I have received many emails from readers asking me if I was OK since it has been awhile since my last posting. Well, I am fine and pleased to say that life is getting busy again. I needed to take a break from Sojourn for awhile and I am now tanned, relaxed, and the creative juices have begun to trickle again. Sorry for the distress I caused some of you. Below is chapter 42. It is short but moves quickly and delivers on a promise I made to you. Chapter 43 will be along soon - stay tuned!
Chapter 42
R-1 broke through the low clouds over Exeter at 8:05am bound for Genoa. The flight would take them 50 miles west of Paris, a few hundred miles west of Dijon, directly overhead Geneva and then descending west of Milan into Genoa. The total flight would be a little under 2 hours. The clouds thinned and disappeared and the gang was afforded a view of Paris and the Alps. The landing into Genoa was a bit rough due to the strong winds churned by the Mediterranean.
Immigration officers were awaiting R-1. Ethan greeted them and surprised everyone by conversing with the officers in fluent Italian. It was moments like this that Rick realized what an amazing man Ethan was.
"Honey, I didn't know you spoke Italian. I have to admit, you sounded so sexy," Rick said to Ethan.
"If you think that was something, I will wow you with my French sometime. I also speak Spanish and German too if it really makes you hot", Ethan winked and smiled at a blushing Rick.
A driver was waiting for them and the journey to the port was fairly quick. As they neared the port, Ethan's spirits soared as he saw the many cruise ships and ferries in the port. It was a ship lover's dream. He quickly spotted the three girls he was there to see and from a distance, they were beauties. The driver stopped the van at the pier where the Aegean Spirit was docked. As they neared the gangway they were greeted by a handsome man in his late 30s.
"Hello, I am Phanos, welcome to Genoa and to the Aegean Spirit."
Ethan spoke to Phanos, in Greek. They both laughed and Phanos explained that while Ethan's Greek was OK they both agreed English would be better. Ethan gave the introductions and Phanos warmly shook Rick's hand, hugged Sean, and had kisses for Sarah.
"Come, come. Let me show off this beautiful ship and have you as my guest for lunch. Welcome onboard," Phanos said obviously very proud and relishing his duties as host.
The Aegean Spirit was indeed impressive - similar in size to the Compass fleet with the range of amenities normally found on modern ships. While her propulsion system was not the advanced Azipod system found on the newer Compass ships, it was very advanced and the automation onboard was state-of-the-art. The décor was strikingly different from the Compass ships. Clearly these ships had been decorated to suit the tastes of Europeans. Clean surfaces, bold color treatments, furniture that bowed to style rather than comfort, the ship was beautiful but would need to be refurbished to meet North American tastes. If Ethan had his way, he would leave the ships as they were. He liked the look and the décor that Quest was to have was a step towards the look and feel he now saw on Aegean Spirit. But while he owned the ships, he realized that he was running a business and needed to make his ships comfortable and attractive for the Compass guests.
Before the tour continued, the team stopped for lunch in the Captain's dining room. The food was excellent and the conversation was friendly and relaxed. Following lunch, they continued the tour visiting each of the different cabin types, the bridge, public rooms, pool deck, spa, gymnasium, galley, and finally the crew area and engine room.
Phanos explained that the Adriatic Spirit and Ionian Spirit were identical with only minor differences in décor. The team opted to have a quick look at Adriatic Spirit since she was moored next to Aegean Spirit and found the ship to be a virtual twin.
Standing on the bridge of the Adriatic Spirit, Phanos spoke about his visit to the cargo ship in Piraeus and that he was pleased with what he found. He had instructed his team to make plans to immediately inspect the other vessels as they reached their next port.
"I hope that you have all been impressed with what you have seen today. I believe that we have an opportunity to have a business deal that is good for everyone. I am most anxious to move forward. I hope you share my enthusiasm. Also, I feel that we have begun a friendship today that I hope will last for many years. I thank you for being my guests today." Phanos said to the entire team.
"Phanos, we thank you for your time and gracious hospitality today. It has been a pleasure meeting you and also visiting these beautiful ships. Sean will be contacting you next week to discuss how we can quickly move forward. I would welcome the opportunity to have you come and visit us in the United States and allow me to return your hospitality," Ethan said on behalf of the Compass team.
With that, hugs and kisses were exchanged and the group made their way to the gangway. Phanos asked Ethan if he could have a private moment.
"Ethan, I sense we have a connection and a shared love for ships. I do hope that we can work an arrangement. But I also hope we can find ways that our two companies can work together in the future. I hope you will forgive my boldness, but I was aware of Sean and Sarah and their roles at Compass. I am not familiar with Rick but I sense that he has a strong say in this matter. May I ask what his role is," Phanos asked.
"Rick is my partner. He shares in all the major decisions in my life, both business and personal," Ethan answered not sure how far to push things.
"I think I understand. I sensed that we had more in common than just a love of ships. I hope your invitation to visit you in the United States is extended for my partner, Alex. He very much loves the United States and I am sure he would enjoy meeting you and Rick."
A smile crossed both faces and a lifelong friendship was being born.
Ethan and the gang boarded R-1 at 6pm feeling energized and confident that the Compass fleet would be growing soon. Three new girls joining the family and a new friendship formed.
R-1 touched down at Exeter at 8pm local time. The drive back to the farmhouse was quick. Since it was dark, Ethan made sure to give everyone a ride for their money. White knuckles and swear words were the order of the night. Ethan enjoyed every minute. Rick and Sean vowed revenge. Sarah simply rolled her eyes refusing to give Ethan any encouragement.
When they arrived at the farmhouse, Sean, Ethan, Rick, and Kevin went into the barn to change clothes. Sarah and Sheila went to the main house. Everyone agreed to meet in the main house to tell Dan, Jane, and Adam about their day. Kevin stayed behind to have a shower as Ethan, Sean, and Rick made the short walk to the main house.
The fire was burning in the hearth and everyone was seated in the main room. Ethan looked around and was surprised that nobody got up to greet them. Adam didn't even run up for his usual hugs. The dogs were gone. It was then he saw Sheila with tears in her eyes. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong.
"What is the matter, what is wrong," Ethan asked.
"Well, well, well. The faggot gold digger has finally arrived. And look, his free loader boyfriend is with him."
"Who the hell are you and what are you doing here," Ethan asked, panic easing into his voice.
"Get over here, all of you. Don't be stupid or think you get can get away," he said opening his coat to reveal plastic explosives tied to his body.
"Who are you, what do you want," Ethan asked again as he, Rick, and Sean made their way close to the rest of the group.
"Oh, terribly sorry. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Simon. Simon Morris. I believe you knew my Dad, Albert. You seduced my father, corrupted him with your sick and perverted deviance, and made him give you what was rightfully mine. Well, your day has come. Now, I am going to take away from you what you value most."