Storm Chaser: Chapter 55

Chapter 55

“Home sweet home,” Mateo said as they coasted into port.

“So it would seem,” Elena said. “You made arrangements for the samples to be transported?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Kiera and I will take them to the lab. Before we left she added a few pieces she would need for her work.”

“Great, but don’t get too comfortable,” She warned. “As soon as Andre can pull the final presentation packets together we ship back out. I want to get as many samples home before the season ends. You’ll have all off season to analyze.”

“I think we can deal with that,” he said. To his left Kiera nodded. Since she didn’t ask details about the season, Elena figured Mateo had filled her in.

“We can put things on ice until we return. Except for the plants. But that is where my terrariums come in.”

“Good,” Elena said. “And try to make a list of equipment you will need as well so we can get it ordered and hopefully in place for the return. We are going to be out longer this time than last.”

“How long?” Mateo asked.

“Not sure,” she replied. “We will leave here as soon as possible and take a second ship with us. The second ship will stay with you while Benjamin and I go to the Docking Facility to meet with Riko and the council. Riko will naturally want to pay a visit before committing so we will have to come back and then return out for final council meetings. I have the feeling it might be the better part of a month.”

“That’s cutting the season pretty fine,” Mateo answered.

“I know. The samples and supplies will be our only cargo and it can be divided between the two ships to help out with the weight. This will probably be the last trip to the planet this season so we need to make it count.”

“That means setting up long term sensors to record conditions throughout the off season as well.”

“And probes and such for the buildings to see if they are safe to examine,” Kiera added.

“Get what you need,” Elena told them. “I want this done right.”

“You got it,” Mateo replied. “That looks like our transport,” he said indicating the approaching truck. “Do you need us here?”

“Nope,” Elena said. “I’ll let you know when it is time to ship out with as much advance notice as possible.” Kiera and Mateo went off to supervise their samples’ transfer.

“So plan for about a month?” Benjamin said as he and Andre approached.

“Sounds about right,” Elena said.

“Some of those later meals might not be as good but I think I can handle that.” He walked off.

“Do you have the information for the presentations?” Elena asked Andre.

“Right here,” he said holding up a small storage box. “I put your flash drive of information with it. It shouldn’t take too long to come up with something spiffy.”

“Great,” Elena said feeling relieved.

“Getting nervous?”

“A little. I never like addressing the council and I like dealing one on one with Riko even less.”

“Has to be done,” he replied.

“True. Do you need a ride?”

“No,” Andre told her. “I drove in last time.”

“Of course.”

“I wouldn’t say not to dinner tomorrow night though, if you are interested.”

“I could be interested,” Elena said with a smile.

“Good, it’s a date. Now I have work to do.” Andre sauntered away in the direction of his vehicle while Elena, followed by Spin returned to hers. On the drive back to town she put in a call to Maria, luckily not only was Maria in but she and Jasmine had decided to room together which saved Elena considerable time. They were more than willing to meet her when she returned and Elena found herself diverting towards their apartment before heading home. As the two welcomed her in there was an air of excitement and Elena smiled.

‘A pilot is a pilot,’ she thought to herself. As she was seated on the couch, Spin cautiously approached the two resident cats, Toby and Figaro. Elena was pretty sure Figaro belonged to Jasmine while Toby was Maria’s.

“How was the trip out?” Maria asked.

“Very well,” Elena replied. “Everything looks well on track for a prosperous venture.” As both women were more or less sitting on the edges of their seats Elena took pity and ended the polite small talk early, explaining what she wanted with the two. As she thought they were ecstatic by the proposition. Both hated the feeling of being grounded. Even the thought of possibly dealing with Riko didn’t dim Jasmine’s spirits. Elena left with a smile on her face and the two women planning the stocking of supplies on Maria’s ship.

The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activity. In addition to supplies for the ship she needed to make certain the stores were well stocked. She listened to Roger’s report of the open house they had held and the partnerships they were forging with the specialty meat shop and expanding with Doug’s wine shop. Susan ran figures past Elena until her head spun. Several times she thought she saw Jonathan out of the corner of her eye but he did not approach for which she was grateful. Too much was already on her plate.

“You could hire an assistant,” Andre pointed out as he handed her the completed stack of proposals. There was one for Evan Greggs and the librarians, one for Riko and then a copy of the third proposal for each member of the council including Riko.

“I’d be happy to hire an assistant,” Elena told him. “As soon as I get enough time to sit down, interview, vet and train them I just might.”

“I think that is what the off season is for,” he told her. She laughed and her phone rang with yet another request for a moment of her time. During the time it took for Andre to put together the proposal and supplies to be gathered Elena’s only down time was at the salon where she managed by the grace of god and someone else’s last second cancellation, to get an appointment.

There Gia clucked her tongue at the condition of Elena’s hair, chided her for not giving it proper maintenance and gave Elena a full hour and a half to relax without being pulled in a million directions. Elena thought that alone made the salon visit priceless. It was with relief that she returned to the docks. In addition to her usual duffle Elena carried a hanging bag for her council appropriate clothing.

“I like the hair,” Benjamin said as they were loading.

“Thanks,” she replied while Mateo squinted at her.

“Did you do something to it?” Mateo asked. She rolled her eyes.

“Had to get all spiffy for the meetings,” She replied. “Do we have all our supplies?”

“Yes,” Benjamin said. “Everything is loaded on both the Storm Chaser and the Crazy Chicken. We are ready to shove off as soon as you give the word.”

“Crazy Chicken?” Mateo asked.

“Maria’s ship,” Elena clarified. “Officially El Pollo Loco del Mar. Crazy Chicken for short.”

“Her ship is the Crazy Chicken of the Sea?” Mateo asked.

“Yup,” Elena answered. “All aboard,” she called. Mateo, Benjamin, Andre and Kiera boarded to Storm Chaser with her while Jasmine and Maria boarded the Crazy Chicken.

A short summer squall slowed them down slightly adding a day to the Marta’s mouth. Elena didn’t expect to see Thompson and crew until they had worked out how to get back from an outgoing trip without needing rescue but flipped on her sonar just in case. The ocean was clear, both above and below when they slipped into the channel.

At the entrance to the new channel Elena opened the channel with Mateo’s gear in place so the Storm Chaser would not go through. Maria tried opening and closing the channel as did Jasmine. To Elena’s relief both had no problems. With a sigh of relief both ships entered the new channel and headed towards land.