SANDPIPER
Disclaimer: This story is fiction. It deals with interaction between males including oral and anal. Any person under 18, or anyone living in a state or province where reading these stories is illegal should leave this site now. Adult gay content.
Chapter 57
"So you guys all played out already?"
"Well no, we just got hungry."
"So what else is new?' I laughed.
"Well the menu is on the table. Just order what you want."
"Can we go and get something local in town?"
"Sure. That's a great idea." I turned and headed for my bedroom to change. I slipped on a pair of cargo shorts and a Sandpiper T-shirt, grabbed my wallet. When I got back everyone was in Sandpiper shorts and T-shirts.
Damn they all looked down right edible. As we headed for the door, Jake, Jason and Randy walked in.
"So what's up Ed?"
"We're heading down town to see if we can get something local for dinner."
"Great idea. Mind if we join you?" "Not at all. We'll meet you in the lobby. Siam, run and see if the other guys want to join us. We'll meet in the lobby."
We took the elevator down and everyone sort of wandered around the lobby. It almost looked funny as more and more of my crew arrived.
"Jake, why don't you all head in the lounge until everyone is here. I want to speak to the Manager."
Siam walked off the elevator and over to me.
"They'll all be down, but some not for few minutes."
"Well go have a beer. I'll be in shortly."
I went and talked to the Manager and told him in future the Sandpiper Imperial would be advertised as a Gay only resort. He agreed it would be better and eliminate most if not all the conflicts that had arisen lately. I told him we were all going down to find some local restaurant to eat. He said there wasn't much; there were a couple of very good places to eat. He gave me the name of both and I headed to the lounge.
As I approached the lounge I heard loud voices. When I walked in I saw Siam, Rad and Jer standing at the far end of the bar arguing with a much older women. She was very animated and was gesturing with her finger at Siam. As I went to intervene, Jake grabbed my arm.
"Let him finish Ed. Siam is holding his own against the old bitch."
I couldn't hear what was being said but the argument was becoming very heated. Finally Siam held up his hand and then said something I did pick up.
"Mame, why don't you mind your own business. I am old enough to drink and I will wherever I please and not what you or anyone says will change my mind." He turned away from her.
"How Dare you speak to me like that. I'll have you fired or ejected. I paid good money to stay here no little??.."
"Boy." Siam said.
I saw Siam say something to the other boys near him and they all laughed.
The women grabbed Siam and spun him around. She had here hand raised and I thought she might be about to strike Siam. Everything stopped dead when a booming voice was heard.
"Martha, just what the hell do you think you are doing?"
I heard the click of golf shoes in the silence. When I looked I saw a man about 6 feet tall in a bright green golf shirt and flowered shorts striding across the lobby. From the look on his face he none to pleased.
"This, this, boy?.. employee insulted me. I demand he be fired."
"I think it was probably the other way around. I can't leave you alone for 15 minutes before your mouth gets you in trouble."
She opened her mouth several times and closed it. Almost looked like a fish out of water and I suppressed a laugh. The older man strode between tables and right up to the group. He put himself between the women and the boys.
"I apologize, for anything my sister has said."
"Accepted." Siam said as he shook the man's hand. "What? You are standing up for this, this waif. I demand he be fired immediately." She almost yelled.
With out even looking at her he said.
"Shut up Martha." His eyes travelled over the three boys and then along the bar. I know he saw Jake and I at the end of the bar.
"Put her drinks on my tab." He said as he turned and grabbed his sister by the arm.
"Come on we're leaving before you get something shoved into your big mouth other than you own foot."
"But, but that, that?..?"
"Waif. That boy you called a waif is one of the share holders in this hotel. If you had looked before opening your big mouth you would have seen he is member of the Sandpiper crew. The Sandpiper is owned by it's crew and this is the Sandpiper Imperial hotel. So he owns part of this hotel and can drink in his own lounge when ever he likes."
"You are very lucky he doesn't have you evicted from the hotel. If I was in his place I would."
That shut her up.
He almost dragged her across the lobby and into an elevator.
Jason walked in and stood close.
"See you met one of the distinguished guests he laughed."
"Really? Who is he?" I asked.
"That is John Roundtree of the Roundtree Corporation. He is majority stockholder and his other brother and sister hold the rest. I'm surprised he brought his sister. He usually travels alone."
The name did not ring a bell and before I could ask Jason continued.
The Roundtree Corporation is largest Real Estate holding Corporation in the US or maybe the world. It owns apartments, condos, hotels and resorts plus who knows what else. He usually stays in one his own resorts, so suspect he doesn't own anything in Fiji. His net worth is in the 100 million mark and the Corporation near the billion."
"Maybe he's looking to invest here." Jake said.
"Maybe."
Everyone finally arrived down stairs and we left. It must have been quite a sight with so many boys all dressed the same as we walked toward town about a half mile away. We passed the McTavish Ship Chandler and boat yard. The main building was older but every thing looked neat and tidy. I figured I'd visit at a later date.
The town where the Imperial was located wasn't really all that big. It mostly followed the road that led past the hotel. The houses seemed for the most part better than what I had seen on my first trip here. I hoped some of the money generated by the hotel was filtering its way down to the people here. We passed the big box store, where I had shopped for Sal when I accepted him as part of my crew and later my lover and then son.
We found the small restaurant with no problem and filled it to capacity once we were all inside. The food was excellent and service was almost as good as you'd get in any fine restaurant anywhere. What got to me was how almost everyone we met had a smile and a hand shake for us. The tab for the meal I thought was ridiculously low and added a large tip. Everyone was happy and full. We headed back in the early evening.
Everyone pretty much scattered in different directions when we got back to the hotel. Jake, Jason and I headed into the lounge. I grabbed my bottle of Scotch from the bar and we sat at one of the empty tables.
We just talked about mundane things as let the great dinner and fine scotch settle. A few minutes later a waiter brought as phone over, plugged it in at a socket near the table.
"A call for you Sir."
I talked for several minutes and hung up.
"That was Aaron. They are going to be idle for about ten days as the electricians and computer guys install wiring. They are flying over here for a few days holiday."
"That means the whole Family will be here except Singh and Rami." Jake said.
"Yeah we can hold a family meeting."
"Aaron tells me they hired two more local boys too. We'll get to meet them."
"AS long as they fit in I guess its up to him." Jake said.
"I'm sure they will. Aaron would have made sure they knew exactly what all our crew are." I said.
"Knowing Aaron and Simon they have probably both been in the sack with both." Jason laughed.
That got a chuckle from all of us.
I had a couple of drinks with Jake and Jason.
"Well I'm heading to bed. See you both in the morning. Night guys."
"Good night Ed." Both echoed.
I wandered out of the lounge and across the lobby. Everything was quiet. I looked out the windows to the water park. There were still several guests in the park. I also saw some of the boys that worked the rooms, sitting with the guests. I idly wondered what we were paying them, but figured their pay was supplemented by pretty large tips from the guests.
The idea of one on one guest services really worked. I was very happy the Imperial was starting to do so well.
I headed for the elevator and rode it to the penthouse level. When I walked in my suite I saw the very cute bare bottom of Siam leaning over by the cooler. His butt was moving seductively from side to side as he hummed a nameless tune.
Why had I not seen it for so long. Siam was one of the original boys I had rescued in Thailand. I just don't know why I had not seen how much I loved the young man for so very long. He stood up and turned around. A big smile immediately crossed his face and he giggled.
"I was just getting a couple of beer while we waited for you."
"Does that mean I just have two for company tonight?"
"Yeah Jer and Rad wanted to be alone. Their getting pretty close lately."
"Well might as well grab me one too."
I was about to start heading for my bedroom when the phone in my hand beeped. I looked at the number and did not recognize it.
"Hello." I answered.
I listened and then said. "I'll be there as quick as I can."
I hung up and turned to Siam.
"Go find Jake and get Sandpiper ready to leave at once."
When he just stared at me.
"Now Siam!" He set the beer down grabbed a pair of shorts and pulled them on. He was out the door in a flash.
I walked into my bedroom. Temin was sitting on the bed.
"Get dressed, we're leaving."
Then turned and walked in on Rad and Jer. They were in a sixty nine position going to beat the band.
"Sorry boys to interrupt, but we need to leave."
Rad pulled out of Jer's mouth. He was obviously in the throws of an orgasm, his pure white load shot onto Jer's face. I almost laughed. Jer sat up on the edge of the bed, his load shooting onto the floor between his legs. Rad laughed as he whipped Jer's face.
"Sorry again boys. Get dressed we have to leave fast."
"What's happened Ed." Rad asked.
"Later, now move it." As I walked back into the living room Jake walked in.
"What's going on Ed? Siam said something about leaving now."
"How long to Timatu at max?"
Jake thought only a second or two.
About 32 hours, but?." I cut him off.
"Good get Sandpiper ready to go immediately."
"What's going on Ed?"
"Please Jake. I'll explain everything later."
"Aye, aye Sir." He turned and ran out the door shouting.
I turned and opened my brief case. Until then I didn't know I was crying. Everything looked blurred. Siam ran in and saw me crying and wrapped his hands around me.
"What's wrong Father?"
"I'll tell you later Son."
The three other boys ran out stuffing their small bags.
"Don't bother packing. We will be coming back. Go help get Sandpiper ready."
They ran out. I wiped my eyes and checked that I had everything in my brief case. Snapped it closed and headed out. I stopped at the desk.
"We're leaving, but will be back in a few days. Just leave the rooms." "Yes Sir." The night clerk said.
When I walked out on the patio that led to the boat docks it was as silent as a tomb. The few guests must be very surprised to see my crew running for the dock. I had gone only a few steps when Sandpiper's big diesel started. It shattered the silence with its roar. I had never really heard the big diesel start before and actually shocked that it was so loud.
AS I started down the dock toward Sandpiper I heard from the loud speaker.
"All crew check in." I looked behind me, but was the last person on the dock.
"All aboard, prepare to cast off."
As soon as I stepped on board.
"Cast off fore and aft." Then. "All back full."
Standing on the main deck outside the main cabin I watched the lines drop and then a boy from each end start pulling up the bumpers. I walked inside, set my brief case down and headed up to the bridge.
By the time I reached the bridge, Sandpiper was away from the dock and pointed out to sea. I sat down in the center Bridge chair.
"Stand by for high speed." Jake said into the intercom.
He waited perhaps 15 seconds. I knew he was making sure everyone grabbed something to hold onto. Then he pushed the throttle to the maximum stop. Sandpiper seemed to hesitate, I again heard the big diesel go from a muted rumble to a screaming roar. Sandpiper settled by the stern and then I was pushed into my chair as Sandpiper seemed to just leap forward. It always amazed me that Sandpiper could be stopped one second and the next speeding across the water. I watched the repeater climb through forty knots and still going up. The roar died somewhat but was still loud.
I watched the repeater climb to 126 knots and stop. I heard the snap from above my head and looked up. Our huge battle flag stood straight out. Now always lit at night from lights below, no one could ever mistake Sandpiper even at night.
"At max Ed." Jake said.
I looked forward over the bow, but could see nothing at all. We appeared to sailing into a black void.
"Thank you Jake. Get all the crew in the lounge and I will tell you what's happened."
"I'll stay up here Ed."
I turned and headed for the lounge. I stopped and poured a stiff scotch. When I turned back to the lounge, I saw a sea of expectant faces.
"None of you know, but Father James has cancer. When we were at Timatu, I offered to fly him to Australia for treatment. He refused, saying he had lived on Timatu for most of his life and if God ordained it he would die on Timatu as well. Father Timothy called me and told me Father James had collapsed. The doctors were flown out immediately. They found that the cancer had spread very quickly and said he might only have a week or more to live. He admonished Father Timothy not to call me, but our extended Family on Timatu insisted I be informed. Now you know why I am in such a hurry."
"Aaron and Sal along with the rest of the crew were flying out tomorrow to Fiji. I was going to surprise you all, but now I will be calling them and telling them to fly to Majuro. Sandpiper can pick them up and bring them to the Island."
All my crew knew how important Timatu was to me and them. All loved Father James as I did. All were crying when I was done speaking. Siam, Rad and Temin came up and wrapped their arms around me. Pretty quick it was one big group hug.
"Okay guys we have a long way to go. I want Sandpiper to shine."
Every one broke up to head for their respective duties. Most would be heading for bed. I headed up to the bridge with a drink for Jake.
Jake wrapped his arms around me as soon as I stepped on the bridge.
"You should have told me Ed. We could have stayed at Timatu."
"James asked me to not say anything. I almost had to use thumb screws to get him to tell me. I would never betray his trust Jake until now."
"Well Ed we can make Timatu, but no further. At Max we use way to much fuel. At economical cruise our range is almost unlimited, but that diesel uses a shit load of fuel at this speed. We could tank, but it will add about four hours to our trip."
"Do what you have to Jake."
"Aye Captain."
"You're the Captain Jake. I'm just a passenger."
Jake never said a word just sat back in the Captains Chair. I put my hand on the rails around the upper bridge. Barely could I feel a vibration. I said a silent prayer. I wasn't all that religious so was sure it would never be answered. I silently said to myself. "Fly my lady, fly like you never have before." I didn't know if Sandpiper had a soul, but she always seemed to work better when I was onboard. Even Jake and Jason had commented on that. I sat back down and sipped my scotch.
I finished my drink, set the glass in the holder and leaned back and closed my eyes.
I wasn't sleeping. My mind was going at a thousand miles an hour.
"What the hell?" I heard Jake say and then.
"Randy, what the hells going on down there?"
"What do you mean Jake? Everything is in the green."
"Look at the repeater."
I opened my eyes and looked at the repeater in front of me. It took a moment for me to focus and then I saw the speed was at nearly 130 knots and climbing. I looked at consol in front of Jake. The auto pilot still read 126 knots, but the repeater above it said 130 knots.
"Jake everything is in the green. Rpm's on the diesel and the water jets haven't moved."
"I don't know what's going on Ed."
"Leave it. I asked Sandpiper to fly like she had never flown before. I guess she really does love me as I love her."
"Well I've know that since you came aboard the first time, but never would really have believed until now."
I closed my eyes and said Thank you Lady to myself.
The speed finally stopped at close 135 knots.
I knew also I would never give up on Sandpiper ever. Sandpiper II might soon be ready, but my home would always be on Sandpiper.
We pulled into a small island that had mostly fishing vessels tied up. Jake tied up at the fuel barge and refilled our diesel and water tanks. We were never even checked by customs. As soon as were full we cast off and were gone.
I was standing by Jake as he set up the auto pilot.
"Timatu as fast as you can Jake."
The words were barely out of my mouth when Sandpiper's diesel went from near idle to full throttle. IF I had not been holding onto the rail I would have been slammed against the bulkhead. Jake hadn't been holding on and bounced off his chair.
"What the hell." I heard Jason say.
Sandpiper was already up on foils and the speed was climbing fast.
"What the fuck is going on. There has to be something wrong." Jake said.
"Maybe Sandpiper really does have a soul." Jason said, but his face said something else.
We got a couple of complaints from below about no warning, but all three of us just watched as the speed climbed to 135 knots and remained there. The course was dead on for Timatu. Neither had an explanation.
Although I knew all ships had a soul of sorts, I figured Sandpiper had something more. I remembered back in Sydney at the end of the refit that the Navy technician had said Sandpiper had the most up to date auto pilot and navigation system available now. He also said to read the manual. I wondered if Jake or Jason had.
With nothing much to do until we got to Timatu, I figured I'd have a look at that manual and see if there was an explanation for Sandpipers weird behavior.
"Well let it run. If we have time in Timatu, we can run a diagnostic and see if anything is wrong." I said.
I headed into the office at the back of the bridge.
The manual I pulled from my safe was pretty thick. It was also filled with a lot of technical jargon that I couldn't understand. I suppose it would have been easy for a navigation officer on board a Navy ship, but for a layman like me, it took a while before I understood what was going on.
Almost all but the older ships in the Navy used a wire system to control their movement. Most of the more modern ships also had variable pitch props. Sandpiper also had a fly by wire system, but used Electric motors and water jets to control her speed and steering.
Jake had already told me that our water jets turned at a constant speed all the time. The impellors in those engines could be moved, like a variable pitch prop. That was why Sandpiper could go from full ahead to full reverse so fast. The actual engines didn't change direction the impellors were reversed.
When the Navy had installed the new system after Sandpiper had been wrecked in that typhoon, they had added several new components. One was an AI to control the new system. It now recorded every course change and the GPS location of every stop Sandpiper made. Second it had added a voice over control. Although very rudimentary, the AI could understand simple commands and words. So when I said Timatu, the AI found Timatu inside its navigation system and automatically set course. Because we had been travelling at max before we stopped, it automatically went back to max when we started again.
Pretty simple and I chuckled.
The reason our speed had increased even at max, was that the AI controlling the autopilot, found the most efficient pitch for the impellors to give maximum speed. I keyed my intercom and asked Jake to come into my office.
"Grab a drink Jake and sit down. You are not going to believe this."
I handed him the manual and then gave him a quick explanation.
"Jesus Christ! Why didn't they say anything? I thought it was the same as the old system."
"Well they did say something to me. They told me to read the manual. I actually thought you and Jason would have read it so never bothered."
"Guess I'll never second guess the Navy again." He laughed.
"It's too bad. I hoped Sandpiper really did have a soul."
"She does Jake. She does."
"Yeah I know. That's why we both love her so much."
We clinked glasses and had a silent drink to our girl.
"Well I better get back and watch over our lady, although I think that might be the other way around." He left my office.
Yes I'm sure Sandpiper looked after all who sailed her.
My stomach grumbled, so I knew it was time for food and then some sleep.
I saw that the crew had taken me at my word. Sandpiper shone. Everything was spotless and the bright work was almost blinding it was so shinny. After a couple of Sandwiches I headed for my Stateroom.
WE still had 14 hours to Timatu so figured I'd get at least a little sleep. When I walked in my Stateroom all four boys were sleeping. I grabbed a quick shower and then lay between them. Almost instantly I had Temin spooning against me on one side and Jer on the other. The other two just cuddled up to them. Sleep came real easy with the four boys I loved so much so close.
When I woke up there was no one in bed with me, but I did hear two in the shower. I walked in and heard them talking. I couldn't understand what they were talking about because of the shower.
"Good morning boys." I said and they immediately stopped talking.
"Good morning Ed." They both finally said.
I finished pissing and went out to dress. Slipped on underwear, shorts, a t-shirt and deck shoes. Both came out with towels around their middle. That was unusual. Both stopped when they saw me.
"What's up guys?"
Jer went to speak and then put his head down. I saw a hint of tears in his eyes.
"Come here Jer."
When he got close I pulled him onto my lap.
"What's wrong Son? You know you can tell me anything."
"Well, Rad an me, we, we. Oh we just don't want you to be mad at us."
"Why would I be mad at you? I love you both very much." Then I thought about something Siam had said to me.
Then I knew what was going on.
"Rad, come over here Love."
Rad walked up beside me.
"Take Jer's hands in yours and repeat after me."
He did as I said.
"Now say. Jer I love you. Will you be my boyfriend and partner."
When I said that, Jer was instantly in Rad's arms and they were in a lip lock.
"Guess that answered that question. Very quickly I had two boys hugging me. After we all settle down.
"How did you know Ed. We never said anything before."
"Guess I must be a mind reader." I laughed.
"Yeah, a good one too." Jer giggled.
"Now what are you boys supposed to be doing?"
"Well I got kitchen duty at 1100. Rad's on deck duty at noon."
"Actually Rad. Didn't Jake tell you. You have the Conn from noon to four."
"Really."
"Well he told me you did so well in the typhoon that he figured you might as well have a place on the Bridge roster."
That gives you boys 2 hours to consummate your union. Enjoy." I kissed both and left them alone.
I went up and grabbed a coffee and headed for the bridge. The repeater still read 135 knots. The sea was so smooth you almost thought you were standing still it was so quiet. That was belied by the snap of our ensign at the main halyard.
"I told Rad he had the noon to four watch up here."
"Good idea, gives me more time down." Jake laughed.
":Also Jer and Rad are now partners."
"Oh wow. I didn't see that coming." Jake smiled.
"Well someone did and hinted to me." I looked at Siam at the radar.
He had a big grin on his face. It got even wider when I said.
"Fine with me, maybe I'll get more sleep now."
"Yeah right Ed." Jake laughed.
I sat down in my bridge chair. All was right with my world. Sandpiper was running like a well tuned clock. My crew were all happy. I just wish I was visiting Timatu for some other reason.
"How long to Timatu Jake?"
"We'll be there about 1400."
"You'll be okay for the run to Majuro?"
"Sure, lots of fuel. I can refuel in Majuro before we come back."
"Sounds good." I relaxed.
TBC
Delays to the story can be attributed to the weather. Where I live it can be winter for more than six months of the year, so when it does warm up, I don't spend much time inside.
Thank you.