Chapter 33 New Faces

So today was the day, another ore run.Will could see the group of teens huddled at the lands end of the long quay, Nervous faces, eager faces, time would tell about these kids, but if they were anything like the teens of Laketown, this would be a good trip.

Will had spent an hour in his office already today, writing of the previous days thoughts.Of Naomi’s worries that her menu skills would define her, of Minnie’s despair of ever finding big crabs, his own concerns.If he had done the right thing bringing Naomi into his and Minnie’s world on board.If the changes that Naomi was going through would ruin her life or change it for the better.So many early morning musings.

He had put a rough schedule together and hoped it would survive the first five minutes of the work day.Things had a way of going off the rails quickly.His mental list of stuff had grown but number one had become to find out if clocks existed here or had yet to be invented.He had no idea of the history of this world and was interested to finding out more.Did it parallel his old dimension with the diverse races of people, what role did this immense lake take in their progress.

People that lived near oceans were usually fisherfolk first, explorers, conquerors and invaders. Colonialism was a hard thing to justify. But the unique features of this world had forced the people into more of an agricultural society, and the impassable terrain on the coast nearly seemed intended. Yes, he needed books. Another mental note.

With a laugh he shook his head to settle his thoughts.Minnie gave him a wakey wakey poke in his side “what’s up dad?”.“Just thinking deep thoughts sweetie, just thinking,” he replied.Naomi, who was sitting on a nearby bale of hay said “Careful captain, that might be dangerous for you.”.Minnie stifled a giggle, Will glared at Naomi with a “ha ha ha.”. Seeing the group had settled down the three walked down the quay to where the teens and families waited.

The council and their partners and spouses were all present and Matt stepped forward to greet the crew.“Good morning, I hope your all quite well.In time honoured tradition our young people have always gone voyaging with the heartboat Rose, and today we continue to do so.These twelve children represent the values of Newton herself, hard working, honest, trustworthy and innovative.We know each and every one will do our town and their families proud.”.He took a long breath and continued, but addressed the children now.

“In the years past many children of this town have voyaged on the Rose, I went on fishing runs with captain Yolanda and Eric many years ago and I treasure those good times. Every captain is different yet the same. Dedicated to the boat but willing to have a life of service to our communities and our world. Listen to the captain and his crew, do what you’re told, work hard but don’t forget to savour these times. For there are only so many years you can do this and then it will be memories. Thank you.”.

The older man was a little shaky by the time his speech was over and sat in a waiting chair, with a glass of water at his side. As the children said final goodbyes Evelyn came over to Will, “He has said that same speech for many years now, but I swear he means every word of it.”.

Joined by Gemma and her partner Vlad who had also gone on a voyage years ago.“The other children dared me to scratch my initials into a table but i wouldn’t, captain Yolanda was my auntie and mom put the fear into me if I messed up.” said Vlad.Will laughed “You have given me a great idea, thanks.”.“What’s the idea dad, captain dad that is?”, asked Minnie.“When we get back aboard I’ll tell you, and we can work on it together.”, Will said.

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Seeing that farewells , goodbyes and so on were winding down Will cleared his throat, “Let’s go crew, boarding time!”.

The long walk to the Rose was over in an instant and lasted for hours, both.The children huddled near Will and Minnie, Naomi hung back chatting to the two older teens.The council, at least Dave and Samantha had walked bravely along as well, but you could see the tension building in them.

The lake effect was truly horrible.

As they gathered near the boat, Minnie flipped down the boarding stairs and ushered the children on board…”Let’s go littles, lots to do, cookies and cakies waiting for you and yummy milk, don’t push don’t push, lots of room.”, her squeaky voice brought a smile to the nervous pre-teens and relaxed them.

As the last boarded and were safe on board, Will escorted Samantha and Dave back to the safety of land. “Don’t worry neighbours, I will take care of your kids as if they were mine”, he said, saluted the councillors and headed back.

As he neared he could hear laughing and chattering as the teens explored the deck under Minnie and Naomi’s watchful eyes. Many things could injure you if you didn’t pay attention to your surroundings but the crew were patient and kindly while teaching.

Will jumped aboard with a shout of “All hands on deck.”.Things went very quiet.“I’m captain Will Harris of the heartboat Rose, first mate and pilot Minnie, second mate and boat manager Naomi”., pointing them out.“Welcome aboard .”.

“I’m sure you all know exactly what we are going to be doing and where we’re going so I am not going into that, you know the job.”. Will continued “This is hard work but well worth it to your town, we will work hard but not all day and night, this is a time to grow and become more than you are now. We’re going to have a good time and build some great memories.”. Taking a sip from his water flask he went on “First mate Minnie and second mate Naomi are in charge of boat operations, they speak for me, now let’s get settled below, stow your gear and we will get underway.”.

As the children climbed down the stairs to the living quarters Will stopped the older ones and asked their names. The tall lad was Alfred “Just Al please.”, and the older girl was Greta. Shaking their hands Will said “Nice to meet you, looking forward to working with you both.”. Then he shooed them below.

Seeing Naomi had things in hand he waved Minnie over and he told her his idea. “When Vlad mentioned scratching his name into a table I had a thought. Many years ago your mom and I were in a bar, called the Unicorn, and in the bathroom was a graffiti wall.”. He then had to explain what a bar was, what a unicorn looked like, what the heck was graffiti and why was it called a bathroom and not a head.

After all that he went on “So if we make something the kids can scratch or etch their names in, I think it would be a good memory maker.”.Minnie thought for a bit then “Yeah, it’s a good one dad, let’s do it.Down here or up on deck?”. “I think down in the mess, they will be tempted to do it anyway and this way it’s okay .”.

The dashing around and thumping feet had stopped so they headed to the mess for more introductions and more importantly, tea time.

When they entered Minnie took hers eat at the captains table and waited, Naomi, along with Greta and Al had seated the kids and brought out tea, milk and fresh baked snacks. They then went around the tables and introduced themselves.

At the first table was Al, Jens, Howard, Nance, Edmund and Randolph. At the next table was Greta, Jaden, Bruce, Vera, Sam and Sally. Lots of names to remember but Will was up to the task. The teens seemed to get along well probably because they had known each other for years, school and such. Naomi was of an age as Greta and they clicked well. Al was a bit shy around the crew and only spoke when asked but wrangled his young charges no problem. After tea and introductions it was time to get underway.

One exception though, Will had to walk the quay and accompany a wagon to the Rose. Laden with ice packs for their ice box, fresh milk and meat, things that had to be loaded at the last minute. Then taking them back to land, as he walked back down the long quay Will wondered if there were bicycles in this world. So much to think about, clear your mind and think of today.

Reboarding he found that Minnie had lit the boiler, it was heating very quickly. The coal bunkers were full and the auto loaders ready. Tasking Naomi with securing all ports and readying the galley for sea, he headed to the wheelhouse. Minnie was there, sitting in her raised chair behind the ships wheel. Humming and sketching away, waiting for him to show up. “All good to go dad?”, she asked. “Yup, I will go untie us, get ready to go.” Will answered. Minnie carefully stowed her book, made sure her hat was straight and saluted. Will opened two of the wheelhouse windows so Min could hear him and headed down to the quay.

He quickly untied the lines, hopped aboard and stowed them away, same with the fenders.The children had streamed up from below and lined the rails now.Will shouted for Minnie to make way and felt the deep vibrations as she added power. The Rose slowly edged away from the dock, they were going to pick up the barges and be on their way to the ore fields of Newton. The shrill scream of the steam whistle echoed over the water, they were on the way again.