The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do not read further, but exit now. The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and may not be linked to any pay sites.
Author's note - Hi Guys. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter. I will be travelling for the next week so it will be a short break before the next chapters. Until then, enjoy and keep the emails coming. Dan
Chapter 27
Ethan was lost in his thoughts for about an hour. He watched the Isle of Wight ferryboats come and go and was transfixed by the amount of activity on The Solent. He went back into the suite to see his two guys cuddled together sleeping peacefully. He slipped out of the cabin to go and meet with Captain Cardone to review the plans for the one night cruise and the crossing to Florida. He talked with the Captain about one of his surprises and was ensured everything had been co-ordinated but he wouldn't guarantee it would work out.
He returned to the cabin to wake Rick and Adam and the guys got ready for the christening and naming ceremony. An hour later they were headed down the gangway. Alice and Mark were already pier side by the dais that had been erected at the bow. Sarah was there as well, cursing into her mobile. Adam was full of energy and Rick had his hands full trying to keep Adam from running amok.
Slowly the stands filled and the energy level was increasing. Ethan spoke with his mother and told her that he would not be on the stand with her. He explained that he didn't actively participate in public events since he wanted to remain as anonymous as possible. She wanted him with her but relented.
At exactly 3pm, the bagpipe band began playing and marched towards Tranquility. The Leader of the Southampton City Council joined Alice, Mark, and Captain Cardone on the dais for Southampton. The Home Secretary for the UK was also there, making the trip down from London. Everyone stood while the band played God Save the Queen and then Captain Cardone took center stage. He welcomed the invited dignitaries and guests to the ceremony. He had some prepared words which talked about the technology behind Tranquility and the honor it was for him to be master of the new ship. He then introduced the Godmother for Tranquility - Alice Dial, mother of the owner of Compass Cruise Lines.
Ethan's eyes filled with tears as his mother stepped forward. She was a private person with no public speaking experience. Ethan had prepared some words for her. But, she didn't use them. She spoke of the tremendous honor it was for her to be Godmother of this beautiful ship. Her voice quivered as she spoke of the immense pride she had for her son. Then, before cutting the ribbon which would release the bottle of champagne which would break on Tranquility's bow, she asked for her grandson, Adam, to join her on the platform.
Rick looked at Ethan. Both had tears streaming down their faces. Rick wanted to kiss Ethan right on the spot but knew he couldn't. Instead he put his hand on Ethan's knee and gave it a squeeze. Rick then stood up, took Adam's hand, and led him to the dais. Alice took Adam's hand and led him to the ribbon. Together, they held the giant scissors and cut the ribbon. The bottle broke and the banner hiding Tranquility's name slipped from the bow. Tranquility's deep bass whistles blew. The bagpipe band played and everyone was cheering. Ethan looked as his mother held Adam in her arms with Mark at her side. She was an amazing woman and she had managed to surprise Ethan. Rick knew where Ethan got his big heart and his tendency for sweet surprises. Rick was simply overcome with the love from Ethan and his family. He felt blessed.
The crowd began to disperse and board Tranquility as the rest of the invited guests for the one night VIP cruise began arriving. Tranquility would depart at 530pm, sail down The Solent, past the Isle of Wight. She would circle Guernsey during the night and sail back into Southampton the next morning to arrive at 7am. The one night cruise would be a celebration. All the bars would be open and free bar for everyone. Dinner was to be a celebration of its own. The evening show included Harry Hill, a well-known comic in the UK and The Coors, an Irish trio that was currently in the charts.
Ethan saw Sarah and she looked angry. As he went up to her, his tri-band cell phone rang and he took the call.
"OK, well, we are due to sail at 530pm but we can wait a little while, we really aren't going anywhere in particular tonight, I will have a car at the train station that can get you down here quickly," Rick said into the phone.
As he went up to Sarah he asked her to tell Captain Cardone that they may have to sail a little late and that he would let the Captain know when they could go. One of the VIPs was running late. Sarah agreed. She then told Ethan that she was only back in the country for 24 hours and already her mother was on her nerves. Apparently she couldn't reach her mother and was angry her mother didn't have a mobile. Ethan laughed. Jane and Sarah having a row wasn't something he thought would end well.
Ethan told Mark, Alice, and Sarah to meet Rick and him in the midship bar on Promenade Deck at 6:30pm for some drinks before dinner. Everyone agreed and retired to their cabins for a few minutes before heading out on deck for the sail away festivities.
At 5:30pm, the telephone in Ethan's suite. The VIP had actually arrived and they were ready to set sail. Ethan then had Rick and Adam join him on the balcony as Tranquility's bow thrusters came to life. The deep whistles blew and the sound echoed off the buildings. The enormous ship began to inch away from the pier. With the Azipods and the bow thrusters, Tranquility did not need any assistance from tugs and she could actually turn on her axis with great ease. Silently and effortlessly, the distance grew greater and Tranquility began to turn herself to head down the Solent towards the open sea.
Rick and Ethan stood with their arms around each other with Adam standing in front of them. Some tug boats approached. They blew their whistles and Tranquility responded in kind. Then, majestic plumes of water erupted from the tugs. They were fireboats and they were giving Tranquility a beautiful send off. Adam was jumping up and down with excitement. Rick was awed. Ethan was proud yet humble.
Tranquility picked up speed. There was no sense of movement, no vibration. Tranquility was at home, doing what she was meant to do. Take to the open seas. Her home.
Ethan had ordered tuxedos for Rick and Adam and as his two guys emerged he felt his knees grow weak. Adam was cute as a button but looked so uncomfortable. Rick, was as beautiful as the first day he saw him in the disco on Sojourn. Rick's fantastic physique was perfectly caressed by the tuxedo. His hazel eyes sparkled. His smile was lighting the room. And Ethan was overcome with love, and lust, for his soulmate.
Rick look at Ethan and felt himself gasp. Ethan was gorgeous. Silver hair and blue eyes sparkling. The look on Ethan's face moved Rick's heart. He saw in Ethan's face all the things he was feeling. He loved Ethan so much and he saw that coming back at him.
The guys went down to Promenade Deck to the bar which had a private party sign in front. The guests onboard Tranquility were busy exploring their home for the night. Everyone was impressed and the comments being made indicated that Tranquility had exceeded everyone's expectations. Ethan was relieved.
Inside the bar, which was decorated with brass, white sails, potted palms, and ceiling fans, Alice, Mark, and Sarah were already have a drink and some snacks. Mark was in a tuxedo and Sarah and Alice were stunning in their evening dresses. Adam ran over to Alice and Mark and was immediately the center of their attention. About 5 minutes later, two more people came into the room. A female and a male.
The female came forward and shook Ethan's hand. It was then that Sarah turned and realized it was her mother. Sarah ran over and hugged Jane. This was the first time that Ethan had ever seen Jane hug anyone. Sarah had tears in her eyes and Ethan thought he could detect a glistening in Jane's as well.
"Mother, what are you doing here? How did you get here? Why don't you have a bloody mobile yet, I have been trying to reach you all day," Sarah said as she launched her offensive.
"Well, hello to you too. Ethan called me about two weeks ago and arranged for me to be here. I almost didn't make it as my train was late. English trains are the worst. Anyway, Ethan said they would hold the ship for me. I mean, can you believe it," Jane replied. "I am going to be sailing to Florida and then flying back home. So, if you are planning on being at the farmhouse you will be on your own."
Sarah looked at Ethan, "You shit. You are really a shit. How did you keep this from me? You are amazing. I love you." She then went and hugged Ethan and then Jane and Sarah went to catch up.
The male figure then stepped forward and hugged Ethan. Rick was busy with Adam and Alice. The new arrival went over to Rick and tapped him on the shoulder. Rick turned around and yelled, jumping up to hug the new arrival.
"Sean, what are you doing here?" Rick said to his childhood friend. "I just had lunch with you in Destin a couple of weeks ago and you didn't say anything."
"I was under the threat of death if I told you," Sean said. "Ethan arranged everything. He knows that I have been busy setting up the new business and needed a break. He thought it would be fun for all of us to do this together. He said that the cruise line he worked for had some spaces open for friends and relatives for the crossing and asked me if I was interested.
But it was on one condition, that I couldn't tell you."
The now larger group settled into a din of chatter and laughter. Ethan looked at the group and couldn't believe how lucky he was to have these people in his life. He couldn't understand why he was so blessed.
Ethan asked for everyone's attention. He promised to not talk too much. "I can't thank you enough for joining us on this tremendous evening. I am so glad each of you are here. Now, I have one more surprise, well one more for now. With that he motioned to the bartender and Neon lights lit up over the bar showing the name of the bar. Rick's.
Rick then turned to Ethan and hugged his partner and soulmate. Words couldn't possibly convey what he was feeling. But words weren't needed. As happens when two people are so much in love, words almost seem trivial.
Dinner was fantastic. The dining room staff and the kitchen crew had come from other ships in the Compass fleet so there weren't any first night service issues. The guests raved about the food. Tranquility was fast gaining an admiring following. After dinner, everyone made the walk to the main lounge.
Ethan made sure everyone had good seats and then excused himself. He had left the camera in the suite and went to get it. Before he got back the lights went down and the 10 piece orchestra began playing swing and jazz tunes. Then the band stopped and a large screen came down. A laser light show dazzled the audience and then a video played. It showed the other ships in the Compass fleet, pictures of the construction of Tranquility, and reviewed the itineraries that were now available for sale.
Then, an announcer said, "Ladies and Gentleman, on behalf of Captain Cardone and everyone at Compass, welcome onboard Tranquility. We hope you are having a fantastic evening." This was interrupted by resounding applause. "Many of you are in the travel industry and will know what an unusual occurrence this is, so, Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, the President, and Owner of Compass Cruise Lines, Mr Ethan West."
As Ethan walked across the huge stage, something that rarely happens with European audiences happened. They rose to their feet. The applause was deafening. Ethan was moved. He was radiant on the stage. Rick saw his soulmate. Handsome. Loving. Stunning. Alice saw her son. Successful. Kind. Proud. Sarah saw her friend and boss. Generous. Intelligent. Adam just saw regular Effan. Sean and Jane - well, they were sunned. Neither had known up to this point.
"Thank you for that kind reception. I would like to return your kind response by saying a heartfelt thank you to each of you for joining us tonight. When we created Compass Cruise Lines a few years ago, we wanted to create a cruise vacation product that you could sell with confidence. One that your customers, our guests, would enjoy. One they would feel they had received more than what they had expected. One that would lead them back into your offices, satisfied and wanting to book again. We also wanted to be sure that we forged close relationships with you, our partners. We value you and thank you from the bottom of our heart for your support.
I have never taken a public position. I don't usually appear in public as the owner of Compass. Compass isn't a result of me, it is the thousands of people that work at Compass. They are my heroes and are the best in the business. But, tonight is special because I have the people that mean the world to me with me tonight. I would like to express a special thanks to my family and close friends for joining us this evening. Many of you saw my Mother at today's christening. Mom, would you and Mark please stand and wave to everyone." The crowd applauded. "Mom, thank you for being the Godmother for our newest girl."
"You also met Adam today. Adam is my life partner's son and I have come to consider him my own son. I met my life partner onboard Sojourn so ship romances can and do happen. I'd like you all to meet Rick and Adam." A tremendous round of applause followed as Rick and Adam stood and waved to the crowd. Ethan thought to himself that he wished Americans could be as open minded and accepting about gay relationships as Europeans are.
"I hope that you have enjoyed meeting our latest girl, Tranquility. I wish for each of you that you too find your place of Tranquility. May peace and Harmony bless your lives. Fully enjoy the gift of Freedom, it is precious and so easy to take for granted. View life as a Quest, because each day is an opportunity to learn and to do something kind for a friend or neighbour. That your Spirit is full as you travel on your own personal Sojourn. A big heart and pure conscience will open many doors. And of course, join us at Compass onboard one of the ships in our fleet. Quest, Harmony, Spirit, Freedom, Sojourn and Tranquility are ready to welcome you and your customers." The crowd was silent, a feeling of emotion filling the room.
"So, again, welcome. I hope you enjoy the evening, that you remember all of us at Compass, and have safe travels home tomorrow. Enough from me, now, on with the show."
The crowd rose again to their feet. The warmth and sincerity of Ethan's words were felt by everyone. Rarely had a CEO spoke from the heart and so personally.
The show was a hit and the bars and disco were busy well into the wee hours.
After dancing in the disco, Rick and Adam went back to the cabin at 2am. Sarah had tucked Adam into his pull-out bed hours before and he was sound asleep. Ethan and Rick curled up in each other's arms, spooned together, and fell into a deep contented sleep.
The gang didn't have to get up early as they were staying onboard. Most of the other guests were off the ship and on their way back to their homes or offices before any of the gang awoke. Tranquility left Southampton for Florida at 3pm. Onboard were 300 special guests. These were die hard Compass fans and they knew that this was not going to be a typical cruise. There wouldn't be the full range of services that would normally be available. Evening entertainment would be minimal. There would not be any charge for drinks and no tipping was allowed. These guests knew this and were onboard for the thrill of being on a brand new ship and an opportunity to spend 8 days at sea.
The first morning at sea, Ethan woke and went out on the balcony. His last surprise for the cruise had worked. Captain Cardone was not sure it would work out, but it did. Ethan went back into the room, kissed Rick until he was awake, took him by the hand, told him to close his eyes, careful to not awaken Adam, they stepped out on the balcony. The Atlantic breeze and sea air caressing them.
"Rick, I love you so much. I am so thankful that our paths crossed. My life is so complete now with you and Adam. I know that this may seem hokey, but I hope you will enjoy this last surprise and see it as a symbol of our love," Ethan said to Rick while Rick still had his eyes closed. "OK, open your eyes".
Rick hugged Ethan, they kissed passionately and then turned and look at the beautiful sight. A quarter of a mile away, gleaming white hull, blue funnel, powerfully and steadily piercing the blue waters, Atlantic waves crashing off the bow, sailing alongside Tranquility, her twin sister, proud and majestic, heading across the Atlantic. Fully healed. The place it all started for Ethan and Rick. Sojourn.