Read Online Islands of Rage and Hope (eARC) by John Ringo - Free Book Online Page B

ready. Nobody ever had one so we gave up. We just do it on the fly, now. Pain in the ass."
    "All three of my boats have their inventories prepared," Sophia said. "Would it help to get them over to your people?"
    "A lot," the unrep boss said, looking over his shoulder at her. He keyed the radio on his shoulder. "Charlie, Blake. This division's actually got its inventories and stores requests. Want to send somebody around collecting them?"
    "On it."
    "We do have some toilet paper," Blake said. "One of the boats found a container that we could get to. But don't ask for feminine hygiene products."
    "We've got some," LeEllen said. "And the boats have been sharing around."
    "This boat's got a problem with its ROWPU," Sophia said. "We think it's the filters but we haven't found any that fit in our clearance. Any chance you've got some of those?"
    "Depends on the make," Parker said.
    "HRO," LeEllen said. "Seafari mini. We think it's the sea strainer rather than the osmo membrane. But we don't have any parts for either."
    "Charlie," the unrep boss radioed. "Got somebody can check out this boat's ROWPU?"
    "Not right now. I'll put it on the list. What's the make?"
    "HRO Mini," Parker said.
    "Stand by."
    The unrep crew had brought over a set of cargo nets on a zip-line and were working with the Friday crew to move the material on the aft deck into it. As soon as one net was loaded, it was sent back aboard the ship on the same line.
    "We don't have any parts for a Mini onboard. I've got a couple that are in good shape and would probably fit. I'll send Mellan over as soon as he gets freed up."
    "Okay," Parker said. "You heard the man."
    "Thought that might be the case," LeEllen said.
    "You're not asking for anything ?" the unrep boss said, looking at a copy of the inventory.
    "We've been salvaging a lot," Sophia said. "And sharing around. And I told my people not to ask for stuff you're not going to have. About the only thing this boat needed was fuel."
    "You, young lady, are a delight," Parker said. "People are asking for fresh vegetables. Right. Like we've got those. We're about done here. That your Zod tied up, Ensign?"
    "Yes," Sophia said.
    "If you don't mind, I'll catch a ride to the next boat with you. We're sort of overloaded."
    "Not an issue," Sophia said.
    The untie was done more or less in reverse with one line after another going back aboard the supply ship until the yacht was free. Parker maneuvered it away from the Grace until it was a hundred meters out, then lifted his hands from the controls.
    "Your boat, ma'am," the unrep boss said. "And I thank you for being prepared."
    "Thank you for a professional job," LeEllen said.
    "Call in to TraffCom for parking instructions," Parker said. "Ensign, after you."
    "Roger," Sophia said, heading down to her Zodiac.
    "Barry, I'm riding with the ensign," Parker said. "Which is the next boat?"
    "The Negocio Arriesgado ," Sophia said, pointing. "It translates as Risky Business ."
    "Risky business this is indeed," Parker said. "Let's cast off. Time's a-wastin'."

    "You're Seawolf, huh?" Parker asked as Sophia pulled away from the boat.
    "Yep," Sophia said. "Is that an issue?"
    "No," Parker replied. "People talk. 'She's only a skipper 'cause of her dad.' Captain Gilbert said you're a skipper 'cause you have your shit together. I wasn't sure. Glad to have a confirmation. You guys really fight your way out of Central Park? Just the four of you?"
    "No," Sophia said.
    "Thought so."
    "There was a team of National Guardsmen we hooked up with," Sophia said. "And my uncle and a security guy. And it was Washington Square."
    "So that's no shit?" Parker said. "Seriously?"
    "Seriously," Sophia said. "And it wasn't fun. Well, Faith had fun. Me, not so much. I'd only brought along a forty-five and I just about ran out of rounds. When the lights went out, every fucking zombie in New York descended on the concert. It... Yeah, it wasn't fun."
    "Sorry," Parker said, nodding. "I thought that was bullshit.