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They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2272
Author:  Mia [ Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
A synopsis of this very long series can be found here

Part one is here

David was muttering to himself as he searched through piles of paper on his desk. Rix watched with some amusement for a moment or two, before knocking on the open door and coming into the office.

“Lost something?” he asked, with a smile.

“Yes – no.” David grabbed a piece of paper in relief. “It’s the annual report. I’ve been working on it all blessed week.”

“It’s not what we signed up for, is it?” Rix asked, pacing over to the window. “All this paperwork.”

“No. Will you look over these when I’ve finished? I’d be grateful.”

“Sure. Do you want me at the AGM? Where is it?”

“Not until May and yes please. You can calm Dad down.”

“Is it as bad as that?”

“No, I was joking. We’re doing rather well actually. Pay rises all round next year.”

“Really? I could do with one. I’ll have to find three sets of school fees soon. Uncle Jem will be pleased,” Rix observed. Although Sir James Russell now lived in Australia, he still retained a financial interest in the San.

“I hope so,” David replied, absently, already buried in the paperwork once more. “Did you want anything in particular?”

“I just thought I’d collect my pay, save you having to post it.”

“Sorry, I should have sent it on earlier…” David unlocked a drawer and produced a handful of cheques. His cousin was now working two days a week operating at the San. “You know, if you worked here full time…”

“No thanks.” Rix replied, as usual. “I would like to see something of my wife and kids.”

“Suit yourself.” David grinned. “I won’t stop asking though. I need a full-time surgeon.”

“Advertise? I can help you interview.”

“I will. You’re right. We’ve got the money.” David looked thoughtful.

“I’d best be off, got to get the kids’ Christmas presents.” Rix pocketed the cheque and left, whistling. David looked after him for a few moments before returning to his work with a suppressed groan.

*

It was late, nearly two. David locked the toxicology reports into his desk drawer and decided to go and visit the children’s ward before he went home.

His small patient had been ill, one of the nurses on duty was sponging her down and another had brought clean sheets. Jana herself was pale and listless, whimpering slightly.

“Oh, Doctor,” Nurse Davies said, relieved to see him. “She’s had another bout of sickness, but we seem to be over the worst of it.”

David nodded, picking up Jana Olsen in her clean blanket and moving her to the chair while the nurses changed the bed, “Don’t worry, sweetheart, we’ll make you all better soon,” he said, softly. “Try and close your eyes and have a sleep now.”

“Will you tell me a story?” Jana asked, weakly.

“Of course,” David hastily searched his memory and began to recount a fairytale that he remembered from his nursery days. Jana was asleep before he could speak more than a few sentences however, and he tucked her into her bed, gave some brief instructions to the nurse and left for home, deep in thought.
Author:  francesn [ Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm sorry Phil's daughter's ill. But it's wonderful to see this back!

Thanks Mia - cans of worms open already....
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Toxicology reports? Anything to do with Phil's daughter?


Good to see more of this, Mia.

Thank you
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Mar 25, 2007 10:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yay, Rix & co are back :popper: !
Author:  Jennie [ Mon Mar 26, 2007 1:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great to see this back, Mia, thanks.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Mon Mar 26, 2007 4:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
I was just thinking about this fic the other day Mia, it's lovely to see itback!

I do like how your Rix and David get on with each other :)
Author:  Chair [ Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry that Jana is ill. It's brilliant to see this back!
Author:  Caty [ Tue Mar 27, 2007 5:52 am ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah! More Rix & Co & hopefully John too! :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Glad to see more of this
Author:  Caroline [ Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Fabulous to see this back, Mia, and looking forward to finding out What Happens Next.

:D
Author:  Miranda [ Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
YAY! So nice to see this back :) Loved the summary at the start :lol: :lol:
Author:  Josie [ Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see this back, Mia. :)
Author:  Mia [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm so atrocious, this story was on page 3 with umm countless others of mine. Sorry.


“Shoes on, please. We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.” Rix Bettany said, as he walked through the hall of Carn Beg, distracted by the letter he was reading, but still aware of James and Alex lying on the floor together, giggling over a piece of paper. He stepped over them and joined his wife and youngest son in the drawing room.

“Ready?” He asked briefly, before looking up and giving a low whistle of appreciation. “Or maybe we shouldn’t go at all, just send the kids over to Jane’s for the day?”

“Oh, you.” Mary-Lou laughed, blushing in a very appealing way. “Respectable country doctor, remember?”

“With my equally respectable academic wife,” he grinned at her. “Come on, then, we might as well make tracks. Are you ready, Tommy?”

“Yes, Daddy.” Tom ran out to the hall and joined his brothers in seeking their shoes.

“Have you heard anything else about that poor child?” Mary-Lou asked, suddenly serious now they were alone. “I didn’t like to ask over breakfast, not in front of the children anyway.”

“I asked the staff sister when I was over there last night. David was there, but he was up to his eyes. She’s a little better, thank goodness, but there’s still a long way to go before she’s out of danger,” her husband replied, equally grave. “No, I don’t want the boys to fret, you know what Tom is. I’ll telephone when we get to Portsmouth and see what’s happening before we tell them anything.”

“I’m so surprised they haven’t sailed yet. It’s been a good six weeks since he went back. What are they doing all this time?”

“Search me. Right, I’ll go and start the car.” Rix walked into the hall to be confronted by a shriek.

“Daddy! You’re walking on our picture for Uncle John!”

“Well, why is it on the floor?” Rix countered. “Pick it up and come on if you’re ready. Alex, fasten your shoelaces before you trip over them.”

“Can I bring my book?”

“Yes, you may,” Mary-Lou said, shepherding the excited children to the car, and turning to lock the front door, just as the postman arrived to add to the chaos.

“Just shove ‘em in the glove compartment and I’ll have a look later,” Rix said, referring to the letters, as Mary-Lou jumped into the car.
Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
How very very nice to see more of this.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
ibarhis wrote:
How very very nice to see more of this.


My sentiments exactly :D . And what a lovely family they are.
Author:  ness [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
I agree. Great to see more of this.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's great to see this back. Thanks Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 4:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ooh I'm on a semi-productive roll... :)

John Bettany paced restlessly along the harbour, every so often glancing back at the HMS Commitment, and at the teams of naval architects and engineers studying the hull, poking it and arguing with each other. It was a trying situation, and he was tired of it.

“You can’t go anywhere so you may as well relax,” One of the engineers had said, but he had brushed it off with a terse reply. He was restive; anxious to set sail and not in the right frame of mind to tolerate the delay.

It was cold; early December. He pulled his coat more closely around him and paused to light his cigarette, swearing softly when the wind kept blowing out the flame.

“Jack. Thought it was you.”

“Lewis.” John privately wondered if Commander Keeler had known he would walk this way, to be confirmed when Keeler produced a thick pile of papers from under his jacket.

“Miserable cold day… Fancy a quick one?” Lewis smirked. “Pint, that is.”

John shook his head, but couldn’t hide his smile. “You’re incorrigible. But I would, thank you. What are those?”

“Some bloody awful thing about the divorce. I can’t wait until your blasted ship’s fixed and we can finally go.”

“Me, too.” John said, in such heartfelt tones that Lewis gave him a quizzical glance.

“Who are you running away from?” he demanded, but he didn’t expect an answer and John didn’t give him one. Although they shared an uneasy truce, born out of working so closely together over the previous six weeks, there weren’t yet friends and probably never would be. Keeler often tried to act as though nothing had ever happened and they were still on their first ship together. John had moved from minding very much about things to a listless, almost ghost-feeling of regret whenever he thought too deeply about them.

“I can’t stay very long, my brother and his family are visiting,” he offered, taking the brandy from Lewis despite the fact that it was far too early for it.

“And don’t you sound happy about it,” Lewis chided, resting his own glass on top of the papers.

“I am happy about it. I wish you wouldn’t do this. I‘m fine, I just want to start the operation.”

“Don’t we all.” Lewis had no patience with circular conversations and began perusing his paperwork. “And I’m not doing anything.”

“I’ve spoken to Walsh, every single bloody day, and two doctors and they all agree I’m fine. Recovered. So you don’t need to start trying to find out if I’m going to crack up the second we leave home waters. You just worry about Yvonne and your own ship and your own life.”

“That’s more like the Jack Bettany I know and lo-…” Keeler cut off abruptly, as his sharp eyes noticed some rankings coming in. “I’ll have to get back and sort these out. Say hello to your brother for me.”

John nodded, and watched Keeler leave, before pushing his untouched glass to one side.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yay, 2 updates in one day!

I do wish John could get away from Keeler ...
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
He's definitely not good for him, is he?


Thanks Mia - good to see more of this. :lol:
Author:  Mia [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Daph, the Abbess wants to see you,” Monica Gladstone, one of Daphne’s form-mates, announced, entering the Va common room and seeing her friend engrossed in a new drawing for Miss Yolland.

“Oh, bother… Did she say why?” Daphne tossed her pencil aside, exasperated at the interruption. Cecil looked up from her book at once. Relations between the two cousins remained frosty, and Cecil was jealously wondering why Auntie Hilda had summoned Daphne.

“Maybe it’s because you missed the last two history lessons,” she said, an edge to her voice that caught Monica’s attention and made her lift her brows in surprise. Daphne paid no attention.

“She’s not in the habit of confiding in me,” Monica said, cheerfully. “Oh well, you’ll find out soon enough. Fancy coming to watch the First Lacrosse when you’re finished?”

“Sure, why not,” Daphne looked at her drawing with real regret, but she appreciated Monica’s offer after Cecil’s barbed comment. Not for the first time, she wondered how she had managed to get across her cousin so badly in such a relatively short space of time. She was rather uneasily wondering if that was what the Headmistress wanted to discuss, as she made her way to the study with haste, tossing her long dark curls in their loose pigtail over her shoulder.

“Herein,” Miss Annersley announced, and Daphne entered, dropping a graceful courtesy and inwardly cursing the fact it was a German day. She said good morning in that language, but was surprised when the Head replied in English, looking as stern as Daphne had even seen her, and producing a letter addressed to Daphne herself from her desk.

“Who is this letter from, Daphne?” Miss Annersley asked, holding it out. “I’d like you to open it and read it aloud to me.”
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see this back ... although it really annoyed me that the staff thought they had the right to open the girls' post!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Good to see this back ... although it really annoyed me that the staff thought they had the right to open the girls' post!


I don't think they opened them exactly - girls' letters were their private affairs - but they did monitor who they received letters from and intervened if they thought they were conducting a correspondence of which their parents might disapprove (viz Edna & the unsuitable boyfriend in Oberland).

It was the same at the school I was at in the 1960s - they didn't read our letters, but they did monitor who we wrote to and, I think, who we had letters from. I don't remember active intervention in letters, but I rather think it would have happened if necessary.

Thank you, Mia.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
I was hoping for more of this when I saw your question! Thank you Mia :D
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've not read any of this before but I just spotted the title, I was singing it this afternoon.

It's got me interested, especially seeing a sympathetic Mary-Lou so I'll have to find the first part in the archives.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Caty [ Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sarah_K wrote:
I was hoping for more of this when I saw your question! Thank you Mia :D


Me too. I just hot footed it over from Joey's Trunk to check. Thanks Mia.
Author:  Changnoi [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:49 am ]
Post subject: 
OK, I have returned after an absence, read ALL of the Mia drables--it's very nice; I come by periodically and they're all done--but now I'm frustrated as this one is left here...I need more! Addiction!

Thanks, Mia. Hopefully it's just one of the letters from Jack?...I mean, in Oberland, they go through in detail how they conclude that the letter is unsuitable--has no return address, etc.--so maybe a naval letter might be equally so?

Chang
Author:  Mia [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for delay... *hides head in usual shame*

Daphne took it, it was postmarked London SW1 and she didn’t recognise the writing. “I don’t know,” she said, so clearly innocent that Miss Annersley relaxed a little. She opened it and pulled the sheets from the envelope and flicked to the back page.

“With all good wishes, Daniel Lyndhurst,” she read aloud. “It’s from Dr Lyndhurst, Auntie Hilda. He’s Maeve’s husband’s cousin.”

“Is he a close friend of yours?” Miss Annersley quizzed gently.

“Oh, no. He’s John’s friend, and Rix’s.” Daphne was skimming the letter, which was just a few lines, a thank you for the drawing she had sent of him and John and details of an art exhibition he had recently visited in London.

“And why, my dear, is he writing to you?”

Daphne handed the letter over with a shrug. “I wrote to him to say happy birthday. He’s very nice, Auntie.”

“But a lot older than you, one would imagine? Surely he must know that corresponding with a schoolgirl isn’t…” Miss Annersley was for once, lost for words. This was an issue she didn’t have to tackle very much in the Chalet School. “Would your parents be happy about this, Daphne?”

“What do you mean?” Daphne demanded, not altogether as one would address one’s headmistress. Miss Annersley ignored the lapse, and read the letter all the way through.

“I must ask your father and mother if they mind you corresponding with this Dr Lyndhurst,” she said, eventually.

“They won’t, Miss Annersley.”

“I just need permission, Daphne, my dear, that’s all. You say he’s a friend of your brothers?”

“Yes. I sent him a drawing of John because he hasn’t any photos,” Daphne said, without thinking.

Miss Annersley looked up, quizzically. “Why should he need a photo, dear?”

“I – I don’t know.” Daphne stammered a little. “I don’t expect he’ll write to me, again, Auntie Hilda, but if you want me to, I’ll write to Daddy and ask him to write to you saying it’s all right. I am sorry, I didn’t know I should have asked.”

“Thank you, Daphne.” Miss Annersley smiled at her brevet niece, inwardly relieved that there was nothing to the girl’s correspondence. “The art exhibition sounds most interesting. Perhaps we could see if anything is planned again at the gallery in Berne.”

“Oh, yes please!” Daphne’s face lit up at once. “I did enjoy the last time we went, it’s very kind of you to take me.”

“It’s a pleasure. Perhaps we should ask Cecil if she would like to come also?”

“Oh… I shouldn’t think she’d be interested, Auntie Hilda. She doesn’t do Art.”

“Nontheless, she might enjoy it. Please ask her when you next see her.” Miss Annersley felt she had to insist, Cecil had looked so wretched lately. Normally the staff preferred to keep out of the girls’ friendships, but she couldn’t let whatever was happening continue.

“Of course I will,” Daphne smiled easily enough.

“You haven’t quarrelled, have you Daphne?”

“Oh no. Well, not really. Cecil just doesn’t like me being here.”

“Really? Why not?”

“Because… I don’t know really. She just doesn’t like me. I suppose we did argue, I was writing to John and she said I shouldn’t be in the dormy – I mean dormitory. But that’s all that happened.”

“Thank you, Daphne. The prep bell will ring shortly, so you had better run along. I’ll speak to Cecil, dear.”

“Thanks Auntie!” Daphne smiled and ran along obediently leaving Miss Annersley to think about what could be done.
Author:  bethany [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yay, an update! :)
Thanks Mia!
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to go and read the previous part of this. And presumably whatever it's a sequel to. Should be fun :D

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to have an update - must admit I automatically think - what business is it of hers - when Miss Annersley questions them on things like this - but suppose I'm forgetting that they are still classed as children and she is in loco parentis.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Rosalin wrote:
Hmm, I think I'm going to have to go and read the previous part of this. And presumably whatever it's a sequel to. Should be fun :D


Eeep it's very long! :lol: I've just edited the first post with a chronological list for you :D And here's some more, hopefully the bunnies will keep biting. Thanks for the comments x

“You look better,” Rix said, as they sat in the hotel’s restaurant, their dinner finished. Mary-Lou was putting the triplets to bed.

“Thanks. I’m fine.” John put his empty coffee cup down on the table. “I didn’t really thank you properly for all your help last summer…”

“Any time. Oh, is that Mike?”

John looked across, frowning, his cousin was indeed at the bar, with a fellow midshipman, both were laughing. Mike caught Rix’s eye and grinned, excused himself and came over to their table, shaking hands with Rix and nodding at John, who hesitated for a brief moment before greeting Mike.

Rix noticed, of course and raised his eyebrows at his brother. John looked away, wishing Rix could be less observant sometimes.

“How are things?” Rix asked.
“Great! We’re sailing next week, once the destroyer’s fixed. My skipper says it should be an interesting trip too. I’m going to train in communications, you see.” Mike said. “How are Uncle and Aunt and the trips?”

“Doing well. We’ve brought the boys with us, Mary-Lou’s upstairs with them now. Joining us for coffee?”

“Sure, why not? I’ve got another hour before I have to report.” Mike glanced at John, opened his mouth as if to say something, and then closed it again.

They discussed family news for the next half-hour or so, until John excused himself and made his farewells.

“I’ll write, of course.” Rix said. “Take care of yourself.”

John nodded, glanced over at Mary-Lou and Mike, and then patted Rix on the shoulder. “I’ll see you soon – it won’t be more than a few months, I’m sure.” He grinned as he managed to dodge Rix ruffling his hair in a particularly annoying brotherly way; and with a final wave, was gone.
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mia wrote:
Eeep it's very long! I've just edited the first post with a chronological list for you And here's some more, hopefully the bunnies will keep biting. Thanks for the comments x


Thanks Mia, that'll be very helpful. I did go and look in the drabble-orum and felt like I was in some kind of logic puzzle of the 'if X is a sequel to Z and B is a sequel to E and X, which came first' variety. I was going to go back after I'd had some sleep and work it out, but now I can just go and read.

*bounces*

I'm intrigued as to what the problem is between Mike and John.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:44 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mia - it's very awkward between them, isn't it?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank Mia though I had forgotton about the argument between Cecil and Daphne
Author:  ness [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mia. I love this drabble :D Its great to see it back
Author:  Carys [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
I couldn't quite remember how far I'd got up to in this but it seems I haven't missed as much as I thought as I seem to know what's going on-hurrah!
I really enjoy reading this! :D
Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
*bounces again*

Now I know what's going on! Well I've got some idea anyhow. I really enjoyed reading all the parts that came before this. I got rather hooked and didn't have my lunch until 7.30 pm yesterday :oops:

Thanks again Mia.
Author:  Caroline [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:58 am ]
Post subject: 
Lovely, Mia - thank you! It's so good to see this back.

:D
Author:  Mia [ Sun Oct 21, 2007 10:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Good news, sir! We’re off tomorrow afternoon. She’s all fixed and checked. The bulletin from the Admiralty’s on your desk.” Sub-Lieutenant Robert Dean got up from John’s chair in a hurry and saluted him.

“Really? Excellent. Has Commander Keeler sent anything?”

“Radiogram, it’s on your desk. All the lads know.”

“Good stuff… Robbie? Any other post?”

“Yes – personal. I left it all on your desk too.”

“Thanks. It’s late, you can go and turn in if you want.”

“Night, sir.”

The first of his letters was a hastily-scribbled note from David, wishing him bon voyage. One other was in his mother’s writing, the last from Daniel. He took all three to his cabin and read them, Daniel’s first, and David’s last. He had enclosed a copy of the quarterly accounts for the San, as John, like many of his siblings and cousins, held shares. John glanced at cursorily, then blinked and looked again.

David had always kept late hours, it took the Naval operator a few tries to connect them, but eventually he answered.

“Jack! Everything OK?”

“I’m fine, thanks. Are you still working?”

“Mmm. We’ve got a little girl in Intensive Care,” David rubbed his eyes, tiredly. “Is there anything wrong?”

“No. I was just reading your letter. Those accounts you sent me – are they quite right? I mean, is that my return or the whole of the profits this quarter?”

“Not bad, eh?” David perked up considerably. “That’s your return, more or less. We’ve got the AGM in May, of course, but you won’t be back for that. Shame, I could do with the support.”

“You’ll be the shareholders’ blue-eyed boy with these figures,” John said, making calculations on the back of an envelope. “Do Dad and Mother still have shares?”

“A few. I think they’ll be pleased, don’t you?”

“They will. How did you do it? Rix said the San was in trouble at one point, I remember. Was that just the Swiss San or…”

“No, it was this place as well. There was no telling Dad when he was here, believe me. So – will you be back for the AGM? It’s in May. You’ll get the dividends then, if that’s all right.”

“I don’t expect I’ll be back. We sail tomorrow. Look, David, give my dividend to Mum and Dad, OK? I’ll write to you about it. Don’t make it a huge deal though.”

“I’ll sort it out for you,” David said, easily. “Write to me though, Jackie, for the auditors. It’s a lot of money.”

“Sure. What did Uncle Jem say? Has he seen these?”

“Not yet,” David sighed. “I’ve sent them to him, but the post will take a day or so. He’ll say we’re expanding too fast, that we can’t afford a new chief surgeon, that I’m paying myself too much and all the rest of it.”

“Really?”

“Hang on a sec – yes. Sorry, Jack, I’ve got to go. Have a good trip. I’ll write to you, OK? Take care of yourself.”

“See you,” Jack hung up and David left his office, to follow the Sister who had summoned him so urgently, with a heavy heart.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Another post - excellent! :lol:

David sounds as though he's doing really well at the San - sad about the little girl though. :cry:


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:40 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update.
Author:  Caroline [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:15 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Mia.

Upsetting as the little-girl-in-intensive-care is, it's good to see David taking things seriously and making good. Hope he's put the San on a decent footing by fair means, not foul...

Hope John's letter from Daniel is good news, too...

:D
Author:  Carys [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:51 am ]
Post subject: 
Good to have this back!
Is the little girl in intensive care Phil Craven's daughter?
Author:  Becky [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great to have this back Mia, thanks.
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 3:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad David's doing so well with the San.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
:? Poor kiddie, that didn't sound good at the end there!

Still I'm glad to see this again :D and I'm glad Jackie read Daniel's letter first :D:D
Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I wondered if it was Phil's daughter too. I hope that David's turn around of the San is legit.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Changnoi [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 3:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Is it just me, or are other people thinking Munchausen by Proxy about Phil's daughter as well?

I mean, maybe it's just me.

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry sorry sorry - I know I'm rubbish. Have resolved to do better this year. This is only a short update but a longer one is following, and I actually have a big chunk written too


“Darling?” Con opened the door of her husband’s study, quietly. He had joined her briefly upstairs to say goodnight to the children, but left her reading Jonathan’s bedtime story to finish some urgent paperwork. As she caught his eye, she thought he looked tired.

“Are they asleep at last?” He smiled and held out his arms for her.

“Yes, thank goodness! I thought Jonathan would never settle. He wanted three stories…” Con’s glance fell upon the desk. “Is everything all right?”

“Oh yes. I’ve had the offer of a job. Here,” Frank Rayner handed over a letter, typewritten on expensive creamy paper and signed with a signature Con immediately recognised as belonging to her cousin.

“David’s offered you a job? At the San?” Con read the brief note quickly. “Are you going to accept?”

“What do you think?” he asked, neutrally, getting to his feet and leaving her in his chair as he went to fetch the coffee cups from the kitchen.

“I don’t know,” Con said, as he returned. “I don’t mind where we live, I can write anywhere, and the children are too young to care, but would you want to leave London? And work for David?”

He smiled, ruefully. “He’s offering a very attractive salary, and I’d like to go back to surgery.”

“You’d be working with Rix again,” Con sipped her coffee, sitting down on the edge of the desk.

“So I will, I’d forgotten that,” Frank looked thoughtful.

*

“Maurice?” Emerence Hope pushed open the door of the cowsheds and squelched across the muck in her borrowed Wellingtons. He was at the end of the long, narrow shed, leaning against a stall, staring into space, seemingly miles away, and it was only as she got closer he become aware of her presence, frowning at her.

“Jake said you were in here,” she said, puzzled how his expression cleared as she spoke. “He said if I asked nicely you might take me on a tour of Top Field.”
“Emerence.” Maurice said, running a hand nervously through his dark hair. “Of course. Would you give me a few minutes?”

“Sure.” Emerence studied him keenly, aware that something wasn’t quite right, but unable to put her finger on what it was. “Is everything OK?”

“Fine,” he stumbled slightly as he stood up straight, groping for the handrail clumsily. “I’m fine, all right?”

“Maurice, can you see me?” Emerence grabbed his arm to save him from falling. “You can’t, can you?”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he said, quietly, as their fingers met, and entwined.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:54 am ]
Post subject: 
Ah - I'd been wondering how Emmy was going to fit in!

Lovely to see more of this - more soon please :D !
Author:  Carys [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:36 am ]
Post subject: 
*Wibbles about Maurice*
I have the feeling that I know what's wrong with him and it's not good... :?
Great to see this back Mia!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Pleased to see more of this - but worried about Maurice.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:43 am ]
Post subject: 
Also wibbling about Maurice.

Thanks for the update Mia.
Author:  ness [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Mia. Looking forward to some more
Author:  Becky [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Mia.
Author:  Fatima [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 5:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm worried about Maurice, too :cry:

Thanks Mia.
Author:  clair [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see this back - hope Maurice is going to be ok
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Worried about Maurice too - but I am enjoying this :D
Author:  Mia [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've written some more :shock:


Dick Bettany whistled as he drew back the curtain of Mollie’s sitting room. “Have you seen the latest developments, Moll?”

“What are you talking about?” Mollie looked up from her knitting, laid it down as he beckoned her and joined him at the window, to see her youngest son walking across the far fields with Emerence on his arm. “Oh, Dick! Do you think..?”

“I thought things were serious with that Susie girl.” Dick moved out of the way so his wife could fuss the curtain back into place. “But we’re always the last to know, aren’t we? Remember Rix and Mary-Lou.”

“I don’t think those two knew themselves, until that night,” Mollie smiled, remembering. She moved over to the mantelpiece to straighten the photograph of her son and daughter-in-law, and glanced at the one of John in his dress uniform. “John’s ship should have sailed by now,” she commented, looking at the carriage clock.

“He’ll be fine, Moll, don’t worry,” Dick said automatically, as he had previously, on every single one of John’s trips. “He said it would be easy.”

“I know, but, well, I can’t help it, can I?”

“No, but he’ll be fine. Shall we have tea?”

*

“You need to go to a doctor – an eye specialist. I’ll drive you to London if you like.”

“No,” Maurice said, stubbornly. “There’s too much to do here. Dad’s not up to it.”

“But it could be something serious. You shouldn’t wait.” Emerence sat down on a low wall near to the garden door to tug off her boots. “You could go one afternoon, stay overnight in a hotel and see a specialist first thing the next morning, and then you’d be back for the late afternoon rounds.”

“I could speak to Jake…”

“Good. I’ll book a hotel. Unless you want to tell Maeve?”

“No. I don’t want to tell any of them, until I know what it is.”

Emerence looked at him, with sympathy. “It mightn’t be anything serious, you know. You said the optician couldn’t find anything wrong.”

He shrugged. “You’re right. I should go, get it over with. If I’m going to be blind…”

“I’m sure it’ll be all right…”

“Maurice?” A voice, high-pitched and annoyed, interrupted them.
“Maurice, what are you doing?”
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wibbling about Maurice ... and wondering if it's his girlfriend who's just turned up!
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:06 am ]
Post subject: 
That voice just sounds annoying, doesn't it? Hope Emmy can persuade Maurice he needs to see the Doctor - if the optician can't find anything wrong it could be really serious.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:58 am ]
Post subject: 
Glad to see more of this
Author:  Sarah_K [ Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well done Emerence! I hope it isn't anything too serious wrong with poor Maurice but at least he's going to get checked out finally.

Very glad to see this back Mia! :D
Author:  Carys [ Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad Maurice has agreed to see a doctor, though I don't think the high pitched voice person is going to do much good!
Author:  Mia [ Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks so much for all your comments. I've decided to try and update this every day, even if it's only a short bit!

“Susie – you know Emerence, don’t you? Maeve’s friend from school?” Maurice’s face lit up as he saw her. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”

“Your mother invited me for tea.” Susie offered her cheek to be kissed. “Hello,” she said to Emerence, defrosting a little as Maurice made no move to rejoin the other young woman. “Maurice’s mother invited me for tea.”

“Good… Will you come riding afterwards?” Maurice looked at Emerence, “You’ll join us, won’t you, Emmy?”

“Sure,” Emerence said, after a moment’s hesitation. She remembered Susie from Freddie Brentford’s party, where she had learnt they had nothing in common. Still, Maurice was a friend, and he seemed fond of Susie, so she smiled at her, noting that she wasn’t dressed at all appropriately for riding. “I can lend you some clothes if you like.”

“You’re a darling,” Susie said, much calmer and friendlier now she was pressed against Maurice’s side. “We won’t be going too far, will we? It’ll be dark soon – it’s nearly four now.”

“Maybe we could go tomorrow morning instead?” Emerence had already noted Susie’s small overnight case.

“Oh, yes, that’s a much better idea, isn’t it darling? We could go early – say, eight.”

Maurice laughed. “That’s not early, that’s late morning for me. I won’t be able to ride then; I’ve got the farm work to do. You two could go?”

Susie looked doubtful; Emerence felt the same, but inwardly. “That would be nice,” she said, politely.

“Good. I’ll show you the stables after tea instead.” Maurice effectively ended the matter by pulling off his muddy Wellingtons and entering the Quadrant through the scullery door.

*

Tea was a quiet affair, with Susie making most of the conversation. Mollie’s eyes kept straying towards the mantelpiece, and it wasn’t till afterwards, when Emerence was helping to clear the china, that she confessed she was thinking about John.

“He just seemed so quiet this summer, as though something was worrying him and he couldn’t tell us. Do you know very much about Rhodesia, Emerence? Do you think it’s going to be dangerous? Dick said it’s only peacekeeping and what have you, but I can’t help thinking John was anxious about going out there.”

“I’m sure Mr Bettany’s right,” Emerence soothed. “I don’t know much about it, but I could read up on it. Freddie said I could use his cousin’s library if I needed it. Apparently it’s quite famous?”

“Oh yes, Candlebury. Daniel, Rix’s friend, he’s a nice young man.” Mollie glanced at Emerence, and smiled, distracted from her worries by the thought of matchmaking. “Yes, you should visit; it’s a lovely old house. It needs some work, of course, but these old houses do. The gardens are beautiful and I’m sure John said they were being restored. Let me find you his card, dear, and you can arrange a visit.”

“We could go tomorrow, Emerence, when we go riding,” Susie perked up, and Emerence had to swallow the uncharitable thought that to Susie, a large stately home and marvellous gardens held an attraction all of their own. “Maurice, you could telephone Dr Lyndhurst, couldn’t you?”

“I’m going over there after lunch anyway, to discuss the boundary. Our lands border his,” he added, for Emerence’s benefit. “I suppose we could ride. By the way, Dad, I need to go to London at some point this coming week.”

“That’s fine. We’ll sort something out.” Dick said. Maurice nodded, and left the room to make his telephone call.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:24 am ]
Post subject: 
Why is it that I want to slap Susie? :lol:


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:48 am ]
Post subject: 
Susie's going to get a shock if she goes after Daniel :roll: .
Author:  Carys [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:49 am ]
Post subject: 
The phrase gold digger comes to mind...
Thanks Mia.
Author:  Caty [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:59 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mia.
Author:  Catherine [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Being bored and fed up at work has its advantages!

I've read the story so far over the past few days Mia, and loved it!

Thank you! :D
Author:  di [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:17 am ]
Post subject: 
I've also found the 1st part in the archives and am really enjoying meeting up with names from the past! Thanks, Mia.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
*scowls at Susie*

Not that she's really done anything yet but I'm not sure I trust her at all
Author:  Heather-E [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:43 am ]
Post subject: 
More please Mia. Preferably very soon.
Author:  Mia [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Sir? Radiogram from The Camaraderie.” Sub-Lieutenant Dean hurried in, forgetting his salute as he did four times out of every ten. John looked up, amusement quickly turning into seriousness as he realised that his private secretary was fidgeting and on edge.

“Nothing serious?” he asked, reaching for it and scanning the contents briefly. It was a short, impersonal message from Commander Keeler, announcing a tour of inspection at a ridiculous time the next morning. John sighed, before he could stop himself. They had barely set sail and already Lewis was playing petty games and attempting to assert his authority.

“I expected this,” he said, dropping the radiogram on top of the papers on his desk.

“We’ve never been inspected by that lot before.” Robbie Dean said, defensively. “There’s no need for them to start now.”

“We’ve never been in this situation before. Commander Keeler is technically in command…” John wondered why on earth he was debating the issue and wasting time. Tours of inspection were always a drag and in his opinion, the men had enough to do without them. It suddenly struck him that the company would wonder why it was happening, why Keeler was undermining his own authority and he frowned.

“God help us,” Dean added, rolling his eyes.

“Anyway,” John felt this had gone far enough. “We’ll have to let the company know. Could you call all the Divisional Officers here please for a start, then we’d better try and shift some of these reports.”

“Yes sir.” Dean turned smartly and left, as John ran his hand through his hair, wondering just how badly this inspection could go.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mia - still not entirely sure what Keeler is up to :shock: :? :roll:
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lewis is a nasty piece of work IIRC - hope John's not going to get a load of hassle from him.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
He's in a position of power - that does not bode well.
:shock:

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:53 am ]
Post subject: 
I hope Keeler falls over board. :evil:
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
A rough sea which makes transfer between boats difficuly??
Let it be to not from the inspection!
Author:  Mia [ Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
As John had suspected, none of the ship’s company were thrilled at the thought of the inspection. Although their mission was still very much in its infancy, they were already very busy and most of the men resented having to flotilla with another ship and the restrictions forced upon them.

Not that Lewis had given them much time, John mused, as he went below deck to visit the NAAFI, the previous day had been spent mostly locked away in his office, after he had informed his officers about the inspection, most of his time had been taken up with administrative work and reports. Now they were due in twenty minutes’ time and waiting in his office seemed an unattractive option. Too late, he realised it might look as though he was sneaking around checking up on people.

“Good morning, sir. We don’t often see you down here.” The young petty officer behind the counter, who had been looking bored, perked up a bit and grinned. John smiled back and, as was traditional, put his hat on the counter. “What can I do you for? Cigs?”

“Please.” John glanced over at the kitchens, obviously the NCS personnel were working, but there did seem to be a lot of shouting going on.

“Will the Captain of the Camaraderie want to look over the NAAFI accounts, sir?” The boy asked him, biting his lip.

“What? No – I don’t imagine so.” John studied his watch; Keeler would be on board any minute now. He would have to go into the kitchens and ask them to keep it down, it sounded like a real row was going to erupt any moment.

He scooped up his hat and the cigarettes and paying with cash, rather than having to wait to sign for them on his account, went into the kitchen.




“What’s going on in here?” He demanded, taking in the scene before him.

“Nothing, sir.” The cook, Andrews, said at once. The rating he had been arguing with said nothing, but looked horrified to see John.

“Nothing?” he asked, sceptically. The sailor who looked very young, about Daphne’s age, maybe, looked frightened and kept looking between the two of them. Most of the other personnel, many of them civilian members of the NCS, made valiant efforts to carry on with their work and pretend to ignore what was going on, though John knew they were all agog to hear what would happen. A few of them stared, curious to see their captain at close quarters, it was very unusual for John to come below deck like this.

He met Andrews’s eye, the large, gruff but usually good-natured cook was someone John did respect and he had no wish to usurp his authority. “I’m sorry to intrude, Petty Officer,” he said. “I heard raised voices.”

“You don’t need to apologise, sir,” Andrews said, with a glance at the young rating that told John that he did have everything under control.

John nodded, and was about to withdraw when he saw the cat. It was winding itself around the rating’s ankles.

“What the hell is that doing on board?” John snapped, his last nerve fraying.

“I – I – she’s mine, sir.”

The cat was young and detaching herself from her young owner, she came forward and sniffed at John’s foot. He stepped back with a frown.

“I’ve only just discovered this,” Andrews said, scooping the cat up. “I’ll deal with it, sir.”

“What – what will you do with her? Sir...” John turned round, half-amazed that the kid would dare to appeal to him.

“It can’t stay on board.” John was terse. “We are being inspected within the next hour. Get rid of it.”

“Yes, sir.” Andrews said.

“But, sir, you can’t…” The sailor pleaded.

“I said, get rid of it. Just – hide it. For now. For Christ’s sake, Keeler will be here any minute. We’ll discuss this later. The second Commander Keeler and co are off my ship, you will report to my office!”

“I’ll hide her in the store cupboard…”

“Wherever,” John snapped and stalked out, scowling.

Naturally, Keeler and his gang had arrived during his brief absence. John saluted, trying to relax.

“Good morning, Lieutenant Commander. Where’s your EO?” Keeler immediately got down to business.

“Lieutenant McLaughlin. On the bridge, sir,” John nodded. “Perhaps we should start there?”

Keeler looked at him. “Why not?” he said, his tone entirely cordial. “Lead the way.”
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
*Wibbles* - Keeler's bound to want to make life difficult ...
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor John, An inspection he does not want and a cat on board. Lets hope Keeler does not find the cat.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
Surely a cat's a good thing? Keeps down the mice and rats.


Hope Keeler isn't going to be a complete a*** but have my doubts.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Hope Keeler isn't going to be a complete a*** but have my doubts.

He always has been so far . . . :(
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:34 am ]
Post subject: 
Putting the cat in the store cupboard seems to be asking for trouble, even without Keeler on board.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Anjali [ Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:48 am ]
Post subject: 
I have just read this whole epic from start to finish, and I love it! And having read all the prequels and sequels without any cliffs, I now realise that i'm addicted to your world, Mia...please post more! :P
Author:  Mia [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks ever so much for your kind comments and sorry this took so long!

Keeler had sent his officers to view the armaments, but seemed disinclined to go below decks himself. The tour of inspection hadn’t gone too badly, John thought, as he watched him.

“Shall we sojourn to your office?” Keeler said with a careless smile.

“Yes, sir.”

“OK, Lieutenant Commander,” Keeler was only amused at the formality. “After you.”

“Walsh sent me,” Keeler said, as he followed John down the narrow corridor “So take that look off your face. It wasn’t my idea to waste my time traipsing all over your ship.”

“Walsh sent you?” There wasn’t really room to stop and talk, but John paused anyway and turned to face him.

“He’s worried about you, my good kid.” Keeler smirked, but as John turned away, annoyed, his carefree façade dropped slightly. “I wanted to see you.”

“Why? I thought you were satisfied with weekly reports.” John pushed the door open, glad to see that Sub-Lieutenant Dean had gone elsewhere.

“We’ll reach Valetta in two days.” Keeler changed tack. “We’ll rest there for at least 48 hours, then carry on to Mozambique. That OK with you?”

John nodded, sitting down on a nearby chair. “Are you giving your lot shore leave?”

“24 hour passes only. I’d advise you to do the same, and they can sleep off the drink before we head out. You know, we first met in Valetta.”

“No we didn’t. We were on the bridge of the Albion. You were supposed to be navigating.”

“No, you were navigating, you were training with that bastard, Hargreaves. I was bringing the Captain his afternoon tea, important task you know... Anyway, we went to Valetta the next day and went on the bus to that beach. You were so shy you barely said a dozen words.” Lewis looked thoughtful.

“You said you wouldn’t do this.”

“Oh, come on. What am I doing? I’m only reminiscing. We used to be friends once, remember? We could have dinner in port,” Lewis continued, idly flicking through a book from the ship’s library that John had left on his desk. “You could give me this week’s report then, maybe.”

“All right,” John shrugged.

Lewis stood up. “You know, I think this is going to be a long haul – the Patrol, I mean. A pal of mine said it could be ten years or so. You can’t freeze me out for ten years, John.”

“Ten years?” John considered the boredom of the blockade, a decade of it; unimaginable, even with leave, yet once he couldn’t have thought of anything we would like more than a peaceful mission, working so closely with Lewis; and to see his thoughts mirrored so closely on Lewis’s face was disturbing. He looked away. “Still, better than going to the Middle East, I would imagine, or Cambodia.”

“I’d rather see some action,” Lewis, who had seen considerably less action than John during their respective careers, and who rather resented the fact, stood up, the conversation over.

“We’ve got a cat,” John said, impulsively. “I forgot to tell you before we sailed.”

Lewis pulled a face, he hated cats, as John knew. “Where is it?” he demanded, looking about him as though he expected it to burst into the room any moment.

“In the kitchen.”

“Well, it’s your business.” Lewis, possibly mollified by John’s agreement to have dinner, shrugged, instead of making a fuss. “Just keep the blessed thing out of my sight.”

“Have you heard anything more from Yvonne?” John asked, deciding to meet him halfway.

“No, her solicitors have told her to stop writing. God knows when I’m supposed to go to court – I suppose they’ll let me organise some leave. Typical of her, isn’t it…” John switched off for most of Lewis’s tirade, he’d heard it often during those last weeks at Portsmouth, but the basic politeness that had made him ask now dictated that he should listen sympathetically.

“I should go – they’ll be waiting for me.” Lewis felt genuinely regretful. Whilst he was under no illusions about their friendship, he was perceptive enough to recognise that John was starting to thaw slightly, and was pleased with himself, content to bide his time.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Lewis felt genuinely regretful. Whilst he was under no illusions about their friendship, he was perceptive enough to recognise that John was starting to thaw slightly, and was pleased with himself, content to bide his time.

Is this something to be thankful for or worried about???
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Why do i really really dislike and distrust Keeler?

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Pity John still has to be around Keeler, it sounds like there may be more trouble to come.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Good to see more of this.
Author:  Catherine [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for posting more, Mia.

I hope Keeler doesn't cause trouble for John.
Author:  Mia [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Geoff was in luck as he went to the letters slab after a hearty breakfast, he had four. His mother’s, one stamped from Portsmouth, a postcard from Charles, and something postmarked London with his name and address scrawled on it in writing that his form-master wouldn’t pass. He opened John’s first, which wasn’t very long, but decent anyway, with descriptions of naval life. Geoff often thought that if it weren’t for Mike (who of course would end up on the same ship and boss him around as he did at home), he would enjoy a career in the Service.

Charles’s postcard was really quite dull; he glanced at it only briefly. The picture was of a cathedral, not even good enough to swap. The mystery letter was interesting of course, and he opened it carefully. A ten shilling note fluttered out, and Geoff put it carefully into his letter case, with the considerable sum of paper money that already lived there. Officially, boys were supposed to hand over any money to Matron, who kept all of the boys’ money and doled it out dutifully every Saturday, but Geoff didn’t think much of this rule.

The letter was from Frank, his brother-in-law, (Geoff always found this funny, as he was so much older) apologising that he and Con couldn’t come for the next exeat.

“Oh, blow!” Geoff was disappointed.

“What’s wrong, Maynard?” Garrick, a boy in his dormitory who Geoff rather admired, although they were not strictly friends, was looking at him curiously.

“My people aren’t coming after all.”

“Bad luck,” Charlie Garrick was duly sympathetic. It was a bore not to have anyone visit for an exeat. “I thought your people were abroad?”

“They are – in Switzerland. My sister and her husband were coming. Never mind,” Geoff covered quickly; school was not a place where one wore one’s heart on one’s sleeve. He feigned an air of nonchalance.

“You could come out with us,” Garrick offered, with an offhand shrug, in case Geoff refused.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Geoff :( .
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Geoff a large family but no-one to take him out on his next exeat. And wooried that if he went in the navy Mike would still boss him about.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor lad - surely someone in the extended Russell/Bettany/Maynard clan could be there for him?


Thanks Mia.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up on two posts - nice to see this again

Thanks Mia
Author:  Mia [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Darling!” Garrick’s mother was young, and rather beautiful. Geoff stared at her, he recognised her from somewhere. “And who’s this?”

“Geoff Maynard, how do you do,” Geoff gabbled, holding out his hand, but she ignored it and kissed him as she had her son.

“You’re Charlie’s friend, are you? How adorable. You’re coming out with us, yes? What fun!” She adjusted her hat and looked around. “Charlie, do I have to tell one of your fearsome monks that we’re going?”

“No, we can just leave.”

Geoff suddenly realised he’d seen Mrs Garrick on the television, in a film he’d watched at the Quadrant. She hadn’t had very many clothes on. He blushed as she smiled at him as they headed over to a large car.

“It’s very kind of you to invite me, Mrs Garrick…” he began, suddenly tongue-tied. He knew that wasn’t her name, but couldn’t remember what it was.

“Oh dear, do call me Cynthia. I didn’t introduce myself, did I? How awful of me. Thank you, Andrews!” she smiled delightfully at the uniformed chauffeur who held the door for them as they climbed in to the Bentley. “Right, where shall we go?”

“Where’s Gerard?” Charlie asked, as Andrews pulled away down the elegant drive.

“Working, but he sends all his love. Geoff, do you have any ideas?”

Geoff admitted he hadn’t, lost in admiration of a parent who was so young and gorgeous and who hadn’t made rigid plans for the exeat. The Rayners always took him to a tea shop in the village, then to the cinema.

“Well, I propose we go to my hotel for lunch, then we can discuss what we want to do,” Cynthia stretched out her long legs and demanded an account of their school doings.

“She’s marvellous,” Geoff whispered, full of admiration, as they followed her into the restaurant.

“She’s not too bad,” Charlie said, proudly. “She lets me do whatever I like.”

“Who’s Gerard?”

“My stepfather. He will be, I mean. They’re engaged. I only see him during the Easter hols really, we always spend summer and Christmas in the States. Mother’s an actress.”

“I know.”

“Mummy, tell Geoff that funny story about the Oscars, and what Paul Newman said to you.”

“Oh, Charlie, Geoff wouldn’t be interested,” Cynthia recounted the anecdote, which was amusing, and made Geoff laugh. He listened fascinated, hastily filing it all away to recount to his brothers for the terrific boast he could have when he saw them next.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for two posts in one day. Glad Geoff is having a good exeat.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:13 am ]
Post subject: 
Sounds as though Charles' Mother is a scream! :lol:


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:46 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for another update.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:41 am ]
Post subject: 
I hope Charlie turns out to be a good friend for Geoff.

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thought for a minute Garrick's ma was going to be Jane Carew :oops:
Author:  Mia [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 8:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
abbeybufo wrote:
Thought for a minute Garrick's ma was going to be Jane Carew :oops:


Jane would have been ace, but too young. Boo. :(
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Mar 26, 2008 9:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad to catch up with so much of this
Author:  Caty [ Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:23 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mia
Author:  crystaltips [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just read this whole series & now hoping that there is more to come.....please :D
Author:  Priscilla [ Sat May 03, 2008 8:04 am ]
Post subject: 
Mia, do please post more of this...please, pretty please!

I'm brand new to this board...in fact, I've been lurking for a while and reading mostly the shorter drabbles since I couldn't seem to get interested in most of the longer ones (I did love the RCS one though!!), but then I discovered your saga of the Bettany/Russell/Maynard clan, Mia, and have spent the last few days reading them though from the start (and missing all those cliffs!). I am absolutely hooked! So I actually got myself registered so I could post and add my pleas for more of this story. :lol:

Priscilla
Author:  clair [ Sat May 03, 2008 9:26 am ]
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Also hoping for more soon - love this drabble! Please don't let Keeler get close to John, really don't trust that man!
Author:  di [ Sun May 04, 2008 9:52 am ]
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I seem to have missed the last two posts so have just caught up. I wonder if Geoff is in for a bit of infatuation with Garrick's mother, he's just the right age! Hope she is kind to him.
Thanks, Mia.
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Mon May 05, 2008 11:32 am ]
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I sat up til midnight last night reading this & the previous drabble all the way through - time well spent! Am looking forward to seeing how everything develops, especially for John & Daniel. (And OMG, Phil Craven - as an aside, I wonder if Mary-Lou thought any more about the "bullying")

Thanks Mia :)
Author:  Anjali [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:48 am ]
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I caught up on the whole of this epic recently, missing all the cliffs :) , and can't wait to read more! Thanks Mia, this si so great...
Author:  Mia [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:51 pm ]
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Thanks so very much for the really sweet comments, I've just read them and felt I had to write some more, even though it's really late! :lol:

“Would you like some more tea, Miss Hope?” Daniel Lyndhurst asked. Emerence acquiesced with a brief smile. She liked what she had seen of him so far, which admittedly wasn’t very much; he and Maurice had mostly been discussing business in the library, leaving Susie and Emerence to explore the house in the company of Mrs Collins, the housekeeper.

It was a beautiful house, Emerence reflected as she sipped her tea. Mollie had been correct and it did need work, but it was still lovely.

“Have you lived here all your life? It’s such a marvellous house,” she said, impulsively.

“Thank you,” he frowned slightly, but quickly covered it with a dazzling smile. “Most of my life, yes.”

“Don’t you get lonely?” Susie asked, leaning forward from her seat beside Maurice to join in the conversation. “It’s such a big house for one.”

Emerence quite liked the glint of amusement in Daniel’s eyes at Susie’s blatant flirting, though he answered her seriously. Yes, it was a lonely location, but he spent most of his time in London where he had a flat. A discussion about London ensued; then Maurice announced that they had better think about going back to the Quadrant. Emerence could tell he was annoyed.

“What type of medicine do you specialise in, Dr Lyndhurst?” she asked, somewhat ungrammatically, remembering Maurice’s periodic fits of blindness. He still hadn’t visited the doctor, though it had now been five days since Emerence had discovered his secret. He hadn’t told her if it had happened again.

“I’m a psychiatrist. I mainly specialise in paediatrics, child psychiatry, though I have one or two adult patients. Maurice – are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Maurice said gruffly, sitting back down. “I think I stood up too quickly, felt a bit dizzy, you know.”

“Please, take your time,” Daniel looked at Maurice, then at Emerence’s face of concern and felt something wasn’t quite right.

“Oh, Maurice, darling, are you all right?” Susie fussed at once.

“I said I was fine.” Maurice snapped, “No, look, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shout. I’ll be fine in a minute, honestly.”

“Miss Rollins – Susie - could you please fetch Maurice a glass of water? I’m afraid it’ll mean going to the kitchen, which is quite a distance,” Daniel said, charming and apologetic and successful. He waited until the door closed after her before continuing, “What’s wrong? Can I help?”

“I said…”

“You can’t see again, can you? Maurice, why won’t you just go to a doctor?” Emerence exclaimed, her worry making her forget her promise to keep it secret. “It’s happened before, Dr Lyndhurst. It doesn’t last very long…”

“Miss Hope – why don’t you see if Miss Rollins has found the kitchen?” Daniel said, calmly, taking a seat next to Maurice, who sat there, motionless and frightened. He nodded to her as she hesitated at the door. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 08, 2008 3:51 am ]
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Well done Daniel - very smooth. - hope he can persuade Maurice to do something now.

Thanks Mia - pleased you decided to write more - despite the lateness of the hour! :lol:
Author:  di [ Thu May 08, 2008 6:01 am ]
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Is Maurice's temporary blindness pyschosomatic I wonder? If so, 'Dan's the man' so to speak. Glad Emerence had the sense to tell and I love the way she's seen straight through Susie.
Thanks for writing despite the hour - I hope you're not too tired this morning.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 08, 2008 6:37 am ]
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Thanks for updating :D .
Author:  Anjali [ Thu May 08, 2008 10:02 am ]
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Yay, an update!
Susie is so well-drawn, I'm starting to dislike her even more.
Daniel is lovely, and so's Emerence....
Author:  Caty [ Thu May 08, 2008 11:39 am ]
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Merci beaucoup Mia. 'Tis much appreciated.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu May 08, 2008 1:54 pm ]
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Thanks Mia - lovely to get an update :D
Author:  crystaltips [ Fri May 09, 2008 1:26 pm ]
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Yay, an updated - thanks Mia.

Hope that Daniel can sort out Maurice's problem.

Love Emerence, hate Susie!!
Author:  Sarah_K [ Fri May 09, 2008 5:16 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Mia!

Daniel's very good at smoothly getting people out of the way isn't he, poor Susie (well not very poor Susie but a little bit, I can't help feeling she'd be better off somewhere else entirely!) I hope he can help Maurice or at least convince him to see a doctor who can.
Author:  Mia [ Sat May 10, 2008 6:55 pm ]
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John leaned back in his chair, not able to look at Sub-Lieutenant Dean in case he laughed aloud. The cat was curled up on his secretary’s knee, purring as Dean murmured love-nonsense to it. The sailor, to whom it belonged, stood in front of John’s desk, looking worried. He couldn’t have been more than seventeen, John thought, thinking of the early days of his own career. He’d done worse than smuggle a cat aboard.

“What’s your name?” he asked, indicating the empty chair opposite him, to the sailor’s momentary confusion. He sat, clasping his hands together in his lap, biting his lower lip.

“Harper, sir. Daniel Harper.”

Lewis would have torn a strip off him, John thought, as he made a mental note of the name for when he saw Harper next. Probably make it official, as well. He sighed. Daniel.

“You may keep the cat until your next leave. Commander Keeler has given permission. I am not happy about this whole affair, but I expect Petty Officer Andrews has spoken to you, so we’ll leave it at that.”

“Thank you, sir,” Daniel Harper said in tones of great relief. “I am sorry.”

“What’s her name?” Dean asked, from the other side of the room. He had cat hair on his uniform.

“Tilly, sir.”

“We’ve cats at home, so I know it’s pretty pointless asking you to keep her to quarters. However I’d prefer it if you could shut her away when Commander Keeler in on board, please.” John thought of the dinner he would have in Valetta with a sinking feeling. Not long to go now.

*

“So Frank’s taking over as surgeon at the San? Why not you?” Mary-Lou asked, frowning into the soup she was preparing. “Did I salt this or not?”

“I don’t know and yes, he is. You know I didn’t want it,” Rix cleared the children’s colouring things from the kitchen table where they would eat. “I might do an extra half-day, maybe.”

“So they’re moving here? Well, nearer to the San then. That’s interesting. I wonder where they’ll live?”

“At the Russells’ for a while, or so David said. I know Frank’s selling up in Hampstead.”

“Is he?” Mary-Lou flipped over the pages of her cookery book, only half-listening. “Did you decide about Christmas?”

“I think we’ll have to go to the Quadrant. Mother was on the phone again this morning. Do you mind?”

“No, of course not, I was going to that archaeology lecture though, on the twenty-third. I could follow you down to Devon?”

“Fine with me. I’ll take the kids down a day or so before then.” Rix said, easily, before calling the children in to eat.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat May 10, 2008 7:44 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat May 10, 2008 8:11 pm ]
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Thanks Mia - I like this world :D
Author:  di [ Sat May 10, 2008 8:13 pm ]
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Great update, thanks.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat May 10, 2008 8:31 pm ]
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I do like Rix and Mary Lou in this. :lol:


Thanks Mia.
Author:  crystaltips [ Sat May 10, 2008 8:51 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat May 10, 2008 9:30 pm ]
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Thanks Mia :D .
Author:  Anjali [ Sun May 11, 2008 8:58 am ]
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Nice, gentle update - thanks.
Love the sub-lieutenant with the cat on his knee!
Author:  Sarah_K [ Sun May 11, 2008 6:19 pm ]
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*g* Trying to keep a cat to quarters would be interesting to say the least. John seems really good with his men, I hope the meal goes better than he's fearing!
Author:  ness [ Sun May 11, 2008 6:23 pm ]
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Thanks Mia

I love this universe its great to have some updates
Author:  crystaltips [ Wed May 14, 2008 10:25 pm ]
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Is it too soon to beg for more? :D
Author:  Mia [ Wed May 28, 2008 10:17 pm ]
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Just a little more! Hopefully some more to follow asap too

“Daphne?” Cecil enquired tentatively, as she pushed open the door to her cousin’s room in Freudesheim. It had originally been Steve’s and wasn’t very large, but Daphne had decorated it with large Indian scarves – Cecil wondered where on the Platz Daphne had gotten hold of those - and her own drawings. Cecil examined one of the Quadrant, moodily, thinking that she much preferred Daphne’s to her own bedroom, with its boring rose-printed eiderdown and matching curtains. She noticed Daphne had a collection of make-up on her dressing table and picked up a small pot of eye shadow.

“Hello!” Daphne breezed in, wearing jeans and a paisley smock, not at all bothered about Cecil going through her possessions. “Want to borrow that?”

“No,” Cecil, annoyed at being caught snooping, shook her head vehemently. “Don’t be a moke, what would Matey say if she caught me?”

Daphne shrugged, not caring in the slightest, threw herself onto her bed and began flicking through a magazine.

“Anyway!” Cecil remembered her purpose. “Mamma sent me with a message for you. She’s going to phone Auntie Mollie tonight, at nineteen, and mind you’re here when she does.”

Daphne had enough brains to realise this wasn’t the message her aunt had given Cecil, but bristled anyway at her superior manner. “I shan’t be here, and Auntie Joey knows that. I’m going over to St Mildred’s, to see Fliss and Lucy Peters and everyone.”

Cecil bit her lip; Felicity had not extended the invitation to her. For a brief moment, she was so jealous of Daphne that she couldn’t speak.

“I’d better be heading over there now.” Daphne knew she had ages, having cadged a lift from her fond Uncle Jack, but she couldn’t bear Cecil standing there, gaping at her, any longer. “Do tell Auntie to give Mummy my love.”

*

“I’m thrilled to have you on board,” David leant over her desk and shook Francis Rayner by the hand. They had just finished their negotiations over his new appointment as the San’s Surgeon-in-Chief and both felt it had gone satisfactorily.

“Thank you,” Rayner was keen to leave, having left Con in their new house, with all three small children, and a great deal of the unpacking left to do. When David suggested a celebration lunch, he declined, explaining.

“Good grief, why didn’t you say? I’ll come back with you and lend a hand, of course.” David said, easily.

“If you’re sure…”

“I’d be delighted. Shall we take your car, and I can walk back.” David pulled the door of his office closed behind them.
Author:  Anjali [ Wed May 28, 2008 11:44 pm ]
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Thanks Mia, great to see this back.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 29, 2008 3:50 am ]
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Cecil has her nose out of joint, doesn't she? Daphne is very good at ignoring her Aunt Joey.

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 29, 2008 6:46 am ]
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Daphne is great!
Author:  di [ Thu May 29, 2008 7:11 am ]
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Nice one, Daphne. I thought jealousy was Margot's forte.
Thanks, Mia, for the update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu May 29, 2008 11:54 am ]
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Good to see an update of this.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu May 29, 2008 7:17 pm ]
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Great to see this again - and good to have some updates on events ashore :D

Thanks Mia
Author:  crystaltips [ Fri May 30, 2008 4:27 pm ]
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So nice to have this back. Thanks Mia
Author:  Emma A [ Fri Jun 06, 2008 5:34 pm ]
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I've recently caught up on all your Bettany drabbles, Mia, and I now want MORE!!! Please.

Is Mary-Lou and Rix's relationship okay? Why does she desperately want a daughter when she has three boys? Will Maurice dump the awful Susie and find out what's causing his eyesight problems? Will John wake up to the fact that Keeler isn't worth it and he really should reject all overtures from the conniving so-and-so?

I need answers, Mia!

(Sorry, calmed down. Thank-you)
Author:  Mia [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Emma A wrote:
Is Mary-Lou and Rix's relationship okay? Why does she desperately want a daughter when she has three boys? Will Maurice dump the awful Susie and find out what's causing his eyesight problems? Will John wake up to the fact that Keeler isn't worth it and he really should reject all overtures from the conniving so-and-so?


Hee! I haven't forgotten one single loose end honestly 8)


Mary-Lou laid her book aside as her husband returned to their cosy sitting room, looking worried. She had heard bits and pieces of his telephone conversation, but nothing to explain his expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked, motioning for him to sit down.

He shook his dark head, and paced around, restive. “That was Dad. Maurice is in hospital. Oh, nothing serious, he says, just some tests and things. Dan Lyndhurst was there when something happened; it was all a bit garbled.”

“Is he all right?”

“I think so. I tried to get through to Dan, but it’s ringing off. I might phone the hospital – I expect he’s been taken to Bideford. The thing is, it might be a good few weeks before he’s well enough to work. I’ll have to go down there and take over,” he finished, glumly. “I’ll get that new practice in Haylings to cover my patients.”

“That’s fine. Poor Maurice… We’ll be fine. I’ll follow you down for Christmas – gosh, it’s just two weeks away! – with the boys. Or will you take the car?”

“No, I can use Dad’s. I’ll have to keep close to the farm anyway. Do you know, sometimes I wish I wasn’t going to inherit. John would have made a good fist of it.”

“John would have had to give up the Navy.” Mary-Lou pointed out. “Anyway, there’s no use grousing over things you can’t change. Shall I pour tea?”

“Please,” but Rix was far from mollified; and it was in a bad mood that he took the London train the next morning, changing at Paddington for a long journey to the South West.

*

“Evening,” he said, marching in to dinner, and giving them all a shock.

“Rix! We didn’t expect you, darling,” Mollie kissed him. “Where are the children and Mary-Lou?”

“Howells, of course. I thought I’d lend a hand with the farm.”

“Oh, we can manage,” said Dick, his evident relief disproving his words. “Emerence has been helping out.”

“Oh?” Rix looked over at Emerence, who returned it with interest. “Thank you, I mean,” he finished, awkwardly. “What’s wrong with Maurice? Is he all right?”

“He’s having tests. We don’t know, darling,” Mollie said, worriedly. “If we drive to see him tomorrow, would you speak to the doctor?”

“Of course. What did Dan Lyndhurst say?”

“Not much, he said not to worry, but it’s difficult not to…”

“What exactly is wrong with him? What tests is he having?” Rix cut across Mollie in his impatience. There was a terse, offended silence, before Emerence detailed his symptoms and recounted what the doctor at the hospital had told them.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:48 pm ]
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Poor Rix - of course he'll be imagining all sorts as he had knowledge being a doctor himself.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:34 pm ]
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Thanks Mia - so much to worry about . . . :shock:
Author:  Emma A [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:42 pm ]
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Thanks, Mia (feels a bit abashed for being so loud...). Looking forward to more...
Author:  di [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:59 am ]
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Thanks Mia. I hope Maurice's eyesightroblem is not a symptom of something more serious.
Author:  Mia [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:49 pm ]
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Don't be abashed, I need continual nagging I think. But here's more anyway. :D

“Hello! I haven’t booked; I thought we could just wander until we found somewhere decent. Is that OK?”

John started at Keeler’s words; he’d been deep in thought on the quayside, a cigarette burning itself to ash in his fingers. Keeler laughed, but not unkindly.

“Wake up, Johnnie. Shall we head up to there and see if we can get a taxi?”

“Yes, good idea.” John flicked his cigarette end away, and shoved his hands into his pockets, forgetting he was in uniform.

“Everything all right?” Keeler asked, neutrally, as they sat squashed next to each other in the back of a taxi. John nodded. The taxi driver, like most Maltese drivers, seemed determined to get them to their destination in a crazily short time, sounding his horn continually as he took corners at speed and swerved across the roads. John held on to the edge of his seat to avoid contact with Keeler’s arm, which was casually thrown over the back of the seat. Keeler, if he noticed, made no further comment until they arrived in the city and he paid the driver with cash from his back pocket.

“Drink first? Or are you hungry?” Keeler looked discomforted by John’s continued silence.

“Let me get them. Beer?” John dug out his wallet, but Keeler had already gone into the little café and ordered. John sat down at a table. He knew he was being rude, but he was torn; Lewis’s betrayal had hit hard.
Author:  di [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:46 pm ]
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Thanks, Mia for the update; I'm not too keen on Keeler, he seems to be manipulating John. :x
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:43 pm ]
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I am feeling sorry and worried for John here and I am still worried about Maurice.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:00 pm ]
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((((John))))


Thanks Mia.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:39 pm ]
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So much still to wibble about here :shock:

Thanks Mia :D
Author:  abbeygirl [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:37 pm ]
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Hmmmm. just read through the whole lot - what do you mean I should have been working..... avoided all the cliffs but am now joining the others in the plea for the whole of the rest of the story - no later than now - please..??

Thanks!
Author:  crystaltips [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:50 pm ]
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Oh I don't like Keeler

(((John)))
Author:  Anjali [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:50 am ]
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Come on John, don't let him manipulate you...

Thanks Mia!
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:25 pm ]
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Mia, please post more - really want to know what is wrong with Maurice, and to see John reject Keeler (Dan is so much nicer!).

Thanks for the last posts, by the way...
Author:  crystaltips [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:59 pm ]
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*echoes Emma*
Author:  Priscilla [ Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:36 pm ]
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Mia, could we please, pretty please have some more? I can't handle it when your story heads into the second page. :(

I really, really love your world, by the way, and the way you tell your stories...I'm basically a lurker around here, but I have to come out of hiding when I miss your stories too much...
Author:  Mia [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks so much for all the lovely comments; here's a little more, sorry it takes me so long..


Dear John

Hope things are well with you. I'm at the Quadrant for the time being; Maurice is ill and having a rest. Nothing too serious, so don't worry, just a combination of exhaustion and stress (in my view anyway). I can see why now I'm trying to manage the estate.

I don't think I ever realised just how much he was doing. I'm up every day at five doing the milking and then it just doesn't stop until the evening. I'm exhausted every night; I never realised how hard the work was.

Emerence has been a godsend. I was a bit short with her at first, couldn't really see what she was doing, I suppose. Also Mother had given her Peggy's old room, which I wasn't too happy about at first, but I really don't know what we'd do without her.

Mary-Lou and the kids are coming down for Christmas; they should be here next week. I'm looking forward to seeing them. M-L is thrilled; we had a call from our social worker yesterday and they may have found us a little girl to adopt. I know I can tell you this in confidence; we haven't told anyone else yet. Hopefully we'll be able to take things forward in the New Year. We don't know anything about her yet, only that it's a small girl.

I don't know if you knew them, but the Olsens' daughter has taken a turn for the worse. David phoned yesterday and says he doesn't think she'll see 1968. We've kept it quiet from the kids, of course, but it's very sad. David's more cut up about it than I've ever seen him. It seems so senseless, poor little mite.

Rix stopped writing and ripped the paper from the pad with a sigh. He couldn't send that to John, a long list of moans, complaints and bad news. He scrunched it into a ball when the door to the drawing room opened and Daphne came in.

“Rix, Daddy wants you in the estate office,” she said, tossing her long dark curls over her shoulder.

“Thanks Daph.” He got to his feet, tiredly. “I'm going to the hospital this afternoon if you'd like to come with me. I might go and see Dan Lyndhurst afterwards too.”

“OK.” Daphne was wondering if she could talk to her brother about Cecil. Her mother hadn't been much use, refusing to believe they were now the bitter enemies Daphne said they were. But Rix seemed so distracted. “What time?”

“Three – I'll see you by the car. See if you can find Emerence, will you? She might like to come with us.”

*

“Were you looking for me, Dad?”

“Just wondered if you'd double check these figures.” Dick smiled, ruefully. It was something they'd always done together. Rix nodded and sat in the chair he'd always used, wishing once again he wasn't the eldest and that the Quadrant would go to John or Maurice.
Author:  Emma A [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:47 am ]
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Yay! A new update - thanks, Mia. Poor Rix - he always has problems to sort out, doesn't he? Glad Emerence is being helpful, and that she has grown up since leaving school. I hope it's nothing more than stress and overwork for Maurice - those symptoms sounded disquieting. Rix should go on with his letter: it might distract John from his own problems!

Thanks again, Mia, and please don't make us wait so long for the next update!
Author:  di [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:36 am ]
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Great, An update! Thank you, Mia. I'm really enjoying this story. :D Fingers crossed for the next part, SOON!!!
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:45 am ]
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Thanks Mia, I love this universe - hope the next bit won't take too long for you to write :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:14 pm ]
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Thanks Mia, I enjoyed catching up with all the update's I seemed to have missed :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:53 pm ]
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Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 4:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update. Sad about Phil's daughter :cry: .
Author:  Sarah_K [ Sat Aug 09, 2008 5:38 pm ]
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It sounds like too much work for one person anyway, whether it's Maurice or Rix!

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Priscilla [ Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:51 am ]
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Yay, she's back! :lol: Thanks Mia. Looking forward to more...
Author:  Catherine [ Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:05 pm ]
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Thanks, Mia.
Author:  snowmaiden [ Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:40 am ]
Post subject: 
This is brill, Mia, thanks. Just read it all + all the archive stuff, love it. *Hoping for an update soooooon...* :D
Author:  Priscilla [ Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mia, I'm really missing your world :cry: ...could we pleeeease see some more?
Author:  Mia [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:13 am ]
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It was coming up to the end of the Middle Watch when John made his weary way back to his cabin, feeling rather like the world had tilted. After their dinner, Lewis had taken him to the beach, one they had visited back when they were younger and had just met. They had sat down on the sand and talked for hours, exactly as they had done on their first visit.

Lewis had been very honest. John had listened, trickling sand through his fingers, content for the first time in months. When Lewis had taken hold of his hand to examine the scar on his wrist, John had leaned in and they had kissed.

Only now, three hours later, as John let himself quietly into his cabin, did he think of Daniel.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 12:43 pm ]
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I don't trust Lewis - be careful John.


Thanks Mia
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 12:49 pm ]
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I like Daniel - hope to see him and John reunited at some point. Don't trust Lewis at all.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Priscilla [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:21 pm ]
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Thank Mia! Great to see your world again. :lol:

That was so tantalisingly brief though...could we please have even more? I'm sorry, I'm being greedy :oops: , but your stories are addictive!
Author:  Mia [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the comments :D

Mike Maynard was only half-listening to Lieutenant Marshall droning on about the armaments. His attention was mostly concentrated on the tall figure of Commander Keeler in the distance, talking animatedly with two of his senior officers; and Mike’s own pounding head. They had enjoyed the hospitality of some of Valetta’s drinking establishments during their leave, and he was suffering for it.

He liked being on board the HMS Camaraderie and rather admired Commander Keeler. The lads were friendly on the whole and the officers generally easy-going. The mission wasn’t going to be the most exciting; but on the whole Mike was reasonably happy.

His last letter from Freudesheim had been full of how fortunate he was to have John on hand to look out for him. He hadn’t written back yet but wouldn’t put anything in the letter about how that hadn’t worked out. Not that he had really expected it; John was far too important to bother with a lowly Midshipman cousin even if Mamma didn’t realise it, but Mike did acknowledge that it would have been pleasant to have gone for the occasional pint in Portsmouth or be invited to tea on the HMS Commitment to chat about family news. Still, he had to make it on his own and no doubt John Bettany was distant because he couldn’t show favouritism. Mike hadn’t exactly made it easy for him. He frowned, mulling this over. Perhaps they could talk, clear the air.

“Good afternoon,” Keeler said affably; joining their group. They all saluted him, as was proper, and the next few minutes were spent in chat. Mike again reflected on how relaxed Keeler’s ship was, compared to others on which he had served, then realised Keeler was greeting him directly.

“Sir – I have First Watch free. I was wondering, if you didn’t mind… Could I go over to the Commitment to see my cousin?” he asked, once the pleasantries were over.

“Your cousin? Oh yes… I’d forgotten. Yes, that’s fine. Tell your D.O. I said it was fine. Any particular reason for the visit?”

“I’ve just had some news – a letter from home.” Mike had heard all about Maurice’s hospital stay from his mother.

“Not bad news, I hope.” Keeler was frowning.

“Nothing serious, no.”

“First Watch… You can accompany me. I’m going over there myself.”

It was the equivalent of a royal command; Michael couldn’t refuse. “Thank you, sir.”
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for two updates. It is good to see this return.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 10:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
:?

I think John should be thinking of Daniel a little more and Lewis a little less! And I hope he and Mike have a nice friendly chat (though something makes me fear that they won't)
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 10:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wonder what the problem between John and Mike was earlier - did I miss it?


Thanks Mia.
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:14 am ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah for updates! Thanks Mia :D
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the updates, Mia, though I'm with the others in not trusting Keeler (Daniel would be really hurt, I think, if he saw them together). I guess John has been avoiding Mike because of him being under Keeler's command, but perhaps they can talk freely about Maurice.

Looking forward to more, but it would be nice if it's not in another two months' time... :twisted:
Author:  Carys [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mia! I can't remember if we know what the problem between John and Mike is or not.
Author:  Jenefer [ Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is brilliant, thanks Mia. Am looking forward to more
Author:  Mia [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II
*hides head in usual shame at delay of updating*

Daphne walked across the landing of the east wing of the Quadrant, shivering slightly. She had forgotten how cold it could be in winter on the draughty landings and the sun had yet to rise. It was barely past five in the morning.

Rix came out of the bathroom, already dressed warmly; about to go out on the farm.

“I thought I’d come out and help with the milking,” Daphne greeted him, keeping her tones low in view of the early hour.

“Thanks, Daph.” Rix said, yawning. “Make sure you wrap up. I don’t want you going down with one of your famous colds.”

“I haven’t had a cold since I went to the Gornetz Platz,” Daphne, having already washed using the basin in her bedroom; followed him down the stairs. “Happy Christmas, by the way.”

“Oh – yes.” Rix said, distractedly. “Happy Christmas. I forgot.” He turned and kissed his little sister on the cheek.

“Are you worried about Maurice?” Daphne asked, as they pulled on boots in the scullery.

“Yes – no, I mean, there’s nothing to worry about, I’m sure. I spoke to his doctor and he said the test results were positive. It’s not a tumour, or anything. We’ll go and see him this afternoon, I expect.”

“But, Rix, he should be home for Christmas if it’s nothing serious…”

“He’ll be fine, I promise. Look, I’ll get hold of that Dr Maxwell and ask him a few more questions, OK?”

“OK,” Daphne murmured, not at all convinced but clever enough to know that arguing would be no use.

It was cold outside, and raining. Rix sighed and pulled up the collar of his coat. Daphne bundled her long hair awkwardly into her hood. The walk to the milking sheds was passed mostly in silence, both of them concentrating on keeping out of the worst of the mud by the light of Rix’s torch.

*

“When do you get your exam results?” Rix asked, as they were walking back, their farm work finished for the time being. The rain had stopped so they could take their ease.

“Second week in January. Four days after I go back to school.”

“You’re going back to school?”

“Auntie Hilda said I might as well stay for the rest of the year. I can’t go to art school till October.” Daphne shrugged. She was secretly quite pleased at staying at the Chalet School for longer; apart from Cecil’s unfriendliness (and Daphne had convinced herself she could take that in her stride) the girls in Lower VI were becoming good friends. Also, she liked wandering around the Platz, painting the beautiful scenery, often when she was due at lessons. Despite this failing, she thought she had done much better in her O-level re-sits.

“Do you still want to go to art school? You could go to university, you know.” Rix caught Daphne’s expression and changed his mind, Christmas morning when they were both cold and miserable was not the time. “Come on, let’s get a move on. I’ll make us some breakfast.”

“You know when you were at school with David…” Daphne began, hesitantly.

“What about it?”

“Were you always friends?”

“Well, yes. We were in different forms, but we used to go down together for nets, and sometimes we did prep together. Of course we were friends – we’re cousins. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, it’s just Cecil. She hates me.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t hate you, Daph. Have you argued?”

Daphne filled him in on the dormitory row, and the time she’d caught Cecil going through her things in Freudesheim.

“Oh, I’m sure David and I rowed from time to time,” Rix said, privately dismissing it as a schoolgirl quarrel. “You’ll both forget about it over the holidays.”
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updated 9/3 p10
I hope Rix is right, but things aren't always forgotten that easily...

May we hope for more soon :D :D :D ?
Author:  keren [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updated 9/3 p10
But David and Rix were something else, they grew up together and more like brothers
Author:  lexyjune [ Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updated 9/3 p10
So glad to see more of this, Thanks Mia.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updated 9/3 p10
I don't think Daphne and Cecil's argument will be over so easily or quickly

Thanks for more of this
Author:  Mia [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updated 9/3 p10
John was alone; following the Christmas Day service on board his ship, he had returned to his cabin and was opening his post over a late breakfast.

Most of it he had saved over the past week; various letters and cards from family and friends for Christmas and also for his birthday. John had always rather liked being born at Christmas.

Rix’s sons had sent a card they had made themselves, John propped it against the marmalade jar, wondering how old they would be when he next saw them. Rix had sent a cheerful letter from the Quadrant that tried and failed to disguise the fact that he didn’t want to be there. John looked around his cramped cabin and wondered about the fortunes of being the eldest son.

A knock on the door brought him out of his reverie, and he stood up, brushing the crumbs from his uniform.

“Come in,” he called, with a glance at the rest of his letters and parcels. There wouldn’t be time to open them until much later.

“John? Happy Christmas!” Mike was hesitant; John looked completely forbidding in his full dress uniform until he grinned.

“Same to you, I thought you were Lt McLaughlin. Come in, how did you get across?”

“Cdr Keeler gave me 12 hours’ leave so I thought I’d come on the off-chance. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.” John was pleased; it was good to spend Christmas with family. They exchanged gifts, as usual merely small tokens from the NAAFI, and news from home.

“Did Cdr Keeler say he was coming over himself?” John enquired.

“No, he said he was too busy.” Mike had been pleased, his last trip to John’s ship, with Keeler in tow, had been much more formal, drinking tea politely and discussing the mission; always conscious of their different ranks. John was so much friendlier when it was just the two of them. Mike remembered his own cool behaviour with some embarrassment.

“John, I’m sorry about that day I was rude, you know, when you said you’d meet me and then didn’t get chance. I don’t expect you to take much notice of me, you know… I mean, I know you’re busy and I’m only a Midship, it’s not that I didn’t want you to look out for me…” Mike was crimson with embarrassment.

“It’s fine. I told Aunt Joey I’d look out for you where I could but I totally understand you want to stand on your own two feet. I missed the orientation training because I was – ill. I was given a long leave so I went to stay with Rix and then to the Quadrant for most of the summer.”

“I see.”

“So I apologise I haven’t been as available as I should have. Anyway, tell me how you’re getting on. Did you say you were doing some ammunitions training?” John changed the subject, as his eye fell on a package with Daniel’s handwriting on it, and he moved it under the rest of the pile.
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
Yay, a new update! I'm glad the little misunderstanding was sorted and John gets to see some family on his birthday.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
That was a nice interlude :D .
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
Yay! Thanks, Mia :D
Author:  ness [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
Another update! Thanks Mia
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
Glad to see that misunderstanding cleared up, Mia. John must feel it a little with his birthday being on Christmas Day (mine is two days later, so at least I get to celebrate my birthday separately). I'm glad that Daniel has sent him a present, and wonder what it might be.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
Pleased John has family there.


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships - II - updatd 23/3 p10
“The wind’s getting up,” Mike said, as he waited to board the boat that would take him between ships. John nodded, privately thinking it had been a nice day.

The wind was nothing; he had sailed in much worse. He lit his cigarette and told Mike one of his anecdotes of the Suez campaign. Mike was a satisfying audience; he was so desperate to see action.

Mike waved once from the boat, dwarfed between the two destroyers. They were sailing close, the Camaraderie slightly ahead. The wind was indeed blowing hard; unusual for their location and he frowned. Once he’d opened the rest of his presents, he’d head up to the Bridge.

Daniel’s letter was dated days earlier; it had obviously been lying around a naval post room for a time, which often happened. Not a birthday present then. It was a copy of his book, as he had promised.

John forgot about going to the Bridge and flipped the pages, all covered in dense, scientific text. Daniel had said he didn’t expect John to read it, but he would try. With a sudden recollection of his Aunt Jo’s books he turned to the first page looking for a dedication but there was only half a page of impersonal acknowledgements.

John ran his finger over the author photograph, tracing Daniel’s perfect features; his thoughts conflicted.

*

“Sir? I think we’re getting some weather,” Lt Marsh was just starting his Watch, scribbling into the log. John looked out over the horizon at the dying sun, the beautiful coast of Mozambique in the far distance. The north was dark with cloud.

“I think you’re right, Lieutenant.” John pulled the maps towards him and sat down at the conference table. Around him his men worked competently on. “It’s unusual though, for this time of year.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, sir.” Lt Marsh said and they lapsed into companionable silence as they got on with their work, though both kept glancing at the horizon from time to time.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Thanks for the two updates :D

Hope the storm turns out to be nothing
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Another update!

Thank you.
Author:  Emma A [ Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Hope there isn't a major storm (though perhaps Keeler could be blown overboard, never to return... :twisted: ). Thanks, Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Those clouds sound worrying ...
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Mia just re-read this from the start, really enjoying it ! :!:
Author:  crystaltips [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
Thanks Mia

*wibbling a little about the upcoming storm*
Author:  Mia [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 23/3 p10 x2
“David, dear, can’t you sit still for a moment?” Mollie said, exasperated, as David yet again go up from the table to go to the telephone.

“It’s probably the San,” Rix said, keeping the peace while May-Lou got up to help her mother-in-law with the gravy. Every year Mollie gave Loveday and Cook a holiday and prepared the meal herself. This year they had David with them. He had arrived late on Christmas Eve, cross and tired, and had barely spent any time away from the telephone.

“It’s Christmas!” Mollie said, annoyed.

“I’ll go and get him,” Daphne slipped from her place and headed to the hallway, where she could hear David talking. Her footsteps slowed as she got nearer, she could tell he’d had bad news. He hung up the receiver and seemed to be struggling to compose himself.

“David… What’s wrong?” she asked, frightened. “Is it Maurice?”

“No… no.” David took a deep breath. “One of my patients… You know Jana Olsen. She’s taken a turn for the worse.”

“Oh I’m so sorry,” Daphne bit her lip. Jana’s illness had slipped her mind since she’d been away at school and with all the excitements of Christmas but she remembered how Mary-Lou had mentioned something to Rix as they’d all sat talking in the drawing room last night before Midnight Mass.

“Don’t tell them, Daph. Not till after dinner anyway. We can’t spoil it for the kids.” David blew his nose noisily. “Tell Auntie Mollie I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“You’re not going back to the San?”

“No – there’s nothing I can do.”

Daphne threw her arms around him impulsively, then hurried back to the dining room. David took another deep breath and suppressed the urge to knock everything from the top of the dresser in rage. He would never become used to losing a patient and he had become fond of little Jana.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/3 p11
David has turned into a really nice person, but poor little Jana, and poor Phil and [forgotten name of Phil's husband :oops: ] :( .
Author:  Caty [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/3 p11
Just checked this & found 4 updates! Thank you Mia.
Author:  Sarah_K [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 11:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/3 p11
Oh no :cry:

Poor Jana and her family (and poor David too)

I'm glad Daphne hugged him.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/3 p11
Poor David, it's always hard losing a patient, especially when they are young :(

But that was lovely of Daphne
Author:  Mia [ Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/3 p11
Con was pleased that her twin daughters slept through the night. Jonathan had been far more restive as a baby. She sighed, and closed her novel. Frank was at the San, even on Christmas Day he couldn’t be spared. Con was used to it, and had known the sacrifice of being a doctor’s wife all of her life. It didn’t mean she liked it though, if she were strictly honest with herself, though most of her thoughts today were with little Jana.

She started at the sound of the key in the lock; she had expected that her husband would stay at the San.

He looked tired; “I’ve only come for a change of clothes – I must get back.”

“Eat something at least,” Con said, forcefully. “I’ll make you a sandwich. A few minutes can’t matter now.”

“No – you’re right.” He sat down on the sofa. “I operated; it’ll be a few hours before we see where we are.”

“Can’t you get some sleep? You look exhausted. You always said that Rix worked too hard and now you’re doing the same.”

“We’re under-staffed. We need someone to take on a great deal of the administration and we could do with your cousin giving us more than one day a week.” Frank closed his eyes. “I’m going to speak to your uncle at the AGM.”

“That’s not for five months. Frank! Stay and have some sleep, won’t you? They can manage for a few hours.”

“You’re right,” he said again, as he smiled at her, thinking again how fortunate he was.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/4 p11
Thanks. Glad Con is looking after her husband. Sometimes people need to be made to care for themselves especially when they are looking after other people
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/4 p11
Good for Con - sounds as though Frank needs help.

Thanks Mia - good to see more of this.
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Tue Apr 28, 2009 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/4 p11
Thanks Mia!

...but what's happening with John??? :D
Author:  Mia [ Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/4 p11
Rix shut the kitchen door quietly behind him, locking it, leaving his muddy boots outside. It was freezing and he shivered as he removed his coat – equally filthy – and left it on a chair.

“Drink?” A voice; David coming into the kitchen, made him start. It was past two, he hadn’t expected anyone else to be up.

“No thanks,” he said, just as David pushed a glass of some spirit into his hand. “Oh – all right then. Thanks.”

“You look shattered. Why didn’t you ask me to give you a hand?”

“You can’t want to spend Christmas Day out in a lambing pen,” Rix yawned, then threw himself down on one of the kitchen chairs. “Why are you awake, anyway?”

David shrugged, and joined his cousin at the table, plonking the bottle of whiskey between them. “I’m waiting for Rayner to phone.”

“He’ll only phone if it’s bad news.” Rix automatically began to leaf through the papers in front of him, correspondence, mostly bills, that he had yet to take to the estate office and that had been lying in Cook’s way for days. He laughed, humourlessly.

“This reminds me of training. I can’t imagine now how I worked so many hours. I’ve got to be up at five for the milking. Did anyone phone John, by the way?”

“I don’t know.” David roused himself with an effort. “Look, I’ll do the milking. I don’t mind and Emerence will help. Mary-Lou was saying how she hasn’t seen you properly for days.”

“I know. Thanks.” Rix looked at his cousin with some surprise. David would never have normally put himself out.

~

Boxing Day dawned cold but bright. David squinted in the early morning sun as he closed the scullery door behind him. At least it wasn’t raining, he thought, as he trudged off towards the cowsheds. Maurice must be cracked to want this kind of life, though David did have to admit that the views of Exmoor and of the sea at this early hour were quite something.

He was fond of the Quadrant; it had been his home during the holidays for a long time and his uncle and aunt had always been good to him. It was very little effort to help them out in their time of need. It also took his mind of his own problems; the San’s finances, Jana Olsen’s condition, but he knew he would have to think about them soon.

David sighed; after he’d finished here, cleaned up and had breakfast, he’d go for a drive and clear his head.


The narrow twisty Devon lanes were empty of traffic; this was quiet country anyway and it was still early, barely half-past seven. There was a Meet but not until later. The local Master of Hounds had notified them as usual although the Bettanys had always preferred to spend Boxing Day indoors together. David put his foot down to the floor; enjoying the way the engine in the powerful small car caught immediately.

The hedgerows blurred in David’s peripheral vision and his thoughts were running faster than the car itself; it was a miracle that he saw the horse and its rider directly ahead and could slam on the brakes; fighting for control of the car but gently swerving into the ditch anyway, front wheels resting on nothing but air.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/6 p11
Good to see more of this - and know exactly how that can happen, David - country lanes are very deceptive! :lol:


Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jun 28, 2009 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/6 p11
Hope David's OK :shock: .
Author:  jmc [ Mon Jun 29, 2009 3:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/6 p11
Great to see this back. Also hope that David is OK. :shock:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/6 p11
Great to see more of this. Hope David is able to stop the accident before anyone gets hurt
Author:  Mia [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/6 p11
The horse reared; its red-jacketed rider trying all the tricks he knew to stop the handsome gray from bolting. He knew that blasted car and its road hog driver; but had to swallow his fury in order to concentrate on calming the horse. David was unhurt, scrambling out of the little red sports car agilely and looking apologetic.

“Don’t come near us,” the rider said, curtly. “I don’t want him to bolt.”

“I say, I’m sorry.” David held up his hands, but had the sense not to come nearer as the horse skittered around.

It was long minutes until the rider could dismount, clumsily, and leaning quite heavily against his mount turned to glare at David. “What a stupid thing to do.”

“I said I was sorry,” but David knew how close to disaster he’d come. “Are you hurt, Lyndhurst?”

“No. Are you?” Daniel loosened the horse’s girth, then tied his reins to a convenient tree, as far away from the road and he could manage. Limping slightly he approached the ditched car. “I suppose you need a hand getting this thing out of there.”

“I can manage.”

Daniel looked sceptical. “I’ll go on to the nearest village and telephone.”

“No – don’t. They’ve got enough on their plates at the moment.”

“Not the Bettanys – I could phone my driver. He’d tow you out.” Daniel’s anger cooled. He wouldn’t count David Russell amongst his friends but he was John’s cousin and besides, he looked awful.

“You should sit down,” he said.

“I’m fine. Won’t you be late?”

“No, I’ve plenty of time. Did you have a good Christmas? Are you staying at the Quadrant?”

“Yes. I’m worried about the Olsen girl. She wasn’t doing very well when I left. I might go back this evening.”

“Richard wanted me to see her, but if she’s your patient…”

“No, I think that’s a good idea. If she comes through this, I’d like you to speak to her. Thanks.” David surveyed his car, deep in thought.

“Have you heard from John?” Daniel asked, feigning nonchalance.

“Not for a while. I expect he’s pretty busy out there.”

“I heard there’s been some bad weather. It was on the Shipping Forecast…”

“Why would you listen to the Shipping Forecast?”

“I just caught it on the radio. It seemed quite serious. I just wondered.” Daniel looked away and frowned.

“I’m sure he’s fine,” David said, putting two and two together and making about a dozen of them. He felt uncomfortable; Daniel was too intense. He thought of John’s scarred wrists and hoped he was wrong.

“If you could let them know at the Quadrant, actually… Rix would be best. He wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course.” Daniel mounted his horse with difficulty, hampered slightly by his lameness. “I’ll be as quick as I can,” he promised, and left.

*

“How was your brother?” Dick asked, as, much later, they all sat down to dinner together. Rix, who had visited Maurice after helping with David’s car, nodded.

“He’s coming home tomorrow. I’ll stay for a while longer to help out…” he caught his wife’s eye and subsided.

“Thank you,” Dick seemed pleased. “Will you all stay? What about the practice? And the San?”

“I’m going back tomorrow,” David said, realising that Mary-Lou was annoyed. He wasn’t all that pleased about it either, Rix was technically his employee.
“I have to go back too. I have to go into the university.” Mary-Lou might have been irritated at her husband not consulting her, but the Bettanys’ table was not the place for the discussion. She reached out and patted his hand. “I’ll take the boys home with me. Jane can look after them.”

He nodded. He looked tired, she thought. The Quadrant was not easy to manage.

“I’ll wait to see Maurice,” David added.

“Good, I was going to ask to borrow your car to collect him,” Emerence laughed.

“Do be careful, Emerence,” Mollie said. “I don’t trust that dangerous car.”

“I’ll be fine,” Emerence smiled. “Won’t it be good to have Maurice home again?”
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 11:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 16/8 p11
Glad no-one was hurt, but it sounds as if David's got hold of the wrong end of the stick about Daniel. Maurice and Emerence seem to be getting on well :D .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 16/8 p11
Glad everyone is safe too. Thanks
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 16/8 p11
Thanks Mia
Author:  jmc [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 16/8 p11
Happy no one got hurt and always happy to see more of this.

Thanks Mia
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 16/8 p11
Squeee!

That is all :wink:
Author:  Mia [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 17/8 p12
Thanks for the comments. Not far to go now!

The storm had been raging for nearly 48 hours; everyone on HMS Commitment was exhausted, wet and miserable. The wind made it difficult, if not impossible to remain on deck and the ship was rolling back and forth on the mammoth waves in a way that made even experienced sailors uneasy.

John frowned as he looked out at the sea from the Bridge. The wind was howling around them. He had enough experience to know it wasn’t going to end soon. He could only hope it wouldn’t get worse.

“You should get some sleep, sir,” Lieutenant McLaughlin suggested. The Lieutenant-Commander looked exhausted. “You’ve been up here for hours.”

John was about to protest, when he realised that he was actually swaying, not only from the motion of the ship on the rough sea, but also with tiredness. He rubbed his hand across his unshaven face and nodded.

“I’ll see if I can get a few hours. Wake me if it gets worse, won’t you?”

“Of course,” McLaughlin said, though privately he had no intention of any such thing. The storm would have to get very bad indeed before he woke his senior officer.

John stumbled to his cabin, threw off his soaking wet greatcoat, pulled off his boots, and got into his bed, still dressed. The cabin was shaken from side to side by the wild tide, but even that didn’t prevent him from sleeping, he had been aching from fatigue, and his head had barely touched the pillow before he was deeply asleep.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 17/8 p12
Do I get the feeling that this storm's not just going to die down and leave everyone slumbering peacefully ... :( ?
Author:  Mia [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 21/8 p12
Don't you trust me, Alison? :P

Here is a tiny part. I thought it was in the spirit of EBD...lol

“Emmy,” Maurice stood up from the chair in the ward as she came in. For a moment, he felt shy and awkward, which was ridiculous; she had visited him every single day and they had chatted for hours, but it felt different.

“It’s good to see you,” she patted him on the arm, pleased at how well he looked. The rest and freedom from worry about the farm had done him good. The doctors had run lots of tests, but a simple operation to reattach something in the eye that had come loose – Emerence hadn’t quite understood the whole thing, but it didn’t matter – had made Maurice well again. She decided she would ask Rix to explain it to her when they returned to the Quadrant.

“I’ve got David’s car outside, I thought you should have your homecoming in a bit of style,” she laughed, taking his arm, even though he was perfectly able to see. “What do you think?”

He looked at her, then slipped his arm down hers until he could take hold of her hand. She looked back at him, surprised, but what he saw in her eyes gave him encouragement.

“I think,” he said, with more certainty than ever before in his life, “No, I know I’d like to ask you to marry me.”
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 7:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 21/8 p12
EBD never managed a proposal as nice as that :lol: !
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 21/8 p12
Aww just lovely.
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 21/8 p12
Thanks that was sweet.
Author:  Mia [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 12:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 21/8 p12
“Sir! Sir!” John woke from his sleep abruptly to find himself being shaken, for a brief moment he thought he was back at home and had overslept. Only for a moment though, as the destroyer was creaking like nothing John had ever heard before. He sat up, instantly alert, and pushed back his blankets. Lt Marsh looked scared.

“It’s bad, sir. The Camaraderie put out a mayday. I think she’s been damaged, but our comms are down.”

“What, all of them?” John demanded, pulling on his boots and waterproof outer clothing. The rain was lashing down outside, it was dark – what time was it? - and the wind nearly took him off his feet as he reached the bridge, followed by Lt Marsh, just in time to see the other ship launch her emergency flares in the far distance. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. The storm was severe, certainly, but both he and Keeler had sailed in worse. What was wrong?

The radar wasn’t working, although that was not the description Lt Groves gave it, his being rather coarser.

“Look at that!” One of the sub-lieutenants exclaimed, as the Camaraderie reared up from the swelling seas.

She’s travelling light, John realised, Christ, she’s going to break her back.

As the ship crashed back against the sea level, her lights all went out and they could see nothing more. The night was black as pitch, the rain torrential, and the Commitment herself was being tossed around the rough waves. John felt a tremor of uncontrollable horror. If we both go down…

He groped for the back of a chair, to steady himself.

Six frightened faces were looking to him for direction, and he knew he must act. He gave his orders, briskly, keeping his own fear safely buried for the time being as his training and the adrenaline kicked in.

“We’ve got to try and get nearer,” he concluded, in calm, measured tones. “See if you can fix that radar, and send out a DC. Harries, can you signal to the Camaraderie? Tell them to sit tight and we’re on our way over.”

“But, sir…”

“What?” It was an effort to keep his tones reasonable.

“We’ll scrape her, sir, won’t we? And – if she does go down…”

“Lieutenant,” John said, coolly. “There are five hundred men on that ship. What do you think we should do? Just sit back and watch them drown?”

“No, sir,” Lt Harries flushed.

John regretted his sarcasm; now wasn’t the time. “I’m sure Commander Keeler would do the same for us,” he continued, as McLaughlin, his helmsman, started to steer towards the stricken vessel. Harries obediently started the communication procedure, biting his lip. He was frightened but he admired Lt Cdr Bettany enormously; his orders couldn’t be questioned. Besides, he was quite right. Nobody could sit back and watch men in peril.

The Camaraderie’s fate looked inevitable. John ordered the searchlights to be lit, knowing that the worst thing he could do was to collide with her, endangering his own crew’s lives. It was risky enough already, but he couldn’t just watch the other ship go down.

He ordered McLaughlin to turn the ship carefully, praying that the hull would cope. The winds were serious and although he had sailed in a force 12 on two previous occasions, he had been taking orders, not giving them, not responsible for other men’s lives.

The hull coped. He blessed the engineer who had been so insistent at Portsmouth.

He thought of the gypsy woman’s second sight with a shudder; and of sitting in the sunken garden at Candlebury pretending not to know the story of Halcyone just so he could listen to Daniel’s voice.

With a murmured prayer for help, John gave the order to go closer.
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
Wow :shock: :shock: Thanks Mia.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
:shock: Hope everyone can be rescued. Even Keeler (sorry, that wasn't mean to be a pun!).
Author:  Emma A [ Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
That was really gripping, Mia. Hope John and his ship can rescue the crew (and that maybe Keeler could get drowned?)... Thank-you.
Author:  keren [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
Mike is there too isn't he?

(what did gypsy say, please remind me?)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
Hope everything works out okay. And thank goodness for training and adrenaline when you're scared
Author:  Mia [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
Mike Maynard had been asleep on the Camaraderie, but no-one could sleep through the alarms of a Royal Naval ship in peril. He dressed hastily and made his way onto the deck, where his Divisional Officer spotted him and pressed him into service. When the ship had lifted from the water and crashed down, they had been separated and he had been thrown across the deck. Unhurt, he had got to his feet and looked across at the reassuring lights of his cousin’s ship. They seemed an awfully long way away, even in a lifeboat.

Nobody seemed to be seriously hurt. Most of the Camaraderie’s company were in their emergency positions. Keeler was missing, of course, he would be on the Bridge with Lt Cdr Richardson and others.

“Maynard, come and help me with this,” Lieutenant Murray’s head, poking out from below deck, summoned him imperatively and when Mike reached him, struggling against the wind, he realised that they would have to descend to where the armaments were stored.

“What is it, sir?” he asked, even as they both scrambled down ladders and dashed along deserted corridors. Everyone was busy, following their training, though some of the faces that flashed past looked frightened. Some of the men were hurt, bruised and bleeding from when the ship had crashed back down to the sea. Mike couldn’t pause, he had to keep up with Murray, who was throwing open the doors to where the armaments were stored.

“The depth-charges are set to one hundred feet.” Lt Murray didn’t waste words.

Mike understood and set to work immediately, however he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Are we going down?”

“Just in case. We don’t want ‘em going off when we’re all floundering in the sea, do we?” Lt Murray answered grimly.

When, not if. Mike worked faster.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 22/8 p12
Hope this all turns out OK ... and is Keeler where he's meant to be or not?
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 p13
Thanks this is really gripping,looking forward to the next bit.
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 p12
Eeek! :shock: *wibbles*

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 p12
Thanks so much for the encouraging comments! I'm afraid this bit is more filler-y.

It was a very happy evening in The Quadrant. Dick and Mollie were delighted, although not really surprised. They had noticed how Emerence had spent most of her time at the hospital; and how Maurice only had eyes for her.

“Congratulations, again,” Rix said, but deep down he was worried. Emerence had told him many times that she planned to go back to Australia where her family and business interests were. Undoubtedly Maurice would want to go with her – who wouldn’t? There was very little to keep him in England, apart from visits to the family. Emerence was wealthy; they could manage those in her father’s private plane.

He knew this day would come, had expected it from the first time they had moved here and his father had told him that the Quadrant was entailed and what it meant. He remembered at the time he had been pleased. He and Peggy, with John tagging on after them; had gone from room to room, admiring and exclaiming, and he had felt proud that one day he would own the elegant house with the beautiful sea views and the sound of the waves crashing into the cliffs below. Now, with his family settled and the work he enjoyed many miles away, and the thought of what Mary-Lou would say; he thought how he would do anything to rid himself of it.

As soon as he decently could, but still feeling terrible at feeling this way when Maurice was so happy, he escaped upstairs to the old nursery to leave them to their celebrations, so he could sit and think.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x2 p12
Emerence's life (as described in whichever book it was in which Margot went to visit her) sounded amazing - surfing and hanging around at the beach all day and flying around in private jets, sort of a cross between Home and Away and Dynasty :lol: ! Although presumably by this stage of her life she's spending more time on more boring things like business.

Maybe John might like to give up the Navy and settle down at The Quadrant, preferably with Daniel around :wink: ?
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x2 p12
Rix is in something of a bind here, isn't he (though is perhaps jumping to conclusions a little too quickly) - wanting to be glad for Maurice, but thinking that farming is not what he or Mary-Lou want to do with their life. Very interested to see how this will work out (and please don't leave John and Mike in danger for long!).

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  Mia [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x2 p12
In David’s house, Con had put her babies to sleep; leaving her husband to read Jonathan a bedtime story. She joined them just as the story was finished; wanting to hear her son’s prayers. Francis Rayner left them to hear the news headlines; and then write up some of his current cases, as he was wont to do in the evenings although he would often leave them undone in order to talk to his young wife. David too, when he was there, although that was rare. David Russell socialised just as much as he had done when he was a student, Rayner reflected with some amusement, as he switched on the television set. Still, they would have their own house soon.

He worked with half an ear to the television. The problems in the economy, elections in Czechoslovakia, a brief report on Vietnam. Then a breaking news report that a Royal Naval ship had been lost in the Indian Ocean in a hurricane. Still Rayner worked on; until the very end of the report when he caught a name that he knew well – Bettany.
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x3 p12
I do love the way you post about all the different characters in this drabble, Mia - all in their own strands, yet linked together. That was a lovely domestic scene (and nice to see Francis so happy with Con after his sadness and loneliness in 'More and Less than Daylight'), despite its ominous ending...
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x3 p13
Thankyou Mia.
Author:  jmc [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x3 p13
I was going to say thanks for all the updates until I read the last line. Hope John is Ok and is name is being mentioned because he has done something heroic or there is another Bettany around.
Author:  ness [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x3 p13
Thanks for all the updates Mia, I'm really enjoying catching up with all the different characters.
Author:  Mia [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 10:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 24/8 x3 p13
Thanks so much for the comments. This is events unfolding in a non-linear way so I hope it works for you.


The rain was remorseless. John watched it battering against the
windows of the Bridge as they drew closer to the other ship. He was outwardly calm but his thoughts were in turmoil. McLaughlin was silent next to him; concentrating hard. Everyone else was working steadily; years of training coming together when it was most needed.

“We’ll try to go alongside. We can throw the lines. They’ll be able to see what we’re doing… Lt Groves, is it working now?”

“I’m transmitting again, sir. They might pick it up. We could signal with light when we get closer.”

“Ten minutes till we’re alongside, sir.” McLaughlin said, calmly. “I think your idea will work. I think I can hold her steady for about twenty minutes, thirty with this wind.”

“We’ll have to let Commander Keeler know. That’s not long. They’ll need to be prepared to get across straight away. Turn off the searchlights, then signal – keep it as short as possible!”

It took barely three minutes for the answering light from the Camaraderie, but it felt like a lifetime. John let go of the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding and smiled. It would work. It had to.

Please keep us safe, he prayed, as they inched ever closer.

*

“Con,” Rayner said, throwing open the door of Jonathan’s room, unheeding that his wife was trying to settle their boy to sleep. “What ship is your cousin on?”

“What do you mean?” Con asked, surprised. Jonathan and she both stared up at him, their bedtime prayers forgotten.

“Your cousin – I can’t remember his name. Richard’s brother, the Lieutenant Commander. What is the name of his ship?” Rayner drew her out of the room, closing the door.

“I haven’t the faintest idea. I know he was with Mike – Mamma said they were on the same mission but not on the same ship… I meant to ask Auntie Mollie actually, I have John’s birthday card to post…” Con stopped abruptly. “Is something wrong?”

“Could it be HMS Commitment?”

“It sounds familiar. Oh tell me what’s wrong, won’t you?”

He put his arms around her. “There was something on the television. It’s been lost. There was a hurricane. They mentioned him by name; they said he was the Captain. They said because of the conditions that survivors would be unlikely. I’m so sorry, darling.”
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/8 p13
Mia, please let the reports be wrong :?: :shock: :( :( :(
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/8 p13
Hopefully the reports just reflect the fact that the ship's gone off radar, and everyone's going to be OK after all ... *hopes*.
Author:  jmc [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/8 p13
Please come back soon Mia and tell us that John is OK.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/8 p13
And Mike, down in the bowels of the ship, hope he is safe. The report sounds as if it has the wrong ship.
Author:  Mia [ Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 25/8 p13
Daphne, tears falling freely down her face, ran from room to room calling her brother’s name; but Rix remained elusive. Maurice was with their parents, frightened to leave them.

“Where are you?” she sobbed, but then her ears caught the sound of someone playing on the old nursery piano.

“Rix!” she said, as she burst in. He turned to look at her, unreasonably annoyed at being disturbed when he was despondent; but then saw her tear-stricken face and, with an exclamation, stood up and took hold of her shoulders.

“Daph – what on earth’s wrong?”

“Rix – please come. It’s John. It was on the radio…” Daphne broke down and Rix could get no more sense from her.

“Come on,” he said, with a sense of foreboding, his arm around her shoulders, as they left the airy old attic and went downstairs.

He left Daphne on the stairs as they reached the bottom and he could hear his mother crying. She was almost hysterical and clinging to her husband; Rix had to physically separate them and order his grey-faced father to sit down at once. The radio was still blaring away; a sports report. He switched it off.

“Tell me what’s happened,” he demanded, Mollie still in his arms. Maurice was very pale. Emerence had her hand over her mouth, her eyes large in her face.

“John’s ship – it’s been lost. No survivors…” Maurice said, unevenly.

“What? That can’t be true.”

“They said… There was bad weather.”

“I’m going to phone the Admiralty.”

The nearest telephone was just outside the drawing room, on a large sideboard. The operator couldn't connect the call. The Ministry of Defence were not accepting any.

Rix slammed the phone down, then pulled himself together and hunted for his medical bag.

“It’s a mistake, that’s all,” he said, firmly, as he went back into the drawing room. “Mother, I’m going to give you an injection if you don’t stop howling. We don’t even know what’s happened yet… The news could have it completely wrong. Dad, please… I need you to rest. Please sit down.”

“Did the Admiralty say it was a mistake?” The hope in Mollie’s tear-filled voice was heartbreaking.

"I couldn't get through. It – it could be propaganda. It could be anything. He – Nothing has happened to Jackie.” He realised how unconvincing he sounded, his ridiculous justifications. “Maurice – what did they say on the radio? Tell me everything.”

Maurice was holding his mother’s hand. “It was very short. They said reports were coming in of the loss of John’s ship – one of the Beira Patrol - off the coast of Africa. There was a bad storm or a hurricane. Conditions meant that survivors were unlikely – that was it... I can’t believe it…”

“There is no way the Admiralty wouldn’t let us know first.” Rix said, with more feeling than faith. He turned the radio on again, and tuned it from station to station, but there was nothing.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Mia this is brilliant but you can't leave us on a cliff can you??
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Please come back and tell us he's OK!
Author:  Emma A [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
What a way to hear about the (possible) loss of a loved one :shock: I hope Rix is right - that the Admiralty would let them know long before the news picked up the story.

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  jmc [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Opened this hoping to find them safe but find myself still balanced very precariously.
Author:  Caroline [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Wibble wibble....

But the radio must have something wrong - when we were last with John it was Keeler's ship that was foundering, not his own. So, either the radio has the wrong ship, or both of the ships are in big trouble...

Thanks, Mia - lovely to see this story rushing along again. Will we get to see Daniel's reaction, perhaps?

Caroline, who likes a happy ending...
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Oh no! I caught up on two posts at once so read the first and was worried, then found the second and it got even worse! :shock: :cry: Help for all the floundereres? Please?
Author:  Mia [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 27/8 p13
Note: The rescue might seem a bit far-fetched but I took it from this account of a ship sinking (near the end of the page) so thought it might be good to link to it :) http://www.combinedops.com/My_World_War.htm

Thanks for the encouraging comments! Here's some more of the story


They had gone as close as they could; they had rigged lines between the two ships. It was the best they could do. John went on deck to watch the Camaraderie’s company swarm over, thankful his plan had worked.

He saw a few injured men; their friends had to help them. Mainly superficial, but the medical officers dealt with them at once. Someone else took a roll call with the ship’s records. Things were in hand.

He had looked for Lewis Keeler, and for Mike, his cousin, but had seen neither. Most of the crew were across now; the great exodus had slowed to a trickle and the deck was becoming very crowded.

“Once they’re checked off, send some men down below,” he ordered two Lieutenants, and they immediately set to work to make sure his orders were followed.

John walked closer to the lines, holding on to the ship’s rail. The wind was still strong. He suddenly stepped forward and gripped the shoulder of a young sailor; Mike’s friend from Portsmouth. He couldn’t remember the boy’s name.

“Where’s Mike Maynard? Have you seen him?” he demanded.

“No – no, sir. He was with Lieutenant Murray, disarming the depth charges…”

“Are they still there?”

The boy nodded. “I was waiting for him, but my D.O. told me to get myself over. I haven’t seen him yet.”

“Right.” John’s looked over at the stricken Camaraderie. Mike would be deep below deck; maybe the sea was already coming in. He shuddered. It could be that he and this Lieutenant hadn’t even reached their destination before being cut off by the sea. The thought was chilling. If they didn’t reach the depth charges, though – were they still live? Oh Christ, John thought, he had been wrong. HMS Camaraderie was sinking too fast. They were too close. In bringing the Commitment so close he had doomed them all.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/8 p13
I'm so glad you put that note with the word "rescue" in it!
Author:  shazwales [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/8 p13
Thanks Mia,hoping 'rescue' includes Mike ??
Author:  jmc [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 1:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/8 p13
But no one is really safe yet are they? Still waiting for the rescue bit.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 3:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/8 p13
The poor family waiting back home for news and poor John trying to hold it all together at the scene and rescue the men and do so safely.

Thanks Mia
Author:  Mia [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 28/8 p13
John turned to the boy again. A few quick questions and young Baker told him everything he could about the Camaraderie’s condition.

“Where’s Commander Keeler? On the Bridge? Is he staying to abandon ship?” John asked, finally.

“Yes, my D.O. said so. He’s alone, though. He told everyone else to go. Sir.” Baker suddenly remembered to whom he was speaking.” Sir? I can go back – I could help.”

John looked around and considered. The last men were still scrambling across, but the line nearest to them was free. McLaughlin had his orders and John knew he could trust him. There was no time to fetch someone else and send them, but if the depth charges on the Camaraderie were not disarmed; they would all be in danger – and it had been his decision to bring the Commitment so close. He knew without question that he had to see it through. He took hold of young Baker’s shoulder again, and shouted to be heard above the wind.

“No. Go to the Bridge. Tell Lieutenant McLaughlin I’m going over to check everything’s safe and that I’ll go through the abandon ship routine with Keeler. He’s not to wait, understand? He can come back for us when it’s safe. Go!”

Baker ran off at once, slipping slightly on the wet deck. John set his teeth and climbed across to the Camaraderie. It was already listing badly. There wasn’t long to go.

One of the evacuating sailors, not seeing his rank, tried to grab him but John shook him off and went below deck, thankful that he knew the Camaraderie almost as well as his own ship. Nonetheless, he took a wrong turn and had to retrace his steps before he came across the weapons store, and throwing the door open, saw Mike and an older officer, quickly yet calmly re-checking their work. The water was already up to their knees.

“John! How did you get here?” Michael was wide-eyed.

John didn’t take the time to explain. “Did you manage to put them all out of action?” he demanded.

“Yes.” Lieutenant Murray looked John in the eye. “I can’t guarantee that some of ‘em might go off anyway though sir. They’ve been knocked about.”

John didn’t falter. “Then you should go now and tell McLaughlin, on the Bridge of my ship, to get away as fast as possible. That’s an order, Lieutenant.” He quickly explained how the rescue operation had been constructed and told them to hurry. There would just be time for them to get across.

“Aren’t you coming?” Mike asked at once, shaking off Lieutenant Murray’s arm, distressed.

“I’m going to the Bridge to help Commander Keeler. Mike…” he put his hands on his young cousin’s shoulders. “You did good work here. Now go to the deck and get across. I’ll see you soon. I’m proud of you,” he added, and then left to go to the Bridge, knowing that Murray would drag Mike to safety if necessary.

I see two ships. Waves – Wind - Death… So much death if you do not act.

The words from that beautiful summer’s day hit him again like a sledgehammer. Daniel would think he was insane to risk his own life on the words of an old gypsy… But how could he not?
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Mia - your descriptions are extemely vivid and believable - thank you for that. I do hope that both John and Keeler will survive and that the news broadcast which the family has heard contained erroneous information. Please, if you love us, don't keep us in suspense for too long - I'm going away Tuesday morning!!!!!
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 5:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Please come back soon and tell us that they're all OK!
Author:  jmc [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Alison H wrote:
Please come back soon and tell us that they're all OK!


I agree with Alison.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 8:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Also agreeing with Alison and jmc.
This is brilliant.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Just caught up with this - nail-bitingly tense - hope John can manage to get back to his ship.



Thanks Mia
Author:  Sarah_K [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
... I'm sort of wishing I hadn't picked right now to catch up on this because now I'm horribly worried *bites nails*

Thanks Mia.
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Wow, John is being so brave here (Mike, too, and the other crew) - I do hope that they'll get safely away.

Thanks, Mia - gripping stuff!
Author:  gwynne [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
I'm adding to the pleas not to leave us like this for much longer....my nails have nothing left to bite off!
Author:  Mia [ Tue Sep 01, 2009 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/8 p14
Lewis Keeler watched the lights of HMS Commitment as they grew fainter and further away. The Bridge was normally a noisy place, but apart from the sounds of the Camaraderie’s death-throes, now it was silent. He had done as much as he could to lessen the ship’s hazard to shipping when it eventually went down, now he was cursed with time to sit and reflect.

His father had died in the sea; when Lewis was a small boy. His ship had been torpedoed by a U-Boat and had sank in three minutes. Lewis had grown up on a steady diet of stories about how brave his father must have been. He grimly thought that his father must have been much stronger than himself. He didn’t want to drown. He was frightened.

The sea was too rough for a lifeboat; he would be in the water before the Commitment could turn around; that would be if he wasn’t dragged under with his own ship first. His hand shook as he reached for the ship’s log. He should have sent it away with one of the other officers.

Next to it on the table was his small, silver revolver and the cause of his most troubled inner thoughts.
Author:  keren [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
we are still on the cliff....
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
Thanks Mia
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
I do feel a bit sorry for Keeler now.
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
Thanks Mia.
Author:  Emma A [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
But where's John? :shock:

*wibbling madly*
Author:  JellySheep [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 9:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
Joins the wibbling and sympathy for Keeler, and hopes we will be off this cliff soon. This is really good.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
I am still wibbling for Mike and John. I am hoping Mike crossed the ropes safely, but until you let us know i will be wibbling.
Author:  KathrynW [ Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
We're still on our cliff Mia, thank you very much. Really enjoyed catching up with this.
Author:  Mia [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 1/9 p14
Sorry - it's been a while!



“Lewis?” John opened the door, warily. Keeler, stared back at him, as though John were a ghost.

“I came to help you.” John said, stepping forward.

“You shouldn’t have,” Keeler said harshly. “What’s the point in us both dying?”

“We’re not going to die,” John said calmly, ignoring the facts of their predicament. He knew Lewis’s black moods all too well. “We need to go through the abandon ship routine. Let’s see if we can remember it from Dartmouth. Where d’you keep your life jackets?”

Keeler pointed, automatically. As John moved across the room, he saw the gun on the table and stopped.

“Lewis, what are you doing?” he asked. “Where did you get that?”

“It doesn’t matter. You shouldn’t have come here.” Keeler was shaking like a leaf.

“Lewis, please. Give it to me. You don’t need to do anything stupid.”

“I don’t want to drown.”

“We won’t drown. We’ll abandon ship and then, when it’s safe, McLaughlin will come back for us.” John held out his hands; the unease turning to real fear when Keeler didn’t respond but just picked up the weapon, rolling it over in his hands.

“Lewis, please,” he continued, trying to stay calm. “We need to put on life jackets. I’m going to get them from the store. I’ll be right back.”

“You shouldn’t have come here,” was the only, and chilling, response.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15
Thank you Mia ... I think :shock:
Author:  LauraMcC [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15
Nice to see this back, Mia - I'm not sure if I've commented before, but I've been enjoying it, even if John and the rest are still in danger. :shock:
Author:  Mia [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15
John sloshed through the seawater in the corridor, just as the ship’s lights gave one last flicker and cut out. He cursed, fumbling through the pockets of his coat for his torch; waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness when he failed to find it.

It was pointless to grope his way down an unfamiliar ship, in search of lifejackets that might not even still remain in their store, in darkness, but without them, they had no chance. Very little chance, even with them, John supposed, but giving up felt like defeat.

He didn’t want to go back and deal with Lewis in that mood.

He couldn’t leave him.

Where was his blasted torch?

Lightning illuminated the corridor for a brief moment, and he took advantage. The door opposite was open; the storage area he had hunted.

The shelves were muddled; sailors had obviously grabbed things they needed in a hurry, and he cut his hand on something sharp, but eventually his fingers closed over a torch and then life was easier.

He caught up the lifejackets with a feeling of relief. The torch wasn’t well-charged but it would last long enough – probably longer than the ship herself, he though, with a feeling of grim hysteria.

“Lewis? It’s me. I’m coming back in,” John pushed open the door. Keeler had lit a lamp; its glow cast an eerie light across the disarrayed room. The gun was still in his hand. “We should go.”

“Where?” Lewis spat.

“On deck. They’ll send a helicopter for us. We can’t stay here – there’s too much water coming in, we’ll get trapped. Look – bring that lamp. Put this on.”

“We might as well die here together.”

“You said you didn’t want to drown.”

“I’m not talking about drowning,” Lewis Keeler looked down at his revolver.
Author:  Emma A [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15
Go on, let Keeler kill himself - John's well out of that (sorry if I sound callous) :evil: Hope John manages to get out okay.

Thanks, Mia.

ETA Eek, is Keeler thinking about a double suicide pact or something?
*wibbling*
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15 x2
Glad to see this back, but please don't leave us on this cliff for too long :shock: .
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15 x2
Thank you Mia,sort off another one hoping this won't be a long cliff,please?
Author:  Jenefer [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15 x2
Oh I hope John will be all right. Please do not leave us in suspense for too long.
Author:  Mia [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - uptd 29/11 p15 x2
Thanks for the comments everyone. Sorry but I do love an ambiguous ending! (don't hate me!) xxx



Daniel didn’t know what had happened until six, when he saw the headline on a newsboard, in Westminster. With shaking hands, he unfurled the paper and read of the loss of the HMS Commitment whilst trying to save the HMS Camaraderie, deployed in the Beira Patrol, just off the coast of Mozambique.

John’s last letter flashed through his mind.

Mozambique has some pretty beaches, I was thinking it would be nice to visit them, when it was warmer. Have you ever been to Africa? I do think you’d like it here, though it can’t compare to the Devon coast, of course…

He took a taxi to the Eaton Square flat. John’s presence still seemed palpable, it was inconceivable to think of him drowned and gone. I hope it was quick, that you didn’t suffer. Daniel thought, sitting at his desk, the newspaper in front of him. They had few details, it was the early edition; but there, written clearly in black text, was the name Lieutenant Commander John Bettany, and a grainy photograph, of John in uniform, looking young and determined. He stared at it as it blurred, and he had to wipe his eyes.

Next to him, the phone started to ring.


THE END
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Wonderful ending Mia! :lol:

Thank you

((((Daniel))))
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
WOW!
Thank you Mia. :shock:
Author:  keren [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
I don't believe it

What about Mike, he was there too?

Please write the next episode in the series so we can see what really happens!

(there have already been a few authors here who left us with a dead character at the end of a drabble, who it turned out was not killed after all)
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Well, I'm taking the phone call to mean that John isn't dead after all and that he and Daniel are going to live happily ever after!

Thanks Mia :D .
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Thank you, I hope the next part will come soon.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Thanks, am another one who wants to see the next part soon
Author:  RroseSelavy [ Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
*wibble*

Thanks Mia, please don't leave us in suspense *too* long! :D
Author:  Mia [ Mon Nov 30, 2009 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Thanks for your comments, but it's finished! For good! xx :D
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Mia wrote:
Thanks for your comments, but it's finished! For good! xx :D

Really? :shock: Oh no. I refuse to believe that John is dead. So there.

Thanks, Mia.
Author:  dackel [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
What? What?! Argh, now I have decide between a happy ending and doom and gloom!

Mia, that was very good but just a little cruel to your poor readers! :lol:
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Umm, thank you for finishing? I think? Only it doesn't feel very finished...

Wonderful ambiguous ending though! Thank you for posting.

*John and Mike did live, right? It's just the newspaper being premature about the lost ship and getting it wrong when really something when wrong down there and John hit his head when Keeler killed himself, but then was rescued by an unknown helicopter/ ship, only has some kind of amnesia so no one know he's alive yet, and that phone call is going to confirm all that. Right?? *
Author:  Jenefer [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
I do hope John is safe

Will there be more of this series as I want to know what happens to Rix, Mary Lou, Maurice and the rest?
Author:  JB [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Have just read this through from the beginning. Gulp.

Thanks (I think) Mia.
Author:  ivohenry [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Echoes more please! There are unfinished threads in this universe, quite apart from whether or not John and/or Mike really did survive - please!!
Author:  Mia [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
Aw thanks, that's sweet but I think everyone has had enough tbh! :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
But you have left us with cliffs, so pleased come back and take us off them. I for one have not had too much of this universe.
Author:  ammonite [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
I haven't either. Please resolve the cliffs :cry:
Author:  lexyjune [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
I'm another one who would love to see more of this. Please.
Author:  ness [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships II - COMPLETE! 29/11
I'd also love to see more of this universe Mia if you can manage it.
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