My Journal

By Harriman Nelson

20 B

We’ve finally surfaced offshore of Lord Howe Island and I was enjoying the view from my ‘front porch’. It was a vacationer’s paradise away from the chillier temps in the Northern Hemisphere this time of year. I began to think about bringing Emmie here for a vacation. Perhaps they had beach or cliff side cottages for rent. We could take a month or two…call it our belated honeymoon. And I’d be far far away from the institute’s or the Navy’s beck and call.

I could hear Chip telling Lee that he’d be taking Cookie, two mess specialists, Riley (who’d pleaded to go along), and Kowalski, on the procurement visit and had Sharkey getting the Zodiacs ready for launch.

“With that many boats to bring back supplies,” Ames said, “you’ll make us go over budget.”

“I think the institute can handle it, Drew,” Lee said, “besides, we really need that chicken liver for Mallie.”

“I’m not talking about the damn chicken liver! But while we’re on the subject, you sure your plan will work? I mean…oh….”he paused as Lee pointedly nudged him down the aisle to join me in the Nose and closed the accordion pleats behind him.

“The crew may know I have x-ray vision, and we’re on assignment,” Lee said, “ but I don’t want them to know too many details. No inadvertent leaks that way.”

“Okay, now that we’re out of earshot, you honestly think the cat will lunge for anyone ‘wearing’ smears of chicken liver on their persons?”

“You have a better idea, now’s the time. Besides, smearing chicken liver or maybe steak juice on their ankles or arms is just a backup plan. I’m sure Joe will be able to convince Mrs. Hewlett that he’s been attacked when he races into the Nose, with trails of blood on his torn uniform. Courtesy of a little Food coloring and scissors. Mallie doesn’t even have to be around for that.”

“And then? These cat whisperers want to see their patient’s up close and personal, in action.”

“Then we go to plan B.”

“Which is, Lee?” I asked, glad that at least I now knew Lee’s ‘Operation Mad Cat’.

“If Mrs. Hewlett insists on seeing Mallie, Chip will collect her from his cabin where she’ll be locked in. As soon as she arrives here and smells Joe and you too, Drew, Mallie will get all hyper and want some of what they’re wearing. It will look as if she’s attacking you both, not merely trying to lick your shins.”

I had to admit that as an illusion the plan might work. But I was still on edge about the whole damn mission.

“Lee,” I said, “what if Mr. Hewlett wants to go along when you tell him our instruments have picked up some oxygen leaks from the sea lab?”

“Then we’ll put plan C into effect.”

“Which is?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Damn it, Lee!” Ames yelled.

“Mr. Ames,” I couldn’t help smirking toward him, “don’t worry. He’ll think of something.”

“Press coverage, Admiral,” Sparks called out and the monitor clicked on to CNN….

“Seaview has arrived at Lord Howe Island,” the reporter said as several images formed on the screen behind her. “Thanks to locals and tourists sharing with us and the internet, we can see both the sub and the team being sent ashore for supplies…I must say, the sub certainly looks rather tatty, as much of the scarlet paint as peeled off. Ah, that might be Commander Morton, hard to miss that blond hair, though it’s too hard to tell for certain from this distance.”

“The water seems a little rough as well,” the side reporter added, “ but no doubt they’re up to it.”

“Yesterday, an employee of the Animal Behavorial Associates Center  in the Australian mainland, said that Captain Nelson-Crane practically begged animal psychologist Mrs. Hewlett, to come over to Seaview later today to examine the ship’s cat. Apparently, Malificent, or Mallie as the feline has become  known around the globe, has suddenly become aggressive, attacking the crew.”

“Perhaps, she just wants them to give her  back the captain’s artificial eyeball.”

Both laughed. I was not amused.

“In any case, Mrs. Hewlett’s agreed and will not only examine the cat but also stay for supper aboard the sub.”

“Sure hope they pick up something more appetizing than Spam.”

“Actually, I like Spam. Especially good in sandwiches. Or with pineapple and sweet and sour sauce. Even if it is a little salty.

“We’ve also learned that Mrs. Hewlett’s fiancé will be accompanying her to the sub.”

“It seems as if the Royal Navy is having to clear away some of the many small craft getting in the way of the rubber boats, and police are trying to keep the crowds away from the dock where the men will land.”

“We have a close up…ah, yes, it is Commander Morton in the lead boat. Some of the crowd at the dock are beginning to chant. Let’s listen in….”

“Chipee! Chipee! Chipee!” some of the bikini clad girls were screaming.

I could just imagine how embarrassed he was. He might enjoy the view of the girls. Who wouldn’t? But he hated the nickname Lee had given to him in a moment of drunkenness.

As Kowalski and Riley tied the Zodiac’s up, three police cars drove up and officers moved  the crowd back with a barrier rope.

It wasn’t long before the team strode onto the dock.

The chants grew louder.

He held up his arms.

“What a great welcome! Thank you. Thank you all.”

“Sir,” one of the officer’s said, “if you’ll come with us. I think we can help you with your mission faster than having to fight through all of the crowds.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Then he waved to the crowd as he and his team got into the sedans and were whisked away to the groans of the girls.

 “Never thought I’d have to issue hazard pay for restocking the galley,” Lee said.

And so, we’re anxiously awaiting the return of the team, and getting something good for supper.