Uncharted Waters

The Begining (MinJun)

I sit up in my seat pulling the window shade up and squinting as my eyes adjust. The ocean sparkles as the sun's rays reflected off its smooth surface, its water begging me to jump in. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and look over at the attendant approaching "How much longer till we land" I ask.

" We'll be landing in 30 minutes Mr.Kim," she says bowing before turning and heading back down the aisle towards the cockpit. I sigh and settle back into my seat, without my younger twin brothers to keep me constantly on my toes, the flight to our family's private island is quiet and well... basically boring. I smile to myself, soon, in three days to be exact, my brothers will arrive and I'm sure they'll want to do all sorts of adventuring.

Growing up with two brothers that are identical twins, which is extremely rare for my people, tends to be very entertaining, to say the least. Then add into the equation that we grew up in a fairly prestigious family where I was expected, as the oldest, to carry on my family's legacy meant that I dealt with a lot of responsibility and that the twins were able to get away with almost everything as long as it didn't shame our parents. I grew up knowing that one day I would not only be responsible for my father's thriving tech company but also that I would take my father's position as tribe leader. One of eight leaders charged with protecting our region's king, and maybe one day when a new king is decided I'd step up to fill that role.

"Mr.Kim" A different attendant this time, approaches and bows at the waist. " the aircraft is beginning its descent, if you would please raise your seat and buckle in"

"Ah, yes thank you Choonhe" I respond, giving her a quick smile as i do what she asks before proceeding to watch as the ocean and island come into sharper focus.

Stepping out of the private aircraft I breathe in the smell of the island. The mix of warm dampened vegetation, along with the sweet smell of blooming flowers, mixed with the salty spray of the ocean. I sigh, feeling myself relax and the stress from work melt away like bingsu (shaved ice) on a hot day in Floria. Speaking of bingsu, I could really go for some right at this moment i think smiling slightly, me and the twins used to sneak off when we were younger to have some at a corner shop down the street from where we lived.

I take another deep breath of the island air and then begin making my way to the roughed-out path leading to my tropical home. As I make my way along the path I let my advanced senses take over. I can hear a distant waterfall roaring down a cliff face and crashing into the pool of water at its base. The sickeningly sweet smell of decaying tropical fruits, somewhere off to my left, assaults me and I wrinkle my nose slightly.

The 13-minute walk in the tropical heat is just starting to get to me when I see the beige and white structure of the house peeking through the lush green of the trees just up ahead. The house stands three levels tall with lots of open patios and entryways on the upper floors to let the sunlight and air hit every corner of the house. Glass windows cover a decent percentage of the structure, showing off the jungle from all angles within the house. While white granite steps whined off in different directions, some leading to immaculate sitting areas, while others led to the back of the house and other secluded areas around the property.

I make my way up the steps and to the front door, pulling a key from around my neck and sliding it into the keyhole. The door opens smoothly and as I step inside I take in the tropical yet modern look of the foyer and living room. This then opened up into a large chef's kitchen. My luggage, which I assume had been placed upstairs, arrived several days ago and anything that was not already stocked on the island was brought with me on the plane.

"Home sweet home for now I suppose" I whisper to myself as I make my way to the staircase off to the left of the foyer. I take the stairs up to the third floor which is designed more like a penthouse than the third floor of a multi-leveled house. My brothers and I had a bet going on who would make it to the house first, and whoever did would claim this space, which I had.

As I step up the last step onto the third floor I smirk. My brothers will be very jealous they didn't get here sooner to claim this beautiful space. Of course them not being here earlier was completely my doing, as the COO of our family's company I conveniently assigned them extra work, which conveniently lightened my load. Not at all planned of course.

All of the kitchens, laundry, and most of the entertainment areas were located on the ground floor with a half dozen or so rooms for the staff to bunk in if they didn't have a permanent house on the property. The second floor held a few larger rooms for other guests...like my brothers, and the theater area. This floor however was far enough away from the bustle of the first that it almost felt as though you were secluded from humanity, making this truly its own personal oasis situated high enough off the ground to make you feel as if you are sitting among the jungle trees.

The only entrance to this floor is a staircase, which is situated towards the side of the room. a majestic king-sized bed is positioned in the middle of the far wall, with gauze and satin fabric in shades of blue and green, draped from the four-post bed frame. I walk over to it and on closer inspection, I notice that the sheets are also satin, a pearl white that makes the bed look and feel like an inviting summer cloud. I pause my petting and contemplate lying down suddenly yearning to rest, jet lag is a b***h as the humans say.

I take in the rest of the room noting a small sitting area with two beige and teal armchairs and a sofa facing a huge 80-inch tv and on either side a pair of folding glass doors that open up to a balcony with yet another lounging area. I walk to the balcony, deciding to abandon the bed, for now, open the massive folding doors and nod approvingly as I take in the curved gray and blue couches encircling a fire pit. Two armchairs of the same color are set up near a built-in hot tube whose far side is made of glass that melds with the rest of the glass encompassing the balcony.

Turning to go back into the room, I make my way over to the walk-thru closet that is positioned behind the wall where the bed is placed. Cream-colored gauze also covers the entrance to this 10 by 20 space and as I look around I can tell that my father must have had clothes from many high-class stores shipped here. One wall of the closet is filled with evening wear for not only me or my brothers but for any female companion we might have brought along.

I smirk and shake my head, My father knows my brothers all too well as they tended to have many female..." friends". The other wall is lined with drawers and racks suffused with more clothing and a jewelry counter situated in the middle of the room with several drawers containing a plethora of accessories. I go over and open several of the drawers to find watches, ties, rings, and plenty of items used to decorate one's person. I shut the drawers pull off the ring and watch I'm currently donning and place them on top of the counter.

On the opposite end of the closet is an entryway leading to what I presume to be the bathroom. I take my suit jacket off and hang it on an empty hanger as I stride towards the bathroom.

The bathroom is just as enormous and extravagant as everything else in the house and it crosses my mind that my father must keep the place updated by renovating it every couple of years. A pool of a bathtub sits in the middle of the floor while a spacious two-person vanity made of black and white veined marble is splayed along the left wall. Another area of the bathroom is encased in glass with several jets and water spouts set into the wall, and a huge waterfall shower head hanging from the ceiling.

After freshening up I make my way back into the main room and pour myself a glass of white wine. I sigh breathing in the island air that wafts through the room. " I should give the staff some more time to unload the plane and settle down before calling for them," I mumble taking another sip of the peach-flavored liquid.

" And what to have for dinner," I pondered as I make my way out onto the balcony. Leaning against the glass banister I look down as one of the male staff comes out to clean a few leaves that have fallen into the crystal clear waters of the pool in the backyard.

"maybe surf and turf..... and instead of potatoes ill do a garlic pasta instead," I smile to myself thinking of what ingredients I will use to season the shrimp and the herb butter I'll make to go on top of the medium-well steak.

A sudden knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts. "come in," I state stepping back inside the room.

A maid, I believe her name's HaRin, steps inside and bows deeply at the waist.

"Sir, all items have been removed from the plane and have been placed according to their use, and the off-season staff is awaiting your permission to board the plane".

"Ah, I'll be down in 5 minutes Ms. Yun, please inform those that are leaving, and for those that are staying on the island dismiss them for the remainder of the day and inform them that I will see them at 9 am to check-in," I look down at my drink and give it a swirl. I wante some hours alone to collect my thoughts on the upcoming meetings with the other tribes but i mustn't forget that I have others waiting for my directions so why not let them go about the rest of their day and get settled.

The maid, HaRin Yun, bows and quickly leaves to complete her task. I throw back the rest of my drink and turn to the mirror hanging on the wall. I rake my fingers through my hair and grimace, noticing that I'm starting to get circles under my eyes and wrinkles forming between my eyebrows. "you really do need a break" I tell my reflection as I straighten my shirt and pull my hair back into a ponytail at the base of my neck, effectively taming the jet black strands that fall to my lower back. I go back to the closet grab my watch off the jewelry counter and make my way back downstairs.

The staff that is heading back to Reigalya have lined up in the foyer, standing at attention like soldiers, some still wearing their work attire while others have changed into something more comfortable. I stride to a stop in front of the brigade of 20 or so people and smile. They all visibly relax, some even smile back.

"First, id like to thank you all for the great work you have provided to me and my family this past season'" I say crossing my arms over my chest. "I appreciate all of your dedicated work and you can be sure to see some extra change added to your paychecks this year as a sign of our gratitude. Please enjoy your time off with your families and get plenty of rest. If you have any needs or questions while you are on break do not hesitate to reach out. Now go in good health my friends". I say bowing slightly to my staff, as I straighten I'm greeted with a chorus of "Thank you, Mr.Kim "'s. I escort the staff to the front door and hand each of them their checks personally before I send a quick text to the pilot.

(ME)Staff is on their way to board.

Please inform me when they

have arrived. 23 in total.>

A short "yes, Sir" is sent back a few moments later.

I have requested that only a skeleton staff be left on the island, so there are a total of 10 people here including myself. Those that have stayed either have no family to return to or need the extra 7.5 million Ki. (equal to 3 million US dollars on earth)

I watch everyone make their way to the path that leads through the jungle back to the beach, and once the last person disappears behind the trees I shut the front door and head towards the kitchen. Opening a few of the cabinets I take note of their contents before making my way to the fridge and opening it to further investigate. After finding the ingredients I need to prepare the meal I have planned I get out several pots and begin cooking.

An hour and a half later I'm finally sitting down to eat, I opt to eat at the island counter rather than the huge dining room table seeing as it's just myself and I don't want the staff to needlessly wipe down a whole table once I'm done. I pull out my Holopad to go through work emails while I eat. "of course" I sigh pinching the bridge of my nose. The first email in my inbox is from my brother Jeon.

* Junnie you better not be working. If me or Yeon-shi even see traces of you working we're going to tie you to a tree for a week!!! See you in a few days Big Bro!

-Kim Jeon CFO Mangio Corp

Sent from Galacta 9Phone *

I sit the Holopad down, take a few more bites of food, and consider the consequences of sneaking a few hours of work in.

" be harassed by the twins for the next week and a half, or let my father handle the company and tribes on his own for a while like I was told," I shake my head and stand taking the dishes to the sink and cleaning them.

"Knowing Jeon and Yeon they'll figure out I was working or father will tell them," i say drying off the dishes and placing them in their designated locations.

"better safe than sorry I suppose," I say pulling my phone out of my pocket as it chimes.

(CAPTN WAYNE)

I close the phone and listen as I hear the faint sounds of the plane speeding down the strip and taking flight. I listen until I can no longer hear the plane and release a breath I didn't know I was holding. Sometimes it's a bit difficult off from the island but it seems today went off without a hitch. I head back to my room to relax and unwind for the rest of the day.

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The next morning I wake from a dreamless slumber, the air smells of damp earth and salt. Storms coming, I think to myself as I roll over to look at the clock on the nightstand. 5:37 AM it reads and I groan turning onto my back noticing that there is a skylight almost directly above the bed. the sky beyond has turned a dark purple, and a peach haze is starting to creep across the floor from the open glass door that leads to the balcony. Birds of varying shades and sizes are singing and chattering to each other as they soar through the sky. I inhale deeply and decided to go for a jog before meeting up with the staff this morning.

As I untangle myself from the soft caress of my comforter I stand and stretch, yawning as I roll my shoulders, before making my way to the closet. After putting on a pair of dark gray joggers and black running shoes I head downstairs and out to the back of the house. I make my way on a jungle path that wraps around several of the other homes that the staff use while on the island. Some are already outside tending to the gardens and fields or grooming the yard, and I wave as I pass. Aside from the smell of wet earth and salt in the air the noises and scents of the jungle that surround the estate seem normal.

I breathe in deeply, the sweet pungent smell of fruit and flowers assaulting my nose, while the crispness that still lingers in the morning air feels my lungs. My feet suddenly hit sand as I break through the last of the jungle trees and I can hear the splash of ocean waves hitting an outcrop of rocks up ahead. My jog turns into a sprint, the island is almost 100,000 sq feet and is mostly covered in vegetation minus the area that the estate and staff housing sit on. The sandy beach that I'm currently on also runs around almost 80 % of the island's perimeter with a rocky cliff face making up the last 20%.

I push myself into a full-blown run feeling my pulse pick up and sweat form on the back of my neck and between my shoulder blades. I clear all thoughts from my head, concentrating solely on pushing myself off the sand and maintaining my balance. Running on sand is not easy, one wrong move and I could end up on my face.

As I race towards the southernmost part of the island the sand turns to hardened rock beneath my feet and my concentration eases a bit as I focus more on where I'm going and not on falling. The ground beneath me starts to incline, I slow and jog in place as I look down at my watch. It reads 6:15 am and I don't have to be back to the estate for the morning meet till 9 am. I make my mind up and take off running again racing the rising sun to the cliff up ahead. As my feet hit the cliff edge I jump forward plummeting towards the crystal-like water below. The rush of wind whipping past my face makes my eyes sting but I keep them open only closing them once I'm a few feet above the water.

I feel the change start as soon as I'm fully submerged. Slits form just below my ears allowing my lungs to take in the oxygen from the water. My legs from the waist down shimmer and transform into a toned silver and blue scaled tail, the long wispy fin at the end blending in with my surroundings as I start to swim out away from the island. The feeling of swimming freely in the ocean will never seest to be exhilarating, the water is cool and I slice through it zigging this way and that. I rush towards the surface, flipping tail over head before plunging back into the salty depths.

After having my fun I circle the island several times to make sure things are secure before the approaching storm hits. Even though we won't get the brunt of the storm the winds and waves from the aftermath will still be somewhat dangerous. I take a mental note to come back out and check things once the storm passes, it's not unusual to find things washed up on the beach after a storm after all.

Once I make it back to the sandy beach that leads to the house I emerge from the water once again on two legs, the transformation from merfolk to human happening so quickly that if anyone were to see they would just think it was a trick of the sun and ocean water. As I move across the beach to the pathway through the jungle I pull my hair forward over my shoulder and start ringing it out. The rest of my attire is drenched but the exhilaration I still feel keeps the soggy squish of my clothing at bay.

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Now washed and dressed I take post in the main living room waiting for the rest of my staff. Ive barely waited two whole minutes when 10 people are finally standing in front of me at attention, their various work attire giving clues as to what their duties are.

"Good morning, I hope everyone is in good health today," I say smiling as the group acknowledges with nods and "yes Mr.Kim".

" Good, good" I nod "You all know your duties and I have faith that you will all complete them well while we are here. However, if you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to come and find me or call at any reasonable hour of the day, unless there is an emergency of course".

"I also believe there is a hurricane in the works so I need everyone to be prepared and meet back here at the first signs of the storm, Agreed?"

A slight tension fills the air as everyone nods their faces looking grim.

I smile trying to lighten the serious mood I have inflicted without meaning to.

" Ok, everyone go on about your day and thank you for all you do," i say bowing my head slightly as I dismiss everyone.

They all bow at the waist then go their separate ways disappearing just as fast as they had appeared. I take my phone out and shoot a quick message to the twins.

(ME)Hey, I feel a storm building it's possible it'll be here in a few days.>

Have your flight plans changed at all???>

Whats your ETA??>

I shake my head at my phone as it buzzes again with another message from the twins.

<(YEON) UHHUH @_@.

<(JEON) Guess we'll find out for ourselves when we get there, right Yeonie

<(YEON) Right Bro!

I chuckle to myself, sliding my phone back into the pocket of my slacks, and make my way towards the kitchen. Rolling up my sleeves I spot one of the kitchen staff. As I approach I notice it is Mrs.Ahn one of the oldest members of the staff in age and years worked.

"Ahh, Mrs.Ahn what can I help you with " I question as I round the counter towards the plump elderly woman, who is currently kneading some sort of dough. She smiles a tender grandmotherly smile as she looks me over. she has a bit of flour on her cheek and some dough on her apron but the rest of her and the space she is working in are completely spotless.

"MinJun," she says her wrinkled face becoming playfully stern." You hire me to cook, now you take job from me".

"Oh no granmother, I would never dream of it," I say bowing respectfully and grinning all at the same time.

She harrumphs and says" well, you want to help, pull out cabbage, start fresh batch kimchi"

I pull out the cabbage, a large bowl, and some seasoning and get to work.