Chapter Three

November 30, 1907

      Tragedy has struck our adventurous vessel. Last night, a massive storm shook our ship like a child’s toy, leaving the deck in shambles. What’s worse, one quarter of my crew was thrown overboard and lost at sea.
      My most trusted crew member, my First Mate, Erick, was one of those taken and for this, I am in mourning. I felt a real connection to Erick and I think that he was the one person on this crew that I would liked to reach Antarctica with the most.
      I have begun the selection process for a new First Mate, but it is not easy. My crew has grown very tight over the past weeks and most of them are mourning the loss of a loved one during the events of last night. On top of that, I keep getting the feeling that they don’t entirely approve of my job as Captain. That isn’t to say that they completely disapprove of me. I don’t feel like that, as all. I just think that many may not see me as experienced enough to undertake a voyage such as this.

      I have already heard the rumors circulating that Erick had informed me of this storm and ways to steer around it. I have also heard the rumors that I told him not to steer around it and that it would clear up. I can only assume that this is a price you pay to be Captain. I have to believe that this is born only out of grief and not the true feelings of my crew. I would hate to think that anyone could believe that I would actually endanger the lives of these men that serve me faithfully.
      I’m sure it is nothing.

      None the less, it appears I am at a crossroads. I had hired a fairly large crew, so it’s not entirely impossible for us to tarry on, without them. But, at the same time, I’m not sure that I should. When I sat down with each member of my crew, while hiring them, I told them that they would be the most valued thing on the ship.
      I can’t help but feel that if I move on toward my goal, I will be disrespecting their memory in some way. However, I must also consider the possibility that they would not have wanted us to give up on our journey.
      This morning, I spent the first few hours of my day locked in my cabin, in deep prayer and meditation. I do believe that God speaks to us through the events around us and I had to know if this was God’s way of telling me to turn around and head back to London.
      I can rest assured knowing that it is not. While praying, this morning, a long calm settled over me when I thought of Antarctica. I believe that this is God telling me that he still favors this voyage.

      However, looking around, I get the feeling that my crew does not agree with me. As I walk along the deck, I feel like they’re looking at me with malice in their eyes. My fear of a mutiny has risen again; however, I must stifle it. It can only be my own insecurities. God has ordained the voyage and, as such, I must have faith that I am on the course toward his glory.

Sincerely,
Capt. Edmund M. Hogglesforth