don’t recommend it.”
“Why? Is it no good?”

“It’s too good. It’s also addictive for some people, and the Navy will boot you out if they catch you and they will catch you.”

Johnnie said nothing.

“Are you using cocaine Johnnie?”

“No, Bill, I’m not. But I have been offered some. Civilian I met last weekend had some and said it was really great during sex. You rub it into the head of your cock and it gives you an orgasm like going to heaven without dying.”

“So, you have used it.”

Big Bill’s annoyance showed in his voice.

“No, honest, I haven’t. This guy told me that. I didn’t go with him. I was going to, but Pauli got sick and started throwing up. You remember, last Friday night. I took him back to the ship and stayed on board with him.”

Big Bill did remember. Three sailors had been ill that night. Something in the fruit salad apparently. Bill tore strips off the Grill chefs.

“How’s Pauli now?”

“He’s OK. He recovered the next day. He’s a tough kid.”

By now the Bar was full. About forty men were in the room. Mostly sailors and around a dozen civilians. The juke box was playing a steady stream of Big Band hits. This always got the crowd moving and talking. In the dark corner, the problem had been solved and Jesus was leaning back in his seat listening to the music, with his eyes shut. Johnnie could see under the table, Ricky had his knee pressed against Jesus” leg. The other two sailors, all four from Mexican towns in Southern California, sat quietly surveying the room. Time was fast approaching for a meal. They sat still, waiting for some civilians to buy it for them.

“Well, at last!”

Johnnie exploded with animation as Dan and Brian pushed their way through the crowd to the bar.

“What a fuck up,” yelled Brian

“What’s happened?” said Bill as he put two beers down

“Fire on board,” said Dan

Big Bill immediately thought back to 1931 when his submarine caught fire, 85 feet under water. An engine fire, leading to loss of power and burning up the oxygen on board; the wild ride to the surface at a 45 degree angle and everyone except Captain Sprague, frozen in terror. All took place in about eight minutes. Everyone on board aged a decade.

“A baking oven exploded. Couple of guys hurt and a big fire in Galley A.”

“Where’s Pauli?” said Johnnie coldly.

“He’s OK, but he was in the thick of it getting the guys out and hosing down the fire, said Brian smiling.”

“He had the presence of mind to switch off the other ovens before they were hosed.”

“What about Elton?” remarked Bill.

“He was with Pauli when we left. They should both be here soon. They had to shower and change.”

Brian’s eyes were on the other side of the room as he spoke.

“Excuse me, I have to take a leak. I’ll see you at midnight on Sunday.”

Johnnie, Dan and Big Bill all looked over to the gents. They saw a red and white Hawaiian shirt going in. Twenty seconds later, Brian’s left hand was pushing the door open as his right hand started