The Atlantic

Claire was at the helm of KT. Earlier, the morning weather forecast had warned of a low pressure system approaching from the south, with potentially heavy rains and wind gusts exceeding 30 knots. Hearing the forecast, Dave explained to Claire that it looked like the Bermuda High, which had given them the five days of perfect weather was deserting them, and they had better run for cover. The course he set was directly to Fishers Island at the eastern end of Long Island Sound. This would take them around the outside of Block Island, the shortest route back to Stonington. Dave decided that they had accumulated all the data they would be able to on this trip and he was anxious to have Claire feed all of the data into the university's computer to see what the large artificial intelligence systems could do with it.

While he was below decks plotting his course and figuring distances and times, Claire was enjoying the opportunity to steer KT. With Dave busy below, she had disconnected the autopilot and was practicing steering a straight course. It was strange she thought, how you are always moving the wheel on a sailboat. She hadn't realized the technique until she analyzed the motion of the wheel while the autopilot was steering. Every time you make a slight course adjustment by turning the wheel, or helm as Dave called it, you must plan your counter adjustment which needs to be made as soon as the boat starts responding to the previous adjustment. So Claire steered, making small course adjustments and then countering those small adjustments with counter adjustments as soon as KT started to respond. Soon she was steering dead straight in one direction and the boat began to slowly accelerate in the freshening breeze.

When Dave emerged into the cockpit, Claire was standing at the helm, both hands on the wheel, one foot flat on the deck and the other against the side of the cockpit to counteract the 25 degree angle of heel as the boat sped through the water at 6.5 knots in the still relatively calm Atlantic. She had a grin from ear to ear and as she watched Dave scanning the horizon ahead, his blonde curly hair blowing in the freshening breeze like corn silk in the field. As he turned to Claire, he was about to say something about reducing sail when she shouted, "Nothing to this sailing, steers like my Volkswagen." Just then a loud commotion could be heard from below decks as all the unsecured contents in the boat decided to move from the port to starboard side as the boat unexpectedly assumed 30 degrees of heel. "What was that ?" asked Claire.

"I think your Volkswagen has indigestion." replied Dave.

"We had better reduce sail before the seas build up," he explained. Reaching into the cockpit sail locker, he lifted a sail bag and rested it on the cockpit deck. Closing the locker he hoisted the sail bag onto his shoulder and carefully made his way to the foredeck. Turning to Claire he yelled for her to head the boat into the wind. Claire turned the helm to port and KT quickly responded to the rudder movement. Once the boat was facing the wind, Dave loosened the halyard line that held the large genoa sail at the top of the mast, and promptly lowered it onto the deck. With the large sail down, Dave removed the smaller working jib from the sail bag and proceeded to hank it onto the forestay. With the boat still into the wind, the trailing edge of the mainsail was luffing madly. sounding much like the wings of a thousand birds flapping in the breeze. Dave rushed to hoist the jib so the maddening flapping of the mainsail wouldn't shake all the stitching loose.

With the working jib raised, Dave rushed to the cockpit to adjust the lines, called sheets in nautical terms, controlling the tension on the front sails.

"Turn the boat to starboard," he told Claire as he began turning the winch that controlled the tension on the starboard sheet.

Claire thought to herself, starboard right, port left, why the hell can't sailors say what they mean, as she turned the wheel to the right. As the boat responded, Dave adjusted the tension on the sheets. He then set the mainsail and watched the boat as she sailed through the water. Soon they were again doing 6.5 knots but with only a 15 degree heal. Turning to Claire he said, "She's all yours, I'm going forward to pack up the genoa." Dave then climbed out of the cockpit and again went forward. Up on the foredeck he picked up the genoa and in order to assure it was properly protected, painstakingly folded and stuffed it into the sail bag. Lifting the bag to his shoulder he cautiously made his way back to the cockpit and reversed the procedure of moments before, this time placing the sail bag into the sail locker.

Turning to Claire he asked, "Isn't that better."

"Definitely," she responded, "but how come we are going just as fast with less sail?"

Dave went on to explain a sailboat will only sail as fast as its theoretical design speed. Putting more sail up after that speed is reached simply overpowers the boat, causing it to heel more. This heeling dissipates the additional unused energy caused by the extra sail and strains the boat. "All I did was remove the extra unnecessary sail. Now with the right sail combination the boat is still reaching optimum speed while remaining more manageable."

Claire nodded her understanding as Dave went below. Listening to him straightening up she could only imagine what a disarray there was. Within a few minutes Dave was back on deck with two steaming mugs of tea. "Madam, your tea is served. Shall I engage the autopilot?" he asked.

"Why yes, how thoughtful of you," she replied. Dave reached over and pulling the engagement lever at the base of the pedestal, turned the steering of KT over to the autopilot. He carefully observed the course it was steering. Once satisfied that it was properly adjusted, he sat down besides Claire. They both sat in silence savoring the hot tea. Each in their own world of thought. Unbeknownst to them, each was thinking of the other.

Claire had decided she had fallen in love with Dave. As he was scanning the horizon, when she was certain he couldn’t see her, she glanced over at him. His tanned thin body made a nice contrast against his light T-shirt, while his blonde hair blew in the ever freshening breeze. She was convinced that she would be content to share the rest of her life with him. He was smart, self sufficient, had strong ideals, and a concern for things other than monetary gain. She stared. Something inside her longed for him to take her in his arms. There was a strange urging coming from deep within her, something she had never felt before. Here they were alone on this boat, and he was still a perfect gentleman. This bothered her. Never before had she wanted a man, not to be a gentleman. She wanted him to want her. She desperately wanted him to want her. Then with that notion, she was suddenly troubled. Maybe he doesn’t find me attractive she thought.

While Claire was deep in her thoughts Dave continued pretending to scan the horizon. He wanted to start a conversation with her, but did not want to say just anything. He was trying to decide what to say. He was nervous around Claire. This was the first girl, no women he thought, that attracted him. She was bright, pretty, shared his interests, and oh did she ever look good in that bikini! Like Claire, he felt an urging within him. An urge which had been growing stronger everyday he spent with her.

Suddenly Claire broke the silence asking, "How long will it take us to get back?"

Startled from his thoughts Dave turned, hesitated for a moment then replied, "If all goes well, the wind continues as it is, the seas don't build too high, we will enter Long Island Sound tomorrow morning at around 8:00, and be at the dock in Stonington between 10:00 and 11:00 AM," Dave answered.

"Then what?" asked Claire.

"What do you mean, then what?" Dave replied with a quizzical look.

"I mean, are you going to report your findings to anyone? After all you are now able to communicate with the whales. You are the first to accomplish that, you deserve recognition," she explained.

Dave looked at her. Their eyes made direct contact. As they looked at each other Dave realized that with Claire direct eye contact was not uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, he liked it. After a moment he replied, "First we deserve recognition, I am no longer in this alone Claire. I....., well..., what I mean to say is we did this together, and well I want to keep doing it together."

Claire was surprised at his response, it wasn't what she expected. Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes began to fill when he continued, "Claire I believe that working together we can bust this communication thing wide open. We make a great team and, quite frankly, well, I don't know quite how to say this but.......but.......... I think you are, well,....very special."

Claire just looked at him.

He placed his mug of tea down reached over, put his hand around her and drew her to him. She didn’t give him any resistance as she also slipped her mug onto the cockpit table. Slowly they fell backward, Claire partially on top of Dave.

They kissed. Soon their tongues searched each others as the embrace became more meaningful. Before long Dave was lying prone on the cockpit seat with Claire on top of him. Her hands were on his shoulders while his were exploring the skin on her back. The movement of her body on top of him began to arouse him. Claire felt him against her. Gently she pressed harder.

Their lips parted. Claire raised her head slightly and started to speak, "Dave this trip, being with you, working together has made me realize…," she stopped, lowered her head and placed her lips once more on his.

He returned her kiss, and their tongues again began the search of lovers. Her hands caressed his shoulders. Suddenly the marine radio sounded:

"Alerte,. Alerte."

"This is the Coast Guard - Cape Cod Group to all small vessels off the New England Coast."

"Repeat; this is the Coast Guard - Cape Cod Group to all small vessels off the New England Coast."

"This morning the sailing vessel Dream Chaser was attacked by a pod of whales off Eastern tip of Cape Cod. The attack appears to have been unprovoked."

"In addition, within the hour, a pod of whales has attacked two recreational fishing vessels 20 miles southeast of Montauk, Long Island, sinking both of them."

"Coast Guard rescue units are on site. It is reported that survivors are in the water."

"All small vessels are urged to seek refuge at the nearest port immediately."

Claire and Dave sat up. "Holy shit," exclaimed Dave.

"So much for romance at sea," mumbled Claire.

"What ?" asked Dave.

"Nothing, nothing," she replied.

Dave went below and picked up the microphone to the VHF radio. Depressing the microphone, he called:

"This is the sailing vessel Kwoletee' Tyme to Coast Guard Group Cape Cod. Do you read me?"

"Repeat, this is the sailing vessel Kwoletee' Tyme to Coast Guard Marine Group Cape Cod. Do you read me?"

The reply was almost instantaneous:

"Sailing vessel Kwoletee' Tyme this is the Coast Guard Marine Group Cape Cod, over."

Dave responded;

"I just heard the report about the sinking of the vessels from whale attacks. Can you tell me if the people aboard Dream Chaser were rescued?"

The Coast Guard responded;

"Kwoletee' Tyme please switch to channel 68, repeat channel 68, over."

Dave concurred;

"Kwoletee' Tyme switching to 68, over."

Quickly turning the channel knob on his radio. Finding Channel 68, Dave heard the Coast Guard;

"Kwoletee' Tyme, this is United States Coast Guard Marine Group Cape Cod, over."

Dave answered;

"Kwoletee' Tyme, over."

The Coast Guard radio operator then asked;

"What's your location, Kwoletee' Tyme?"

Dave looked at the GPS and answered;"

"Our location is 41° 20' 13" by 69° 07' 00."

"Repeat 41° 20' 13" by 69° 07' 00."

Then asked;

"Coast Guard, please answer my question. How are the occupants of Dream Chaser? Over."

Ignoring his question, the Coast Guard operator then asked

"Kwoletee' Tyme, what size is your vessel? How many people on board? And what is your destination?"

Dave looked towards the companionway. Claire was standing there watching him. "This guy must be writing a book," he said. Depressing the transmit switch, Dave spoke into the mike:

"KT is 35 foot long, with two people on board. We are currently headed to Fishers Island at 6.5 knots, over."

The Coast Guard operator then added;

"Captain, please put on a life preserver and have your passenger do the same."

Dave, getting annoyed responded;

"What the hell is going on? We don't need life preservers, were not sinking! Please answer my question, are the people from Dream Chaser okay?"

To which the Coast Guard responded;

"I don't have a report, Captain, a helo was dispatched earlier."

There was a pause, the the Coast Guard operator asked;

"Hold on please, Commander Thompson would like a word with you."

"Kwoletee' Tyme, this is Commander Thompson, do you read me?"

Dave answered;

"Yes Commander, we read you," replied Dave

Commander Thompson came on the line;

"Captain, you are currently in a high risk area, we request that you change course to nearest port. Suggest you approach Cape Cod and proceed along the shore to closest harbor."

Not understanding what was going on, Dave responded;

"Risk? What risk are you talking about?"

The answer was almost immediate;

"Captain, reports are beginning to come in from all over the world claiming whales are attacking small boats and disrupting sea traffic."

Dave could not believe his ears;

"Are you crazy, this must be a joke, we have been here for five days engaged in whale research with animals all around my boat with no problem. What the hell are you talking about Commander?"

Commander Thompson's answer was direct;

"Captain, I assure you this is no joke. I am dispatching a helo to your location, followed by a cutter to escort you in. I am ordering you to change course immediately, do you understand?"

Dave turned to Claire who, seated in the companionway was listening to the whole conversation. "I don't know what the hell is going on here," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

"We better do what they say," she replied.

Dave lifted the microphone to his lips. Hesitantly he depressed the transmit switch:

"Commander, this is Kwoletee' Tyme. We will change course as requested."

Commander Thompson replied;

"Thank you, Captain." Please plot your course and let radioman Kelly know your heading & ETA . A helo will be on site shortly, please standby on channel 68 for future transmissions. Over."

Dave replied;

"Understand, Kwoletee' Tyme out."

The speaker fell silent. The only sound in the boat was water rushing past the hull. Claire waited a moment, then asked, "Did you know the people on board Dream Chaser?"

Dave looked at her, then turning away and scanning the horizon while he answered, he said, "Yes, they docked Dream Chaser next to KT in Stonington. Jim and Nancy Stohl were good friends. I even gave them the coordinates where they could find the whales," he answered.

"I'm sorry," she replied, "But maybe their okay. You know he said a helicopter was sent to them."

Yes, but he wasn't very encouraging about their having been picked up."

Dave walked to the chart table. He plotted a course directly towards the Cape as the Commander had directed. He would hit the eastern or southern shore and then follow it to Woods Hole, sailing in the lee of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Who knows, he thought to himself, maybe those guys will know what's going on. He then made a mental note to try to contact Professor Edwards at the laboratory when they got closer.

Climbing the companionway ladder, Dave was soon aware that the wind had increased and with it so had the sea. He disengaged the autopilot and turned KT 30 degrees to bring her directly to the Cape. KT began to slow as she turned and the sails luffed as they lost the wind. Dave adjusted the tension on the working jib by letting it out. Following that he slackened off on the mainsail. Watching the telltales on both sails he made additional minor adjustments until all the telltales (small pieces of yarn) were horizontal in the breeze denoting proper sail adjustment. KT began to pick up speed again. Now on a broad reach with a quartering sea, KT accelerated to 6 knots. Dave readjusted the autopilot and when satisfied that it was properly set, lifted the engagement lever. The autopilot took command of the boat while Dave scanned the horizon. Satisfied, he went down the companionway into the cabin.

He reached for the microphone and depressed the transmit button he spoke:

"Kwoletee' Tyme to Coast Guard Group, Cape Cod, do you read me? Over."

The reply again was very rapid;

"This is Coast Guard Group Cape Cod, Kwoletee' Tyme. Over."

Dave informed the radioman of his course change;

"We have changed course, now steering 290 degrees at a speed of 6 knots. Over."

The Coast Guard reponded;

"Roger Kwoletee' Tyme, course 290 degrees, speed 6 knots. Commander Thompson has informed me that helo is en route ETA your position 19 minutes. Rescue cutter 376 should intercept you at 1130 hours. Over."

Dave couldn't believe they were sending a helicopter to him, responded;

"God Dammit! We don't need an escort, we are not in any danger. Over."

His disagreement, did no good;

"Sorry, sir, Commander's orders, escort in route. Over."

Frustrated and upset Dave let his emotions show;

"Well I'm going to write my congressman. You guys obviously have too much money, sending an unnecessary escort. Don't you have anybody to rescue? Over."

The radioman didn't answer. It was obvious he was just following instructions. Dave replaced the microphone into its holder and turning to Claire, shook his head and explained, "I don't understand what's happening," and climbed the companionway into the cockpit. He scanned the sky for the helicopter that the commander had sent to baby-sit them. Claire turned on the FM radio, hoping that some music might lighten the mood. As the speakers came to life they were playing a Billy Joel favorite, Piano Man. Following Dave into the cockpit, the music was suddenly interrupted by the speaker announcing that a special news bulletin was to follow:

"Bulletin! Bulletin! Bulletin!" blared the speakers.

This was followed by the newscaster who said:

"We bring you this special bulletin-- there are numerous reports of pods of whales attacking small boats and swimmers as well invading peaceful harbors sinking moored boats or damaging piers. The US Coast Guard has ordered all pleasure boats and small fishing vessels into port and has closed all coastal beaches to swimming until further notice."

"Marine biologists that we contacted would not comment at this time. We have information from an inside source that they are studying a sudden increase in sunspot activity as well as the alignment of the planets We will bring you more information as it is received."

"Now back to our regular program."

Then, as if the announcement never occurred, Billy Joel continued to sing. "What the hell is going on?" asked Dave. "What would make the peaceful creatures that we have been communicating and swimming with the last four days go berserk like that?"

Claire had no answer. All she could do was shake her head in disbelief just like Dave. As they sat there in the cockpit, they both went over the activities of the last few days. They had communicated with three different types of whales and Dave had swam in the ocean with two pods. These were gentle animals. Animals that clearly wanted a peaceful existence, and they had clearly demonstrated they were willing to share that existence with man.

They both heard it at the same time. Their private thoughts were interrupted by the sound. Their eyes scanned the horizon. Claire saw it first. At 11 o'clock off the bow, the orange HHU 65 helicopter appeared in the sky, growing larger by the minute as it closed with KT at 125 mph. Just then the VHF came to life:

"Kwoletee' Tyme, this is CG helo 112. Do you read me? Over."

Dave scurried below, picking up the microphone, he depressed the transmit switch:

"Helo 112, we read you loud and clear. Over."

The helo pilot replied

"You make a beautiful sight from up here, Kwoletee' Tyme. Over."

Dave responded;

"Not bad yourself 112. You look kind of like a deformed noisy pumpkin." He snickered

The pilot responded;

"We'll take that as a complement, little fella. Over."

Dave decided he was not up to verbal fencing even though he had initiated the duel of words, so he remained silent. They continued to sail along at 6 to 6.5 knots while helo 112 circled overhead. Claire and Dave sat in the cockpit, turning their eyes from the helo to the horizon to each other.

Dave looked at Claire. "Would it be in poor taste if I lay down on the cockpit seat and we started where we left off?"

Claire reached to her side, a grabbed a cockpit cushion and threw it at him. Dave held up his hands and caught the flying projectile.

"Just think of the story they would have back at the base. We'd make their day," and they both began to laugh.

For the next 30 minutes the helicopter circled with only a minimum of communication between it and KT. Claire and Dave, attempting to maintain a normal routine, tried to put the current events out of their minds and used the time to go over their notes and plan what they would do when back in port. They spent considerable time attempting to decide what information to enter into the university's computers, and in what format or order to enter it. Claire had previously explained to Dave how important this was in getting good results and how this would be the most time consuming part of the upcoming computer analysis. Then the VHF came back to life:

"Helo 112 to Kwoletee' Tyme. Over."

Dave scurried below and replied:

"Kwoletee’ Tyme back. Over."

Helo 112 answered;

"Were going to leave you now KT, we have another call. Keep in touch with CG Group Cape Cod. Cutter 376 will be on station shortly.

Helo 112 was already heading southeast when Dave replied:

"Understand; where you going 112? Over."

The pilot answered;

"Just a little side trip, nothing important. 112 out."

Dave hesitated for a moment then depressing the transmit switch replied:

"Kwoletee' Tyme out."

He reached for the channel select knob and quickly turned it to channel 16, the emergency Coast Guard Channel. The radio sprang to life;

"4 whales have surrounded the boat, a large one is pushing against the starboard side.... he's pushing us sideways."

"Fancy Free, have everyone put on a life preserver, there is a helo on the way. Do you read me. Over."

"Yeah, but hurry up. They are trying to sin us, ........he's pushing us again ........., holy shit, he's going to turn us over ahhhh……. ..........................."

Dave and Claire continued to listen as the drama unfolded over the radio;

"Fancy Free, this is Coast Guard Group Cape Cod, do you read us? Over."

"Fancy Free, this is Coast Guard Group Cape Cod, do you read us? Over."

"Fancy Free, this is Coast Guard Group Cape Cod, do you read us? Over."

There was no reply. Then they heard:

"112 to base, we are 10 minutes to destination. Over."

"112, did you hear last transmission? Over."

"Roger, we're red lined to reach coordinates. Over."

"How much staying power do you have 112? Over."

"Estimate 20 minutes on station. Over."

"Roger, 20 minutes on station. Backup helo in route, ETA, 30 minutes. Over."

Dave turned down the radio. Shaking his head he looked at Claire and said, "I just don't understand it, what the hell has come over these animals? It can't be one pod, it’s apparently all over."

Claire had no reply. She simply again shrugged her shoulders.

They sat in the cockpit listening to the rescue mission unfold on the radio. Apparently three of the four passengers on board the fishing boat were retrieved from the water. One person was still missing. Dave decided he had better switch back to channel 68 after helo 112 left the scene with two of the victims. The second helicopter, was still on station with the third victim on board continuing their search for the fourth passenger.

Channel 68 remained quiet. KT sailed on towards Woods Hole where they both hoped to find more details of the bizarre events of the day.