Far From The Sea We Know

by Frank M Sheldon

CHAPTER 36

  “Good thing we’re already on a southerly heading,” Andrew said, a slight smile playing over his face. Penny stood in the bridge entryway, somehow not wanting to go all the way in. Chiffrey stood rocking back and forth on his heels.

  “Three days,” Andrew finally added, “at our top sustainable speed. But that’ll burn through most of our reserve diesel.”

  “You’ll have a refueling tanker waiting for you. By the day after tomorrow. Guaranteed.”

  “Of course. You already had this set up,” she said.

  “Sure did,” Chiffrey said. “Just as an option, should the need arise, and I kind of figured it would. You’ll get a general resupply, as well. Food, parts, equipment, whatever is needed. Does that work, Captain?”

  Andrew replied by cranking up their speed. “This is a far as I can push her. Will save us a day at least.”

  “Wait a sec,” Penny said. “The mid-sea pickup of the crew who are departing…?”

  “We’ve covered that already,” Chiffrey said. “That show’s on for tomorrow afternoon.” He smiled and said to the Captain, “Too bad you can’t just marry Dirk and Lorraine before they depart. Then it could be their honeymoon.”

  “Only happens in movies,” Penny said, shaking her head. “A captain has no authority to perform marriages at sea or anywhere else.”

  “I believe that’s what I just said, sugar.”