Chapter 42

Wayne Burton-Avers was a big man with hands the size of shovels. Despite his conservative business attire he looked out of place in an office; he looked as if he should be out on the yard holding metal plates in position for seaming. The Flock were not surprised when they later learned that Wayne was a foundation member of the Steam Engine Club with a special interest in hand riveting.

"He probably just squeezes with one hand." Denny opined.

As Wayne lived dirtside locally, he continued to commute daily to his new office. He was officially seconded but that information was held tight with only the Navy Yard Commanding Officer in the loop. His colleagues were just told that he was going to work for GmBH allowing them to believe the fields were greener over on that side of the channel. He was, by arrangement, let go on two weeks' notice.

In keeping with his size he was deliberate with his approach to his work. There were long and intense discussions involving detailed questioning by Wayne. After one discussion period Cowboy made unfavourable comparisons with having to discuss a presentation with Head of Department at the Naval Technical School. Wayne quickly grasped all the reins and developed the Flock's knowledge base considerably. He introduced them to 'puter techniques in design which enabled him to assess, modify and incorporate into the much more complicated drawings required of a hypercabable vessel.

He had replied to one of McCock's appreciative comments that the Flock would have, in fullness of time, made the final drawings. Denny answered for the Flock,

"When? Next century?"

Toward the latter end of the planning, the vexed question of manning had again arisen and McCock presented his solution.

"We'll make an absolute minimum of six; that calls for a crew of twelve needing six bunks for watch on and watch off, hot bunking, bringing crew up to CO plus twelve. Captain's cubby with personal fresher and office on port side forward of enviro with bunks for the crew starboard side. Higher can work out officer NCO breakdown and variations in accommodation."