Chapter 29

Back at GmGH, the Flock relearnt their fabrication skills as they hand jigged, used the portable seamer, ran control cables, connected power cables to the impellers without the main engine fitted, looked at catalogues and selected nav com equipment and argued about the best yacht racing 'puter.

The main engine was finally fitted and the serious work of testing was begun. The electronics arrived and Denny and Slow had their 'drooling' time. Using the yard's resources, the racing yacht quickly took shape. Yard entry limits were relaxed as McCock thought a stream of kibitzers would spread the word about the yard and lead in to the story of design of bigger things to come which would for commercial reasons limit the access to the yard, particularly the holds.

There was a steady stream of repair and minor fabrication work passing through GmBH, distracting the Flock from their main purpose in life, namely building racing space yachts.

McCock kept a firm control over the rest periods and the Flock in turn managed his. Mostly they spent the off duty time at "The Green Man" where McCock was invariably joined by Erin Nancarrow.

On several occasions, GmBH held a party, by invitation only, in the "Trader's" passengers' dining room. They arranged caterers who used the dining room kitchens – the Flock had been using the Canteen's. Being distrustful of their fellows in general, the Flock secured the crockery, cutlery and decorations in the Purser's office. (The items never were returned and it was many decades later, that the Flock retrieved them for their sentimental value.) A band was hired and McCock sealed off all areas other than the Portside Passenger Access hatch, detailed No5, which came past the Canteen to turn left to the dining cum dance floor. A temporary bulkhead was put in place to physically prevent access to the lower passenger deck. The access to officer country and bridge and to the first class suites was already secured. Just before the caterers and band arrived No 4 hatch was sealed. The access from first class to the vestibule was completely disabled. McCock suspected one or two of the suites might have an additional occupant or two and didn't want anyone taking a wrong turning.

Denny was the duty officer and kept a sober eye on things until the last guest departed; the band and caterers had by then been lone gone, it being almost fore noon watch. Slow's friend was over on his routine visit from Settlement – that was probably why these dates had been selected. Erin came as McCock's guest and explored the wonders of a Captain's Cabin