21#21

21

The vessel swayed gently beneath our feet as the masked, armed individuals advanced, their beams piercing the inky darkness. My pulse raced, but I maintained a stoic facade, remaining motionless even as their commands echoed loudly.

"Show us your hands!" one demanded, his light momentarily blinding me.

Daniel positioned himself in front of us, his demeanor relaxed and expression composed. "Stay calm," he murmured over his shoulder. "Do as I do."

I glanced at Sue, who was braced for action, fists clenched. The others stood rigidly, their anxiety evident.

Daniel raised his arms in a mock gesture of surrender, his face breaking into a broad, disarming smile. "Gentlemen!" he exclaimed with feigned cheerfulness. "We seem to have lost our way. These waters are quite challenging to navigate, you see?"

The group's leader cocked his head, clearly skeptical. "Lost, you say? You're far from the usual paths. What's your real purpose here?"