The command room

As Cheryl and May approached the command room deck, they noticed a growing crowd of onlookers gathering near the door. Curiosity had drawn passengers and crew members alike, eager to witness the aftermath of the fire and catch a glimpse of the charred remnants.

The once pristine white door to the command room now bore visible signs of scorch marks, hinting at the intensity of the flames that had ravaged the area. The crowd huddled together, their voices hushed with a mix of awe and concern.

A security guard stood nearby, attempting to maintain order and prevent unauthorized access to the command room. He wore a stern expression, his uniform dusted with soot, a testament to his recent firefighting efforts.

Cheryl and May approached the security guard, hoping to gain entry into the command room. The guard eyed them cautiously, his gaze shifting between their determined faces and the growing crowd.

"Sorry, folks," he said firmly, his voice slightly strained.

"The command room is off-limits for now. We're still assessing the damage and conducting investigations."

Cheryl exchanged a quick glance with May, their determination undeterred. They understood the need for caution and the ongoing investigations, but they also knew that time was of the essence. They needed to uncover the truth behind the fire before it slipped through their fingers.

Taking a step closer to the guard, Cheryl spoke in a calm yet persuasive tone. "We have crucial information that might assist in the investigation. We witnessed something after the fire broke out, and we believe it's connected. Please, let us speak with the authorities in charge."

The guard hesitated, considering their words. He knew the importance of gathering any valuable information to aid in the investigation, but he also had a responsibility to maintain order and control access to the restricted area.

As Cheryl expected, May didn't show any signs of hesitation. She didn't know if Cheryl was telling the truth or just tricking the guard, but she was ready to play along either way.

With a sense of relief, Cheryl and May followed the guard as he led them through the curious crowd. The onlookers watched with heightened interest, their whispers growing louder in anticipation of the conversation that was about to unfold.

Inside, investigators and technicians were meticulously documenting the scene, examining the damaged equipment, and collecting evidence. The air still carried a faint scent of smoke, a lingering reminder of the fire's destructive force.

With a deep breath, Cheryl turned to the investigators who were working amidst the debris. She approached a senior officer, a stern expression etched upon his face, indicating his authority in the investigation.

"Excuse me," Cheryl began, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "I have some information regarding the fire. While I was searching for the source of the flames earlier, I saw a shadow moving through the smoke."

The senior officer paused his work, his gaze locking onto Cheryl. He motioned for her to continue, his curiosity piqued by her revelation.

"It was fleeting, but I'm certain there was someone else in the command room when the fire broke out," Cheryl explained, her eyes reflecting determination. "I couldn't make out any specific features, but the shadow seemed to move with purpose as if intentionally trying to avoid being seen."

The senior officer listened attentively, his demeanor shifting from sternness to a more focused and intrigued expression. He understood the significance of Cheryl's account and the potential implications it held for the ongoing investigation.

"Do you have any idea who this individual might be?" the senior officer inquired, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Cheryl shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't have any concrete information about their identity. But I believe this shadow might be connected to the fire somehow. It seemed suspicious, given the timing and the chaos that ensued, don't you think?"

Cheryl's eyes shifted towards May, searching for any signs of emotion that may betray her true feelings or intentions. However, much to Cheryl's frustration, May's countenance remained composed and unreadable. There was no discernible flicker of emotion on her face, no telltale sign that would offer Cheryl a glimpse into her true thoughts.

"That's definitely suspicious, " May agreed.

As the door of the command room creaked open, all eyes turned towards it, and a hushed silence fell over the area. The ship captain, a distinguished figure in his crisp uniform, stepped inside, his expression a mix of determination and curiosity.

Cheryl and May exchanged a quick glance. The captain's presence signaled that this investigation had escalated to a level beyond what they initially anticipated. Perhaps there was more at stake than just a mere competition.

The captain surveyed the room, his eyes scanning the remnants of the fire-damaged command center. His gaze lingered on the burnt consoles, the smudged control panels, and the tattered remnants of seemingly important documents. It was evident that the fire had caused significant damage, disrupting the ship's operations.

"Good day," the captain spoke, his voice carrying authority and command. "I trust you are here to assist in the investigation?" He turned his face to Cheryl and May.

"We saw someone leaving the command room earlier, I thought it could be connected, " Cheryl explained.

The Captain nodded. He seemed to have a lot on his mind.

May, standing beside Cheryl, spoke up, her voice calm but inquisitive. "Captain, if I may ask, do you have any leads or suspicions about the origin of the fire?"

The captain's gaze shifted to May, his eyes holding a hint of concern. "At this point, we cannot rule out any possibilities. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and we are gathering all available evidence to piece together what transpired."

His response was very generic and Cheryl couldn't gather any new information. She felt that she had to continue the conversation to learn more, but she didn't even have to try: the Captain did it himself.

"So during the fire, you two saw someone here?"

"I did. I came looking for the source of the fire," Cheryl explained.

"And you, young lady?" Captain switched his attention to May.

"I don't have information about that, no."

Here it is. Cheryl swiftly turned to May. She just lied! She knew something. Cheryl's eyes widened. She knew she couldn't trust May, but she didn't know that May was hiding something related to the fire.

"I must ask," the Captain added quietly, "you understand that being on the crime scene during the crime puts you in an interesting position, Miss Cheryl?"

"How do you know my name?"

Cheryl felt a surge of unease at the captain's pointed question. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, emphasizing the significance of her presence at the scene of the crime. She did not think about it before.

"I know all my passengers. As well as the creative ways they choose to board the ship."

"I assure you that my intention was purely to investigate the fire. I came upon the scene inadvertently while searching for the source of the fire. I guess, that was what you call being at the wrong place at the wrong time.Or the opposite, I'm not sure."

The captain regarded Cheryl with a measured gaze, his eyes scanning her face as if assessing her words and the conviction behind them. After a moment of silence that seemed to stretch on, he finally nodded, the weight of his scrutiny easing slightly.

"Why did you two decide to join the competition?" He switched the topic.

It was a question that had lingered in Cheryl's mind as well, and she was eager to hear May's response. She turned her attention back to the captain, awaiting May's answer.

May took a moment to collect her thoughts, her expression composed and thoughtful. She spoke with a calm demeanor, her voice carrying a touch of sincerity.

"For me, it was my brother's wish," May began, her words measured and deliberate. "He has always had a competitive spirit and a desire to win. Participating in this competition was something he wanted to experience, and I chose to join him to support him and share in the adventure."

Cheryl listened attentively, her skepticism still lingering. She couldn't help but wonder if May's explanation was the whole truth, although she didn't feel any lies in what she was saying. There was something beneath the surface, a lingering doubt that May had some other reasons for joining the competition.

"And for you, Cheryl?" the captain inquired, turning his gaze towards her.

"We thought it would be fun. Me and Vlad," she replied simply.

"And is it?" the captain pressed further, his voice betraying a subtle intrigue.

A smile played on Cheryl's lips, masking the suspicion that swirled within her. "It definitely hasn't been boring," she replied, attempting to keep her tone light.

The captain mirrored her smile before his expression turned serious.

"Glad to hear that," he said, his voice laden with a mix of sincerity and a hidden agenda. "I have to admit, however, and it might surprise you two: the fire wasn't a part of the competition. Well, it wasn't supposed to be."

"You are right, it is surprising," May agreed.

Sneaky little May. Cheryl didn't even try to hide her emotions: May lied again, meaning that this whole time she knew it was not a planned fire. She knew even more than Cheryl thought. Cheryl couldn't get rid of a new thought now; the thought, that May might have actually been involved in the fire.