Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2012 07:42:23 -0500
From: Ken Barber <inscyclone@gmail.com>
Subject: Cyclone Chapter 11

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. It deals with Sexual and adult
situations between men. Any person under 18, or anyone living in a state or
province where reading these stories is illegal should leave this site now.
Adult gay content.

I would like to thank the Following readers for their feedback. Joe H, Rich
S, Jim L, Glynn D, Harold N Charles W, Ed P, Rich S, Collin B, Darol B, R
Michaels, Herman H, Darryl Bradley E, Tony L, Paul T, Alan R, Bruce L,
J.W., Tom A, Steve S , Tom S, John P, Tony L, Paul B, and Bob R.

 I need to thank Harold for volunteering to edit for me so the rest of the
chapters should be easier to read

Also don't forget to make a donation to Nifty. The service they offer for
free is amazing not only does it allow hobby writers like me a venue it
also is a great entertainment resource for many.

http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Authors Note: This and future chapters will deal with nautical operations
on ships of war. I try very hard to research all the correct terms and
Lingo but I have never served in the Navy or been to sea on a ship other
than vacation cruises. Please feel free to email me if I get something
wrong so I can correct it for later.

Cyclone

Chapter 11 - Anchors Away.

	Dinner Friday night was subdued but pleasant. Somehow we got on the
conversation of Rick opening a restaurant.

	"Rick, I think it's a great idea."

	"Yes but maybe I should just work for a couple years after school
and save up some money to get started." I could tell the wheels in his head
were spinning

	"Well there is the option of a partnership. I would definitely be
interested."

	Travis nodded in agreement. "Count me in. You have the cooking
skills already and haven't even finished school yet. Dale and I could put
up most of the starting funds and you could run the place."

	"That would be awesome." Rick had a huge grin on his face. "I was
thinking of fine dining. I kind of had this plan to do like an
international seafood joint. Not really sure where I am going with that,
but it's just an idea."

	Shane smiled. "I kind of like the idea. You could call it
International Waters."

	We all paused for minute to think about that and then all three of
us agreed at the same time.

	"Really, I was just spouting ideas." Shane was beaming.

	I nodded. "Okay, so it's official. In two years we will launch
International Waters, a premier fine dining location with Chef Rick."

	Travis raised his glass. "To International Waters, the newest
adventure of Dale and Company"

	We all chuckled and toasted.

	Rick raised his glass. "To Cyclone. May her crew come home safely,
especially these two great guys." He motioned towards Shane and Travis with
his glass.

	We stayed until the restaurant closed, then went home. I could tell
that all of us were reluctant for the evening to end because tomorrow
brought goodbyes.

	When we arrived at the house everyone was there. I walked out to
the pool area.

	"Hey everyone, what's going on?" Carl, Nick, David and Cat where
all sitting and drinking wine and chatting."

	Cat laughed. "We tried to have an evening as couples and look where
we end up, all together here at your house."

	Rick smiled and took Shane's hand. "I guess it's better to laugh
with friends than to face saying goodbye to someone you love."

	Shane turned and looked at him and kissed him.

	For the rest of the evening we sat around discussing anything
except the impending departure of Cyclone. I couldn't help but think that
this is something we would all have to get used to. As the evening wore on
I began to think I not only inherited a company, I also inherited a family.

	Before too long I figured it was time to get to bed. Tomorrow was
going to be a long hard day.

	"Okay everyone, I am headed to bed." Travis stood up with me.

	We said goodnight to everyone and went to our room. We laid in our
bed holding on to each other until we fell asleep. The next morning I woke
to Travis crawling out from under me.

	He smiled and kissed me. "Morning, Beautiful."

	I smiled back "Good morning, my Captain."

	The door to the bedroom opened and Carl came walking in with
coffee. "My God, can you too get any cheesier? Your sea uniforms are in the
closet. Rick has breakfast started. Michael is off today so Max will drive
you. I will take the Range Rover with all of Travis' and Shane's gear. Rick
is going to the pier with us to be with the rest of the wives." He turned
around and walked out.

	Travis starting laughing, "I swear the Ice Queen might miss us."

	I couldn't help but laugh. "Be nice. Your right though, even though
he would never admit it."

	We showered and got ready pretty quickly. Downstairs, Shane, Cat
and David were all in uniform. Rick had decided to serve a traditional
breakfast on the back deck - pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage,
biscuits and gravy.

	"Morning, everyone." I was surprisingly chipper, considering I was
sending my new found love off to sea and wouldn't see him for two weeks.

 	"Morning, Admiral, Morning, Captain."

	I chuckled. "So Cat and Rick, I was thinking when our husbands
leave for sea duty we should all head out to the mall to spend the money
they are earning."

	Everyone laughed. "Seriously, guys I have some things to pick up at
the mall after Cyclone depart. We could grab a late lunch and do some
shopping."

	Everyone agreed and soon it was time to take the guys into the
office. When we reached the ship a large crowd was there, saying good bye
to family and friends. It was difficult, but I managed to hold it together
until the ship was towed out and started her engines. Cyclone launched a
battery of flares that exploded like fireworks as she began maneuvering
under her own power. I looked at Cat and Rick and knew they were barely
holding on. I don't think any of us were on the verge of tears but
depression was setting in quickly.

	"Okay, guys, let's get out of here and go get drunk and do some
retail therapy." We headed to the Mall. I noticed, as we arrived, Max and a
fellow security officer were following us at a discreet distance. We had
lunch and quite a few drinks, Carl's antics had everyone laughing and,
after lunch, we did some major retail therapy. At one point I tabulated in
my head that I spent about $2700. Mostly on new clothes for Travis and me,
but I also bought Rick some dressier clothes. Carl was stuck in the Apple
Store for awhile while a really cute sales guy tried to get him to by the
newest I-pad. Unbeknownst to either of them I had another sales person
already charge it to my card. When Carl went to pull his card, they told
him it was already paid for. He immediately turned and glared at me; then
smiled.

	Cat flat out told me if I spent any money on her she would have to
include a prostate exam in my next physical. Cat and I spent the most time
together walking, shopping and talking while the two "boys" bounced all
over. I hadn't realized Cat's father was a retired Virginia
Governor. Apparently she came from old money. She glossed it over pretty
quickly and I could tell she didn't really want to talk about it, so we
both let it go.

	Every so often I would see Max or his partner out of the corner of
my eye. As we were getting ready to leave the mall, Cat and I were looking
for Carl and Rick when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

	"Well, Well, Well. If it isn't the King of Faggots." I spun around
and there was Doug Mathis standing behind me. I looked over his shoulder
and saw Max start to trot up to us.

	I looked him right in the eye. "Mathis, you do not want to start
something here."

	"Oh! Why not? You don't have your little Captain Ass-pounder or
Lt. Queer-boy to protect you."

	At that moment a good looking young man, maybe 20 or 21, was
passing by. He stopped and looked at Doug. The kid was in excellent shape
and you could see the muscles ripple underneath his skin tight shirt. "What
the fuck did you just say, asshole?"

	I think Doug was just as confused as I was for a minute. Doug was
too stupid to realize he was seriously outnumbered. "Mind your own fucking
business, punk."

	"It is my business when I hear some dickwad like you calling
someone queer boy."

	I stepped up "Thank you for stopping. But I think we can control
this easier if it stays between us."

	"No offense, sir, but it is between me and the jerk off over there
now. I am sick of people getting away with calling us gay people names and
thinking they can talk down to us." He stepped closer to Doug.

	Doug backed up a couple of steps. "What the fuck man this is
between me and them. I am out of here. We will cross paths again,
Dale. That I promise." When he turned around and saw Max and the other
agent standing there, he shouldered pass them.

	Max walked up to me. "You okay, Mr. Ryan?"

	"Just fine, Max, thank you. Can you report this little interaction
to Karen, please?" I was looking at the young kid - good looking, well
built, stocky and about 5'8". "Hi, I am Dale Ryan." I reached my hand out
to shake his hand he pumped my hand firmly.

	"Gregory Taylor. Are these guys secret service? Are you like some
politician or something?"

	I laughed. "No, not at all. I own a very big company and,
unfortunately, I have made some enemies. That guy is one of them. I just
fired him last night."

	"Oh wow! Sorry to get into the middle of it." He stepped back a
little.

	"Not a problem, Gregory. Actually, you're stepping in helped defuse
the situation. I would like to buy you a drink in thanks."

	Carl and Rick walked up at that moment. Carl stood there with his
hand on his hips. "Travis left this morning and you're out trolling the
mall for guys already."

	We all laughed but Gregory looked shocked. "Oh no, it's not that at
all."

	I chuckled again. "It's ok, Gregory. He is only kidding you will
have to get used to his sense of humor."

	I introduced Gregory to everyone and explained what happened with
Doug. Rick got pissed and was ready to storm off after him. Once I got Rick
settled down, we all agreed to meet at a little Martini bar down the street
from the mall. I told Max what we were doing and we all headed for the
car. We met Gregory at the bar and ordered drinks.

	I kicked the conversation off. "So, Gregory, are you in college?"

	"You guys can call me Greg, and no, I was trying to go to community
college but I had to drop out to get another job." he lowered his head a
little.

	I smiled at him. "That's completely understandable. What do you
do?"

	"Well I was working at the big book store in the mall but they
closed so now I am just looking for anything."

	"By now you must know by now we are all gay." Cat just glared at
me. "Oh, except for Cat and her new boyfriend."

	"I kind of figured. So are you to together"?  He motioned to Rick
and Carl.

	Rick started laughing hysterically. Carl hit in the arm. "Why is
that so funny? And no, Greg, we are not together. My boyfriend is much
better looking than him"

	This time Rick hit Carl back. "Yeah, well my boyfriend can kick
your boyfriend's ass."

	They both started laughing again and poor Greg didn't know what to
say. I just shook my head."Girls, your both pretty, so stop it."

	That got them laughing again and I knew Carl was going to keep Rick
laughing the entire time Shane was gone. We had had quite a few drinks and
were kind of tipsy when Rick suggested we head back and throw some burgers
on the grill and go for a swim. I invited Greg along and he accepted. As I
stood up to get ready to leave, Max was standing beside me.

	"Mr. Ryan I called tonight's duty driver and he is bringing a car
for you and your guests. I will follow you in the SUV."

	"Good thinking, Max. I think we all drank too much to drive." Carl
handed him the keys and we all headed out.

	When I looked back at Greg, he seemed unsure of what to do."

	"Greg, just ride with us and when you're ready to go I will have
someone drive you back to your car."

	"Of course, come on."

	We got out side and one of the INS stretches pulled up. The driver
got out and got the door for us.

	"Evening, Mr. Ryan. Will you be headed right home tonight?"

	"Yes, we will thank you."

	Greg's eyes were huge when he saw the car. We all climbed in and
headed to the house. Greg was in even more awe when he saw the house. We
all changed into swim trunks, Carl had to lend Greg a pair. Rick, with
Greg's help, started dinner and Cat and I went and picked some bottles of
wine. As we where selecting the wine a thought came to me It would be
awesome if Travis and I and Cat and David could get enough time free to go
to Napa Valley and tour some vineyards and restock the cellar at the same
time. I would have to see if Carl could help me plan that, maybe over the
holidays. I mentioned it to Cat and she was totally excited about it.

	After dinner we all went for a swim. I noticed Greg and Rick were
really hitting it off.  They were definitely not lover's material; Rick was
way too smitten with Shane, but I could see these guys being good
friends. Once we were done horse playing in the pool, we all settled down
with some wine.

	"So Greg, if you drink too much tonight, you can always crash in
one of the guest bedroom and hang out with us tomorrow."

	Rick smiled. "Yeah, Greg, it will be a blast."

	Greg smiled a little. "Okay, but I have to be home by 1 pm to watch
my sisters when my mom goes to work."

	"That's not a problem. How old are your sister?" I was intrigued by
this kid.

	"They are 6, twins." He was beaming as he talked about his sisters.

	"That's really cool. What does your mom do?"

	"She is a nurse at a Children's Hospital of King's Daughters over
in Norfolk. She works a lot and I have to take care of my sisters."

	"That's very nice of you. Where is your dad?" I knew I was pushing
it here but I wanted see what was up with him.

	"He left when my sisters were two. It's just been my mom and I
taking care of the girls for the last 4 years. We haven't heard from him in
3 years."

	"Sorry to hear that, Greg. So, let me ask you why did you leave
school?"

	"I had to work more hours to help my mom with money. I just
couldn't handle school and work at the same time. Plus I just couldn't
justify spending money on school if it meant my sisters went without."

	"Greg, that's a tough spot to be in for someone so young, but it
seems like you are handling it very well. What were you studying in
college?"

	"Well, I was taking a bunch of prerequisite stuff and wanted to get
my degree in early childhood development. I kind of had this dream of
running my own daycare, but focused on people like my mom. You know, single
struggling parents. I could provide low cost daycare but make it super high
quality. It's not all about the money for me."

	I looked over at Carl. He was nodding at me. "Carl, can you setup
an appointment for Greg with Mark in HR in my office. I want him to
interview for one of the new daycare positions opening up."

	Greg just stared at me for a minute. "What?"

	I laughed. "Greg, I told you I own a pretty big company, right?
Well we have a large daycare facility for our employees and just recently,
we announced we would expand our services and offer free daycare to wounded
veterans re-entering the work force. We are hunting for staff now. I would
like for you to come in Monday morning and interview for a position. I
can't make any promises, but I can tell you that as an employee of ours,
you would get free daycare for your sisters. Can you have a resume ready by
Monday morning?"

	Carl stood up. "Greg, come with me. Dale, he will have a resume
ready in about an hour and I will email it to Mark and you."

	"Thank you, Carl. You have all day tomorrow, so don't put too much
time into it tonight."

	They walked into the house and I turned around to see Cat and Rick
smiling at me.

	"What are you two smiling about?"

	Cat laughed. "You keep taking in strays and you're going to have to
put an addition on the house."

	I laughed, and Max came out onto the patio. "Mr. Ryan, Sir"

	"Max, its Dale, for Christ's sake."

	"Yes sir. I just wanted to let you know I am off for a few
hours. Frank and Jayden are on duty, if there is anything you need."

	"Max, thank you and there is something I need right now."

	"Yes Sir?"

	I laughed. "First, I need you to call me Dale. Second, take off
your jacket and sit down and have a glass of wine with us."

	"I really shouldn't, Dale."

	"Why is that? You got a hot date you're rushing off too?"

	He laughed. That was the first time I have seen him laugh. "No, not
at all, I was just going to go back to apartment and relax for the night."

	"By yourself?" Just relax here and enjoy yourself. I have a feeling
Karen has already arranged for me to have security around me at all
times. I think if you are going to be around, we should get to know each
other."

	"Okay, thank you." He took off his jacket and draped it over the
back of the chair. He was still wearing his gun and I could tell we all
tried to divert our eyes. Max was a really good looking guy and was in
great shape.

	"So, Max, how old are you?"

	"I just turned 24 last month."

	"How did you get to be my security leader at such a young age?"

	"I have my degree in criminal justice and INS recruited me from
school. I originally wanted to be a cop, but my best options, out off all
the places that tried to recruit me, were the US Secret Service and INS. I
was really excited about the Secret Service, but they turned me down. I am
not completely sure why as they gave me some bullshit excuse about better
candidates. I honestly think it's because I am openly gay."

	I was shocked. "You're gay? I never would have known. Why didn't
you say anything?"

	"Like what? Hi, I am Max. I am in charge of your personal
protection and, by the way, nice ass."

	We all laughed. "I guess that would not have been very
professional."

	"No, I figured it would come out eventually. I think that's why
Karen assigned me. She figured there would be no problems with your
lifestyle if I am in that lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I was up for
promotion anyway but I think this is the one time being gay has helped me."

	Rick patted him on the back. "Well, welcome to the family, Max."

	Cat laughed. "So about that addition on the house, Dale?"

	I chuckled. "It might not be a bad idea. Maybe, do a pool house and
gate house."