Sandpiper

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 58

Aaron and Sandpiper 2's crew were on the way to Majuro by private Jet. I had authorized it after they couldn't get a commercial flight until tomorrow. He said he would be at the dock waiting for Sandpiper. I guess I dozed again, but came awake instantly when Jake said.

"Slow to ten Rad and retract the foils."

Before Rad could move Sandpiper slowed abruptly.

Jake reached over and flipped off the Autopilot.

"Now you have control Rad. Take us through the reef. Put on left of the wharf."

"Aye aye Sir."

"I'm just Jake Rad." Rad turned red and I laughed.

I just looked over the coaming. Obviously someone had been watching. I saw several boys running for the Dock. I also a sleek Motor Launch and the twin Otter tied up to the dock.

"Jake, before you take off see if the pilots for the Otter will fly to Majuro and pick up the rest of the crew." "Okay Ed."

I was off the bridge and down on the side even before Sandpiper tied off. I was heading down the wharf before anyone could even move. I saw absolutely no one. There was smoke from several huts, but the beach was deserted.

I quickly headed for the small hospital. Father Timothy was waiting at the entrance. I hugged him as soon as I was close.

"Thank you Ed for coming. You must prepare yourself Ed. He is much changed in just a couple of weeks. He has refused all life support and only has a morphine drip for the pain. The Doctors have done all they can to make him comfortable."

AS I walked down the hall to his room, I saw another priest in a black cassock pacing up the and down the hallway. I just ignored him as I headed for Father James Room.

The man I saw on the bed was not the Father James I had known. He was withered and aged considerably. He had also lost a lot of weight. His face was pretty much the same and brief smile crossed it as I walked in.

"I told Father Timothy not to inform you Ed, but I am glad you came."

"James I would have stayed if I had known."

"Ed you have your own life to live. Mine is unimportant. All I wish is that this home of mine remains as it is."

"To the people here you are very important and to me as well. You are Timatu. You are the real father to these people and you will be missed."

"Ed, my Bible please on the table there."

I handed him the bible and he pulled an envelope out.

"This is my Will and Testimony. It has been signed and notarized. I want you to ensure that I am buried here on this Island. This is my home. That pompous ass the Bishop would remove me to Majuro. He believes he and only he has the right to decide where I should rest. You must promise that I will be buried according to these islands rites."

"I promise James. Now you must rest. Salomon is on his way."

"Another Son coming home. Several have returned. You make such a fuss for an old man."

"James I could not have stopped him even if I wanted too. His Partner Aaron will be with him."

"I am very glad that young man finally found his real love other than you Ed. Another nail in my coffin by Mother Church." James chuckled and his face twisted in pain.

"Easy old friend. Rest easy my friend."

"Yes, but send the others in. The Doctors have been keeping them away."

"Okay James." I bent and kissed him on the forehead.

I went out of his room and told the Doctor's James wanted to see all who wanted to visit.

"He is very weak. He may not last to see them all."

"He'll last longer than you think. One of the Island's Sons is coming. He'll wait for him."

"Very well." I walked out onto the landing in front of the hospital. The word must already be spreading. Boys, girls and young men were coming from all over.

"Father Timothy, can you tell each to say just a few words."

"Yes Ed. I will watch."

I saw the other priest come out but just ignored him. I saw a young boy I recognized. He had grown somewhat but was still just a boy. I bent down and scooped him up when he got close.

"Hello Jimmy. How are you doing?"

"You remember me Father."

"Of course Jimmy. You are really growing up."

"Father you won't let them take Father James away will you?"

"Of course not Jimmy. This is his home and he wants to stay here with all of you."

"Well the Bishop said, he was taking Father James away to be buried."

"Not going to happen Son. It is Father James wish that he be buried here in the traditional way."

"Thank you Father."

"Now you better get in line. I'm sure Father James has a few words for you." I kissed him on the cheek and set him down.

He quickly got into the line up. One of the boys let him in.

"Why do you promise something that will not happen? Fathers James will be moved to Majuro for his funeral and burial." The priest said.

"Over my dead body." I said.

"I beg your pardon." He said.

"Father James Last Will and Testament says he wants to be buried here on his Island home and by the traditions of the Islanders. Even you can't stop that."

"That has no meaning to the Catholic Church. Father James is an ordained Priest of Rome and the Church. We can and will override his last request."

"Just who the hell do you think you are?"

"I am Bishop Simcoe, Bishop of the Marshall Islands."

"Oh so you are the asshole that tried to steal the endowment I set up for Timatu."

"That matters not anymore. With Father James death, the catholic Church will take over administration of Timatu."

I laughed out loud.

He looked at me like I was crazy.

"Bishop, maybe you should check and see if you have control of Timatu before you make any declarations. Timatu is no longer part of the Marshall Islands."

Now he was the one with a weird look on his face and I laughed again.

He shook his head. "That's not possible."

"Remember that Clinic you wanted built in Majuro? The one where you sold the land to the Government for 15 million dollars and then demanded the government build your clinic. Well the Government owns that land and I am building a Hospital on it. Not the clinic you wanted but a full service hospital. By the time it is finished it will be the most advanced Hospital in the South Pacific. You Wanted to name it after some old bishop, but it will be called the Father James Memorial Hospital."

"What did I charge the Marshall Islands for this endowment? I asked that the Timatu Islands be declared a marine preserve administered by the World Wildlife Foundation. They signed that agreement."

"So you and your church are out of luck again."

Alfred the village Elder ran up to me.

"What is happening Father?"

"Father James last will wants him to be buried here on the Island. He wants a traditional Island funeral."

"I wish we knew sooner Father, There is much to prepare."

"Well do the best you can Son."

"Oh yes Father."

"Bishop, either accept Father James wishes or get off my Island."

I turned and walked away. Fuck him and his holy roman church.

I headed for my real home Sandpiper.

What Father James had started by his will and testament was something even I had a hard time comprehending. Over the almost 30 years that Father James had been on the Island he touched the heart and soul of hundreds, perhaps thousands of people. Now all wanted to come to his funeral. That would put accommodation at a premium. Timatu did not have guest quarters. Sandpiper could not even handle any with entire crew of Sandpiper one and two both on the Island.

When I first thought about the problem, I figured we would need only to get the guests to the Island for the day of the funeral until I found out that this was not just a run of them mill funeral. James was being treated almost as Deity, a God to these Islanders.

The actual funeral was only a single day, but the ceremony lasted for three days. That meant all guests would be here for all three day and probably longer depending on Fathers James stamina. After all nothing could even be completely prepared until after Father James died.

Alfred, the Village Elder would want everything perfect and in normal times something like this funeral would have been prepared well in advance. Now with an unpredictable date, added uncounted problems.

I had no understanding of what was involved so could be of very limited help. I headed for Sandpiper.

With all my sons on the island but one, it was going to be very crowded on Sandpiper. I had called Singh and Rami and told them of the possible funeral. They had said they would try to get away.

I was working in my office when I got an email from both saying they would like to come and John had said it was okay, but getting off the Island and then onto a flight was going to be real tough. They weren't sure when they would arrive in Majuro.

I wondered if I could pull some strings with my Navy friends. I emailed Singh I would call him in an hour and let him know if I could speed things up from my end.

Then I called Admiral Caruthers in Guam.

"Admiral Caruthers." He answered.

"It's Ed Somers Admiral."

"How are you doing Commodore?"

I didn't correct him.

"Admiral, you may or may not know that the Priest on Timatu is dying. All but two of my Family is here now. Those two are on an island in the Caribbean. They can't get here until it will probably be too late. I know it's asking a lot, but I wondered if the Navy could help."

"You all ready know the answer to that Ed. I'll get onto the CNO immediately. I can't give you an exact time, but figure on three hours. Tell your Son we will pick him up and get him to Timatu as quick as possible."

"Thank you Admiral."

"Ed, we already know of the pending death of Father James. We were supposed to transport his body to Majuro for burial, but from what I now understand that is off. However the Navy will be transporting several others to the Island."

"You know there is no accommodations here."

"We know. All would be staying on board."

"Thank you Admiral."

"No Ed thank you. WE will always be in your debt." He hung up.

I called Singh and told him to be ready. I said the pickup would probably be by Navy Helicopter.

Another problem solved.

I walked onto the bridge and looked at the beach. I could see they were building a sort of pyramid. It was twenty feet long on one side by about ten feet the other. Each log they used was carved and painted in a very elaborate way. I could see why Alfred had wished he had known sooner. It looked like they had a long way to go to finish.

I saw Jake sitting with his feet over the edge of the dock. Several boys were around him. He appeared to whittling on a piece of wood. I wandered down to see what he was doing.

"What are you up to Jake?"

"I'm making prayer stick for these young ones. Their hands are too small to whittle. The pyramid that Alfred is building will have Father James entire history here on the island carved into those logs he's using. Each Islander can ad a prayer to the pyramid. That's what these are."

It wasn't long before I had several boys around me. I could see why these youngsters couldn't whittle their own the wood they were using was a very dense and hard. Each boy wanted something different carved. It didn't take long until several of my crew were working too. After the wood was carved each boy would paint it in his own way. It made everyone different.

I worked until I could no longer. I told those I had missed I would do more the next day. They were happy. After checking on Father James, I just aimlessly wandered along the shore.

I saw several of the older boys building temporary shelters along the beach. Each was no more than a simple lean to. With a small fire pit.

"Who are these for boys?"

"Many guests will come by canoe and boat. These they will stay in while they are here Father."

So the Islander were solving the accommodation problem themselves. Obviously this ceremony went way back. I remembered the funeral for Pakurr and all the canoes that had come to his funeral. So there was something from that funeral imbedded in this one.

"I knew Father James body would be consumed by fire. For the Islanders it was a cleansing of his soul so he could be accepted by the gods. Like the Funeral of Pakurr, this was him passing from this life into another.

Day in day out the preparations would go on.

When you looked at the beach, it really was a beehive of activity.

Less than thirty hours after I talked to Admiral Caruthers, a navy gray helicopter landed on the beach. Singh and Rami along with two people I wasn't expecting got off. All four made their way to Sandpiper.

I walked down and stood on the dock waiting.

As soon as Singh saw me waiting, he let out a whoop of joy, dropped his bags and was sprinting down the dock. He almost leapt into my arms.

"Oh Father. I have missed you so much." He was crying. "I have missed you too Son. I will always miss you when you are away."

Singh had changed. He wasn't the skinny boy I had rescued in Mumbai, what was it, two years ago. He was now a very well put together young man. When he stood back with glistening eyes, I saw the same smooth, dark face. Piercing deep brown eyes. But the rest of him had filled out. I could tell just having my arms around him.

"I have missed all of you Father."

"I promise Son, we will find time for you and Rami."

When I turned Geo was waiting.

"Father, I wasn't expecting you."

"To you I am just Geo Ed. WE twisted the arm of your Navy to bring us here. Many are coming. Father James is known all over the South Pacific. We all come to help him pass into his new life."

"Well I guess we can find room for you on Sandpiper while you are here Geo."

"That won't be necessary Ed. The Dora is coming. She is under contract to survey these Islands for the World Wildlife Island Protection Fund."

The Dora? Where had I heard that name before?"

I turned and wrapped my arms around the small women standing next to Geo.

"It is so good to see you again Mother."

"Get on with you Ed. Where Geo goes I go too. How is my number two Son doing? I hope you are keeping him in line." I didn't need to answer because I saw Temin running up the Dock.

"You can ask him yourself." I said just before Temin had his arms around his mother.

After a brief hug they were talking in rapid fire Polynesian. Something I could not follow. Geo took my hand and pulled me away.

"Temin will bring her up to date. Now I must pay my respects to Father James."

WE walked down to the small hospital. Geo stopped and talked briefly with the Bishop, before following me into the Hospital.

"I'll leave you two to talk Father."

I wandered back outside and watched the continuing preparations.

At 4:30 AM the following morning Father James, Bartholomew, Allan, Jackson, Priest of Timatu passed away quietly.

I was awakened by the deep hollow boom of a single drum. I knew instantly what had happened.

"What's happened Father?" Gary asked as he sat up.

"Father James has passed Son. Go wake everyone. Tell them I want to talk in the lounge."

Most of the boys knew immediately what had happened. That hollow boom was the death knell for Father James.

Andy and his crew had been up early so there was plenty of coffee for everyone. When I walked into the lounge, it was the first time in a long time that my entire Family was together. I wish it was for a better reason. Most had tears in their eyes and some were crying. I looked at the sea of expectant faces.

"First, I am very happy you are all here. I do wish it was for something better than this. Now it is very important that we help prepare for Father James departure from this world. Sandpiper is secondary to this. I am planning on asking the Bishop to hold a mass for Father James.

This brought a lot strange looks from some of the boys.

"Even though the Islanders here believe in the old Gods, they also believe in what Father James taught them. He was an ordained Priest and deserves to have a Mass said for him. Jake could you and several boys build a cross and alter. I'll talk to Alfred and make sure he understands. I'm very sure the Bishop will agree."

"We will hold it at sundown tonight. I know Father James body will already be in the hands of the women to prepare him for his journey, but none the less the Mass must be held."

"I want everyone to help where they can so that everything will be ready on time. You must be on your best behavior boys. You will also need to comfort some of the younger boys who although know that Father James was dying, will not be able to handle the actual event."

After dismissing everyone, I grabbed another cup of coffee and headed up to the open bridge. Our ensign was already at half staff along with the ensign of the Marshall Islands. I surveyed the whole area in the slowly rising sun.

The first thing I noticed was a large yacht, I instantly recognized as the Dora. The last time I saw her was in Panama. She was under contract to do some underwater research for volcanoes. I saw flags at her truck at half staff as well. There was also a Navy Grey Cruiser anchored just inside the reef. Even though the lagoon at Timatu was really big, these two ships seemed to fill the lagoon. The beach was quiet with not a soul in sight. I knew that would change quickly once the sun was up.

So much to do and so little time and I was standing on the edge of it, not really knowing how I could help.

I spotted the Elder Alfred down near the pyramid. I headed down off the bridge and off Sandpiper. I walked to where he stood. I immediately hugged Alfred and let him cry.

"It is good he is no longer in pain Ed and I am very glad you are here."

"Alfred I want the Bishop to hold a high Mass for James. Do you think the villagers would come?"

"Oh yes Ed. They believe in both. It is good that his God accepts him as ours will."

"I think Sundown tonight would be best."

"AS village Elder, would you ask the Bishop. It might take some of the sting out of not moving James back to Majuro."

"Of course Ed."

"Now how can myself and my crew help?"

"Ed, most of what needs to be done we must do. Could you and your crew help with the young ones. Most won't understand that Father James has gone."

"We can do that Alfred."

As I headed back to Sandpiper, I thought about those young boys and girls. It might be an idea to get them away from all the activity on the beach. Maybe we could take all those that could only watch up the beach away and have a sort of picnic. Maybe as far as the edge of the lagoon. Out of sight out of mind so to speak.

I got my five boys plus Singh and Rami together and explained what I wanted to do.

Singh, you and Rami swing out one of the Zodiacs and haul some fresh fruit and drinks up to that rock outcropping about a mile south of us. The rest of you boys go tell the young ones I want to take them on a picnic up the beach. I'm sure when they know it's me that wants them they will come. The rest of you can help me supervise al these boys and girls."

"Cool. You will have to beat them off with a stick." Gary laughed.

"No funny stuff guys. These kids are all too young."

"We know that Dad."

I knew a mile was along way to walk, but we would take breaks along the way. I knew everyone liked to swim and with the warm waters of the lagoon they'd be tough to keep out of the water.

As an after thought I told Singh to load some snorkeling equipment and my underwater camera.

Around ten o'clock I headed down to the beach. About 40 young boys and girls waited. What was I getting myself into I thought. Alfred, when he found out what I was doing sent four older boys to help. David was one of those boys, so I would be able to spend some time with him. The others I wasn't sure was a good idea, all were damn good looking boys. All were wearing shorts, without tops and most of the boys and girls just had on shorts.

Except for the four older boys, all the rest were between six and twelve years old. It was quite a procession as we headed slowly up the beach.

If there were any thoughts in the their young minds about what was happening it seemed to buried in thoughts of spending time with their adopted Father. All were laughing and happy.

It took us almost two hours to reach the outcropping of Rock. Singh and Rami already had blankets spread out with coolers filled with fruits and drinks. There was both water and juice for the boys. Most ignored the water and fruits and after stripping were up on the rocks jumping into the ocean. I was surprised that even some of the youngest had no problem with jumping from sometimes twenty feet up into the ocean. I just sat down to watch.

It wasn't long before I was cajoled into joining the boys and girls jumping from the rock s into the ocean. It really was refreshing to just take the time to play with all these youngsters.

After a while I pulled out the snorkeling equipment. Most didn't use it and I got some real nice pictures as boys and some girls dived deep into the warm water. There were some pretty impressive looking topical fish as well.

I had a long talk with David and he said he had most of my boys, but hoped we would have time. He also said the Doctor's told him if he was careful and followed their fairly strict regimen he could live a long life even with HIV. Not a single death had been recorded on Timatu from the disease.

After everyone had enjoyed almost four hours of fun we slowly made our way back to the village. I saw that Jake and some of the boys had erected a large cross and alter outside the small chapel.

As I headed for Sandpiper I was intercepted by Gio, the bishop and Alfred. They wanted me to say a few words at the end of the service.

I headed back to Sandpiper to think about that. I sat with a large scotch.

As usual when ever I sat down Siam and Gary came up and sat beside me. Both just sort of cuddled close. I gave both a peck on the cheek. It looked like both had been crying as well and I knew each would mourn in their own way. I knew some of my boys were Buddhist so would pray in their way.

Father Timothy came on board. He had a small note book with him.

"Ed, this is what James was before he came to Timatu. I thought you might want to know more about his past."

Thank you Father."

To be honest, even though I had set it up for Father James to have a mass said for him, I had not planned on attending. I honestly did not believe in God. I did believe in something but would never consider myself very religious. Now I had to say a few words about James and his life. The Scotch was helping me settle my nerves, I never was a good public speaker.

As the time for the mass approached I headed down to my Stateroom to change. Grey slacks and a white shirt and tie. Something I wore very seldom anymore and they were very uncomfortable. My Blue Sandpiper blazer finished my attire. I was sweating before I even got up to the lounge.

All of my crew were in Sandpiper shorts and t-shirts except Jake. He was dressed in his kilt with a white shirt. He looked very good and I knew would a lot cooler than me. He also had his pipes slung under his arm.

When I walked onto the aft deck of Sandpiper, the dock was a sea of white uniforms. Some I recognized and some not. I saw Admiral Caruthers. I found out later that he had flown to Majuro and then by Helicopter to the Cruiser. As if on cue all made there way to the simple cross and alter that Jake and the boys had built. I saw that the villagers were just sitting on mats in a semi circle around the alter. Several chairs were set out for the dignitaries. Time to go. I led my crew off Sandpiper and down to the Mass.

Once everyone was there the Bishop came out in his finest frock. He even had several Villager alter boys dressed neatly. The Mass was in Latin and I was surprised that most of the villagers could respond when required in Latin as well. Father James had been no slouch in his teachings to the villagers.

At the end of the mass, instead of a sermon from the Bishop, he stood in front of the small pulpit.

"Now your Adopted Father will say a few things about our departed Brother."

My cue. I slowly made my way to the pulpit.

"You all call me Father, but in reality Father James was your real Father and the Father of us all. Even from a very young age Father James believed in only one thing. Love. Love of all things."

"Father James was the youngest of a large family in Scotland. He was luckier than most when he was growing up. His Father was an Engineer, working for a ship building company on the Clyde. He saw others like him but far poorer growing up. He was well educated in the small Parish Church his Family attended each and every Sunday."

It was here he learned his calling to God. But more he learned that not all children can grow the same. Some very poor could never get an education, have good food to eat or the freedom to do as they wished. Most only learned enough to be able to work as laborers in the mines and shipyards."

"When he had learned all he could in that Parish Church he travelled to England and went to Oxford. Loving Children as he did he took a degree in Education. But the Church was always on his mind and on graduation from Oxford went to a seminary to become a Priest."

"Now a priest in the Catholic Church, he went to do what he wanted most. To teach young boys and girls that they could be better than they are. He spent time in a still war ravaged Europe and then Africa, always teaching just love. After thirty years he still had a simple message. Love can cure all, just giving a little love can make each of us a better person."

Later in life he spent time on many Islands in the South Pacific. When Hurricane Nancy hit the Marshall Islands twelve years ago he pushed his Church to establish this Orphanage on Timatu. Backed by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church it has flourished. Now Timatu takes any child, young or old and teaches them and gives them just love.

"It was barely two years ago I met Father James and found out about this Island you call Home. My Captain and at the time my First Mate, found an abused and forgotten boy in Port Moresby. Without me knowing they spirited him away on Sandpiper. Then brought him here to Timatu. Now that boy has found what he never had Love.

"You all know what has transpired here. I know Father James is now watched over by his god and I know he is still watching over you. Soon he will join with all the gods that watch over Timatu. I know he is always looking out for me and for my Sandpiper."

"I will love Father James for what he did and what he wanted forever. I'm sure you too will never forget him either. Sleep in peace my Father. Because you truly are my Father as you are Father to all these here." I slowly walked back to my seat.

It was then that Jake played his pipes. It wafted over the silence of the Island, pulling at your soul. It wasn't the tune I thought he would play. It was the Scottish Soldier. He was playing his soldier home.

When it ended the silence wasn't broken as each of the villagers and other slowly left. I made my way back to Sandpiper. I was having trouble holding back tears.

Surprisingly I was alone in the lounge. I poured stiff scotch and went and stood on the after deck. When I looked at the beach all you could see was a circle of torches surrounding the pyramid.

I wasn't alone for long. Jake, Gio, Admiral Caruthers and Alfred joined me.

"That was very well done Father." Alfred said.

No other words were spoken. I finally turned and lifted my glass.

"To Father James. He is in a much happier place now."

"To Father James." They all said and drank.

I walked back into the lounge, refilled my glass and offered the bottle around, then sat down.

"So what happens tomorrow Ed?" Admiral Caruthers asked.

"I have no idea Admiral. You are as much in the dark as I am. Alfred, can you tell us?"

"Well tomorrow during the day, each of the villagers will put his prayer stick on the Pyramid. Each can talk to the gods and ask for their help. Tomorrow night James will return to us as he came to us, from the Sea.

"After he is in place on the Pyramid, the bad spirits must be forced away. Several of the older boys will be whipped and beaten. You need not worry that they will be hurt. Although it will look painful, they are just light slaps. The boys will scream and cry, but no hard will come to them. When the Priest decides the Demons are gone the Pyramid will be lit. Father James will begin his journey to our gods."

In the old days the boys would have been cast into the volcano. WE can't do that anymore."

"It will take almost twelve hours for the pyramid to burn to ashes. When it has died down new clean wood will build it back up for the celebration of his passing into the realm of the gods."

"There will be food and drink, dancing and other things that will carry on until the Sun again rises. The last day is to come home."

"You Ed were one of Fathers James closest Friends. Will you accompany him home?"

"Of Course Son. I would take it as an honor."

"Good, they will come for you tomorrow evening."

"Now I must leave. There is still much to prepare." Alfred said.

After Alfred left I sat and thought about everything. He had said other things and I was not sure if the Admiral knew what he meant. I was pretty sure that other things, referred to sex on the beach, probably between both men and women and just boys on boys.

"Admiral, you are going to have to be prepared for what will happen tomorrow night. The Bishop, I'm sure will not want to even see what's bound to happen."

Well you won't need to worry what he thinks, he's asked for transportation back to Majuro. We'll fly him out first thing in the morning."

"Well I hope you are very open minded Sir."

"Ed, I've spent almost all my time in this area. I think I have seen everything except the funeral of what these Islanders are calling a God. I will accept all I see."

"Admiral, you might also tell your crews that cameras are forbidden during ceremonies."

"Good idea."

"Anyone see any reporters on the Island?"

"None except your own Ed."

"Well Jerry, I'm not worried about."

"Well Gentlemen, it's going to be a very long day tomorrow. I need some sleep to get ready."

They all shook my hand and I retired to my Stateroom.

If I thought I might be sleeping alone that went right out of my head when I walked in. Sis boys were already asleep in my bed with Singh and Rami in the middle. I stripped and lay in the middle of those very enticing bodies. Singh and Rami sort moved in closer. Both lifted their heads and I gave each a kiss. Then they just snuggled close. Temin moved to Singh close and Temin to Rami with Gary and Ram moving up close to them. Sleep came easy.

TBC

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