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 Sun and Sea 12 A James Gang Story by Mike C

   Feedback is welcome - but please keep it constructive.  Address: mikec
(at) nspace.net

   = = = = =

   "Water, diesel and pump-out please," I told Zack when he came to help us
tie up to the filling station at the far end of the marina.  "And we have
some fish for tonight, where do you want them?"

   He pointed to the end of the pier, "Fish cleaning place behind there. 
You can leave there and I do after this..."

   "Can I borrow that?" I pointed at the wheelbarrow that was used to carry
the flounders the night before.

   "Sure!" He pushed it over and grinned, "You catch many?"

   "We did well - Amanda landed two 'bones..."

   "And a half!" Sherri murmured behind me.

   "Plus we got these..." We started transferring fish up, "Drum... 
jack... drum...  two hogs and this big snapper.  And we had a six pound
jack too, but we had him for a snack.  Not too bad huh?"

   "That is very good!" He nodded.  "All from a little boat!"

   Behind the long building which paralleled the fuel platform was the
wooden boning hutch we had used the night before.  We each grabbed a fish
and started cleaning.

   "Remember Robb and Fran - the couple with the island?  They shuttle
between here and Miami - in a big 50' houseboat!  He said they've gone
through 10-footers, but I can't see it being too safe - nor too
comfortable." Brenda said, "They first thought we might be looking for a
place to stay and offered to rent their island to us - at $20,000 a week!
It's also for sale, for a cool 16-million!  And it's no more than a fifth
the size of this place and maybe ten yards of beach!  We did well here..."

   "Ah, thought I heard your voices..." Hazel said, coming over from the
other large building in the vicinity, "Wow, you had a good day!"

   "Do you just want fillets for the party tonight?" Asked Amanda.

   "That would be best for the fish fry..." Hazel answered, joining us to
clean fish.

   "Leave me the snapper and one drum, I feel like having grilled fish." I
told them.

   "Damn cobia would've been good for steaks!" Amanda said regretfully.

   "You asked about diving lessons," Hazel continued, "Are you still
interested?"

   "Oh YES!"

   "OK, some basics: the first level in Scuba training is Open Water
Diving, this first stage will qualify you to use a tank and dive to
40-feet, you will need to complete four parts: Familiarization, Emergency
procedures, diving in Confined Waters, and finally Open Water."

   "And it takes a day for each part?"

   "No, you can read up and help each other with written material, and do
the confined water and test in a day.  The rest are all actual dives to
various underwater locations."

   "Super!  When can we start?"

   "Tomorrow is a good day, many of our guests will be leaving early and
new guests will be too busy settling in, which gives us time to stretch out
the first practical session.  Given your limited exposure to ocean diving,
it's best we take the first part slowly, I'll start with a free dive in the
morning, and then a confined water dive in the afternoon."

   "What's the difference?"

   "Free diving is diving with all your equipment except the tanks, it
gives you time to acclimatize and freedom to enjoy the sights of the
shallower waters." She grinned, "I guarantee it will not be boring!  Then,
after lunch, around three in the afternoon, we'll fit you out with
breathing tanks and we'll explore what is there beyond 20 feet deep!"

   Zack joined us, "You sail from Daytona with just ten gallon fuel, that
is good little boat," He nodded approval.  As we worked on the fish Zack
trimmed chunks from each of the fish carcass before pouring sea water into
the gutter behind the cutting area to flush fish debris through a large
metal strainer back into the water.

   "Here, last thing to do with fish..." He took the pieces he had removed
from the fish and gestured for us to follow him.  Behind the repair shop
and what is apparently his living quarters is a huge pen with a big sow and
two dozen pigs of varying sizes.  He offered strips of fish to the animals,
which they consumed with much noise and great relish.  "Pigs, and cats too,
have good smell - they not eat any bad or sick fish." He dusted his hand,
"They get food and we get food test!"

   "Why does the pig pen open into the water?"

   "They get hot, go for swim in sea.  And they doo-doo there.  Very
clean." He nodded.

   "And they don't run away?"

   "No, they very smart.  They know fresh water is only here!" He chuckled,
"I have best pigs.  One time, neighbor's pig get lost and follow them here,
I get free porker!"

   "Wow the sailboat almost trashed your place!" I said.  To the lee of the
finger of land on which Zack's house and the repair center was built,
rested the hulk of the huge sailing sloop where the last major hurricane
had smashed it.

   "Yes, raas clot, that.  Masts, hull, engine, all broke!  No salvage!"
Then he grinned, "But fuel-tank and generator fell out, see?" He walked us
to a newly-built shed where the storm had apparently relocated the ship's
equipment.  "Make good day-tank and back-up generator!"

   The shed had been added to the back of and opened into the boat center,
which was over 70-feet long and forty wide.  Almost half of its length was
taken up with a wet dock, currently holding two boats being overhauled.

   "Those are your Carvers?" Amanda asked.

   "Yes, they be the hellacious Carvers!"

   "Can I see?" Amanda led the way, "Ah, the Montego 25...  These Carvers
were built in the 80's for day boaters, so were made like floating condos.
Seven feet of freeboard, 11-feet beam; lots of space, but SLOW!" She peered
in the engine hold, "And of course the 5-liter.  Crappy engine and weak
transmission, bad news all around." She looked at Zack, "They'd have to run
it full throttle just to get enough power, which means a lot of fouling and
busted seals for the tranny..." She smiled at a nodding Zack, "Show me the
other one..." Then waved at us, "I'll see you guys later!  Oh and save the
jack for sushi!"

   We carried the nearly thirty pounds of fish to Hazel's shop, where she
placed the fish in one of three food chillers.  There were also two large
freezer chests for meat and guest's catches.  Inside were parcels with
different color tags on them.

   "We just want the snapper and the drum...  and the jack.  The rest can
join the fish fry tonight." I told Hazel.

   "The tag color shows who owns what: yours will be orange," She
explained, as she added my name to a board against the orange marker and
attached similarly colored clips to the meat.

   Hazel's shop was about thirty feet square.  The food coolers and
groceries occupied a third.  Fishing gear occupied the middle 2 aisles. 
The other third and three walls were occupied with racks and displays for
diving equipment.

   "Hazel, what're those jackets with hook all over them?" Sherri asked.

   "They're Buoyancy Control Devices, or BCDs.  We'll cover them in our
course."

   "Briefly, what are they used for?"

   "They cushion and hold the air tanks on your back and lets you adjust
your buoyancy.  They're also useful for holding charts, lights and small
object you want to carry on you."

   "Let's say that I want something that'll secure me to the boat in case I
hook a big fish, will the BCD, some nylon rope and some hardware do the
trick?"

   "I don't see why not, the D-hooks are rated to 300-lbs and the straps at
least that." Hazel mulled, "You know, take some of these spring loaded
carabiners and show Donnie what you want.  I'm sure he can fashion some
anchors on your boat for you..."

   "No cutting!" Brenda warned Sherri.

   "No way!" She grinned, "I won't hurt our baby!" To Hazel, "Can I buy a
BCD in my size?"

   "We'll need them for tomorrow anyway, how 'bout we get our equipment
now?" Brenda said.

   "Sorry," Hazel said, "I don't recommend buying equipment here.  What we
will be using for the course are rental units included in the package. 
What I normally tell guests taking the course is to rent the big ticket
items until they get home.  That way they can try out what suits them best,
and likely get a much better price than buying at the resort."

   "What about these Diveskins we're wearing?"

   "I have these for sale, but you can get better choices on the mainland."

   "No, I think I've come to appreciate them," I grinned at my near-naked
ladies, "So we want these.  What else do you suggest we buy now?"

   "The fins, masks and snorkels - they're useful just for casual diving,
and the booties and gloves.  That way, they'll protect you should you want
to explore a reef or just walk to shore.  Those too can wait till we do a
full fitting tomorrow - when Amanda's here and you can test them out."

   "When do you want us here tomorrow?"

   "Depends how late you want to stay for the 'corker' tonight.  Is
eight-thirty too early?

   "It's OK." I nodded, "We'll meet you here then."

   "What about the BCD?  Can I take one now?"

   "Sure, this Ladies' Medium should be fine for you." Hazel handed Sherri
the complicated-looking vest consisting mostly of webbing, belts, pockets
and a dozen D-hooks.  She placed a handful of the heavy oblong carabiners
and a roll of thick nylon webbing in a bag for her.

   "Donnie's house is there," Hazel pointed.  "Follow the path to the
end..."

   "...past the pig roast and under the Canada Flag, right?" Laughed
Sherri, then to us, "I'll just explain to Donnie what I need and meet you
back at the villa..." She waved goodbye and disappeared out the front door.

   "OK, here are the manuals and a movie you can watch." Hazel handed us
packages, "It will cover the basics and an outline of what we discussed
before."

   "OK, we have to get some breakfast stuff too," Brenda said, "I'm afraid
to face Miriam for food to feed James!"

   We ended up with a shitload of stuff which Hazel was kind enough to pack
inside a cardboard carton, to make it easier for me to take up to the
villa. Brenda followed carrying two loaves of bread and a bag of snacks, to
make sure they didn't get crushed.

   "You could at least go in front," I huffed, "Then I'll have something
interesting to stare at!"

   "But I thought you were more interested in the front view!"

   "Maybe, but I didn't think you're willing to walk backwards!"

   "No I meant for YOU to walk backwards, then we'd BOTH get an interesting
view!" Brenda laughed.

   "If I drop this, you'll have to beg for food again!"

   "Or you can go once without breakfast..." She said, and laughed, "Ah,
right, the sun must be making me delusional!"

   We were cuddling on the sofa in the living room, still naked from our
shower when Sherri and Amanda came in the door.

   "Surprise, surprise, look who's fooling around again!" Amanda sneered.

   "We're watching the Diving video while waiting for the 'skins to dry,"
Brenda said, "Boring stuff, all about buoyancy and water pressure, so..."

   "I learned something useful though!" I said.

   "What?"

   I gave them the 'thumbs down' sign, "This..."

   "Why is it useful?"

   "In diving terms, this means 'Go down'."

   "Yeah," Brenda grinned, "And it works too!"

   "We'll try it out later," Sherri said, "But right now Mandie and I have
to hurry."

   "Why?"

   "To shower and change - Eva says sleeves and no shorts, mosquitoes may
be out...  And...  get this...  Donnie's got a B3!  And he's gonna let me
use it!  Isn't it amazing?" They disappeared into the bathroom.

   "Is a B3 some kind of vibrator?" I asked.

   "Hmmm, not one I'm familiar with..." She said, then pinched me, "Why
would I know anything about vibrators?  I get enough motivation just
thinking about you!" She kissed me and rubbed my tummy.

   We had time just to practice the first few stages of Basic Life Support
and Resuscitation when the girls came out, drying each other and still
going at lightspeed, "And the 28!" Amanda said, "I've never seen a worst
case of 'glass rot!  Zack had to double-size the bolts and even then it had
to be reinforced constantly!"

   "Oh, and it has an original Leslie!" Sherri answered, "The foot register
was removed, of course, but the motors are in great shape!"

   "Yeah, the Crusaders though, were amazing!  Like mint!  GM really knew
how to make 'em, back then!" Amanda replied.

   "What the hell are you two talking about?" I asked.

   "Why aren't you two dressed?" Sherri wanted to know.  "Donnie's waiting
for us!"

   "And his B3." I said, "Whatever it is!"

   "The B3 is singularly the most important musical instrument of the
twentieth century!" Sherri loudly informed us.  "Reggae, Ska, Gospel, jazz
and even hiphop was developed on the Hammond B3 organ!"

   "Oh...  So Donnie's gonna let you play with his organ?" Brenda asked.

   "Ye..." Sherri stopped, turned red and stared, "Whoa, did you just make
a joke, Bren?"

   "She's sneaky like that," Amanda nodded, "Just when you think she has no
sense of humor, she zings you!"

   "It only happens when I hang around certain people!" Brenda smiled and
cuddled against me, "And I get to play with HIS organ!" She showed us what
she meant.

   "No more jokes!" Sherri warned us, "GET DRESSED, we are going NOW!"

   With Sherri's chivvying, we were out the door in minutes, suitably
attired and repellent-enhanced.

   "And what were you going on about?" I asked Amanda.

   "Oh, I was telling Sherri about the Carvers.  They're big, ungainly
boats, but quite well equipped...  The first one, the 25-footer, has the
horrible Ford-built 5-liter and the balky electricals.  And the bigger
boat, the 28-footer, is structurally falling apart.  So, I was thinking...
Ah, there's Zack...  I need to talk with him...  Zack!" She called out,
waved to him and sped off.

   At the foot of the hill, Hazel's and Eva were filling a bucket up at the
ice machine.  "Can we help?"

   "Yeah, sure, the girls can help Eva and James can help me." Hazel took
me around the side of her building and showed me the wheelbarrow.  "Help me
take this out front."

   We followed the building to the side facing the beach, which had been
made into a small bar.  Hazel opened it up and we loaded up with beers and
mixers.

   "Nice set up, you run the bar as well?"

   "Until we get busy, then we'll have locals helping out." She said,
"Here, put this on." She handed me a nylon strap and showed me how to loop
it around the handles and across my shoulders, "It's to help your balance,"
She smiled, "It's gonna be heavy!"

   I was about to tell her I can press double my weight when they started
emptying the ice into the wheelbarrow, then Eva came out with the food and
fish for the evening, to which Brenda added the fish we had caught that day
and everything went in my load as well.

   "Is this all?" I groaned.

   "Zack can do this AND carry a live pig under his arm!" Hazel added, with
a wink.

   "Oh good, I can let him do it then!"

   "He should have been here half an hour ago!" Hazel said, "Your little
girlfriend has him twisted around her finger."

   "She tends to do that to people," we agreed.

   "So it's only fair James do the carrying for you then," Brenda added.

   "Traitor!" I muttered under my breath.

   "Think of it as your chance to show people how strong and useful you
are!"

   "And how fast you can do it!" Sherri urged.

   "Sherri's been telling us about Donnie's, er, B3." Brenda said to Eva as
they helped guide my overloaded contraption along the dirt path.

   "Ah yes.  A few years ago, Donnie saw an ad for a 'water-damaged' B3 and
we went to Nassau to check it out.  It'd been stored in a warehouse after a
concert, and there it suffered an accident during a rainstorm.

   "His real interest was that Ziggie Marley, Bob's oldest son, had just
performed there and Donnie figured there was a chance it was one of the
three B3's his band traveled with, and, with his one-quarter Jamaican
ancestry, Donnie felt obliged to save it from the junkyard.  Not only was
the cabinetry damaged, the motors and electronics were all shot too, so the
insurance company was willing to let us have it cheap.

   "Donnie soon realized that he did not know enough to fix the internals,
so he took me up on my offer...  maybe more like an ultimatum - to get his
electrician's license.  So while he repaired the woodwork, he did the
course by mail and managed an electronics diploma along with that too." Eva
smiled proudly.  "For ten months, he worked on it.  The good thing was that
the speakers in the Leslie unit were not ruined.

   "Then, the day he got it working, he played me 'Is This Love?' and then
he proposed." She sighed, "It was super unbelievable and amazing...

   "I should mention that my dear husband knows nothing about playing the
organ, and all I know is what little I remember from piano lessons at
nine." She smiled at Sherri, "Now you see why I am so thrilled and not the
least bit jealous that Donnie's found someone he can share his precious
organ with!" She grinned to tell us the joke was not lost on her.

   We finally arrived at a wide clearing we had seen from the boat earlier
that day.  The hammock was still there, still under the Maple Leaf.

   Donnie's house was as big as Hazel's and was also the shop for his
electrician business.  About twenty small tables were set up around the
perimeter of the clearing.  Miriam and her staff was working on a long
buffet table laying out more food and drinks.

   "Wow, you moved the Hammond out!" Sherri exclaimed, as Donnie came up.

   "Yes, so you can play for all of us!" He beamed, relieving me of my load
of food.

   "Donnie normally provides some music after the meal, before the serious
drinking starts.  We would be honored if you can do a few songs for us."
Eva amended diplomatically.

   The boxy organ console was shaped much like a church-organ chopped in
half.  An even bigger box with "Leslie" stamped on it loomed beside the
organ.

   "Big mother!  How did he get it all the way from Nassau here?" I asked
Eva.

   "Donnie had a friend on the Albury ferry and they slipped it on board
one of their 'Donnie' boats."

   "He has a boat named after him?"

   "No," Eva laughed, "The ferry has a dozen boats, all of them are named
'Donnie'." She stopped, "Ah, the guests are arriving, I must go and welcome
them.  Excuse me..."

   "What do you think of the B3, baby?" Sherri asked, "Isn't she a beauty?"

   "It sure is big and complicated, Donnie did a fine job on it though!"

   "He had to bring in all the wood for the cabinets."

   "Are the keys supposed to be these colors?"

   "They're the color for organs, and the Hammond was the first one to
successfully duplicate the sounds of a pipe organ, without the arrays of
pipes."

   "It's not too hard electronically, I'd use a pink noise generator with a
whole slew of PLLs and bandpass filters..."

   "That's a close guess...  Although seventy years ago they had to
generate each of the 91 notes mechanically." Sherri threw the 'Start'
switch, then 'Run'.  "The whirr you hear is the master shaft turning 91
little disks with magnets in them..."

   "Ah yes, Hall-effect sensors." I nodded, "Probably little coils, which
will generate a very noisy base signal..."

   "Exactly!" Sherri smiled, "The 'noise' is mostly harmonics, and that is
what is needed to make a rich, full sound.  These nine drawbars let you
control how much of the harmonics for each note to let through.  They have
eight levels each, and span a range, in fifths, from an octave below, to
three octaves above the fundamental." She moved some sliders, and played a
chord.  A big, impressive sound came from the attached speaker unit.  "See,
classic turn-of-the-century church pipes." After a moment, she started
playing Bach's famous organ piece.

   "Mmmmm." I closed my eyes and swayed against Brenda.

   "Wow, James, I never thought you're so into organ music!" Brenda said.

   "Ahhh, no, I can smell the pork - dinner is ready...!"

   = = = = =

   (C) Copyright 2001-2008.  MikeC. All Rights Reserved. All Reproduction
for fee or profit forbidden.

   Copies of this and other stories can be downloaded from:
<http://www.asstr.org/files/Authors/MikeC/JAMES/Sun&Sea/>