The Expedition Begins
Pepper headed into the local aquarium and walked straight over to
the new saltwater tank. A tall man with unruly hair and a clipboard
was standing in front of the empty tank. His name was Mr. Eisenbart,
and he was the director of the aquarium. He greeted Pepper
enthusiastically.
“Hi Pepper, have you packed all your things for the next three
weeks?” Mr. Eisenbart looked skeptically at the small bag that
Pepper had slung over her shoulder.
“I’ve got my diving gear and my tools. I’m all set!” said Pepper,
beaming. She was very excited about their expedition to the
Bermuda Triangle, which Mr. Eisenbart had spent the last few
weeks preparing for. And Pepper, who had volunteered to spend
the past year cleaning every single pane of glass in the aquarium,
had been allowed to come along!
The empty tank in the aquarium had been prepared for the rare
species of fish that Mr. Eisenbart planned to catch on their
expedition and then investigate in the city aquarium.
“How about we take a look at the research vessel?” asked Mr.
Eisenbart. Pepper nodded. Together, they walked down to the
pier next to the aquarium, where a small team was busy loading
the
Kosmos.
The biggest ship that Pepper had ever been allowed
to set foot on was her friend Andy’s canoe. With a slightly
queasy sensation, Pepper stepped on board the enormous ship,
feeling a little like an adventurous pirate.
5
