Weeks at sea and far from Solene, driven mad by the lonely deep ocean, Chris depended on the company of his shipmates for his sanity. In port he looked forward to Solene"s letters, a welcome relief.
The days passed, and the ship settled into her sailing routine—watches changing every four hours; day workers on deck and down below, five and half days in the week; visits to shipmates" cabins for a peg. Most days Chris met Beastie Willie, and Wally Barnes. On Sundays he attended Captain Graham"s day room with his brother officers for drinks before lunch.
Days of sailing until the ship was south of New York; deck officers kept an eye on the radar for icebergs drifting south, while sailors on watch scanned the horizon. The captain placed lookouts on the bridge.
“Can"t be too careful,” he sai
