by Lee Thomas
“Guys, for now, let’s get all the rifles and pistols put up in the armory, for safety. They will still belong to you, but they will be in a central location. Ammo too, but knives and swords can stay with you. Until we find permanent quarters for everyone, there will be limited space to keep things with you. The guns will simply take up to much space. I promise they will be taken care of.” I said to the group, laying my hand on the shoulder of one of my men who was arguing to keep the guns. He turned to look at me and started to argue, but I simply looked at him and shook my head. He eventually just nodded and handed the rifle off to the sailor, then reached in his pocket for a box of ammo.
“Thank you. Let’s get your personal stuff and one these sailors will show you to where we are sleeping tonight. Tomorrow we will figure out permanent bunks for everyone, and try to spread out some so not everyone is crowded on top of each other.” I thanked him. He turned and picked up another bag and then looked at the sailor who was waiting to show them to the bunks. I nodded to the sailor, an E-3 named Tyler, who then nodded back and turned to lead the way, carrying a few bags himself. I watched the five of them walk off towards the nearest stairwell and then turned my attention back to the loading process.
As I stepped out onto the elevator platform, the first peal of thunder echoed through the air. There was now only three RV’s and all the smaller vehicles had been loaded. Hangar bay 2 was now a parking lot, but they were secure. I told the petty officer in charge to cancel all remaining lifting operations for the night, and to have someone secure the rest of the RV’s. With an “Aye, sir” he started repeating the orders to the rest of the team, and I could hear someone relaying the order to the crane operator. Shouts followed as sailors relayed the orders to each other and started hustling back onto the ship. Doors slammed as keys were grabbed and vehicles locked, keeping them safe for the night. About ten minutes after I gave the order, the last sailor was back onboard and they prepared to raise the stairs up.
“Leave the stairs out, just scoot them away from the elevator a bit so they’re clear. Get everyone inside and secure the ship.” I ordered. Two men ran down to scoot the stairs back and as soon as they were back on the elevator, the petty officer in charge waved his hand in a circle above his head in the direction of the control room. Five seconds later the door started closing and the elevator stated raising. I stood and watched until the door was fully shut and I heard the elevator lock into position. Once that happened I sighed, knowing that for the first time in over a month now, the people that I talked into this crazy plan at my house, and again at the hospital, and every time we found survivors along the way, were safe.
Safe. What a strange concept now. Safety was so tenuous, so fleeting, I didn’t know if even here the people would feel safe. While we would no longer have to worry about those things breaking in while we were sleeping, we still had things to worry about, like food. I knew the ship would be able to pull water from the bay and purify it so drinking water would not be a problem. The ship was nuclear so power was not a problem either. The only real problem we would have was food. I knew several of my group were avid hunters, and were quite good at it, so hunting parties would definitely have to be arranged. That was the big reason I made sure we gathered camping supplies along the way; tents, sleeping bags, fishing gear, etc. Along with rifles and ammo, we had also bows, crossbows, and plenty of arrows.
“Sir, there are several of your people looking for you. They are split into two general quarters on the 02 deck, close to each other. We picked them because they are close to showers. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where they are.” a sailor said, approaching me. He turned as I nodded, and I followed him to the closest stairwell. We made our way up, and as we got to the 02 deck, I could hear raised voices. Not in argument, just a lot of people talking at once, some laughing, others just being noisy. The sailors standing in the passageway stood a little straighter as I approached as if to not appear slacking off. I smiled to myself, and also groaned, thinking it would be difficult to break them of certain habits once they saw me as the captain. The sailor leading me pointed down the passageway to indicate the other bunk room, so I nodded in acknowledgement and entered the room.
Stepping into the room, several people saw me and started cheering. I got quite a few slaps on the back, hugs, and more than one tearful ‘thank you’. I weaved through the crowd, searching for Michelle and the girls, as well as my cousins and friends. It wasn’t like I needed to make sure they were safe, I just needed to see them. I knew they were safe and onboard, I just needed a hug from my kids. The relief I felt when I heard my girls arguing about who got the top bunk almost brought me to my knees.
“I’m the youngest, so I get the top bunk.” Angie yelled.
“I’m the tallest, it’s mine.” Cassie countered.
“I’m the oldest, I should get it.” Desi chimed in.
As I got to the section they were fighting over, I found Michelle and Val there talking and laughing over the girls fight. I found Vince and his kids in the next section over.
“Have you guys eaten yet?” I asked.
“Yes. Leni and Christy took the kids earlier, and most of the rest of us just finished. Most of the group is now taking turns with the showers. What’s the plan for the rest of the night?” Michelle told me.
“I have a few things I need to check on and get straight. Plus I would like a shower myself, and I haven’t taken the time to eat yet. I just had to come find you guys first.” I replied.
“Dad, tell Desi that I should have the top bunk, I don’t want these two stepping on me while I’m sleeping.” Angie complained.
“Girls, listen. You can all take a top bunk. Look, there are three sets of bunks in each section. Each of you can have a top bunk. Problem solved.” I told the girls. “I gotta go for now. I have a meeting scheduled with the lieutenant in charge as well as his leadership staff at nine a.m. to go over the plans next steps, and how to merge the two groups together with as little hassle as possible. Michelle, I would like you there, and you, Val. I have a couple of others in mind as well. For tonight, I want everyone to relax, eat, shower, and just rest. No worries about standing watch, or having to pack up in the morning. Just enjoy a clean bed, the ability to wash our clothes, and being safe. I would not suggest going onto the flight deck tonight as there is a storm coming, and the radar looks like it could be rough. You all have a good night, I’ll see you in the morning. Give me a hug girls, I love you.” I said, turning to the girls with the last of it.
After getting hugs, I headed out to check out the other bunk room. I stopped to inform the ones I wanted at the meeting when and where to show up, then headed back towards the captains’ cabin to take a shower and then review some of those records. I stepped into the cabin and tried to wrap my head around the fact that it would be mine. I took my bag into the bedroom, set it on the bed, then unbuckled my sword belt and finally took it off. I placed it on the bed as well and started digging out some clean clothes. Since I didn’t have much packed, it didn’t take me long to find clean things.
The bathroom was clean, if not overly spacious, but I did have a small shelving unit in there that held a few towels that appeared clean. I turned on the water and smiled when it ran hot. A hot shower, something we used to take for granted, and hadn’t had in a week or more, was going to feel so good now. I stepped in and took my time, taking what we used to call in boot camp as a “Hollywood shower”, which simply meant a long shower. When I finally stepped out, the mirror was completely fogged up, even though I had left the bathroom door open. I moved my bag to the floor, leaned the swords against the wall, then laid down on top of the covers. There was still an alarm clock plugged in, and it said 8:27. I decided I had done enough for now, and just laid there in the dark until I passed out.
Chapter 9
May 9th, 2019
The alarm went off at 7 am, and I reached over to shut it off, groggily. I sat up in bed and threw my legs off the side and just sat the
re shaking off the sleep. Coffee was going to be my first priority, immediately after getting dressed. I found my bag and threw on the first pair of jeans I found, and a t-shirt. I shuffled out into the living area and took stock of my surroundings. I saw the files on the bar, and on the kitchen counter, a coffee maker. Mumbling yes to myself, I walked over and started checking cabinets for filters and coffee. Finding some, I started the pot and went to check out the rest of the place. I had two couches facing each other with a table between them, and a pretty nice TV hanging on the wall. The kitchen had a microwave and a toaster along with the coffee pot, as well as a built in stove and fridge. Not much in the way of food was left, and I assumed it was all taken down to the mess hall, which was the Navy term for cafeteria. I was surprised the coffee survived, as that was liquid gold on board a ship.
Once the coffee was done, I poured a cup and headed back into the bedroom. It was a typical bedroom with a bed, one nightstand and a dresser. There was the clock on the stand, some pictures of who I assumed was the captains’ family, but not much else. Since it was pushing eight by then, I went ahead and put my boots on, decided to leave everything else for later, refilled my coffee cup and headed out. The meeting was scheduled to start at nine, and I wanted to check on a few things first.
“Captain on the bridge.” greeted me when I stepped onto the bridge. The morning’s crew I had not met yet, and it included two first class petty officers and a Chief petty officer.
“Please, none of that. I understand the formality and procedure, but it’s really not necessary. How are we doing this morning?” I asked, still too tired to bother with it much.
“Clear skies, sir. The storm was fairly intense, but it slowed down around 2 am, stopped around 5. No movement on the pier as yet, but there rarely is. Lt. Levine put a hold on all off ship activities today due to your arrival and has passed the word to those of us who weren’t available yesterday that you are now in charge, captain.” the chief responded. I shook my head at the ‘captain’ reference, getting the sinking feeling that any effort I put into not having the sailors call me that was going to be futile.
“Outstanding Chief. Please see to it that coffee is available in the Ready One, I am going to need it this morning. I would also like a weather report ready after the meeting. What off ship activities were scheduled for today?” I asked him. The Chief reached over for a clipboard before answering me.
“We had a team going out searching for food again, and also looking for supplies. We have been using a grid format to search, and today they were scheduled to go here, to this area.” the chief said, pointing out an area on the map attached to the clipboard.
“Alright. Tell that team to stay ready, I will probably still send them after the meeting. I want to speak with Mr. Levine first, get the feel of what all he was planning. Thank you very much Chief, gentlemen. Oh, one more thing. Get a team together and pull the rest of the vehicles onboard please.” I replied, heading back out of the bridge. I went first to the flight deck, just to feel the wind. After standing there for a few minutes, I made my way back down to my quarters to refill my coffee cup before heading to the meeting. I also scrounged in the bedroom and found some of the captains’ old uniforms still there. I grabbed one of the ball caps and debated on whether or not to wear it. It felt weird holding it as I only ever made E-2, but the sailors seemed determined already to call me captain. I may as well have something that indicated that.
Stepping into the ready room, I saw only a few people had shown up so far. There was Lt. Levine and Ensign Harper already, along with Leni and Brian. My sister Jenna was also there, and there were two sailors setting up the coffee pot. It was still about twenty minutes till, so there was still plenty of time for the others to show. I sat my notepad and files with the info I got yesterday on the podium and sipped on my coffee while saying hello and making a little small talk with the ones already here. We chatted aimlessly waiting on everyone else to show up. Roger walked in, followed by Chief Brandon Smith and Lt. JG Daniel. Chiefs Carter and Crystal Smith walked in then, and shortly thereafter came Christy and Shayne. Dawn and Tony showed up about ten till, followed shortly thereafter by Jeff and Michelle. I was actually surprised to see Michelle up and here this early, as she was never really a morning person.
The next ones to walk in, right at 9, was Dave, followed by two officers that were introduced as Lieutenants Jack Philips and Mike Harrison. Val and Vince walked in then, completing the list of people I wanted there. With eight sailors and twelve civilians now present, I figured this was a good enough balance to begin. I drank the last of my coffee and set my mug down.
“Ok people, let’s get this thing started. For the sailors that don’t know me yet, my name is Sheldon Friend. I will introduce all my people as we go, so please be patient. Everyone in this room is going to be a leader of some form of this group to help it run as smoothly as possible for everyone’s sake. The object of this meeting is to find a way to mesh the sailors and the civilians into one, effective group. Now, I have some veterans in the group, and I was Navy myself, on this very ship. I also know that some of the civvies are not going to take to military regulation well, so I’m not going to stick to the full military regs. While a chain of command is going to be in place, and I will gave ranks to those in charge to make things easier, do not expect it to be as rigid or complicated as it was. First things first, who was in charge of personnel, assigning bunks, things like that?” I started.
“That would be me, sir.” Ens. Harper said, raising her hand.
“Ens. Harper, right? Do you want to stay in that role?” I asked her.
“If I have a choice, no sir, not really. I wouldn’t mind still being in the department, but I don’t want to lead it.” she replied a little nervously, but honestly.
“Thank you for the honesty Ensign. Ok, my pick for that was Val. You are very good at organizing and planning, I think you would be excellent in that spot. Are you willing to take it?” I asked her, pointing her out to the ones who didn’t know her.
“Sure, I guess.” She replied.
“Very good. You are now the Personnel Officer. Now, who is in charge of the galley?” I asked.
“We really don’t have any one person in charge of it, actually.” Lt. Levine spoke up. “We have cooks, but no real organization down there.”
“You do now. Michelle, that’s your field. I have never been disappointed in a meal from you, and you know how flavors work together. You are the new Mess Officer.” I told her. She just looked at me and stared, not quite awake yet, despite the coffee in her hand.
“Ok, security next. That’s you, isn’t it, Chief Smith?” I asked next.
“Yes, sir.” He replied.
“I understand from Mr. Levine you’ve done quite well with it, would you like to keep it?”
“All due respect, sir, no. I am good at it, but I would rather not stay in charge, if that’s alright.” he said. I was getting the feeling that none of the sailors wanted leadership positions. Maybe it was the stress of the situation, or the shock, but maybe the routine is what they needed, not necessarily running anything.
“Ok. Tony, you’re my man for that. Will you run the ships security?” I asked him.
“You got it, man.” he replied. I knew he was good at stuff like that, and with Chief Smith working with him, I was confident the ship was in good hands.
“Next, maintenance. That is going to be very important on board ship. How are we looking in that department Mr. Levine?” I asked.
“We did not have any officers from any department that dealt with maintenance, and only maybe five enlisted. The few we had left do not have a lot of experience yet, but between them and the manuals, we have done our best to maintain the equipment. Luckily nothing has broken down yet, but we are keeping an eye on it.” the Lt. told me.
“Well, I’ve got several men that are excellent mechanics and are very good with their hands and tools. I will definitely get some people on that. Shayne, you’
re in charge of that, if you’re willing.” I replied.
“I guess I can do that.” he said, nodding.
“Excellent. Ok, now, since we have a lot of kids with us, we are going to have to have someone to take care of them. Christy, Leni, you two are both excellent with kids, so I’m placing both of you there. Either one of you want the top spot?” I continued.
“I’ll do it.” Christy told me after her and Leni exchanged looks and a short whispered conversation.
“Great. Since that is not an official Navy department, we are going to create one. You will be our Family Officer. Dawn, I also want you there.” I said. “Now, onto another needed area, medical. How are we on that front Mr. Levine?”
“We had two corpsman left, and one doctor. Plenty of supplies as well.” he informed me.
“Great. Well, I have a few medical people myself, so we will add to their ranks. Since I know the doctor is an officer, he will be the Medical Officer. Brian, Vince, you two are also going to be in medical. Now, I know you, Chief Smith, had kept track of all supplies. I would like for each area to keep track of their own, but I would like someone to have a central list of everything, so if you want, I could use you in charge of that. I’ll roll it into the personnel department, so you would report to Val.” I continued.
“I can do that sir.” she responded.
“Lieutenant Daniel, I understand you are in charge of the armory? I would like to have that part of Security, so you would report to Tony. Weapons would have to be checked out through you, and checked in every time.” I said. “Lt. Levine, since the sailors have taken to calling me ‘captain’, I decided to roll with it. That means I’m going to need an XO. Since you are the senior sailor, you have first dibs at it. I would like you to take it, show the sailors that there is not going to be any favoritism, and they already see you as in charge, so I think that would be best.”