Since Leonard was in charge of the unloading of the supply launch, he had made sure he chose only from the people who were going to fly the coop tonight to help him do the unloading. He didn’t need any extra eyes seeing the yacht filling up with people. He got a small cut on his arm and decided to go to the shipboard clinic so it didn’t get infected. This was the doctor’s day off so he saw nurse Sue. She was a kind-hearted person. As he got to the clinic, two elderly people were leaving and they winked at him, knowing tonight was the night!
Sue received him warmly and started cleaning out his cut. While she worked, she said the elderly people who were just there had been talking to each other, as if she wasn’t there and couldn't hear them. “Leonard, is there a plan to get rid of the elderly and disabled? And are you taking a boatload of them out of here tonight to save them from that fate? And is it possible for me to go even though I am only 52? I am a nurse and could be a big help to the team.”
Leonard said, “Loose lips sink ships. I am not very happy they are talking about this out in the open. We waited to confirm the departure until the very day we are leaving to prevent our plans getting out, but obviously that didn’t work. Well, I guess we just have to trust that it will work out, regardless. Yes, that is all true and yes we sure could use your help. We leave during the movie tonight. Be at the loading dock if you seriously want to go.”
Sue’s eyes lit up and she said, “I will be there!”After Leonard left, Sue locked up the clinic and took a break to go down to the shop. She purchased a large purse, the kind people carry their knitting around in and returned to the clinic. She thoughtfully packed band-aids, anti-bacterial creams, bandages and tape, vitamins, and other necessary items in the new purse, placing her personal items on top and setting it aside to bring with her.
Sarah, the lady in charge of the base, was asked if she would like to move to Seattle, once the Portland base was closed at the end of October, along with the other persons who operated the showers, ran the food section, and the others who made the base work. Sarah decided to go, along with most of the others. There was a large park and field where they would set up in Seattle. One cruise ship was ready and waiting and she heard another one would arrive soon. The construction on the clinic in Seattle would be completed by the first week of November, which was when the base would open and start ‘helping’ the homeless. The clinic in Seattle would be considerably larger, actually the size of a city block, in order to accommodate all of the addicts and alcoholics in a more timely manner. All of the staff at the Portland clinic would be transferred and were being given their own suite at the clinic in Seattle. That little perk of being given room and board was designed to keep the well-trained staff on board and save them from having to start over from scratch at the new clinic.
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Jim and Donald took the yacht out for a test run the morning of the departure of the old folks. A little ways out, Donald said, “Shoot, the cruise control is not working. Jim, could you look up cruise control on boats on Google and see if you can troubleshoot it?”
“Of course. I’m on it!” Jim said as he pulled out his phone. While he looked into Google, Donald continued checking out the steering, the double gas tanks, the holding tanks for the water, the appliances, etc. Everything appeared to be in working order and after Jim found what they were looking for, they got the cruise control going.
“OK, I think we are ready to load up and hit the road,” Donald said, as it turned late afternoon. “Carl should be finished loading up the launch here pretty soon and we will follow him out to the ship. Did you bring your gear, Jim?”
“Yes, I did. I’m all ready!” Jim responded.
“Donald said, “Excuse me, Carl is calling. Hi, Carl, what’s up?”
“Donald, they are sending a rider with me and I don’t know what to do.”
“Calm down, Carl. We’ll think of something. Just act like everything is ok so no one will suspect anything. Do you think you can do that?”
“Yes, I can. I’m glad you will be thinking about what we can do, too, Donald.