Usual disclaimer and other stuff apply.
Author's note: Well, it took me a bit longer than I thought. I had this chapter complete and then decided I didn't like it and started again. Since it has been awhile since my last posting, and many of you are anxious for another instalment, I have submitted this as chapter 41.
Your emails are welcome and needed (for motivation). Thanks to all of you that have faithfully followed Sojourn.
Chapter 41
Sarah had plenty for Sean to do at the Compass Headquarters. As the head of the parent company's main office, it was important that Sean meet the key people at Compass and gained an understanding of how things worked. Before Sarah started dragging him around he called Athens and spoke with Phanos Askordalakis, the President of ASK Shipping. Sean advised that he had received the preliminary approval to move forward. Secrecy was important and Phanos agreed to the code name for the project - Phoenix. Sean learned that the three ASK cruise ships were currently docked in Genoa where they would remain during the low season. Phanos was eager to move forward quickly and offered to meet in Genoa for a business meeting and inspection of the three ships. Sean advised that one of the cargo ships would be in Piraeus for the next two days and Phanos said he would go and take a look saying that he understood that all six ships were identical and that once he had visited the one that would be in Piraeus that he would not need to personally inspect the other five. He added that his lawyers and business associates would still require inspections but that he wouldn't have to do it himself.
Sean had an idea. Since Ethan and Sarah would be in England the next week, perhaps they could make a trip down to Genoa. Sarah thought it was a good idea and Sean told Phanos he would get back to him with details.
Kevin and Sheila made it up to Palm Beach and the mechanics gave R-1 a thorough inspection. No damage was found. They flew R-1 back down to Ft Lauderdale and the maintenance team would use the afternoon to finish work on the additional fuel tanks that were required for the Europe trip. Kevin called Sean, they exchanged giggly comments like school kids, and then agreed on a 6pm departure back to Pensacola.
Ethan was thrilled with the chance to inspect the three ASK cruise ships and the meeting was set for Tuesday in Genoa. Ethan asked Sean if he could go and apologized for asking since it was Thanksgiving week. Of course, Sean was ecstatic, now he and Kevin wouldn't be apart. He waited a sufficient amount of time and then told Ethan that he could go. Might as well let Ethan think it was a big sacrifice.
Friday at 3pm, the Pensacola gang took off for Ft Lauderdale. Onboard R-1 were Ethan, Rick, Adam, Dan, Sean, and of course Kevin and Sheila. It wasn't clear who was the most excited but most would place money on Ethan. He loved Devon and couldn't wait to share the place with the two guys he loved the most.
R-1 landed in Ft Lauderdale at 5:45pm and Sean was relieved to not see a cloud in the sky. R-1 would require extensive fueling with the additional fuel tanks that had been installed in the belly so everyone went for an early dinner. Sarah came and took Adam and the rest off to a place near the beach. Ethan and Rick broke away and went for dinner at a place Ethan had picked just for them.
Rick doubled over with laughter when they arrived for dinner. Ethan was a funny guy but there was also something a little romantic about it. Two quarter-pounder value meals with Diet Cokes. He smiled a huge smile at Rick when he said for them to super size it. They sat and enjoyed their meals - steaks couldn't have tasted better. This was the McDonald's that Ethan to Rick to on their first trip to Ft Lauderdale together. A billionaire and a millionaire finished their meals and got two apple pies to go. They were giddy and hopelessly in love.
R-1 was fuelled and everyone was onboard. Brian had joined the team for the flight since the length of the flight required a third crew member so that rest periods could be rotated. At 7:30pm, R-1 took the runway in Ft Lauderdale and began the trip to England. The route of flight would be straight up the east coast of the US, over Halifax Nova Scotia, St. Johns New Foundland where the Atlantic crossing would begin. The Airbus 320, which R-1 was a variant, had ETOPS certification of 120 minutes. ETOPS stands for extended twin operations. It is a set of guidelines for two engine aircraft that operate on overseas routes. With an ETOPS 120 certification, this meant that the aircraft must always be within 120 minutes of a suitable landing field in case of an engine shutdown in flight. With this in mind, R-1 would be taking a northerly route south of Greenland, Iceland, and then making landfall near Galway in Ireland. Then over Ireland, out over the Irish Sea at Wexford, flying into UK airspace over Wales, heading south overhead Swansea, the Bristol Channel, to Devon and a landing in Exeter 9 hours after taking off from Ft Lauderdale.
Everybody had full stomachs so rather than pausing to eat, the games came out. Adam was busy with his Legos while Rick, Ethan, Sean, Sarah, and Dan were in a fierce game of Monopoly. The cabin monitors displayed flight information and a map. Just as R-1 was nearing Nova Scotia, Adam fell asleep amidst a pile of Legos. R-1 only had one bedroom but each of the seats in the back fully recline and are as comfortable as a bed. Ethan cashed out of the Monopoly game and put Adam to bed in the bedroom.
Thirty minutes passed and no Ethan. Rick went to check. He opened the door to the bedroom to find Adam curled up next to Ethan, Adam's head on Ethan's chest and his little arm draped over Ethan's stomach. Ethan's arm was cuddling Adam's back. Rick felt a tear in his eye as he looked at his two guys - both sound asleep. He closed the door quietly and returned to the game.
The monopoly game ended due to fatigue as R-1 passed south of Greenland. No winner was declared. Everyone went to sleep in the back. They were awakened by Kevin announcing they were 30 minutes away from Exeter. The three bathrooms were busy with people brushing teeth and trying to make themselves look better than they felt.
It was a crisp clear morning in Exeter and the authorities quickly cleared R-1. A Land Rover was waiting for them. It would comfortably hold six. A Volkswagen Golf was also waiting so they would take both cars down to the farmhouse. Since only Sarah and Ethan knew the way and were the only ones used to driving right hand drive cars, they drove. Dan with Sarah in the Golf and everybody else with Ethan in the Land Rover. Brian stayed behind to ensure R-1 was shut down and secured before he went to London and a flight back home the next day.
While Adam was fascinated with the roads and driving on a different side of the road, the same could not be said for the rest. The roads seemed narrow, round-a-bouts were simply mind fucks, and those on the passenger side felt very much out of place. Ethan had fun with this and added a little spice to his driving. Foots were stomping at imaginary brake pedals. Rick shot Ethan a look which only spurred Ethan on. Kevin made a comment about how he could guarantee some turbulence on the flight to Genoa. Everyone laughed and they were glad that someone could have a payback ready for Ethan.
Once they were out of Exeter and on less travelled roads everyone calmed down and was taken by the beauty of the countryside. Lush rolling hills, quaint ancient villages, thatched roof houses. There was a lot of ohs and ahs and pointing. Shortly after Moretonhampstead the landscape changed. They were entering the Dartmoor National Park. Just as lush as it had been before it was now spartan. Jagged tors dotted the landscape and wide open spaces covered with bracken.
The caravan arrived at the farmhouse and everyone was stunned at how rustic the actual house was. Centuries old and constructed of stone and wood, it was far from glamorous. Attached to the main house was a larger structure which looked more modern. Adjacent to that were the stables. But besides the building itself, everyone was amazed at the quiet. The only noise was the sound of the animals and the stream that ran past the farmhouse.
Bounding out of the house came Newton and Abbot, Jane's two border collies. Tails wagging, they lavished Ethan and Sarah with attention. Soon the other guests were sniffed and deemed acceptable and received the attention of two very happy dogs. Adam was the main attraction and it was soon clear that Adam, Newton, and Abbot were going to form quite a team.
Jane had hugs for Sarah, Ethan, Rick, Adam, and Sean and handshakes for Dan, Sheila, and Kevin. The fact that the five had received hugs was a major change for Jane. Clearly the time they all spent onboard Tranquility had touched Jane and they had finally broken through the tough English persona. Even with Sarah, her own daughter, Jane had never been very demonstrative. Dan looked at Jane and saw where Sarah had gotten her strength. Jane was clearly a woman to be reckoned with. His love for Sarah deepened.
Jane had the sleeping arrangements all arranged. There were three bedrooms in the barn. Ethan and Rick in one, Adam in the other. She asked if Kevin and Sean minded sharing a room together and they both looked at each other, trying not to jump for joy. They hadn't revealed their relationship to the others yet so they assumed they would be staying in different rooms. As calmly as possible they both agreed. Ethan and Rick looked at each other and smiled. They knew.
The main farmhouse had 3 bedrooms in addition to Jane's. Sarah, Sheila, and Dan would occupy those. Room assignments made, everyone gathered their luggage and went off to get settled.
The barn was very comfortable. It was called a barn because at one time a barn had been on that spot. The new structure was really more like a house. It had a small kitchen, bathroom, and the bedrooms downstairs. Upstairs was a large open room with two sofas, chairs, television, and a large game table which had a half worked jigsaw puzzle on it. The walls downstairs on the back of the barn and the bathroom were stone. Five star accommodation it wasn't but, just like Ethan had done years before, everyone was quickly realizing this place was someplace special.
Adam was a bundle of energy. While everyone else lined up for showers, Ethan took Adam out to look at the animals. He loved the pigs, horses, sheep, and chickens. The goats bothered him. Perhaps because they were closest to his size or perhaps it was the horns on their heads. It didn't matter, Adam would be happy if the goats stayed well clear of him.
Newton and Abbott joined Ethan and Adam and they went for a walk down to one of the near fields. A very pregnant sow lazily ambled over to greet them. Already, Adam was covered in mud and Ethan resigned himself that this would probably be the case the whole time they were there.
In the main house everyone was getting settled and showers were underway. Dan's room was rather small with room for a single bed and a small dresser. But the view out the window was beautiful and Dan was sure that he would be very comfortable in his small quarters. Sheila's room was at the end of the hall and was only slightly larger than Dan's. While she didn't have the same view she did have a bit more space with a chair and a small desk added. She was already feeling the stress melt away.
After showers were done, everyone met in the main house for some light sandwiches, fresh scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, and pots of hot tea. Ethan warned his American compatriots about Branston Pickle and how dreadful it was. Jane and Sarah, muttered something about bloody yanks, but then said that was fine, all the more for them. They gathered around the huge stone fireplace and chatted. Newton and Abbott curled up at Adam's feet. Snack done, Sarah, Dan, Sheila, Jane, and Adam headed out for a walk. Ethan, Rick, Sean, and Kevin decided to do the same thing but went off in another direction.
Ethan took his group to Grimspound which was located a short hike from the farmhouse. When they arrived he explained that this was a bronze age settlement comprised of 24 circular huts. The guys were amazed that they were standing amid ruins over 3000 years old. Ethan then led them up the hill to a tor which offered a great view of the near moor. Once they reached the top the guys just sat silently marvelling at the view. Rick moved closer to Ethan and they held each other's hand. It was a small thing but that spoke so much about the love they shared.
"So, guys, how are things?" Ethan aksed.
"Oh fine. This is really amazing. I am so glad to be here, thanks for sharing this with me." Sean said.
"Yeah, Ethan, thank you for letting me and Sheila join you. We never expected to be included and this is simply great." Kevin added.
"I am glad you are both here and sharing this with us," Ethan said as he hugged Rick. "But that isn't what I mean. When did you plan on telling us?"
Sean and Kevin froze. Rick giggled and kissed Ethan. "You are mean Ethan, cruel cruel man."
Sean and Kevin realized that they had been figured out and so came clean with Ethan and Rick. Well, almost clean - nothing was mentioned about the "dumb mistake". Ethan and Rick said how happy they were for both of them.
"So, are you going to hold his hand or what?" Ethan asked Sean.
Neither Sean nor Kevin had ever shown any affection towards each other in front of other people. Sean was very nervous and felt his cheeks flush. Kevin reached out and took Sean's hand, kissed it and then held it in his lap.
"He may not want to hold my hand, but I want his," Kevin said. After a few moments enjoying the warmth of love and friendship that started the hike back to the farmhouse. The moor was practically deserted so they all walked back arm in arm.
Adam came running to meet them as they neared the farmhouse. Abbot and Newton jumping around Adam. The boy was covered in mud but was positively radiant.
"Daddy, I got to touch a horse and one of the pigs. Then we went down and saw some baby pigs. It was so cool," Adam gushed.
"That is great Adam. Do you like it here." Rick asked as he knelt down and brushed Adam's blonde hair from his forehead.
"Yes, Daddy. This place is cool. I want to live here." Adam replied.
After getting Adam cleaned, again, the gang including Jane went to the pub for dinner. This pub was Ethan's favourite and was not far from the house. Ethan explained about the fire in the hearth that he had been burning continuously for hundreds of years. Food and drinks were ordered. The pub was almost empty but the laughter and energy from the gang filled the place.
Sean and Kevin played a game of pool. Sarah, Ethan and Rick started a friendly game of darts which quickly turned very competitive. The food arrived and everyone met back at the table. Ethan had ordered a variety of foods for everyone to try. He explained what brown sauce was, warned them that English mustard was very hot, and demonstrated that vinegar on chips (French fries) was very good. Great conversation, laughter, and a few pints later everyone went back to the farmhouse. When they arrived back the darkness and quiet was like a blanket. Sleep came quickly for everyone.
Sunday morning, Jane had prepared a "full English" for everyone. Eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and toast. The food was delicious and Jane beamed when everyone cleared their plates (except for the baked beans).
Everyone loaded up in the two vehicles and made the drive to Totnes. There the boarded the South Devon Railway. It was a restored steam engine with restored passenger cars. The train made its way between Totnes and Buckfastleigh which was a short journey. In Buckfastleigh they visited the Buckfast Butterfly and Otter exhibit. Ethan always chuckled at the odd combination. The butterfly exhibit was beautiful. The tropical warmth of the exhibit had everyone quickly removing their coats. Adam was mesmerized by the butterflies and had a good laugh when one landed on Ethan's nose. The otters were particularly playful and soon they were on the train back to Totnes.
From there they drove back to Dartmoor and stopped in Princetown. A huge maximum security prison built during the Victorian age was the major business in town. It was the centre of many stories and Ethan, Sarah, and Jane entertained the gang with some of the more elaborate stories. People trying to escape but being lost in the moor, ghosts, and so on.
They took the long way home and passed by a small grave located at a crossroad. Ethan told the story behind the legend of Kitty Jay's Grave. This is the resting-place of a young girl who, becoming pregnant (out of wedlock) hung herself in a barn. As was the custom until 1823, suicides were always buried at a crossroad; this was to stop the spirit of the unhappy soul from wandering. Ever since then, every day, there are fresh flowers on her grave. Nobody knows where the flowers come from or who is responsible.
From there they went to Chagford and had an early dinner in the Three Bells pub. When they arrived at the farmhouse, and the happy greetings from Newton and Abbot out of the way, everyone went upstairs in the barn to watch some TV. Soon, Jane, Sarah, and Rick were working on the jigsaw puzzle. Dan, Adam, Kevin, Sean, and Ethan were watching the Hound of the Baskervilles which was a Sherlock Holmes story based in Dartmoor. Adam fell asleep after a few minutes and Ethan put him to bed. After the movie everyone went to bed. Rick & Ethan in one room, Kevin & Sean in another made slow, gentle love to the men the loved.
Monday, after another big breakfast, everyone went out for a hike. Ethan took everyone to Bowerman's Nose and Hound Tor which was great for hiking. This place too had a legend which Ethan explained.
"Over a thousand years ago a mighty hunter named Bowerman lived on the Moor. One day, in pursuit of a hare he ran through a coven of witches, who were in mid-ritual. The angry witches decided to punish him for his disrespect. The next time he went out hunting, one of them turned herself into a hare and led him in a dash across the Moor until he was completely exhausted. She and her coven sisters then turned him into the rock now known as Bowerman's Nose and his hounds into the rocks at the top of Hound Tor."
By early afternoon, the weather started to turn and a heavy mist and fog blanketed the moor. Everyone opted for quiet reading or naps at the farmhouse. Rick and Ethan opted for a nap. Rick cuddled into Ethan's arms.
"Babe, this place is wonderful. Adam loves it so much. It is great to see him running around and being a kid. Thank you so much for bringing us here. I love you so much." Rick said.
Although neither had planned it, they made love again that afternoon and fell into a deep sleep warm in each other's arms. The gang went back to Ethan's favourite pub for dinner, pool, and darts. Since many of them would be heading to Genoa in the morning, they made it an early night. Alarms set for 6am and a take off planned for 8am, another day on the moor came to an end.
Next chapter - Genoa visit and things come to a head on the Moor. Yes, I have made you wait long enough. Chapter 42 will expose the baddie behind the Quest tragedy.