09-12-2021, 02:29 AM
As the client’s crew sets up their equipment, Ayyen inspects it. “May I,” he asks the one setting up the scales. The captain is poised to pick up two equal looking weights. The man looks skeptical…. Ayyen further comments in his best English, “I want to compare. Is it problem?”
The man, a clerk, holds up a hand to stop Ayyen… “ Let me… The customer is not to touch the weights. No offense meant.” He proves the weights are equal by placing them on the scale himself. “We don’t cheat our customers. We’d be out of business and run out of town in no time.”
Ayyen smiles a friendly smile. “Good to hear.”, in his broken English. “Keep on.” indicating to carry on.
The captains watched as the salted fish was unloaded and crated. They are conversing in Russian. “Vitkre, where is your prized fish?” slapping him on the back. “Mine is coming out soon. So far, you would owe me two steak dinners,” Ayyen grins with delight.
It was evening once it was done, Vitktre shows Ayyen the copy of the recorded weights. Ayyen holds his up and they compare them side by side. “Vitktre, We did well. The crews will be pleased.”
When Viktre speaks up and tells his crew the results, Ayyen speaks up as well. “Viktre, did you forget the other bet?” scoffing. “Pity, we owe each other a steak dinner! Imagine that.”
Ayyen turns to stay at the ships and oversee the cleanup of the holds. Viktre addresses Ayyen, “Your presence is needed at the bank. We both need to sign.”
Ayyen nods in reply, “Very well. I will need a moment.”
He finds Tolya, “Tolya, I will be going into town. You will be in charge in my absence. Be sure to dump the old salt and conduct a deep clean. It will be a few days before the new salt arrives.”
Tolya responds with “Aye captain. You’ll be able to fillet a fish on it.. not that you’d want to.” This earns him a laugh from Ayyen.
Both captains leave for the bank.
