Surprise Melody Flintkote. Part Two
Copyright© 2019 by Old Man with a Pen
Chapter 18
One hears, “That’s as hard as herding cats.” I was reasonably certain that the cats referred to are the animal, small, furry, independent, affectionate in their own manner ... but, after the first day, I’m not so sure. I will admit that the recreational craft in our convoy were not all catamarans ... they were the worst offenders.
Since we were supposed to be part of the escort, it was SV Flint‘s duty to ‘Cut ‘em out, ride ‘em in, ride ‘em in, let ‘em out, cut ‘im out, Ride on in, Rawhide!’
At any particular moment there were at least six or seven boats trying their luck at fishing, two or three boats swanning off to investigate a reported whale and a couple of the older crowd spying on the nude sunbathers of the boats with teenage girls ... and Cassie ... and Zoe ... and a slightly preggers Cyn.
First one side of the collection of boats ... it is absolutely impossible to call the mess a column ... and then the other was slowing down or speeding up ... depending.
Depending on which the other bunch was doing ... they were sure to do the opposite. Things were as mentioned for a week ... until...
“SVFlint SVFlint SVFlint!” on channel 16.
“SVFlint.” I spoke into the microphone.
“SVFlint. Switch to secure as specified in your instructions.”
Unlocking the safe next to the NAV station, I checked the the rather large ... well ... thick ... set of instructions, found COMMUNICATIONS, checked the date and followed the directions. “SVFlint.” I said.
“Mel?”
“Yes.”
“You did it.”
“Did what?”
“Followed instructions.”
“Who is this?”
“The wet lieutenant. Communications officer.”
Dripping with sarcasm, I said, “Very funny.”
“The Captain needs to speak with you. Please wait.”
A short pause.
“Commander Collins here.” A male ... deep male voice said. “Are you missing any boats?”
“Cassie ... go count the boats you can see.”
“Are all the boats visible?” He has a great voice, I thought.
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