Date: Wed, 20 May 2015 09:42:49 +0000
From: Robert Me <winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: M/V Lady Jean Peterson/12

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They were sailing towards the exact location were the attack happened.
Scott asked for a reduction in speed and the Jean was bought back to 8
knots and would creep in like that for the last 10 miles.
The crew obviously knew what this was all about and for once not much was
said throughout the ship and dead silence on the bridge where Scott was
and Andrew standing next to him holding hands.
Scott stood in front of both navigation screens and watched as the ship
approached and were now just two miles from the exact stop.
"Two knots."

"Half astern."

Freddy threw the lever that would move the propeller pods outwards and
stop when they were pointing the opposite way. The Jean rapidly came to a
stand still.
"Stop Engines."
At the press of a button one of the ships computers would take over
and keep her on the spot. Scott looked at Andrew and smiled. He kissed
him and squeezed his hand and left the bridge.

			   ********************

They had had a lovely time in Cyprus when they all relaxed, went out
together, swam, eat and drank. The boys loved it, they all did, but
having Marcel and Jon with them made it even more special and bought
about parental feelings towards the boys even though none of them were
and both "boys" were nearly 19 anyway.

"JON! Be careful, there are rocks right were you are."
"Ok Tommy, thanks." Jon dived in and the rest held their breaths,
except Marcel who was laughing his fucking head off!

"Tommy?"
"Yes Marcel?"
"Can I go in for a paddle please? Just up to my ankles, promise."
"Piss off!"
Tommy's parental instincts were exhausted it seemed.

"Jan will you come in with me? I cant swim and need your tits to keep me
afloat." Andrew, looking lovely in his tight yellow briefs and
beautifully tanned body smiled at Jan.
"Cheeky sod. Ask Reggie his are bigger than mine."
"Oh come on then Andrew, leave Scott behind though."

Scott called the ropes in and the Jean left Limassol harbour having had a
fuel top up and taken on more aviation fuel as well. Once clear Scott
asked for full speed and the Jean would stay like that until her approach
to the Suez Canal when Scott would have to line up and take his turn to
enter the canal and navigate through it and then into the Red Sea. When
they had got to the southern part of the Red Sea the watches changed to
four crew on and full lock down two hours before sunset. They were now in
pirate seas and the mood of the ship changed and became even more alert
and focused.

On this particular night Scott had just finished some company business
with William on line. They talked some more and signed off. Scott went
into the cabin and climbed into the bunk knowing Andrew would soon be out
of the shower and would cuddle in together.
"Do you feel different like me? Its like we are in a war zone and I'm
actually a bit tense Scott."
"I think we are all feeling that love. I'm stopping myself going to the
bridge and stay there, that wouldn't do moral much good if I did. Come on
a kiss cuddle and try to sleep. Surprisingly they both slept well until
that is Andrew's clock went off telling him he had half an hour before
going on watch. After he was dressed he went to the bunk where Scott was
looking up at him. They kissed and Andrew left. Scott tried to get back
to sleep, but this time he couldn't.

 Now, two days later the Lady Jean Peterson was at the exact spot where
the 06 had been attacked. The whole crew were on the bridge as Scott left
it after one more kiss on Andrew's cheek. He went to his and Andrews
cabin and took out the silk wreath he had kept in his wardrobe where he
had put it until this moment. Scott changed into shorts and a sports top
that he knew his mother would like and went out onto the aft deck towards
the stern rail. As he walked he was in a world with just him and his
mother.

He arrived at the rail and paused with the wreath still in his grip
hanging over the stern. What he said will stay with him but as he spoke
so the tears fell.

He finished all that he wanted to say and let the wreath go and watched
as it settled on the water and began to drift away. He remained where he
was watching the wreath get further and further away with the image of
his mother smiling at him as she had done countless times before she had
been so cruelly taken from him.
Then the image changed and Andrew came into view also smiling at him and
Scott knowing his mother was telling him she was at peace and he should
go back to the man who had become his life.

Scott went back to the cabin and changed back into his uniform and went
to the bridge. He took Andrew's hand and held it very tightly and sat in
his chair.
"Steer One Five Oh, ten knots please helm."
"Aye aye Captain." Scott looked at Freddy and smiled his thanks and once
again Andrew showed Scott how much he loved him by bringing the emotion
of that little ceremony to an end.
"Skip?"
"Yes Andrew?"
"Your hurting my hand!"

"Paul?"
"Yes Skip?"
"We start unarmed combat training and practise firing the shot
guns tomorrow. That ok with you?"
"Yes Skip."

Scott ordered the Jean on course towards South Africa and they would sail
150 miles off the Somalian coast. He could have taken them down the west
coast of Africa to meet their first escort, the O5, when she left Cape
Town, but he needed more time for training and also to have solo time for
the crew to adjust to the pressure of sailing through pirate waters,
himself included. They would of course keep all training up as they
sailed, but it was all so different now, they were "on station" and with
the ship ready for what ever came her way. They didn't have long to wait.

All those not on watch assembled in the saloon where a large area was
cleared and a gym mat laid on the deck and watched as Paul gave
instruction to his Captain in hand to hand fighting and winced every time
Scott was thrown onto the mat over and over again. This would go on like
this with all those there and it would be some days before any of them
could put up a decent fight, mind you, they were up against the best and
because of that by the time they were approaching the point when they
would meet there first escort, all of them would have improved a great
deal.

They were all on the bridge one afternoon for a meeting when Scott said
something that he had been thinking about since Paul had started training
them.
"Does anyone think that if we were in a situation that was in our favour
we could board a ship that had been taken by pirates and take it back?
I'm not saying that's what I would want to do right now, I just want your
opinions that's all. Paul?"
"Well, I could certainly train anyone as that was a large part of my work
in the SBS and I know we have enough fit crew to do it, but apart from
tazers and two shot guns we would not be that well armed and my guess is
we could find ourselves in big trouble. But as far as I know no ship has
been taken back and that would be something the pirates would not be
expecting, so an element of surprise would most definitely be in our
favour."
"And just who would you want to go on something like that Scott?" Scott
looked at Andrew and saw the hard look he was giving him.
"I would ask for volunteers, but its not likely to happen as the
conditions would really have to be in our favour."
"But IF it was considered to be viable, you would be one to go right?"
Andrew continued to stare at Scott and then looked out to sea. "I was
under the impression a Captain always stayed with his ship. I'm sorry
Skip, but don't you think we should experience some sort of pirate action
before we think about carrying out other operations as the military would
say?"
"All I was asking for is opinions and you have given yours and thanks for
it. I wont talk about this anymore just now, maybe sometime in the future
after we have had some experience, meanwhile lets go about our work."
Scott left the bridge and went to his office. He sat down and thought
about what Andrew had said and knew he was right. He would talk to him
later about it. He would be seeing him much sooner than he thought.

"Skip to the bridge please." Scott rushed up and found Reggie officer of
the watch. It was exactly 11am.
"What have we got?"
"Tommy reports two boats on the Hawk on our stern at just over five miles
and doing 40 knots." Scott sounded the alarm.
"Stay at 15 knots. Crew secure the ship." Jan came on the bridge and
started the water cannon generators and turned the forward one so it
faced aft and at an angle that would fire the water jet over the entire
ship and land 200 yards behind it. Everyone was calm and focused although
heart beats were some what higher than normal of course as they could
be about to come under fire. All the training was now about to be tested
and so were each member of crew.

"Test the cannons when you are ready." All those that could watched as
all three cannons burst into life and were once again amazed at the
massive volume of water belching out. It was not only an amazing sight,
it was also a confidence booster.
Jerry got to his station and turned the cameras on and began to record,
he also sent the images direct to William and the Company lawyers offices
in London.
Marcel and Jon were already in the hangar and began their start ups. Two
minutes later Marcel reported to Scott they where ready. Jon opened the
roll up door and Marcel sent his helicopter out first on the rails still
clamped down and after another check released the clamps and took off.
He cleared the ship on the starboard side and the on board computer would
hold it in hover until he took over control when he got to the bridge. He
slapped Jon's bum as he passed and dashed up to the gangway and by the
time he settled into his seat Jon was also up and came to the bridge and
sat next to Marcel.

"Ok lads, off you go." They took their helicopters out in a wide ark and
just 30 feet above the water and at the same time turning towards the two
boats coming at them and when they got to their flying limit of two miles
they would hover and wait. The boys controlled their main cameras that
kept the boats in the centre of the screens and when the boats were level
with them the images coming back were very clear and everyone could make
out six men in each boat and all armed with AK47's. They were speeding
side by side and Marcel would get behind the starboard one and Jon the
other at a distance of 300 yards and wait for Scott.

"Seems we have two lives ones." Scott was waiting for the boats to break
off, one going to port and the other to starboard and attack.

"Radar are we clear?"
"Just those two Skip."

"Ok lets call the shots, full ahead."
The Jean rapidly reached her maximum speed of 25 knots, followed by the
two boats when they had cottoned on.
"Catch up you two and get 100 yards behind them."

"They will come at us now. Paul send out we are under attack. Paul spoke
into the mike and reported the situation and the Jeans position, speed
and course. As he did both boats increased speed, broke off and went to
either side of the Jean, they were now just 200 yards off the port and
starboard sides and they all saw several of the men raise their weapons.

"Fire Jan, full power." She pressed the firing button to the forward
cannon which would stay static and cover the stern and then using the
control sticks aimed the stern cannons on both boats and pulled the
triggers. Thousands of gallons of water spewed out. They were still
slightly out of range, but they were being given a warning which was part
of the procedure for alerting a potential attacker to, fuck off. They
didn't and kept coming still with weapons turned on the Jean.

"Freddy creep towards the starboard boat." Freddy moved the control stick
and the Jean began to close with the boat and as soon as they saw it
coming at them an RPG appeared.

"Go in boys and use both canisters."

Marcel's and Jon's hearts were bursting as they lined up and at full
throttle closed in on their targets. They each arrived just a few feet
from the stern of each boat and together pressed the release button on
their control sticks. A huge cloud of bright red CS gas shot out and as
they flew over the boats they disappeared for a few seconds.

"Good shots boys! Go round again. Use the screamers this time!" Everyone
had forgotten them!

There was panic on the boats as they were all blinded and both drivers
let go of the steering and so the throttles as well and they came to a
stop.

"Hard to starboard and five knots. Jan soak it with the forward cannon as
soon as we are in range after the boys attack again." Freddy pulled the
throttles back and turned to bring the Jean towards the boat. Jan
directed the forward hose towards the pirates and waited to be told to
fire.

Both boys now came back and released another load and the pirates nearly
shit themselves when they heard the screams which ended any ambition to
take the Jean.

"Fire Jan. Jon keep an eye on your boat and give them another dose if
they try to get away. Fuck it give them one anyway."

The pirates were having a bad day and made even worse when the water
arrived. Jan timed it well and when the boat was half full she aimed
away.

"Tommy is the Hawk clear?"
"All clear Skip."

"Freddy do your stuff. Andrew take the helm." Freddy went to the load
hailer and in Somalian ordered the pirates to throw their weapons over
board, "or you will be sunk." They began to throw the lot over board even
though it was obvious they were still having difficulty seeing.

"Andrew, take us to the other boat and half fill that one as well Jan."
Andrew took the Jean forward and then hard to starboard to get to the
second boat and when in range it too got the Jan treatment and was half
filled. Freddy repeated the order and six more AK47's and an RPG launcher
went to the deep.

"Stop firing Jan. You boys stay where you are and keep filming. Andrew
get closer to this boat and Colin go out and put a rope on the winch and
put it over the side, Paul go with him and take a shot gun."

The pirates attached the rope to their boat, still bailing out like
mad and Scott told Andrew to take them to the first boat. When they got
to them he told Freddy to tell them to get into one boat. When they
had transferred he asked Jan to sink the empty one.

Scott stayed with the boat until they got one engine started and asked
for five knots and to return to their original coarse.
"Paul send out the pirates have been beaten off and no casualties. Come
in lads, great job, great job everyone."

Marcel and Jon landed and refuelled and when the helicopters had been
secured they went back to the bridge and joined the rest, everyone was on
a high and there were plenty of smiles going round the bridge.

"Any thoughts, anyone? I already know I made one mistake and wont repeat
it if there is a next time."
"What mistake Skip?" Paul asked.
"I should have taken some of their weapons."
"Don't think that was a mistake Skip, maybe it would have been if you DID
take them."
"I guess your right Paul, right unless anyone has anything to say I'm off
to write all this up." Scott looked around him and as no one said
anything he told them, "well done everyone" and left. Andrew watched
Scott leave and was worried, he seemed as though this was an every day
routine, just a normal day at the office.

An hour later Andrew knocked on Scott's door.
"Come in." Andrew opened the door.
"Why the hell did you knock!?"
"Because I wasn't sure if you wanted to be disturbed."
"Oh come on Andrew, we have just carried out what we have trained for
months to carry out and it went better than I thought it would and maybe
I'm still on a high, but what I really needed to do was get it all down
while its fresh in my mind."
"Nothing to do with my opinion about taking a ship back then?"
"Yes and I was wrong to bring it up. Bad timing, it was a mistake."
"Fucking hell!"
"Fucking hell what?"
"YOU making TWO mistakes on the same day!? That's a first and it takes a
bit of getting used to I have to say."
"Your taking the piss."
"I am indeed, can I have a kiss please." After quite some time Andrew
pulled away. "Come on Captain your crew need you to be with them and talk
this through properly, not stuck in here on your own." Once again Andrew
got it spot on.

The crew met on the bridge and they watched the video of the whole
attack and agreed it went as well as they hoped.
"So long as we get warning from the Hawk in good time, we are ahead of
them, at five miles they cant see us so they must have radar or being
directed. We need to keep an eye out for Mother boats."
"Did we get any reply to our call Paul?"
"Nope, not a word and not even when I sent it was all over. Seems we are
on our own."
"Well, we are on someone's radar even if its only the pirates. We will
just have to wait and see, but when they get back to wherever they came
from they will certainly be taking about us and very pissed off. I just
cant wait to start escorting, this piracy will get worse I'm sure of it."

What they did not know was they were certainly on some ones radar and
that some one was sailing towards them while Scott and the crew were
meeting on the bridge.

"Right, two weeks before we meet the O5 and plenty of time for you Paul
to beat us all up, but I warn you now, I'm so fired up you will be on
your back from now on!" It didn't QUITE work out that way as Paul proved
the next time they got the mat out. Scott though was still fired up and
took every session even more seriously and began to visit the mat less
often. Jerry and Andrew were the same, but Jan was way ahead of them all,
no one, not even Paul could get her down. She just stood there like a
lump of granite and was immoveable!

Scott and Andrew were being homosexual the day after the attack when the
phone rang, it was Paulina.
"Skip we have a ship coming at us at 30 knots and 20 miles."
"Thanks Paulina, I will tell you just how lousy your timing is one day."
Paulina screamed out laughing and told Jan.

"Bloody hell she is in a hurry! Jerry to the bridge please." Jerry
arrived but did not mention Scott's own bad timing.
"Yes Skip?"
"I want you to video this, she looks fantastic. Look at that speed!" The
ship was now coming at them at 35 knots and looked very impressive. "Hope
she's got breaks Skip."

They all came to the bridge and watched this magnificent war ship bearing
down on them. Scott was at the fixed binoculars, massively powerful
things slung from the roof of the bridge.
"USS Rockall, that sounds familiar?"
"Is IT? That's the ship I did my final course on and that guy tried to
get me into bed!" A huge cheer went up.
"Did he?" Jan asked.
"Shut up Jan. His name was Lieutenant Theodore Harding, wonder if he's on
it now?" He was.

"Good afternoon Lady Jean Peterson, this is the Captain of the USS
Rockall, may we have permission to come on board?"
"This is the Captain of the Lady Jean Peterson, permission granted. I
will come to 5 knots and send our RIB to pick you up, what side?"
"Come to the port side Captain and thank you."

They continued to watch as the 6000 ton ship slowed to their speed and
they watched as the gang was put over the side and the American crew
watched as the Jean's stern door raised and the RIB shot out driven by
Jan and Freddy. The RIB closed and got to the gang and watched as two
officers got into the craft with Andrew looking through binoculars.
"Well well Captain, you are about to meet the guy who came on to me."
Scott took the binoculars and looked at him.
"You were right, he is bloody good looking. He is in for one huge
surprise, stay on the bridge I want to see his face when Paul and I bring
them up."

Scott and Paul made their way to the boat deck and waited for the RIB to
arrive. Jan steered onto the cradle and the winch took over and hauled
them on board and when clear, the doors closed and four massive bolts
slid into position.

A smiling Commander got out and went to Scott.
"Commander Forrester Exec Officer of the USS Rockall reporting Captain,
its very nice to meet you." Scott introduced himself and Paul.
"May I introduce Lieutenant Harding, one of our engineering officers."
And gay Scott thought. They all shook hands and Scott took them to the
bridge where the rest of the crew were waiting.

The look on Harding's face was worth a months wages when he saw Andrew.
He just stared at him not believing who he was looking at.
Scott introduced the crew in turn and watched Harding as he shook hands
and also noticed the smile on his face as he was introduced to Marcel and
Jon. Scott was sure he held both of their hands much longer then the
others. Finally it was Andrew's turn.
"Andrew tells me you have already met Lieutenant."
"We have?" It was a rubbish pretence. "Oh yes I remember, the course on
the Rockall? I think that's right. Nice to meet you again Andrew." Andrew
smiled at him and kept his mouth shut.

"Well this is nice. Perhaps Neil you and Andrew would take the Lieutenant
on a tour of your engine room and Paul and I will give the Commander our
tour." Andrew shot Scott the look that told him he was in big trouble
later.
"You have the ship Jan."
"Oh thanks Skip, I always wanted one." The Commander thought that was
hilarious. Harding wondered what he was laughing about.

Both tours took two hours and as Scott's progressed the more Commander
Forrester was impressed and even more so when they got to the helicopter
hanger where Marcel and Jon were waiting.
"My word, they are huge! Must be the largest pilotless helicopters
around." The boys were in their element as they explained every thing to
the American and the reason why they were there.
"You mean you have CS gas Captain?"
"Yes and that's why we over powered the pirate attack so easily and no
one got hurt, just irritation of the eyes and very wet. We did what we
have trained to do for months and it worked out very well. Mind you we
are not being complacent, that would be stupid."

Forrester was taken back to the bridge and shown the Hawk radar system
which the Commander took a keen interest in.
"My word this is a fantastic ship Captain, damb fine ship, I could not be
more impressed."
"Time for a coffee Commander. Lets go to our cabin."
"Our cabin?"
"Yes, Andrew's and mine." Commander Forrester now knew for certain what
had been reported in the Icelandic media after the rescue. He smiled to
himself and was not bothered.

Scott poured the coffee's and sat down opposite his visitor.
"So, Commander you seem to like what you have seen. I assume that's why
your are here, you needed to check us out right?"
"Can we use first names Scott, mines Donald and prefer Don?"
"Yes Don, no problem."
"Yes the Admiral who is Commander of the International naval force needed
to know what you are about and why you are in these waters. Let me say we
looked you up and we all thought this was a joke and was a rich kid
having some fun at his fathers expense and we also thought your age was
rather too young to be a captain. Then we read about your mother and
father and I would like to extend my condolences to you. Let me say now,
my opinion is the exact opposite. A great ship, a great crew and, forgive
me, an excellent Captain despite your age. I really am impressed."
"Thank you, we are about to meet our first ship to escort her from Cape
Town to Mumbai. We then meet up with another ship after a couple of days
in port and take her to the Red Sea. After that, back to South Africa to
dock for two weeks when we will all fly back home for a break, or I may
take us back to the UK, it depends on the next ships sailing through
these waters."
"Don't you find it a huge risk though without weapons? I certainly
would."
"This is a stop gap until the International authorities allow ships to
carry weapons and trained people to use them. We are convinced that if
weapons are carried the pirate attacks will stop. They have already taken
ships hostage and have carried out some dreadful abuse to crews and
murdered some innocent people and of course someone's getting millions of
dollars in ransom money. We had the means to convert the ship and that's
why we are here. When we have finished the Jean will be converted into a
research ship which was our original intention in the first place, that
was until mum was killed and dad put in a wheel chair for the rest of his
life. I wonder if Lieutenant Harding will share your opinion of us,
somehow I don't think so. Neil and Andrew will tell me after you go."

"I cant say much, but two things I will say though, one it should make no
difference what that man's opinion is as it wont be important anyway and
the second is his father is the Admiral and that's the only reason why he
is on the Rockall and....I have said too much."

"Ok, glad he is not my problem, there is something I could say about him
as well, but like you it's best not said. Come on lets go and chat to the
crew."

When they got to the saloon they found the off watch crew and a great
surprise, a very excited and enthusiastic Lieutenant Harding. He was
talking to Neil, Andrew and six others and sounding off about the Jean
and what a great ship and fantastic crew.
"Captain Peterson I am so impressed and a great crew, your ship will be a
great asset to the international navies operating against pirates and I
just wish I could sail with you for a week or two. Captain would it be
possible to sail with you for a couple of weeks if my Captain and
my.......The Admiral agrees?" Alarm bells rang out.
"I doubt they would agree Lieutenant, you are needed on your ship." Scott
thought that was a bit lame and hoped it would be forgotten, he had seen
the looks he had given the boys and just knew why he was so enthusiastic.
A couple of weeks on an all gay ship! A gay mans dream.

They were back on the boat deck saying goodbye to the visitors. "Stay in
touch Scott and thank you for allowing us on board, I will be giving
positive feed back when I see the Admiral. We will be listening out for
any information you relay back to us. Good luck in all you do and stay
safe." They all shook hands and the RIB was run out of the stern and went
back to the Rockall.

"So, what was Harding like?" They were back in the saloon.
"He was wetting himself with excitement and didn't convince either of us
and to give you my expert professional opinion, he's a wanker!"
"Thanks Tommy, but I bet you all he is twisting his dads arm as we speak,
his dad is the fucking Admiral."

"The Lady Jean Peterson is a fantastic ship father and an absolute asset
in operations against the pirate threat. Quite apart from her excellent
ability to confront any attack on herself and Captain Peterson's ships,
she would be an extra set of eyes and report back to you any
intelligence. As I say, I would love to have time with her and also take
Lieutenant Fortune to work with their medical team, fantastic people and
a great hospital provision. They have got everything to meet most medical
needs as they proved when they rescued the Icelandic trawler men a few
months ago." Anyone listening to all Theo was saying would take it all in
and be impressed with what he was saying, unless they already knew he was
a shit and had found a way of getting his rocks off. An all gay crew,
some great looking guys AND Royston as well. Perfect.

Scott got the request the following day and was meeting the crew on the
bridge to find a way of saying no and a good reason for saying so.
"I know all I have to say is no, but I also know I would have to come up
with why. Someone give me a good excuse because I haven't got one."
"Tell him he came on to Andrew when he was on that course."
"Thanks Jerry, but how the fuck can I tell him his son is gay for fucks
sake and all he hopes is to come on board because he thinks we will all
be waiting for his little dick and of course bringing that other guy with
him who could be the same as he is, or a sure fuck when he realises he
wont have any luck with us?"
"Just my opinion Skip, but why are we having a problem? That twat or any
other twat wont get anywhere near any of us, well certainly not Paulina
and me!" Jan laughed like hell. "And it could be a bit of fun and teach
the fool a lesson or six. I don't have a problem and the bloke will have
me on his back if he tries anything on." She meant with the boys of
course and they all knew it, including Marcel and Jon.
"Thanks Jan, we don't like him that much, but I don't see why we
shouldn't have them, we aren't scared of him and you never know it could
be a good laugh. Bloody hell why are we even thinking he could give any
of us a problem?"
"Everyone ok with this then? Andrew?"
"No problem, he wasn't when I was on the course and he wont be now, but I
will be keeping an eye on both of them, like we all will."
"Ok, we will agree to having them then, Harding will be on your watch Jan
and Fortune on yours Paul."
"Cant wait." They said together.
Royston Fortune was completely unaware what was being discussed
while Harding was waiting and hoping Scott would agree to having them.
This was a great opportunity and Theo was thinking about him and
Royston sharing the same cabin.

Lieutenant Fortune was standing next to Lieutenant Harding in the
Admiral's quarters listening to their Commander as he told them about
their two weeks with the Lady Jean Peterson.

"I don't have to tell you that you are representing the United States
Navy and expect you to show the Brits how to run a ship and even teach
them a thing or two. I would not have agreed to you going unless I was
sure you are more than competent, but then the US Navy is the best of
course and I already know you will show those people just how fortunate
they are to have two of the best sailing with them. I will be looking
forward to the many compliments from the ships Captain when you return.
Commander Forrester reported that he considers the ship to be first class
and I accept his opinion, but what I hope to hear is the Lady Jean
Peterson is an even better ship after your time on board. Dismiss."

A smiling Lieutenant Harding saluted his father and a furious Lieutenant
Fortune saluted the Admiral. They left and went to their cabins to pack.

The Admiral waited for a few minutes and then picked his phone up. Half
hour later the Rockall's Captain, Captain Robert Andrew's, the Exec
Officer Commander Donald Forrester and the Marine Captain, Captain Martin
Standing were sitting listening to Admiral Harding.

"I have an exercise for you gentlemen which will be carried out a week
today. We are going to board this Lady Jean Peterson who, according to
you Donald, is the dogs bollocks as the Brit's say. Well we are about to
find out. I want four boats and 24 men to carry out the operation and I
want that ship taken as though it is an enemy and the crew taken as well.
Lieutenants Harding and Fortune do not know about this, but will be able
to tell me how they respond to the attack afterwards. We will make it all
very friendly, but advise them at the same time to go back home and leave
the pirates to the professionals." He had not been totally honest about
Theo though.

"Sir, as I reported after my visit, Captain Peterson and his crew are
very well organised, trained and he runs an excellent ship and he will
cooperate with us by sending intel to us which may be of great
assistance." Don said.

"He is a CIVILIAN Don and this BOY Captain is about to learn a big lesson
and that is he is not needed or welcome in my area of command. I want
that bucket and its Captain off my ass."

Donald was in his cabin thinking about it all and smiled to himself.
He had not been able to mention the Jean's Hawk radar system mainly
because the Admiral was getting bored with all the compliments coming out
of Donald's mouth and ended the meeting. The Admiral would know the
attack on the Jean had been in daylight and would assume the attackers
were spotted because it was. He would have no idea that at night the Jean
could "see" just as well and he was not about to tell him now. Admiral
Harding maybe an excellent commander, but his arrogance and narcissistic
traits were becoming a problem, but in the military it was difficult to
talk to anyone about it.
"Oh well, I wonder who will learn a big lesson? I'm darn sure the Marines
wont get anywhere near boarding Scott's ship. This could be so
embarrassing."

The Admiral was in his bunk and was thinking hard about his son and how
keen he was to get him and Lieutenant Fortune on that ship. He had not
often been so keen about anything like this before unless it was
American and he was worried about the reason. The Admiral had also
watched the video of the search and rescue of the Icelandic men by the
Lady Jean Peterson and the interviews afterwards and although nobody
actually said it was an all gay crew, the interviewer tried hard to get
Scott to say they were, it would be great news. He ducked the
question quite well, but did not denigh it either. The follow up comments
were all saying the crew were gay and the vast majority more than happy
about it.

"My son.....homosexual!? NEVER!" He then thought of his talk with Theo
when Peterson had agreed to them sailing with him for two weeks. It was
just what the Admiral wanted.

"Commander Forrester told me about Peterson's night routine which
included ships lock down two hours before sunset. On the seventh night
you are on board, I want you to unlock the starboard mid ships hatch at
01 00hrs and ring my cell to tell me you have done it. You don't need to
know why, but you will get your half ring after you do as I ask Theo, but
ONLY if you unlock that hatch."
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winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk