Chapter 9:
Distant Waves
The sound of my watch vibrating on my wrist startled me awake. I sat upright and yawned while checking the time. The boat slowly rocked as my phone screen read seven A.M. I quietly sat up, trying not to wake Sara in the bunk above. She was nice enough to give me the lower bunk as I would be getting up earlier than she would.
I slipped on my Oceanworld shirt as well as a cap and went upstairs onto the deck, slowly closing the door behind me. Hopefully I didn’t wake Sara up, I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. Since the boat was anchored, I didn’t need to wear the full suit up on deck. But that wouldn’t matter, I’ll be getting into the ocean shortly anyway.
I thought back to the events of last night- just as I was getting ready for bed and chatting with Sara, there was a knock on the door. I found Kokomi by the door, and she asked if we could speak briefly before we retired for the night. I agreed and followed her to the lounge area below deck so we could talk privately.
“So Kokomi, is everything ok? I thought you were heading to sleep.”
“I was going to sleep but then I remembered something. I am sorry to keep you up so late.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. I was just getting to know Sara a bit- I am surprised how good her Japanese was!”
“That’s wonderful! It’s always a good idea to get to know the people on expedition ships. You can make some great connections, after all you never know when you will work with them again!
Now, the reason I called you here was to discuss the plan for tomorrow. I must apologise for changing schedules on such a late notice. I had a long talk with Captain Bell, and he informed me that they were moving tomorrow’s schedule forward a bit.
The original plan was for us to go to do a scout dive tomorrow to take photos and video the wildlife for study before we move to the main experiments. That is of course why we brought the rebreather gear with us.
We were going to be going on the scout dive around lunchtime and I planned to get you into the water around nine A.M to train you on the system first.
Unfortunately, they want us to go on the scout dive at ten A.M now which means you and I need to go on our training dive at seven. Is that ok with you? Sorry to make you get up even earlier, but we have to make the most out of all the days we are out here.”
“No need to worry Kokomi. I came on this trip to help you with this expedition. Waking up a little earlier isn’t a big deal at all.”
“Great! Then can we meet in the dive locker area around six-thirty so we can get you all prepared before we jump in.”
So that’s why I’m up on the deck alone before everyone else wakes up. I quickly moved to the back of the boat. I could see the hatch was already open, waiting for me. I led myself down the ladder and could see Kokomi below preparing all the tanks.
“Good morning Doctor Kokomi!”
As my feet hit the metal below, I called out to Kokomi. Startled, she almost dropped the scuba tank she was working with. She turned to face me and gave me a big smile.
“Good morning Kayo, you’re up mighty early! It’s still thirty minutes before I told you to come to meet me.”
“I was eager to get started so I made sure to get here early.”
“What a fine assistant you’re turning into!”
Kokomi smiled in appreciation, “Alright, since you’re here early, you can help me move all the gear to the edge of the diving entrance.”
She paused as she pondered before she continued, “Since we are diving so far out to sea right after a storm, you should probably go and get all your diving gear on. So, go grab your hood, gloves, and boots. With the time that we have, I think we will have you probably do about three dives today so best to keep your body as warm as possible. I’ll be doing the same.”
Thinking of Kokomi's words, I headed to where we kept our wetsuits and started to gear up. I made sure to put on some extra layers to stay warm. As I was putting on my gear, I did feel my nerves start to get the better of me. This was going to be my first dive out to sea. I need to stay sharp and not mess this up!
After getting all my wetsuit gear on, I moved over to the hole under the boat that led directly into the water. The hole was about eight feet wide and six feet deep- just wide enough to easily slip into the water with tanks on and not touch the metal edges. It had a large retractable watertight seal that was hinged above us which would remain closed when not in use.
As I sat with my feet in the water while getting my fins on, Kokomi was by my side helping me get the rebreather properly set up. She had been explaining the processes to me while I was getting my wetsuit on so now it was all about putting her words into practice.
Normally you would have the regulator hose coming from one side in a thin cable, so it was weird to pull the regulator hoses over your head. As Kokomi turned the valve, I took a quick test breath to check that it was all working. With that, I put the regulator in my mouth and the mask on my face. With all my equipment on securely, I pushed my weight forward and hopped into the water.
Immediately bobbing back to the surface, I removed the regulator once again and let it dangle around my neck as I waited for Kokomi to enter the water. As I watched her put on her mask, I was once reminded how elegant she was!
I am so lucky to get trained by such a professional.
Shortly after, Kokomi dropped into the water then began bobbing next to me. We began to speak about what we would do during the dive. We then put our regulators in and slipped beneath the waves, this time without a trace of bubbles left behind.
After thirty minutes, we once again broke the surface in the small entrance hatch under the boat. Kokomi reached the surface first and I followed closely behind her. I pulled my mask and regulator out and began to inflate my BCD vest. I could see Kokomi had already removed the tanks from her back and was beginning to climb up into the boat.
I swam over to the side of the hatch and followed what she had done. I unclipped the middle clip from my vest and swung the tanks off my back like a backpack. I immediately lost the buoyancy from the tanks and vest, so I began to kick to stay afloat as I moved to the edge of the hatch.
I helped Kokomi with her tanks first as she pulled them from the water. I helped guide them up while holding onto the edge. Next, we pulled my tanks out, repeating the process. Next, I removed my fins, placed them up next to the tanks and pulled myself out of the water.
Even though it was only a thirty-minute dive I had to admit that I was still a little worn out from all the swimming.
Kokomi seemed bright and refreshed after the dive, “So how did you find your first rebreather dive?”
“It was incredible how silent it was! You weren’t kidding when you said you can hear yourself think down there!”
“Rebreather diving can be a very calming experience. So, I must ask you then, which do you prefer, rebreather diving or full-face mask?”
I pondered for a moment, “Oh, that’s a tough question since I’ve only tried them both once.”
After some consideration I replied, “Although rebreather diving is cool and the sensation of the regulator in my mouth is quite familiar to me, I would say I have to say the full-face mask is my favorite. There’s something about not just being able to talk to others around and on the surface but also having no jaw fatigue after the dive. It’s just awesome!”
Kokomi chuckled as she moved the rebreather tanks over to the compressor and plugged them into the connecting hoses, “I guess you and I are one in the same Kayo...”
“Since we only did a short dive, it’s best we leave all the equipment set up and ready to go for the actual dive. We will need to close the hatch before we move to the experiment location but just leave all the gear here. I’ll pack up down here so why don’t you put your shirt back on and head back up to deck and get some breakfast.”
I nodded at Kokomi and moved past her to where my clothes were. I took off the hood and gloves and hung them over the railing to dry a little before the next dive. Next, I rolled the wetsuit down halfway and put my shirt back over the bikini top. I decided that I should probably keep my diving shoes on, but I made sure to sit down, take them off and empty the water before putting them back on.
Crawling up the ladder back on the deck, I could smell breakfast cooking. I wonder if the Americans are going to cook some of their specialties for breakfast. As I climbed up the last rung, I could see a few of the scientists sitting with breakfast in hand.
“Oh, good morning Kayo, you were gone before I got up, so I guessed you had gone for an early morning dive with Doctor Kokomi. Why don’t you go and grab some breakfast below and come join us!”
I nodded in acknowledgement and headed downstairs. After the number of dives I had gone for in recent days, you would have thought that I would have remembered how hungry I would have been by now.
I was the most nervous approaching the final dive for the day. This would be the first experiment I would be a part of and not only that, but one spanning multiple countries! This is just a crazy thing to think about. Multiple massive international organizations working with me?!
Not even a week ago I was writing PowerPoints for corporate Japan. Now here I am, off the coast of Chiba following the end of a typhoon with multiple national oceanography and space agencies. I never would have thought this was possible.
The second dive had gone off without any hassle. After breakfast, we set off for the location we would be sampling for experiments.
Arriving at the GPS location everyone gathered on the top deck for a full briefing. Each of the teams introduced themselves again and the role they would be fulfilling during the experiment.
Of the fourteen crew onboard, with myself excluded, there were three others whose first trip it was as well.
Once the briefing was done, it was time for Kokomi and I to go out and survey the location we would be testing in. Gearing up and diving in, we went on an hour-long dive. In that time, we got plenty of vital photos and video footage.
Since it was easier for me to take lots of videos, I was given that task by Kokomi. Once we got back on the ship, the video footage we gathered would be analyzed and discussions were hosted about which area we should focus on for the third dive in the afternoon.
While I was engrossed in my work, and the discussions, I did not notice a figure approaching me.
“Are you hanging in there, Kayo? You seem a little nervous. I don’t think we’ve officially met.”
I looked up into piercingly blue eyes framed by dark hair, and at that moment, everything I had been thinking about previously went out the window. I could feel my heart begin to race. I tried to mutter a word in response, but it was a little difficult when all I could manage was a stutter.
“My name is Beni. I’m here with the NASA team. To be honest, I was only really selected for this role because I could speak Japanese. I guess today I will also be your dive buddy huh, it’s a pleasure to work with you.”
“N-N-Nice to meet you too Beni! I heard your introduction earlier. You’re also here for a first expedition. I look forward to working with you as well. Are you going to be piloting the mini submersible?”
“Yeah, that’s correct. I’ll always be in radio contact with both of you, so you have nothing to worry about. I’m here to assist you guys with sample storage and data collection.”
“Well, I-I-I look forward to working with you then. Now, I better get going and check the equipment with Doctor Kokomi. I’ll see you later.”
As I headed towards where Doctor Kokomi, it sank in that I had left the conversation with him before I had even ended the sentence. What was that!? My heart thudded against my ribcage; he was so cute! What were these feelings I was having!
I shook my head as I tried to take a few breaths to calm down- I must stay focused on my tasks. I can think about these things later.
Trying to not think about the guy I just met, I went down the ladder once again and saw Kokomi preparing all the equipment. She had mentioned earlier that it’s best just to leave setting up the equipment to her since she’s done this process so many times.
I really wish I could help her, but she was adamant that ‘it is best for me to get to know the crew rather than be crammed down here with tanks. You go have fun’. Or so she said. I am sure I will get more training in setting up gear in the future. Doctor Kokomi is always tirelessly working. She really is a dedicated worker to her craft.
“Ah Kayo, just in time. Why don’t you get and get suited up and then we can test the communication equipment with the guys upstairs?”
I moved to the back and geared up once again. I grabbed a new hood and gloves from the rack and slipped them on. I zipped up my wetsuit then moved over to the masks and slipped it on my face. I made sure to flick the switch open on the side which meant I’m not breathing off the tank just yet.
“Testing, one, two, three. This is Kayo, can you hear me?”
For a second, I could only hear the crackling of static before I heard a voice finally come through on the other end.
“Dive team from base, we hear you Kayo loud and clear. This is Beni on the other side, how is it coming through for you?”
In that second, I felt my cheeks flush- I think I just blushed while in the mask, but I couldn’t be sure. A quick glance at Kokomi fitting her own mask gave me the answer I needed. The large smirk growing on her face said she had seen everything. She saw that whole interaction on deck!? I couldn’t feel more embarrassed right now!
“Yes base, I’m reading you loud and clear.”
The voices in the earpieces continued their checks.
“Base and Kayo, this is Kokomi requesting a radio check. Do you read me?”
“Kokomi from base reading you loud and clear.”
I then replied to Kokomi’s radio check.
“Kayo to Kokomi, I read you loud and clear.”
“Excellent, I read both of you loud and clear. Kayo and I will continue to prepare down here then enter the water in about five minutes. We will request another check after Subbie comes to meet us.”
“Understood, we will keep the line open and await your radio check. Base out.”
As we both took our masks off, I immediately looked over at Kokomi with confusion.
“Subbie?”
“Well, I had to give the little guy a name. The submarine? You know the one being controlled by the guy who seems to have already stolen your heart...”
The large grin had returned to her face as she lowered her eyebrows the second she uttered those words. I was speechless, all I could do was look away trying to hide the blushes that were forming on my cheeks. I could barely utter a reply.
“I’m not sure what you are talking about...”
“Well, I won’t press you on it, but I hope I get to see what is to come with that a little later tonight when we return.”
With that, Kokomi moved back to working on the tanks, I on the other hand stood exactly where I was, trying to calm down and not die of embarrassment.
Slipping beneath the water all kitted up and ready to go, Kokomi and I completed our radio checks before meeting with the now infamous ‘Subbie’ beneath the boat.
Subbie was a small RC submarine about eight feet long, four feet wide, and three feet high. He had dual flashlights on the front and two cameras behind a waterproof case. Manoeuvrable fans meant that he could follow along without creating a massive wake of bubbles behind. Now that the little guy had a name, I feel like someone should draw little eyes and a smile on him.
“So, Kayo, are you ready to get started?”
Kokomi was looking over at me about six feet away. I nodded in response, and she grinned, “Let’s get to it then!”
As we entered the water, Kokomi gave us more instruction, “Alright, let’s dive. Try to keep up over there, Beni. I don’t want to wait for you at the bottom!”
“Don’t you worry Doctor Kokomi, I’m sure if I pushed this thing to the max power, it would be out of your sight in a matter of seconds.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second, Beni.”
Listening to the playful chatter really helped put my mind at ease as we began our descent. I wanted to get in on the banter but was unsure of what to say. I’ve never been at such a loss for words.
The area we would be surveying was at a depth of about thirty-five meters on the edge of an underwater shelf. It was about two hundred meters from the boat. Kokomi had mentioned that the captain was a little worried about getting too close to the shelf and disrupting the wildlife, so we had to swim over to the area.
When we reached the designated area, we would be splitting into two teams. Kokomi would survey the left side of the shelf with me while Beni would check the right side. The shelf was about ninety meters long so we would meet on the other side.
“Then let’s get to it, see you on the other side. If anything goes wrong, call out on the radio.”
As we approached the location, Doctor Kokomi and I began to diverge from Subbie. As we split off, I noticed an excessive number of bubbles coming from Kokomi’s area. She was at a distance where the water started to become murkier, and I couldn’t quite make out the source of the bubbles.
“Come on Kayo, we don’t want to make Kokomi wait on the other side. Let's get to it”
Beni was right. So, I began to move towards our side of the shelf. Since I was the newest of the team, I was to follow Beni’s instructions from NASA for their data collection. Kokomi would be collecting our samples.
After about fifteen minutes, Beni and I were about halfway down the shelf when I started hearing a crackling over the radio.
“Hey Beni, is that on your end?”
“No, I'm hearing it too. Could it be interference?”
Before I could reply a faint voice began to go out over the radio.
“Tank fail ………. Help mmm………”
THAT SOUNDED LIKE KOKOMI’S VOICE! DID SHE JUST SAY TANK FAILURE? I immediately began to yell out over the radio.
“Doctor Kokomi do you copy? Are you there!? Beni, I’m going to go look, it sounded like Kokomi’s in trouble!”
“I don’t see her anywhere! Go look for her, I will dispatch a zodiac raft right away to help!”
I swam as fast as I could above the line of the shelf and started swimming above in her last known direction. After about ten seconds I spotted a silhouette above about ten meters below the surface not moving.
I swam up and as I got closer, I knew with certainty that it was Kokomi. Her arms weren’t moving, and her right arm was gripping her spare yellow octopus regulator. I swam over in front of her. Her mask is off and she’s not moving. Her eyes were wide open!
“COME IN BASE THIS IS KAYO, KOKOMI IS... I DON’T KNOW HER MASK IS OFF AND SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE IS DROWNING. I’M GOING TO PUT MY MASK ON HER AND BRING HER TO THE SURFACE. PLEASE COME QUICKLY!”
Before I could get a reply, I took a deep breath and ripped the mask off my face. Water and bubbles immediately hit my face and blocked my view. I jammed the straps over her head and pressed the mask to her face and held the purge valve to clear the water.
I grabbed the mask I had on my waist and fit it to my face then grabbed the yellow octopus regulator from my vest and put it in my mouth. I took a deep breath of air and started to look around if there was anything else I could do to help Kokomi.
I moved closer to grab a better hold of Kokomi and started ascending to the surface as fast as possible. I checked her tank gauge and it read ZERO!
I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG SHE HAS BEEN UNDER THE WATER WITH NO AIR! ALL I CAN DO IS GET HER TO THE SURFACE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AND HOPE THE SHIP IS CLOSE BY.
With two meters to go, I looked over at her and noticed no bubbles had been exhaled from the mask I put on her. THIS IS REALLY BAD!
We broke the surface, and I immediately inflated my vest as much as it could to hold on tight to Kokomi. I felt for a pulse on her neck but felt nothing. My mind was racing so fast, I clung onto Kokomi with all my might making sure she doesn’t fall below the surface.
I could hear the sound of an engine in the distance, and I stuck a hand up in the air and began to wave frantically. They began to change their course towards my direction. I could see the people on the boat shouting, but I couldn't hear anything but the sound of my own heartbeat and the waves around me.
As the boat neared me, all I could think about was how this could have happened. I saw two people jump from the raft and swim frantically over towards me.
All I can wonder was if I made it in time to save my friend. It was then that my body caught up to my thoughts. No matter what I did, I couldn’t stop shaking in the water...
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