Chapter 10~ The Final Run
Northwestern sat quietly at her dock as her crew prepared to leave for home. They would be back though. Northwestern had signed on for the IFQ permit so she would be one of the boats fishing again next season.
Sig stood next to her on the dock and gently stroked her bow. Northwestern purred, enjoying the kind touch for the only other touch she'd ever receive would be the harsh slap of the Bering Sea so she was grateful for any kind, gentle touch she could get when she could get it. "I'll see you in October." He said those famous parting words that Northwestern had heard over and over again at the end of each Opilio season. At the end of King season it was "I'll see you in two weeks."
"I'll be here." was Northwestern's consistent reply. Sig left for the airport and Northwestern was left alone with Cornelia and Maverick who also had joined on the new IFQ system, much to Northwestern's delight. At least she wouldn't be the only boat staying. "It's what I was born and bred and corn fed to do." Cornelia said. "I wouldn't have it any other way." "No I don't doubt you wouldn't." Northwestern chuckled.
She lowered her head, suddenly feeling sick. Cornelia noticed this as did Maverick who gently pressed closer to her. "Northwestern, are you alright?" He asked. "I-I think so." Northwestern stammered as the wave of nausea passed. She shook her head, feeling rather tired. Maverick said nothing more and the white vessel curled up to sleep.
In the morning, he was woken rather harshly by Northwestern. "Maverick," She groaned. "Move." Maverick, a bit surprised by her hostile attitude, did. Northwestern raced past him and several other vessels stared after her with knowing looks as she vanished around a corner. Moments later, a loud retching sound was heard as Northwestern puked. Maverick, a little bit disgusted by this turned away to meet the knowing silver eyes of Cornelia. Cornelia smiled and Maverick, chuckling, smiled back. "Just wait when she hears." He whispered. Cornelia tried to stifle a laugh and failed.
"I don't see what's funny about me throwing up." Northwestern grumbled as she returned. Maverick looked at Cornelia. "You tell her." He said simply. "What, no it was your idea you tell her!" Cornelia replied. "It was not, you thought of it first." Maverick retorted. "What was your idea?" Northwestern wondered, looking back and forth between them. Cornelia fixed the slightly smaller male with a glare and Maverick relented.
Sighing he said "To put it quite frankly Northwestern, you're with young." "WHAT?!" Northwestern yowled. Her glare was hot enough to melt an iceberg and Maverick shrunk down, whimpering. "If that's too forward I could say that you're in a family way or you're pregnant perhaps." He stopped as Northwestern bared her teeth at him. "How could I possibly be pregnant?" She wondered, sounding less skeptical now. "Well, duh. You were cozy with Big Valley." Cornelia pointed out. Northwestern nodded, closing her eyes. She sighed. "I-I'm pregnant with his children, our children. Oh how he would've loved this." She whispered. "I'm sure he's watching us now with a big silly grin on his face." Cornelia said, nuzzling her. "Of that, I have no doubt." Northwestern replied.
As she returned to her berth and looked to the horizon she knew that the coming King Crab Season would be very different and that nothing would ever be the same as it was before.