February 7th, 1873. S.S Rangitoto, Cook Strait, 2315 hours

"What on heaven's earth is that ship up to?" Captain Mackie asked. He was already thinking about the report that he'd have to make about the dangerous actions of that unidentified vessel. The 1st Mate hurriedly approached the captain, which was unusual in itself, as the mate was not known for his expedience.

"Captain, you won't believe this, but me lookout says she's a warship, and he says she's Russian, ...