Between my internet being down for a few days and my own laziness, this is long over due. More soon.
Chapter 25
Rowdy made contact at the appointed time and for once the news was better.
“Looks like the forward progress of the storm is slowing some. The bad news is, it is sitting in an area of very warm water and it looks as if it will gain strength,” Rowdy broke the news to Sam. “You need to continue to Swan Islands and find the US Ship, Mabus. It is a sub tender. When you get to the dock, ask for Mike Callahan, seaman first class. He is expecting you and Irene. He will have further instructions for you.”
“I copy all of that Rowdy, are you sure we can trust Seaman Callahan,” Sam questioned Rowdy?
“Roger, you can trust him with your life. Make all good speed, no one seems to know where the track of the storm is going. It is almost as if it is being steered.”
Rowdy and Sam broke contact and Sam briefed Irene on the conversation. With a little luck they should be within sight of Swan island within 24 hours.
“I think we can tie everything down and go below for a bit. I am pretty hungry and I really could sleep for a little bit,” Sam suggested. Do you think you could hustle up a bite while I secure the wheel?”
Irene gave a quick ‘Aye Captain’ and disappeared down the three steps to the cabin. Once in the galley she quickly prepared a lunch for both of them and said a silent thank you to Rowdy.
Sam scarcely finished the deconstructed sandwiches, they had run out of bread, before he nosed over. Irene kept him awake long enough to get him in the bunk and it was lights out. Knowing she was in charge for the next few hours, Irene made a pot of strong coffee and went back on deck to watch the compass.
Sam woke with a start, scratching his head, he couldn’t quite figure out how it had gotten dark so quickly. Listening, he could only hear the wind and the waves. He quickly pulled his trousers and shoes on and clambered on to the deck. Sam thought he had never seen anything as beautiful as Irene, illuminated by a solo light as she held the wheel and gazed into the compass. It was at his moment that Sam knew he would do whatever he had to do to make certain Irene would always be in his life.
“Hello, Skipper,” Sam called out to her, “Why did you let me sleep so long?”
“I always figured the body knew how much sleep it needs, so I let you get what you needed, besides, you have been a walking ghost the last couple of days. I could see the exhaustion in you, even if you refused to acknowledge it,” Irene reasoned.
“Let me get a cup of Joe, and I will take over,” Sam offered.
“No hurry,” Irene answered, “the weather is calming somewhat. I have tried to keep up with our speed by using the GPS, but I’m afraid you are going to have to chart our position.”
Sam disappeared below deck to start the coffee and Irene pulled the charts out for Sam to peruse when he came back up. When Sam reappeared with two mugs, Irene gave the compass a last look and secured the wheel.
“I have kept the course steady and the wind has been really consistent for most of the day. Other than decreasing in speed, everything has been just as you left it,” Irene reported.
“Good job, Sailor,” Sam complimented his First Mate, “I apologize for sleeping all day, but I guess I was more tired than I realized.’
Sam got out the charts and after consulting the few visible stars and the speed log, Irene had thoughtfully kept, he decided that the Swan Island should be visible by daybreak, if the wind held out. He got out the GPS and confirmed what the stars had told him. Carefully rolling up the chart and stowing his instruments, he connected his radio to the dipole antenna stretched across the boat. Turning on the HAM radio, Sam heard excited chatter almost immediately. It seems the United States had repelled an invasion attempt on the West Coast. Whether it was a serious attempt or just a fact finding attempt, remained to be seen. All was quite on the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf. Sam was able to piece together some more information. It seems the US Military had grown tired of waiting for the government to respond and was beginning to take things into their own hands. The president, his cabinet, and key congressional leaders were being held incommunicado. The Speaker of the House was the defacto leader, but was acting in accordance with the military. The congress was still in session, but the military leaders were acting in the role of the president. Making suggestions and leading the country with the aid of congress and the Supreme Court. It seemed that several Military leaders were staunch Constitutionalists, and they were determined to preserve the Constitution at any cost. From what Sam was hearing on the radio, The upcoming elections would be placed on hold until such time as all Americans could vote in safety. The draft had been reinstated and all able bodied men between eighteen and twenty five were to report to the police station closest to their residence for physicals and to register for the draft. Sam was well over twenty five, but he was a patriot and he considered asking the commander of the USS Mabus, if he could reenlist and serve. He would, however have to talk to Irene first.