Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 00:40:41 -0400 From: edcwriter@yahoo.com Subject: FOR GOD & COUNTRY - 5 FOR GOD & COUNTRY - 5 Copyright 2005 by Carl Mason and Ed Collins All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for strictly personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for reviews, without the written permission of the authors. However based on real events and places, "For God & Country" is strictly fictional. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. As in real life, however, the sexual themes unfold gradually. If you would like to read other Mason-Collins stories, you might turn to "Out of the Rubble," "Castle Margarethen," "The Priest and the Pauper," and "High Plains Doctor" which are archived in Nifty's "Historical" section. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the authors at edcwriter@yahoo.com. "For God and Country" is much indebted to a long out-of-print work titled "Ask No Quarter" by George Marsh (Sun Dial Press, 1946). In many ways, it is an "alternative" retelling of parts of that grand story. To be sure, most of the content is unique to this yarn. This story contains descriptions of sexual contact between males, both adults and teenagers. As such, it is homoerotic fiction designed for the personal enjoyment of legal, hopefully mature, adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, if those in power and/or those whom you trust treat it as illegal, or if it would create unresolvable moral dilemmas in your life, please leave. Finally, remember that maturity generally demands that anything other than safe sex is sheer insanity! CHAPTER 5 (Revisiting Chapter 4) "Yes, Rene, I had to know - and now I do. The American sloop of war is considerably more dangerous than the British frigates. Further, as planned from the beginning, I have been able to look her Captain and her Mate in the eye. They are anything but cowards. When the time is ripe, we must give the British enemy some assistance in ridding the Caribbean of this menace." (Continuing Our Story - Twisting the Lion's Tail) Sailing in concert with the Continental Navy frigate Philadelphia of 48 guns (temporarily on duty in the Greater Antilles), the Eagle intercepted a convoy some 50 miles out to sea as it was proceeding into Kingston, Jamaica. While its main cargo was military supplies, there were other goods, as well as a large detachment of British marines that has come all the way from England. The convoy consisted of HMS Glorious, a frigate of 36 guns, four good-sized merchant ships, several smaller vessels, and a troop transport. The wind completely in their favor, the Philadelphia promptly engaged the Glorious while the Eagle moved to attack the convoy. Two of the merchant ships and three of the smaller vessels had already been reduced to flaming wrecks when the troop transport began to flounder. Seeing that the Philadelphia was well on her way to victory, Captain Arnold signaled the British that they were in heavily shark-infested waters. (In fact, the waters were already roiling.) He would halt his attack and allow the British to recover their men if they made no move to escape or fire upon him. When the British commander signaled his acceptance, the Eagle launched its own longboats in concert with those of the enemy while the remaining smaller vessels recovered men in the water. Hundreds of human beings were saved from a grisly death, the British tars cheering the Eagle's longboats as they conveyed their cargos to the merchantmen. As the last longboat pulled away from the vessel on which the British officer stood, he saluted them. When the troopship finally sank beneath the waves and all who could be saved were saved, Arnold ordered the men on the ships to take to their boats or transfer to the crowded smaller vessels. Boarding parties from the Eagle secured the two ships. With the Rhode Island sloop of war drawn alongside, they quickly transferred an extensive supply of shot and powder, plus a large chest of gold coins and other goods. As the British frigate burned in the background, the Eagle sent the two ships to the bottom, but allowed the boats to make their way towards Kingston. As one might guess, he entire British colonial establishment was absolutely infuriated when the enormity of the disaster became apparent. "God's Blood! If Jamaica - one of Britain's richest possessions and far to the west in the Greater Antilles - wasn't safe from these rogues, what was? And what of the convoy system in which both the naval authorities and commercial interests had placed their trust? The Captain of HMS Glorious and the naval officer on board the commercial ships who had agreed to the truce were promptly ordered to London to answer charges. Whatever the outcome, their navalcareers were over. Further, the two new frigates that had been searching for "cannibals" in the Lesser Antilles were recalled to the duty for which the Admiralty had originally sent them to the Caribbean. (Isla de las Palmas) The Philadelphia did not come out of the action unscathed, for the British frigate had been well fought before succumbing to a markedly stronger (and better fought) ship that had the weather gage from the beginning. Though completely sailable, she might have fallen into serious trouble had a heavy storm arisen. Fortunately, Captain Martins knew the western Caribbean far better than Captain Arnold and was able to suggest a secure anchorage, the Isla de las Palmas or Island of the Palms, where repairs might be effected. Sailing within a mile of each other, the two ships were making good headway on the second day. Andy Browne Crouched over his cannon during the firing drill, Andy Browne suddenly whirled and buried his fist in the face of Thaddeus Longley, an older member of his battery. A geyser of blood from Longley's crushed nose erupted onto the well built 17 year old. "Bosun's mate, clap that man in irons and take him to the brig!" the bosun barked. A dejected young skilt-clad sailor, naked to the waist, stood with bowed head as a bosun's mate removed his knife, placed handcuffs on his outstretched arms, and led him below. "The boy is young, bosun; and we saw what happened. Perhaps in the cell we might dispense with the leg irons and chains...this time," Hugh whispered to the bosun. "Yes, sir," the bosun replied quietly. "There are too many Longleys in this man's navy. He deserved what he got." "True," the mate answered, "but you did the right thing. The man who throws the first punch goes to the brig. No ship can permit the men to attack each other." The bosun nodded, saluted, and returned to his duties. Later that afternoon, Hugh made his way below decks to the brig. The damp heat was stifling. As the damp planks of the sloop, washed down that morning as usual, absorbed the rays of the blazing sun above, the temperature had climbed to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, it was probably closer to 110. One could literally see the moisture hanging heavily in the air. The dejected youngster sat against one wall, his head bowed, the sweat pouring down his naked chest, the nauseating smell of Longley's blood rising from his body and clothing. Hugh noticed that while he still wore handcuffs, he had not been fitted with leg irons nor had his body been chained. Hunkering down beside the bars, the mate asked, "You ok, Andy?" "Yes, sir," Andy answered in a voice just short of a sob. "You understand why the bosun was forced to act as he did?" "Yes, sir," came the quick reply. "I saw much of what happened, Andy," Hugh continued. "He's been after you for some time?" Raising his head in response to the positive tone in the mate's voice, the boy responded, "Since Newport, sir. Most of it has been talk and some 'accidental' bumps and touches, but I lost my head when he put his hand up my skilt and grabbed my..." "I understand, Andy," Hugh interjected quickly, "but you cannot attack another man on this ship or any other ship." His chin slumping back onto his chest, the youth answered dejectedly, "Yes, sir." "Do you know Jeremy Stuart?" Hugh asked. "Absolutely, sir," Andy answered. "Next to you, the guys think he's..." (His reply ground to an embarrassed halt.) "I don't think Longley will be bothering you again for quite a while, Andy," the Mate continued as if he hadn't heard the last comment. Others saw what happened and they've talked. Right now his stock among the men is somewhat lower than a skunk's. If it should happen again, however, I want you to go and speak with Jeremy. That's easier than speaking with me, right?" "Right, sir," the boy agreed reluctantly. In sudden fear, he mumbled, "Do they think I'm...?" "NO!" Hugh exclaimed. "We've got some old salts on this ship, young'un, and they know a lot about the Longleys of this world. They think you're a fine young sailor, and this gives them a chance to take care of a predator. Relax, you're ok." "Thanks, sir, much obliged," the lad mumbled in a relieved voice. "I brought some shorts down from the slop chest, sailor. Do you want to exchange them for that bloody skilt?" "YEAH!" Andy answered enthusiastically...before realizing how he had addressed an officer and blushing deeply. Hugh went up to the bosun's mate who sat dozing at a nearby table and borrowed his key. Returning to the cell, he unlocked the gate and entered. "Ok, Andy, stand up." The youngster tried, but between the cuffs and having grown stiff, he couldn't manage it. Hugh simply threw his arms around the hunky youth and hauled him to his feet. Quickly, he loosened the stinking skilt and drew it down and off the boy's naked feet. Rising and stepping back, he beheld a beautifully built young sailor. Taking a wet sponge that he had brought with him from the passageway, he removed the worst of the blood from his chest and arms. As vigorously as he had rejected Longley's advances, Andy so wished it were Hugh's hands he was feeling rather than the rough sponge. Barely pausing, the Mate dropped and helped the boy get his feet into the canvas shorts and then drew them up over his sturdy calves, thighs, and butt. "Sir, there's a problem," Andy breathed in complete embarrassment. "I'm built kinda big and my tackle's jammed. That's one reason I like skilts," he babbled on, his tongue completely out of control. Making a Herculean effort to avoid breaking into a grin, Hugh grabbed the waistband of the shorts and jiggled them sharply up and down a few times. "That do it, young'un?" he asked. "No, sir," the lad whispered, his face red and tears appearing in the corners of his eyes. "In for a penny, in for a pound," the mate grunted to himself. Loosening the waistband, he plunged his hand down inside the shorts, freeing the boy's equipment and transferring a (very) heavy handful to an open spot. "That do it?" A very unsteady, crimson-faced young sailor could do no more than nod affirmatively and, breathing heavily, lean against the man whom he idolized. (He was not the only one who was breathing heavily, for Hugh himself was visibly swollen.) For a moment, the Eagle's mate stood beside the boy, his big hand around the back of his neck. "These are orders, Andy. However difficult, you will get up and walk around a couple of times every hour...at a minimum. You will respond to everyone politely. You will eat all of the bread and water that you receive at supper and again at breakfast. And when they let you out of here before the noon meal tomorrow, you will come out in good spirits. No hangdog looks, hear?" As the mate dropped his hand and made ready to leave the cell, the lad drew himself to full attention and did his best to salute with his shackled hands. The expression on his face was anything but hangdog - though it did somewhat resemble the look of a puppy that had been fed tidbits from the fingers of its beloved master. "Yes, SIR!" he barked. "Thankee, SIR!" Hugh grinned and tousled the youngster's thick brown hair before turning back towards the gate. Twenty-four hours (to the minute) from the time the bosun had sent Andy to the brig, he was released. Within a day or two, he was back to his old merry self. There was no further trouble from Thaddeus Longley. Having been at sea since he was 14 (nigh on 30 years), he knew the routine. Under such circumstances, one kept his head down and his mouth shut, did his work, went last in everything, and complained about nothing - even if his hammock did collapse twice on one night. No ropes had been cut; they had simply...unraveled. He also knew that if he ever touched one of the younger ones again, he'd never live through his next night watch. (He accidentally bumped into Harry one day and spent the better part of ten minutes in terrified apologies. The ship's boy finally muttered that he "accepted his explanation," turned contemptuously on his heel, and walked away. Had there been a ship's cat, it would undoubtedly have pissed on him.) If he were lucky, he'd be allowed to leave the ship at Martinique. Unlike peacetime service, however, there was a major difficulty. Namely, there were next to no American ships on which he could sign on. It was not a pleasant prospect. On the morning of the third day, the Eagle was suddenly at the Isla de las Palmas. There was no tall volcano to announce the island's presence in the sea, nor did it even appear on many maps. Rather, following the directions given by Captain Martins, Jeremy suddenly found himself gliding into a completely hidden cove that one could not tell was there until nearly on top of it. The Philadelphia appeared several hours later (to the joy of the seamen who held the winning numbers), having experienced severe difficulty with its pumps during the evening and night of the day preceding. Indeed, Captain Martins admitted great relief at having made it at all. Cocktails at 6 Bells Once routines had been established and repairs were underway - the men of the two ships working side-by-side as often as not - the Captain of the Philadelphia extended a formal invitation for "cocktails at six bells" to the Captain and Mate of the Eagle. Never had the contrast between a naval frigate and a privateer been more obvious! Although he had initially done so only at Jeremiah's fervent request, Hugh actually felt more comfortable when he was piped aboard the Philadelphia dressed to the nines. Everyone else was also dressed most formally, even the servants (middle-aged to elderly men in the main) and the small ensemble that played at one end of the large room. During the course of the party, every officer - even the midshipmen - made an effort to greet them. Though they clearly had been trained not to "talk shop," those younger officers involved in the repair work were most complimentary regarding the contributions of the Eagle's crew - and most had only positive things to say about the Eagle's actions in destroying the convoy's merchantmen and the troopship. (Several obviously had strong reservations about Jeremiah's lifesaving efforts, but they were most circumspect in their comments.) Alcohol flowed freely. To Hugh's untutored eyes, both the variety and the amount were mind-boggling. He was almost relieved when Captain Martins slowed the flood tide by offering the first in a series of toasts. "To the Officers of the Eagle, our Proud Companions in this Venture," he proclaimed. "To the Officers of the Eagle!" rang out in the Philadelphia wardroom. Hugh was about tenth in line, but when his turn came, he gazed out over the assemblage of mature red-faces, not a few with wigs askew, and in a firm young voice said, "To the Common Seamen of Two Proud Ships, God Bless and Protect 'Em!" Despite a few coughs, the discipline of the Philadelphia held and "To the Common Seamen" was firmly (if unenthusiastically) intoned. Had Hugh not respected the way that the frigate had taken the Glorious apart - spar by spar - he would have had little but contempt for its officers. Though Captain Martins appeared to be a very competent officer - an officer who had served in the Royal Navy for years before his native South Carolina joined in the Declaration of Independence - the other officers were little more than conceited, rich, politically-appointed stuffed shirts..."posturing popinjays," Hugh muttered later to Jeremy. What's more, one was a violent homophobe who could talk of nothing else. (Jeremiah's second did have a few "positive" words to say about several of the midshipmen, but more of that anon!) Thoroughly agreeing with his Mate, the Captain smiled darkly and, after whispering to Hugh, invited the officers of the Philadelphia to an evening party on board the Eagle two nights hence. The Eagle's Soiree There was a certain natural rivalry between the men of the two ships, but they were so busy in making repairs and otherwise readying the ships for sea that they had little time for mischief. The bosun's mates did report some "muttering in the fo'c'sle." While it wasn't possible for Jeremy to say more, he did report that the "airs" put on by the Philadelphia's officers were not going down well with the more relaxed (but hard-working) seamen of the Eagle. Looking at each other with mischief in THEIR eyes, Jeremiah and Hugh decided to involve the crew. In separate meetings with the watches, Hugh, in particular, played up the age and pomposity of the Philadelphia's officers, telling a few stories about their "cocktail party." With malice and forethought, he also made full use of his toast that had been met by little more than a "minimal" (if proper) response. Posing the question, he asked, "How can we show them OUR kind of 'party'?" The suggestions came fast and furious! At the appointed hour, the Philadelphia's officers appeared in their most formal finery. (Only the Eagle's Captain and Mate were so dressed.) After their guests had been greeted with full honors at the gangway, Hugh presented each officer with a hand drawn "treasure map" that listed 25 different rum drinks, most of which would have curled the feathers on a green parrot! (Several of the men on the big sloop were not only literate, but possessed considerable raw artistic ability.) They then passed onto the Eagle's spar deck that was so clean that the cook could have dispensed with plates! In the early evening, the sky just beginning to show a darker blue interspersed with wild tropical colors, 24 young sailors - handsome, built, naked to the waist and dressed in naught but white slops - stood at attention along the sides of the desk, holding flaming native torches. Twelve other young men, similarly dressed, passed among them, taking orders for drinks and quickly returning with the desired potions. (The men had been selected by a jury comprised of the four bosun's mates and four of the older seamen. The winners - and the judges - received an extra rum ration each day for one week! Seventy- two of the younger men had competed for the 36 spots.) The remaining sailors - several prepared to serve as substitutes were there need - dressed in white slops and shirts were engaged in their normal ship's duties or manned the rigging. After a drinking period - and these were no lightweight drinks! - the Eagle's guests were called to a great buffet table on which sat a veritable feast, the centerpiece of which was a great barbequed pig. The main dishes were accompanied by every fancy touch that the cooks could muster. (Many of the gourmet treats - pickled this and creamed that - came from the Philadelphia itself, for the two head cooks had been shipmates in earlier days.) Needless to say, the rum kept coming. As plates were filled and refilled, the ship's two fiddlers (dressed in white slops and shirts) walked from group to group, playing sea chanteys that were sung by the men in the rigging. "Enchanting," the frigate's surgeon murmured to his counterpart on the Eagle. At the close of the meal, a cask of captured port was broached and innumerable toasts offered. It might also be noted that by this time, "pain" was not a word in anyone's vocabulary. Captain Arnold announced that there would be a short intermission, but that no one should go far, for an "interesting" program would follow. (Rum and food were still available at the table manned by two hunky sailors.) One of the Philadelphia's younger lieutenants went to Captain Martins and asked if the midshipmen and junior officers might accept invitations to go below for tours of the noted sloop - as long as they returned by the beginning of the program. With the acquiescence of Captain Arnold, the mellow commander gave his leave - despite the scowls of several of his officers. Several stories came to Jeremiah and Hugh later that suggested how physically frustrated many young men on the Philadelphia were. Further, even the youngest among them had downed generous portions of Demon Rum. In the exceedingly warm and humid semi- darkness...in quiet corners and deserted holds...several of the Eagle's youngsters had evidently been willing to "give a little help" to their fellow seamen. One of the funniest stories concerned four of the youngest midshipmen from the Philadelphia who were being proudly shown through the Eagle by several of the ship's boys. All were between 12 and 14 years of age. They were somewhat stiff and formal at first, due in part to their exalted station in life, their fine uniforms - and their discomfort in associating with "mere ship's boys". Nevertheless, they rapidly caught the excitement and pride of the clean and neatly dressed urchins who had been ordered by the bosun (the bosun himself!) to fulfill an "important duty." It wasn't long before they were simply a group of early adolescents who had escaped the constant scrutiny of their elders. Shown into a hold piled high with coils of rope and folded canvas, the effervescent Harry (who as the youngest had been "permitted" by the older lads to carry the lantern) whispered, with just a touch of embarrassment, that this was the place they came "to play." Mistaking his full meaning, Seth, the obvious leader of the midshipman, wailed. "Oh, man, what I wouldn't give just to fool around a little!" "It's dirty in here," Harry replied sadly. "If we messed up these new slops and shirts, the bosun would have our asses! Wouldn't your Lieutenant raise hell with you?" "Well," Seth replied, warming to the challenge, "we could always take them off!" "YEAH!" several of the midshipmen and the ship's boys exhaled simultaneously. "Harry, come over here," Seth commanded the little blond. "Let's have that shirt!" As Harry carefully removed his white shirt, the young midshipman excitedly lowered the boy's slops. "Man, Harry, you're going to be a big'un," he whispered appreciatively as he fondled the youth's pert buttocks. Blushing - but proud - Harry grinned and allowed himself to be handled. "Now help me out of this damned uniform! You other guys! Help each other out - and put those clothes where they're not going to get dirty!" the 14 year old commanded huskily. Soon eight youngsters, naked as the day they were born and visibly swollen, stood, looking nervously at each other. Eddie, the oldest of the ship's boys, said that he knew of a game that they might enjoy. Taking the lantern, he led the way well into the middle of the hold where there was an open area. "Is it ok, sir," he asked respectfully, "if the guys sit in a circle?" "Yeah! Everyone in a circle!" the new commander of the party barked. When everyone had arranged himself - all eight boys now at full mast - he looked at Eddie and exclaimed, "You're my second, Eddie! Carry on!" Immediately obeying his chief's orders, the proud ship's boy directed, "It's a real easy game, men. You've been doing it since you were kids. Just grab it...gently...and do what comes naturally." Given the fact that they had just received a direct military order - and the two biggest guys in the room were into it - even the shyest of the shy began doing exactly that. As was to be expected, there was no way that the boys could long concentrate on their own alone. Furtively, they began glancing to the right...then to the left...then across the circle. The tension in the hold fast became heavier than the heat and the humidity! The commander broke the ice when he reached down and stroked Harry's rock-hard little cocklet - and a few of the bravest followed suite with the guys beside them. Within minutes, explosions accompanied by loud moans and muffled "AHS!" erupted around the circle. (As he rested wearily in the protective arms of his new hero, looking up adoringly into his face, Harry wondered which of his buddies he dared tell that he had just cum for the very first time!) In other secluded places throughout the lower deck, of course, the activities were not quite as... innocent. The youngest of the Eagle's bosun's mates, for instance, led a very young Philadelphia lieutenant - a particularly handsome 19 year old - into the First Mate's cabin. "If I'm caught," he giggled, "I'm dead, but it's worth the risk!" "Bosun's mate," the Lieutenant ventured nervously, "it's hot as hell in here. May I suggest..." Before he could say another word, the bosun's mate threw off his slops and shirt, strode dominantly over to the officer, and began to remove his uniform...piece by piece. "Sir," the NCO growled, "you are one impressive man. I'd be proud to serve under your command." Not daring - not really WANTING - to say a word, the Lieutenant willingly surrendered his authority, allowing himself to be slowly stripped by a powerful young man who damned well knew what he was doing! The tight uniform pants had to be troublesome, he thought, for his hefty tackle was as hard as the steel of his sword, but the bosun's mate surmounted the obstacle with infinite skill. Raising his chin to allow his partner's tongue to continue doing whatever it was that was driving him out of his mind, he felt himself being lifted effortlessly into the young man's arms and deposited on the Mate's bunk. Masterfully, the tongue and the caresses continued to send him into an absolute frenzy. He couldn't help it...he really couldn't. Suddenly, he simply exploded, spraying himself, his partner, and the bunk with a vast supply of cum. Grinning nervously...and apologetically, he raised a muscular thigh and allowed the bosun's mate to lubricate him with the cum available on every hand and expertly enter him from the side. "Wow!" he thought. "What a tour!" About halfway through the evening, the entire group reassembled on the deck for the formal program. Hugh recounted the story of the "Savage Attack" off Antigua - and the subsequent efforts of the British to destroy the Eagle. He then announced that two sailors who had taken part in the attack would recreate it...authentically. To a heathen melody and with wild barbaric cries, Jeremy Stuart and Andy Browne suddenly sprang over the Eagle's bulwark. Their stone axes in hand, their bodies dyed and painted, their hair blackened and gathered in Carib fashion, they wore woven chest pieces and caracolis - and nothing else! The main part of the program was seen in silhouette through a thin screen. In pantomime, their axes chopped and chopped again. Enemies fell. Finally, after a wild, pagan victory dance, they raised their axes exultantly in victory. Emerging from behind the screen, the boys suddenly thrust their axes into the air and yelled, "Three cheers for the Thirteen United States of America!" The evening ended with a roar from every throat that carried across the cove and up towards the bright stars above. After thanking Andy, Hugh later asked the youngster how he had possibly volunteered for his role. "No one other than Jeremy had the balls, sir," the youth replied, "and I kinda figured I owed you one!" Hugh also asked the boy if he had followed directions and applied the dye and paint only after thoroughly greasing his body. Told that he had, the Mate asked him if he would like to contact Jeremy and see if the two of them could use some help removing the color after the work of the evening had been completed. It had to be done rather quickly," Hugh noted, for otherwise it would permeate the grease and the youngsters would just have to let it wear off. Andy could hardly believe what he was hearing. He was being offered help for the second time by the one man on the ship who most excited him? Yes, he would check with Jeremy - and as fast as his legs could carry him! The Eagle's sailors helped the older officers down to their boats. (The thanks of most seemed sincere - through all appeared a little numb.) The younger officers and midshipmen left on high, several pounding young men from the Eagle on the back and doing everything but dance around the deck! Refusing to chasten his young officers - though he cleared his throat as they approached the gangway - Captain Martins, the last to leave, caught Jeremiah up in a great bear hug, whispering, "I would never have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. It was a wonderful evening, and we are grateful beyond measure to you and your men! Godspeed, Jeremiah! I pray that we shall party again!" Once the officers of the Philadelphia had departed, Hugh had the bosun's mates announce that there was plenty of food and drink still on the table - and more would be brought up from the galley. The men of the Eagle should not let it go to waste. Neither a scrap nor a swallow remained after 20 to 30 minutes! Jeremiah and Hugh passed among them, receiving and giving enthusiastic thanks on every side. Sniffing the air suspiciously when he returned to his tiny cabin, Hugh finally shrugged his shoulders and waited. When everything had quieted down, the Mate responded to a tap on his door and welcomed Jeremy and Andy into his cubbyhole. Once inside, Hugh embraced them both and thanked them again for adding so much to the evening's festivities. Andy, in particular, was clearly beside himself. Constantly rearranging himself on the stool, shuffling his bare feet, and repeatedly clearing his throat, it was obviously impossible for him to sit still. "Ok, men, let's get to work and get that dye and grease off your hides! I see you've already taken care of your hair. Good! Now, off with the shorts!" With that, he rose, removed his own clothing, and placed it into a crowded locker. Pouring a dilute solution of common lye soap and water into a ceramic basin, he asked, "Who's first?" "I'm game," Jeremy volunteered brightly and stepped between the two young men. "Andy, you get his front, and I'll get his rear," Hugh ordered. The young seaman couldn't believe the sensations he was experiencing, as he ran a sponge - and his hands - over the redhead's heavy arms, shoulders, and torso. Within seconds, everyone was hard as steel - but no one seemed to notice, let alone be embarrassed, so why should he? (He even winked back when Jeremy grinned at him and winked.) He and his superior were simply taking care of a shipmate. It was a job! The "job" did get a mite more...trying when he reached Jeremy's lower stomach. Tentatively, he dabbed at the taut skin and the popping veins. Even more tentatively, he dabbed at his buddy's genitals. "That's not going to help much, Andy," the Mate interrupted him. Look, take a handful of the cleaner and work it into his tackle." Following instructions, Andy worked on the beautiful redhead with both hands as he instinctively widened his stance. Gasping, Jeremy stretched upwards on the balls of his feet, his thigh muscles quivering. His eyes were closed, his thick neck thrown back... every tendon cast in high relief. With a low cry, he suddenly inundated Andy in a massive load. Not quite sure what he had done wrong, the innocent lad simply collapsed onto his knees, his forehead almost touching the deck, his ears and neck now crimson with embarrassment. Was he about to lose everything? The two young men gently lifted the sobbing youth between them and held him close as they stroked his body and murmured calming words into his ears. Slowly, his rigid muscles relaxed and he began to enjoy the affection - and the sensations that were coursing through his body. He even guessed that he hadn't done anything so very...wrong. "Ok, let's finish getting this mess off Jeremy," Hugh finally whispered, and he and Andy resumed their "job." When Jeremy's body was relatively clean, the boy grinned at his buddy and said, "Ok, Andy, now it's your turn!" The innocent couldn't quite believe how much he WANTED it to be "his turn." He eyes closed, he stood in ecstasy as warm hands caressed his body...roaming into every crevice...cleansing every firm muscle. He even imagined that he felt lips brushing his flesh and teeth lightly nibbling his chest, his buttocks, and his thighs. As he grew more dizzy and began to feel himself losing all control, Jeremy whispered into his ear. "Andy, we could stop now - and will, be that what you want. If, however, you would like us to pleasure you even more, we shall do that, too." Secure in their arms, Andy slowly opened his eyes, turned his head in one direction and then in the other, and lightly...naively...brushed his lips against his friend's faces. "I want you to continue," he murmured shyly. As lips and fingers kept him at a fever pitch, Andy - barely aware of what was going on around him - suddenly realized that he was kneeling behind Jeremy. Hugh was helping him to place his heavily greased cock - in his addled memory never as large, as hard, or as enflamed - against his friend's anus. Momentarily feeling fear, he hesitated - until his shipmate's body nearly sucked him into a warm and velvet ecstasy that in his wildest dreams he could never have imagined existed. Later, lying intertwined with the others, crying and laughing, kissing and caressing, his body still tingling and demanding more, Andy thanked his lucky stars that he had fought his fears and volunteered to be a Carib warrior. Lawdy! He couldn't BELIEVE how good his body felt - nor even REMEMBER why extending his tongue (as he had just done) and swirling it around Hugh's great, dripping glans would previously have been unthinkable. "Oh, man," he sighed to himself, "what a way to say 'thanks!' We may surmise that the others felt the same way, for no man left that evening other than exhausted and filled with exhilarating memories. Within another day, the Philadelphia was ready to return to sea, her orders calling for her to resume duties off Georgia and the Carolinas after completing her foray into the Greater Antilles. The Eagle left early the next morning, disrupting commercial shipping all the way across the Caribbean until the British were fair out of their minds. Was this a GHOST ship? (To Be Continued)