Not wanting to mull it over too much he dialed the number his brother had given him. After two rings, a voice with no accent answered. Even though Pablo had seen in his own family how moving around can cause a person to lose his regional accent, it still surprised him.
“Hello?”
“Good morning. My name is Pablo Marzán, may I speak with Gabriel Huesca please?”
“Speaking. Good morning Pablo, and please call me Gabi.”
“Okay Gabi,” Pablo said. “Well, my brother told me you wanted to talk to me.”
“Yes. The truth is that everything he told me all sounds a bit weird and I wanted to hear it from the source. It’s a little hard to believe that an opportunity like this one has come my way, especially after what just happened.”
Well, he talks about his incident with no problems. Typically that means he’s overcome it, thought Pablo.
“Yeah, I’m sure it sounded like he was making it up. How about I explain everything to you from the beginning and see if it makes sense to you then?”
“Okay.”
Pablo told him everything he knew about the project. Not only what Reyes had told him but also what he had seen from the beginning. He told Gabi about Mr. Gotthelf and Alps Tankers, Navantia and the BAM with its modifications, and the little he knew about what they would do in Somalia. He even told him about Grease.
“It still sounds incredible,” Gabi said. “But I must say I agree with the whole approach. I would just add a holding and monitoring plan for possible captured pirates, as well as establishing clear procedures after they are left in the hands of justice or wherever, and above all, one or two translators.
Gabi hadn’t asked about exactly what role was being offered to him. What had Nacho said to him? Was Gabi assuming that he was going to command? Or that it would be Pablo? Maybe he didn’t care? Or maybe he hadn’t wondered?
Pablo decided he had to stop racking his brain and be practical. One way or another, Gabi would be his closest partner, either as head or subordinate, and they needed a relationship based on sincerity. But before he could react, Gabi asked, “And what exactly is the role you’re offering?”
“I’ll be honest with you. My boss has not yet decided who will command the ship. I was his first choice but the roles are not yet determined. All I’m doing for now is trying to find the rest of the officers. Going by what my brother told me, with your experience you’d make a magnificent executive officer and operations officer if you’re not the captain.”
“Thank Nacho for me for the compliment. That’s something, coming from him.”
Pablo decided to not beat around the bush. They were past the point of no return.
“So, can I count on you?”
After a pause, Gabi said, “The truth is that everything sounds great, but a decision like this cannot be taken lightly. I’ll have to ask my wife and think about what my family will do. Also, you’ve not said anything about a salary.”
“As far as money is concerned, don’t worry. Our ship owner doesn’t mind spending whatever it takes and in addition to your salary there will probably be some bonuses added for aborted attacks and captured pirates.”
“All right, in that case, give me twenty-four hours to think about it and I’ll call you at this number.”
“Perfect. Talk to you tomorrow then.”
“So long.”
Chapter Four
Three days later, Pablo, Grease, and Gabi Huesca sat at a table presided by Jaime Reyes. They had set up their headquarters in offices provided by the shipbuilders inside Navantia itself.
Reyes had wanted to get everyone together in order to clear up doubts and decide what the next steps would be, as well as to meet the new additions to the team.
Grease had already spent a couple of days with the engineers trying to find a viable solution for increasing the speed of the ship to what they wanted. Gabi had just joined them the day before from Madrid and was the newest addition to the team.
Pablo had only seen him in person twice before and he remembered him somewhat differently. Maybe it was the uniform that made him look taller and wider, something chinos and a shirt can’t do. The thin, sharp face was the same, although with dark circles under his brown eyes and with less hair and grayer.
“Well gentlemen,” Reyes began, “I propose that each one of you updates the rest of us on any new items you may have.”
After a series of nods around the table he continued, “For my part, I’ve had success finding the doctor and the accountant. Both are relatively young and with some knowledge of the sea, and both are motivated. I don’t think I need to say much more since we’ll be meeting them both in a few days. As far as a helicopter and a pilot, I’m at a loss. However, I’ve been tracking down someone who I think will be perfect to head our boarding team. On the other hand, I’ve heard from Switzerland that the legal issues in Somalia are practically closed. And the sales contract with Navantia is signed and authorized by the Spanish government. That’s it on my end. Pablo, what do you have?”
Pablo sat up and replied, “My two great achievements are present and will speak for themselves. All I need now is a navigation officer, perhaps someone else to keep watch on the bridge. Otherwise, I think it’s time to start worrying about assembling the rest of the crew, especially now that we have our future heads of departments.”
Reyes nodded.
“Mr. Johnson?”
“It seems the engineers have a pretty good idea for granting our request.” Grease said. “All that’s left to do is see if it’s feasible. When I have more information I will let you know. As for sailors for the engines, I can get a few. There are two kids in my workshop that could help with propulsion and electricity. Both have Navy experience.”
“Excellent. Mr. Huesca?” Reyes addressed Gabi.
“I’m still catching up,” he said. “For now my only contribution is what I told Pablo when he explained the project to me. We need to be clear on what we’re going to do in the event that we capture pirates both on board and in the process of bringing them to justice. In the Castilla, we had a problem over this issue.”
“Good point,” Reyes said writing in his notepad. “I’m leaving matters having to do with the ship to you guys. As for the legal aspect, I will consult with Mr. Egger.”
Pablo and Gabi both gave a nod of acknowledgment.
“Good. I’m glad everything’s coming along,” Reyes continued. “Now the idea is to clarify as soon as possible the issue of the engines,” he said looking at Grease. “And to continue putting the crew together,” this time looking at Pablo and Gabi. “For my part, I will continue working on getting a helicopter and pilots and keep pressuring Navantia to get the boat ready as soon as possible.”
“At this point, I think it’s necessary to let you know that Pablo will be the commanding officer,” Reyes said without preamble.
His listeners were taken off guard and didn’t know quite how to react.
“Maybe it’s a premature decision,” Reyes said unruffled. “But I think it’s necessary to establish leadership from the beginning. And my use of the military term is not accidental. Given the characteristics of our company, I think we should consider our captain a commanding officer. Pablo is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable of the project right now and although he is the youngest one here, he has demonstrated with his planning skills that he is the right man for the job. Gabi,” he said, looking at him, “following the recommendations Pablo has given me, you will be the executive officer and operations officer.
Gabi nodded and turned to Pablo. Then he got up, stood at attention and said, "Aye aye, sir,“ as he held out his hand.
From that moment, Pablo knew he had the best executive officer he could ever want and that the little competition for being head of project, if there ever was any, was long forgotten. Gabi had been put under his command and, like any good seaman, he had respect for hierarchy in his blood.