Chapter 5
A few days later on 31st December, the Hammersley has moored near Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. Mike had announced that they would spend New Year's Eve on the beach with a barbecue and that they would not leave until the next day, of course, if there wasn't an emergency call or a requested intervention. He heard that the mood had improved enormously. He requested that three volunteers to stay aboard. Jerry, the buffer, volunteered because he wasn't too fond of such events. Bird too because she was worried it would end in a huge binge drinking despite the fact that the CO was there too and the third was RO's assistant, Victor. He had already had the opportunity to join such an event while Robert had to stay aboard. Now he insisted that Robert leave because it was his turn. In the afternoon the crew left in civvies for the island to prepare the party, swim and take a walk on the island.
Residents of the village near the beach didn't object to the upcoming event. For them, it was probably the event of the year because nothing spectacular happened there. These people were still far from being spoiled with civilised gadgets. The speculoos-skinned natives walked bare-chested and a few worn completely worn T-shirts. Some women wore sarongs or straw skirts. Many young children hung out at the beach around sailors.
2Dads and Charge were on their way with fishing rods to the island's large lake to see if they could catch some fish for the barbecue.
"Jeez, Charge, what a boring place this is! Not even a decent pub or a shop and all these people stare at us like we're from another planet".
"Calm down! We're in headhunter territory", Charge said, moving his hand along his throat.
"You really think it? And the boss moored here!", 2Dads said in disgust.
"But you don't have to be scared buddy. They'll skip you because they won't find much in your skull", Charge said with a grin.
"Funny! Very funny!", 2Dads grumbled.
"Look, there's the lake already!", Charge said, pointing to the bright blue water between the green leaves.
"Oh lovely, now a bar and some sheilas and the party goes on!", 2Dads smirked.
Charge didn't seem to hear him; he was only interested in the lake, "Here's even a small jetty, good for my rods".
"Charge buddy, there's nothing to fuck here! No booze, no sheilas, as exciting as a naked Knocker", 2Dads grunted after an hour.
Charge looked at him out of the corner of his eyes, "A naked Knocker? Should I know something? You've special tastes!"
"Hey, hey, Charge buddy, knock it off! I'm not insane you know", 2Dads defended himself.
"Oh? Could have been a good mess story", Charge replied deadpan.
"Don't even think about it! Maybe I go swimming", 2Dads said as he began to pull off his shirt.
"If you dare, then I'll tell the story in the mess. You'll scare the fish".
2Dads grumbled something in response and sat down again.
After an hour Charge removed his line. "We've had enough. Nine fish. Bomber can do something with that".
Finally! I've become a mummy now. It's bloody hot in here and there's still no booze!", 2Dads replied irritated.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, you've already told me fifty times, but you're right. I'm thirsty too", Charge said.
"Aha! Now you sound reasonable. Let's go. Surely these locals will have something under the cork ", 2Dads said and started to help Charge with enthusiasm.
A bit later, they returned to the beach through the village.
"Are we sure that there's no pub here?", 2Dads mumbled looking around.
He nudged Charge, "There's an old bloke over there, I'll ask him", he said and headed for the old man.
"Hi mate, do you know a pub around here?", he asked.
The old man shrugged and shook his head.
"Forget it buddy, he doesn't understand you", Charge said tugging at his shirt,
"No, wait, let me try again", said 2Dads brushing him off.
"Hi, ' .thirsty'. . !'", he said slowly, miming the action of drinking.
The old man's face cleared and he said something in the local language.
2Dads smirked back, "I don't understand mate, but if you have something to drink, yes please", he said, nodding.
The old man raised his hand to tell him to wait and shuffled to the building these people called a house. An moment later he returned with two small glasses and a bottle containing a yellowish liquid.
2Dads grinned to Charge, "Am I fantastic or am I fantastic?"
The man poured the glasses and handed them over.
2Dads sniffed the liquid and threw it down his throat, "Wow! Good stuff!", he exclaimed and it seemed to please the old man who smiled widely.
"What is it?", Charge asked. "It tastes like passion fruit, mango, orange and something stronger.
"I don't know, but it's great", 2Dads said.
He pointed at the bottle. "More bottles? Me pay! How much?", he asked, pulling out his wallet and some banknotes.
The man waggled his head, raised his hand and showed a small space between his index finger and his thumb. "Ve-ry li-ttle", he said with difficultly.
"Aah! Small price! Cheap!", 2Dads exclaimed and showed him some banknotes while making the bottle ring with his finger. "Okay? ".
The man nodded and accepted the dollars.
"More bottles?", but it was in vain because the man gave him a look full of question marks.
Finally 2Dads drew the shapes of several bottles in the sand and gestured between the drawing and the bottle he had in his hands.
In the long run the man understood and went back inside to come out with six other bottles.
"Wow! Great!", 2Dads exclaimed and he gave the man dollar equivalent for the bottles.
Arms loaded with bottles and a radiant smile they turned back.
"Now I can improve the Guava Mojo", he said.
"Uh? When?"
"Well tonight!"
"You're dreaming. We don't have all the ingredients", Charge replied.
"Yes, we do! ", 2Dads smirked.
Charge gave him a suspicious glance.
"Well buddy, I've smuggled a few bottles aboard because I knew we were going to be at sea over Christmas. I had also hoped that the boss would moor near a small tropical island to celebrate but in vain. He remained at sea. But in our misfortune, we're lucky. We can celebrate the New Year at the beach! Great, isn't it?"
"Sounds good! Luckily the boss is in a good mood and allowed drinks."
Meanwhile, they had reached the beach and saw several men busy preparing the place for the evening. Bomber was busy setting up the barbecue with some and others were placing fire pots for the lights.
"Hey Bomb, I've got some fresh fish for tonight. Where can I leave it?", Charge asked.
She straightened her back and wiped the sweat from her forehead, "For now aboard, in the fridge, because it's bloody hot here and the fish won't stay fresh".
"And I got some drink stuff", 2Dads added with a wink showing the bottles.
"Aah! Good! I was already thinking of something to start the evening with. Do you want to take care of it?", Rebecca asked.
2Dads beamed, "Sure I will! You may sleep soundly!", he replied enthusiastically, setting the bottles behind the makeshift bar.
"Hey! 2Dads, where've you been?", yelled Petty Officer Steward Smith, Smithy,.
"Fishing with Charge", he replied.
"Make sure the electricity is order for tonight. I want lights and music!", Smithy ordered.
"Keep cool Smithy. It's too hot to shout!", he said and he walked towards some cables.
That night the crew left in a good mood for the beach. Both Rhibs commuted between the ship and the island and finally one stayed on the beach and the other one returned to the ship. They had swapped their DPNUs for their own clothes. Mike had put on a jeans and an aloha shirt that Kate had never seen before. She looked at it with such curiosity that Mike has asked her if the colour of the shirt didn't match the colour of his hair. She had put on a white cotton trousers, a fluffy pale green blouse and a pair of flat sandals. At the beach they were surprised by the magical atmosphere that reigned there. The night was dark, the lamps were giving off a nice glow and the music was playing in the background. The smell of barbecue dominated the area and caused a feeling of hunger.
Many residents came to see what was happening. For them it was probably the event of the year.
"Hey boss!", 2Dads greeted Mike, "the first one is for you!", he said offering Mike a Guava Mojo prepared with the local drink.
"Thanks, but what is…", Mike replied.
"Guava Mojo Special", Grinned 2Dads. "Taste it, just great!".
He also gave one to Kate.
"2Dads, we have to drink in moderation!", Mike said sternly.
"Oh, boss, just one, it can't hurt. And we still have to eat! And it's New Year's Eve", he defended himself.
Mike scowled a little, "Okay, then, just one".
"Yes boss", 2Dads replied happily.
They both took a sip and looked at each other.
"Hmm, the best I've ever tasted", Mike said.
"Yeah, I'm wondering what he put in there", Kate said and she looked around to ask 2Dads, but he was already busy handing the drinks to the others.
They took another sip but, unfortunately, they were all on their way to a disaster they seemed unaware of.
The crew was chatting among themselves as they emptied the Guava Mojo and munching on the nuts in the bowls. The mood at the party was exuberant in no time. 2Dads was already on his way to drunkenness as he served a second round Guava Mojo. Kate was giggling with everything that was said. RO showed his most extrovert side, which was unknown to the crew. Bomber was laughing all the time behind her barbecue and Mike no longer cared about his drink instructions. He asked for a second drink.
Meanwhile on the Hammersley.
Victor was comfortably settled in his chair reading a book, the headphone half on his head to listen to the incoming radio calls while he could hear the radio at the bridge.
Jerry came back on the bridge and saw Victor's gaze at him. "I just went around the ship. Everything is clear".
"Uh-hu", the other one mumbled before continuing to read.
"Have you seen Bird?", Jerry asked.
"Yep, she's in the galley, preparing us something. She said the three of us could eat here", Victor said above his book.
"Uh-hu. Any messages?"
"Nope! Quiet. I think everyone is celebrating".
"Good! Otherwise it's going to be a disaster!", Jerry said as he slumped into the captain's chair.
"Why?", Victor answered innocently.
"Are you really asking? Can you imagine how those geezers will behave if we interrupt their party?", Jerry taunted.
"Yeah, but the boss and the X?"
"Perhaps these are exceptions! I really hope so!", he grumbled, looking towards the beach where the music was coming from.
"Hey guys, some food!", exclaimed a cheerful Bird as she appeared at the bridge with a tray covered in a huge plastic cover.
"Aha!", Jerry said, rubbing his hands, "I'm starving".
"I'm coming", Victor said switching the radio signal to the speaker so they don't miss any messages.
"Tataaam!", she said, lifting the plastic cover.
"Steak and chips!", Victor exclaimed.
"Well, I thought we might as well have something extra while they had their party", Bird said gesturing with her thumb over her shoulder.
"It's a good move Birdie!", Jerry said, taking the dishes from the tray and setting them on the chart table.
"And there's also mayonnaise and salad!", Bird added, setting down the pot of sauce and the salad bowl.
They sat down at the chart table and began to eat.
"Why didn't you go Birdie? A party, I thought that was something for you?", Jerry asked.
"Hmm, yes and no, such parties end up in a lot of drinking and stupid jokes, no thanks. What about you?", she asked him between bites.
"First I come from the frigates and there, the habit is to stick to the military hierarchy. It's for a better functioning, you see. Too much fraternisation is not good", he replied.
"Oh, I see", she replied faintly.
In that case, roll on the small ships!
After their meal, she wandered outside and leaned on de railing of the bridge. Faint music from the beach could be heard from the ship.
"Buffer? We still haven't heard from them!", she mentioned.
"It is something you don't have to worry about. The CO and the X are with them", he replied.
More than two hours later.
"Buffer, I'm starting to get worried. Still no news!", she said.
"Birdie, let it go. The officers are on shore, so no problem! And by the way, you don't need to stay awake. Touch your bunk and get some sleep. Vic and I are going to keep an eye on this barge", he said.
"Oh? Thanks buffer", she said and she rushed downstairs.
To be continued