by Jim Proctor
“Did she explain to you it was her dinnertime?” Angus asked.
Rupert chuckled. “Yes. She picked up her bowl in her teeth and banged it against the refrigerator. Subtle, she isn’t.”
Angus laughed. “She has a direct approach to communication when she’s hungry. If you hadn’t caught on, she probably would have helped herself to your leg.”
Setting the tray on the chart table, he positioned a stool and sat.
“Come and eat while it’s hot,” he said.
As Angus climbed onto a stool, he pulled the ship’s remote from his pocket and set it on the table. Taking a plate from the tray, he sniffed.
“It smells wonderful. Thanks for cooking,” he said.
“It’s my pleasure. I hope you like it. I found your spice cabinet. I coated the steak in my own blend of herbs and spices, though I had to improvise a bit. You didn’t have everything I usually use.”
Angus cut a piece and tasted it. A smile spread across his face as he chewed.
“It’s spectacular, Rupert. Best steak I’ve had in years. Certainly better than anything I ever cooked.”
“Thank you. I’ll share my recipe if you promise to keep it secret,” Rupert said.
“I won’t tell a living soul,” Angus said.
“It sounds a bit windy,” Rupert said.
“It’s our airspeed. We have a slight headwind, so I’m pushing her a bit. We’re making good speed, though. Thanks to your suggestion that we move on without delay, I think we’ll be ready to fish tomorrow morning.”
Rupert smiled. “Good. I’m ready to catch some fish.”
Fluffy, who had soundlessly curled up under the chart table, began to purr.
“She’s ready for fish, too,” Angus said.
“Thank you for bringing me along, Angus. I really needed a break from the port. I told the owner I wanted a raise. He hired some kid to be my assistant instead, said he could take some of the load from me. My job’s been twice as stressful since. When we get back, if the port isn’t a smoldering pile of ashes, I think I’ll announce my retirement. Let’s see how the owner likes that after having the kid running the port all week.”
Angus nodded. “You’ve earned a nice retirement. You should get yourself an airship and see the world.”
“I had plenty of years as an airship captain before I took the job at the port. No, I’m looking forward to relaxing and fishing. I might even buy a boat,” Rupert said.
“Is your license still valid?” Angus asked.
“What, my fishing license?”
“Your airship captain’s license,” Angus said with a chuckle.
“Of course. You can’t be a port master without a captain’s license.”
“Good. Maybe you can take a shift at the wheel while I catch some sleep,” Angus said.
“I don’t know how to run your ship,” Rupert protested.
“It’s almost the same as a diesel ship,” Angus said. “After dinner, I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
“I’m not making any promises until I see what’s involved,” Rupert said.
“So, does the kid have a captain’s license?” Angus asked.
“Him? No!” Rupert said.
“Then how’s he running the port?”
Rupert smiled. “The port owner is licensed. When I told him I was taking a week’s vacation, he reluctantly said he’d be responsible for the kid while I was gone.” His fork stopped halfway to his mouth. “I hope he doesn’t kill the kid before I get back.”
* * * *
Rupert climbed the steps into the wheelhouse.
“Everything is washed and stowed. The galley is spotless, Captain,” he said.
“I’ll be sure to inspect it before I go to bed,” Angus said. “Now, come over here and let me show you how my ship works. These levers control the speed of the electric motors, and these levers control the pitch of the propellers. These are the motor-speed indicators and these two gauges are the prop-pitch indicators.”
“What about all the other gauges? I don’t know what half of them mean,” Rupert said.
“Look, they all have yellow and red bands marked on them. If something creeps into the yellow, come and wake me. Now, these knobs are very important. They control the helium pressure in the buoyancy bags. You probably won’t need them, but if you need more lift, turn the center knob to the right a little. To decrease lift, turn it to the left. Always make small adjustments. If the center bag is fully inflated and you still need more lift, we’re in serious trouble, but you can adjust the other two knobs the same way. They’re for the fore and aft buoyancy bags. Always adjust them together to maintain trim,” Angus said.
Rupert nodded. “Seems pretty straight forward. I think I can handle it.”
“Good. I’m going to bed,” Angus said.
“You’re leaving me already? I haven’t even crashed the ship yet,” Rupert said.
Angus chuckled. “You’re an experienced airship captain. I’m sure you can crash the ship without me.” As he was closing the cabin door, Fluffy picked up her head, looked around, and then darted through the narrowing gap, nearly knocking Angus over.
Rupert stepped onto the dais. The wheel was too low for comfort, and he couldn’t reach the control levers without bending down. Stepping down again, he tried to push the dais aside, but it wouldn’t move.
“Angus! How am I supposed to stand here?”
“Straddle it or put your deck chair on it!” Angus yelled through the door.
Rupert grabbed his chair from the corner, unfolded it, and set it on the dais. The chair was a little too wide for the dais, and Rupert eased himself into it, being careful not to tip over.
“Hey, this isn’t bad,” he said. Glancing at the GPS, he turned the wheel slightly and then watched through the front window. Occisor squawked. Rupert turned his gaze to the corner where the dragon’s perch stood. “It’s just you and me, boy.”
Occisor squawked again, spread his wings, and flew down the steps.
“Thanks!” Rupert said.
* * * *
Shortly after midnight, Angus stepped out of his cabin.
“Are you here to relieve me?” Rupert asked as he rubbed his eyes.
“You get some sleep. When you wake up, it’ll be time to fish,” Angus said. He patted his friend on the shoulder.
“Are you okay, Angus?” Rupert asked. “Your hand is trembling.”
“I’m fine,” Angus said as he slipped his hand into his pocket.
Rupert stood, folded his chair, and leaned it against the wall in the corner. Wordlessly, he crossed to the stairs and descended.
Angus stepped onto the dais, checked the gauges, and made a few small adjustments. He heard Rupert’s cabin door close as he looked through the front window. Pulling the bottle from his pocket, he took two more pills. He wished he could go up to the bow to breathe some fresh air and feel the wind on his face, but at this speed, he’d be gone over the stern railing without having time to scream. The bottle felt heavy in his hand, which was odd considering it was nearly empty. He stared at it for a moment, and then slipped it into his pocket.
* * * *
The ship was quiet when Rupert came up the stairs. The wheelhouse was empty. The motors were humming gently and the door leading onto the deck was open. Then he saw it—Angus’ chair and fishing gear were missing.
“You half-sized rat bastard!” he yelled. “You started without me?”
Angus roared with laughter somewhere out on deck.
Rupert grabbed his chair and his gear and rushed outside. Fluffy was curled up by her master’s feet eating a freshly caught Ocean Bass. A large trough held several good-sized fish. Unfolding his chair and setting it by the rail, he grabbed some bait from a pail and began preparing his hook.
“We found them,” Angus said.
“I can’t believe you started without me,” Rupert said.
“Are you here to complain, or are you here to fish? Shut up and drop you
r line in the water. You’ve got some catching up to do,” Angus said with a laugh.
As Rupert lowered his line into the water, he said, “I am quite capable of complaining and fishing at the same time, thank you very much. And I will catch up with you by afternoon, because you’re cooking lunch.”
“Fair enough. We’re having fresh Ocean Bass, by the way.”
Rupert smiled. “I can’t believe you started without me.”
“Mind your line. I think you have one already. Set the hook!”
Rupert pulled hard upward on the pole and then began reeling in the line. “It’s a fighter, too,” he said as he struggled to wind in the line.
“It’s a big one, judging by the way your pole is bending. It’s definitely a keeper,” Angus said.
“Why are we hovering twenty meters above the water? I’d have him over the rail already if we were lower.”
“Have you ever seen an airship get hit by a rogue wave?” Angus asked.
“Oh, come on. How often do they occur?” Rupert asked.
“More often than you think,” Angus said just as the fish came over the railing.
“Look at that one!” Rupert exclaimed. “It’s a beauty!”
“It’s bigger than any I’ve caught, so far,” Angus said.
Rupert grabbed the fish and removed the hook. Tossing it into the trough, he baited his hook again and lowered it over the side.
“I think you should take those fish down to the refrigerator, so they don’t spoil,” Rupert said.
“Yes, so you can catch more fish while I’m gone,” Angus said.
“Hey, someone has to get them on ice.”
Angus reeled in his line and leaned his pole against the railing. Gathering an armful of fish, he carried them inside. Fluffy, having finished her fish, began sniffing at the trough.
“Don’t you dare take my fish, cat,” Rupert said.
Fluffy gave him a look that only a cat could pull off and defiantly took Rupert’s fish.
“Hey, you mangy fur ball, that’s my fish!”
The line jerked. Ignoring the cat, Rupert set the hook and began reeling in another fish. By the time Angus returned for another armful, Rupert was dropping another large fish into the trough.
“You’re gonna have to move faster, old friend,” he said.
“Okay, put down the pole and help me. Let’s get these to the galley,” Angus said.
“I’m on a hot streak, here. I can’t stop!”
“Come on. It’s part of the job. Grab some fish,” Angus said.
With a scowl, Rupert put down his pole and collected a load of fish. He was already coming up the stairs when Angus was heading down with his load.
“You long-legged freak,” Angus said.
Rupert laughed and patted Angus on the head as he passed. “I’ll be fishing if you need me.”
* * * *
Angus put the last of the fish into the refrigerator. Stepping into the passageway, he looked to make sure Rupert had gone up to the deck. Pulling out the bottle, he found it was empty. He didn’t recall taking the last two pills. Hurrying up the steps, he dashed into his cabin and opened a drawer, dropped the empty bottle in, and picked up the new one. His hands shook so badly about a dozen pills spilled into his hand as he poured. Tossing two into his mouth, he dumped the others into the bottle and capped it. Shoving the bottle into his pocket, he headed out to rejoin his friend on deck.
* * * *
It was late afternoon when they piled their fishing gear in the corner of the wheelhouse. “I am so glad I came with you, Angus. I can’t remember a time when I’ve had so much fun fishing.”
“It’s been a treat for me, having you along, Rupert. Now, if you’ll pilot the ship, I’ll prepare lunch.”
“We’re practically standing still,” Rupert said.
“I know, but someone has to be on watch, and you said it was my turn to cook.”
“We’re going to have a problem,” Rupert said.
“Oh, what’s that?”
“If we keep catching fish like we did this morning, we’re gonna run out of room in the refrigerator by bedtime,” Rupert said.
“I thought we were done for today,” Angus said.
“Are you kidding? I’m on a hot streak! I’m going back out after lunch.”
Angus smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, my friend. After we eat, you can fish while I clean and fillet our catch. That will cut the volume nearly in half and I’ll put most of it into the freezer. That’ll give us room for tomorrow’s catch.”
“You know, Angus, I was thinking, fishing has been good here, but do you think maybe we should move a bit to the north? I mean, all day long, the fish have been migrating. We might be at the tail end of the school by now. We weren’t catching them as quickly toward the end,” Rupert said.
Angus looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay. You take us north while I cook. But if we lose the fish, it’s your fault.”
Rupert waved a hand dismissively. “Go cook. Leave the fish chasing to me.”
* * * *
Angus stepped out onto the deck. “So, how is the fishing?”
Rupert pointed to the empty trough.
“You lost the fish, then,” Angus said.
His friend reeled in his line. The bait was untouched.
“Yes, I lost the fish,” Rupert said. “What does your knowledge of fish behavior have to say? Should we go east, or west?”
Angus patted him on the shoulder. “East, I think.”
“Is that a scientific pronouncement, or a guess?” Rupert asked.
“I had a look at the GPS before I came out here. The Ocean Bass tend to hug the edge of the continental shelf as they migrate. We’re too far west. Come inside. It’ll be dark, soon. We’ll find them in the morning.”
“I’m sorry, Angus,” Rupert said as he began collecting his gear.
“It’s okay. This afternoon, we were short on fridge space. We’ve done well, so far. There’s no rush,” Angus said. “I cleaned and filleted our catch, putting most of it into the freezer. I just need to dump the guts and bones overboard. Tomorrow, we’ll fill the fridge again.”
“I hope you’re right,” Rupert said as he headed for the door.
“So, do you want to stand watch, or cook dinner?” Angus asked.
Rupert thought for a moment. “I’ll cook.”
“Good. Then I’ll take us east. We’ll be on the fish again in the morning.”
“I hope so,” Rupert said.
“Hey, Rupert,” Angus said as his friend reached the stairs, “a couple of days ago, you were running Port Zebron and complaining about your assistant. Fishing is a whole lot better, and we’re just getting started.”
Rupert smiled and nodded before heading down to the galley.
* * * *
The sun was high overhead, and Rupert was smiling broadly. “Best fishing trip ever!” His line jerked, and he quickly set the hook and began reeling it in.
Fluffy, having had her fill of fresh fish, was asleep by Angus’ chair.
“I told you we’d be on the fish this morning. My legs are tired from hauling our catch down to the fridge. Speaking of which, the trough is getting full again. Come on, add that one, and then you can help me get this lot belowdecks,” Angus said.
“Angus Beaph, you are an angler’s angler! I would have spent days out here with nothing to show for it but a bucket of smelly bait.”
“Thank you, Rupert. Now, fill your arms with fish and help me,” Angus said as he headed for the door carrying four Ocean Bass.
Rupert pulled his latest catch off the hook and grabbed five more fish before following Angus inside. They each made a second trip, which cleared the trough. Rupert sat and began to bait his hook when Angus tapped him on the arm.
“Have a look over there,” Angus said, pointing northward.
“What am I looking for?” asked Rupert.
“That airship, do you see it?”
Rupert shaded
his eyes. “Maybe. You have better eyesight. It’s just a dark speck to me.”
“It’s an airship. I’m going into the wheelhouse in case I need to move,” Angus said.
“Oh, come on, Angus. They aren’t going to run into you.”
“You know the rules, Captain Watson, someone has to be at the controls when two airships are in close proximity.”
Rupert pointed. “Close proximity? Them? They must be twenty miles out!”
“Best to be safe,” Angus said. “I wouldn’t drop your line into the water just yet. I have a feeling I’ll be moving the ship in a minute.” Angus rushed into the wheelhouse and closed the door before Rupert could argue.
A few minutes later, Angus heard Rupert fumbling with the door handle. “What did you close the door for?” Rupert asked when he finally got the door open. He stepped inside, arms laden with gear.
“Is that everything?” Angus asked.
“Everything but the fish trough and the bait. Oh, and your critters.”
“Push the trough over against the wheelhouse wall and bring the bait in and put it in the fridge. Then I’d like you to go up to the bow and keep an eye on that airship,” Angus said. “Fluffy! Get your brother and come inside!”
“What’s gotten into you, Angus? You act like the devil himself is on that airship.”
“Go on, move the trough and take care of the bait,” Angus said. The intensity of his expression warned Rupert against further protestations. He hurried through the door, returning a moment later with the bait bucket. Occisor flew through the doorway with Fluffy trotting in behind him. When Rupert came up from the galley, Angus said, “Close the door when you go out, Rupert.”
“Angus, I’ve never seen you like this. What’s going on?” Rupert asked.
“Please, go to the bow and keep an eye on that airship,” Angus said.
Rupert stepped out and closed the door. Leaning on the bow railing, he strained to see the airship, wondering what it was that had his friend acting so oddly. They were closer now, and he could say for certain that it was an airship. A moment later, he heard the cabin door slide open.
“They’ve spotted us and sent a distress call, Rupert! I want you to do all the talking. Don’t mention me, understand? If they ask, tell them you’re the captain and find out what they need.” Angus ducked back inside and closed the door.
