Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 00:30:09 -0600
From: PNS KID <pnskid61@cox.net>
Subject: Sojourn - Chapter 46

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.

As you can tell, I am in the writing mood again.  I think it is because I
have done something about the boredom that comes with being retired at 42.
I have started a home based cruise travel agency.  I have gone back to my
real love and I love talking with people about cruise vacations.  If you
are thinking about a cruise or know someone who is, check out my website
www.cruisense.com.  I'd be happy to help you get out on the ocean and
experience some of things you have read about in Sojourn.

Thanks for all the emails.  They really keep me motivated.  Feel free to
drop me a note at pnskid61@cox.net.  Happy reading, Dan

Sojourn Chapter 46

Ethan was excited after his call with Geoff.  A-1 would be back with him
again. Of course he moaned about the runway situation at Pensacola again
and the drive to Mobile, but it was worth it.  The 777 was his baby.  He
practically tackled Rick when he arrived back home from his secret mission
with Adam.  He told Rick about the calls and the plans and that A-1 was
coming back to the family.

"Babe, I am so excited for you and the plans you are making for Resolve,"
Rick said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.  There was no way he
could match the exuberant Ethan.  "I was wondering if I could be involved
in the plans for Resolve.  I know I don't have much experience but I am a
quick learner and I want to contribute."

Ethan hugged Rick and told him he could do anything he would like.  They
discussed the various options and it was decided what Rick would do.
Rick's mood soared since he now had something to do besides sit around the
house all day.  He would also have the chance to learn from a man that he
admired and loved.  Ethan was not only his lover and soulmate, but also his
mentor - on so many levels.

Brent Connor arrived for dinner at the condo with a bottle of wine and some
flowers.  He hugged Ethan and greeted Rick warmly.  Adam of course had
Brent wrapped around his finger in a matter of minutes.

Brent's wife had died of breast cancer 5 years before and he had not
remarried.  Truth be told, he was lonely and had immersed himself in his
job.  He had very few friends in Washington, well not real friends. He had
"Washington friends" which were people that befriended him because they
wanted something.  Being with Ethan, Rick, and Adam was one of the most
enjoyable evenings he had had in years.  Even the simple food, meatloaf, au
gratin potatoes, green beans, and rolls, was wonderful since it was home
cooked.  The causal and laidback atmosphere was a pleasant surprise.
People with staggering wealth like Ethan's were usually a bit uptight.
This was certainly not the case here.  Ethan was a regular guy with a
loving family.  Brent thought to himself that the religious right should
see the love that was so obvious between Ethan, Rick and Adam.  How could
anyone say it was wrong?

Ethan shared his plans with Brent and outlined where he thought there would
be some obstacles.  Most of the obstacles would be with Pensacola and the
old guard that ran things.  Ethan had already spoken with the Governor and
had his full support.  With Brent onboard he would just push ahead - with
or without the support of the local politicos.  The meeting with the mayor
had been cordial but Ethan didn't feel he had full support.  It wasn't
because his plan wasn't good for Pensacola.  It was precisely because it
WAS good for Pensacola.  Change was something that scared people to death
in local government.  Ethan's plan would change Pensacola dramatically.
With Brent's agreement, it was decided to have a press conference on the
20th of December to announce the plans.  Brent would attend the press
conference. If the mayor wanted to be present, great.  If not, great.  The
public would love the plans and Pensacola needed a good kick in the butt.

The evening came to an end far too quickly.  Ethan asked Brent what his
plans were for Christmas.  He said he would be at home in Pensacola and
would have a quiet dinner and an early night.  Ethan wouldn't hear of it.
Before Brent could protest, he had an invitation to join Ethan and the gang
for Christmas dinner.  Rick added his pleas but then the secret weapon was
used.  Adam went up and gave Brent a hug and said he was glad he would be
there for Christmas.  Case closed.

Sean came by the next day and was fully briefed on the plans.  Ethan also
talked with Sean about the security needs and Sean agreed fully.  He would
go to Las Vegas and meet with Aztec Turner Security the next week and get
the ball rolling.  R-1 would be back from Ft Lauderdale and Kevin and
Sheila were ready to fly again so they would make a day trip out and back.
Ethan said that Rick would probably go along as well if he could get a
meeting set up with Turner Construction for the same time.

Sean then went over some additional business including the latest with Ruth
and the bowling alley over in Destin.  The update shocked Ethan and without
further discussion they got in the BMW and drove over to Destin to talk
with Ruth.

They arrived at the bowling alley in a little over an hour.  The work on
the exterior had been completed and signage had been erected.  The new
carpet and lighting had also been installed.  The automatic scoring system
and screens were in on about half the lanes.  It was mid-afternoon so it
was fairly quiet.  Ruth was working the front desk when Ethan and Sean
arrived.  She visibly stiffened at the site of the two guys.

"Hi Ruth.  Was wondering if you could take a few minutes to meet with Sean
and me.  I reviewed the financial reports and have a few questions," Ethan
asked.

With that Ruth led the two guys into the small office.  "Well, let's get to
it.  What is the problem," Ruth mumbled looking down at her desk.

"Ruth, I guess congratulations are in order. It looks like your business
has really picked up in the last few months.  But, I do have some questions
regarding the donations you are required to make to the local battered
children's charity and the Human Rights Campaign," Ethan said.

"Yeah, so what's the problem," Ruth said now with a firmer tone looking at
Ethan directly in the eyes.

"You are required to donate 25% of your gross to these organizations - 15%
to battered children and 10% to HRC.  I don't know what is going on but you
are well exceeding those minimum amounts."

For the first time that Sean could ever remember, he saw Ruth soften.  He
had known her for many years and she was always belligerent and hard as
nails.

"That is right Ethan.  As you said business has been good.  I first do the
calculations that you required in the contract.  As you know those are
based on gross takings.  Well, I realized that my new business is because
of the improvements that have been made and because word got out I was
making donations.  Believe it or not, I now have a gay bowling league here
on Wednesday nights.  They are such great customers.  So I decided that I
would add 10% of my net to the minimum required."

Ethan was stunned.  He had been sure it was simply because of a
mathematical error.  He never thought he would be hearing this. Not from
this woman that spewed venom from every pore in their last meeting.
Awkward silence filled the small office.

"Ethan, I owe you and Sean an apology for my behavior the last time we met.
I owe Rick an apology for years of being a bitch.  And Adam, well, I don't
know how I can ever begin to apologize for what I did to that boy.  I
realize now that I was very unhappy.  I was so busy feeling sorry for
myself and lashing out at everyone that I couldn't see that I was the cause
of my own misery.  Well Butch and me together were the cause I should
say. He wasn't any good for me except for giving me all the drama I seemed
to crave.  I left him.  I moved in with my sister until I can get a place
of my own.  I am trying to make a new start Ethan.  You helped me with
that.  Giving me the opportunity here with the business.  I not only want
to apologize but say thanks."

Ethan again was speechless.  Was this woman for real?  He looked directly
into her eyes looking for a sign.  He observed her body language.  All he
got was a calm energy.  Good karma.  She was for real.

"Ruth, I am sure you understand that I am totally shocked.  I am sure you
will also understand if I am hesitant.  Our interactions up this point have
been very unpleasant.  I want to believe you but it will take a little
time.  As far as apologies go, the best way to do that is to continue with
what you have been doing.  As far as apologizing to Rick and Adam, well
that isn't for me to say.  I will say that it is utterly inexcusable what
you did to Adam.  He never asked for anything from you but love.  He is the
most wonderful boy I have ever known.  He is smart, funny, incredibly
mature and overflowing with love - despite what he has been through.  I
will tell you this without any hesitation, I would give all my wealth and
my own life to protect that boy.  Nobody will ever do to him what you did.
I won't allow it," Ethan said with a bit more edge than he meant.

Ruth had tears streaming down her cheeks.  "Ethan, I have lost a daughter
and now a grandson.  I would do anything to turn back time and do it all
over again, but I can't.  I can only move on and hope that someday I can be
forgiven."

With that Ethan and Sean got up, thanked Ruth for her time and wished her
continued success.  The drive back to the condo in Pensacola was filled
with conversation and theories on what caused the change in Ruth.

When Ethan got back to the condo he gave a full report to Rick.  Rick sat
and listened.  The anger he felt for Ruth surfaced again.  He saw firsthand
what life was like for Adam when he was with her.  He couldn't so quickly
accept that she had changed.  Ethan hugged Rick after an outburst of
swearing, arm waving, and stomping around.

"Well, that was impressive, feel better now?"

Rick looked at Ethan and with a hard face and thin lips said, "yes, and can
I have my academy award now.  Best dramatic performance of the year - Rick
Stephens."  Rick then snapped his fingers and did a brilliant chicken neck.

That broke the tension they hugged and laughed.  "Ethan, I need to absorb
all of this but I promise I will give it some consideration.  Thank you for
telling me."

The next few days consisted of constant conference calls, emails, faxes,
and fed ex deliveries.  The condo was buzzing with activity.  Rick did get
a meeting with Turner Construction and joined Sean out to Las Vegas.  Rick
was so excited upon his return.  He had a chance to have lunch with Ron
Turner and his partner Matt as well as Ron's brother, Tyler.  Turner
Construction had some drawings already prepared which would be ready for
the press conference.  Rick sat in on part of the meeting with Aztec
Security and while he was not happy with the idea of having security people
around he could tell they would be in good hands.  Following Ethan's
approval, the security team could be in place by mid-January.

The morning of the press conference, Ethan had a last minute conference
call with the PR team in Ft Lauderdale.  Immediately following the
Pensacola press conference, a general release would be issued covering the
Pensacola announcements as well as the deployment plans for Liberty and
Aspire.  Liberty would spend the winter and spring in New Orleans going to
the Western Caribbean and the summer and autumn in Philadelphia going to
Canada and New England.  Aspire would be based in San Diego offering a
series of 4,5, and 7 night cruises to Mexico.  Somehow they had managed to
keep everything under wraps. No leaks.  Ethan was on a high as he and Rick
left for the press conference.

The press conference was being held at the Crowne Plaza in downtown
Pensacola.  The room was filled with local dignitaries as well as press
from as far away as Atlanta, New Orleans, Tampa, Miami, and all the major
communities within a six hour drive of Pensacola.  They didn't know what
they were about to hear but assumed it had to be something big.  US
Representative Brent Connor, the mayor of Pensacola, and the Lt Governor
was on the front row.  At 2pm, Ethan began the conference with a statement.

"Good afternoon.  Thank you all for coming today.  I have some
announcements to make that I believe will be a great start for Pensacola in
this new century.  We are blessed with gorgeous beaches, a pleasant
climate, a low cost of living, a strong military presence, and a diverse
community.  But we are always in the shadows.  We rarely lead in anything.
We usually just sit and wait for things to happen.  The downtown
restoration is a perfect example.  Half done and not even half way
successful.  Our Bayfront auditorium is decaying and a blight on the
waterfront.  Our port is under utilized.  Our tourism industry is stagnant.
We are often called the redneck Riviera because we don't do anything to
attract people from afar to visit us here.  I'd like to change that.

As you all know, the past few months have been a bit challenging for me and
the Compass family.  The loss of Quest is an example.  She now sits in
Mobile awaiting a tow back to Europe for scrapping.  But I have always
refused to be a victim.  I believe that out of every bad thing comes
something good.  Ladies and gentlemen, Quest isn't going back to Europe,
she is coming here.  Well, close to here anyway.

For years we have been trying to get one of the retired naval ships to be
sunk off our coast to be used as an artificial reef.  An artificial reef
promotes a healthy marine eco system as well as attract tourists for the
fantastic fishing opportunities.  I have established a foundation which is
charged with establishing such a reef.  The foundation has applied for the
state and federal permits and I am pleased to say we have the full support
of our congressional representative and our Governor to make this happen.
I am donating Quest to this effort where she can be a productive
participant in the revitalization of Pensacola's tourism.  I am also paying
for all the clean-up work required to make Quest ready to assume her new
final home 23 miles off Pensacola Pass on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.
I estimate we will need 3 to 6 months to get the required approvals and
work completed.

I mentioned earlier our port facility.  Anybody here who has seen it will
surely agree.  It is a miserable excuse for a port.  We have made
half-hearted efforts in the past to get a cruise ship based here.
Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, Galveston, Port Canaveral have all become
year round homes to cruise ships while we sit around and talk about it.
Who they are talking with about it I don't know because I know that Compass
has never been approached by any official from Pensacola. And ladies and
gentlemen, the recent announcement that Mobile will become a year round
home to a cruise ship is an embarrassment.  Why are we second fiddle to
Mobile?  We have the beaches close by.  We have great restaurants.  We have
good nightlife. We have low cost airfares thanks to AirTran serving our
great city. But we sit around and wait for things to happen.  Lack of guts
and leadership and a love of the status quo is why it hasn't happened.
Well, I for one am tired of being passed by.  I am proud of Pensacola and
am willing to do something about it.

Starting in late March, I am pleased to announce that I will be basing one
of our new ships here at the port of Pensacola.  Compass Cruise Line's
Resolve will make 4, 5, and 7 night cruises from the port of Pensacola.
The 4 night cruise will call at Cozumel, Mexico, the 5 night cruise at
Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, the 7 night cruise will add a day in Key
West.

I am willing to invest in Pensacola. But I need Pensacola to step up as
well.  I am willing to build a new passenger terminal at the port and a
hotel on the site of the old Bayfront Auditorium.  As you can see in these
drawings, the buildings are very attractive and draw on the architectural
styles of old Florida.  The hotel will also include meeting facilities and
a retail and entertainment complex that will draw people into downtown
Pensacola.  It will serve Pensacolians as well as our visitors.  I am not
asking for any money from the city or state to fund the building of these
facilities.  I am going to personally fund the $35 million dollars for both
of the facilities.  What I am asking for is a lease on the land.  The
citizens of Pensacola should know that the current revenue generated from
this land is less than 10% of what will be generated in tax dollars with
the new facilities.  Not to mention the benefit to the economy of the 300+
jobs that will be directly linked to the facilities.  Furthermore, the
economic impact generated from a cruise ship being here is enormous.

Before we send Resolve out on her regular voyages, Compass will be hosting
an open house for the citizens of Pensacola.  Over 3 days the citizens of
Pensacola will be able to take a tour of their new ship.  The Compass
website will be updated soon with a sign-up mechanism for these tours.
Additionally, Compass will host two, one night celebration cruises.  The
guests of these cruises will be selected from a raffle drawing.  A $10
donation will get a ticket for the drawing.  These two cruises will give
3,600 lucky people a sample of what a longer cruise onboard Reslove will be
like.  All proceeds from the raffle will go to Appetite for Life which
provides fresh meals to people with AIDS in our county.  I am guaranteeing
a minimum donation of $100,000 to this wonderful organization.

Then, we will have a two two-night cruise for local volunteer
organizations, police, firefighters, and paramedics.  My team will work
with these organizations on the details.  I am so grateful to the caring
and brave people that give up their time to help others and who put their
lives at risk to protect us from harm.  This is a small way to say thanks.
My life partner, Rick Stephens, the Director of Pensacola Operations for
ENW Enterprises, will be overseeing many aspects of the new construction.
Other members of the Compass team will be making themselves known to the
community over the next few months.  Many of the citizens of Pensacola will
be joining the Compass family through the hundred of jobs that will soon be
available.  I would like to say to them now, welcome to the family.

So what are the numbers for the Pensacola economy?  In a full year of
operation, Resolve will have 68 departures from the port of Pensacola.
Each cruise will carry 1,800 passengers.  That works out to over 122,000
people that will pass through Pensacola each year.  Staying in hotels,
parking their cars, flying into the airport, eating in our restaurants,
using our taxis, spending money here in our town.  Of course I need to buy
tons - and I mean tons - of fuel 68 times a year.  I have to buy food to
feed 122,000 people 4 meals a day plus snacks.  Lets see that would be 4
meals a day times 365 days in a year times 1,800 people onboard - that is
food for 2.6 million meals.  I also have a crew of almost 1,000 and they
have to be fed and clothed and they will spend money here as well.  The
cruise industry estimates that each homeport call by a cruise ship adds,
$750,000 in business revenue to the local economy.  So with 68 homeport
calls the potential impact is $51 million per year.  Once Quest is in place
and the fish have moved into their new home she will generate another $8 to
$10 million per year.  Anyway you look at it, $60 million per year just
arrived in Pensacola including jobs for hundreds - thousands when you look
at the ripple impact. I haven't even started to calculate the benefit of
having a new waterfront hotel and retail/entertainment complex.

I am ready to make this happen.  To invest in this community I love and I
call home.  To make Pensacola what it can be.  We need our local officials
to make this happen.  We need to move quickly so we can welcome our new
guests to Pensacola starting in 8 weeks.  I need the city to give its
immediate approval for the lease so work can begin on a temporary structure
and I also need them to provide expeditious approval to the plan for the
longer-term work we need.  I don't mean think about it, I mean do it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe we have opened a new chapter for our great
city.  Thank you for coming today and I will be happy to answer any
questions you have."

After a few seconds of quiet, applause erupted.  This was followed by a
barrage of questions which Ethan easily fielded.  By 3:30pm it was all
over.  Ethan and Rick were on their way back home holding hands as they
passed over the 3 mile Pensacola Bay bridge, through Gulf Breeze and over
the final bridge to the beach.

Pensacola had been changed forever by two gay guys in love.  Irony defined.

Authors note - no, this isn't the end. :-) Christmas is just a few days
away for our guys and I am sure there will be some surprises.  We have to
check in with Kevin and Sarah soon and of course we have the launch of the
3 new girls too.  Rick and Ethan have a lot to do.  A new house, a nanny,
and a new cruise terminal and hotel to build - never a dull moment with
these guys.