Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 15:51:08 -0800 (PST) From: mycandlelight_dreams <mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com> Subject: Sailor Boys - chap 11 THE NORMAL BORING DISCLAIMER: This story is FICTION, and just one of my fantasies. Any similarity to real persons is purely coincidental. Further, this story contains sexually explicit information between an adult and a teen-ager. If this type of material offends you, do NOT read further. However, if you like these kinds of stories, then read on and ENJOY! --- CHAPTER 11 --- Only the morning would decide if I was right. And the morning came, only too soon. As the sun began to rise over the little beach cabin, Billy rolled over and now faced Zach. Although Zach was sound asleep, Billy noticed something exciting about him. He had never noticed it before. Billy knew he was gay, or at least figured he was. He only liked to hang out with boys; thought boys were better than girls; thought boys were cuter than girls; and certainly thought Brandon was cute. But, he never really paid much attention to these feelings. There was always so much more going on. There was baseball, and basketball, both of which he was pretty good at. Soccer, which he hated, but Dad always liked to seem him play. And ice hockey during the winter months at the Chalet in Denver. So, why worry about his "tinglings." Zach was right, everybody gets a woody, so who cares? Billy squinted his eyes, trying to focus harder on the sleeping boy near him. As he looked at Zach, Zach opened his eyes, catching Billy in the staring contest. "What?" Zach asked. "Huh? Oh, nothing. Good Morning." Billy tried to hide the fact that he was indeed starting at Zach, or more specifically staring at Zach's morning hard-on. Zach looked down and noticed it too. "Happens every morning, just like clockwork." Zach threw the blanket aside, and stood up, giving Billy a much better view of Zach's 4 1/2 inch boner. "Gotta pee," he said, and disappeared through the doorway. "I thought I heard voices," Brandon said as he stood in the bedroom doorway. "Good Morning, Billy." "Good Morning, Brandon." Billy did his best to hide his own stiffening dick by pulling his legs up to his chest. "Well, we better get dressed. The Captain will be here soon." With that, Brandon disappeared back into the darkness of the bedroom. After relieving himself behind a palm tree, Zach returned to the cabin. Billy noticed that his dick was now soft, allowing him to see a small patch of curly hairs above it. This vision didn't help his own dick go down, and he tried to look away. As Zach began to dress, Billy stood facing away from Zach, and began to dress as well. --- Back on the ship, the boys were slowly rising to greet the day. My sweet Jeffy and I had already showered and were beginning breakfast preparations in the galley. When Thomas and Binder arrived, I instructed them to continue working, while Jeffy and I returned to the cabin to retrieve the other boys. Jeffy seemed excited to be part of the "recovery team," as he called it. "We aren't recovering them from anything, Jeffy," I giggled, "You silly boy. We're just making sure they find their way back to the ship in time for breakfast." I took his hand and we wandered along the pathway to the cabin. As I arrived at the cabin, not surprisingly, the boys were dressed and ready. Brandon had once again insured my happiness with him. As the boys exited the cabin, I pulled Brandon aside. "Any problems last night?" "None at all, Captain." He responded with pride in his chest. "Excellent, Brandon. I'm very proud of you." With that, I planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. As I pulled away from him, the smile in his eyes made me pause, but only for a moment. I ignored my impulse to kiss him again, and gathered my 'Captain's voice' instead. "All right, Gentlemen. Let's get some breakfast." I led the crew along the winding pathway, as Brandon brought up the rear of our troop. We arrived back on deck, just in time to smell blueberry pancakes, hot off the griddle, and a fresh batch of frying bacon. "Mmmm, I'm hungry," Jeffy announced. All of us agreed as we hurried down the deck stairs to take our places at the long galley table. --- As common for my crew, breakfast was finished in short order, with not a crumb of food left. "Easy cleanup," I thought to myself. As the boys busied themselves with Galley Cleanup, I checked our supplies. My suspicions regarding how much we had left was confirmed. "Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please." Everyone stopped their activity and looked directly at me. "We have enough provisions for today and tomorrow morning, however, we'll need to make for one of the civilized islands to replenish the stock." I carefully gauged Miwaka's reaction to the news that we would be returning to an area he was so desperate to be far away from. "We'll take it easy today," I said with a smile, "And then we sail first thing after breakfast." Miwaka's face remained stern. I gently pulled him to the hallway, and hugged him close to my chest. "Now, you listen and you listen good," I said, holding my grip on the muscular boy. "I'm not letting a fucking thing happen to you. Nobody is going to come near you as long as I'm around, you understand?" I pulled his lowered chin upward and looked right into his deep, dark eyes. "Nothing! You have every reason to feel safe with me, Laddy. No worries now." The smallest break of a smile appeared, but I knew he was worried. "When we reach port, you'll stay on board The Mighty Miss. We'll only be ported long enough to buy provisions and then we set sail again. All right?" Miwaka softly nodded his head. I could feel the insecurity in his body as well as a small tremble. I hugged him again. "It'll be all right, Miwaka. You have to trust me." --- The rest of the day was spent much like yesterday afternoon with lots of swimming, and horseplay. Of course, my "chicken" championship was once again challenged, and I was only too happy to oblige. The boys were a lot more comfortable with touching each other under the water, and seemed to find excuses to touch each other, especially between the legs. Even I had more than a few hands grabbing hold of my own man meat. I didn't mind, and no one objected. It was just another game the boys enjoyed. As the sun lowered itself behind the circular rock, our laughs and joy echoed. My wish was that we had enough provisions to stay much longer, but that was not possible. As agreed, the second team would spend the night in the cabin, and the first team would return to their regular assigned cabins on the ship. Thomas and Binder settled in the front room, as Jeremy and Max retired in the inner bedroom. I guided the rest of the crew back to the ship to settle in for the night, and as we walked down the deck steps, I noticed that Shaun standing near Jeffy. Not that it mattered much; it just surprised me that he wasn't clinging to Miwaka as he had earlier. Even when we were swimming today, the boys seemed quite a pair. But now, as we returned below deck, Shaun didn't seem as connected. I worried that Miwaka may have said something to the boy. As my crew wandered to their cabins, I asked Shaun to report to my cabin. I sent Jeffy to the galley to fetch us some cookies to enjoy before turning in for the night. I knew that Jeffy would gladly obey my request. When I sat Shaun on the bunk, I asked him, "Are you okay, Matey?" Shaun looked at the floor. I asked again, "What's up with you tonight?" As I looked at the downward turned face, a single tear rolled over his cheek, diving into his lap. "Shaun? Talk to me, what's going on? Why are you so upset?" I touched his shoulder, and Shaun looked up at me, tears in his eyes. "They're going to kill him, Captain, and it's not fair! It's not his fault he's gay." Another tear escaped his eye and rolled a new path down his left cheek. I knew immediately whom Shaun was upset about. "Now, you stop this right now." Shaun looked up at me, shocked at my stern voice. "Nobody is going to touch ANY of my boys, including Miwaka! I simply won't let it happen. You have nothing to worry about, he'll be safe right here on The Mighty Miss. She'll protect him." Shaun paused for a moment. "Captain..." He hesitated. "There's something else you should know. Miwaka and I...well..." I could tell the boy was struggling, and I wasn't about to let him flounder like a caught fish on my deck. "I know about last night, Shaun. I wasn't sure it was a good idea, but I let it happen. I think he's too old for you, and I think he'll only break your heart, but if you're ever going to be a man, I have to let you learn from your own experiences. I know you snuck into his room, and I know you sleep with him." Shaun's shock turned to wonderment. "I know everything that goes on here on this ship! I know about all you boys and who you've been with." Shaun's wonder turned to fear. "You boys know I'm gay, and I'm not about to keep you from expressing your feelings to each other. I'd be a pretty big hypocrite, now wouldn't I?" I said as I walked to the door of the cabin. Shaun nodded his head slowly, unable to believe his ears. "Now then, go on and get outta here. I'm sure he's waiting for you to sneak in again anyway." Shaun smiled, and rushed to me, hugging me tightly. "Good. All better now," I said as I hugged him back. The tears were gone, the frown was replaced by a bright smile, and a new spirit was in the boy's heart. As I closed the door behind him, I thought for a moment about what I had said. I believed I was right in that the boy was too old for him, and would break his heart. "Too old," I said out loud. My own belief began to crumble however, as my precious Jeffy bounded into the cabin. "Too old for what?" he inquired. "Nothing, nothing. Let's get you settled into bed. You're not wearing that to bed are you," I pulled at his shorts. As I watched, my beautiful boy quickly undressed and bounced onto the bunk. I followed his lead, discarded my clothes, and snuggled in next to the naked cheeks of my lover's butt. --- I woke before the alarm, rested and happy, and realized that I had slept through the night without getting up even once. I quietly slipped out of my bunk, leaving Jeffy still dreaming. I threw on some shorts and a t-shirt, and went up on deck. The dawn had not broken yet, as it was still 4:45 in the morning, and the stars, though not as bright, were still visible. I quietly walked the deck of The Mighty Miss and admired the quiet surroundings of Satan's Face. I began to remember the first time I visited this remote, uncharted island, and how rugged and untamed it was. The purity of the water, the natural beauty of the circle rock, and the tranquility of a place yet untouched by man, were all visions that flooded my thoughts. With the exception of the fire pit and beach cabin that I had built, the island was still untamed and natural in its beauty. I smiled to myself as I continued walking about the deck. "Beautiful morning." The voice behind me whispered, afraid that his voice would break the day. "Yes. Yes, it is. Good morning, Brandon. Sleep well?" "Yes, thank you, and you?" Brandon smiled as I turned to him. "Restful, thank goodness. It's going to be a busy day." I drew closer to Brandon in order to more clearly see the details of his young face. As the details became clear, I noticed that my First Mate had begun to grow a mustache during our voyage. Not very present, but there, none the less. My boy was becoming a man. I stepped closer still, and Brandon closed his eyes softly. "You know how I feel about you, don't you, Brandon?" The question spewed from my mouth before I could catch it. He simply nodded his head and kept his eyes closed. I took my chances, closed my eyes, and kissed him. Brandon didn't back away. Instead, he wrapped his arms around my waist and began to return my kiss. Our passionate embrace continued to grow and as I pressed against his firm body, I could feel the pressure of his growing cock against my own. Brandon began to push closer to me, pressing his erecting dick against me, enjoying the feel of it rubbing me as it grew larger and larger. I wanted to speak; needed to speak; and say something encouraging during this loving moment, but the words wouldn't come. I just continued kissing him, letting our tongues dance with each other. I began to move my hand down his back and across his firm ass cheek. I gently squeezed his beautiful globe through the thin fabric of his uniform shorts. As I squeezed, I could feel his boy tool grow to its full length, and I wanted nothing more than to kneel down, pull off those white shorts, and let my tongue work its magic over his stiff dick. But, just as the idea struck me, I heard footsteps behind us. I broke the embrace, and Brandon stepped back. "Good Morning, Captain," I heard Andrew say. "Have you seen Brandon this morning?" "Right here, Andrew." Brandon said, stepping forward for Andrew to see. "You didn't wake me up, so I came looking for you. Is everything okay?" Dear sweet Andrew, I thought to myself. "Yes, Andrew, everything's fine. The Captain says it's going to be a busy day, so we better get the other boys moving." With that, Brandon began to walk to the deck stairs, brushing my ass casually with his hand as he passed me. Brandon then took Andrew's hand, and led him down the deck stairs. I stood there for a moment, trying to grasp what I had let happen. I squeezed my hard cock, and tried desperately to readjust it in my shorts. "Go down, damn it," I mumbled. I convinced myself that it was just a kiss, and that Brandon was simply letting his hormones make his decisions. But, was I feeling the same way? --- We gathered the boys from the beach cabin, and secured the loose items that I had left behind during my last visit. With the exception of the bed, and the carvings in the doorframe, we left no evidence of our visit. The genius design of my cabin, despite its lack of doors, is the position that the cabin holds on the plot. It faces in such a way, that even during heavy winds, it remains relatively clean and untouched. We followed the trail back to the ship, and boarded. After breakfast, I gathered the boys on deck and announced that I would complete inspection before we set sail. Brandon quickly formed the line, with him at the end, and my Jeffy at the beginning. He placed Miwaka near the middle of the line, and Shaun immediately stood next to him. I still wasn't sure if Brandon knew the full story on Shaun and Miwaka, but now was not the time to discuss it. I went through the line, performing my inspection on each of the boys. Their uniforms looked excellent and as I patted each boy on his firm little butt, they smiled, knowing they had passed. I came to Miwaka in the line. He had observed my inspections with curious eyes, and as soon as I straightened his uniform shirt, he began to tense. Shaun noticed this immediately and said to Miwaka, "Relax, Dude, he won't bite." All the boys began to giggle and Miwaka's face reddened. "Hey!" I yelled loudly. The boys immediately straightened again, and the giggles ceased. "This is inspection, and I expect certain behavior during inspection, Gentlemen." I patted down Miwaka, and turned him around in his spot. "Yes, yes, very nice," I said, as I patted his butt, and faced him forward again. "You pass inspection, Miwaka. You should be proud, you catch on quick." Miwaka's tension left and as he relaxed, a smile came to his face. I continued my inspection, working through the line of boys, until I reached Brandon. Already I noticed, Brandon was sporting a nice erection in his shorts, and I wasn't about to let an opportunity to "pat him down" pass by. I straightened his shirt, pushed a few strands of hair off his face, and began patting down his firm body. I then turned and stood to the side of his body, with my back to the rest of the crew, as I continued to pat him down. When I reached his now fully erect dick, I gave it a gentle squeeze, letting him know that I was well aware of his excitement. Brandon continued to look forward, despite the hungry smile that came to his face as I gently squeezed his dick again. I finished with my usual pat on his butt, and returned to face the boys. "Very good, Mateys." I announced with pride in my voice. "You're the best fit crew a seaman could ask for. Brandon?" I said as I turned to my First Mate. "Issue the orders and let's shove off." I turned and marched to the helm, like a soldier returning to this assigned post. Brandon began issuing orders, and as soon as each boy had his instruction, he was off like a shot. The Mighty Miss and her crew of now 12 was ready in very little time to begin her return to the sea. As the diesels fired up and the deck began to rumble, my earlier erection decided to revisit. I gave it a gentle squeeze and promised myself that I would show it some loving attention that night. "Pull up the anchor!" Brandon yelled down the deck line, and Thomas and Andrew manned the anchor hoist, and up the heavy anchor rose. The lines were pulled and we were free from the circular rock. I planned our departure carefully, knowing that the tidal waves were out, allowing us plenty of clearance out of the entrance cave. However, Miwaka wasn't so sure about the clearance, and kept his eyes glued to the top of the mast as we passed through. I think he even stopped breathing, because when the rising sunlight hit the deck, he let out a huge sigh. "Told you!" Shaun giggled at him. I looked over at Shaun who quickly went back to work, securing guidelines. A brisk breeze hit my neck, and as I looked across the water, I knew that today would be perfect for sailing. "Raise the sails, Brandon!" "Aye, aye, Captain." The engines were killed, and the deck fell still. The sails were raised, and almost immediately filled with the southbound wind. As The Mighty Miss began moving faster, the crew increased their speed. Although it had been just over a week that these boys were on my ship, the entire crew, including our new addition, worked as though they had sailed for years. Brandon's previous summer experience continued to come into play, and he directed and redirected the crew with care and preciseness. My pride and trust in him continued to increase, and once the crew were settled on their tasks at hand, I summoned him to the helm. "Yes, Sir?" "I'd like you to take over the helm. I have our course plotted in." I said as I waved him to the wheel, and showed him the map I had clipped down on the small table next to us. "There's a port on the southern tip of Hawaii," I continued. "It's small enough that we won't have to worry about Miwaka, but large enough to provide the supplies we need. We'll have to take the long way around, but it will be worth the extra time. Just keep her on this steady course, and when you see the island, I'll take over again." I stepped back from the wheel. "The helm is yours, Brandon." "Aye, aye, Captain." He said with a proud smile on his face. I noticed Andrew smiling at him as well. I think Andrew was just as proud of Brandon as I was. With Brandon at the helm, Andrew took over the First Mate's duties, and walked around the deck insuring that everything was getting done. It was natural order, and observing these boys in action only made me smile wider. I sat down on one of the deck chairs, and just let The Mighty Miss take me away. I closed my eyes, and just listened to the busy sounds of the water crashing against the bow, the boys busily carrying out their duties, and the wind as it rustled through the sails. For those few moments, I stopped being the Captain of this fine vessel. Instead, I was just another passenger aboard a ship that would never let me down. Lunchtime came too quickly, and my own grumbling stomach was an added reminder that provisions were our first priority. I would have loved to dock The Mighty Miss and take the boys ashore for a fancy lunch in one of the diners there. However, with Miwaka now aboard, that luxury was no longer an option. It was my sworn duty to all of these boys, even Miwaka, that they remain protected and safe during the voyage, and as tempting as an island lunch was, I was not about to risk their safety. An hour later, I noticed the presence of seagulls, flying above my ship. I knew it meant that we were near land, and I was about to look for the Island of Hawaii when I heard Thomas yell, "Land Ho!" I looked toward Thomas, and sure enough, the peaks of Hawaii appeared off the bow. I returned to the helm, took the wheel, and instructed Brandon to ready the crew. "We'll be docking in about 40 minutes. Make sure that Miwaka returns to his cabin." Brandon understood my instruction, and as we reached the outlying area of the island, and began our large orbit around to the southern side, Brandon escorted Miwaka to the deck stairs. "Not to worry now," I said as they passed me, winking at Miwaka. "You'll be safe here." Miwaka tried his best to smile back, but I could see in his eyes, that this was not a place he wanted to return to. Almost precisely in the 40 minutes, we lowered the sails, and motored into the small port. Hyacado is a port I've visited before, and although the villagers are friendly, they are also distant at the same time, and keep primarily to themselves. We docked The Mighty Miss and secured her in place. I rallied my team of Thomas, Binder, Andrew and Zach to accompany me on the island to purchase provisions. Brandon stayed back with the rest of the crew. "No one boards my vessel, Brandon. Understood?" The seriousness in my eyes left no question. "Yes, Captain. Understood." "Good. If something happens or you sense any kind of trouble, you blow that air horn, and keep on blowing it." I patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "Good man." With that, I took my team and disembarked from my ship. I normally like to browse around this quaint little village whenever I visit, but today did not afford that luxury. I was on a mission: Buy our provisions and get the hell out of there. My movements along the roadway only emphasized that, and the boys sensed it as well. Not one of them asked to go into any store I wasn't already heading into, nor did they make any remarks about wanting to "see the sights." The respect I had earned from these boys was more than apparent. It wasn't until I reached our last stop that my heart sank, and my nerves frayed. The Bickery is a cute little deli with a few tables for the locals to enjoy lunch. Although the place is fairly small, they carry the best Mahi-Mahi I've ever eaten. They also carry a few specialties, normally only found back on the main land. One of those specialties is chocolate; the tastiest, richest, most wonderful pieces of candy ever to grace a person's tongue. It's nothing short of a Heaven sent miracle. The aroma alone, as you walk into The Bickery will make you gain weight. I placed my order; the usual selection of meats, seafood, fresh pineapples and papaya, and 2 pounds of assorted chocolates. "Which ones would you like?" The counter clerk asked with a pleasant smile. I started to pick out the treats, but a flyer above the counter, on the back wall, caught my attention. I caught myself staring at the flyer and returned my attention to the counter. "You boys pick out the ones you think would be best, but no more than 2 pounds." I winked at the clerk who again smiled at me. As the boys busied themselves at the chocolate selections, I looked again at the flyer. It was a wanted poster, similar to those you find in a post office, and it was a picture of Miwaka. I wasn't sure at first, but as I looked again, my uncertainty disappeared. Thomas pulled on my shirt and whispered to me, "Isn't that Miwaka." "Shhh," I said softly. "Pick out your candy." With Thomas refocused on sweet selection, I looked around the deli. Not very busy, but for a weekday, it didn't surprise me. Near the counter, two gentlemen were seated, eating their lunch, and as I looked their direction, one of the gentlemen quickly looked back down at his sandwich. The other man, who's back was to me, then spoke to his friend. "I tell ya, the brat has got to be on this island." "Shh, keep your voice down," the sandwich man said. "The posters we put up should help track his sorry ass down. And when we find him, the reward will be worth all the lies." The man began to laugh. "I still don't think we can pull this off," The sandwich man responded. "No one will believe that he killed a prominent plantation owner, then went home and killed his parents and drown his sister. It's just not going to work." "People believe what you tell them to believe, especially for the right amount of money. They'll believe it all right, and anybody who stands in our way will end up just like his parents, I'll see to it personally. I've killed before; it's no big deal. Now, come on, let's get moving. We still have a few more villages to search before nightfall." The two men got up from their table and left the deli. I hurried the boys along, paid for my supplies, and rushed the boys back to the ship. As we arrived at the ship, I noticed Miwaka on deck. I got to the gangplank, and as I boarded ship, I yelled at Brandon, "What the hell is he doing up here? I told you to keep him down below." With that, I grabbed Miwaka by the arm. "Didn't you understand me? Get downstairs, they're looking for you." Miwaka lost all color in his face, and for a moment, froze in position. "Did you hear what I said? Get down below and stay there!" I opened the deck door, and practically pushed the boy to the stairs. Miwaka regained his balance and rushed down the steps. "Brandon, ready the ship...we're leaving NOW!" I yelled as I quickly removed two of the lines on my way back to the helm, letting the rope fall into the water. "Leave it," I said, as Andrew began carrying supplies to the deck stairs. "Untie those lines!" Andrew dropped the bag of pineapples, and untied the last line that was securing us to the deck. I started the diesels, and before the first bubble appeared under my ship, I pushed hard on the throttles. The Mighty Miss bucked and moaned as she tilted away from the dock, leaving a large wake behind us. I turned the wheel hard to the left, and kept looking over my shoulder to see if anyone was following. The Mighty Miss is a graceful ship, but she's no speedboat, and if I meant to have any distance between those thugs and my new crewmember, I had to make it now. As we made our way out of the marina area, I instructed the boys to store the provisions below. The boys moved quickly, none of them clearly understanding why I was reacted so dramatically. The thoughts that rushed through my head entered and exited so fast, that focusing on any one thought was impossible. The entire story that Miwaka had told us was true. I believed him, of course, for he's an Ebeu descendent, but it was true. And the men who killed his family hadn't stopped. They wouldn't be happy until the boy was hung for the murders that these thugs committed themselves. Would he be safe with me? How could I keep him safe? Are they following us? Did they see us? The man with the sandwich was looking at me. Did he know I have Miwaka? Why was Miwaka on deck? What the hell was Brandon thinking? I was clear in my instructions, I was sure of it. Must go faster. Come on, Missy, you've got to go faster... My thoughts became jumbled and reckless. I held the helm's wheel hard and my knuckles turned white. I could feel the prickles of sweat pour down my face. My heart pounding so hard, I could feel it crashing against the walls of my chest. "Captain?" Have to keep going. We'll make for the mainland. But I have the boys for six weeks. Six weeks? Who vacations for six weeks? And what kind of parents leave boys with a sea captain for six weeks? "Captain?" There's plenty of fuel, I'll just keep the ship heading north. I won't use the sails, they're too slow. Have to keep these boys safe. "Captain?" Brandon finally tugged on my shirt, breaking me from my scrambled thoughts. "The supplies are stored. The crew wants to know what's going on. What do I tell them?" I looked at the boy and then redirected my attention to the bow of the ship. Brandon was right. I hadn't said a thing to these boys, and our hurried exit probably scared them senseless. "Tell them I have my reasons, Brandon, and leave it at that. Now get below with the boys, and stay there until I come for you." Brandon hesitated for a moment. He looked at the deck, then looked at me again. "What?" I snapped. Brandon turned, opened the door to the deck stairs, and disappeared inside, slamming the door behind him. My heart sank, but I couldn't worry about his tender feelings right now. I had to get Missy and her crew to safety. It was too late to change directions back to Satan's Face, so the mainland was my target. The engines hummed at full speed, the deck vibrated, the waves crashed hard against the bow causing my ship to buck and drop, rise and fall, at the mercy of the water. After what seemed like only minutes, but was actually an hour, my thoughts, as well as the water began to smooth. I had not seen another vessel near us for miles, and I felt safe enough to begin breathing again. I slowed the engines, and the rumble of the deck quieted. I slowed the engines further, until they were just idling, and then I finally shut them down. The backwash wave was smaller than usual, since I had decreased our speed so gradually. For a moment, I just stood at the helm, listening for any engine sounds I might have missed. I opened my spyglass, and looked 360 degrees around my ship, searching for evidence of any kind that we had been followed, but I found none. My breathing returned to normal, and when I realized this, I inhaled deeply. The aroma of the salt air was sweet and welcomed in my lungs. I looked at the sky, as though expecting some guidance from above me. I secured the wheel in place, and walked to the deck stair's door. I opened it and began my descent when I heard a few of the boys in the main room, arguing about what had happened. My poor Jeffy was in tears, and as I entered the room, he ran to me, and jumped into my arms. I hugged him tightly to my chest. As he clung to me, I found an open spot on one of the couches and sat down with Jeffy in my lap. "Brandon," I said as I looked up at the boys, "gather the others together. I need to talk to you boys." My voice wasn't harsh, but also wasn't happy. Only a moment later, my entire crew was gathered in the main room, anxiously waiting for some kind of explanation. "It seems our little trip has had quite a lot of adventure, boys." My voice even softer than before. "But my visit to Hyacado unveiled some rather disturbing news." All eyes were locked on me, some of the boys hardly breathing. "I've put you boys in danger, and it's going to be very important that I keep you as safe as possible until we return to San Diego." "Danger? What kind of danger, Captain?" Brandon was the first to speak. "It's my fault, isn't it?" Miwaka looked directly at me. "No, Miwaka, it's not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong, and I believe what you told me about your family." "You saw him, didn't you? The man who killed my father. He wants me dead too." Miwaka looked down at the floor, and began to shake. Shaun did his best to hug him tightly, but Shaun's small body was no match for Miwaka's strong build. "Boys," I redirected my attention to the whole crew. "Miwaka needs our help. Do we give up one of our own men?" All the boys shook their head. Miwaka looked around at the crew, amazed that he had been so accepted and so loved in such a short period of time. I, on the other hand, was not surprised at all. I knew in my heart that these boys had the greatest capacity for love, and this was just one example of that love. "It's settled then. You're coming back to San Diego with us, Miwaka. Once we reach the port, you and I will figure out what to do. In the meantime, you're part of this crew, and as such, will be protected. Right, Gentlemen?" "RIGHT!" They all shouted almost in unison. "Brandon, I want all hands on deck. There are some extra spyglasses in that cabinet. Select four guards, and post them along both sides of the ship. Any signs of any vessels, they are to come to me immediately." My directions were clear, and the boys responded. "Max, Thomas, Jeremy, you're with me." Brandon called their names, as he handed them spyglasses. "Let's get moving." We had only drifted for a few minutes, but the delay left me anxious to put more space between the now haunting island of Hawaii and us. Never again, would I look at it in the same light. "Raise the sails!" I demanded, as Brandon appeared last on deck. "We'll save the fuel for now." "Aye, aye, Captain." Brandon quickly responded, and ran about the ship, giving orders to the other boys, as the "guards" took their posts on the ship, beginning their endless scan of the waters around us. If any vessel dared to come with 20 miles of us, we'd see it. The sails were raised, and as the wind filled them to capacity, The Mighty Miss once again cut through the water. We were making incredible speed, and I was rather impressed by how fast Nature's gift was pushing us along. I knew that we were too far out to make it back home in one day. So, I laid in a course for the abandoned island we had visited at the beginning of our voyage. In my heart, I was hoping that the secluded pools on the island would wash away the horrible thoughts in my mind. The guards continued their search, without a single ship in sight. And as nightfall crested, I allowed the boys to fix dinner in two shifts, all the while The Mighty Miss kept sailing. I wasn't about to stop, and I knew that I could reach the island by early morning. As the last of the sun disappeared over the horizon, it took the last of my powerful wind with it. The sails collapsed and the ship slowed. The first team returned from dinner, and I instructed them to secure the sails. With the huge folds of fabric secured, I fired up the engines and brought the throttles to mid point. Though we were not traveling as fast, we were still moving along quick enough to spray the deck with seawater. As the sky grew darker, I clicked on the running lights, and realizing that the lights ran all the way up the mast, I quickly clicked them off. I used a single spotlight to guide me, and continued on our way. The second team finished their dinner, and Jeffy returned to the deck with a sandwich he had made for me. I kissed his cheek, and quickly devoured the meal, realizing none of us had eaten since breakfast. The boys remained on deck, and occasionally the guards would search the waters, impossibly seeking for vessels that might me tracking us. An hour later, I finally announced that the crew should retire, and that I would stay on deck, and continue our journey. Brandon tried to argue the point, but I assured him that his rest would be needed in the morning. "Good night, Captain," each boy said as he disappeared down the deck stairs. All that is, except two. --- I hope you're enjoying this adventure. I welcome comments and questions, so, write me at mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com.