Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:57:54 +0000
From: robert goater <winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: M/V Jean Peterson. Part 20

"You may now kiss."

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With their caps tucked under their left arms they walked to the top of
the stairs and stood there looking down at the scene below. The whole
entrance hall had been turned into a marriage room with a dozen large
vases full of flowers. At the far end was a table underneath a
large portrait of Jean and was covered with half flags of the UK and USA
joined together and on it was an other flower vase and either side of
that were two candelabra with six candles in each. The Registrar stood in
front with the book that held the words of the ceremony.

All the guests were standing around the edges of the room and all mixed
with Andrews family and Scott's crew. The crew had been given new
uniforms and all now with rank on their sleeves. At the foot of the
stairs were William and Walter waiting to greet their sons. Everyone
looking up and seeing these two perfect men dressed so beautifully and
for the first time all except William realizing their Captain had again
been promoted. The pride was all their pride in their Captain and the
wonderful Andrew.

They shook hands with their fathers and then crossed to shake hands with
the other father. William and Walter turned and led the way to the
Registrar as the applause rang out and smiles from everyone. Scott and
Andrew laid their caps on the table and shook hands with the Registrar.
She smiled back at them.
"This will be a day no one will ever forget Scott and Andrew."

"We are here to witness and celebrate the Civil Partnership between

Scott William Arthur Peterson

and

Andrew Broadbent Orvil Marshall Bushman."

The guests listened intently as first Scott delivered his vows to Andrew
and then Andrew to Scott, all except Janet were engrossed in this all
important solemn exchange. She was busting a gut trying not too!

As each man spoke the others full name Janet became a wobbling mass and
she had to put her hand firmly in her mouth to stop herself from loosing
all control. Paula thought she was having a seizure until she looked at
her and saw tears streaming down her face. She dug Janet in her side that
went some way to calm things down a bit, that was until Scott spoke
Andrew's full name again!

They both pledged their lawful right in Civil
Partnership.................................

They solemnly promised that they would always protect his man with his
utmost care, that each would honour (or in Andrew's case honor) and
cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer, for
poorer.................................

And now the rings were exchanged.
They each said to the other.

"I give this ring as a symbol of my love and our Civil Partnership
today........................."

It was now the time for Scott and Andrew to sign the document that would
be witnessed and signed by William and Walter and the two most excited of
all, Marcell and Jon. Guess who dropped the pen?

"By virtue of signing the schedule in my presents as Registrar of Civil
Partnerships and before witnesses, I declare that you Scott and you
Andrew have now formed a Civil Partnership in accordance with the law."
"You may now kiss."

As they did the room exploded into applause and now at long last Janet
could laugh as she had never done in her life before!

For a very long time there were handshakes, hugs, kisses, photographs
taken and a hell of a lot of love throughout the room, but it was when
they got to Janet they could only hug and hang on to her as she shook
with tears once again streaming down her face.
"Oh God I love you both SO much. I love you so much, even more now!" They
hugged more until Paula came over and took her to go and sit for a while.

The whole celebration was one huge party, everyone was on top form and it
could not have been a better time. They all danced, sang, drank, eat and
of course the speeches of which there were four.

William.
"Apart from Walter no father could be more proud to see his son as happy
as mine is today. We have been through a lot together and without him I
would not be here to say this. But now I have two sons which makes me
even more proud, mainly because of the person Andrew is, the perfect man
for my son........................"

Walter.
"As with all our children when Andrew was born he lit up our world. Now
we have another son who is the best Janice and the kids could hope to
keep it that way......................."

Andrew.
"The last time I said, "God help me!" He did and sent Scott to
me................................"

Scott.
"Come here please Andrew."
Andrew went and stood in front of his Partner smiling broadly at the love
of his life. The whole room was waiting knowing there would be an out
pouring of love coming from Scott to his man. Scott picked up Andrew's
left hand and took his wedding finger and played with the gold band. He
bought it to his lips and kissed the ring and then looked into Andrew's
eyes and smiled. They were all waiting for this moment and knew something
special was about to be said.
Andrew on the other hand...................?

"The second mate's name was Carter
By God he was a farter
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go
They got Carter the farter to start her!"

Andrew fell into his arms and hung onto him as they all bust a gut.

It took over an hour just going to each and everyone saying private words
of thanks. With special words to each father from both sons. They had
already changed, the cases were in the car and they were off to London.
As they drove away they sank back and stayed quiet just remembering what
the Registrar said right at the beginning.
"This will be a day no one will ever forget............" No words were
ever more true.

The last person to thank and say goodbye to was Thomas as he dropped them
off at William's London flat. They waved him off and went inside, now
alone for the first time. They of course wrapped their arms around one
another each kissed his partner.
"Dispite your classical moment I still love you Scott. Christ I do love
you!"
"There's more where that come from if you wont?"
"Don't you dare. Make yourself useful and open the champagne." They sat
and talked the whole day through again then remembered they were off to
"somewhere" tomorrow.
They found an envelope on the bed, it read, "To our dear Scott and
Andrew. We hope you both enjoy a trip down memory lane."
They were to fly to Iceland and when they got there a helicopter would
take them to Dalvik were they had been booked into the hotel and the same
room they had first found the love for one another. They looked at
each another knowing this was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Jan and Paula, now slightly worse for ware were finally cuddled up in
bed. They were outside in their sleeping cubicle as were Andrew's two
brothers, all the crew and Simon and Robin.
"Jan why were you laughing so much during the wedding?" Paula asked. That
only started Jan off again and everyone could hear her.
"Go to sleep you daft sod!"
"I can't, oh shit I can't!" And off she went again.
"Ok Jan spill it then we can all sleep!" Someone called out.
After a struggle Jan at last managed to tell all.
"Bless them, it's their names, Scott William Arthur Peterson and Andrew
Broadbent Orvil Marshall Bushman! Look at their intials guys! Scott's are
SWAP! and Andrew's, ABOMB! Oh I just wish Walter and Janice had called
Andrew, Atom!!!!!!"
It took ages for them to stop laughing!!!!
Everyone in the house could hear it and thought they would ask what the
joke was tomorrow!

They were welcomed as old friends when they arrived at the Foss hotel in
Dalvik and when they got to their room they just stood and looked around
them remembering the first time they had been naked together and made
love.
"I can't believe it Andrew. It seems much longer ago than it was. Think
of all that's happened to us!"
"And will again big dick, get em off!" Andrew at his most romantic Scott
thought and did as he was told. After a long shower they returned to the
room and sat on the bed facing one another and not for the first time
they just stayed like that, kissing until dinner time.

The two weeks were a joy and also quite busy. The Icelandic tv people
asked for an interview with them, which turned out to be great fun and a
reunion with the trawler men and their families at a hotel in Akrureyri.
They were delighted to see them all and in particular the Captain who
although physically unable to return to sea he was working with his
fishing company training others. It was a great evening and once again
the tv crews were there. Scott and Andrew could do nothing wrong and
Iceland would always welcome them.
Then of course Marcell and Jon turned up and they spent some time
together before the lads went off to Reykjavik to look at the gay scene.
"Please take care both of you, it can get a bit bitchy. Take care of one
another." They hugged Scott and Andrew and went to pack.
"Bit parental Scott!"
"I know I just don't want them to get involved with the scene thats all,
not that I know fuck all about it. I love them too much and before you
say anything I know you think the same so don't lecture me ok?"
"I wasn't going to, Daddy!"

As the honeymoon went on Scott became concerned that he was getting out
of condition and dragged himself and Andrew to the hotel gym where they
spent two hours a day working out, but apart from that they spent most of
their time going for long walks over the mountain tracks and that in
itself was great for keeping fit.
But like all things good, this one also had to end and it was with some
sadness they left the hotel and flew back home. They took their memories
with them and a few hundred photos as well.
================================================================================
===========================

Back to reality.
___________

"Welcome home my sons!" William was so pleased to see them again. "My
word it's been too damb quiet around here since everyone left. Don't
suppose you want to get married again?"
They declined the offer and went to the sitting room for drinks.
"Right, I have some bad news, sorry to have to tell you this, but you
need to know of course. I'm afraid Reg and Freddy wont be coming back.
They were involved in a car accident and Reg has a broken hip. It will
take months to recover. BUT , there is some good news, Reg says he may
have a replacement and would like to talk to you about him."
Scott and Andrew were indeed upset to hear this and said they would drive
to London tomorrow and see Reg.
"Thats not all Scott. There is more which you need to think about."

William went off at some length to tell them of developments that
involved the Brit authorities.
For some time now there was a security group trying to get support from
goverment to have armed fast patrol boats in pirate areas. They would be
supported by a converted cargo ship to supply fuel and supplies. In other
words have boats out there to patrol a vast area that would make life
more than difficult for the pirates. There was conciderable objection to
this of course, but it would seem some in authority thought otherwise.

"What all this is getting to Scott is that they are using your experience
to argue the point to have these boats and they want to use you more and
to make it more official, for you to agree to have a serving Marine with
you who will be there to officially represent government support and also
allow you to be, officially, armed." Scott's head was doing cartwheels.
"SO, i'm to have a Marine on board to do what, tell me how to run my
ship, where to go and how to operate? If thats the case they can stuff
it. I bloody well know if goverments get involved they fuck it up and the
whole point of our being there is gone." Scott was not happy about this
at all.
"Actually Scott it wont be like that. I had two visitors last week, one
from government and a Royal Marine officer and they assured me the Marine
would be there as an armed soldier under your command and that you will
be asked to accept the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Royal Naval Reserve
and that apparently makes you and the Jean offical to carry out
armed patrols and with the support of the authorities."
"But we are already armed and they know we are. Our people wont take that
away because it was the Americans who ARMED us and I know damb well our
lot wont argue with them. Dad I just want to carry on as we are and not
get involved with outside shit." Scott was pissed off. This was becoming
too complicated. William was silent, but he would have to tell Scott what
he really wanted to say, he was not sure how his son would take it
though.

"Scott, son, I hope you will agree. Look I know how important all this is
to you and of COURSE to me, but and i'm sorry if this sounds selfish, but
I wont you to stop escorting, it's getting dangerous and i'm shit scared
for all of you. Look if there were other boats out there doing what you
do, it could releive you and you could follow a different path. Bob
Taylor is retiring soon and I will give you both the O6, or even convert
the Jean to sail in another way like surveying, Artic tours and the
like."
Scott looked at Andrew.
"You two have been talking haven't you!"
"William is my dad as well Scott and sons do talk to fathers, don't
they?" That did it, Scott pulled Andrew to him and put his arm around his
shoulders.
"Ok, what do I do now?"
"There is a meeting here in three days time with the same two that came
to talk to me. They will explain everything. Meanwhile you have to go and
see Reg and get a new doctor."

Reg was still in hospital laid out, but more or less pain free. Freddy
was there as well and all greeted one another as the close freinds they
were.
"Sorry Scott, I know i'm a real pain in the ass."
"Chance would be a fine thing!" Freddy laughed at his joke.

They sat and chatted about the wedding, the honeymoon and how long Reg
was likely to be in recovery.
"It will be at lease six months Scott and only then can I think about
physiotherapy. If i'm lucky it will take anything like a year to get back
to what I was and even then i'm sure my sailing dats are over. I am so
very sorry, Freddy and I would have been with you for as long as you
wanted us. Still, as I say I do have a chap we both know well and I can
recommend him as a doctor and an excellent individual."

"Ok Reg who is he?" But before Reg could say anything they were
interupted when a doctor came in and asked Scott and Andrew to wait
outside.
After half an hour the guy came back out and spoke to them.
"Reg is free now. He tells me you are great friends of his and Freddy. He
is doing well because he is so fit, but it will take time even then for
him to get back to normal. Anyway, i'm Louis de Bois from South Africa
and Reg taught me just about all I know! They are great guys. In you go
they are waiting for you." They went back into the room.
"So, what do you think of Louis? Thats the chap we recommend to you."

"Does he know about us and the Jean and needing a doctor?"

"Oh yes and I bet he did not say. Scott. He is everything you need. A
great chap, VERY good at what he does and will be more that an asset to
you both."

"Why didn't he mention it when he was talking to us?"

"He wouldn't, he will be waiting for you to talk to him.
He came from a pretty poor background and was determined to get himself
out of it. His love for medicine was his motivation and his determination
in his school and college education got him into medical school. It's a
long story, but the bones of it was he came to this hospital and that's
when I first met him. Freddy and I sponsored him and he came to live with
us for a year until he managed to find his own friendships and moved out.
He is a very shy young man and although very confident when dealing with
patients he is not so in other ways. He is gay and had a rough time back
home because of it. Now he is getting more confident and even had a brief
relationship, but it did not last, why we don't know, but we do know he
is one of those guys who will know when it's right for him. At least
that's what we think."

To cut an even longer story short. Scott met him, liked him and asked him
to join the Jean. His smile told Scott all he needed to know!
"If Reg and Freddy tells me you will be good for us, then that's all the
recommenation I need." They fixed the date he should report to the Jean.
They said goodbye to Reg and Freddy and once more the parting was
extremly difficult. They would be missed very much by all of the crew.

The visitors arrived spot on time and were taken into William's study.
The goverment guy, Dr. James Cartwright was about 50/55, overweight and
stunk of cigars. He was something to do with the Ministry of Defence in
recruitment and in particular special forces. His qualification as a
physcologist was apparently an asset. Scott had no idea why, but he did
not like him the moment he felt the mans sweaty hand. The other guy was
different. Tall, smart and had an air about him that said, "military."
Major Patrick Smart, Royal Marine, lived up to his name.

Scott had thought about what his father had said about the Jean giving up
the role of escorting his ships and get involved with more peaceful
occupations. He had already mentioned to Andrew that he was thinking
about how much longer the Jean could carry on anyway and his attitude
towards these men was different now. IF this company got the support it
needed and the Jean could continue to prove it's value it could mean that
this security company could get the approval it needed from the various
authorities involved in issuing licences to operate and will be able to
provide much better support than the lone Jean Peterson could. He was all
ears.

Cartwright banged on about everything they already knew and went on to
say that a Marine had already been selected to join the Jean a couple of
days before they were due to sail.
"As I am involved with recruitment of personnel for special forces I have
all the records of personnel and I have found a chat idealy suited and
after talks with Major Smart he has agreed this man will be suitable to
sail with you Captain Peterson. Over to you Patrick. May I smoke Sir
William?" William glared at him.
"You may indeed, outside." William did not like the guy either! Fat man
snorted and got up and left the room.
"Glad he is interested in hearing this out Major, anyway what can you
tell us?" William and the other two waited after all this was the most
important bit.

"Marine Colin Masters is a fine young man and one of the best Marines I
have ever encountered and I can assure you I have seen many. He is
heading for the SBS and I have no doub't he will make it. He is already
on the short list and after another years service he will be at the top
of it. He is an excellent gunner with all weapons and in particular the
GPMG. Loyal, resectful, disiplined and proud is the best way I can
describe him Captain and I am sure he will fit in with you extremly
well." Scott had to ask this one.
"Do you and Marine Masters know anything about the Jean Peterson's crew
Major?" Scott watched him to see the reaction.
"Yes he does and yes he is. Military life has come on some what in the
past couple of years Scott."
"And presumably Dr Cartwright is aware?"
"Yes he is and I know bloody well I should not say this, but the fat
bugger is as well!" They were still laughing when Cartwright came in.
"Good joke?"
"Very good indeed Dr Cartwright." William said.
That was it then Masters would join the Jean and would be ready with his
gun!

It was only polite to shake hands, but none of them wanted to. "It was a
great pleasure meeting all of you and I will be definitly be seeing you
again i'm sure." Cartwright said.
"Not if I have anything to do with it!" William said after they had left.
"I don't know why but he is a very unpleasent individual, or am I just
being a shit?" Andrew rushed over to William.
"No daddy, no your not daddy, can I have a ship as well daddy, pleeese
daddy? You DID give one to Scott and it's not fair!" Andrew kissed his
cheek.
"Fuck off you ponce and get me a whisky. NO! A double. What with you and
that slob I need it!"

Dr James Cartwright would become much more than just a slob in the not
so distant the future.

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winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk