Unmistakable! There it was, an inky black plume of smoke snaking its way into the mist-grey sky. The caption removed the telescope from her eye, collapsing it with a decisive thump on her thigh. She gestured to the horizon.

“Officer Campbell, harden up four points to starboard! Increase speed to 25 knots!”

“Aye Ma'am!”

Anastasia Pasternak had been studying the charts of the outer Hebrides for some time. She was convinced that there had to be something to the disappearances that just kept happening out here. A phenomenon akin to the Bermuda Triangle, perhaps - some freak weather system? Or maybe something darker, if the rumours of a secret detention facility for political prisoners was to be believed. It would certainly fit with all the intrigue and misinformation surrounding the place. Anastasia needed to know.

Unseen on the island's shore, a mysterious figure smiled and stretched her arms out wide. A gesture of welcome? Of freedom; of benediction? The meaning was obscure. The sea lapped, untroubled, at her feet.

Never again would a storm trouble the island's boundary. Nonetheless, she had helped to make this place more beautiful, more exciting…more meaningful. That was something of a consolation, she thought.