remain inside the vessel until further notice."
The announcement was calm.
Perhaps too calm.
Several passengers exchanged nervous glances.
A woman nearby crossed herself.
An elderly couple quietly held hands.
A young mother gathered her two children closer.
Nobody seemed reassured.
Captain Lubasi noticed something else.
Crew members were moving faster now.
Much faster.
Two sailors hurried down a corridor carrying emergency equipment.
Another crewman rushed toward the bridge.
Their faces betrayed what the captain's announcement had tried to hide.
The situation was serious.
Very serious.
A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the sea.
For a brief moment everyone saw it.
Towering waves.
Black mountains of water rolling toward the ship.
Gasps filled the lounge.
Then darkness returned.
Seconds later, thunder exploded overhead.
The windows rattled violently.
A little girl began to cry.
"Mommy, are we going to die?"
The room became silent.
The mother forced a smile.
"No, sweetheart."
But her trembling voice suggested otherwise.
Captain Lubasi felt unease tightening inside him.
He had been under enemy fire.
He had crossed minefields.
He had survived ambushes.
Yet none of those experiences had made him feel as powerless as he did now.
At least in war, a soldier could fight back.
Against a storm, there was nothing to shoot.
Nothing to outsmart.
Nothing to defeat.
Another massive wave struck the ship.
The vessel rolled heavily.
Several passengers lost their balance.
A tray crashed to the floor.
Glasses shattered.
Someone screamed.
Captain Lubasi grabbed a nearby rail.
Across the room, Fernando remained seated.
His Bible rested on his lap.
His eyes were closed.
Not sleeping.
Praying.
The contrast was astonishing.
The old teacher looked calmer than the ship's captain.
Another wave hit.
Then another.
The lights flickered.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The room fell silent.
Everyone stared upward.
The lights steadied again.
For now.
Fernando slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze moved toward the frightened passengers.
Then toward Captain Lubasi.
Their eyes met.
For some reason, Fernando smiled.
Not because the storm was small.
But because he seemed to know something the storm did not.
Outside, the wind howled louder than before.
And somewhere ahead, hidden within the darkness, the full force of the medicane was waiting.