Storm Chaser: Chapter 53

Chapter 53

The trip back to the channel went smoothly and the ship slipped from the ocean into space like a dream. Elena smiled with relief as the Storm Chaser headed towards home.

“One less problem to worry about,” She said. Mentally she listed the other issues. Chief among them was the hope that another pilot with the Calling would be able to open the same channel she had. Maria had never officially been grounded and still had her ship, now docked at Grant’s Inlet near the Storm Chaser’s berth. Elena tapped the console in thought.

“Two pilots would be better,” she mused. With another channel rider she could leave a crew with a second ship on the planet while she went to the Docking Facility with her proposals. Riko and the council would both want proof that she was providing legitimate information so she would have to return planet side with a councilor on board.

“Just one pilot planet side is too risky,” she said thinking of her crew’s legitimate fears. “Jasmine has made real progress. The trick would be to keep her out of Riko’s sight.” Elena didn’t think Riko would have a problem seeing her former family member but Jasmine certainly would. “If Jasmine were to ride along with Maria she could serve as an extra pilot and just stay hidden during the council visit. As long as one of the pilots always stayed on the ship it would be too much of a problem.” Elena smiled to herself. “Not a bad solution if they are willing.”

The distance to the Marta from the new channel was not great which was a plus in Elena’s mind and they very quickly approached the channel mouth. As the channel came into sight so did the outline of another ship. It wasn’t moving like a channel rider and had a similar profile to the previously encountered military ship.

“Ah hell,” she muttered. Elena clicked on the ship’s intercom. “We have company,” she said into the microphone. Immediately the galley door opened and Benjamin stalked out. He was quickly followed by everyone else. Andre still had half a sandwich in his hand. They looked to her and she pointed. All heads swiveled to see what she had spotted. Elena opened the window and called down.

“You might want to make sure the cargo hold is locked down,” she said. Mateo flashed her a thumbs up and he and Andre retreated to make sure their samples were all under lock and key. Kiera and Benjamin joined her in the pilot house.

“Are they aliens?” Kiera asked. Her face looked half hopeful and half frightened.

“No,” Elena told her. She noticed Benjamin hiding a smile as well. “More like the military.”

“Military? Who’s military?”

“Ours,” Benjamin replied. Elena studied Kiera’s face for a moment.

“You know we try to let them know as few of the people involved as possible. They have already seen Benjamin and Mateo. Perhaps you and Andre should stay out of sight until they are gone.”

“That might be best,” Kiera said. “I can stay in my room until we are clear of them.” Elena nodded.

“And Andre can stay with the cargo,” Benjamin said. Kiera left the pilot house and headed towards her quarters. Benjamin and Elena watched her go.

“She definitely doesn’t like the military,” Benjamin said.

“I know,” Elena replied. “Kind of makes me wonder why.”

“She was vetted?” he asked.

“Yes, by Peter. She came out squeaky clean. Not even a parking ticket.”

“Too clean?” he asked. Elena shrugged.

“I don’t know. If you looked at my record I’m willing to bet I come out pretty squeaky myself.”

“True,” Benjamin replied with a smile. “But you also take ships into space and onto other planets when no one is paying attention.”

“A girl does need a hobby.”

“So what are we going to do about our company?” Benjamin asked, shifting his attention back to the ship they were rapidly approaching. “Same as last time?” Elena stared at the ship for a moment.

“I don’t know,” she began. “They aren’t listing like they were last time. Let’s get a little closer.” Elena adjusted their course but didn’t add any more speed to the mix. If they had to tow a second ship through the channel again she would need the energy. Benjamin stayed in the pilot house with her, his eye to the telescope.

“I see movement,” he said as they approached.

“Really?”

“Yeah and I think they have spotted us. Take a look.” Benjamin stepped back while Elena peered through the lens. The ships crew came into focus. They were waving their arms in the air and appeared to be shouting in the hope of attracting attention.

“Do they actually think we can hear them?” she asked.

“Who knows,” Benjamin answered with a smile. “Anything is possible these days.”

“Yes military voices able to piece the vacuum of space in a single shout. How are your semaphore skills?”

“I am pretty handy with a flag,” Benjamin replied. “You think the military still teaches its sailors?”

“I guess we will find out.” Elena gestured to the cabinet where the signal flags were stored and Benjamin retrieved them. “I’d suggest keeping it simple. See if they need help and if they do tell them we are shooting them a tow line.”

“Will do.” Benjamin took the flags to the deck, the yellow and orange squares swinging in his large hands. He took position and signaled for attention. Elena looked through her telescope and saw one of the men pointing at the ship in what she hoped was Benjamin’s direction. They shifted and one man was brought to the front. Benjamin began signaling the messages. The ships crew looked relieved and Elena wondered what had gone wrong this time. The three men in the ship scrambled for a moment and Elena laughed when one of the men held a white t-shirt in each hand and signaled back that they needed help.

“In more ways than one,” Elena muttered. Benjamin replied and then returned to the pilot house.

“Apparently the kids were allowed to pack for summer camp by themselves this year and forgot some of the essentials like signal flags,” he said as he tucked the flags back into their cabinet. Elena laughed.

“Nice improvisation though. And at least someone over there knew the signals.”

“That is true.” He agreed. Elena steered the ship closer to the access point where they could attach a tow line. Benjamin went to the deck where Mateo joined him. Together they managed to affix the line. They signaled Elena who aimed for the Marta and brought them back into the Atlantic. She scanned the sky. It was a deep blue with not even a wisp of cloud to mark it. She signed with relief.

“No storm this time thank god.” Elena flipped on the radio. She wondered if they had turned theirs back on yet.

“This is the Storm Chaser to unidentified craft,” She began feeling like she was in a bad movie. There was no response. Elena turned on the sonar. Sure enough the two small ships had company. She waited a minute and repeated her message. This time she got a response.

“Unnamed craft to the Storm Chaser we read you.” Elena rolled her eyes.

“Do you require further assistance?” She asked.

“We are all clear,” came the response. She sighed.

“Good to hear. I don’t suppose you would mind unhooking my tow line then? I’d hate to loose it.” There was no response but through the window she could see one of the men move to the deck and unhook the line. Mateo ran the wince to haul the line up.

“Thanks,” she replied. Deciding sticking around was not a great option; Elena engaged the engines and began to pull away. The radio crackled to life. On the sonar she could see the marked leviathan begin to surface. Off starboard the water rippled as first the antenna broke the surface followed by the rest of the submarine. Benjamin and Mateo joined her in the pilot house.

“This is the USS Maine to vessel Storm Chaser, do you copy.” Elena sighed.

“I don’t suppose there is a chance that they just want to offer us lobster rolls as a thank you is there?” She asked.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Mateo said.

“I figured as much. Well, I suppose we had better see what they want.”