The oceans had swollen after an environmental disaster that many believe was directly brought on by the nuclear fission war between two of the world powers. Ironically, the world powers were after natural resources, all of which were destroyed by their bombs. 37 years had passed since the land was reported. That was when Abell and Kaine began their journeys. Between the two of these ships, the last of man was saved. They traveled together, in search of any land that the ocean may reveal.

    The captain of Abell was a stout, balding man by the name of Captain Anthony Dam. In all the records aboard, this was shortened to Cpt A. Dam. Captain Dam, on one particular day, wore a navy blue sweater, cream trousers, and a short temper. Aboard the Abell, he was a king out of default. He knew how to captain a vessel such as this, and he had a booming voice that demanded attention. This was threatened, however, by the looming problem of overpopulation. It was true. Everyone seemed to hold this silent knowledge fearfully in their hearts; there was little talk about it. Powell Anguis, the First Mate, defied the social normalities and ordered the issue be brought to light. Perhaps one day, the folks on Abell would see Anguis as a prophet of organized hope and see Dam as simply a washed up old sea dog.

    During this particular blue sweater day, news came that sealed the fate of humanity indefinitely. Land was found.

    “Well, tell me about it!” demanded Dam after Anguis gave him the news.

    “One tall palm tree, brush around it, sand… possibly a lagoon in the middle.” Anguis reported hastily, then added, “Kaine caught sight of it, too.”

    “How big is it?”

    “Big enough for one ship, no more.” Anguis said.

    “Captain A. Dam to Captain Ve!” Dam muttered, clutching the radio with a sweaty palm.

    “Captain Ve of Kaine. Over.”

    “You’ve heard of the land?”

    “Yes. Reports say your ship was hiding that information. Over.”

    “Reports would be wrong, then. My ship, though, is older and more bound to break before yours. We demand seniority. Over.”

    “My ship contains more people. We demand priority. Over.”

    At this point, a shipmate had walked in.

    “Excuse me, Captain?” he began, straightening his back, “I believe this island to be too small for anyone, from the reports I’ve heard. Only one palm tree could indicate very limited supplies.”

    Anguis shot the man a stare as cold as death.

    “Go back to your post.” Anguis ordered.

    “But sir-”

    “Abell lifeboats will be departing momentarily. Over and out.” Dam warned Kaine before throwing down his radio.

    “Prepare lifeboats… prepare torpedoes.”

    

If only they had known, perhaps it would’ve never come to their extinction. It was all an elaborate plan for Anguis to get power. With both ships destroyed, both captains would surely go down with their ships. If only he had known that the ships sunk with the last of humanity as well.