Capture of the Defiance

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

Two days later, Makayla sat back and gazed out over the water. She could already feel the itch to leave. She refocused on where she was polishing the safety railing. Henry had made some modifications to the Defiance over the last few years to make it more of an ocean-going vessel. She was still amazed that he had made it over halfway around the world already. This would be her fifth time joining him en route and the longest distance since he had started.

“What do you think?” Henry asked, standing near the mast.

Makayla glanced over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “I try not to,” she joked, watching an expression of exasperation cross his face at her snarky response. She laughed and turned to face him. “I was just thinking how impressed I am that you have made it this far. It is an incredible feat. You know, Mom still thinks that you’ve totally lost your mind.”

Henry bent and sat down next to her. She could see the thoughtful expression on his face while he gazed out across the harbor. His fingers played with the wire he was holding, rolling it back and forth between them.

“I’ve been smart about it,” he commented, turning back to face her. “I watch the weather and stay in the major shipping lanes. I’ve made some of the longer legs along with other boats. I’ve been planning this trip my whole life and I have to admit – I don’t have a single regret. I’ve seen places and met people that otherwise would have been impossible.”

“You’ve also had a few close calls,” Makayla reminded him. “The Philippines….”

Henry waved his hand. “I know, but that’s life. There are never any guarantees. One thing your grandmother made sure I never forgot was that there are never any guarantees in life. Her death was a huge blow not only to your mom, but to me, Makayla. When Mary Rose was dying, she made me promise that I wouldn’t let fear stop me from living my dreams. She reminded me every day to grasp life with both hands and live it, because as she pointed out, you never knew when your last day might be. I raised your mom and uncle as best I could. I wasn’t perfect, but I can say I did my best. Having you back in my life made me realize just how fortunate I am.”

Makayla sat in silence for a brief moment before she shook her head. “I think that’s the longest thing I’ve ever heard you speak,” she reflected with a grin before it faded and she grew serious. “You did good, Henry. Mom doesn’t blame you for what happened in her life. And as for me – well, I’ll be the first to admit you changed mine,” she said in a quiet tone, glancing away to look at the water again.

“You already had a good head on your shoulders, girl. You just needed to know what you had inside you,” Henry replied in a gruff tone. With a grunt, he stood up. “I’d better get the wiring completed if we are going to leave the day after tomorrow. We’ll be following a couple of cargo ships down to Guam, then over to Honolulu.”

Makayla nodded. “I saw the charts. It’s good to know we won’t be alone. The Pacific Ocean is a mighty big place to get lost in,” she said, picking up the polish and pouring more onto the rag she was using.

“There’s a market about a mile or so from here. I’ve got a couple of bikes and thought we could stock up on some supplies later,” Henry commented. “I went there the day before you arrived. They have a nice selection of items.”

“That sounds like fun,” Makayla said. “I could use some exercise.”

Henry nodded. “Looks like a good day to go, tomorrow it’s supposed to rain,” he reflected. “I’d better get the new wire run for the lights if we want to be able to see where we are going.”

Makayla turned back to her task. Henry turned on some music and all around them other boat owners talking could be heard. She glanced up when she saw a helicopter flying over the marina. Shielding her eyes, she saw it land on a yacht anchored offshore.

“That must be nice,” she muttered under her breath before a familiar song caught her attention and she became lost in it while she worked.