At that moment, Daniel found it hard to articulate an answer. He took a moment to think and then he replied: ‘Because Chuck is a powerful man and it would be dangerous for both of us to be on the wrong side of him.’
Out of the corner of his eye Daniel saw Vicky nodding along, as though he was reciting her pre-prepared script.
Carlos sighed. ‘Ever the follower of your head, Captain Wilsons. Not even Miss Ore could convince you to follow your heart, I suppose.’
The mood was once again tense. Daniel looked around the table. It really was a miserable scene; he had never seen a crew so dejected. The spectre of Chuck loomed large, even though he was likely halfway to San Francisco by now. And then it struck him; Chuck didn’t need to be on the boat because he had planted agents everywhere. All of them were keeping each other in line, despite what they might want, or actually believe; everyone had convinced themselves that what was in their best interests, was what was in Chuck’s best interests.
This was how he got away with everything:silence, reinforced not just directly, but indirectly. With a combination of bribes and threats he could convince anyone that it was the ‘practical’ thing to do as he said. And how could you overcome that? It would take someone with unshakable principles, and a heart stronger than reason. It would take someone like Ore.
The clatter of Daniel’s cutlery on the plate got everyone’s attention.
‘You’re right, Carlos, I need to follow my heart.’ It was a cringey thing to say out loud, but Daniel needed to build up the courage to say what he was going to next.
‘And I will be putting my name to the story.’ He ignored the flash of panic on Vicky’s face. ‘And what’s more, I think you all should too.
‘Chuck rules this boat with an iron fist, and the worst thing is he is rarely even pulling any punches. We’re all just so scared that he will, or that he’ll close up his wallet, that we do what he says, or what we think hemightsay. I’ve only been working for him for two weeks and I’ve already been brainwashed into believing he is invincible.’ Daniel shook his head, as the realisation sunk in. ‘Chuck has convinced everyone that he is some sort of god, because on this boat, he sort of is … but there’s a big old world out there, where people even as powerful as Chuck can, and should be held to account.
‘I realise now that that was what Ore could see that we …Icouldn’t because we’re so used to this life at sea, where it’s guys like Chuck, the owners, the billionaires, who call the shots, and all we’re allowed to respond is “yes, sir”. We think that’s the only way it can be. But maybe if we all stand together, if we all speak out, we can change things, for ourselves and for each other.’
Daniel wasn’t sure where all of that had come from. He was panting with the effort of scouring it from the unknown depths of himself. The table was stunned.
Carlos sniffed, wiping a tear from his cheek dramatically. ‘Vive la revolution,’ he muttered, as though to himself, and then: ‘Count me in, Capitaine, I too will put my name on the record.’ Daniel smiled, overcome with sheer relief.
‘I will too,’ Nicole added.
‘And me.’ Oscar stood up in excitement and then lowered himself back into his seat gingerly.
‘I have some stuff to say—’ it was Amanda ‘—and I know Dudley will want to speak out as well,’ she said shyly.
They all turned to Vicky, who was leant back in her chair, an expression of incredulity on her face.
‘No way,’ was all she said before standing up abruptly and leaving the room.
Daniel’s heart was beating hard, adrenalised by the camaraderie, and now that Vicky had left the room, he finally dared to explain what he and Ore had discovered. The mining operation, the shell company, the corruption. All of it.
As he spoke, the anger in the room grew and then settled into indignation.
‘So how can we get in contact with Ore?’ It was Nicole asking and the realisation that he didn’t know the answer winded Daniel, his excitement suddenly collapsing in on itself.
‘I …’ Daniel began and then hung his head, defeated.
Carlos reached into the pocket of his apron, a smile spreading slowly across his face. ‘I had a feeling that my lovebirds might need a little help to be reunited …’
