Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 16:58:33 -0800 (PST)
From: mycandlelight_dreams <mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com>
Subject: Sailor Boys - chap 7

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 7

---

Breakfast was served, and the day's instructions were given.  "Once the
galley is cleaned, and you boys have had a shower, assemble on deck for
inspection."  Just as I finished my sentence, a bright light snapped and a
loud thunderclap boomed above us.  I looked out the porthole again, and the
sky was as dark as night.  It appeared that my "sailing plans" were being
changed.

"On second thought," as I turned back to the boys, "It appears we'll be
using the diesels today.  Clean up and assemble in the main room.  I'll
issue your duties there."

As the boys took their showers, I proceeded to the deck.  The clouds looked
dark and menacing.  Each new lightening flash was bolder than the last, and
I knew that it would only be a matter of a few more minutes before the
first of the rain that these clouds held in their bosom would release.

As I walked to the back of The Mighty Miss, I cursed myself for not seeing
this storm approaching.  I reminded myself that sea storms brew quickly,
and although they can disappear just as quickly, this one looked like it
was going to have a bit of fun with us first.  I opened on the rear holds,
and began removing the life jackets I stored there.

With my jacket secured, I felt the first droplets on my face.  Small,
almost insignificant, but the aroma of the air left no question about the
upcoming rain.  I gathered up the jackets, 5 in each arm, and went back to
the staircase leading below deck.  As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I
was stopped by the sight of Binder, Jeremy, and Thomas, butt naked,
snapping each other with towels.

"Hey!"  They froze immediately.  "Get your asses in uniform and report to
the main room immediately!"  The tone in my voice left no question I meant
business, and these boys knew me well enough not to question it.  They ran
to their cabins, practically falling over each other.

A few minutes later, the three culprits entered the main room.  "Nice of
you to join us."  My tone had not improved.  The impending storm had me
concerned, and I was in no mood for games.

"Sorry, Captain," each one said as they passed me to take their seats.

"All right then.  Things are going to operate a little differently today.
We won't be raising the sail because the wind is going to get too
unpredictable."  Just as I finished my sentence, another flash followed by
its thunderclap partner.

Jeffy looked at the ceiling and began to shake a little.  As I looked
around, everyone except Brandon seemed nervous about the storm.

"Now listen, boys," I said a bit softer.  "We're going to get one hell of a
storm, but we'll get through it just fine.  The Mighty Miss has been
through bad storms before, and she's not afraid!  Brandon, pass these out."
I pointed to the life jackets on the floor.  "Put these on, and leave them
on until I tell you it's safe to take them off again.  Understand?"

"Yes, Captain," they said, almost in unison.

"Today's duties will be a little lighter than what you've done so far, but
no less important.  As this storm gets going, she's gonna whip us around a
bit, and I can't afford to lose anything on this ship, including you boys.
We'll need to tighten things down on deck, and that means working as
quickly and carefully as possible."

The boys' eyes were all glued on me, and didn't miss a single word.  They
knew this was serious but I felt they trusted me.  I continued with the
duty roster quickly, and led them up the deck stairs.  "Now watch
yourselves, boys.  This deck is gonna get really slippery.  Walk steady and
make sure you hold onto something as you go."

As we came on deck, the rain had started to fall.  A sprinkle at first,
which told me I didn't have much time.  "Hoist anchor.  We can't be glued
to the ocean floor if these waves start kicking up!"

The anchor was hoisted, and before the last link of the chain was even half
way up the hull, I fired up all four diesels, and pushed on the throttle.
The ship jolted like she was fighting my command, but a moment later gave
in, and with the rumbling of the deck boards, we were moving.

The boys scurried about the deck performing their duties, but you could
feel the electricity in the air, and with each lightening snap, at least
two of the boys jumped.  It felt as though the storm was right on top of
us, trying to squeeze our tender lives away.

The sky grew darker, and the wind increased.  Soon, the waves began to
cross the bow of my ship, spraying water across the deck.

I turned the wheel into the storm and tried to head directly into the wind.
As I turned, slowly but purposefully, a larger wave came across the side of
the ship, and doused Andrew and Shaun.  The boys were instantly soaked, as
though they had been on some incredible theme-park water ride.

"Watch the boom," I commanded as it jerked and swayed from the movements of
the ship.  Brandon led two other boys over to it, and began strapping it in
place.  "That's good," was all I could say.

The wheel began to fight me, and I could tell that the undercurrent was
having a field day with my rudder.  I grabbed the wheel tighter, and could
feel the blood leave my fingers.

Another flash and another clap introduced the downpour that followed.  And,
as the rain came harder, the waves increased their size.  The wind thought
it was a great idea and increased its speed as well.  The elements were
fighting against me, illustrating how insignificant man is against the sea.

I pulled hard to the left, as I saw the approaching wave.  The Mighty Miss
jerked, and moaned as she leaned heavily to one side.  "Hang on, boys!"  I
screamed to them, but the howl of the wind and the speed of the rain all
but drowned my voice.  I got the ship level again, as the wave crashed
against us, rocking us, and showering the deck with salty ocean water.

Not a single of us was dry anymore, and I realized I was putting these
boys' lives at risk.

I screamed as loud as I could muster, "BRANDON!"

How he heard me, I'll never know, but coming to me as fast as one can walk
across a slippery and vibrating deck, he finally reached the helm.

"Get the boys downstairs, then come back up here.  I'll need your help.
Go!"

Brandon didn't even blink, just reacted.  He began assembling the boys and
instructing them downstairs.  First Jeffy, then Andrew, Jeremy, Max.  Then
moving forward to Billy, and then Shaun.  As Brandon was escorting Zach
down the stairwell, I happen to look up in time to see Thomas struggling
with a tie line.

"Leave it!"  I hollered, but Thomas couldn't hear me.  Out of the corner of
my eye I saw the next big wave, and I only had enough time to respond,
without preparation.  I jerked the wheel hard to the right, and The Mighty
Miss groaned loudly.  Another flash and a loud boom, which blinded and
deafened me for a second.  I held tight to the wheel, as the wave crested
the railing and washed across my ship.

As I looked up, I saw Thomas lifted from the deck, and swept overboard,
along with the remainder of the wave.  "Noooo!"  I screamed.  My first
instinct was to release the wheel and jump in after him, but another wave
crashed over us.

Brandon returned from below, and as he looked at me, I screamed, "Take the
helm!"  Brandon ran to me, and grabbed the fighting wheel from me.  "Turn
her around...man overboard!"  Brandon's eyes got big as saucers, and I saw
I bit of panic.

As I moved along the railing, I saw Binder hanging on for dear life.  "Hang
on, boy!  Don't let go, understand?"  I moved further down, searching the
water for some sign of Thomas.

"There he is!" Binder yelled as he pointed to some waves.  I could barely
make it out at first, but in a moment, I could see Thomas' head and the
orange lifevest.

"Bring her around!" I yelled back to Brandon.

Another crack of lightening followed my command, and although Brandon would
have rather been downstairs with the others, he held his post.  Brandon
steered that ship as if he owned it, and though we swung wide, I could
still see the orange color, bobbing up and down.  I couldn't tell if Thomas
was moving, but we got close enough that I could make him out.  "Hold on,
Binder.  And keep your eye on us!"

Binder nodded his wet head, and I jumped over the rail into the cold, dark
water.  I surfaced just in time to get hit in the head with another wave,
pushing me back under the dark liquid.

I pushed on my arms and legs are hard as I've ever pushed and resurfaced.
I gasped the wet air, and started swimming toward Thomas.  As the waves
moved up and down, I could catch glimpses of the orange vest, which was the
only marker I went by.

I swam as hard and fast as I could.  Thomas seemed to be hundreds of feet
from me, but in reality, was only a few feet.  As I swam, the waves pounded
me, and pushed me, teasing me and keeping me from reaching my boy.

The next wave was smaller, and when I surfaced again, I lost sight of
Thomas.  "Thomas!"  I yelled for him.  I looked back toward my ship.
Brandon, instinctively, kept circling as best he could.  The ship fought
him every step of the way, but he held tight and commanded The Mighty Miss
to his beckoning.

I located the ship, and saw Binder pointing toward me.  I turned around and
saw a flash of orange, just as a wave overtook Thomas.  I swam harder still
toward the area Thomas was in.

Another wave attempted to drown me, but I kept pushing onward.  Thomas
resurfaced, gasping and choking.  "Thomas!" I yelled again.  This time, he
heard me.

"Over here!  Help me, please, I'm right here!"

"Hold on, Boy!  Hold on."  Though my arms began to ache, and I was
swallowing water, I continued toward his yells.

Finally, almost completely out of breath, I reached the scared lad.  I put
my arm around him, and as he said "Thank you, Captain.  I knew you'd come,"
I found renewed strength.

"Hold on to me now.  And don't let go, Thomas."

Thomas grabbed my lifejacket straps, and I began to swim at an angle to
where Brandon would be directing the ship.

Another wave washed over us, and we both coughed and choked out the
seawater.  "Still with me, Thomas?"  I said to him as I swam across the
waves.

"Are we going to make it?"  The fear in his voice was heartbreaking.

"Hang on, Buddy...just hang on."

Brandon brought the ship around masterfully, and as it approached us, he
killed the engines.  Binder had let go and raced to the hull ladder,
pushing it over for us with one hand, while he held tightly to the rail
with his other arm.

I pushed Thomas onto the ladder, and as he began to ascend it, another wave
crashed against the ship, crushing me into the ladder, and jolting the ship
sideways.

Thomas held on tightly until the water succeeded, and continued his climb.

When he was far enough up, I proceeded up the ladder.

Safely back on deck, I commanded Binder to hold Thomas there, and the boys
clung to one of the inner rails.  I stammered back to the helm, and as I
reached it, Brandon said, "You're bleeding."

"Never mind that.  Get those boys downstairs, and lock the hatch.  Don't
come back up here.  Now go!"

Brandon, for the first time ever, hesitated.  I could tell he was thinking
through the command.  Another flash of lightening struck, and I yelled,
"GO!"  The loudness of my voice was only matched by the thunder.

Brandon worked his way toward the boys, and escorting them back to the deck
stairs, locked the door behind him.

As the door was shut, another larger wave struck the side of my ship,
sending was wave of water across the deck, slamming against the door, and
blasting upward, as if it were hitting a rocky shore instead of my ship.

I held tight to the wheel, and began my maneuvers, as I once again fired up
the engines.  The Mighty Miss had never failed me, and today was no
exception.  The engines started immediately, and as I threw down the
throttle, the entire vessel bucked and moaned.

Another much larger wave was heading for us, so I turned the wheel sharply
to steer into it.  Miss groaned again, and creaked as she tilted her mast
toward the open ocean.  For a split second, I thought sure The Miss would
give herself to the see.  But, she wasn't ready to die yet, and leveled
off.  The wave hit straight on, and although it splashed over the deck, the
water quickly spilled over the sides.

The next 20 minutes felt like 20 hours, as I battled the wheel of The
Mighty Miss, and negotiated the waves of the storm.  As I mentioned before,
sea storms brew quickly, and can disappear just as quick.  Soon enough, the
wind rescinded and the waves died down.  The Mighty Miss regained her
stable stance, and the rain had given way to a smaller, somewhat refreshing
shower.

I turned the wheel South, trying to regain my bearing, as a red droplet
appeared on my hand.  I touched my forehead, and the sting told me
instantly where I was bleeding.  Holding the wheel with one hand, I grabbed
a rag and held it to my head, patting it a few times to try to assess how
bad it was.

I began laughing out loud.  "You didn't kill me yet, you Sea-Bitch!"

The rain shower gave way to a sprinkle, and the sky broke from its darkness
to a light gray.  The sea continued to calm, and The Mighty Miss leveled to
a smooth motion.

Before much longer, the sprinkle lightened until it was barely noticeable.
I was drained from the experience, and needed the rest.  We wouldn't make
it to Satan's Face today, even if I kept going, so there was no point in
trying.

I shut down the engines, and the breaker wave behind slid across the hull
of the ship.

I rested my head on my arm, and try to regain some composure.  I felt
lightheaded and if given the chance, would sleep for a week.  The ocean
smoothed, and as The Mighty Miss drifted, I could feel my own consciousness
drifting as well.

"Captain?  Are you okay?"  Brandon, who had come on deck when he heard the
engines stop, shook me awake.

"Brandon!  My dear boy," I whispered.  "You were wonderful today.  You
handled my ship like it was own!  I'm very proud of you."  I slumped down
over the wheel, and out of fear that I might fall over; Brandon put my arm
around his shoulders and lifted me from my Captain's Chair.

"Let's get you downstairs and cleaned up."

"Drop the anchor, Brandon.  I don't want to lose our bearing."

"Yes, Captain, just as soon as you get downstairs."  Brandon was taking
charge now, just like any seasoned First Mate.  The 13-year-old boy was
showing all the maturity of any man I ever knew.  Brandon helped me
downstairs, settled me into my cabin, and returned to the deck to secure
the helm, and drop the anchor.  Once secured, he re-entered the deck
stairs, locking the door behind him.

---

The riverbed was dry, and as I looked around me, I didn't recognize
anything.  It was as though I was in the middle of a desert, with no sign
of civilization.  "Hello?" I cried out.  The only sound was of a distant
vulture.

The barren sand was hot on my bare feet, as I walked across it.  I
continued to walk, hoping to find some sign of life or shade from the hot
sun.  I started to scream out in a desperate effort for someone to hear me.

The sweat from my head began pouring over me like a rainstorm, and as I
looked at the back of my hand after wiping my brow, the deep red color of
the liquid caused me to shake and cry out again.  "Help me, please!"

---

As the last of my sleepy words escaped my mouth, I felt the cool cloth on
my head.  "Captain?"

I opened my eyes, and there, sitting next to me patting my head with a wet
washcloth was my dear sweet Jeffy.  I smiled at him, and he immediately
leaned down and hugged me tightly.

"How long have I been out?" I asked him as I hugged him tightly to my
chest.

"A couple hours.  Brandon said to get him as soon as you woke up, so I'll
be right back, okay?"  With that, he jumped from the bed, ran out of the
cabin, and as he ran down the hallway, I heard him yelling, "He's awake!"

A moment later, Brandon was at my side.  "Are you okay, Captain?"

"Yeah, I think so," I smiled as I slowly sat up on my bunk.  The migraine I
was experiencing reminded me only too well that I was alive.

"You got a nice bump on your head, but the cut isn't deep.  We cleaned it
up while you were sleeping.  I've got the boys checking the deck to see if
we lost anything during the storm, and so far, no one's reported anything
missing.  The rigging on the main sail came lose, but I've got Andrew and
Binder working on that."  My Brandon, always the professional.  Damn, I
loved this kid!  "And Thomas?  How is he?"

"He's okay, Captain.  I sent him to his room, and Binder's with him.  He
was pretty shook up and kept asking for you.  But, he's okay now."

I sat up further in the bed, and as I pushed the sheet of my body, I
realized that I had been undressed before being put into bed.  Jeffy smiled
at me, and helped me sit up.

"Hand me some clothes, Jeffy.  I want to look in on Thomas."  Jeffy hopped
from the bed again, scurried about gathering some sweat pants and a clean
t-shirt.  "Tell Thomas I'm coming to see him, Brandon."

When Brandon left the room, I called Jeffy to my side.  "Thank you, Mister
Man, for taking such good care of me.  I love you, Jeffy."  Jeffy beamed
and hugged me again.  Jeffy never left my side the rest of the day.  And
any time I bent down to pick something up, or move something, Jeffy was
right there to do it for me, barely allowing me to lift a finger.

As I stood to dress and leave the cabin, my bones and muscles ached and
swore revenge for torturing them so badly.  I vowed quietly to myself to
crack open that Cognac at dinner and help ease the soreness.

I knocked softly on Cabin D's door, and opened it.  Binder sat next to
Thomas, softly stroking his head.  As I walked closer, Thomas' eyes were
closed, and I could tell by his breathing that he was asleep.  I smiled at
Binder.  "You were very brave today, Binder.  You held your ground out
there and never showed fear.  Thank you for doing such a great job."  I
gently mussed his hair.

"Captain?  How do know when you love somebody?  I mean, like really love
somebody?"  His eyes never left Thomas, and I knew in my heart what I was
seeing.

"You care about him a lot, don't you, Binder?"  He nodded his head as I
rested my hand on his shoulder.  "I know what you're feeling, and it's
okay.  You've got a big heart, Binder.  But, being in love is a crazy,
mixed up, emotional roller coaster.  I can't tell you how you know, you
just know.  Your stomach jumps every time you see him, and it feels like a
thousand butterflies are inside you.  Your breathing gets quicker and your
palms sweat.  You start finding reasons just to be around him."

Binder continued nodding his head in agreement, but still didn't lift his
eyes from Thomas; still continuing to stroke his hair softly.

Finally, I lifted his chin and his eyes met mine.  "You need to be honest
with yourself, and honest with Thomas.  I'll make sure you get some privacy
tonight, and the two of you talk, okay?"  Binder gave me a small smile.  "I
don't promise that Thomas feels the same way, Binder.  But, you still need
to tell him how you feel.  Fair enough?"  Binder nodded again and lowered
his head to Thomas.

"Now then," I continued, "Give me a little time with him, please."

Binder hesitantly rose from the bunk.  "It's okay.  I only need a minute,
and you can come back in."  This seemed to sate him and he left the cabin
with Brandon.  Jeffy stayed by my side.  I knew the whole experience had
been difficult on Jeffy, and I knew I couldn't convince him to leave as
well, so I didn't even try.  "Sit over there, Mister Man."  Jeffy followed
my direction and sat in one of the chairs away from the bunks.

"Thomas?" I said, as I gently shook the boy.  "Wake up, Son.  Come on now,
Captain's here.  Wake up, please."  My voice broke through Thomas' sleepy
fog, and he started to open his eyes.  "Well, hello there.  How's our own
personal sea diver doing?"

Thomas smiled at me, and tried to sit up.  "No, no...that's okay.  You
rest.  A championship dive like that one deserves a reward of plenty of
rest."  Thomas smiled again.

Then, just as quickly, the smile disappeared, as the realization of what
happened once again sank in.  "Oh, Captain," he began to sob, "I'm so
sorry.  I tried to hang on, but I slipped.  I kept calling for you.  I knew
you'd come.  I just knew it."

"Easy, Thomas.  It's all over." I lifted the boy to my chest and held him
tightly.  "You're going to be just fine, Thomas.  You'll see.  By tomorrow,
you'll be bouncing around the ship, flashing everyone your cute naked butt
again."  I smiled at him, and Jeffy giggled.  This broke Thomas' tears, and
I could see he was trying to smile through it.  "That's better.  Now, you
rest, and I'll have someone bring you dinner in here, okay?"  Thomas
nodded.  "Good.  In the meantime, there's someone who's been watching over
you, and if it's okay with you, I'd like him to stay with you the rest of
today."  Thomas looked at me quizzically.

"You can come back in now." I said a little louder, as I rose from the
bunk.  Binder opened the door and went immediately to the bedside where he
was seated before.

Thomas smiled again, and even blushed a little.  "Thanks for staying with
me, Dude."

"I'll check in on you later, Thomas.  Rest well, my brave sea diver."  I
turned away, and with Jeffy by my side, began to leave the room.

"Thank you, Captain." Binder said to me, his eyes still locked on Thomas.

"You're welcome, Binder.  You're most welcome."  I smiled to myself.  I
knew the boys would have lots to talk about, and since dinner was only an
hour or so away, I'd arrange for the boys to be left to their privacy the
rest of the evening.  I'd simply move Zach into Cabin C, with Shaun and
Billy, for the night.

As I moved from the Thomas' cabin to return to my own, I heard talking in
the main room.  As I got closer to the main room, I heard Brandon say,
"It's okay, guys.  Captain's fine, and the trip will continue.  Don't
worry.  He won't let us down."

I stepped into the room, and all eyes were instantly on me.  "Now you lilly
livered land lovers didn't think a little storm was gonna stop our voyage
adventure, did you?"

"Sorry, Captain," Brandon responded, "I was just telling them that we
weren't going to turn around."

"You're absolutely right, Brandon.  We're just delaying our schedule a tad.
Mother Nature will do that to you when you get too cocky with her."  I
smiled at the boys in reassurance.  "Now, what do you say you get started
on dinner, while I rest a bit, and then I'll share our new schedule with
you.  Okay?"  Nods from the boys and a few smiles assured me as well.
"Brandon, see to it that dinner for Thomas and Binder is taken to their
cabin."  Brandon nodded.

"And Zach?  I'd like you to sleep in Cabin C tonight.  Thomas is going to
need his rest and quiet."  Zach's smile disappeared.  "Don't worry, Lad,
it's only for tonight, and then you'll be back to your cabin tomorrow."

Zach lifted his head.  "It's cool.  I was just getting used to Binder
snoring."  The rest of the boys laughed.

"Well, I'm sure Shaun can conjure up some snoring for you if you'd like."

"That's for sure," Billy laughed.

"Shut up, Billy." Shaun glared at Billy as the rest of the boys laughed
again.

---

As dinner was about to be served, I paid another visit to Thomas.  I
knocked softly on the door, and opened it to see that Binder was still at
his bedside, and Thomas was smiling again.  Thomas, even at the tender age
of 10, had a smile that made his eyes glisten!  Seeing it, you couldn't
help but smile yourself.

"Well, it looks as though you're feeling better.  Think you could get some
food down?"

Thomas looked up at me.  "I'm starving," he said.

"Good.  You boys will eat in here, and I've arranged for Zach to sleep next
door tonight.  I figure you could use some peace and quiet.  Okay?"

"Cool.  Thanks, Captain," Thomas responded.

Thomas reached out to give me a hug, and as I leaned in to hug him, Binder
whispered to me, "Thank you."  I winked at him, knowing his thanks were for
so much more.

A moment later, a knock on the door introduced the arrival of Andrew and
Brandon with dinner plates for the boys.

I excused myself from the cabin, and left Thomas and Binder alone to enjoy
their dinner, and have the quiet privacy I had promised.

As I shut the cabin door, I could hear Thomas say, "This is so cool.  Now,
what did you want to tell me?"

---

I hope you're enjoying this adventure.  I welcome comments and questions,
so, write me at mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com.