The Jones Files: Book Five: Captain Martin

By A.C. Jones

If you have red any of my books before you will know that including people with various disabilities isn't unheard of. Hopefully you dear reader will understand that I believe in equality for everyone. Although I'm blind I don't think of it as a deterrent, rather a pain in the, oh well you know what I mean.

As many characters in

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rushmore Press LLC
• Release date: Oct 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781953223425

Book preview

ISBN 978-1-953223-43-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-953223-42-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by A.C. Jones

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Rushmore Press LLC

1 800 460 9188

www.rushmorepress.com

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

The tension is mounting, the race of the week is about to happen. Juli is a bright young woman who works in mailings for The Big Lift Shipping and Lumber Company. She uses an electric wheel chair for mobility. She is almost 30 years old and holds a master’s degree in political science from a nearby university. She lives with her husband in a condo and enjoys listening to classical music and attending wild harry rock concerts. She doesn’t say why the difference in music but then she doesn’t care what we think. She lives her life to the max and isn’t afraid to try most anything. She is good at what she does and saves Roses company thousands of dollars with her unique ideas on streamlining the mail process. She arranges the mail for Gerry who delivers packages and letters all around the twenty-story building.

Dan is another matter; he works in the lower level on the company’s 75 various vehicles. He uses a hand powered wheel chair and has challenged Juli to a race down the fourth-floor hallway. The hall on the fourth floor is the longest running the length of the building and has the least number of offices. They are daring each other and their fellow workers are placing bets on the outcome.

Juli bets that she in her powered wheel chair can beat Dan with his hand powered wheel chair any day of the week. The tension has been building for weeks now, and the pot has grown to several hundred dollars. Of course, everyone in the upper management knows nothing about the big race except for Carmen. Carmen secretly is excited too and places her own bet on her favorite. The day is drawing near, and the hallway is wide open and ready. The security people are in on it as well and have programmed the security cameras to cover the entire race from start to finish. The hallway is wide and level and so the race should be fare. Juli has charged up her batteries and Dan has powered down plenty of protein

The elevators that the public use is at one end of the building and will be the finish line for the big race. The race begins with Juli pulling ahead by a chair length, but Dan is no slouch, he powers on and catches Juli. The people are watching from monitors in the security room and the noise is getting dangerous. The race is very close and Dan is sweating and Juli is smiling. She pushes harder on her hand controls but the chair is doing its very best. The elevator is coming to the fourth floor containing seven Japanese very properly dress gentlemen. They arrive on the fourth floor and as they step out of the elevator the mad race comes to a tie finish. The men are knocked flat, falling to the side and back onto the elevator. No one is hurt, but their dignity is in shambles. Their brief cases are scattered and several burst open spilling out papers and in one case, a tiny model train layout. The men are roaring with anger and frustration. Juli is horrified and Dan looks like he just ate a lemon. The security people come rushing up and over like they weren’t watching and betting on the race. The Japanese men are collecting themselves and brush off dust that isn’t really there. The security people surround the Japanese and ignore the two racers. They pretend like they don’t know what happened or why. The business men from Japan are indignant and demand to see someone in charge.

Carmen comes strolling out of a nearby office looking pretty and efficient. She asks everyone what seems to be the trouble. She knows exactly what the problem is, but she is like all the rest and pretends that she knows nothing. She is apologizing for the incident and assures the men that the bad people will be severely punished maybe even fired.

Carmen is trying not to smile, and has to think of nasty things to keep her pretty face from showing what she really feels. Carmen invites them to visit with the owner, and urges all the men to re-enter the elevator. They arrive on the twentieth floor and there is Jamie to greet them properly.

Chapter 2

Rose knows nothing of the race and is truly surprised when Carmen comes trooping in with the men in tow. She tells Rose of the race and says she will take care of the discipline herself. Who ever heard of people in wheel chairs racing down a long hallway like that? Rose is gracious as always and offers her guest the best they have. The men sit in the circle of chairs and Jamie performs the duties of providing tea and small cookies he thinks the Japanese men might like.

Rose, gentlemen welcome to our humble company, I am so sorry for the accident, and is everyone alright?

The men admit that they all are alright, it’s just their pride, or dignity, or their Japaneseness that’s been ruffled.

Jamie arrives with small tea cups and tiny cookies and other snacks he thinks they will enjoy. He pores with a delicate touch that is impressive. He is oh so careful not even spilling a drop. Jack is staying clear of these new arrivals, he doesn’t have to be told, that these gents can be trouble. Finally, Carmen comes over using her white cane and telling them she too is sorry for the problem. The men are not a bad bunch and soon with Carmen’s good nature and humor are laughing it off

Rose isn’t so amused by the events and wants to see the security videos of the hallway happening. Carmen thinks to herself, oh oh and goes back to work. Tom isn’t available and pore old Joe has to find out where the video might be. Jamie has escorted the men down stairs and wishes them a good day. Joe decides to finally admit to Rose of the race.

Joe arrives with a disk and offers it to Rose like some sort of sacrifice. She sits back and watches the race. In spite of the growing anger, she is interested. She knows both of her people well and is proud of the diversity they provide. She knows both of these people are well educated and has to wonder at the things that motivates them. She shutters to think what could have happened when the racers knock those very proper Japanese gentlemen into a big heap. Rose decides to give Dan and Juli a good tongue licking or whatever it’s called. She watches the races again and this time Joe notices a slight smile crossing her lips. She watches a third time and smiles big and broad. Jones comes in from flying the helicopter looking weary. He wants to know what’s going on? Rose by this time is roaring with laughter of her own. Jones gets no answer and watches too. Joe explains to him what’s happening and Jones smiles with everyone else.

Chapter 3

Juli and Dan are invited up to the upper office and just know they are in trouble. They are afraid they will be fired or severely reprimanded. They arrive to the outer office and Jamie is trying to look innocent. He mostly pulls it off, except for a little giggle he hides in his shirt collar.

Jamie invites them in by holding open the door. Carmen is standing there and ushers them over to the circle of chairs. She has move several of the chairs aside to make room for their wheel chairs. Rose is gracious, she offers them refreshment. They are too nervous and say no thanks. Rose decides to just get right to the problem.

Ok you guys, what was the big idea of racing down the hall like that? Your both well educated people and I am surprised at you. You know those Japanese gentlemen represent millions of dollars’ worth of shipping and you could have jeopardized the contract.

The two friends are looking very humble and mumble their apologies. Rose can’t help herself, and says to them, who do they think won the race. Both look up in surprise and says together that he she did.

Rose moves on not wanting to dwell on problems that can’t be solved or that don’t mater. She has been following both her people’s careers and informs them that they are needed in other departments in her growing company. She isn’t really mad, after all she and Jones wrestle on the very thick carpet once in a while. Carmen doesn’t see them but certainly has heard them. Jack comes wandering out of the kitchen, he misses Braidy and is looking hollow. Braidy will be back soon, he has been down in South America delivering more people to help with the new sawmill. Jack knows both these people and walks right over and touches their hands with his big wet nose. They pet his big head and are feeling better, even though it could have been much worse for them. They promise they won’t knock down anymore Japanese business types, and are surprised when Rose doesn’t tell them to never race like that again.

Chapter 4

Rose’s leadership has moved her company forward ever forward. There are now 65 container vessels that transport cargo all around the world. The tug boat business is increasing as well, more drilling for oil and gas in the Golf, the North Sea and around South America. The new colors blue over darker blue are well known around the world and recognized as being ships of dependable quality. Rose has including training in her company for ship’s crew and those people are managing all positions on her ships. The company is still in the same building but there are more buildings newly built in cities down the coast and even in other countries. There is a China branch of Big Lift shipping and Salvage and Joe travels there often. The Chinese are willing to allow Roses shipping company to locate in Hong Kong and there are now Chinese employees. Several old timers in Roses company aren’t happy with the Chinese employees but Rose doesn’t tolerate any discrimination from anyone. She informs these disgruntle employees that if they don’t stop discriminating they will be terminated. Jones advises her that terminate may not be the best choice of words, but she is adamant. She doesn’t spend much time with her roses any more, she has become interested in managing her giant company again. She and Carmen are making deals that would terrify most anyone else, the shipping contracts are in the millions and they make deals like they were playing a card game. Jones refers to the deals they make like playing Monopoly. Rose moves about her company with grace and care, she is well like by nearly everyone. She spends time with anyone and everyone even people who are considered to be little people. She especially is effective in communicating with folks who happen to have a disability. Her favorite if there could be a favorite is Gerry the mail guy. Rose enjoys his humor and wit; he is always ready with his latest joke. Even though she has heard many of those jokes before she is ready with a cheery laugh. She enjoys lighting up the lives of her employees with and without disabilities. Rose likes to make people feel better about themselves and is skilled at bringing out the best in nearly everyone. Jones goes along on these tours and admires her wit and charm. He is convinced that happy employees are productive employees. They have gotten a lesson from Carmen, who is the master of humor in the company. Carmen is now general manager of the upper office and runs the company with skill and daring. People who talk with her aren’t always satisfied with the results, she can rule with an iron hand, but they do enjoy her humor. Carmen is now a very lovely twenty-three-year-old lady who is impressive with knowledge and wit

Chapter 5

The Cookie is back to doing what she does best. The salvage business is steady and the ship salvage many vessels that have been written off by their owners. The percentages of salvaged cargo run into the millions and is well worth while. The tug is Skippered by Harry who took over after Captain Murphy and Cookie were killed in a helicopter accident. The cook is a very round black lady who treats her boys like they were her very own. She doesn’t sing like Cookie once did but her cookies and stews are just wonderful. The crew treat her with respect and dignity and she responds to them with love and admiration. The Cookie is working around Columbia South America moving oil rigs and helping with the drilling. She rarely uses her entire reserves of resources; her engines are large and have more than enough power for most jobs. The crew are used to working together and can anticipate each other’s action and so they have become extremely efficient.

This day is like most other days in the warm climate around Cartagena Columbia. The cook rouses everyone with coffee and oatmeal and freshly made rolls. She welcomes her charges with a warm smile and delicious smells. She gets up at O Dark thirty and loves what she does. The men look forward to chowing down and her wit and humor are as good as her food. They gather around the big table in the mess and chatter about nothing and everything. Captain Harry is on the bridge manning the wheel allowing his crew to fuel up in comfort. The tug will move two oil platforms to new sights and will need the entire day for the tasks. Oil platforms are cumbersome and difficult to manage. They aren’t at all streamlined and tow like the squared off bulks they are.

When everyone except the Captain have finished fueling up its Captain’s turn. This is a special time for the Captain. He knows that the crew tell the cook things they would never discuss with him. She looks forward to these times and usually prepares something special just for him. They sit at a small table in the corner of the galley. She fixes his coffee just the way he likes it, lots of creamer and in a tall mug that says Captain. The mug was given to the Captain by Rose and has his name on it as well.

Captain, Well my dear, what tall tales have those rogues been telling you this day?

Cook, Oh well, you know, nothing much.

Captain, Oh you, you know those words tell me nothing, now come on, what gives?

Cook, Oh ok, well there’s David who is heart sick because the girl he was sure he was in love with found another sailor to admire. And let’s see, Brownie has an ingrown toenail. Um, Harvey says he has a belly ache although he had third helpings of everything.

Stop stop, your holding out on me dear, you can do better than that!

Cook, Oh alright, the big complaint is from Wally.

Captain, Do you mean Wally in engineering?

Cookie, He says he isn’t comfortable with the new computerized software that got installed when we were broke down around here last year.

Captain, Ah hell, why can’t these jokers come to me in the first place?

Cook just shakes her head and sighs. Captain finishes one last slurp of coffee and moves off heading for the bridge. Cookie gathers up their dishes and sings an old song that she doesn’t remember the name of it any longer. She is laying the ingredients out for meat loaf. She uses her own recipe and it is of course delicious. She cuts up potatoes and carrots and onions and allows it all to bake in the oven. She thinks she will add a double chocolate cake too. There is a large freezer and two refrigerators, in the galley. She loves cooking and when her boys sit around powering down what she cooks she feels complete. She has had a rough life and working on this ship with her boys is heavenly for her. She is the only black person on the ship and never thinks twice about it. They are more than kind to her and are available for reaching or lifting any time. She doesn’t know much about what they do, she only knows that the work can be extremely dangerous. Many times, she is asked to dig out slivers or treat burns and sometimes has to stitch up cuts that are nasty looking. She hasn’t had any medical training but just jumps right in there and sews up cuts like she is mending a torn shirt. She is always willing to listen and no one knows that she talks with the Captain. It is a working relationship that benefits everyone and hurts no one

The Cookie has all the modern electronics available to most ships on the high seas and hears news from around the world. The Cruise ship that was kidnapped around the end of the Baja Peninsula had a bad ending, most of the passengers were rescued. Although the people got a away the crew did not. The ship was riddled with machine gun fire explosives that destroyed much of the inside of the beautiful ship. The hulk was left drifting and needs to be removed. The Cookie gets a call from Headquarters building.

Big Lift shipping to Cookie over.

Big Lift Shipping, Cookie here, Captain Harry here, over.

Big Lift here, say Captain we got a new job for you guys over.

Ok Cookie here, Harry speaking, what you got for us over?

Big Lift here, we got a cruise ship that needs towing, you may know the ship over.

Big lift shipping tells Captain Harry about the derelict vessel and Captain Harry remembers very well. He gets the pertinent information and reassures Headquarters that they are on it and can start for the new location tomorrow.

The most difficult job in towing anything whether it be a ship or a oil platform is getting the connection made. If the seas are rough that job can be downright dangerous. Harry contacts the oil platforms and provides them with instructions and the jobs go off smoothly. Captain Harry thinks to himself what a dull life staying on an oil platform for weeks at a time and that stink burns his sinuses something awful. The platforms are moved to their new positions and are ready to get set up. The Cookie heads off through the night for the stranded cruise ship. The crew don’t like these night runs, someone has to stand the watch and that ruins their sleep for days.

The cruise ship is quite large being around 1000 feet long and 14 decks high. The ship is so damaged inside where the people got killed and the explosives went off that it is doubtful if it can ever be used for passengers again. The Cookie will tow it