Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2003 00:14:54 -0600
From: pns kid <pnskid61@hotmail.com>
Subject: Sojourn chapter 27

The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually
explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing
offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do
not read further, but exit now.
The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be
reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and
may not be linked to any pay sites.

Author's note - Hi Guys. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.  I will be
travelling for the next week so it will be a short break before the next
chapters.  Until then, enjoy and keep the emails coming.  Dan

Chapter 27

Ethan was lost in his thoughts for about an hour.  He watched the Isle of
Wight ferryboats come and go and was transfixed by the amount of activity on
The Solent.  He went back into the suite to see his two guys cuddled
together sleeping peacefully.  He slipped out of the cabin to go and meet
with Captain Cardone to review the plans for the one night cruise and the
crossing to Florida.  He talked with the Captain about one of his surprises
and was ensured everything had been co-ordinated but he wouldn't guarantee
it would work out.

He returned to the cabin to wake Rick and Adam and the guys got ready for
the christening and naming ceremony.  An hour later they were headed down
the gangway.  Alice and Mark were already pier side by the dais that had
been erected at the bow.  Sarah was there as well, cursing into her mobile.
Adam was full of energy and Rick had his hands full trying to keep Adam from
running amok.

Slowly the stands filled and the energy level was increasing.  Ethan spoke
with his mother and told her that he would not be on the stand with her.  He
explained that he didn't actively participate in public events since he
wanted to remain as anonymous as possible.  She wanted him with her but
relented.

At exactly 3pm, the bagpipe band began playing and marched towards
Tranquility.  The Leader of the Southampton City Council joined Alice, Mark,
and Captain Cardone on the dais for Southampton.  The Home Secretary for the
UK was also there, making the trip down from London.  Everyone stood while
the band played God Save the Queen and then Captain Cardone took center
stage.  He welcomed the invited dignitaries and guests to the ceremony.  He
had some prepared words which talked about the technology behind Tranquility
and the honor it was for him to be master of the new ship.  He then
introduced the Godmother for Tranquility - Alice Dial, mother of the owner
of Compass Cruise Lines.

Ethan's eyes filled with tears as his mother stepped forward.  She was a
private person with no public speaking experience.  Ethan had prepared some
words for her.  But, she didn't use them.  She spoke of the tremendous honor
it was for her to be Godmother of this beautiful ship.  Her voice quivered
as she spoke of the immense pride she had for her son.  Then, before cutting
the ribbon which would release the bottle of champagne which would break on
Tranquility's bow, she asked for her grandson, Adam, to join her on the
platform.

Rick looked at Ethan.  Both had tears streaming down their faces.  Rick
wanted to kiss Ethan right on the spot but knew he couldn't.  Instead he put
his hand on Ethan's knee and gave it a squeeze.  Rick then stood up, took
Adam's hand, and led him to the dais.  Alice took Adam's hand and led him to
the ribbon.  Together, they held the giant scissors and cut the ribbon.  The
bottle broke and the banner hiding Tranquility's name slipped from the bow.
Tranquility's deep bass whistles blew.  The bagpipe band played and everyone
was cheering.  Ethan looked as his mother held Adam in her arms with Mark at
her side.  She was an amazing woman and she had managed to surprise Ethan.
Rick knew where Ethan got his big heart and his tendency for sweet
surprises.  Rick was simply overcome with the love from Ethan and his
family.  He felt blessed.

The crowd began to disperse and board Tranquility as the rest of the invited
guests for the one night VIP cruise began arriving.  Tranquility would
depart at 530pm, sail down The Solent, past the Isle of Wight.  She would
circle Guernsey during the night and sail back into Southampton the next
morning to arrive at 7am.  The one night cruise would be a celebration.  All
the bars would be open and free bar for everyone.  Dinner was to be a
celebration of its own.  The evening show included Harry Hill, a well-known
comic in the UK and The Coors, an Irish trio that was currently in the
charts.

Ethan saw Sarah and she looked angry.  As he went up to her, his tri-band
cell phone rang and he took the call.

"OK, well, we are due to sail at 530pm but we can wait a little while, we
really aren't going anywhere in particular tonight, I will have a car at the
train station that can get you down here quickly," Rick said into the phone.

As he went up to Sarah he asked her to tell Captain Cardone that they may
have to sail a little late and that he would let the Captain know when they
could go.  One of the VIPs was running late.  Sarah agreed.  She then told
Ethan that she was only back in the country for 24 hours and already her
mother was on her nerves.  Apparently she couldn't reach her mother and was
angry her mother didn't have a mobile.  Ethan laughed.  Jane and Sarah
having a row wasn't something he thought would end well.

Ethan told Mark, Alice, and Sarah to meet Rick and him in the midship bar on
Promenade Deck at 6:30pm for some drinks before dinner.  Everyone agreed and
retired to their cabins for a few minutes before heading out on deck for the
sail away festivities.

At 5:30pm, the telephone in Ethan's suite.  The VIP had actually arrived and
they were ready to set sail.  Ethan then had Rick and Adam join him on the
balcony as Tranquility's bow thrusters came to life.  The deep whistles blew
and the sound echoed off the buildings.  The enormous ship began to inch
away from the pier.  With the Azipods and the bow thrusters, Tranquility did
not need any assistance from tugs and she could actually turn on her axis
with great ease.  Silently and effortlessly, the distance grew greater and
Tranquility began to turn herself to head down the Solent towards the open
sea.

Rick and Ethan stood with their arms around each other with Adam standing in
front of them.  Some tug boats approached.  They blew their whistles and
Tranquility responded in kind.  Then, majestic plumes of water erupted from
the tugs.  They were fireboats and they were giving Tranquility a beautiful
send off.  Adam was jumping up and down with excitement.  Rick was awed.
Ethan was proud yet humble.

Tranquility picked up speed.  There was no sense of movement, no vibration.
Tranquility was at home, doing what she was meant to do.  Take to the open
seas. Her home.

Ethan had ordered tuxedos for Rick and Adam and as his two guys emerged he
felt his knees grow weak.  Adam was cute as a button but looked so
uncomfortable.  Rick, was as beautiful as the first day he saw him in the
disco on Sojourn.  Rick's fantastic physique was perfectly caressed by the
tuxedo.  His hazel eyes sparkled.  His smile was lighting the room.  And
Ethan was overcome with love, and lust, for his soulmate.

Rick look at Ethan and felt himself gasp.  Ethan was gorgeous.  Silver hair
and blue eyes sparkling.  The look on Ethan's face moved Rick's heart.  He
saw in Ethan's face all the things he was feeling.  He loved Ethan so much
and he saw that coming back at him.

The guys went down to Promenade Deck to the bar which had a private party
sign in front.  The guests onboard Tranquility were busy exploring their
home for the night.  Everyone was impressed and the comments being made
indicated that Tranquility had exceeded everyone's expectations.  Ethan was
relieved.

Inside the bar, which was decorated with brass, white sails, potted palms,
and ceiling fans, Alice, Mark, and Sarah were already have a drink and some
snacks.  Mark was in a tuxedo and Sarah and Alice were stunning in their
evening dresses.  Adam ran over to Alice and Mark and was immediately the
center of their attention.  About 5 minutes later, two more people came into
the room.  A female and a male.

The female came forward and shook Ethan's hand.  It was then that Sarah
turned and realized it was her mother.  Sarah ran over and hugged Jane.
This was the first time that Ethan had ever seen Jane hug anyone.  Sarah had
tears in her eyes and Ethan thought he could detect a glistening in Jane's
as well.

"Mother, what are you doing here?  How did you get here?  Why don't you have
a bloody mobile yet, I have been trying to reach you all day," Sarah said as
she launched her offensive.

"Well, hello to you too.  Ethan called me about two weeks ago and arranged
for me to be here.  I almost didn't make it as my train was late.  English
trains are the worst.  Anyway, Ethan said they would hold the ship for me.
I mean, can you believe it," Jane replied.  "I am going to be sailing to
Florida and then flying back home. So, if you are planning on being at the
farmhouse you will be on your own."

Sarah looked at Ethan, "You shit.  You are really a shit.  How did you keep
this from me?  You are amazing.  I love you."  She then went and hugged
Ethan and then Jane and Sarah went to catch up.

The male figure then stepped forward and hugged Ethan.  Rick was busy with
Adam and Alice.  The new arrival went over to Rick and tapped him on the
shoulder.  Rick turned around and yelled, jumping up to hug the new arrival.

"Sean, what are you doing here?" Rick said to his childhood friend.  "I just
had lunch with you in Destin a couple of weeks ago and you didn't say
anything."

"I was under the threat of death if I told you," Sean said.  "Ethan arranged
everything.  He knows that I have been busy setting up the new business and
needed a break.  He thought it would be fun for all of us to do this
together.  He said that the cruise line he worked for had some spaces open
for friends and relatives for the crossing and asked me if I was interested.
  But it was on one condition, that I couldn't tell you."

The now larger group settled into a din of chatter and laughter.  Ethan
looked at the group and couldn't believe how lucky he was to have these
people in his life.  He couldn't understand why he was so blessed.

Ethan asked for everyone's attention.  He promised to not talk too much. "I
can't thank you enough for joining us on this tremendous evening.  I am so
glad each of you are here.  Now, I have one more surprise, well one more for
now.  With that he motioned to the bartender and Neon lights lit up over the
bar showing the name of the bar.  Rick's.

Rick then turned to Ethan and hugged his partner and soulmate.  Words
couldn't possibly convey what he was feeling.  But words weren't needed.  As
happens when two people are so much in love, words almost seem trivial.

Dinner was fantastic.  The dining room staff and the kitchen crew had come
from other ships in the Compass fleet so there weren't any first night
service issues.  The guests raved about the food.  Tranquility was fast
gaining an admiring following.  After dinner, everyone made the walk to the
main lounge.

Ethan made sure everyone had good seats and then excused himself.  He had
left the camera in the suite and went to get it.  Before he got back the
lights went down and the 10 piece orchestra began playing swing and jazz
tunes.  Then the band stopped and a large screen came down.  A laser light
show dazzled the audience and then a video played.  It showed the other
ships in the Compass fleet, pictures of the construction of Tranquility, and
reviewed the itineraries that were now available for sale.

Then, an announcer said,  "Ladies and Gentleman, on behalf of Captain
Cardone and everyone at Compass, welcome onboard Tranquility.  We hope you
are having a fantastic evening."  This was interrupted by resounding
applause.  "Many of you are in the travel industry and will know what an
unusual occurrence this is, so, Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the
stage, the President, and Owner of Compass Cruise Lines, Mr Ethan West."

As Ethan walked across the huge stage, something that rarely happens with
European audiences happened.  They rose to their feet.  The applause was
deafening.  Ethan was moved.  He was radiant on the stage.  Rick saw his
soulmate.  Handsome.  Loving.  Stunning.  Alice saw her son.  Successful.
Kind.  Proud.  Sarah saw her friend and boss.  Generous.  Intelligent.  Adam
just saw regular Effan.  Sean and Jane - well, they were sunned.  Neither
had known up to this point.

"Thank you for that kind reception.  I would like to return your kind
response by saying a heartfelt thank you to each of you for joining us
tonight.  When we created Compass Cruise Lines a few years ago, we wanted to
create a cruise vacation  product that you could sell with confidence. One
that your customers, our guests, would enjoy.  One they would feel they had
received more than what they had expected.  One that would lead them back
into your offices, satisfied and wanting to book again.  We also wanted to
be sure that we forged close relationships with you, our partners.  We value
you and thank you from the bottom of our heart for your support.

I have never taken a public position.  I don't usually appear in public as
the owner of Compass.  Compass isn't a result of me, it is the thousands of
people that work at Compass.  They are my heroes and are the best in the
business.  But, tonight is special because I have the people that mean the
world to me with me tonight.  I would like to express a special thanks to my
family and close friends for joining us this evening.  Many of you saw my
Mother at today's christening.  Mom, would you and Mark please stand and
wave to everyone."  The crowd applauded. "Mom, thank you for being the
Godmother for our newest girl."

"You also met Adam today.  Adam is my life partner's son and I have come to
consider him my own son.  I met my life partner onboard Sojourn so ship
romances can and do happen.  I'd like you all to meet Rick and Adam."  A
tremendous round of applause followed as Rick and Adam stood and waved to
the crowd.  Ethan thought to himself that he wished Americans could be as
open minded and accepting about gay relationships as Europeans are.

"I hope that you have enjoyed meeting our latest girl, Tranquility.  I wish
for each of you that you too find your place of Tranquility.  May peace and
Harmony bless your lives.  Fully enjoy the gift of Freedom, it is precious
and so easy to take for granted.  View life as a Quest, because each day is
an opportunity to learn and to do something kind for a friend or neighbour.
That your Spirit is full as you travel on your own personal Sojourn.   A big
heart and pure conscience will open many doors.  And of course, join us at
Compass onboard one of the ships in our fleet.  Quest, Harmony, Spirit,
Freedom, Sojourn and Tranquility are ready to welcome you and your
customers."  The crowd was silent, a feeling of emotion filling the room.

"So, again, welcome.  I hope you enjoy the evening, that you remember all of
us at Compass, and have safe travels home tomorrow.  Enough from me, now, on
with the show."

The crowd rose again to their feet.  The warmth and sincerity of Ethan's
words were felt by everyone.  Rarely had a CEO spoke from the heart and so
personally.

The show was a hit and the bars and disco were busy well into the wee hours.
  After dancing in the disco, Rick and Adam went back to the cabin at 2am.
Sarah had tucked Adam into his pull-out bed hours before and he was sound
asleep.  Ethan and Rick curled up in each other's arms, spooned together,
and fell into a deep contented sleep.

The gang didn't have to get up early as they were staying onboard.  Most of
the other guests were off the ship and on their way back to their homes or
offices before any of the gang awoke.  Tranquility left Southampton for
Florida at 3pm.  Onboard were 300 special guests.  These were die hard
Compass fans and they knew that this was not going to be a typical cruise.
There wouldn't be the full range of services that would normally be
available.  Evening entertainment would be minimal. There would not be any
charge for drinks and no tipping was allowed.  These guests knew this and
were onboard for the thrill of being on a brand new ship and an opportunity
to spend 8 days at sea.

The first morning at sea, Ethan woke and went out on the balcony.  His last
surprise for the cruise had worked.  Captain Cardone was not sure it would
work out, but it did.  Ethan went back into the room, kissed Rick until he
was awake, took him by the hand, told him to close his eyes, careful to not
awaken Adam, they stepped out on the balcony.  The Atlantic breeze and sea
air caressing them.

"Rick, I love you so much.  I am so thankful that our paths crossed.  My
life is so complete now with you and Adam.  I know that this may seem hokey,
but I hope you will enjoy this last surprise and see it as a symbol of our
love," Ethan said to Rick while Rick still had his eyes closed.  "OK, open
your eyes".

Rick hugged Ethan, they kissed passionately and then turned and look at the
beautiful sight.  A quarter of a mile away, gleaming white hull, blue
funnel, powerfully and steadily piercing the blue waters, Atlantic waves
crashing off the bow, sailing alongside Tranquility, her twin sister, proud
and majestic, heading across the Atlantic.    Fully healed.  The place it
all started for Ethan and Rick.  Sojourn.