8. European Waters
It is dawn, and the Nautilus floats on the surface of the Mediterranean Sea. You, Ned, and Conseil are alone on the platform.
Ned breaks the silence. “We need to talk,” he says.
You know instantly what he’s going to say. He wants to speak of escape. A knot forms in your stomach.
“Listen,” says Ned. “We’re in European waters now. Before our crazy captain drags us to the bottom of the Polar Seas or worse, I want to leave the Nautilus.”
Conseil nods, agreeing with Ned. You aren’t sure you feel the same way. Captain Nemo does seem unstable at times. But thanks to him, you’ve seen wonders that you never would have before. You’re now writing the most complete study ever done on the ocean depths, and you know you’ll never have an opportunity like this again.
“Is it so bad being on board?” you ask Ned.
Ned takes awhile before answering. “I don’t regret the journey so far. But I’m ready for it to be done.”
“It will be done, some day,” you answer.
Ned’s eyes flash. “When?”
“I don’t know. I suppose it will be done when the seas have nothing more to teach us.” Your argument sounds weak, even to you.
Ned presses on. “So what are you hoping for?”
“Well,” you say, “maybe in six months...”
“Six months!” shouts Ned.
Conseil tells him to keep his voice down.
Ned tries his best, but his temper leaks through his next words. “Mr. Arronax, we’re close to Europe. We should take advantage of this chance while we can. Suppose Captain Nemo offered your freedom today. Would you take it?”
“I don’t know,” you reply.
“What if the offer would never be made again? Then would you?” presses Ned.
His question causes you to pause and think for a moment. You are having the adventure of a lifetime, and you are learning so much. Yet, at the same time, you are a prisoner. Captain Nemo can do whatever he wants with you, whenever he chooses to do so.
Should you convince Ned you are right, that your time aboard the Nautilus should not yet end? Or is he right? Should you begin planning your escape right away? What will you choose to do?