Chapter 1. Just the Five of Us

  There was lots to be said for the day to day stuff, Will thought. He was presently conning the Rose back to Newton after a long gathering trip. It was two months since returning to Laketown from their months long trip. And all the excitement and fallout from that. First was a three week gathering for that community. Then off to Newton. A couple of days preparing there and then a nearly month long gather trip. Pulling two barges first, then picking up two more upon returning. A fairly easy voyage, the usual fun of some bad weather. A wet dump of snow a couple of times but they just stayed on the Rose and relaxed. It was getting used to change that Will found difficult. Not seeing Naomi’s cheery smile in the galley, or playing her fiddle in the evening, that was hard. But they got used to it. Seeing Ron in the galley, trying his best and doing a great job as head chef and homemaker, Uma had become one his number one aide. Making sure the children were happy and well fed. Percy too had picked up some of the slack, helping the youngsters get acclimated to the boat. Minnie was her usual cheerful self, she had bounced back from the loss of her sister. As Naomi had told her, they’d be sisters forever, that this was the ‘more’ she needed.

  Every time they docked at Laketown the entire crew went to Naomi and Julian’s, for a meal or news of the town. Building Julian’s office and museum was coming along nicely. Sadly the bad weather had slowed things down. Tom, the oldest lad, said “I don’t work well in the cold, me joints seized up and I’m just a bald lumpkin, laying in the muck.”. Uma loved the old chap though, and he often came for a cuppa whenever the ship was docked. Minnie had asked her why she liked him so but the answer shocked her a bit. Apparently it was because he was so old. People in her culture rarely lived so long, sixty years was the oldest she’d heard of, and those were the Eld that had gone to the ice. Back before the great migration, as she called it. Young as she was she knew a good deal of the history of her people. Oral history in the form of songs or chants, learned while working. Paper was nonexistent and the only source for books had been the Roses infrequent visits. She could of course read but her writing was quite rudimentary though. Lack of practice materials. Minnie had been working with her and it was coming along nicely.

  Minnie was reading over Wills shoulder as he was writing his log in the wheelhouse. Being the middle of the night the boat was all quiet below, teen crew sleeping off the last nights traditional meal of fish and chips ashore. They had then headed back to the ship, hooked up the barges and would cruise all night and the next day to Newton. “Want me to put the kettle on?”, Minnie asked, “No, don’t answer, that was a silly question.”. She laughed and clipped the kettle onto the small wood fired stove. That chore taken care of she went back to her usual, reading over his writings. “It’s weird you know, not to read what Naomi did on our trips.”. Will nodded at that, it was weird. “I know it is, maybe after the baby comes she’ll come back.”. “I don’t think so, she’s pretty happy running the inn, and she complained about the place for three years. How she didn’t wanna get stuck there, how glad she was, then Bam! she meets Julie and it’s wonderful at the inn, how I missed it and blah blah blah!”. Will started to reply but she interrupted, “I’m sorry pop, none of this is anyone’s fault, I’m just…what do you call it again?”. Ummm, “Venting?”. “Yeah that, I’m venting cause you’re a good listener and my dad and you won’t get mad at me for saying stuff.”. The kettle boiled and Will futzed around for a minute making tea. “And another thing, why is Julie so nice all the time? He never says anything that would let me tell him off, even the first time I met him he was all ‘oh my gosh you’re first mate Minnie, can I have your autograph’, the guys just not real.”, she wound down. “Some people are just genuinely nice, I mean everyone can get annoyed or angry.”, Will tried to explain, “But some have short fuses, remember that Roberta girl? She was an angry person, not all the time but mostly.”. Minnie nodded, calming down a bit more, “I just need to blow my top once in a while about stuff, then I’m okay again.”. Will patted her arm, “We all do sweetie, some just take longer to pop.”. She looked at him, “I think you’re due then, I’ve never seen you mad at a person, a fish maybe or a bear, but never a person.”. He laughed, “I get annoyed sometimes, not usually at people though. I always try to put myself in their shoes, figure out why they’re acting like idiots…I mean, you know what I mean.”. Their conversation was interrupted by a quick flash of lightning then, after a few seconds, a long rumble of thunder. “Not too close but coming soon yeah?”, Minnie asked, peering through the glass. Will nodded, “Glad it was behind though, we might outrun it.”.

  They did indeed outrun the rain. For middle of February the weather was spectacular. Fairly warm most of the time, still not swimming weather but getting there fast. Snow spats that melt in days if not hours sometimes. No frost to speak off. In Laketown that is. Newton was a bit colder, and lots of rain, occasional snow drizzle. Which made for mucky gatherings, it was good most of the coal and ore were found on shore. Wet sand and rocks were better than a foot of gluey mud. Sadly a few of the children came down with sniffles and sneezes from working in the wet. Will tried a few home remedies, in his ‘What To Do If…’ book. The best by far was a poultice of fresh float weed on the chest and throat and an awful tasting tea made of the same. Two days later the cold was gone. “I could be a billionaire if I could get this to the other world.”, Will muttered, watching the sick ones shake off the cold. “What was that father?”, Ron asked, as he bustled around with yet another pot of the potion. “Nothing lad, just wool gathering.”.

  All night, all day the ship steamed along, barges in tow. Until just before sundown the Newton harbour was off the port bow. Half an hour after that the barges were anchored and the Rose tied up at the pier to drop off the youngsters. Below decks was a scramble of packing gear, or searching for that long lost sock. Percy and Ron were overseeing, aided by Uma. A very capable young person, when she wanted to. Eventually everything had been found and the crew lined up on deck for the last time. They might join for the next trip, might not, depending on how they felt and how the crew rated them. “Well crew here you are, home at last. Good job everyone, by the look of those barges the towns set for a while. Thanks for your hard work, well be back in a couple of months, three maybe. So keep that in mind.”. Minnie called out, “All right you lots, let’s go.”, accompanied by Ron, they shepherded the young crew down the pier to the waiting families.

  Will hung back a bit, giving the teens a chance to reunite. Being gone for a month was new to these children, there were no ‘old hands’ this trip. Even the chaperones were new to the job. A real fresh start, but that was okay. Seeing the reunions were calming down he started toward land, Percy beside him. “That was a very good run father, we gathered at least a half ton a day faster than usual.”, he was flipping through a notebook while they walked. “Did we?”, replied Will, “Hmmm, any real reason you picked up on, or just lucky?”. Percy snorted a laugh, “Can’t be that consistently lucky. I think it was the loading, always taking out the same amount of containers, not so haphazard.”. He stopped, “I mean…”. Will patted his shoulder, “I know what you mean, and you’re right. Work smarter, not harder.”. He could see Percy’s golden eyes nearly glow hearing that phrase, and he immediately wrote it down. “I love it, it’s just so true, we could do that for everything. Look at the way we do tasks and think…hmmm how could we do better?”. He was scribbling a few thoughts as he talked, Will let him have the moment. “Just remember not everything has to be improved, the loading was a great practical idea and well done to you, just remember this isn’t just a job, okay?”. Percy nodded, “Oh I know, it’s just sometimes I look at something and just know it could be done differently. But if it works well, why try to fix it…right?”. “You got it, just talk it over with us, can you imagine Ron’s reaction if you changed his spice rack around to be more efficient?”, Will shuddered a bit. Percy too, “Oooh he’d be annoyed, I got it.”.

  They reached land and were surrounded by townsfolk. People they’d known for years now, friends and acquaintances. Percy moved a bit closer to Will, crowds still weren’t his thing. Will put an arm over his shoulder, “I got you laddie.”. It wasn’t a tight crush of people, not like the first days of their trips to Newton. The novelty wore off with regular visits, days long stopovers for shopping or maintenance. Not that the old saying held true, that familiarity breeds contempt, not at all. If anything there was more respect than ever. Valuing the promise the crew had made and kept, to do regular supply runs for the town. A persons word was all that was needed here, no need for signed contracts, multiple witnesses to make sure things were done. Nope, not here. Honesty above all, no evading the truth of a matter with weasel words.

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  “Captain, welcome back, welcome back! A good trip I hope, no problems, everyone safe?”, called John, the oldest councillor. “A very good voyage John, “Will replied, striding over to where the elderly man sat in his carriage. An open affair, very much like the one the crew used while here. John opened the side door and beckoned Percy to come sit, he knew he didn’t enjoy crowds. With no hesitation Percy hopped over the side and landed gracefully on the cushioned seat. “Thank you, there’s just so many, and they all want to pat my head…and sometimes they’re sticky!”, Percy shook a bit, “Sticky!”. John laughed, “I know, especially the little ones.”. Minnie and Ron came over to join the impromptu meeting, carrying the crate with the life belts the teens wore until hitting dry land. “Hey old guy, where’s the rest of ya?”. John looked down, patted his arms and legs, felt his head carefully, “Oh no, did something fall off again?”. Ron busted out a deep laugh at the look on Minnie’s face. She shook her head, “Yeah, okay good one. I meant the others, the hat wearers.”. John smiled, “They’re at a meeting of farmers and ranchers, the train line has a proposed route and it needs to be formalized today.”.

  Ah, the train line, Will thought. First the land, then rails, then the engine and rolling stock. “That’s coming along nicely then?”. “Oh yes, not very fast though, we need to be careful and fair on the land it will cross.”. An old television show was on Wills mind, about building the continental railroad across the USA. The name slipped his mind, of course, he’d probably remember it at three or four in the morning. But the people in the show were all horrible, lying drunken cheaters. They might have got it done but they sure didn’t deserve the recognition. Won’t be like that here I think, I hope, Will thought.

  The pier was clear now, all the well wishers gone, all the families had picked up their missing member. Will planned for a two day break, shopping and resupply, then off to Laketown for more of the same. It would be interesting to stop in at the council house her3, to have a look at the route and other plans. See if any models were made, or even drawn up for the actual steam engine. Mentioning this to John the older man was pleased Will was taking an interest, “Stop by in the morning captain, I’ll go over everything with you.”. That deal made, pleasantries swapped, John asked his driver to take him home, leaving the five crew with nothing to do. A big difference from the past busy month. “Big Blue for dinner?”, Will suggested. “Yeah,”, Minnie said “But let’s just pick it up, eat on board.”. Every was all for that, a little privacy would be nice, a long leisurely bath. Now the only thing missing was Ed, and their fancy cart. With much complaining about the injustice of walking the crew managed to survive the short walk over to the popular eatery.

  As usual many carts, heavy wagons and carriages were parked up front. Some with a team of horses, some without. Closing the distance a game was on to see who was right about tonight’s menu. Will thought chicken, golden fried and chips. Minnie was certain it was chicken too, but roasted with mash. Ron’s vote was cast for spiced beef sandwiches, cut thin and layered with cheese and onion. Percy craved pork chops, all crispy fried and fried taters. Uma truly didn’t care, she was pretty hungry and just hoped it was something good.

  It was indeed something good and no one had guessed it. Beef stew day! Recognized as soon as they entered, there was just a few drivers present, they greeted Will and crew happily. The waiter seated them, “Eating in today or taking it to go?”, she asked. “To go today Madison.”, Minnie replied, echoed by the others. She let them know it would be fifteen and brought over a round of cider, plain apple juice for Uma. Always enjoying a good scrumpy Will drink half of his tankard gone, the others sipping a bit slower. Not their favourite but still enjoyable. A few minutes passed, just sitting and relaxing. Their order appeared, three large metal pots wrapped in cloths. Covers sealed, two dozen fresh cheese rolls included. Will signed the credit chit and back to the boat it was. “We could eat on deck?”, Uma questioned, and the weather seemed to agree with her. It was one of those late winter days, the kind that are just about to turn to spring but not quite. Daylight was going to fade fast in a half hour, it would get chillier, but that why they had long jackets.

  With just the five, getting a table and chairs on deck was a snap of the fingers and done. Ron popped below for plates and silverware, Percy accompanied him for something else for drinks. Minnie and Will had the table up, midships lantern lighted and were waiting oh so patiently. The lids of the pots were held on with what could only be described as shoe laces. When lifted the steam wafted up, making stomachs gurgle in anticipation. “Good thing we got three servings, I could nearly eat one of these by myself.”, Percy added as he filled his plate a second time. “Yeah, I realize you guys are bottomless when it comes to food.”, Will joked. The stew was more vegetable than beef, practically every root vegetable Will had ever heard of, and maybe a couple more. Somehow there were beets too, but they hadn’t dyed the rest of stew purple. “I think they sear them in butter or oil, keeps the juices in.”, Ron commented.

  As they ate it was odd not to have the teens around, you get so easily used to things, then it changes and changes again. In two days it was back to Laketown for a gather, back here, to Laketown, to Newton. And on and on. It was tempting to try and change things, how the gathers went, who did it and do on. But no, this was the way. The sun dipped under the horizon a few minutes later, getting darker and chillier. Minnie and Uma headed down for the promised bath. Will packed up the leftovers to put in the galley, just in case of a late night snack attack. With just the five of them dishes were a breeze and five minutes later the three of them were playing Sorry in the lounge. The brothers were next for the bath, and headed down when Uma and Minnie returned. Will headed to his quarters for a quick shower, not as relaxing as a bath but enough for now. Then the lot of them called it an early night, relaxed by the hot water and good food. And the lack of responsibility, it was always a heavy weight.

  Minnie came in a few minutes after, not that Uma needed putting to bed like an infant. But she still made a point of checking that the little one was okay, had every thing she needed. “That girl is growing fast.”,Minnie said, coming in their cabin. “I marked a doorframe in crew quarters and she’s put three inches on so far.”. Will nodded, “Growing spurt, it happens. With good food and exercise, a healthy lifestyle.”. Minnie glanced at him, “Not me though, right? I’m done growing.”. Will nodded, “Yup, you’re finished, and just perfect the way you are.”. Laughing she tackled him in a hug, then popped into the head. Will left a candle on, in a hurricane glass. The flickering light always made the room larger, the shadows deep and dark on the far wall. Minnie was only a minute and was soon digging deep into her quilts. It wasn’t cold in the cabin, the radiator’s were on low to keep it comfortable. Just not hot, he found it difficult sleep if it was too hot. Finally settled, Minnie poked his shoulder, “Gonna leave that light on all night?”. Tilting the glass he blew the light out and the cabin was plunged into darkness. Minnie reached for his hand and he quickly dropped off, not waking til a faint light came in the port.

  As usual it was early, but he’d slept enough. Off to the galley and lit a stove, waiting for the tinder to catch and then put the kettle on. A few minutes later he was on deck with his mug of tea. Watching the town come to life. At first just a couple of carts coming in, to drop off supplies at various businesses. Hmmm, yes Will, that’s a good idea. Leaving his cuppa on the main hatch cover he quickly headed down the pier and flagged down one of the farmers cart. “Morning neighbour, you wouldn’t happen to have milk or eggs for sake, would you.”, he asked the bundled driver. In a gravelly voice the figure replied, “I might, is miss Minnie causing trouble without her breakfast?”. Pulling off their hat and scarf it turned out to be no-one but Howard. Will laughed with glee, and gripped the young man’s hand, “Well that’s a fine thing, good to see you laddie, good to see you.”. Howard coughed, “Wonderful to see you cap’n, I heard the Rose was back and hoped to run into you all.”. He climbed into the back of the cart, took out a half gallon of milk and a wooden crate with two dozen eggs. “This should be enough for the six of you.”. Will sighed, “Just five of us now, Naomi left, she’s with Julian now, starting a family.”. Howard shook his head, “Sorry to hear that, must be hard to get used to.”. Will shrugged, “Yes, at times, but she’s happy.”. A bell rang out in town, from one of the many churches, quickly followed by the others. For a few seconds it was nothing but bells, then it was over. “How do they know to do it at the same time?”, Will thought aloud. “Candles, always burning, marking the times.”, Howard replied, “But I have to run, drop off the days supplies to the Big Blue, then off to the tea house.”. Will nodded and shook the young man’s hand again, “We’ll stop in today.”. Howard nodded and climbed on the wagon, clucked the horses moving and headed off. Heading back to the ship with his treasures Will hoped his tea was still warm.