02/01/02

"Our deeds still travel with us from afar,
And what we have been makes us what we are."-- George Eliot, Middlemarch

256-1123.

And now we return to Planet X, the country of Albion, the city of Whitehaven, and the private dining room of the Hotel Carlisle.

The meal has commenced, and the party is discussing Franz's idea to take a brief stop in the islands. He fancies a trip by sea, and wishes advice from Phillip, if he doesn't mind, on a ship. Franz would prefer to rent the entire ship. Phillip does have partial ownership of the Star of Albion (which he doesn't actually say out loud), and he'll keep that in mind; he'd have to check with the other three owners. Phillip: "I'm not sure if it would suit your needs, though. It's a cargo vessel, not a passenger liner - the accommodations might be a bit less uh, comfortable then what you're used to." Franz: "I need a ship with room to carry specimens. I'm not looking to go on a pleasure cruise. I prefer something with a bit of adventure, and a seasoned crew." Phillip: "The ship's captain is Alastair Coomes. [He's a stern man, square jaw, steel grey beard.] He's a naval veteran, and so are most of the crew. If you like, I can inquire as to the availability of the ship." Franz: "I'd appreciate that, Captain. Such a pleasure to be back in Albion. It seems to have an abundance of gentlemen."

The meal continues amicably. Clarice is seated next to Phillip, as they are both alone. She's paying quite a bit of attention to him. Phillip checks, and she's not wearing any wedding ring. No one else has noticed this fact yet; perhaps she's misplaced it. But, Phillip's heart belongs to another. Not that Clarice is after Phillip's heart.

Away from the dining room, Rupert and Heinrich are enjoying the same food, but in much more casual surroundings. Rupert is impressed by all the adventures Heinrich has had. Heinrich mostly would rather his life not be quite so adventurous.

At dinner, Sophie only has eyes for Geoff. She's very smitten. Ah, youth. Not that she's too young for Geoff - she's twenty, after all. Although, here in Albion it's not that unusual for women to wait a bit longer to marry, even until their mid-twenties!

The conversation never drifts far from the subject of the party's planned trip. Franz wants a boat with the ability to haul things, "in case there are any specimens. In fact, there is a legend about the islands..." Phillip: "Really?" Franz glances at Dr. Jurgen. Franz: "Perhaps we'll discuss that later. You'll forgive me, Captain, I hope I'm not being forward. Are you under orders currently?" Phillip: "No, I'm not." Franz: "I'm aware thatch was wondering, and please don't take offense - I mean nothing by it - are you yourself attached?" Phillip: "Not currently, no." Franz: "As we have little experience of the sea ourselves, <Samantha coughs to cover a laugh> we could use the services of an experienced seaman such as yourself." Phillip: "Well, I haven't made any plans yet. I'll tell you what, I'll check into the availability of the ship, then give you my decision, if that would be all right?" Franz: "Absolutely. Well. Now that's settled, I suggest we enjoy dessert." Several different types of dessert are brought in, with coffee, brandy, etc.

Franz: <to Phillip> "I hope we'll be hearing from you in the near future." Phillip: "I should be able to find out by tomorrow." Franz: "Then perhaps you'll join us for breakfast? Say, ten o'clock?" Phillip: "Perfect." Clarice grimaces at the hour.

Dinner finally winds down. Phillip goes back to his room to write letters to the owners who live in Whitehaven. It's late, but in a city this size, a courier is easy to come by. Phillip explains that the Count von Hollenstein is interested in chartering a ship, and is the Star of Albion available? Franz's name causes much eager hand-rubbing of the partners; they're of a more commercial bent than Phillip.

After sending his letters, Phillip decides to take a stroll to the dock to speak with the captain personally. Phillip: "Come on, Rupert - we're going for a walk!" Rupert acquires a lantern and off they go. Several ladies of negotiable virtue (or other parts at least) offer to help Phillip pass the time, but he doesn't take them up on it.

The Star of Albion is available - not much in the way of profitable cargo at the moment, and one doesn't want one's ship just sitting around. Yes, there are cabins, but more adventurous than upper class. Although that seems to be what the Count wants.

Phillip is grunted aboard by Coomes. Phillip: "We may have a charter." Coomes: "Fishing, eh." Phillip: " No, actually exploration." Coomes: "Ah, exploration. That will be all right. Those explorers are usually fairly capable men. I'll be glad to get out of port. The other owners were talking about going to the Hinterlands empty to pick up cargo." Phillip: "I should be able to solve that. I'll know for sure tomorrow." Coomes: "Very good, sir. Will you take a drop, sir? Take the chill off." Phillip: "I will, Captain. Thank you." They go back to Coomes cabin (Phillip and Coomes, that is), where Coomes takes a bottle of good whiskey out and pours a couple of healthy drinks for him and Phillips before locking it back up. Captain Coomes is definitely eager to get the heck out of Whitehaven. He's been stuck here too long, listening to the other seamen talk about pirates and even rumors of a mysterious ship that goes under water. All sorts of wild rumors. He's ready to go now. Phillip: "I understand. Oh, I sent over three young men earlier today to see you." Coomes: "Yes sir. I put them to work right off." Phillip: "I'm glad you could use them." Coomes: "Decent chaps, sir. Hard working seamen, with no major vices I can see. I like a crew that can keep things Navy fashion." Phillip: "I'll stop by tomorrow with news." Coomes: "Very good sir, I'll had everything ship shape for you." Phillip: "I'm sure you will. Good night."

Coomes and Phillip have nice glows to their cheeks, thanks to the drinks. Rupert can make sure Phillip gets back home. To their rooms. Phillip: "I must write a letter. To my cousin. I must tell her that my return to Kanaida will be delayed." He regales Rupert with excerpts from Marguerite's last letter, and a few stories about her tomboy youth. Phillip only told her she "couldn't" do something once; the black eye made sure of that.

Phillip isn't planning on staying up much later, but the people on the Count's floor are making a lot of noise. What could they be doing down there?

What are the Fredonians. doing? Well, Franz and Dr. Jurgen are having at each other with sabres up and down the hallway. Samantha is watching and trying to orchestrate the removal of breakables from the hall tables. It all started with a reminiscence, then "No, no - it wasn't like that. Here, let me show you. Where's your sword?" They're having a pretty good time.

Phillip would like to go to bed - it's 11:00 p.m., and he's a Navy man. Rupert helps Phillip out of his clothes and into bed. Phillip has a warm tummy, enough alcohol to warm him up, and a comfy bed. All that's missing is....Well, she hasn't written him lately. But, he's out like a light, soon to be dreaming about long, flowing red hair. Rupert listens to the thumping and occasional crashes from below for a while, then drifts off.

Dr. Jurgen is good with a sword, but not as fit as Franz. It's the parries of desperation after a while. If this keeps up much longer, Dr. Jurgen is going to get over tired, and someone will get hurt. Samantha interrupts when they're apart, and breaks up the "duel" before someone gets hurt, or the people on the other floors have a fit. Franz goes off to get cleaned up, while Dr. Jurgen collapses in a chair, panting and red-faced. Samantha brings him some water, concerned he might keel over. Dr. Jurgen: "Ah, thank you my dear. <he drinks> Are things going well, Lady Telford?" Samantha: "I think so." Dr. Jurgen: "I had a conversation with Franz last night. I don't mean to pry, but we've known each other for many years. Franz confides in me." Samantha: "I understand that. I told him I wasn't from Kanaida. He was determined to go meet my family." Dr. Jurgen: "I know. I suggested you might be the natural child of a noble, and that this would explain your reluctance to discuss or contact your family." Samantha: " A "natural child"? As opposed to an unnatural child? I'm sorry, I don't understand." Dr. Jurgen: "Surely even in your world you have, ah..." <pause> Dr. Jurgen: "A natural child? Uh, a child who's parents have not...been...who's union has not been blessed by the church?" Samantha: "Oh! You mean born out of wedlock?" Dr. Jurgen: "Yes. Precisely." Samantha: "I suppose that will work." Dr. Jurgen: "You intend to continue with your plans then?" Samantha: "My what?" Dr. Jurgen: "Is it your plan then, to proceed with this union?" Samantha: "Yes it is." Dr. Jurgen: "Forgive me for asking. I had thought that you might at some point wish to return to that place from whence you came. I'm sure that for a people who have the ability to travel in the ether, our little world must seem terribly provincial." Samantha: "I can't say that I left nothing behind, but that's all I left - things." Dr. Jurgen: "Please understand that I'm not attempting to interfere with your plans, but Franz is my friend." Samantha: "I love him." Dr. Jurgen: "That is my answer then. And that done, I think I will go to bed. With your permission." He gets up and unsteadily goes to his room. Lisette materializes from nowhere to assist madame get ready for bed. Samantha goes to see if Franz is still awake, but he doesn't answer her knock on his door, so she goes to bed. Aside from wondering what all the footsteps and doors opening and closing (What is this - a Moliere farce?) Down the hall, it's quickly to sleep.

257-1123.

Rupert is up early, as is his habit. Many other servants are also up and about, doing all the morning work-like stuff. Rupert decides to make a nice cheery fire in the fireplace. He's harkening back to his childhood in Kanaida. Then he does some calisthenics, then a bit of practice on his violin.

So, Phillip wakes to a fire and musical accompaniment. Now he has theme music. He must get ready, as he has a breakfast engagement for breakfast. Shortly thereafter, Heinrich appears with a note inviting the captain downstairs for breakfast, as it's going to be served on the second floor.

It's a very generous breakfast - sausages, bacon, ham, etc., etc., etc. Fredonians are used to having to eat heartily to stave off the cold. Franz: "Good morning, Captain! Sit down, sit down." Heinrich has taken Rupert off to eat with him and the other servants. A middle-aged woman, part of Franz's staff, sees young Rupert and immediately sets to making sure he eats enough for a growing boy. He gets a platter piled with food, then a steaming cup of tea because everyone in Albion drinks tea. She knows this. It's much more loud and raucous in here.

Phillip has already heard from the other partners, who are very agreeable. They've heard about the Count, and since gold dust is reputed to dribble unnoticed from the Count's pockets they recommend Phillip lay down a tarp on the deck. Franz: "Any news, Captain?" Phillip: "Yes. There is a ship available, the Star of Albion." Franz: "Is it a good ship?" Phillip: "Yes, I'd say so." Franz: "Does she have accommodations for..." He counts the people around the room. Phillip: "She has enough accommodations for passengers, but as I have said previously, the accommodations are not luxurious." Phillip is a bit surprised that the Count apparently intends to bring the women with him. Franz: "And will the ship be ready to depart soon?" Phillip: "It's being prepared now, sir. She'll be ready to leave port later today." Franz: "Then I suggest, ladies if you have any last minute shopping to do, you do so now, and I'll have the servants pack everything up. Doesn't the tide have something to do with our departure time, Captain?" Phillip: "Uh, not really. The Star is a steam-powered vessel." Franz: "Ah, excellent."

Franz is all excited, and starts to get the packing started immediately. Samantha: <quietly> "Franz, you might want to let people finish their breakfast first." Franz: "What? Oh. Quite right, do forgive me. Please, everyone finish your meal." He sits back down again at the table. Franz: "Colonel Thompson, I had not thought to ask. Will you and Lady Sophie be joining us?" Geoff: "What are our chances of being shipwrecked on the, what is it - the sixth ship?" Glances are exchanged. Samantha: "Yes, but to be fair, some of the ships sank after we got off them. And does it count if they blow up, then sink?" Phillip doesn't like the sound of that! Geoff: "Blowing up, then sinking counts." Samantha: "Do flinders sink?" Phillip: <thinks> "Flinders?" Geoff: "No, I think they just float." Sophie: "I've heard about these islands. They're supposed to have beautiful birds and flowers." Geoff: "But if we don't get back in time for our wedding, your aunt will not be happy with me." Sophie: "You got to go on all the adventures...and it would be our first together." Geoff: "Dear, it's not that I don't want you to have adventures, I just don't know if you want to go on an adventure just before the wedding." Sophie: "Well, why don't we do this. If we miss the wedding, we can have the captain marry us. They can do that, right?" Phillip: "Yes they can." Sophie isn't quite jumping up and down and going pleeeeeease, but it's close. Geoff: "All right, but if your aunt has a heart attack because we're late for the wedding, it's not going to be my fault." Sophie: "I've done what my aunt has told me to do all my life...." Geoff agrees to go along on the trip, and if they end up being married by the captain, then that's fine by him.

After breakfast, etc., Phillip goes ahead to make sure everything is going well at the ship. Captain Coomes is rather curious about the person who has chartered the ship, given the way the other partners have gone on about him. Coomes: "Who is he, one of those Hinterlands maharajas?" Phillip: "No, it's Count von Hollenstein. One of the richest men in the world, I'm told." Coomes isn't impressed, but whatever. Some foreign guy.

Clarice isn't too keen on this adventure thing. She hopes there's at least a four-star hotel on those islands. Not even. Samantha suggests since Clarice really isn't into this sort of thing, she stay behind. Samantha can be the official chaperone. Geoff agrees, with the understanding that if he and Sophie are delayed, Clarice has to tell Aunt Patricia that they're going to be married by the ship's captain. Clarice: "Have a good trip. I'll be in the Carlisle."

Heinrich makes contact with Rupert at the ship. Heinrich: "Excuse me sir, my master was not sure what the Captain required, so he sent this and hopes it will be adequate." He passes over a leather case that weighs about thirty pounds. It chinks. Rupert will take it to the Captain - he'll know what to do with it. Rupert organizes the money, in case it got jostled in transit. There must be the equivalent of four or five hundred pounds here. You could buy a tavern with this. Or maybe a knighthood! No, Rupert knows that knighthoods must be earned. Phillip takes the money to the bank, then goes to the busy ship to await the passengers.

Porters show up first, hauling many, many cases on board. Coomes: "How many people are we carrying?!?" There are two large, polished wooden cases with metal straps (yes! Maxim guns!) and "Property of FvH" on them, and of course, even though it's a short expedition there are many, many pieces of equipment for Franz and the good doctor (scientists!). Then the cooks show up. Or rather, two Franconian chefs appear. Cookie comes up to complain about the "foreign gentleman in the kitchen". He threatens to quit, not seeing the crewmen behind him going "Bye-bye" and waving. Phillip suggests Cookie look at it as a vacation; a paid vacation. Oh. That's a bit of all right then.

Clarice does show up to see Sophie off, especially since they've been shopping together. Their purchases add not inconsiderably to the amount of luggage, then she's off back to the hotel to relax. The bellboys may never be the same. Geoff goes into the passenger section, and Sophie (literally) sticks her head out of the door. Sophie: "Geoff, could you come here?" Geoff: Okay." Sophie: "Try not to laugh too much, but tell me what you think." She's wearing knitted woolen trousers, and tall boots. Geoff finds it rather attractive, and tells her so. Geoff: "I'm sure your aunt wouldn't approve, but I do." Sophie: "Well, it is a new century, and I am a modern woman." She certainly is.

The hold has ice packed in straw, sides of prime beef, etc., etc., etc. Captain Coomes is concerned about what he's gotten himself into. Phil: "If there are any problems with the passengers, I'll take care of it." Coomes: "No, that's quite all right. We don't normally have this position on the ship, but since we're carrying passengers, we need a purser. And since I'm the captain, I suggest you <Phillip> take the position." Phillip agrees.

Meanwhile, back to the stragglers at the Carlisle. Franz: "Oh, I almost forgot. Heinrich, have a few cases of that excellent champagne we had last night sent over to the ship. <Heinrich nods and leaves> Ah, Lady Telford." Samantha: "Do you have a moment?" Franz: "Of course, please come in." Samantha: "I was thinking about what you said when we arrived here, about reliving memories of our last trip here." Franz: "Yes. Unfortunately we didn't have the charming Captain Cutler to enliven our stay. And I have in fact left my zeppelin at home, and there is no blimp or limp or whatever they call them hereabouts to borrow. But all in all it's been a pleasant stay." Samantha: "True, but I can't help but think back rather fondly of the last time we were here. Aside from the being held as prisoners bit. If I recall, it was here that you first kissed me." Franz: "A momentary lapse on my part. There was the threat of imminent death. I apologize if any offence..." Samantha: <smiling> "Would it help if I had someone threaten our lives? I'm sure if I asked nicely..." The light eventually comes on over Franz's head. Franz: "Ah." He looks around the room (yes, they're alone), then goes over to Samantha. The embrace is a bit tentative at first, but Franz warms to it, and the kiss. Several rather pleasant moments pass, then there's the sound of someone clearing their throat. Franz: "Good afternoon, Heinrich." Is that a slight look of disapproval on Heinrich's face, or one of it's about time? Heinrich: "Lady Telford. Your luggage has been sent to the ship." Samantha: "Thank you." Franz: "Shall we go?" Samantha: "We mustn't keep adventure waiting."

They stroll down to the lobby. Franz: "It's a lovely night, shall we walk?" Samantha: "Absolutely." Word has gotten out about Franz, and he attracts a lot of attention from passersby on the way. He's used to it, but Sam isn't; she's getting a bit uncomfortable when Franz leans in to her. Franz: <quietly> "I'm not sure if I should throw coins or peanuts." Samantha: <smiling> "Thank you."

Sophie has Geoff leave so she can change into regular, proper clothing. At least until they leave port. Rupert sees his old mates on board, working. They exchange friendly nods. Phillip is glad to know there are three crewmen on board who sort of owe him a favor. As a matter of fact, they sent a representative to haltingly thank Captain MacKenzie for giving them this chance at a job. And Phillip and Rupert both notice the three young men are working very diligently. More so than the other crewmen.

Coomes is favorably impressed by Franz when he takes out his navigational instruments and assists with charting. There are some comments among the crew about the Count having brought along his "mistress and his giant". The giant is Geoff of course. Fortunately, none of these comments reach the wrong ears; like Franz's. He might find the giant bit amusing, but he'd probably go ballistic if he felt Samantha's honor was being questioned. He's so sweet.

Sophie and Geoff go up topside. Sophie: "Isn't it beautiful? I can't imagine a more perfect moment than this one right now, with you." Geoff: "Thank you." Sophie: "Except, perhaps, our wedding night." She leans in close to him. She's wearing a lightweight summer dress, and the wind is blowing it around her limbs. Geoff has noticed that his cabin has no cold shower. There is ice in the hold though!

Samantha has been looking for Geoff, and is told where he is, with Lady Sophie. Franz and Heinrich are checking on the guns. Sam goes up to the top deck, but doesn't interrupt Geoff and Sophie. Although Sophie does have her arm around Geoff in a very friendly fashion.

Phillip goes in search of somewhere to smoke his pipe, and ends up in the wheelhouse with the captain. Capt. Coomes sees Phillip's pipe and offers him some nice, lightly vanilla-scented tobacco. Much smoking, nodding, and fiddling with pipes.

Seven or eight porpoises are chasing the ship. It's a perfect night. There's soft, light music from Rupert practicing below. Sophie looks up (way up) at Geoff. Sophie: "I hope you know how much I love you." Samantha comes forward before things progress to dancing. Samantha: "Oddly enough that's what I came to talk to you about. Hello Sophie." Geoff: Okay..." Samantha: "Sophie, could you excuse us for oh, two minutes? I promise I'll give him right back. Sophie says "yes" breathlessly and floats off to the other side.

Geoff: "Yes, Sam." Samantha: "I'm new at this chaperone thing. And don't worry, I have no intention to channel Aunt Patricia. But I did promise Clarice I'd keep an eye on you." Geoff: "Well, Clarice isn't the one to talk. She's not a widow, but apparently she feels at liberty while her husband is away." Samantha: "Oh?" Geoff: "Remember when I was running through the secret passageways in the castle? Well I happened to catch a glimpse of Clarice and one of the servants." Samantha: "I see. Well, that might explain all the running around and opening and closing of doors in the hotel last night." Geoff: "Let's just say I've been sleeping with my door locked. As far as Sophie is concerned though, it might be good for you to have a talk with her. I want her to enjoy sex after we're married, but not with the servants!" Samantha: "So it's okay for her to have sex with the servants if she doesn't enjoy it?" Geoff: "Very funny. Any how, the best I could hope for with Clarice was that I had blackmail material. Will you talk to Sophie?" Samantha: "I'm not exactly the best choice for that...but I'll talk to her. You, on the other hand need to promise you'll be the responsible adult." Geoff swears he will not do anything to damage Sophie's honor for the next two weeks; after that, they'll either be married or will have the captain do it. Honest.

Speaking of the captain, he's with Phillip. Coomes: "What are the passengers up to? I don't want them getting into any trouble." Phillip: "I'll find out. By your leave, captain." Coomes waves him off.

Phillip locates Franz, Dr. Jurgen, and Heinrich in the hold, examining some boxes. Phillip: "Is everything all right, Count?" Franz: "Ah, Captain. We were just making sure everything was stored properly. This one is fine, Heinrich." It's bolted back in it's box. Heinrich opens another crate. Heinrich: "Oh good sir, they did arrive in time." He opens the case and hands Franz one of those new-fangled self-loading rifles. He checks it out. Nicely made. Well-blued. Phillip: "Well, we've left port and are on our way." Having finished harassing Geoff, Samantha has gone in search of Franz, and now adds to the small crowd in the hold. Samantha: "Did I miss the Maxim guns? Damn." Actually, one of them is still out, having been newly oiled. Phillip: "Well, I'll leave you with your, guns then." Boy, they've sure got a lot of guns with them. But they're not heading for Kanaida, so he's not concerned. Franz: <to Sam> "Oh, dear. These are for you." He hands her a nicely polished wood box. Inside are two automatic pistols set in blue velvet. They have ivory grips and gold chase work on the bluing. They're smaller versions of Franz's Bayard. Franz: "All the internal parts have been gold-plated. I'm told it's excellent for withstanding rust." They come with holsters as well. Samantha: "Thank you! No one's ever given me guns before."

Up on deck, Sophie is getting cold. They're further away from shore so the swells are higher, and the wind is higher. Besides, it's almost time for dinner. She and Geoff go below decks. The food is excellent - the turtle soup, the pheasant, all the way down to the chocolate torte. Yes, they brought china on the expedition. They only hear bits of the occasional arguments and shouting between the chefs, and it doesn't appear to affect the food. At one point it sounds like the two men are brawling in the kitchen, but that dies down quickly. And after the meal, a couple of bottles of the nice champagne Franz asked for is opened. Even Sophie has a little to drink. Not much, but she is leaning against Geoff, and in public! They get a few raised eyebrows, but not from Franz. He just smiles at them. Geoff: "Do you feel all right?" Sophie: "I feel wonderful. Safe, warm... But I should probably go to bed. If one of you nice gentlemen would be so kind as to escort me back?" Geoff offers, and then asks if the other lady would also...? Sam accepts. Franz: "Oh, we were going to stay up for a while longer, there's no need for you to rush off." Samantha: "Actually, I was going to get something from my cabin. I'll be right back." She's mostly going to make sure Sophie doesn't decide to drag Geoff into her cabin. Nope. She does get a kiss in the doorway before floating off to bed. Samantha gets a wrap before rejoining the others.

Dr. Jurgen: "Ah, for the days of youth. Youth is wasted on the young." A bit of coffee and brandy, and it's time for everyone to follow Sophie's lead. And so, to bed.

Geoff and Sam are really soundly asleep. Rupert and Phillip wake, with their Navy instincts, feeling the movement of the ship changing. A few moments later, a crewman comes by with a message from the captain. Crewman: "Water is breaking over the bow and running down the decks. Nothing this ship can't handle, but the captain wonders if you would mind checking on the passengers?" Phillip: "On my way." He dresses quickly and arrives, Rupert in his wake, by Franz's cabin when the door opens. Franz: "Captain, how long can we expect this wretched weather to last?" Franz isn't thrilled about all this tossing and turning stuff. Phillip: "I don't know, I haven't had a chance to talk to the captain yet. I'll find out and get back to you." Franz; "No, that's not necessary." He goes back into his room, not feeling really happy. This weather is more than enough to give non-seafaring folks trouble. Phillip goes to check on Dr. Jurgen, who is trying to pour himself some brandy (and a little something else) while bracing himself against several walls. He'll be fine.

Then there are creaking and tearing sounds. Oh-oh. Phillip grabs Rupert to go check. They almost collide with another seaman. Crewman: "Captain's respects. We're taking on water in the aft. Nothing too bad, but we could use some help. You'll have to go above decks." They put on their wet weather gear and head out.

258-1123.

Geoff is awoken by Sophie pounding on his door. She's very scared. He brings her in, gets her into a life jacket, and then starts packing his shipwreck pack. Samantha is awake now too, and knows to get dressed and get ready. Damn.

Phillip and Rupert get to the affected area of the engine room. The pumps are running, but the water seems to be gaining. Looks like the ship split a seam, and the captain recommends that the passengers make for the lifeboats, just in case they get another twist like that again. Once Captain Coomes goes forward, the other men start getting panicky. Phillip isn't going to let anyone run, he has a vested interest in this damn ship. He plays cheerleader, and makes sure the object of keeping the ship afloat is followed.

Geoff takes some of Franz's bolt-action rifles from the case and lashes a couple to each lifeboat. Then he has Sophie change into her adventure clothing. She's been helping load things, and she's soaked any way. As she turns to go, a large wave rolls over and then there's no Sophie. Geoff yells "cut loose a boat!" And dives in after her. "Man overboard!!"

Geoff is able to swim to Sophie. They both have life jackets on. Sophie: "I'm cold." Geoff: "I know. You need to hang onto me while I swim." It's the most agonizing swim of his life, but he manages to get close enough for the lifeboat to hit him. He grabs on and pushes Sophie in under the tarp, then follows her in. Geoff: You've go to get out of those clothes." Geoff has clothing in his waterproof bag, and there's a blanket in oilcloth. Sophie hesitates briefly, but then removes her clothing and gets under the blanket. Geoff puts on dry clothing and then gets under the blanket with Sophie. Geoff: "Well dear, I wasn't expecting this much adventure." Sophie: "If we're going to die...there's no one I'd rather die with." Geoff: "I don't think we're going to die just yet, but thank you." Sophie gives Geoff a very intense kiss. He has to break it off before they combust. Eventually they fall asleep.

Sam hears "Man overboard" and goes to Franz's room. He's there with Heinrich, who is trying to get Franz to put on a life jacket. He's eventually successful, but it's a lot of work.

Down below, a piece of plate, tack welds, a beam, and a lot of tar, and it's under control. The pumps start gaining, then the weather finally breaks. The crew is exhausted, but they did it. One of the strange foreign cooks comes down with a kettle and coffee cups.

Rupert hears the story about the giant diving overboard after his lady. Word gets to the passengers as well. Coomes speaks privately with Phillip. Coomes: "You and I know, someone in a life jacket... It's highly improbable that we'll find anything but bodies, and probably not even that." Phillip nods.

When the weather clears, Geoff hears waves breaking. They've found a fair-sized island, with a non-smoking volcano (or what was one once), and a big lagoon surrounded by coral. There's a stream coming into the lagoon, and enough breaks in the coral for Geoff to get the boat through. The cork in netting along the underside prevents the boat from sinking, even after the reef. It's going to need a lot of carpentry work before it's seaworthy. They wade into shore, Sophie in Geoff's huge sweater. Welcome to Geoff's island.

The sun is breaking through the clouds. It's still cool, and a bit rainy. Sophie: "Well, I guess we made it." She helps Geoff pull the boat above the waterline. Sophie: "I hope we won't have to be here too long. They're bound to find us soon." Geoff doesn't say anything, but tips the boat over to act as a shelter and then gives Sophie her first lesson on using the rifle, including the lecture on recoil. Sophie: Okay. How long do you think we'll be here?" Geoff: "I don't know. But we've got fresh water, food, and I'll be able to get us more food." Sophie: "Well, I guess there's nothing for it. It's like Robinson Crusoe. I'd better fix these clothes. Do you have a needle and thread?" There's enough miscellaneous stuff in the boats survival kit to use. Sophie: "I hope you won't be offended by the sight of my limbs." Geoff: "No dear, I will never be offended by the sight of your limbs." Sophie is trying to fix a pair of Geoff's pants to work for her. The first problem? Sophie spent way too much time reading, and way too little time learning to sew. Geoff takes over the sewing chores. Geoff is ticked off that Samantha had that chaperone conversation with him 24 hours too soon!

In spite of what the seasoned crew may think, some of the passengers still hold out hope. Samantha: "Franz, if there is a piece of land anywhere, Geoff will find it." Franz: "I agree. There are many islands through here. I heard the two captains talking, and I agree - if they didn't reach land, they have no chance of survival. But the islands we were heading for are in the area. There's still hope."

The engineer is concerned about salt water in the fuel and the gearboxes. She has dual boilers, and Phillip suggests taking one offline while the other is cleaned. But that's something that would really need a shipyard. Engineer: "I suppose we could get one of the boilers drained while using just the second boiler." Phillip: "But that would limit us to 10 or 12 knots." (Emergency speed is 20. Engineer: "Yes sir, that's true." Phillip: "Aside from the people we had go overboard, we have other passengers on board. We have to keep their safety in mind."

The passengers get together to discuss the situation with Captain MacKenzie. Franz: "We need the zeppelin. We could cover this area in one tenth of the time." Phillip: "But we're nowhere near a heliograph." Franz: "I know, I know. But we're not leaving here without Colonel Thompson and Lady Sophie." Samantha: "No, we're not."

They find nothing that first day.

259-1123.

Shortly after dawn there is much yelling. Something has been spotted in the water. When it's finally brought on board, they find a Star of Albion life jacket - it's been chewed on. The crew exchange significant looks. One section has an area with rust stains on it. Near some tooth marks. Things were washed overboard, of course, but the predators wouldn't have bitten something that wasn't tasty. (They would too!) Phillip isn't ready to give up, yet. Doesn't matter - Franz is not giving up, period. Samantha: "Damn straight. We're going to find Geoff." Franz: "And Sophie." Samantha: "If we find Geoff, we'll find Sophie. Trust me."

If Sophie had to be shipwrecked, Geoff's the perfect man to be with. By the time they're rescued, Geoff may be king of the island.