Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 18:23:44 -0500
From: PNS KID <pnskid61@cox.net>
Subject: Sojourn Chapter 41

Usual disclaimer and other stuff apply.

Author's note: Well, it took me a bit longer than I thought.  I had this
chapter complete and then decided I didn't like it and started again.
Since it has been awhile since my last posting, and many of you are anxious
for another instalment, I have submitted this as chapter 41.

Your emails are welcome and needed (for motivation).  Thanks to all of you
that have faithfully followed Sojourn.

Chapter 41

Sarah had plenty for Sean to do at the Compass Headquarters.  As the head
of the parent company's main office, it was important that Sean meet the
key people at Compass and gained an understanding of how things worked.
Before Sarah started dragging him around he called Athens and spoke with
Phanos Askordalakis, the President of ASK Shipping.  Sean advised that he
had received the preliminary approval to move forward.  Secrecy was
important and Phanos agreed to the code name for the project - Phoenix.
Sean learned that the three ASK cruise ships were currently docked in Genoa
where they would remain during the low season.  Phanos was eager to move
forward quickly and offered to meet in Genoa for a business meeting and
inspection of the three ships.  Sean advised that one of the cargo ships
would be in Piraeus for the next two days and Phanos said he would go and
take a look saying that he understood that all six ships were identical and
that once he had visited the one that would be in Piraeus that he would not
need to personally inspect the other five.  He added that his lawyers and
business associates would still require inspections but that he wouldn't
have to do it himself.

Sean had an idea.  Since Ethan and Sarah would be in England the next week,
perhaps they could make a trip down to Genoa.  Sarah thought it was a good
idea and Sean told Phanos he would get back to him with details.

Kevin and Sheila made it up to Palm Beach and the mechanics gave R-1 a
thorough inspection.  No damage was found.  They flew R-1 back down to Ft
Lauderdale and the maintenance team would use the afternoon to finish work
on the additional fuel tanks that were required for the Europe trip.  Kevin
called Sean, they exchanged giggly comments like school kids, and then
agreed on a 6pm departure back to Pensacola.

Ethan was thrilled with the chance to inspect the three ASK cruise ships
and the meeting was set for Tuesday in Genoa.  Ethan asked Sean if he could
go and apologized for asking since it was Thanksgiving week.  Of course,
Sean was ecstatic, now he and Kevin wouldn't be apart.  He waited a
sufficient amount of time and then told Ethan that he could go.  Might as
well let Ethan think it was a big sacrifice.

Friday at 3pm, the Pensacola gang took off for Ft Lauderdale.  Onboard R-1
were Ethan, Rick, Adam, Dan, Sean, and of course Kevin and Sheila.  It
wasn't clear who was the most excited but most would place money on Ethan.
He loved Devon and couldn't wait to share the place with the two guys he
loved the most.

R-1 landed in Ft Lauderdale at 5:45pm and Sean was relieved to not see a
cloud in the sky.  R-1 would require extensive fueling with the additional
fuel tanks that had been installed in the belly so everyone went for an
early dinner.  Sarah came and took Adam and the rest off to a place near
the beach.  Ethan and Rick broke away and went for dinner at a place Ethan
had picked just for them.

Rick doubled over with laughter when they arrived for dinner.  Ethan was a
funny guy but there was also something a little romantic about it.  Two
quarter-pounder value meals with Diet Cokes.  He smiled a huge smile at
Rick when he said for them to super size it.  They sat and enjoyed their
meals - steaks couldn't have tasted better.  This was the McDonald's that
Ethan to Rick to on their first trip to Ft Lauderdale together.  A
billionaire and a millionaire finished their meals and got two apple pies
to go.  They were giddy and hopelessly in love.

R-1 was fuelled and everyone was onboard.  Brian had joined the team for
the flight since the length of the flight required a third crew member so
that rest periods could be rotated.  At 7:30pm, R-1 took the runway in Ft
Lauderdale and began the trip to England.  The route of flight would be
straight up the east coast of the US, over Halifax Nova Scotia, St. Johns
New Foundland where the Atlantic crossing would begin.  The Airbus 320,
which R-1 was a variant, had ETOPS certification of 120 minutes.  ETOPS
stands for extended twin operations.  It is a set of guidelines for two
engine aircraft that operate on overseas routes.  With an ETOPS 120
certification, this meant that the aircraft must always be within 120
minutes of a suitable landing field in case of an engine shutdown in
flight.  With this in mind, R-1 would be taking a northerly route south of
Greenland, Iceland, and then making landfall near Galway in Ireland.  Then
over Ireland, out over the Irish Sea at Wexford, flying into UK airspace
over Wales, heading south overhead Swansea, the Bristol Channel, to Devon
and a landing in Exeter 9 hours after taking off from Ft Lauderdale.

Everybody had full stomachs so rather than pausing to eat, the games came
out.  Adam was busy with his Legos while Rick, Ethan, Sean, Sarah, and Dan
were in a fierce game of Monopoly.  The cabin monitors displayed flight
information and a map.  Just as R-1 was nearing Nova Scotia, Adam fell
asleep amidst a pile of Legos.  R-1 only had one bedroom but each of the
seats in the back fully recline and are as comfortable as a bed.  Ethan
cashed out of the Monopoly game and put Adam to bed in the bedroom.

Thirty minutes passed and no Ethan.  Rick went to check.  He opened the
door to the bedroom to find Adam curled up next to Ethan, Adam's head on
Ethan's chest and his little arm draped over Ethan's stomach.  Ethan's arm
was cuddling Adam's back.  Rick felt a tear in his eye as he looked at his
two guys - both sound asleep.  He closed the door quietly and returned to
the game.

The monopoly game ended due to fatigue as R-1 passed south of Greenland. No
winner was declared.  Everyone went to sleep in the back.  They were
awakened by Kevin announcing they were 30 minutes away from Exeter.  The
three bathrooms were busy with people brushing teeth and trying to make
themselves look better than they felt.

It was a crisp clear morning in Exeter and the authorities quickly cleared
R-1.  A Land Rover was waiting for them.  It would comfortably hold six.  A
Volkswagen Golf was also waiting so they would take both cars down to the
farmhouse.  Since only Sarah and Ethan knew the way and were the only ones
used to driving right hand drive cars, they drove.  Dan with Sarah in the
Golf and everybody else with Ethan in the Land Rover.  Brian stayed behind
to ensure R-1 was shut down and secured before he went to London and a
flight back home the next day.

While Adam was fascinated with the roads and driving on a different side of
the road, the same could not be said for the rest.  The roads seemed
narrow, round-a-bouts were simply mind fucks, and those on the passenger
side felt very much out of place.  Ethan had fun with this and added a
little spice to his driving.  Foots were stomping at imaginary brake
pedals.  Rick shot Ethan a look which only spurred Ethan on.  Kevin made a
comment about how he could guarantee some turbulence on the flight to
Genoa.  Everyone laughed and they were glad that someone could have a
payback ready for Ethan.

Once they were out of Exeter and on less travelled roads everyone calmed
down and was taken by the beauty of the countryside.  Lush rolling hills,
quaint ancient villages, thatched roof houses.  There was a lot of ohs and
ahs and pointing.  Shortly after Moretonhampstead the landscape changed.
They were entering the Dartmoor National Park.  Just as lush as it had been
before it was now spartan.  Jagged tors dotted the landscape and wide open
spaces covered with bracken.

The caravan arrived at the farmhouse and everyone was stunned at how rustic
the actual house was.  Centuries old and constructed of stone and wood, it
was far from glamorous.  Attached to the main house was a larger structure
which looked more modern.  Adjacent to that were the stables.  But besides
the building itself, everyone was amazed at the quiet.  The only noise was
the sound of the animals and the stream that ran past the farmhouse.

Bounding out of the house came Newton and Abbot, Jane's two border collies.
Tails wagging, they lavished Ethan and Sarah with attention.  Soon the
other guests were sniffed and deemed acceptable and received the attention
of two very happy dogs.  Adam was the main attraction and it was soon clear
that Adam, Newton, and Abbot were going to form quite a team.

Jane had hugs for Sarah, Ethan, Rick, Adam, and Sean and handshakes for
Dan, Sheila, and Kevin.  The fact that the five had received hugs was a
major change for Jane.  Clearly the time they all spent onboard Tranquility
had touched Jane and they had finally broken through the tough English
persona.  Even with Sarah, her own daughter, Jane had never been very
demonstrative.  Dan looked at Jane and saw where Sarah had gotten her
strength.  Jane was clearly a woman to be reckoned with.  His love for
Sarah deepened.

Jane had the sleeping arrangements all arranged.  There were three bedrooms
in the barn.  Ethan and Rick in one, Adam in the other.  She asked if Kevin
and Sean minded sharing a room together and they both looked at each other,
trying not to jump for joy.  They hadn't revealed their relationship to the
others yet so they assumed they would be staying in different rooms.  As
calmly as possible they both agreed.  Ethan and Rick looked at each other
and smiled.  They knew.

The main farmhouse had 3 bedrooms in addition to Jane's.  Sarah, Sheila,
and Dan would occupy those.  Room assignments made, everyone gathered their
luggage and went off to get settled.

The barn was very comfortable.  It was called a barn because at one time a
barn had been on that spot. The new structure was really more like a house.
It had a small kitchen, bathroom, and the bedrooms downstairs.  Upstairs
was a large open room with two sofas, chairs, television, and a large game
table which had a half worked jigsaw puzzle on it.  The walls downstairs on
the back of the barn and the bathroom were stone.  Five star accommodation
it wasn't but, just like Ethan had done years before, everyone was quickly
realizing this place was someplace special.

Adam was a bundle of energy.  While everyone else lined up for showers,
Ethan took Adam out to look at the animals.  He loved the pigs, horses,
sheep, and chickens.  The goats bothered him.  Perhaps because they were
closest to his size or perhaps it was the horns on their heads.  It didn't
matter, Adam would be happy if the goats stayed well clear of him.

Newton and Abbott joined Ethan and Adam and they went for a walk down to
one of the near fields.  A very pregnant sow lazily ambled over to greet
them.  Already, Adam was covered in mud and Ethan resigned himself that
this would probably be the case the whole time they were there.

In the main house everyone was getting settled and showers were underway.
Dan's room was rather small with room for a single bed and a small dresser.
But the view out the window was beautiful and Dan was sure that he would be
very comfortable in his small quarters.  Sheila's room was at the end of
the hall and was only slightly larger than Dan's.  While she didn't have
the same view she did have a bit more space with a chair and a small desk
added.  She was already feeling the stress melt away.

After showers were done, everyone met in the main house for some light
sandwiches, fresh scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, and pots of hot
tea.  Ethan warned his American compatriots about Branston Pickle and how
dreadful it was.  Jane and Sarah, muttered something about bloody yanks,
but then said that was fine, all the more for them.  They gathered around
the huge stone fireplace and chatted.  Newton and Abbott curled up at
Adam's feet.  Snack done, Sarah, Dan, Sheila, Jane, and Adam headed out for
a walk.  Ethan, Rick, Sean, and Kevin decided to do the same thing but went
off in another direction.

Ethan took his group to Grimspound which was located a short hike from the
farmhouse.  When they arrived he explained that this was a bronze age
settlement comprised of 24 circular huts.  The guys were amazed that they
were standing amid ruins over 3000 years old.  Ethan then led them up the
hill to a tor which offered a great view of the near moor.  Once they
reached the top the guys just sat silently marvelling at the view.  Rick
moved closer to Ethan and they held each other's hand.  It was a small
thing but that spoke so much about the love they shared.

"So, guys, how are things?"  Ethan aksed.

"Oh fine.  This is really amazing.  I am so glad to be here, thanks for
sharing this with me."  Sean said.

"Yeah, Ethan, thank you for letting me and Sheila join you.  We never
expected to be included and this is simply great."  Kevin added.

"I am glad you are both here and sharing this with us," Ethan said as he
hugged Rick.  "But that isn't what I mean.  When did you plan on telling
us?"

Sean and Kevin froze.  Rick giggled and kissed Ethan.  "You are mean Ethan,
cruel cruel man."

Sean and Kevin realized that they had been figured out and so came clean
with Ethan and Rick.  Well, almost clean - nothing was mentioned about the
"dumb mistake".  Ethan and Rick said how happy they were for both of them.

"So, are you going to hold his hand or what?"  Ethan asked Sean.

Neither Sean nor Kevin had ever shown any affection towards each other in
front of other people.  Sean was very nervous and felt his cheeks flush.
Kevin reached out and took Sean's hand, kissed it and then held it in his
lap.

"He may not want to hold my hand, but I want his," Kevin said.  After a few
moments enjoying the warmth of love and friendship that started the hike
back to the farmhouse.  The moor was practically deserted so they all
walked back arm in arm.

Adam came running to meet them as they neared the farmhouse.  Abbot and
Newton jumping around Adam.  The boy was covered in mud but was positively
radiant.

"Daddy, I got to touch a horse and one of the pigs.  Then we went down and
saw some baby pigs.  It was so cool," Adam gushed.

"That is great Adam.  Do you like it here."  Rick asked as he knelt down
and brushed Adam's blonde hair from his forehead.

"Yes, Daddy.  This place is cool.  I want to live here."  Adam replied.

After getting Adam cleaned, again, the gang including Jane went to the pub
for dinner.  This pub was Ethan's favourite and was not far from the house.
Ethan explained about the fire in the hearth that he had been burning
continuously for hundreds of years.  Food and drinks were ordered.  The pub
was almost empty but the laughter and energy from the gang filled the
place.

Sean and Kevin played a game of pool.  Sarah, Ethan and Rick started a
friendly game of darts which quickly turned very competitive.  The food
arrived and everyone met back at the table.  Ethan had ordered a variety of
foods for everyone to try.  He explained what brown sauce was, warned them
that English mustard was very hot, and demonstrated that vinegar on chips
(French fries) was very good.  Great conversation, laughter, and a few
pints later everyone went back to the farmhouse.  When they arrived back
the darkness and quiet was like a blanket.  Sleep came quickly for
everyone.

Sunday morning, Jane had prepared a "full English" for everyone.  Eggs,
bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and toast.  The food was
delicious and Jane beamed when everyone cleared their plates (except for
the baked beans).

Everyone loaded up in the two vehicles and made the drive to Totnes.  There
the boarded the South Devon Railway.  It was a restored steam engine with
restored passenger cars.  The train made its way between Totnes and
Buckfastleigh which was a short journey.  In Buckfastleigh they visited the
Buckfast Butterfly and Otter exhibit.  Ethan always chuckled at the odd
combination.  The butterfly exhibit was beautiful.  The tropical warmth of
the exhibit had everyone quickly removing their coats.  Adam was mesmerized
by the butterflies and had a good laugh when one landed on Ethan's nose.
The otters were particularly playful and soon they were on the train back
to Totnes.

>From there they drove back to Dartmoor and stopped in Princetown.  A huge
maximum security prison built during the Victorian age was the major
business in town.  It was the centre of many stories and Ethan, Sarah, and
Jane entertained the gang with some of the more elaborate stories.  People
trying to escape but being lost in the moor, ghosts, and so on.

They took the long way home and passed by a small grave located at a
crossroad.  Ethan told the story behind the legend of Kitty Jay's Grave.
This is the resting-place of a young girl who, becoming pregnant (out of
wedlock) hung herself in a barn. As was the custom until 1823, suicides
were always buried at a crossroad; this was to stop the spirit of the
unhappy soul from wandering.  Ever since then, every day, there are fresh
flowers on her grave.  Nobody knows where the flowers come from or who is
responsible.

>From there they went to Chagford and had an early dinner in the Three
Bells pub.  When they arrived at the farmhouse, and the happy greetings
from Newton and Abbot out of the way, everyone went upstairs in the barn to
watch some TV.  Soon, Jane, Sarah, and Rick were working on the jigsaw
puzzle.  Dan, Adam, Kevin, Sean, and Ethan were watching the Hound of the
Baskervilles which was a Sherlock Holmes story based in Dartmoor.  Adam
fell asleep after a few minutes and Ethan put him to bed.  After the movie
everyone went to bed.  Rick & Ethan in one room, Kevin & Sean in another
made slow, gentle love to the men the loved.

Monday, after another big breakfast, everyone went out for a hike.  Ethan
took everyone to Bowerman's Nose and Hound Tor which was great for hiking.
This place too had a legend which Ethan explained.

"Over a thousand years ago a mighty hunter named Bowerman lived on the
Moor. One day, in pursuit of a hare he ran through a coven of witches, who
were in mid-ritual. The angry witches decided to punish him for his
disrespect. The next time he went out hunting, one of them turned herself
into a hare and led him in a dash across the Moor until he was completely
exhausted. She and her coven sisters then turned him into the rock now
known as Bowerman's Nose and his hounds into the rocks at the top of Hound
Tor."

By early afternoon, the weather started to turn and a heavy mist and fog
blanketed the moor.  Everyone opted for quiet reading or naps at the
farmhouse.  Rick and Ethan opted for a nap.  Rick cuddled into Ethan's
arms.

"Babe, this place is wonderful.  Adam loves it so much.  It is great to see
him running around and being a kid.  Thank you so much for bringing us
here.  I love you so much."  Rick said.

Although neither had planned it, they made love again that afternoon and
fell into a deep sleep warm in each other's arms.  The gang went back to
Ethan's favourite pub for dinner, pool, and darts.  Since many of them
would be heading to Genoa in the morning, they made it an early night.
Alarms set for 6am and a take off planned for 8am, another day on the moor
came to an end.

Next chapter - Genoa visit and things come to a head on the Moor.  Yes, I
have made you wait long enough.  Chapter 42 will expose the baddie behind
the Quest tragedy.