Reboot

“Hi.”

“Hi,” she answered with a relieved sigh.

“What are you wearing?” I asked. She giggled.

“I’m in my undies here at the radio station. It’s undies day on the ship.”

“Oof. The pretty soft pink ones?”

“Yes, you remember them. I’m impressed.”

“Oh, you’re killing me. I think of them every day, or actually I think of you in them.”

She laughed. “What’re you wearing?”

“The same,” I answered.

She giggled some more.

“Where are you?” She asked softly.

“I’m in Cottage Grove, getting ready for the race tomorrow.”

“Race”?

“Yup. I’m a racecar driver now. Name’s Trek. Trek Sharksniffer.”

“Of course you are.”

“Chenoweh lets you play with his radio? Tell ’im I says thanks.

“It’s part of my job here, idiot. I’m the radio operator, remember?”

“Did you hear Mooney’s message?”

“Yes. That was to be expected. Don’t let it get you down. His best play is to try and turn tables on you.”

“I know. I didn’t think it would bother me, but it did. Any trouble on your end?” I asked.

“No. They have no way of knowing where we are and they don’t have the resources to come looking for us. Must be infuriating though, having lost your last operational ship to some drifter sailor race driver boneheaded kid”.

I laughed. “Where are you Joanna?”

“We are off the northern tip of Venezuela. We’re working on a deal with people here. Looks like we might get the diesel we need to keep floating”.

“That’s great news. Fantastic. I hope you didn’t have to sell your soul for it though.”

“No. Not really. They’re quite happy to help us. Especially after what we told them about Mooney. It’s in their best interest to be friendly with the next government. They just ask that we keep this quiet for now. No sense in telling Mooney who’s pumping our gas.”

Silence.

“Where do we meet up Robert?” she asked painfully.

“Savannah,” I said.

“No. Joanna,” she answered playfully. “It’s Joanna. Remember?”

“Ha ha. Savannah, Georgia you goof. That’s our destination. So we’ll see you there ok? Tell Chenoweh for me? It’ll be safe for you there. Lots of hiding places. Good infrastructure. All the ship toys you people need.”

“Sounds good. I’ll tell him. Good choice.”

“I think so. It’ll be our home base.”

“Have you been keeping in shape? Doing those exercises I want you to do?”

“Of course.”

“Better be because I’m going to wear you out when I see you,” she said trying to sound funny, but it came out desperately sad. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too Joanna.”

“Are you going to win tomorrow?” She asked.

“I doubt it. I’ll be happy if I finish. I’ve never really done this before.” My turn to

giggle.

“Christ! Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.”

She concluded. “I gotta go. Call me again? Before you get to Georgia if possible? And please, don’t get squished tomorrow. I want you whole and intact.” She sounded exasperated.

“Definitely. Don’t worry, and we’re working on a power pack for the radio. We’re taking it with us. See you in Georgia, Joanna.”

“Bye Robert…”

“Bye Joanna. Stay afloat.” I felt stupid. Like my words were hollow.

I felt her hand on the radio. I could see it there. I could see her sad face looking at the radio.