Story Veta (Book 2) (complete)

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 31: February 3 thru 6 – at sea (4 Days)

Last sea day of the four in a row. Part of me has been grateful for the break from going on land, and part of me not so much. More time to work and get that paycheck doing something I am good at, also unfortunately more time to have to navigate the adult world and while I’m an adult – obviously – I find I am not all that fond of many adults I am forced to navigate with.

I got a huge amount of paperwork finished. I didn’t get it filed but Barney said not to worry about it, that Etta is working to earn some money for a new computer as she cracked the screen on hers. Given the tinsel strength of the new screens I’m really surprised she managed it; many of them are at least as strong as aluminum and the smaller hand-held smart devices are as strong as steel. She either hit is just right, or her temper really got away from her. In confidence Barney told me that Etta had gotten angry about something, was acting the drama queen, and knocked it off her desk. Worse, she hadn’t had a screen protector on it like she’d been instructed. Had it been a mechanical problem, or a true accident, Mr. Baird would have gotten her a new one but under the circumstances that it occurred he told her she’d need to come up with the cost on her own. Taxes and the like had already taken a chunk out of her last quarterly payment from her trust fund and the rest was tied up in other ways. One of those ways is that the government where the trust is organized only allows so much of the funds out of the country in any given time period. Unless she wanted to expend all her liquid assets and then be “broke” until next quarter, she needed to earn additional funds.

I still have a problem with the whole putting young kids in charge of their trust fund like it is a regular allowance, but it is none of my business. I was interested to see that Mr. Baird drew the line at certain things, even if it was strange things. So Etta is earning money filing and/or shredding papers that don’t require a security clearance. She’s also doing some minor housekeeping which explains the tea pot tasting like soap suds on occasion. I won’t have to worry about that again though because what Henry had to say when he got caught by the suds-fairy isn’t printable.

It would have all been very productive and satisfying except that Vit is insisting we socialize. Sigh. I’m trying to not be a spoilsport. I know he enjoyed my brats’ company and that of the men that Devin introduced him to. I know that he also enjoys the company of some of the men that he XO’s with. And I know the SOs of the other XOs … what a ridiculous word play that sounds … enjoy socializing as well. I just have never been very good at socializing. Or let me rephrase that, I’ve never been very comfortable socializing. I can do it, it just isn’t my favorite activity. I had to learn to do plenty when Derrick did work with the Foundation. But that was all arms’ length interactions and that is not the way that those women want to interact.

I am not free very often, something they all remarked on, as my Days off are few and far between. They have regular, “9 to 5” type schedules with regularly scheduled Days off. I haven’t had a full Day off in quite some time, even before we hired onto the B. And when I come close someone usually requests me to play, mostly it is on deck at night in some out of the way location. The women have all joined the various activity courses like Zumba, art class, educational classes, and I honestly don’t know what all else as I just don’t have the time for it. I know it is designed to keep people from going a little crazy on the ship, to build social networks, but really, there is so much to do with our jobs that I don’t see how people have the free time to even attend these things on a regular basis. I struggle just to find time to do my yoga routine in our cabin and spend some private time with Vit. Those other people must have found some way to fit more than 24 hours in their days.

And speaking of, Vit is putting the finishing touches to his uniform so we can go to dinner again. It will be too late to do much of anything by the time we get back except to prepare for tomorrow’s field trip. Ugh. Who would have thought I would have ever attached my little red wagon to someone that was – gasp – sociable?

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 32: February 7 – Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Island

And here I am, back in French Polynesia, and back to Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands. Such a hard life. Not. I mean really. It is hard to remember that I am working sometimes. The students were all – I mean all of them – good today. Even the ones that are really set on being boundary pushers. The only thing I had to bang on about more than I liked was the same ol’ sunscreen battle. At least Etta and Pei Shin have started wearing caps. They say “Science Club Geeks” on the brim but who cares. The hats also have little nets or sheets or whatever the heck you call then that can be attached on the back to cover their necks. They keep the sun and bugs off their necks. I’d wear one myself except I am stuck with what my uniform allows.

Sail away is at 7 pm and a lot of people are on deck enjoying the last glimpse of the island scenery. Vit is up there someplace having drinks with “the men.” Hah! Good for him. I am in the cabin enjoying being able to let my hair down – quite literally – and using a depilatory on my legs. Sounds boring to most people but in truth I’ve had just about enough “age-appropriate socializing” as I can handle for now.

Let’s see, I’ve had emails from Angelia, Christine, Chrissy, and numerous other sisters and brats and nieces and nephews. Dealt with my almost daily email from Reggie and responded the best I could without judging him for the anger and grief that is finally beginning to leak through his emails. Got a surprising email from Benji asking for bird pictures if I had time. I’ll make time and that’s a fact. Got a conference call from Dylan that included the usual suspects meaning Derrick, Charlie, and Devin. And to top it off I got a surprise email from Lena’s parents asking if I would let them know if there was anything that they could do for Reggie and Benji. That one I wasn’t sure how to respond to beyond a polite enquiry into their health and that if anything stands out that I would let them know. I attached a copy of the email to Dylan because I’m not sure how to take it or whether to consider it authentic or something from a lawyer. I will not be used as a pawn in someone’s game. I will give them benefit of the doubt until I find out otherwise but I’m wondering how they got my email if you want to know the truth.

As for Nuku Hiva, it is just as beautiful the second time around as it was the first though I admitted to Vit what I wouldn’t admit to anyone else … that I wished we could have done something different … like maybe take a day hike in the jungle or something other than getting in a 4WD as I had last time. I certainly didn’t mind seeing some of the gorgeous scenery and locations over again, but just like last time I doubt to ever come this way again and wished for maybe something a little less touristy to put in the memory banks. I sound spoiled rotten when I said it but Vit said he understood. Apparently when he was with Mr. Baird as a crew member on the yacht doing the same thing over and over again could turn into a bore. We laughed at how pretentious we both sounded but you know after a while, the rich/bored thing I think kind of rubs off on you. Definitely need to watch out so God doesn’t decide we need an attitude adjustment and send us one post haste.

I’m also struggling at times to remember the very serious nature of the Bonhoeffer’s mission. Is that what happens to the diplomats and politicians? You get surrounded by all this luxury and exotic locations and your brain just sort of disconnects from the real world? Not everyone is feeling like this. I overheard some of the other chaperones wondering why the students weren’t involved in special service projects in each port. I do think that might not be a bad idea here and there, but everyone also needs to remember these fieldtrips aren’t just about fun stuff but are supposed to be a way for the students to learn about the people and cultures and biodiversity in each port. And the students are not supposed to be the world’s slaves either. Their parent(s) are the diplomats, the kids are all under enough stress from all the do’s and don’ts of that; expecting them to do an adults job of peacekeeping every day just because it is someone else’s idea … and not get paid for it like everyone else … just isn’t right. Like I said, maybe some service projects, but those need to be thought out and planned well in advance. They get used as accessories to the mission enough as it is … sound bites, pictures, etc. They still need some scope to be kids.

In addition to all the sites we saw on the 4WD adventure, we wound up eating at “Yvonne’s Place” which was an expense I hadn’t expected as it was not covered. I was the only one that didn’t know as everyone else had been notified during a class meeting and the other chaperones by special memo. I need to get on the mailing list I guess. I would have gone without except I was informed it was a way to “spread the wealth” that people somehow thought everyone on the Bonhoeffer was privilege to. Uh … not the staff though I admit some of them sure do act like it on occasion. And I suppose Vit and I are more affluent than some of the people in the ports we visit. Sticky situation but Yvonne’s Place wasn’t cheap … measured in euros the meal cost about 40 per plate and that didn’t include appetizer, dessert, or even the drink. Or the tip.

Yvonne's is owned and nominally run by Yvonne, the Mayor of Hatiheu. The location is much more than a restaurant, insofar that Yvonne is an institution on the island. She is viewed as a living history book of Nuku Hiva and the Marquesas at large. Yvonne, though ancient and quite frail at this stage in her life, is very friendly and enjoys telling her “guests” local stories, and if she likes you she is willing to spend time explaining what the Marquesas really are. I think her family was gratified at the polite but enthusiastic attention our students paid to her. I admit it was a pleasure for me to see all of them behave so well. I made a point, once they were back on the ship and in their classroom for a “debriefing”, to tell them so and note it in each of their portfolios and include it in my security report. I think some of them were taken aback at how serious their activities off ship were being viewed. Perhaps those that have leanings to be silly will think twice before some of their expressions of joi de vivre get away from them in the future. Or maybe they’ll just be kids and forget it by tomorrow.

The food at the restaurant was good, and certainly authentic. Without embarrassment Mr. Parnell, his wife, and I split a seafood plate three ways while a Marquesian Oven had been arranged for the students. The “oven” is basically a hole in the ground with stones cooking a mix of pork, breadfruit, bananas, all wrapped in banana leaves. Yvonne seemed to like the students especially well and arranged for a hike to the site of the local marae (sacred site) some ways up the hill from the village of Hatiheu. I understood from locals this was a very special privilege not afforded to many outsiders.

I was also told that everyone was happy for the B to stop in with some supplies for the island because the Aranui V (the normal Tahiti supply ship) had been damaged in a storm and no other ship had made the trip in nearly a month due to fuel costs and shortages. The consequences reminded me of Devin’s constant warning about supply line issues, being dependent on non-local staples, and how most cities only have a 3-day supply of food in the grocery stores. If Vit and I ever do get a place of our own you can bet we will have a deep pantry of staple goods for just in case.

After the lunch and hike, while everyone was still discussing what they’d seen in the morning’s sightseeing, our guide took us to Anaho Bay and it was as gorgeous as I remember it being. And the swim was much appreciated as a way to escape the nearly oppressive heat of the jungle. At water’s edge it was still warm, but the gentle breeze kept it from suffocating you. And as I mentioned before, I only got disgruntled at having to remind people too often to put on sunscreen. In this day and age you would think people would be more concerned with skin cancer but no one thinks it is going to happen to them. I must go through at least a tube every couple of weeks and all my make up – what little I have these days – has sunscreen and moisturizer in it as well. I never will forget the scare we got when Angelia had to have a skin cancer removed from the top of her foot. Few people think to put sunscreen on the top of their feet but when you live in sandals and flip flops it really is something you should pay attention to.

In addition to the coral-safe sunscreen I purchased more of at the store before re-boarding, I loaded up on tamanu oil. I used the last of our supply a couple of years ago and had been keeping a casual eye out since Oahu but hadn’t seen any that didn’t cost an arm and a leg until today. It is a panacea as far as many regions in the world are concerned, and is used liberally and often. It is a topical immune booster, soothes all sorts of skin irritation, and supposedly prevents premature skin aging. It is supposed to speed up healing and relieves pain of minor skin wounds like scrapes, small cuts, insect bites, and fights inflammation. One benefit I can’t swear to but wouldn’t doubt is that fights foot and body odor. I mean if it is an immune booster, then it would fight or prevent the bacteria that causes body odor.

I found something strange tonight. I don’t watch a lot of television. Don’t have time for it normally and when I do have time, I’d rather watch documentaries or the few movies that pop up and get my curiosity. But tonight I wanted to see if the B was in the news. I couldn’t get a news station outside of the ship. I don’t know if that is because of our location but flipping through the viewing guide the only news channels I saw listed were those offered through the ship’s media.

Then I got on my computer and found that several of the media news websites have a 404 error or 502 error when I try and pull them up. I tried to pull up some of the bloggers that I used to read on a semi-regular basis and found the same thing. Then I looked up the Bonhoeffer diplomatic mission and could only access the hum-drum, normal media releases. I’ll ask Vit … or maybe Barney. If all else fails I’ll ask Polina and just tell her I feel like an idiot asking anyone else and exactly what am I missing. If I absolutely have to I’ll ask Dylan but it will have to be in that stupid family “code” he insisted on developing. I have a feeling the answer is mostly likely the obvious one – that all information and transmissions are being filtered. My question is to what purpose? Is the news really that bad out there? Which means I need to be paying more attention to the newspapers and headlines when I am in port.

Gah! I hate this stupid 007 crap. Maybe I am overreacting, but I have a feeling I just had my head stuck in the sand, only wanting to hear what I could handle or absorb. Which is making me wonder just how bad the news is out there.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 33: February 8 – at sea (Part 1)

Well I have had a bit of an education today. First, I started with Vit last night when he came in.

“Vit?”

“Hmph?” he responded as we lay in bed and I decided I couldn’t wait to satisfy my curiosity.

“When did they turn the news off?”

It took him a long time to process my question and form an answer which told me that maybe he’d had a few vodkas during his night out with the guys. “What news?”

I wanted to role my eyes but said, “The news , news … like those people that follow us around all the time when we are onshore looking for a story. The major broadcasters. The stuff we used to watch while we ate dinner back in Pembroke. You know, the news.”

A longer pause then he said, “Since the incident where you became injured.” And then he snored.

Well it was an answer and one I had to be satisfied at the time because one snore was followed by several more before I could drown the sound out by falling asleep myself.

Vit was not what you would call cheerful this morning. He wasn’t hungover but he wasn’t feeling great … at least not until that third cup of strong, black tea. I didn’t bother him for clarification because I didn’t want to worsen his mood.

He did make an effort not to direct his crankiness at me which I gave him bonus points for. I saw one of the SOs of the XOs that Vit has had us hanging out with – his name is Neil Hammer and her name is Roxie – and she was all but towing her man along, saw me and rolled her eyes. That let me know that Vit wasn’t the only one that over imbibed. Vit was slow to finish and while he had the morning off, I had to get to the office.

When I got there Barney and Henry were not exactly going off on each other but to say they weren’t exactly sunny and cheerful wouldn’t have been an understatement.

“Morning!” I said trying to fake cheerful my way out of taking sides. They both basically growled and I left them to their sour moods and got down to business. About thirty minutes later I took my headset off and turn to them and said, “If you are going to start hurling items around the office give me a thirty second warning so I can vacate. Or better yet, let me make a pot of tea.”

It was Henry who cracked first and sighed before saying, “The tea would be quite nice.”

I stood to go do that and by the time I was back Barney had chilled out … or at least as much as she ever does. “You don’t look much like you’ve got a cool head but you do,” she said.

“Survival skills. Imagine having as many sisters and sister in laws and nieces as I do, who seem to cycle at the same time when they are in the same place too long,” I said nonchalantly as I sat the tea tray down. “The men in my family are a hearty breed but even they take one look and run when the moon gets full. Sugar, cream, and lemon are here on the tray. Doctor it up as you please.” As I went to go sit back down I heard a strange noise from Henry who looked like he was trying not to chuckle and shudder at the same time.

An hour went by and I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up and it was Barney. I noticed that Henry was no longer in the office.

“Sorry about this morning.”

“None of my business,” I told her while accepting her apology.

“No. But it shouldn’t have been spilled on you either. This marriage stuff doesn’t exactly come easy. I’m too old to learn new tricks.”

I shrugged. “I don’t exactly have a ton of experience myself but instead of learning new tricks how about you both just learn how to get your old tricks to work together.”

She gave it a thought and then asked, “That what you and Vit do?”

I shook my head. “Different situation. Vit and I share … a lot of commonalities in our histories. Our different personalities …” I shrugged. “We had some sharp learning curves in the beginning, but we didn’t have any choice to work things out because of our forced closeness. These days it is more about mutual support and dealing with all the crap life has thrown at our plans. Like we have a common enemy or something that keeps things taped together when they might otherwise break us up.”

“So it isn’t all rosy and romantic bull@#$%?”

Used to Barney’s occasionally salty language I shrugged. “No. We have enough but it’s definitely not all rainbows and unicorn farts.”

She gave a surprised chuckle because I didn’t normally use such crudeness. “Sounds like you’ve had a bit of something this morning yourself.”

“Not a big something,” I replied saying a little and nothing. Then to change the too personal subject I said, “Barney, can I ask you something?”

“Er …”

“Nothing rude or personal. In fact, I’m rather not so politely changing the subject, but this is driving me buggy.”

In relief she nodded. “When did they stop showing the news? I mean the mainstream media type news.”

“Ah. Shortly after the San Francisco incident. You haven’t noticed?”

“No. Or at least not until last night. I just …” I stopped and shook my head. “It makes me feel stupid to have missed something that feels this big. And I don’t know what it means. I mean I can guess but I don’t want to. Or maybe it means nothing at all and I’m just inventing drama to emote over.”

“Not stupid Veta, just … naïve perhaps.”

“Oh that makes me feel so much better,” I told her meaning the exact opposite.

She chuckled. “I suppose it does. As for what it means? He who controls the transmission of information, controls the world. And for us right now, the Bonhoeffer is our world … or close enough to it.”

I thought about what she said. “So you still have access to real world news?”

“Yes. And if you really insist, on your lunch break you can go in Henry’s office and watch it, but I wouldn’t say it will be good for the digestion.”

“Sooooo … things are bad.”

“It’s all relative to your location and socioeconomic level.”

A little confused I said, “But it’s always been that way.”

“Aye, it has.”

“Then what is the big deal? Why turn the news off?”

“Because we have a very diverse crew on this ship with a very important mission they need to stay focused on. We don’t need a lot of in-fighting between groups that need to work as a single entity.”

Starting to get the picture I asked, “Okay but then what happens when they go on shore and run face first into the way things really are in the world? Or that they are getting the news in their job locations just like you offered to let me watch the news in here so long as it doesn’t affect my work.”

She grinned a predator’s grin. “Not exactly what I said but yeah, that’s a good CYA. And that’s the general concern. Too much of some people having information other people don’t … and somehow using it in a less than constructive way. Or the shock of it hitting them when they step off the boat on their day off. Here on the B we are supposed to be working through our differences to prove to the world it can be done, and that things don’t have to degenerate into war. This that they’re doing could do the exact opposite of what is trying to be built. It is like damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Mr. Baird leans in the ‘don’t’ side but more of them lean in the direction of good intentions to keep people from having too much knowledge to get confused.”

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or so I was taught. So again I guess I’m asking, just how bad is it in the real world?”

She sighed and leaned back in the chair she’d been sitting in. “The B doesn’t always get the greatest of press. A luxury shipload of elitists trying to tell the rest of the world what to do. The sudden disappearance of the kids from their social media accounts has been noted and commented on ad nauseum. Same for a lot of the adults.”

“Not to interrupt but here’s another question. Is my blog actually going out or is it somehow being controlled?”

She grinned like I just figured out one plus one equaled two. “Your blog is safe. In fact, people are getting irritated that you won’t approve them to comment.”

“All of those join requests? I don’t know who those people are. I’m doing this for my family to make sure they know that I’m still alive and … “ I shrugged. “I didn’t know who they all were and there’s just too many of them to email them each individually to find out what their intentions are. My brother clears a few here and there but he isn’t exactly my press agent and has more important work to do.”

Barney nodded in understanding then explained, “Those in charge, and I’m no more sure who ‘they’ are than you, have a policy of preventing things from posting until they are approved. And not just yours so don’t suddenly start thinking you are the center of the universe. From what I understand they’ve never had a problem with content, you’re good at keeping names and exact dates out of it. For their purposes you give just enough information to actually tell what is going on without giving too much … or too many personal opinions that might be just as big of a risk. Now can I ask you something?”

I nodded.

“Is the fact that you don’t use names, or included the faces of the students, an accident or intentional?”

“Intentional,” I answered immediately. “My brother Dylan has beat me over the head with security issues as long as I can remember. It was also a condition of going with my Poppa and my oldest brother on the Medical Mission trips. Privacy. Security. Respecting cultural and religious differences. The restrictions we had to learn about during my education degree. And all the practice I had when I worked for the Marchands and then Mr. Baird when Aiden, Al, and Etta were all younger. I guess it has become second nature at this point.”

I was startled when I heard Henry say, “Suspected as much.” The man needs a bell to keep from scaring the unwary, he is just that quiet when he moves. “And you don’t focus on any one student and make them stand out or get extra attention.”

“Because generally the blog is about my activities for the day, not about the students. This is to my family, it isn’t a gossip column.”

“Good. Keep it that way. And if you don’t want to give people you don’t know the opportunity to comment then don’t. If you do, make sure you screen the comments before allowing them to post.”

I nodded before adding, “And as for the mainstream news, try and not worry it to death. So long as there aren’t any more security incidences like San Fran we hope to start running access again in a couple of weeks. For now most people put it down to us being in the middle of the South Pacific. They’re satisfied with Ship’s News. Around New Zealand however we figure people are going to start noticing they’ve been cut off and we hope to have other strategies in place to keep the peace.”

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 33: February 8 – at sea (Part 2)

Other strategies. I didn’t comment but it’s given me more than a little bit to think about. Then he finished by saying, “And as to your thinking people are just getting the news when they are in their departments you can skip that. Baird is high up the food chain and is a committee member for some programs and even a committee chair for the Oversight Board. What you can access in this office is quite a bit more than say the office the Sri Lankan diplomat is able to.”

“So don’t go around bragging about it … or sharing what I might hear. Got it.” I’ve said it before, I hate 007 crap. It is like that summer I worked for Dylan trying to save money for grad school.

Barney nodded, “You catch on quick. I’m glad I don’t have to sit you down and explain every damn thing. But if you’ve got more questions they’re going to have to wait. Heading to a meeting.”

I continued working then went to lunch with Vit who was in a much better mood if a little stiff at having been caught overindulging “with the men.”

“Stop worrying about it Cholovik [husband]. You weren’t napytyy [drunk].”

“Nii. I was not. But … I had meant to spend time with you.”

I wasn’t sure whether to take that literally or if it was a euphemism for being intimate. Either way I told him, “You committed no crime that I am aware of so please, don’t make yourself feel bad. You had a couple of drinks with friends. Then you came home … or what is our home for now. That’s the most important part.”

He slowly nodded then said something odd. “I am not sure that friends is the proper word. I am … hmm … a co-worker. It is smart to cultivate a knowledge of those you work with on projects this important. It keeps the surprises to a minimum.”

“Oh.” It was a lame response but I wasn’t sure what else to say.

“I would not force you to do what you do not like otherwise Kokhana.”

So he had noticed. “It’s not that I don’t like the women Vit. I just don’t feel like I have much in common with them. At the very least our schedules are different.”

He finally started eating instead of picking at what was on his plate. “It has been noticed. Listening to them makes me see things perhaps I would rather not.”

Cautiously I asked, “Like what?”

I don’t know what I was expecting – some kind of critique of my failings I guess – but what I got was unexpected. “You work more hours, without complaint, than many crew members. The men don’t understand how you do it much less why. They say their podruzhzhya [spouses] would never tolerate such treatment.”

“Treatment? It’s a job. Maybe it isn’t exactly what I expected but then again, I think all of us had at least a little learning curve when we started. Besides, it accomplishes my goal which is to not be separated from you.”

“Ah … my khorosha druzhyna [good wife].” There wasn’t time for more discussion as we both needed to head off to our respective workstations.

And when I got back I exited the office as quickly as I went in. Someone forgot to close their cabin door and what was going on in there was no one’s business but Barney’s and Henry’s and that is all I am saying on the subject.

I was dithering trying to decide what to do when I got a call on my comm. It was Barney. Oh gawd.

“Dymtrus here,” I answered in a ridiculously cheerful voice.

“Not a word. Not a single word. Take the rest of the day off. Mr. Baird declared it. Scoot. And this never gets mentioned again.”

“Not in my lifetime,” I muttered trying not to sound as embarrassed as I felt. I heard the two of them start laughing before I could disconnect. Let me repeat, oh gawd. I hadn’t been that embarrassed since the time I walked in on Angelia and Tal right after they got married. It was the best lesson I could have ever received on knocking first.

I knew that Vit wouldn’t be getting the day off so I was just going to go back to the cabin and do some pressing and ironing. I grabbed things and left them on their hangers and headed to first one, then another, then a third laundry area and they were all busy.

What made it worse was walking the halls that were starting to tilt as it was obvious to anyone with a sense of balance that the ocean was getting a little rough. I get banging into racks and shelves that were tied off to the walls in this part of the ship. I felt impossibly thwarted and nearly banged my head into the wall when this woman about my age says, “You too huh?”

I moved the laundry to get a better look and she jumped like she’d been goosed. “Sorry ma’am.”

“Oh gawd, please don’t. This day has just been one kicker after another.”

“Uh … beg your pardon?”

“I won’t tell if you won’t, but I just can’t handle the ma’am-ing stuff right now. Especially not from someone my own age.”

She was quiet for a moment then gave me a shy but genuine smile and said, “Gabe says you’re all right.”

“Gabe Towers?”

“Yeah ma’ … er …” Then her eyes widened right before I was run over by a rack that had come loose from somewhere.

“Oomph!” I said as the rack and I bounced off one another sendinig me to the floor and the rack tilting oddly between the two walls of the hallway.

For all of her seeming initial shyness Mindy Mack could move and be forceful when she needed to. She’d called in the incidence and refusing to let me stand up until someone from medical gave the okay.

“Oh for heaven’s … the thing just forgot to look both ways before barreling through the intersection. Things on wheels should obviously not be driving themselves.”

“Someone needs to check her for head trauma,” I heard the medic say to someone behind me. I looked back and saw Towers.

“Hey! Do me a favor and explain that we from the South tend to treat inanimate objects in personification. It lends a bit of control to situations that seem to be anything but.”

Towers was trying not to laugh when he turned to the small Asian woman and explained, “You know how Walley has that weird British humor?” At the woman’s nod. “This is the Southern US version. If she can go like this she’s not likely to be losing anything vital anytime soon.”

The woman sighed and said, “You Americans are so strange.”

Then I heard it and hissed frantically, “Move, move, move. Stubborn Cossack incoming.”

I got upright if not completely unmussed just in time.

“They said you were hurt,” he growled.

“It tried. It failed. It is being dissected for a vicious plot against laundry matrons as we speak.”

He gave me a concerned look for a moment before his face cleared. “Ah, you are embarrassed at the attention. Do not be. Everyone here is doing their job. But I wish to see .. what ….” When he spied the culprit I thought he was going to blow all over again. “Why is string being used to tie down equipment?!”

“A good question Mr. Dymtrus.” Lovely. Polina had shown up. I wanted to snark that she was late for the party but she looked too intimidating as she was obviously in Security Chief mode. And then one of the worst of the worst media people showed up and said, “You seem rather willing to let the Russians take charge.”

Nearly over the top and ready to cry which only made me angrier I said, “You … are an idiot. You … are a grade A idiot. One, my husband is Ukrainian, not Russian. The difference may be slim to the uneducated but a difference there is. Two, Chief Ivanov is the person in charge so yeah, I’m going to keep my mouth shut which is a lesson you obviously haven’t learned. Three …”

“You are obviously injured, or you would not otherwise allow such crassness to affect you this way,” Vit said soothingly.

Taking a deep breath I said, “It has been a long day with too little accomplished. The only injury is to my pride. I am however tired of every time I turn around some media hound is trying to twist the good work we are trying to do into something wrong or shameful, set one or more of us against the rest, or find some weakness they can exploit. They are supposed to be part of the team and helping not …” It was a near thing, I don’t often let my temper get so far out of hand. I sighed and said to everyone in the hallway staring at me like I had three heads I said, “My apologies. A difficult day is no excuse for such a loss of patience.”

There was a moment of silence and then Polina said, “Everyone has such a day from time to time. Now we must carry out an incident investigation. However, it will not be done with a media presence.” The man was escorted off barking about freedom of the press and I bent down to pick up the laundry that would need to be rewashed before I could actually get around to pressing and ironing it.

I winced at an uncomfortable feeling and Vit saw it. “You are injured. Where?”

“No place I’m going to let you look here in the hallway,” I whispered.

“Eh?”

“I bounced and landed on the door stop … with my er … backside.”

I could see him struggle not to give a bark of surprised laughter but then tamp it down in worry that he’d hurt my feelings. I decided to let it go. The day had been enough of a crash course in bad temper and foolishness. “You can kiss it and make it better tonight,” I whispered.

“Promise?” he said in a tone just as low.

“Promise.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Why someone would use string to tie off the carts is up for grabs. Security camera recordings show that they were originally tied down with the proper cording and chains. However the cameras do not reveal when or by whom the proper tie-downs were replaced. Someone is messing around and I think it is time that they called in Dylan who loves this kind of detailed puzzle solving. But that isn’t my job; I am not even high enough up the food chain to make a recommendation. Right now I am trying to nurse my pride because I just know the story is going to get around to the students. That’s the way my luck runs.

About the only good thing that happened today is that I discovered that the Science Club – and Mr. Parnell – have a love of certain types of movies that I too am secretly fond of. Grade B monster flicks and disaster movies. They are a guilty pleasure. After watching The Fog as a kid and getting scared out of a years growth it took forever before Poppa and Momma not to constantly review my movie choices. They didn’t always realize what I watched online however and YouTube was once a great place to watch really bad movies and really good documentaries. Eventually however they fell to the government regulations and monitoring like all the social media companies. They should have stuck to being a storage location and left politics and personal agendas out of it.

I suppose I did get some good news today. Tomorrow my job is a small dive party. Please oh please, no more tomfoolery by anyone.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 34: February 9 – Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands (Sunday)

Yesterday’s incident is firmly in the past. As I had thought, the story got around but more it was a lesson in not messing around with equipment. The students all swear up and down it was not a prank on their part and I tend to believe them. Most, from what I know of them, couldn’t be bothered with something so juvenile. Others would be too scared to try. And of the ones that are capable of something so stupid they would be too inclined and willing to take credit regardless of how it was discovered.

I would like to tell everyone to stop blaming me for the extra inspections, that I wasn’t the one that ordered or asked for them. It wouldn’t do any good however, people always need a target or someone to blame. I’m trying to take it in stride, but it isn’t easy. Thankfully I heard directly from Dylan who had been given the task of independently reviewing the footage on file for any abnormalities. I’m not sure who I have to thank for that, perhaps Vit but he hasn’t mentioned it.

Dylan needed a deposition. Part of me would like to know in detail how the investigation is going but as I grew up watching Dylan work, he’ll either let me know at some point or he won’t. Usually the answer was won’t because he can’t because of security and privacy issues. You learn to live with it or it drives you crazy. However, that’s just one of the many reasons why that stuff drives me up a wall. So on to today’s field trip.

Fakarava is said to be the best place to dive in French Polynesia. This small Atoll, located almost 450 kilometers from Tahiti, is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia and measures 60 kilometers long and nearly 20 kilometers wide. The main village of Fakarava is called Rotoava and only has about 800 inhabitants according to the information we were given aboard the B. One of the problems of building infrastructure on such geography is that there’s no fresh water except what is collected, and I found out the B was stopping to help repair some equipment and to off load some fresh water from the onboard desalination plant as the island residents were dangerously low on water. Apparently, the B is not just a diplomatic mission, but is also performing public service and medical missions in some areas. Why did it take me so long to find that out? To others it is common knowledge. Maybe I am too insulated, on top of everything other area I feel like I am falling short.

It is a good thing that we got in early today – 7:00 am – because it took us until 8:30 am to get out onto the dive that was today’s field trip for those that were dive certified. Aiden, Al, and this time Etta was along. So were Pei Shin and Jae surprising and pleasing me. There were a few other students, but the group topped out at ten. That still felt like a lot to keep up with under the water, so I was glad to find out that Towers was certified and along as another security person. He is from a place called Mexico City on the coast of the Florida panhandle (which is doubtless why his accent sounds so familiar) and has been snorkeling and scuba diving since he was a kid. Mindy is his common law wife and they’ve been together since they were young teenagers that grew up next door to each other. No kids and no plans to have them. Apparently there are genetic problems on both sides of their family. I found all of that out as the day wore on and winced a few times at what felt like TMI. I stayed as focused as I could. It isn’t that I didn’t want to have a working relationship with the man … I simply wasn’t ready to hear all the personal information. As it was, I was glad of the extra adults from the tour group regardless of what I had to take to have them there.

In addition to myself and Towers we had two guides from the tour company to help keep an eye on things while under water which was helpful. Once we were finally aboard the small boat that was our conveyance of the day, our guide explained the program – two successive fun dives. For our first dive we headed towards a former pearl farm. We arrived at a shallow dive site where manta rays were supposedly known to frequent. We were told that there is a symbiotic-like relationship between the small fish that live in the old pearl farm and the rays where the little fish hitch rides and while piggy backing, they feed off various micro-organisms on the Mantas bodies to clean them.

The boat slowed upon approaching the coral formation rising from the north. Some dark spots broke with the white sandy bottom. The kids thought they were manta rays but they turned out to be just some coral heads scattered on the sand.

We finally reached the point of the submerged coral plateau. Clearer dark spots stood out. We were getting our first views of real manta rays. They were beautiful with their two white “horns.” Another ray appeared, moving around an adjacent coral head. It is like they want to be seen and admired. We gave them what they wanted with everyone glad that I had been given permission to bring my phone/waterproof case set up. The boat driver moved us off about 330ft to anchor the boat.

The dive site was quite shallow at only 10ft. We could easily observe the manta rays moving in the clear water. The gigantic manta rays circled in spirals around the corals where cleaner wrasses had made their home. There, the coral heads are considered as cleaning stations for mantas and other fish. Each one comes here to be cleaned by bicolored cleaner wrasses, bluestreaked cleaner wrasses or red-lip cleaner wrasses. And no, I didn’t know what those were at first but soon learned.

It seemed that each ray had its favorite cleaner, or maybe they had agreed which spot they would use so there wasn’t any back up or lines. The wrasses treated the mantas like moving fast food trolleys. Our guide had told us to pay attention to the spots on the belly of the rays because they are unique to each animal. The observations and the photo shooting was sensational; the sea life cooperated wonderfully. We knelt down on the sandy bottom to avoid silting up the area (which kept us from winding up with limited visibility) and stayed immobile for around 25 minutes, admiring the animals that appeared to fly like birds in water. It was a perfect dive site for an introductory dive, giving me a chance to see the level of skill of each student. The mantas were a bonus that kept them enthralled.

Moving on to the next coral head around 30 ft away, we admired 3 more rays in single line, reminding me of birds migrating for the season. They glided over our heads completely at ease with human divers in their presence. Sometimes, the mantas perform loops like airplanes with their mouths wide open and horns spread out ready to gobble up as much plankton as possible.

In addition to the rays we saw minuscule nudibranchs. We also noticed a lot of anthias and juvenile of Damselfish twirling around the Acropora (also called the “Reef builders”). All these small alevins seemed secure hidden in the coral. Some triggerfish, moray eels, groupers and blacktip sharks crossed our path but the sharks were far enough away they didn’t bother our guides though I had to force myself to stay relaxed and not send distress signals the toothy fish would have felt compelled to investigate.

Back on the boat, the students compared their impressions of the dive, and were obviously excited and would have been content had that been the only part of the fieldtrip, but it wasn’t. With barely enough time to catch our breath, we set off to the next part.

The next dive was what is called a “drift dive.” The trick with drift dives is to catch the current at the right time. Since we were starting in what is arguably the open ocean, we needed fairly calm seas. And since we didn't want to be spat out into the deep blue sea, we also needed an incoming current. This current doesn't last long in the Tuamotus, as all the water from the waves breaking over the reef into the central lagoon must get out through the pass(es). This means that the out-flowing current is much stronger and lasts longer than any inflowing current (if there is one at all). We also didn't want the current to be too strong, just a nice, gentle 1-2 knots so we didn't have to work too hard and the scenery drifts serenely by. This usually means that the optimal time is just after high tide, as the tide is turning. Our driver got us there with nearly perfect timing and we all re-donned our gear and headed out for the mouth of the pass.

We weren’t the only boats there and certainly weren’t the only divers in the water. One of the fun parts of diving with people from other boats – as long as there aren’t too many other divers – is that they're usually at least a few much more experienced people who catch sight of things and pass the information along. It also means there are more eyes to watch out for dangers.

We caught the current just right, dropped down to the sand patch at 50' (15m) – much deeper than our intro dive – and let the current push us along gently. We saw lots of big, fat grouper and related fish. We also saw about 50 sharks milling around, mostly 4-7' (1-2m) Black-tipped Reef Sharks. I was not happy about that, but the guide assured me it was normal and the sharks usually kept their distance so long as you didn’t try and induce them to come near. I gave the students death ray eyes warning them what would happen if they even thought about it.

As the central channel got deeper we hugged the right bank, drifting slowly deeper. As always I fought a moment of agoraphobia and then got through the feeling to really enjoy the unique sensation that diving offers. Here is where we saw another group of about 10 sharks that were somewhat bigger, just hanging out waiting for dinner to come to them. Not us or other divers but I did see some divers being stupid before they were stopped by what I took to be a guide from another dive group. There were also several large (about 6') tuna-looking fish, gently swimming against the current. I’m not sure what they were and I forgot to ask. It isn’t important in the scheme of things but to those that know me it shows how awed I was that I forgot a question. I eventually got down to 90' (27m), my deepest dive to date.

I was a little uncomfortable taking the students that deep, but their excitement overrode any initial fear they felt. After a while we turned right towards the dive-dock and the channel to the anchored boats. Here the water got shallower and the current much stronger. Hanging onto the coral, I felt like a flag, flapping in the breeze. The coral in the shallower water was more prolific. The fish got a bit smaller, but there were a lot more of them. This dive compared favorably with any other dive I’ve taken before.

I am happy to say that the pictures I took came out fantastic. The parents of all the students on the dive were ecstatic as well though some were as uncomfortable as I when they realized that some of the “fish” were in fact sharks. But there were no complaints. Several of the pictures were added to the student’s digital collage they are building. It was also nice to see that the Science Club kids could hold their own. And the one boy that did try and start something unkind was firmly put in his place by a single growl coming from Aiden who is now of a size that is not easily ignored.

When I showed the pictures to Vit he did his own bit of “flipping” when he too realized what the “fish” really were, but not much. Vit is an accomplished diver himself and he congratulated me on my deepest dive. I asked and he told me he’s dived down to a hundred and thirty feet on a handful of occasions. That’s deep. He’s never been interested in diving any deeper because it requires several technical diving skills he hasn’t acquired and most of the diving he did was with Mr. Baird’s guests. When I asked him where he learned to dive he was silent for a moment before he said, “When I was in service.” I new to back off as Vit has admitted that there are things he will not speak of and when he says “in service” I take it to mean his former military service which he is rarely comfortable discussing.

Tomorrow is an odd day. We’ll be part one port and then part in another. I’ll be seeing more places I never expected to again. I wonder if things have changed or will I feel as I did in Nuku Hiva?

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 35: February 10 – Moorea, Society Islands AND Papeete, Tahiti (1)

“Oh for the love of Mike, when are they going to settle down?” I grumbled to myself, not for the first time. There is a party on the top deck and I have to admit I wish they would all just go to sleep already.

We arrived in Moorea this morning at 8 am. By then I was up, had exercised and eaten, and was dressed and awaiting the students at the tender station. We had a full day ahead of us and it hadn’t exactly been difficult to drag myself out of bed to get ready for it. The only thing wrong with the day is that I am doing such things without Vit. When I said that this morning he smiled and kissed me and said, “It pleases me to know you are not stuck in the cabin all the time. It was a worry I had when you joined me in this mission. Now I know you work at things you are good at. And if I am honest, I hope you are enjoying yourself as you work at them. It will make me feel better about uprooting you as I did.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t uproot me. I uprooted me. I’m a plant that follows its sunshine Vit Dymtrus. And just in case it isn’t obvious? You’re my sunshine.”

He kissed me again and said, “Just bring me the pictures you take so I can see and it is enough.” He worked some momentary tension from his shoulders. “This job I do is a good one. I feel … useful … purposeful. While it can be difficult … I still like it Veta. I am not a man comfortable with … what I did with the Marchands. I found purpose in those days but … this is better for me. As when I worked with Devin. Do you understand?”

I did and nodded. Vit will never be someone that can just sit. He can be a chaperone, as he was with the Marchands and as he was with Baird’s guests, but it isn’t his preferred lifestyle. I’m not sure it is my preferred lifestyle either, but it is my life for now and it doesn’t bother me as much as some people probably think it should. I think of it more as this is the job that keeps me with Vit. Of course, it would be a lie to not admit that I do enjoy some of the activities … and some of the students. But this too shall pass, and I’ll move onto the next thing that keeps Vit and I together. I know that sounds archaic by some standards but he has given up a great deal for me as well. We will eventually find our footing and with the path I’ve chosen, it will give us time to find it together. I know this to be a fact, I’ve given it too much thought for it to be otherwise.

Today my job included another high adventure trek. An ecologically enhanced 4x4 vehicle took us from mountains, to waterfalls, private beaches and other wonders. The only things we had to make sure everyone brought were water shoes, towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, and agile and open minds.

After being picked up at the pier our first stop was the Magic Mountain, the best panoramic view of the island. We got to see the island’s volcanic caldera and the distant peaks of Mt Tohiea (3,959 ft. — the highest mountain in Moorea), Mt Rotui (between Opunohu and Cook’s Bay at 2,624 ft.) and Mt Moua Puta (2,722 ft.), whose peaks rise dramatically from Cook’s Bay. We essentially saw the entire circumference of the island. Moorea is roughly 37 miles around and we could see it all from that vantage point. And a good thing we were in the vehicles that we were because the mountain is not accessible by regular cars and can only be reached by 4WD or ATV.

Though the mountains on Moorea are not extremely high, they are rugged with Magical Mountain being one of the highest points on the island. It is located along the exterior, and it offers spectacular 360-degree views of the island and the surrounding clear blue waters of the lagoon and the ocean. On the way up the mountain, we passed villages, scenic valleys, fruit trees, and pineapple plantations. I’m serious, an honest-to-goodness pineapple plantation. I understood in Hawaii that they were becoming fewer and fewer so seeing the ones we passed was very nice.

Next we headed towards the crater of the island where several more pineapple plantations were located, and our guide gave us a full-blown lecture on both the pros and cons of such plantations and their impact on the economy, ecology, and social order in the Pacific. I was surprised by some of the information and mean to research it further. The super-ecologist (or eco-freaks as Charlie sometimes calls them) paint a picture that anything artificially introduced into a bioverse is destructive. Our guide seemed to be middle of the road and said we have to balance economy and ecology. I don’t disagree. I was simply surprised by some of how the plantations are looked at in the islands by the various groups.

Another spot we hit was Belvedere, the highest point of view of Moorea. The boys all had to help change the tire on one of our “chariots,” and for our “trouble” we got a chance to enjoy the landscape with a fresh coconut! I split the coconut water with Mrs. Parnell who was along playing chaperone as well and then asked our guide if he could open the shell for me with his machete so we could scoop out the meat.

The most incredible views can be seen from Belvedere Overlook. It is where we got a gorgeous panoramic view over two bays. Opunohu was to our left and Cook on the right, separated by Mt. Rotui, the sacred Mountain of Ancient Polynesians. We also got views of the fertile Opunohu Valley with its many pineapple plants, craggy peaks and gentle slopes. It was more crowded up there than I expected so we had to take turns taking pictures though the media hound with us today insisted on taking a “class photo” which took a bit of creativity to arrange. And of course, I had to do my best to move everyone along from the small snack, beverage and souvenir stand that was up there … and very busy.

The "marae" was our next stop where our guide spoke with us about Polynesian culture. We ended the morning at the Tropical Garden where we visited a Vanilla plantation and where we also were given another informative lecture on the local flora. The drive up to the garden was steep and scary. My goodness. And while the area was small, they did have a small stand selling fresh fruit and homemade jams and jellies that we had time to take advantage of. Vanilla was growing in a greenhouse which had me in awe and the juices at the stand were delicious but not cheap. Mrs. Parnell and I once again shared something as a treat. I found out from her that she and Mr. Parnell are saving all the money they can from this job so that they can buy in with Mr. Parnell’s brother and rehab the old apple farm that has been in his family for generations. It was an interesting conversation we had comparing their plans to what Vit and I had run into at Pembroke House. So interesting in fact that I had to pull myself back and return to my job.

French Polynesia is known for its vanilla production. Vanilla, which is actually an orchid and not a bean, is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron due to the difficulty of growing it and its need for manual pollination. There are several vanilla farms on Moorea (and other islands), mostly small family-size productions growing vanilla in old coconut compost under shaded cover. The vanilla flowers are beautiful white orchids that then turn into long green pods that are collected and dried over 3-5 months and turn into black pods that are used as vanilla spice. I get vanilla beans as often as I can afford to and today was no different. I have a neat collection of what looks like large test tubes or cigar tubes with cork stoppers all full of vanilla beans in a box under the cabin’s bed.

Part of the lecture at that stop goes something like this: “Endemic to South America, the first historical records of vanilla come from the Aztecs who used vanilla extract to flavor for a chocolate drink. When the Spanish conquistadors entered Mexico in the early sixteenth century, they were introduced to the exotic extract. Taking a liking to the flavor, Cortez collected a sample of vanilla pods to carry to Europe so that they could continue to enjoy this new spice and cultivate it for their own use. For two centuries following its introduction to Spain, vanilla vines grew in European hothouses, but the plants did not produce the pods from which the vanilla could be extracted. In 1836, Charles Morren, a Belgian horticulturist, discovered the reason for the missing pods; he noticed that a bee native to Mexico pollinated the flowers, and thus in order to produce the desired pods in Europe, he needed to develop a way to pollinate the flowers by hand. Five years later on Reunion Island, Edmond Albius, developed an improved pollinating technique that is still used to artificially pollinate vanilla flowers grown outside Mexico.”

The guide also told us that “the Vanilla planifolia, found in Madagascar and often referred to as Bourbon vanilla, is the most common and widely produced vanilla species, supplying the demand for most of the world market. In 1848, Admiral Hamelin, a French commander in the Pacific, delivered the vanilla plant to Tahiti. Most likely crossbred between a native South American and Indian Ocean variety, the newly developed vanilla brought to Tahiti became recognized as a new variety they called Vanilla tahitensis. Along with this new name, came unique characteristics that set it apart from all other vanilla grown in the world. For starters it is generally shorter and plumper than the most commonly produced V. planifolia. Second, it has a unique taste and fragrance, unlike that commonly found in Bourbon vanilla.”

I must admit I found the information fascinating, but I could tell most of the students and other adults did not. I bet they would be a little more interested if there came a day that vanilla, or at least the ability to acquire it, disappeared from their lives.

Next our day took us to Temae so we could share a typical Polynesian meal with some punch, water and tropical juices. The bonus was that it was on a small private beach, so we were the only ones there. Not a lot of paparazzi with their ever-loving zoom cameras that could probably see dust bunnies on the moon. After lunch, the kids were allowed to enjoy a little bit of free time to walk on the beach, collect some shells or have a swim in the crystal-clear water. The white sand beach had a rocky outcropping with small tide pools and subtle waves that made it a perfect shelter. Those that wanted the water had it. Those that did not want to submerge themselves had something interesting to do as well.

Our final activity of the day was a beautiful waterfall hike at Afareaitu. I once again noticed that not everyone headed my sunscreen edicts and I am afraid I may have to simply let them fry and maybe then they will use some sense. The problem is their parents are counting on us to help them use some sense. But as Momma sometimes said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.” I’m not going to tackle high school aged people and slather them with sunscreen. They are not infants.

As it is, I had to practically toss a couple of them back on board for the 4 pm sail away as we had to scoot because we were due into Tahiti at 7 pm. That’s where the party comes in at. It was family night, or it was when everything first started. As the night has gotten later the students have all gone to bed – tomorrow is another school day even if it is a field trip – and the adult family members have gotten a little raucous between the luau menu, the rum infused drinks, and the hula dancing contests. Not my cup of tea. Not Vit’s either but he was asked to join an onshore group that is helping with installing a micro-desalination plant in Papeete which is where we are currently docked. I had to take care of some family business.

I got a message from Dylan that I should call Derrick. Scared the heck out of me at first but though it was emotional it was threaded with some good news of a sort. He wanted to thank me for corresponding with Reggie, Benji, and Chrissy.

“Why thank me? It is my pleasure to play auntie and you know it.”

“Yes well …”

“Deep subject.”

“Veta … not funny. This is not easy for me to admit.”

Knowing my brother I could hear he was about to take the conversation in a heavy direction. “Derrick …”

“Let me say it. Even thousands of miles away you show my children more understanding than many in the family that are a stone’s throw away.” I could hear disappointment, anger, and confusion warring in his tone.

Not wanting to have any of that started I responded, “Maybe it is because of the distance. And what little news of substance that I get from back in the states, there are probably quite a few daily stressors I am not having to face that everyone else in the family is. Angie says that the cost of groceries has stabilized but a lot of the variety is disappearing.”

Derrick sounded uptight when he told me, “Don’t change the subject. I … I need to tell you how I feel. What if something happens and I never tell you.”

“Derrick? Is … is there something you’re hiding?”

“Not … really. Lena is … she is …” He stopped and I could all but see him pull on the armor he used to wear when he practiced medicine daily. “She doesn’t remember. Or claims not. She acts like everyone is making things up even when she sees pictures as proof. She absolutely refuses to believe that is her attacking our son … or him attacking her. The doctor thinks it is a coping mechanism as much as it is a symptom of her mental state.”

I could hear something else. “And?”

“And … it has been less than a month but her physical appearance has already deteriorated. She will not cooperate for a body scan, not even for a portable MRI or CT scan. But there are definite changes and they suspect that the cancer has metastasized. One eye is definitely clouding and is displaying some signs of pressure on either the optic nerve or even that a tumor may be pushing against the back of the entire eye structure. At this rate it cannot be much longer. The pain medication she was taking for her injuries has likely covered up the symptoms up to this point but … they are going to pull back to see how much pain she would be in so they can determine a future course of action. Her parents … my God … they are even considering whether there should be any future course of action. And look to me whether that is the right thing or wrong thing to do.”

I could feel that he needed me to say something, but I could only think of repeating what I’d heard everyone say when Momma died. “Derrick, you and Poppa always told me that eventually the truth is all you are left with and that death didn’t have to be something to fear. In some instances, could even be something to anticipate and accept in relief. If treatment doesn’t give her any quality of life, why prolong the pain she is going to be in? I always wonder just how selfish it is to force drugs and treatment on people for whom it only furthers their suffering.”

“But …”

“I’m not talking euthanasia Derrick. I would have fought anyone that tried to do that to Momma regardless of their motivations. But in that same vein, a person’s death belongs to them and is between them and God. We don’t have a right to dictate terms in that battle. Let Lena go when it is her time, it may be the only way she will find peace at this point.”

The silence was a long one and then I heard Christine say, “Hello?”

“Uh …”

“It’s okay Veta. Whatever it was you said helped the dam break and he’ll get better from here.”

Now I was the one that needed comfort. “You are … sure?”

“Positive. And Derrick is nodding as well. I hate to hang up but … he’s exhausted and needs to sleep.”

“And you do too as you are still healing. Just one last question please. Are the kids okay? I .. uh …”

“Let’s put it this way. Benji got the latest round of bird pictures and he told my brother ‘See?! Aunt Veta didn’t forget! She still sends me bird pictures.’ And he smiled Veta. A real smile. And that other boy? Frankie? They are corresponding again and … Benji is just better. Not completely well, but definitely better. And you’ve helped with that.”

We said our goodbyes and rang off and I’ve been sitting here thinking instead of up on deck watching Tahiti be … Tahiti. I loved being here last time. Now it is just a place; a point on a map. Hopefully my attitude won’t communicate itself to the students tomorrow. They were all so excited. Now if the so-called adults up above me will try and remember to have some decorum. And what on earth is that noise?! A conga line?!! Oh my lord.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 36: February 11 – Papeete, Tahiti (2) - Part 1

Well my attitude got adjusted last night by a hot shower, cup of tea, and some quiet time with Vit who was just about as fed up with people as I was. I had put away my journal, climbed in the shower (to get away from the noise on the upper deck), washed my hair and was sitting down combing some oil into my hair to keep the frizzies to a minimum. I had just put my comb down when I was startled by the cabin door being wrenched open without warning and Vit stalking in. If the cabin door could have been slammed, he would have done it I’m sure. The thing was, I was barely in my robe and sitting there with my hair down trying to finish with the treatment I was giving it while putting lotion on my legs. In other words, I looked like I belonged in one of those old-fashioned boudoir photos.

Vit stopped with a dumbstruck look before gargling, “Kokhana …” And that is about the only thing of any sense that was said for a good, long while by either of us.

When we finally came up for air Vit got a truly ridiculously male look on his face and said, “I feel much better now.”

I couldn’t help it, I started laughing. He tried to look affronted for all of two seconds before he too started laughing and we both went to sleep with smiles on our faces.

This morning we both agreed that it would have been nice to linger over our morning tea but that we could not. Vit had to return to shore to help install something that sounded unnecessarily complicated for what it was supposed to do, and I had an appointment to play security/chaperone with the high school students. Lucky for me it was only part of their school day as there was another family event scheduled though there was some doubt how many parental units would actually be attending the Beach Day and BBQ. I heard through the grapevine that there won’t be any more open bars during family nights and you can imagine why.

Once I collected everyone and got them through security and onshore the day truly started. First up in the itinerary was discovering the lighthouse designed by Robert Louis Stevenson's father, Thomas Stevenson. During that part of the trek I discovered that it was Robert Stevenson, RLS’s grandfather, that started the family’s involvement in lighthouse engineering when he became his step-father’s engineering assistant. In 1791 Robert Stevenson supervised the building of the Clyde Lighthouse on Little Cumbrae in the River Clyde. The man continued to supervise the building of lighthouses for many years beyond that, ending his career around 1843. By that time three of his sons became lighthouse engineers as well, including the father of Robert Louis Stevenson. All together the Stevenson family is responsible for the building of over 80 lighthouses from Scotland to Japan. An amazing feat of engineering and though Robert Louis Stevenson did not follow his father and uncles into the family business, he did write about it and them extensively.

In addition to the lighthouse, we saw the Marae arahurahu which is a religious archaeological site, Taharaa View Point - for breathtaking panoramic views over the island, and the Grottos of Maraa which is a natural cave with a small lake of cold water. Ferns hang down from the big dark opening, dripping water from overhead streams.

Then it was on to the Botanical Garden Vaipahi. What a stunning and nearly indescribable setting. We wandered around a tree-shaded wonderland of waterfalls, ponds and colorful tropical flowers. There were several different contests running simultaneously for the students. One on photography, a literary one for poetry, a science one where they had to photograph (or sketch) and identify as much of the plant life as they could. All students were required to enter at least two of the competitions … not win but submit a qualifying entry.

I could have stayed longer but we needed to get on to the Faarumai waterfalls that fall from a height of 300 feet. There are numerous waterfalls all over Tahiti, but the most popular and accessible are the three waterfalls at Faarumai, known as the Cascades of Faarumai. Turning off the main coastal road, a dirt track cuts through the teeming jungle to a parking spot. From there it was only a 5-minute walk to get the first cascade, Vaima Hutu. This is a truly impressive sight, with crystal clear water rushing down a sheer rock face into a cool, inviting pool. The other two waterfalls – Haamaremare and Haamaremare Iti – are close by each other about 30 minutes’ walk away, and were well worth the walk. It also helped to keep the students from getting stupid excited by the tropical setting which seemed to really energize them.

I’m glad they were following the rules because our day’s blasted reporter was not. I had to save him not once but twice from falling over and into water features. Neither time did he say thank you and the second time was in a quite dangerous area … a blow hole. Perched along the rocky coast of Tahiti and bordered by a scenic black sand beach, Arahoho Blowhole is one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. As waves crash against the shore, a powerful geyser-like eruption sends spectacular plumes of water into the air, creating the opportunity for some impressive photos.

There is a designated viewing area with a barrier preventing visitors from getting too close to the blowhole, but it’s still possible to get wet when the blowhole is at its most powerful. That should have been sufficient, but the reporter wanted a particular shot – unrealistic though it might have been – and was determined to get it. After he nearly fell the second time I simply wrenched the camera from his hands and carried it over to the lead teacher and let him decide what he would do with it. I got some wide-eyed stares, but I had given two previous warnings what I would do if he did not obey the danger signs. Rather than trouble from the teachers, they seemed to appreciate that I recognized their authority. Goody. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but the truth is I was simply out of patience with the reporter and hoped they’d have better luck with him.

And last but not least came Venus point. We walked around Venus Point where famous explorers including Captain Cook and William Bligh anchored and set up camp. I must admit, our guide was a great story-teller. And we bid fond farewell to the man as we climbed in our bus and headed back to the pier where the students were met by other adults chaperones as well as their families and they headed off to a BBQ done Polynesian style.

I was dilly-dallying while I looked at some postcards, trying to decide – since I hadn’t been invited to the BBQ – just exactly what I was going to do. It isn’t that I wanted to stay ashore or that I wanted to go back aboard. It was both and neither. I was at loose ends and I didn’t know what to knit them together with. I was in freaking Tahiti and here I was just kind of numb. I missed having a student. I missed having a partner of some type. I had just decided to go back aboard and catch up on some translations when I heard, “Pryvit sympatychna ledi.” [Hello pretty lady.]

I turned and laughed, “Vit!”

“Ah, so you are glad to see me?”

“You have no idea,” I said with a huge grin.

He became concerned. “Is there trouble?”

“Nii,” I told him, starting to use more Ukrainian just as he had started to use less. “I was just going back aboard to work.” And then feeling ridiculous, I shrugged and turned so he couldn’t see me get teary.

“Kokhana?”

“I’m sorry Vit. I’m just being … nostalgic or something equally silly.”

“Hm?”

I sniffled one more time and said, “I just miss the way it used to be. You and I and Frankie and Nicholas. We … we had fun together. It was a job … but at the same time …”

His look was almost too understanding. “You miss teaching. Or at least miss the part of teaching as you had with the boy.”

“That is part of it. But … our working relationship, even before there was something between us, was a real comfort to me since I was so far from everything else I’d ever known. I don’t know what it is exactly. If I say I am lonely it sounds pathetic and it isn’t that exactly either. I … I can’t quite put a name to it.”

“Exclusion.”

I opened my mouth to deny it but then slowly closed it as I pondered his words and wondered at how accurate they were. “That is a great deal of it. How did you know?”

He pulled me out of the crowd and over to the shade of a palm tree. “I have seen it.” There was a short but telling pause and he added, “You do not care for the women we socialize with.”

I tried to hold to our vow to be honest with each other. “I … don’t dislike them. I just don’t have a lot in common with them. I don’t use what spare time I have the same way they do. I also do not …” I shook my head. “I don’t dislike them, I’m just not like them and … and it is hard to … to … just sit there and let them talk amongst themselves about things and people I know little to nothing about. They do nothing wrong, my sisters will do that, but my sisters also make an effort to at least include those of us who do not know what they talk about. I honestly find you and the other men’s conversations more interesting … even when all you do is talk about sports. I just have no interest in complaining that there is no beauty facilities on board, or the scope or ability to try on the newer fashions like some of the diplomatic families wear. And they grumble that they aren’t getting paid enough for the so-called hardships that they are experiencing. What hardships? We are going to places I would never get to go otherwise if you hadn’t taken this job.”

“Mm. And the men ask me how I can live with someone so …”

“So what?” I asked when he stopped and looked sorry he’d started the statement.

He sighed. “They ask me how can I live with the Ice Queen.”

“The … the Ice Queen?” I made a face and then shook my head. “Guess they don’t know that I stopped wearing so much eye makeup because I got tired of trying to wash it out of the front of your shirts where I’m such a crybaby.”

“Nii Kokhana. You are not a … er … crybaby. You are soft-hearted. You perhaps hide it well from others but from me never. Though lately …”

“Vit …”

“Are you unhappy? As you say, you do not complain the way some women do … or men for that matter … and I … I cannot tell if I should be worried because you do not or because you feel you cannot.”

I took his hand and dragged him away from prying eyes and when I was sure no one was looking I kissed him with all my heart. “I am not unhappy. Certainly not with you. Nor with this job we both do. It’s important even if I don’t play a particularly important role in it. And I am not even unhappy with the … um … exclusion by other people to be honest. It is just sometimes it … it does bother me though it is silly that it does when most of the time it doesn’t. And that sounds silly and juvenile so I’m going to get a better handle on it. And I’m sorry if people think I am an Ice Queen and it gets brought to your attention. I don’t mean to be.”

“I know Kokhana. I tell them they simply do not know you well enough to judge. It is like when you call me stoic. It is simply in our nature to be private people. Dyakuvaty Bohu [Thank God] we found each other. Life is much better for me now, even with the difficulties we face.”

We kissed again and then walked back into the sunshine before someone could see us and say something. The Code of Conduct, especially while in uniform, was quite strict and though there was no written restrictions preventing married couples from acting married while in uniform, they have asked us to keep the PDA to a minimum.

Vit asked, “Do you remember our last time here?”

I smiled for his benefit as I grappled with controlling my discontent. “Yes.”

“Would you care to walk around again? I have the evening off and we could have some private time …” A couple of tourists in a hurry nearly forced us off the boardwalk. “… or relative privacy,” he said regaining his balance quickly. “We could look at postcards? Perhaps some other shopping?”

I chuckled. “You drive a hard bargain Vit Dymtrus. But yes, I would very much enjoy spending the evening off with my handsome husband.”

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 36: February 11 – Papeete, Tahiti (2) - Part 2

He grinned and we set off to do just that. First we stopped at the Centre Vaima, full of the chic shops in Papeete's first shopping mall are a mecca for Papeete's French and European residents (the Municipal Market still attracts mostly Tahitians). A sign near the parking area explained that the infamous Quinn's Bar stood in the block east of the Centre Vaima, where the Noa Noa boutique is now. Then we crossed the four-lane boulevard from the Vaima to the wooden boardwalk along the Quay.

A tourist brochure on the quay assured us that cruising yachts from around the world congregate there from April to September, and resident boats are docked here all year. On the other side of the harbor is Motu Uta, once a small natural island belonging to Queen Pomare but now home of the wharves and warehouses of Papeete's shipping port. It wasn’t an eyesore, but it didn’t exactly fit in with my idea of what Tahiti was supposed to be. The reef on the other side of the shipping port has been filled in to make a breakwater and to connect Motu Uta by road to Fare Ute, the industrial area and French naval base to the right. The interisland boats dock alongside the filled-in reef, and their cargoes of copra (dried coconut meat) are taken to a mill at Fare Ute, where coconut oil is extracted and later shipped overseas to be used in cosmetics. That was Vit’s first purchase of the afternoon. He purchased three large containers of food grade coconut oil and had them delivered to the Bonhoeffer with instructions for it to be put in our storage locker.

“Our what?” I asked after the transaction was finished and we were walking away.

Vit snorted. “Another oversight that I only recently found out about. Each crewmember has a dedicated storage area. Not large but enough to hold some overflow from their cabin space. Similar to the area on the Sun that held luggage pieces that would not fit in cabins. The entire area was being misused and mismanaged. I caught a few … let us call them clandestine businesses … being operated in the spaces. A regular poker game was one and another was a black-market operation.”

“What?” I whispered, more than a little scandalized. “Does Polina know?”

“She does now. She dismantled the operation and the two crewmen involved were civilians that were working in supplies. They have been removed and I was explicitly instructed not to ask any more questions about it so…”

“So I know how to keep my mouth shut. Good grief. There’s a store near the media center, why would anyone need anything else?”

“Because contraband isn’t just about having something, it is more often about having something that is illicit.” Vit shrugged. “It is not that I do not understand the feeling, but their operation was creating problems that came to my notice. Since they would not move, I found it necessary to become involved and deal with them.”

All I could do was blink. My job might technically be security, I might even understand the various undercurrents involved better than I let on. But the level that Vit is working at is not necessarily anything I desire to become involved in.

“We will still keep the liquor in our cabin but other things may be more convenient to store in the area that has been assigned to us. We still need to be careful accumulating items but by and large we should be fine since we are disembarking in Miami. Dylan mentioned having a car available and I may take him up on that depending on circumstances.

“So you hear from him?”

“Yes. There have been times when others make the situation unnecessarily complicated and between the two of us, Dylan and I can cut through the red tape to institute something faster than the troublemakers, whomever they may be, can build a wall or create more mischief.”

We continued walking along the waterfront, passed the main post office, and on to Parc Bougainville.

Parc Bougainville is a shady park next to the post office named for the French explorer who found Tahiti a little too late to get credit for its discovery. Two naval cannons flank the statue of Bougainville: The one nearest the post office was on the Seeadler, Count von Luckner's infamous World War I German raider, which ran aground in the Cook Islands after terrifying the British and French territories of the South Pacific. The other was on the French navy's Zélée. Bougainville's statue stands between the guns. At the snack bar at the rear of the park we picked up a couple of drinks before continuing on.

As we walked westward toward the traffic circle at the foot of avenue Bruat I hesitantly asked Vit, “You mentioned troublemakers. Are there things going on the rest of the crew don’t know about?”

“There always are, regardless of the ship or crew. If you are asking if our mission is being endangered all I can answer is that my superiors are keeping a very close eye on what is occurring and how we are dealing with it.”

“That sounds … ominous. I hate that 007 crap.”

“As I am aware. However, I will not allow you to be put in danger and thus am monitoring the situation perhaps closer than most are aware.”

“Dylan,” I said in mild disgust. “I am not a child Vit. Don’t get the brats involved in this.”

“I am not. Dylan … is doing the job he was hired to do. It is simply not a bad thing for my purposes that he and I work well together.”

My only comment was an exaggerated eye roll which caused Vit to grin as we both looked around at the changes made since we were there last. Few projects exemplify Papeete's many road improvements as much as the big traffic circle, under which pass the four busy lanes of boulevard Pomare, and the adjacent underground parking garage. On the harbor side, the semicircular-shaped park is known as Place Jacques Chirac, whose name created quite a stir because French tradition says not to name a public place after a living president. Underneath is a public parking garage. The park is the beginning of recent landfills, which have replaced a black-sand beach that used to run west of here. We kept going west along the waterfront, to rue l'Arthémise, where it is impossible to miss the big beige church on the mountain side of the boulevard.

An impressive steeple sits atop Eglise Evangélique, the largest Protestant church in French Polynesia. The local evangelical sect grew out of the early work by the London Missionary Society. The pastors are Tahitian from what I understand. We continued west along boulevard Pomare for 6 more blocks and saw a few of the remaining stately old colonial homes across the boulevard. On the harbor side we came to Place Toata.

Another project funded by the economic restructuring fund, Place Toata is another park built on the landfill, and it is a favorite gathering place for office workers during the day, families at night. They come to stroll, take in the view, and dine at inexpensive snack bars that dot the area. Place Toata's outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts all year and the national dance competition during the huge Heiva Nui festival in July, both of which are still months away but getting plenty of press and free advertising. Next door, on the banks of Tipaerui River, stands the Office Territorial d'Action Culturelle, Tahiti's cultural center and library.

We decided to take advantage of Place Toata's and grab a late lunch. There were clean public restrooms there. Once we finished a shared plate we turned around and backtracked east on boulevard Pomare to Parc Bougainville, cut through the park, and proceeded through the park to the spacious grounds of Place Tarahoi.

Place Tarahoi, Papeete's governmental center, was royal property in the old days and site of Queen Pomare's mansion, which the French used as their headquarters after 1842. Her impressive home is long gone, but is replicated by the Papeete Town Hall. As you face the grounds, the buildings on the right house the French government and include the home of the president of French Polynesia. The modern building on the left is the Territorial Assembly. In front stands a monument to Pouvanaa a Oopa (1895-1977), a Tahitian who became a hero fighting for France in World War I and then spent the rest of his life battling for independence for his homeland. Ironic part of the story is that during the 1960s and 1970s he spent 15 years in prison in France, but finally returned home in time to see more local autonomy granted to the territory. And in fact, his fellow Tahitians sent him back to Paris as a member of the French Senate.

“Vit?”

“Hm?”

“Are the Russian delegates still giving you a hard time?”

When Vit looked at me in surprise I told him, “You are not the only observant one in this marriage.”

“It does not bother me.”

“Which tells me they are still giving you are hard time but that you are ignoring them.”

“Let us just say that it is the diplomatic core more than the people like Yegor and Polina. If they were all like those two there would be no need for ignoring. The wife of the Gregoravich is a prima donna and … er …”

“And a cougar looking for a gigolo?”

Getting a little green around the gills Vit said, “As you say. But I am too old and too smart to play those games to get ahead.”

“I know you are. I just want you to know that I know you are.”

He chuckled knowing I was preening a bit at him being my husband and trying to stroke his ego at the same time, something he seemed to find wonder in even though we’d been married for a while. It once again struck me how destructive females could be to a male’s self-esteem with so little effort on their part. Not because males were inherently weak but because most of them are built on the framework of the need for respect, an aspect of biology that too few females seem to be taught by the elder females in their lives. A good woman can be the making of a mediocre man so long as the intentions and motivations are right. Have inferior motivations and intentions, or apathy to the consequences, and females can easily destroy a man. And the earlier this starts the less effort it takes to give birth to a man who will never really deserve the title.

I’m glad Momma and my sisters all made a point of teaching me this fact of life, even if many of them never put it into words quite like that. And Vit is no mediocre man, but there were women in his life, Anichka being one of several, that did their uncaring best to break him.

I decided the risk of the dreaded PDA warning memo was worth it and hooked my arm with Vit’s as we continued two more blocks along rue du Général-de-Gaulle, past the rear of Centre Vaima, to Cathédrale de l'Immaculée Conception, Tahiti's oldest Catholic church. Cathédrale de l'Immaculée Conception houses a series of paintings of the Crucifixion. It's a cool, quiet, and comforting place to worship or just to meditate. Rue du Général-de-Gaulle becomes rue du Maréchal-Foch past the church. We followed it for a block then turned left at rue Colette and continued until we came to Marché Municipale.

There we took a stroll under the large tin pavilion of Papeete's Municipal Market and examined the multitude of fruits and vegetables for sale. I remember the fun I had freaking Nicholas out a bit as we sampled some fruit and looked around at the handicraft stalls along its sidewalk and upstairs. From there we walked along rue Colette for 2 more blocks, until we came to Papeete Town Hall also called the Hotel de Ville. This is a magnificent replica of Queen Pomare's mansion, which once stood at Place Tarahoi. This impressive structure, with its wraparound veranda, was designed to capture the spirit of the colonial South Pacific. This Hôtel de Ville or Fare Oire (French and Tahitian, respectively, for "town hall") was dedicated in 1990 by French President François Mitterand during an elaborate celebration.

From there we made our way back to Vaima Centre and some much-needed refreshment at its open-air cafes. And from there back to the ship. Vit got called away to Mr. Baird’s office to sign some paperwork but he promises not to be long so I’m going to change and get ready for him to come back. G’nite!

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 37: February 12 – Bora Bora, Society Islands

It was a beautiful sunrise this morning and Vit and I enjoyed it to its fullest. We talked at some length last night (among other things) and we have decided to examine our work schedule and begin trying to manage it rather than letting it manage us. We’ve allowed our financial concerns to control too much of our lives. Yes, being responsible is important. Yes, being independent is important. Yes, being financially sound and earning/saving money is important. But with all that being at peace and having some contentment is at least as important as well. We need to find the correct mix but at least we are working on it.

An example of my own change in attitude is how I am trying to look at things. For instance, today not only did I have the next chaperone assignment which was a good thing job-wise, but the “assignment” was a cushy snorkeling job. Relatively cushy. I was still taking minors on the water and being the responsible adult-in-charge, but it was the Science Club members plus a few others that are tolerant of the gleeks and strong swimmers themselves.

We were off the ship as soon as it dropped anchor at 8 am, setting out for the Bora Bora lagoons. The water was turquoise perfection and fringed by lush coastline. I hate to keep using the word stunning, but that is exactly what the views en route to our first lagoon were.

We hopped into the lagoon’s shallow water and slipped on the provided snorkel and mask as we listened to the required safety instructions. Then we began our stingray experience. Though we’ve had experiences like this in the past, our guide instructed us on how to interact with the tame stingrays. These, even more than our most recent interaction with stingrays, have adapted to human feedings in the area. We got a close look and even touched the graceful rays as they swim right up to us! It was eerie how they reminded me of dogs begging for their next meal. I was nearly mobbed and my braid was jerked a couple of times. It was strange,

On the way to our next stop, we searched the crystal-clear waters for manta rays and even spotted a few black-tip reef sharks swimming near our boat. The sharks did not give me happy feelings, but our guide swam with a spear gun and a bang stick. I also started carrying two knives when I am diving, both gifts from Devin once I had earned my first scuba certificate. One is a standard sharp-point blade that can be used the same way many pointed hunting knives are used. The second in a blunt tip diving knife that can be used like a multi-tool, including as a small pry-bar. I haven’t had to use either one, but they are a comfort to have.

We arrived at a prime snorkeling spot above a colorful coral garden where we could observe the marine life from the boat or marvel at the multitude of fish through our snorkel masks. This coral reef was not far below the surface of the water, so it made for easy and fun snorkeling. We saw colorful coral as well as a variety of fish that live in the area. Some of the fish we saw included butterfly fish, parrot fish, puffer fish, Picasso trigger fish, snapper, yellow tang, goat fish, grouper, trumpet fish, zebra unicorn fish, wrasse or Japanese moray eels plus more sharks and stingrays.

The students had really worked up an appetite by that time and our guide took us to a private motu (small island) for a freshly prepared buffet lunch. Grilled steak, chicken, fish, salads and fruit. Oh my. I got a little hollow feeling as I started to miss Vit again but then remembered his words reminding me that he was happy doing what he was doing and only wanted to see pictures of what I did during the day.

After our lunch there was also a short hike to the island's summit for panoramic views, and a surprise reward of a dip in a hidden waterfall. The rule was when we hear the unmistakable sound of a conch shell being blown, we were to head back to “base” and when we did we were entertained by a coconut husking demonstration and live music. At the end of those six hours I can say even the hardiest of the students were tired and ready to return to the B.

There were no changing stations before we climbed back aboard and I got some rather strange looks with the two knives strapped to my legs as I walked down the corridor to our cabin. Beyond that it has been a pleasant day and Vit and I kicked back and went over the pictures I had taken – removing the ones with the students in them – before turning over a copy to the media center to post on the ship’s internal server that ran a slide show of each day’s activities. Dinner in the XOs Club was even pleasant and I won’t say positively it was because the other SOs were off doing some class or other, but they were. Now it is time for bed. We have two days at sea ahead of us and that normally means a lot of translating. Not everything I am translating appears to be coming from people with a grammatical education so sometimes figuring out not just what they are saying, but what they actually mean, can be interesting. Here’s to no headaches and few interruptions tomorrow.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 38: February 13 & 14 – at sea (2 Days)

Veta you will be calm. You will be. And I mean it.

I keep telling myself that after the near-scene I made yesterday. Should have known that things were going too well. The other shoe always drops. Always.

Poor Vit. He hates painkillers. Despises them. They always have an exaggerated effect on him. But in this case I’m glad. He’s sleeping the injury off. But it has meant that I’ve had to deal with this other mess without his input. Argh! I hope he isn’t mad at me when he finds out, but everything is so topsy-turvy and I don’t understand why I have to prove anything much less prove it over again. But they said that if I didn’t pass the test that I would be asked to leave the ship.

On top of this there is some kind of diplomatic calliwumpus thing going on. Some of the diplomats practically came to blows during some meeting or other. Or maybe it was their staff members. Or maybe a staff member nearly hit one of the diplomats or the other way around. I don’t know. Rumors are flying and I don’t know who or what to believe. I know Mr. Baird is involved but none of us … his staff I mean … were involved. But that’s why I can’t go to him about this. He is holed up in meeting after meeting and Barney and Henry are as well giving depositions and finding out who stuck their nose (or rear end) in where it didn’t belong. There was some kind of security breach as well involving something during the same situation … or maybe that is what created the situation. All of it is above my pay grade and I’m glad, but right when I need a supervisor, I have no supervisor I can turn to.

It started yesterday. It was a sea day. I was glad to have a break from the students even if it did mean working in the office and catching up with the never-ending stack of transcription corrections. Why they wait to put all of the forms through the translation machine is beyond me. They finally approved the machines’ use after Dylan and his company secured them against cyberattack by taking them offline. A simple solution to a problem they were making more complex than necessary.

So there I was, jonesing for a mid-morning “cuppa” but too busy to fix myself one when Tower runs in and says, “Mrs. Dymtrus … Chief … er … Veta … there’s been an accident. Bridge deck. Vit … he’s hurt … uh …. Wait! They’re not going to want you to be …”

All I could think was the snark that then he shouldn’t have told me. I was off like a shot. I don’t even remember how I got there but they told me I was going fast and nothing and no one got in my way. They had the stairs to the bridge deck blocked but I wasn’t to be denied. I do remember banging on the office that was on the deck above, gaining admittance, and then jumping from the balcony there down onto the deck where they were still trying to clear crane pieces … that Vit’s legs were sticking out from under.

All I heard was, “I still can’t reach him!”

That’s when I snarled, “Then move. You’re too big.”

They say I wiggled in and then yelled, “What were you trying to do?!”

The EMT said, “Put a stabilizer on his neck. Can you do it?”

I heard some people asking who the blank I was and then Polina said, “His wife.” A moment later – after assuring the EMT that I’d had medical training via my father, brother, and Medical Missions – they stopped squeaking and let me help since I was smaller and more flexible amongst all the crane pieces.

Then I heard Vit groan, “Veta. Do not … get hurt.”

“I’m not going to get hurt,” I told him not really caring if I did or not. “I won’t ask how this happened until after we get you out of this mess. However, whoever caused this better get gone some way some how and that’s all I’m saying for the moment.”

“No one’s … fault. Wave. Caused crane … chain and hook … weight pulled it off balance.”

I wasn’t interested in his explanation at the time and simply asked him if anything hurt in particular. “Not … like it should not.”

I sighed and grumbled, “Stubborn Cossack” loud enough that I guess a few people heard me but wondered at Polina’s chuckle at the time.

I took his vital signs and when they decided they would have to get him out before they could move any more of the crane pieces I had them thread the back board into the mess and under Vit. The fact that he wasn’t complaining worried me more than anything else, so I strapped him down and we inched him out. The medical personnel started taking him away and I went to follow but someone grabbed me by the arms … a big someone … activating my self-preservation. I started to run my thumbnail under theirs but before I could do any damage Polina had grabbed my hand and pulled it away.

To the walking wall she said, “You would do well to reconsider that tactic Grover. Some female is going to make hamburger of you some day.” To me she said, “Let the medical team do their job. I need to know what he said regarding the accident.”

I didn’t like the emphasis she placed on the word accident but didn’t have time to analyze it just then. Instead I took a deep, calming breath – made calmer when I finally heard Vit cursing in Ukrainian – and told her word-for-word what he’d told me about the wave, crane, and balance.

“He is sure that is what happened?”

I gave her a look for the first time asking me a stupid question. “Veta … just answer.”

“I told you what he said. Now would it be too much trouble for someone to explain to me what happened besides the fact that my husband got squished and possibly clocked with a blasted … whatever the heck that tinker toy is supposed to be?” I asked in a voice far too polite and reasonable.

Something was going on behind me and I turned sharply to find Tower suddenly with an expression like “she’s gonna blow” and a suggestion that maybe I’d like to follow Vit who was being carried to Sick Bay.

~~~~~

A few hours later my mood wasn’t any better.

“Polina how many times is someone going to ask me the same questions? I can’t change what Vit said. If people would stop poking him and making it necessary for more painkillers then you could ask him directly. I mean I’m trying to keep in mind that everyone is just doing their job, but if you are looking for different answers, have them try different questions.”

Keeping a reasonable tone even though I was likely being disrespectful even if I didn’t mean to she said, “It is an investigation.”

“I’m aware. And I take it from how agitated people are getting that they think the ‘accident’ was no ‘accident.’ Well from what little I have heard Vit say he obviously thinks it is an accident. If you think that the crane was interfered with prior to the ‘accident’ then asking me about it isn’t going to do any good either. Check the equipment.”

“The equipment checks out and there appears to be nothing unusual.”

“There you go then. Accidents happen.” Turning to look at Vit I had to force myself not to cry but I did mutter, “And sometimes they even happen to heroes.” Turning back to Polina and trying very hard not to be emotional I asked, “How is that guy that Vit pushed out of the way of the falling crane?”

“Mild concussion. A few scrapes. Nothing else.”

“And the crane operator?”

“She is the one who raised the complaint.”

“Complaint about what?”

“You have not heard?”

“Obviously not but then again I haven’t heard the entire story either. Can you tell me or will it hurt the investigation?”

“Net. I mean no. But it must be quickly. There are other incident reports that need to be made.”

“By me?”

“No,” she said. “There were more than angry words during a diplomatic meeting this morning.”

“Well that’s not helpful. Grown men shouldn’t act …”

“And women.”

“Lovely. Send everyone to a corner for some time out.”

Knowing I would understand she said, “I would prefer it to be a knockout, but I will deny it if you repeat it.”

I gave her a sympathetic look and she finally got to explaining. The “complaint” by the crane operator came when she said that the sea was too rough to move the crates that had been brought on board at the last port. And the sea wasn’t rough per se but it wasn’t silky smooth either. The height of the crane exaggerated the mild rolling of the deck, the exaggeration would be even worse at certain points because the crates would be swinging like a pendulum on the end of a chain.

Her complaint was “duly noted” but she was ordered to do her job anyway. Some parts that Vit needed for some work he was doing were in the crates and he was concerned enough that he was out on deck helping to supervise moving some of the smaller crates by dolly. While he was up there a sudden deep roll took everyone by surprise and BAM! the heavy crate pulled the entire crane off balance. The woman had been operating the crane from a platform and jumped free with no injuries. Vit was turning to run when it was obvious the crane was coming down but another roll twisted it and he saw another crewman stumble. Vit ran and pushed him out of the way but was caught in the falling debris. The rest of the story I knew.

I sighed and looked at Vit again. “Asking some men to not be heroes is like asking them not to breathe.”

“Yes,” Polina agreed and it wasn’t necessarily a compliment any more than my statement had been.

She left to attend to the other ruckus and I spent the remainder of the night by Vit’s side. I didn’t wonder about Mr. Baird, Barney, or any of the others not coming by. I put it down to the ruckus in the diplomat corp. The next day I heard that everyone had been confined to quarters for the morning to give the situation time to calm down. I didn’t move from Vit’s side and ate his lunch when he became nauseous from pills on his stomach. They switched to intravenous pain meds, though they did lighten the amount they were giving him but it still knocked him out most of the time. They just didn’t want him moving around or suffering from the bruising until they were absolutely certain there was nothing going on internally. Sleep was the best thing for what ailed him, but I sympathized because he hated to be managed in that way. The few times he had been awake enough to make sense he grumbled that he’d had plans for Valentine Day.

“Will you stop worrying about that?” I told him. “Every day with you is Valentine Day.”

“I was not aware of the custom while we were in Pembroke. It was only last year that Char-lie explained. I had meant to show you that I did not forget this year.”

Shaking my head and giving him a kiss I said, “Well obviously you remembered this year but I thought we both agreed to make our own traditions. Now please stop teasing yourself over it. We’ll celebrate if you want to when you are up and around and not feeling like something that just came out of a pretzel machine.”

He agreed to drink some milk before inadvertently falling asleep once again.

It was about six o’clock in the evening when someone from Administration called me out to the hallway. I’d run into the man a few times while working for Barney. The man was intimidating without even trying, and was worse when he does try which is often. He likes the sound of his own voice and he likes to make other people dance to his tune … and dance fast and at length. Needless to say, he isn’t my favorite person to deal with but no one else seems bothered by him so I put it down to my imagination or personality differences.

He looked down his nose at me and told me that in no uncertain terms I had not proven that I was qualified for my security position and that unless and until I passed the test I would be removed from the position and removed from the ship. I was scheduled for a test the next day while we are in port in Pago Pago. Doubtless I wanted to return home so he would give someone else the opportunity to fill that slot.

“No.”

“Excuse me?” he asked like no one had ever used that word with him.

“I said no Sir. I will complete the test as necessary.”

“You don’t even know what it is.”

“It doesn’t matter. If it is what is necessary so that I can fulfill my duties on board the B and retain my position, whatever it is is what I have to do.”

Apparently that is not the outcome he had expected but as he had a clerk standing there recording our conversation for posterity for some reason, he had no choice but to allow me to fill the slot.

I want … need … to talk to Vit. I hope he doesn’t get angry, but I must do what I must do. I absolutely will not be separated from Vit. Unfortunately, I am separated from him for now. Visiting hours were over for Sick Bay and not only would they not break the rules, they wouldn’t even bend them a little bit either. And I won’t see him in the morning before I must go onshore either. And neither Barney nor Henry have called me back yet so …. I’m on my own.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 39: February 15 – Pago Pago, American Samoa

I’m exhausted. Not as sore as I expected but likely that will hit tomorrow. I’ve done some mild yoga to try and head off as much of that as I can, but I must be realistic; this was a lot more strenuous in places than my body was prepared for. I did it, but I’ll pay for it.

The morning hadn’t even sprung before I had to be on deck to get in a tender and ride away to begin the “test.” The others on the same test were all males. This did not give me a happy feeling as I knew that Vit would have something to say about it. Not because he does not trust me but because he trusts no one else. Or at least about that stuff. But I’m getting sidetracked so back to the test.

We beached in the dark and climbed into an all-terrain jeep thing. And yes, I know that makes me sound like a girl but that’s all I really remember about the vehicle as I was very nervous and feeling crowded by the males in the group. They weren’t doing it on purpose but they obviously had issue with me being there. At the time it was irksome and intimidating at the same time, but later on the trail I found out it was worry on their behalf that they’d be carrying me out. Finally we arrived at where we were headed, met our guide, and without any instruction on what we were going to find on the trail led into the “bush” of Pago Pago.

The trailhead was located just a little ways from the Lower Sauma Overlook parking area. The men seemed to suspect where we were and mentioned “ladders” and “ropes” quietly to themselves. I knew the drill; little girl stays quiet she’ll hear something. Right after the trailhead we immediately hit the first “ladder” climb of the day (there was a total of 56 of them). The “ladders” are really just rope ladders that use heavy rope and 4x4 posts as the cross pieces that is laid on the ground. Of course the ground is nearly vertical in places but only my calves and arms still care.

After the first ladder you go straight into a thick, rainforest environment. The trail is maintained fairly well all things considered and one of those things is the fact that in a rainforest the vegetation can grow inches per day. Compounding the jolly vibes that the men were giving is off is there were several places on the trail that I was the only one that didn’t have to duck. From beginning to end we didn’t ever get much of a break as the elevation climbed almost 1600 feet during the trek and in some places, as I said, was nearly vertical. Despite working like a mule to keep up with the much longer strides of my companions I couldn’t help but break out into questions to our guide about the local flora. There was a tree called a Tahitian chestnut.

Tahitian chestnut trees can grow up to 66 feet in height with a crown diameter of 13 to 20 feet. They can also grow up to 6.6 feet per year and yield up to 165 pounds of fruit each year once a tree has aged 25 years. But obviously, it is the alien-shaped trunks, buttresses, and root systems of these trees which makes them stand out. I cannot count the times I tripped over one of those infernally weird root systems, but they were still too interesting not to ask about. There were also some pretty impressive Banyan trees.

I did fairly well not giving off too many “girl vibes” despite the strangeness of some of the stuff we were climbing through. I will admit I got freaked out once when I sat down and had a crab nearly fall in my lap. The thing looked like a nightmare coming out of a shell too small for it. Bleck!

When it was my turn to lead, the men behind me kept cracking their heads against the low hanging limbs on the switchbacks and one of them finally cussed me for it, thinking I was doing it on purpose. Trying not to huff which wouldn’t do any good at all with such men I said, “If you guys wouldn’t try to walk down the heels of my shoes you might be able to watch where you are going. There’s been how many freaking signs on the trail that warns of low-hanging branches? So learn to read already. Or do I really need to say ‘duck’ every two seconds for your benefit?” After that they backed down a little from their attitudes. Or should that be tudes with a capital T.

Every tree on the trail seemed to be in some symbiotic relationship with another fern or vine. My favorites were the bromeliads that were all over a couple of the trees, and as an added bonus were blooming. It looked like something out of a Grade B sci-fi movie from the fifties. A couple of them even reminded me of Triffids but none of the men got the reference.

There were a couple of places our guide made everyone take a break. It wasn’t just about drinking water though there was that as well, but he was trying to get some of the others to enjoy their surroundings. There were a few irritated growls when they would notice me taking pictures as we hiked. In one area where we looked to the east we could see Olo Ridge, Tagau Mountain, and Palapala Mountain all in one shot. Wow.

At another vantage point we could see three peninsulas; Vainuu Point, Tapisi Point, and Papaloa Point. Then there was the rugged coastline along the northern shore. It reminded me of some of things that Vit and I had seen from outriggers and sailboats when we had sailed with the Marchands.

Not long after that we reached the ridgeline. I would have been thankful for the fact the trail leveled out if I hadn’t realized that under the vegetation on either side the ground basically dropped away to nothing. Trust me when I said I watched where I was putting my feet and stayed on the trail.

Our guide was pretty good as a distraction. Right about then is when he told us of the “Fish Poison Tree.” It was known locally at Futu but is also commonly called a Box Fruit Tree. The fruit is dispersed in the same way as a coconut – by ocean current – and is extremely water-resistant and buoyant. Believe it or not, and I fact-checked the guide for hyperbole and it is true, the fruit can survive afloat in the ocean for up to fifteen years. It was one of the first plants to colonize Anak Krakatau when the island first appeared after the Krakatau eruption. How it works is that when the fruit washes ashore, and gets soaked by rainwater, the seeds germinate. The bad news is that all parts of the tree are poisonous. In fact, box fruits are potent enough to be used as a fish poison … hence its other name. The seeds are ground to a powder and used to stun or kill fish for easy capture, suffocating the fish while the flesh is unaffected. Little harsh, but then again so can be survival.

The greenery from that point forward was impenetrable on either side of the trail. Very “Jurassic Park.” I kept waiting for something to come at me from either side of the trail. But apparently animals have more sense than people and aren’t on the trails at that elevation. Except at the rest areas, then things that liked to fall out of trees like to freak the humans out. As in why on earth does a crab think it is a bird?! Seriously. And why did they think it was funny to only fall on me.

The guide wanted to know why I kept looking up in the trees if I wasn’t scared of the crabs. I told him the story of the monkey that had stolen a pair of my glasses and everyone got a good-natured laugh out of it, even Ol’ Grouchy Guts himself. I suppose the story had to be worth something. Grouchy Guts was my name of the day for the guy in the crew named Grover. Good Lord, he is a total walking wall and at the time I thought a personality to match.

At one of the next vantage points we got a spectacular view of the north coast with Siuono Ridge and Mauagotula Peak (991 feet) on the left side and Leaoao Peak (808 feet) on the right. We also got a great view of Pola Island, which is basically just a tall fang of land, and where it is separated from the mainland by the Vaiava Straight.

I was worried about sitting down when we took breaks because everything was covered by a thick moss. Not the same type of moss we have back home, but no way did I want to get anything like chiggers or whatever the tropical version was. The guide told me not to worry. The fact that he was born and raised in Samoa but still knew what chiggers were didn’t give me a whole lot of confidence until he said that he’s had more than one tourist express the same concern.

Getting up the Maugaloa Ridge was nothing but one “ladder” after another one. It was during that part of the hike that I began to doubt my ability to complete it. But you know what they say, when you are that far along it is worse to turn around than it is just to keep going.

Some of the things that I saw while I climbed from one ladder to the next were Afono Pass and the sheer cliffs of Rainmaker Mountain. Eventually the ladders were interspersed with momentary walks along flat surfaces but all that meant was that we were on the top of a narrow ridge. Ridge meant, skinny little footpath with sheer sides to oblivion beyond that. I began to prefer the ladders especially once the steep downhill ridge trails began. One misstep and that’s all she would have wrote. If I thought my calves were howling on the up, coming down they were whimpering like babies.

It was after seeing a bright Cardinal Honeyeater bird that I noticed a light mist began to fall. It had come out of nowhere and the guide became very stern with his regular comments on matters of safety. The ladders were descending nearly vertical and two of our group nearly took a tumble and would have without the ropes and cables to hold onto.

I was cleaning the knee of Ol’ Grouchy Guts when he said, “Stop treating me like I’m about to lose the leg and take one of your pictures.”

I turned and I could see several of the men smiling when I said, “Oh wow, I wish Vit was here.” It was a wide-open viewpoint where we could see Pago Pago harbor and a couple of surrounding villages. We couldn’t stop long to admire the vantage as the mist was turning into something a little heavier but wasn’t quite to the sprinkle stage … yet.

And then a black skink ran across the trail and the men did some fancy stepping to keep from squishing him. The skink was nearly catatonic after losing his tail so I picked him up and put him in the “V” of a tree. The men all freaked, scolding me in case it had been poisonous.

“It’s a skink for pity sake not the creature from Planet X,” I scoffed. “Trust me, they look slimy but I’ve had enough nephews put one in my purse or hair to know they aren’t.” The guide snickered which told me he’d done that a few times himself.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 39 (Part 2)

The next viewpoint would have been nice, you could see the cliffs of Mount Alva fall all the way to the ocean, but the mist had increased and then surpassed the sprinkle stage to something a little harder. The going got rougher as a result. We had to stop and kick the mud from our boots several times just so we could maintain traction on the trail which had become very narrow and full of switchbacks once again. Then we saw the trail junction and took the bend that led to Vatia.

After the trail junction the trail got even steeper with the most difficult series of descending ladders yet. It was just one ladder after another. One of the men said it was like intentionally climbing down into hell. I didn’t openly agree with him, but only because it took all my strength and concentration to hold onto the guide ropes with one hand while trying to stay on the wet and slippery ladders with both feet.

Rainmaker mountain and its two peaks was our point of reference, but it was a deceptive one as the mist and rain played with our depth perception. Flowerpot rock looked like a pebble in the distance, and it wasn’t fun looking down to see it I’ll tell you that much.

Then as we headed to the final ridge point of Mt. Elva the terrain decided to test us even further with both ascents and descents and ridge trail with no sides meaning there was a cumulative elevation change even though we still were going down. Up and down and up and down. Just prior to the summit was the last ladder climb. There was some gorgeous pink ginger in bloom up there, a different color from what I’m used to seeing in Florida, though I’d seen it in Hawaii when we were there.

The guide insisted we wait the rain out under the cover that was on the summit. I wasn’t feeling it. I know my tropical weather – Florida girl here – and I know a rain shower that is set to hang around and one that isn’t. This one looked to be staying around and maybe getting heavier.

My intuition proved true and the guide was no longer the funny guy he had been. It gave me the heebies. The other men picked up on it too, especially Ol’ Grouchy Guts who started herding me like I had no sense.

I finally turned and said, “I appreciate you are trying to help but give me a little space. If I fall I’m not going to be grabbing onto a person but onto a tree or plant. A person I’ll just pull down with me.”

“You sure you got this?”

“If I don’t I am going to have a very angry husband when I get back to the B. Not to mention my brother who is all things ‘survival’ will toast my tail feathers too.”

“Former military?”

“Husband? Yes. My brother Devin? No. He is a foster brother and … long story … basically one of his legs is three inches shorter than the other so he couldn’t qualify. It’s never stopped him in the civilian sector though.”

“Oh crap.”

Why he’d suddenly gotten polite when he’d been swearing pretty heavily up to that point I was to shortly find out. Apparently the world is much, much, much smaller than our human senses give it credit for being. Grouchy Guts – otherwise known as Grover – has a step-brother named Chance. Chance just so happens to have gone to college with one Devin Petric. I would have laughed if I hadn’t been so tired by that point.

Break time was over and the water dropping from the leaves of the banana plants … the ones that kept slapping me in the face … were annoying but I continued on. One, I wanted to get back to check on Vit who was bound to have a thing or three to say about this and two, I did not want word to get back to Devin that I had been a wimp.

The village of Vita finally came into view, but it was only the top of the roofs. The views were every bit as spectacular on the lower elevations as they had been up higher, just different. The grassy trail was narrow and though fairly level had its own dangers as it was like walking on slick snot what with everything so wet from the rain that was now coming down even harder and the fact that our boots were encrusted with mud that would have to be washed off with a pressure how to reveal the treads.

We were nearly down to the village when disaster struck. For all that the trail was frequently traveled, the village dogs just don’t like strangers. Our guide warned us at the beginning of our trek that at the end of the trail dogs could be a problem. Well they were. I was to find out not as much of a problem as the area used to have with dogs but that didn’t really matter by that point.

They came at us from a blind spot right where we emerged from all of the greenery on the trail. I suspect they’d been tracking us because they attacked as a pack and not as a few startled animals. They got the guide right at the meaty part of his thigh even though he’d been watching for them. The guy beside him got hit by another of the four dogs. Then the two remaining dogs tried to join in but the rest of us were already in fighting mode, myself included. The telescoping baton came out and I started swinging to keep the animals from ripping the two men on the ground to shreds.

A man came running out of the village with a rifle and took out one of the dogs while Grouchy took out the other three with the rifle that our guide had dropped. I didn’t have time to be thankful that it was over because it wasn’t. Both men down were seriously injured, especially our guide as the dog had punctured one of the big arteries. I was doing what I could to keep him from bleeding out but luckily there was a Vet on site that wasn’t against working on humans. The guide was transported to the local clinic and we heard from there to the hospital but that he is fine, just on bed rest until he is healed enough that the artery won’t spring a leak.

Our guy has some pretty painful puncture wounds but that’s all. No tearing or anything else. He’ll be on desk duty for a couple of days and then light duty from there until he is cleared by a physician. No one had to get rabies shots because the island government had just gone through the area and vaccinated all the loose dogs … thank goodness.

Everyone but Grouchy Grover and I have various scrapes and bruises but nothing to take them off the duty roster. I do have singed tail feathers and the only reason that I’m not completely charcoaled is because Vit directed most of his anger at the people that would intentionally send me on a trek they didn’t think I was capable of completing successfully. That’s when they claimed to only be following orders. They proved it by providing the computer print outs.

And here is where a big, stinky problem began to show up. If you go into the system, the order is there. But try and trace it further and you can’t. It appears to have just appeared out of nowhere. Mr. Baird has started an investigation and it is one that includes the highest security clearances. Way above my pay grade even if my own brother is working on it. Vit and I have quietly discussed things between us and I’m not sure if we are making too much of it or not.

“Someone did this Veta,” Vit said in concern. “For what purpose is not obvious but the computer did not manufacture just an order. It requires several layers of approval.”

None of the initials match anyone on board the B yet somehow the order still made it through the system. So unless we think the AI has taken over – which is only something you find in science fiction stories – then the conclusion is that someone(s) wants me gone from the B for some as yet unknown reason. We have some suspects, but it is all far-fetched.

Possible reasons: The Russians don’t like Vit because of what happened when he was in the navy. Someone has a grudge against Vit because of his current job. Someone doesn’t like me because of my current job … and/or because I am female. It doesn’t have anything to do with either Vit or I, and it is just someone sowing discontent and trouble. It could have to do with the Bairds. And Dylan made things even more woo-ish by stating that maybe has something to do with me because of my connection to him.

All of the above just seems ridiculous. Vit has asked, and received, a promise of me to stay out of it and to allow him and Dylan to cover my interests. Like I don’t have enough already to keep me busy. Honestly. Do I look like a cat interested in giving up any of my lives? It isn’t that I don’t care, because I do. It is just that it seems a childish tactic and I casually mentioned it to Dylan and he caught my meaning even if none of the others did. I’ve already experienced that adolescents are craftier than many adult give them credit for being. I am seen as an authority figure. If they think that I’m the one that removed certain of their privileges … but I don’t know, Dylan will look into it. For all I know this is still fall out from San Fran and the Chinese incident.

Okay, done with this for the night and for as long as I can get away with ignoring it. I don’t want to be seen as a mole that needs to be whacked at. Besides, Vit has “that” look and I’m more interested in his ideas for that than I am in anyone else’s tomfoolery.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 40: February 16 – Cross International Date Line (Cruising) (Sunday)

Vit is still sore but he is up and around and positively glowers if anyone suggests he take something for the pain. He also glowered when someone dared to suggest that he should man his workstation since he had been in sick bay the last three days.

“I am spending the day with my wife.” And the period on that sentence was sharp and pointy. There was also a long low growl of Ukrainian curses that followed a couple of times when people dared to suggest otherwise. About half the time people did not know whether to stare at me in sympathy or not. To be honest there were a few times people made such faces that I nearly laughed. Vit can be very intimidating when he has his “Stoic Cossack” face on. To me he no longer has that ability … at least with that face. He can still be intimidating but he reserves the “because I care deeply, and life would not be worth living without you” part for our private conversation on the subject. With that he can get to me.

During one such discussion he said, “My blood freezes at how unafraid you sometimes are Kokhana.”

“It was a hike Vit. Challenging yes, but people are acting like we were racing headhunters or something. It was a hike. That’s all.”

“That is not what Grover says.”

I had had my fill of what Grover said and struggled not to let my opinion show. However I did say, “He would if it had only been him and the other men. I swear they are all testosterone poisoned. Or you have them on the payroll.”

“Hm?” Vit obviously wasn’t getting my context so I was forced to elaborate.

“It was Vit this and Vit that and then when Grover found out that he knew Devin … Oh my lord it was like the brats had followed me to Pago Pago. Grumpy with a side order of ‘oh my gawd we’ve got to protect the little girl so she doesn’t get scuffed up.’ It was ridiculous.”

Forbiddingly he asked, “They were … inappropriate?”

“Nii you crazy Cossack. I don’t think it even entered their minds. They were either annoyed that I was along or laughing their heads off at me like when the frog fell on my head. It isn’t fair I tell you.”

Yeah, so I know I was laying it on a little thick. Vit knew I was laying it on a little thick too, but he did grin as Grover had delivered the blow-by-blow several times trying to get my goat and prove that I didn’t completely wipe the floor with all of them. I mean I did hold my own and I think that was surprise enough for some of them. It certainly surprised people up the food chain … chain of command … or whoever set this up.

And that is the thing I eventually discovered when we got back and the hoo-haa had blown over; the entire series of orders regarding me just appeared in the logs. And the paperwork where I had passed all the tests before embarkation disappeared from my file. Lucky for me I kept all the originals and Polina had her own paper copy as did Mr. Baird which proved that someone doctored my file. Who that someone might be and for what purpose isn’t currently known. Some people are trying to pass it off as a computer snafu where two or three files were mixed but that isn’t what happened. Even if it were possible – which it isn’t due to the firewalls and security surrounding personnel files – no other file has currently been found to be messed up.

What peeves me now that I’ve had a chance to think about it is that everyone knows I never would have received the designation I had without having passed those tests back prior to embarkation. And there were people that were there monitoring the testing that witnessed that I passed the tests. Yet no one said anything to the contrary when the orders appeared. And those that would have been inclined to – or so I would like to believe – were otherwise occupied with the diplomatic ruckus that occurred. That means either there are a bunch of people in on what happened, or no one really cares or thinks beyond “square peg square hole, round peg round hole, aye aye sir whatever you say.” Or maybe it is some hybrid combination of the two. People aren’t thinking enough, and they don’t care enough to think beyond whatever orders appear in their in-box. Or the other possibility is they are too scared to rock the boat when they see a mistake in motion. None of the potential answers to the question make me find my happy place. I’ll be honest and say it worries me. And disappoints me because I had thought better of the people I am working with even if we don’t socialize except professionally.

Vit and I talked about it for a while then I forced a change in topic as I saw him getting so stressed out. He knew what I was doing but allowed it which tells me he is even more stressed than he wants me to understand. I’ll have to watch that.

I think he is also disappointed as he’d been trying to arrange a surprise for me. And not just the whole Valentine fiasco thing. The other surprise involved The O’Rourkes. We were going to try and meet with them in either New Zealand or Australia, but Mrs. O’Rourke’s sister had a stroke and they’ve relocated to England to help out with her large family. I admit I got a little teary-eyed when I found out just how close we came to the unexpected reunion but such is life and I am forcing myself to be happier that they are in health – a real boon at their age – and not be so selfish that they need to direct their energies to their own family.

Another stressor is that one of Vit’s investments had to be sold off sooner than expected, thus didn’t make the return he was hoping for. And … the “pirate booty,” or what remains of it. It is taking a lot longer to convert it so that we can use it as a liquid asset. Not all of it of course but that “pirate booty” only does so much good buried in a chest as it is currently. And then I found out that Vit has been gambling. Small time but when I found out Baird was encouraging it …

“Vit, you … you promised.”

“I promised I would not gamble large stakes, nor anything we could not afford to lose. These games are rarely for money, or pennies at most.”

I grabbed a hold of my temper and nodded. “I trust you. It is everyone else I am suspicious of. And Mr. Baird … sometimes he doesn’t seem to understand that we aren’t … um … at his socioeconomic level.”

He nodded soberly. “And I keep that in mind when I agree to the occasional game. I do not wish to be seen as a card sharp Kokhana. And if I play too hard to get … that too could create problems.” He shrugged. “You need to play to understand.” And didn’t I nearly say something when that piece of ego fell out of his mouth. “There is no crime in the occasional game played against people of equal talent.”

That’s when I said, “And there in lies the rub Vit Dymtrus. You are a lot better than anyone else on this ship or Baird would not have bet on you back before the pirates.”

He shrugged less carelessly than he had and admitted, “Which is why I make a point of only playing with those that others know play well. Yegor and I … it is like playing a good game of chess. And it has helped us to understand one another better in the control room as well.”

Men. But I suppose all I can say is if it works then fine. But they make things more complicated than they need. And they say women are complicated. Bah.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 41: February 17 – Apia, Samoa

Two more ports and we’ll be seeing the end of Polynesia and the beginning of a long string of ports in New Zealand and Australia. After that is a series of ports in East Asia and from there into an area that will have a bunch of rules and requirements that they are still rolling out and discussing in committee. Once a week I get a memo warning me that the new regs and training for them are coming. I wish they’d get here already so I can stop worrying at it.

Today we were in port at Apia, Samoa and I was very happy to spend the day with the group that I’ve dubbed the Science Club. Mr. Parnell is very easy to work with as is his wife, though they don’t always work together. The students in this group are also easy to work with. Today Mr. Parnell had them gathering samples of water and other local flora and fauna. The great part however was that it was done during a series of stops that allowed the students (and adults) to enjoy several refreshing swims. Given that the day was a balmy 87 degrees for a high, the swims were more than appreciated by everyone.

We dropped anchor at 7 am and then took a tender to the pier where we met our guides for the day. Of the two men, one was native and the other Australian, and they both looked like they wanted to have a good time, the same as the students did. When they saw the “shiela” was serious about pulling her share of the load they relaxed even more, and we were off to our first stop of the day.

Only meters from the ocean, the students had the opportunity for a quick swim in Piula Cave Pool. It is a freshwater, spring-fed pool sitting beneath a historic Methodist Chapel church. Entry is through the painted stone wall of Piula Theological College with steps leading down to the pool. Inside the main cave opening on the north side is a short, submerged tunnel leading to a smaller cave opening on the east side of the pool. Even so early in the morning the day was growing warm and the coolness of the natural pool was very welcome.

Next we stopped at Lalomanu Beach for a snack and swim. It was a bit like morning tea only with fruit and juice instead of tea and cookies. I was glad to have the snack when I found out where we were going next. To Sua Ocean Trench, unquestionably Samoa’s most renowned destination site. Sua means literally, giant swimming hole, and that’s exactly what it was.

We all braved the steep descent into the trench and swam 30 meters through a natural tunnel … a former lava tube. To Sua, formed during an ancient lava eruption when the land around it slipped away, consists of two large holes joined by a lava tube cave. The main hole – the pool – is filled with seawater and is connected to the ocean by an underwater cave. The pool is fed by a series of canals and tunnels with water from the ocean pounding just meters away.

The only access into the sparkling, emerald green waters of the pool is via a single ladder with a small sitting/viewing platform at its base. Yet despite its amazing depth and size, To Sua is hard to glimpse as you approach across the parkland surrounding it, which is dotted here and there with fales (small shelters) and picnic areas. The climb down the narrow ladder is nerve-racking but you are rewarded the instant you reach the bottom. The water is exceptionally clear, colored fish dart about, and the bottom – when you can reach it – is sandy. The second thing to hit you is the strength of the tidal surge. In fact, it's so strong, a rope has been suspended midway across the water hole to hold onto so you can avoid being pulled towards underwater tunnels into the pounding surf outside. That part gave me pause but our entire group have proven themselves to be strong swimmers. To Sua was topped off by lunch and a stroll around the lovely gardens where we could gaze over the beautiful volcanic coast.

Our last two stops were waterfalls. Togitogiga Waterfall was a small but beautiful. The students all took the dare to jump over the falls and I took pictures of each one. Then it was the adults’ turns. The last fall was Papapapaitai Falls back in Apia. We stopped to view the spectacular 110-meter falls from across the lush tropical valley.

All that time in the water pretty much used up everyone’s energy but Mr. Parnell said it was time to run the tests on their samples. There were a few lighthearted groans but they were getting more excited as we neared the B.

I walked into our cabin wondering if it was too early to change for dinner only to be met by Vit trying to pack something away in the bags we keep under the bed.

“What’s that?”

“Perfect timing,” he said with a grin.

More than a little suspicious since I knew that grin I walked over and saw packages on the floor. “Where did these come from?”

“I was on shore. I had thought to see you but,” he shrugged. “So I used my time wisely.”

Wisely? Hmm. I was thrilled with the bundle of vanilla beans as they’d lasted so long and saved me a lot of money last time we were able to get some. The mother of pearl beads I could sew into the new bed cover that I’d been working on before we’d been forced to pack everything away when the house had been sold from under us. The monoi oil I was happy to have as I’d used my last the summer after we returned to Pembroke. It is coconut oil that is infused with Tahitian jasmine. I had to be careful because it drew mosquitos like they thought I was manna. And it drew Vit with about as much enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but laugh when he looked at me hopefully. I obliged him immediately which caused him to grin unrepentantly as I realized what else he’d gone shopping for.

“Vit!”

“You say that like I will change.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t want you to change. And I know you enjoy giving me presents. But this?”

“Yes. These. Several of the other men bought their women pearls for Valentine. You will have the same thing.”

“You already bought me pearls.”

He frowned, “And have not had them strung as I should have. I will rectify that at the end of this tour. And you can add these to the string. And do not say I should not have. These are black pearls, an investment. It is too … what Derrick calls providential … to have this opportunity again. And …”

“And?” I asked having a suspicion.

He shrugged. “The rich man’s son should not bet so much.”

Slightly disgruntled I asked, “Is this another one of Baird’s stunts?”

After a moment Vit shrugged. “The boy needed taking down. He was becoming a problem. It was me or Yegor. Yegor … cannot afford the stakes the boy was driving.” When I said nothing he asked, “You are … angry?”

“Nii. I’m just trying to understand. And I don’t. And … I trust you. All I ask is that you be careful. Between this and what went on with my file …? I’m just not comfortable with some of my feelings. And I hate to ask because it brings in complications I’m not sure we need, but did you … um … mention anything to Dylan?”

“Not yet. And may not need to. The boy’s older brother and father acted like it was a lesson well-earned. They laughed at the loss despite the amount of my winnings. It was no small amount but I have played higher stakes, even on this ship though not with real currency. On the other hand, I will watch that Baird does not use me too often for such things. Does that ease your mind?”

“Truthfully? Yes. I’m sorry Vit but … I just have a hard time with … with the way that Mr. Baird operates. He isn’t the kind man that I knew on the O’Meg. Losing his wife like he did … I think it hardened him or maybe this is the way he was without her. I’m not sure … and not sure I really want to know.”

Vit nodded in understanding and I relaxed. “I have known him many years now. He is a … user. With the best of intentions, but that is still what he is. For now his goal is a big one. World peace. It is a worthy goal, but not an easy one. And Baird can be … relentless and focused when there is something he wants. It is well for both of us to be careful of his … and those he works with … let us call them methods of reaching his goal.”

“You mean when I work on sea days in the office.”

“Yes, but more than that. I begin to wonder if the incident with your file has something to do with some deep game that Baird is playing. Or you have been noticed and are considered an asset. If you are taken out of the game … perhaps someone seeks to weaken Baird’s position.”

It is something that I am going to start watching for. Starting tomorrow which is a sea day. The last thing I want to do is become someone’s pawn for some stupid 007 game. I hate this stuff and now it appears that I’m going to have to actually live it. Diplomacy! Gah! I remember back to some of the stories told of Benjamin Franklin when he went to France. It is often not what gets done around the committee table, but what takes place at other times that truly drives the course of action.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 42: February 18 - at sea

I don’t know whether I’ve stepped in it or not. I overheard something I doubtless was not supposed to hear. I was on my lunch break and headed towards the buffet to grab a salad when I had to make a pit stop and didn’t want to go all the way back to the cabin. So, I stopped in one of the public bathrooms that happened to be near the residential cabins for the diplomats a deck below the classroom area. I was already in one of the stalls when three girls from the middle school group came in.

“I don’t have long. If I’m tardy for the next class my mother has promised to take away all of my social media time for a month.”

“A month?! That’s brutal!”

“Shh. Someone might hear and it could get back to her. More trouble I don’t need.”

“Have you found out who ratted on you?”

“Had to be one of the adults. No one else would be that mean.”

“It’s probably that woman all the high schoolers hate … that security woman.”

“I … don’t know. She’s not around us enough to even know who we are.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve heard she spies on everyone. She like has all our files and everything.”

“Someone had her file didn’t they,” one of the girls said slyly.

“Are you stupid?! Don’t say things like that! My mom is totally freaking. She almost lost her job.”

“Why?!”

“Because she’s in personnel! Whoever did it … I don’t want to know. Because if my mom finds out she’ll have to report it. Everyone is out to find and report any kind of unusual occurrences. I mean this is coming from … look, it’s coming from people in the government. Real high up stuff. They’ve got like real spies and stuff and … just, I heard stuff between my mom and her boss. Whoever pulled this off, they better keep their head down. My mom’s boss said that they are talking about sending whoever it is to federal lock down … for years and years and they’re family will get ruined too.”

“But it was just a joke.”

The third girl that hadn’t spoken finally said, “It was no joke. My dad said the test was serious and it was meant to kick the Dymtrus woman off the ship. Pay backs for something.”

I could hear fear in one of the girl’s voice when she asked, “Your dad said that?!”

Sounding more mature and in touch with reality than the other two, the third girl answered warily. “Yeah. And he said when they find out who did it … they might disappear … permanently. You don’t mess with people with the kind of connections that have their hooks in what is going on. This is serious crap. If you know something … don’t tell me. Don’t talk about it around me. Don’t put it in writing. I’m serious. You think your moms are brutal? You have no idea. My dad has already taken all my electronics and is taking them apart himself. I don’t get them back except for school and no social media without him like standing right there. Even if this was done by one of the older kids Dad said it could make a way for a terrorist group to get into the systems and … it would just be really, really bad.”

Whatever else the three girls would have said came to an abrupt ending when one of the middle school teachers walked in. “Want to tell me why the three of you are not where you are supposed to be?”

“Ms. Carstairs …” one girl whined.

“Back to the classroom. Now. And I’m calling all three of your parents for a meeting.”

“No! Please! My mom is going to kill me!”

“You should of thought of that before you broke the rules. Again. Just this morning …”

Oh brother. Had I gotten an ear full. But I wasn’t sure what to do with it. And then I did. Polina. I probably wasn’t high on her list of people she wanted to see but I didn’t think I had a choice. I decided to skip lunch and head to her office immediately to ask for a meeting. Surprise, surprise Polina was in and she acted like she wanted to speak with me as well.

“Veta, you are well?”

“Er … I’m sorry. Is this a bad time?”

“No. Those papers can be filled out now rather than later.”

She ushered me into her office, asked not to be disturbed, and then closed the door before any of the security staff could reply.

“Papers?” I asked hesitantly.

“An excuse. Your face is rather transparent, and my staff are rather nervous due to the constant surveillance.”

“And that’s my fault,” I said with a sigh.

“Not unless you accessed your own personnel files and wiped them out.”

“Nii … I mean no.”

“Sit and tell me what has the normally calm Chief Dymtrus acting so much otherwise.”

I sighed then quickly explained what I had overheard. “I didn’t even get a look at who the girls were. I don’t know the middle graders that well.”

“I have my suspicions based on their descriptions of their parents’ jobs. What you overheard has already been spoken of.”

I shook my head. “I considered it but not to any great extent until the conversation. I hate to get a kid into the kind of trouble this could cause.”

“You are not the one getting them in trouble, their actions are the reason. Assuming it is reality, a minor with a grudge. Why did you bring this to me instead of Vit? Or Diplomat Baird?”

“Vit has been explaining some of the finer nuances of the chain of command here on the ship and the differences in the various departments. Mr. Baird is only my employer some of the time. More often I am employed as a member of the security team … which makes you my boss. I thought about taking it to someone like Mr. Parnell but … again it is ultimately a security issue and that would be you.”

She steepled her hands and then slowly nodded. “I had wondered where your loyalties lay.”

I blinked in surprise. “My loyalties?!”

“Perhaps that is too strong a word. You straddle both worlds here on the ship … the diplomatic corp and security. That … complicates … some of the workings on board.”

“I just want to do my job to the best of my ability. I’m not that much of a cog in the machinery, but I don’t want to be anyone’s pawn either. I’m not convinced that the motivations are as simple as those girls made them, but they could be … but there is also a danger of creating unnecessary distractions. My ‘loyalties’ are with the mission. Peace. I have enough experience that I’m aware that there are groups that would be happy to and likely are working against that goal.”

Polina nodded. “As you say. And now I am going to ask something of you. Do not share this conversation with anyone else. Not even Vit.”

I opened my mouth then closed it.

Polina nodded again. “My next question may make you uncomfortable, but I need to know. Do you think that the Baird siblings are capable of infiltrating the onboard systems?”

“I’m not certain that they are personally but they are clever enough to arrange it. However, …” I started to add when she started to ask another question. “But if you are asking me are they involved I am going to say definitively no and here are my reasons. Aiden, the oldest, would see it as an attack on his father and he is too family-loyal for that type of action. Al, the stepson/stepbrother of Aiden would see it the same way but it would also trigger his PTSD. And Edda, the sister, is just too transparent to pull something like that off without me noticing that something was going on. Yes, she of the three has a temper, but Mr. Baird is also quite strict when it comes to consequences of that. All three are straight-arrows, perhaps to the point that they can become targets every bit as much as their father. They would turn anyone in they even suspected of such actions. I’ve heard rumors that in the beginning there were problems amongst the diplomatic family due to perceived favoritism.”

“You did not see any favoritism?” she asked me.

“Not in the way you are thinking. What I witnessed was that students that did not cause problems gained privileges faster and with more regularity than the goof offs and pranksters. Poor behavior has consequences and some students reaped what they sowed.”

It didn’t take a moment for Polina to understand what I was saying. “I have never seen the Baird siblings on any reports while I’ve seen other students with … regularity.”

“Mr. Baird has a low tolerance for some things. He came to real fatherhood later in life and … is very serious on the topic. Er … he lost his wife in a terrorist act and … I believe it has left … scars. He cannot stand to be away from his children … even his stepchildren … and while duty and honor is part of it, so is a real love for all four of them.”

“Four? Ah yes, there is a much younger child. Do you know anything about the nanny?” I told what I knew and then matter-of-factly Polina said, “There are rumors of a relationship between Baird and the young woman. Despite the age difference there appears to be no problems, so we have not mentioned anything to him. You will let me know if there are indication that that is changing.”

It wasn’t a request, but I wasn’t required to respond as she assumed my acquiescence.

I went back to my duty station after that, but it is sitting badly with me that I can’t discuss this with Vit. Hopefully there will be no repercussions from Polina’s edict. This makes me extremely uncomfortable.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 43: February 19 – Lautoka, Fiji

Last day in Polynesia, or what is traditionally thought of by most people as Polynesia. We are off to New Zealand and Australia next which has its own ties to Polynesia but we have two sea days first, so I’ll concentrate on recording my memories of today instead of being sad.

We didn’t drop anchor until 9 am which meant that Vit and I got to eat breakfast together rather than inhale some tea and cookies. Vit was going ashore as well but with a work group to finish off a modern medical facility specifically set aside for the continuing astronomical number of people ill from sexually transmitted diseases. Much like the Measles Epidemic of 1875 which killed 40,000 Fijians, a significant number of people living on the island nation are dying because they are tested and then treated for STDs too late. For all the advances in treatment, HIV/AIDS is still one of the top five cause of death in certain segments of the island population.

What isn’t apparent to most tourists, and what complicates addressing the issues on the islands of this nation, is that Fiji is not very politically stable. Their last military coup was in 2006 but they’ve had several political coups since that date and it has badly affected the economy of the nation despite the thousands upon thousands of dollars that are poured in by tourists. General elections didn’t return until 2014 and even today there are political battles between different groups, some of whom want to participate in the modernization efforts and some who do not. Some even want to withdraw from the Pacific Commonwealth of Nations and be completely de-modernized and returned to Fiji’s ancient roots and non-Christian cultures.

Contrary to popular opinion in the tabloids this is no longer possible. The population of Fiji is now too diverse, and immigrants and Indo-Fijians now outnumber true “native” Fijians several to one. Complicating the issues further, the native Fijian culture also has a large subsistence sector. Tourism provides most of Fiji’s liquid assets but there are two other significant industries including sugar and gold (shut down between 2006 and 2008). Another problem is the declining number of young Fijians completing their education so that population is in decline socioeconomically rather than at an increase as is true in most of the Pacific Nations.

All these facts were background to activities the students participated in. We disembarked the B via tenders and our first stop was Garden of the Sleeping Giant. The Garden, which contains a large collection of more than 2000 varieties of gorgeous Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids, was once the private collection of the late American actor Raymond Burr. It is now open to the public and one of the nation’s top tourist attractions. While flowers are the focus of the garden, it is not a place enjoyed only by the horticulturally inclined. The walk along the path that cuts through a tropical rainforest at the base of the Sleeping Giant Mountain is alone worth the trip. I was surprised at how much our students enjoyed the tour. Even the boys. While a few did occasionally look a little bored, they weren’t rude nor did they detract from their fellow students’ enjoyment.

What was really nice was that we received a complimentary fruit drink on our way out of the garden and several students volunteered to make sure all of our trash was divided into various recycling bins. I had to download all the pictures I took while in the garden onto a flash drive or risk running out of room.

Our next stop was at Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple which is a brightly colored Hindu temple and one of the few places outside India where you can see traditional Dravidian architecture. The wooden carvings of deities travelled here from India, as did the artists who dressed the temple in its colorful and impressive ceiling frescos.

It is lucky that everyone had their uniforms on as there was a mandate to dress modestly and remove your shoes at the entrance of the Temple before being allowed to enter. Happily, photos were okay in the grounds, but we were asked not to take them in the temple. Only those students that are practicing Hindus were allowed in the inner sanctum that is reserved for devotees bringing offerings. We were lucky that the on-site temple custodian helped us make sense of it all.

We had a nice “lunch” from items that were picked up at the Namaka fruits and vegetable market. However, our guides were polite but careful to ask that everyone wash their choices before eating them. Quietly I was told that cleanliness by some of the subsistence groups that frequented the islands’ markets had caused problems in the past and this was the only way to prevent it from happening again.

There were several cartons of meat dishes that we were expected to taste a small bit of as well. That was provided by several food stalls but they all proudly displayed the Health Department documents. Pulusami is well-cooked taro leaves, with coconut cream, onions and a little beef. Kolokasi is a chicken and taro stew with tomatoes, celery, onions and lemon. The lemon gave it a bit of a tang I wasn’t expecting but it wasn’t bad. I tried a spiced coconut pork dish with Fiji pineapple. There was also goat meat in a coconut curry sauce and wrapped inside a warm roti. I didn’t eat a lot, but I was definitely full by the time we got back on the road to our next destination.

Next on the agenda was something a little stranger than I’d ever participated in. If you have never been covered in mud from head to toe, it’s an experience you need to try. I certainly did when we arrived at the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. The staff there claims it has age-defying benefits and healing properties but overall, it just feels … weird. I can hear Momma telling us, “Don’t you dare come up on this porch until you have hosed down! You’re filthy!” It makes me laugh at how scandalized she would have been at my appearance today.

The Sabeto hot water springs are said to be one of Fiji's hidden jewels. Hidden? I don’t know about that as it was in every tourist propaganda that I saw today. It supposedly provides a rare opportunity to indulge in a therapeutic natural thermal mud spa. Therapeutic. Uh huh. Probably just an excuse to play in the mud. According to one of the flyers the mud pool is the ideal remedy for self-cleansing or naturally beautifying yourself. Again … uh huh. I think adults just want to repeat their childhood and play in the mud and have a little fun. Locals believe that the sulphur in the hot springs have healing properties and it is a popular spot for both visitors and locals, providing a great social experience. For the third time I say, “Uh huh. Suuuuure.”

Basically the Sabeto Hot Springs has three pools set in lush tropical surroundings. Afterwards everyone washed off in a warm spring pool. I will admit some of the stress of the last couple of days seemed to melt away with the mud, but I think that was the heat more than the ick factor. The geothermal pool felt like a jacuzzi. Vit has been going to the one on the B. Maybe I’ll join him if I can find the time. And put up with the stares. My bathing suit is an old-fashioned, one-piece that wouldn’t look out of place in the middle of the last century. I look like a frump in it, but it was all I could find that was appropriate when I realized I needed one for my position. The other women wear really charming outfits and I just … I suppose I’m jealous but that’s just the way it is. I should get over myself.

We ended the tour at Vuda Point Marina Fiji where our guides turned us over to some local teachers that reviewed what the students did for the day, added a few more token facts to sound educational, accepted the polite accolades of our teachers at the programs being used to try and keep kids in school beyond the 8th year which is when mandatory attendance end, and then accepted a case of school supplies for under privileged students that I hadn’t realized was going to be a thing until the last moment.

I had ushered the last student onto the tendercraft and as there were no more seats I volunteered to wait on shore once I radioed ahead and security agreed to walk the students back through check in and then to their classrooms. I had an hour to wait and was looking for a place to sit when Vit’s work group showed up.

“Veta!”

“Perfect timing. I thought I was going to be stuck here by myself … unless you … er …”

“Nii,” he said shaking his head and smiling at my concern that I was interfering when I saw some of the other men looking at me strangely. “Where are the students?”

“On their way to the B. A medical team needed to get back on board when someone that needed stitches so I gave up my seat.”

“Georges. Did he appear all right?”

“The man who needed stitches was one of your group? He seemed more annoyed than anything else but one of the EMTs said the stitches were not just for show. From the sound he will be in sick bay overnight.”

There were a few other questions from Vit and the other men and then Vit drew us away from the main group. “Did you have a good day?”

“It wasn’t bad. I learned things I had no idea about. For all that Fiji is a paradise, it has a significant number of political and economic problems.”

Vit nodded. “It does. And many of those problems tried to prevent us from finishing our assignment at the medical facilities.”

“Uh oh.”

“Nii. But it did take several members of the diplomatic corp to make a way. Did you have lunch?”

I told him about the market and he said, “I wish I had been there to see the faces of the students when you eat the strange foods.”

I chuckled. “Wasn’t really much of that today. The food was all normal-ish.”

“Normal … er … ish?”

“You’d eat it.”

“Ah,” he said cracking a small smile. “Save me a few minutes before we go to dinner.”

I wanted to ask about what but didn’t have time as the next tender boat arrived early. I returned to the cabin after making my reports just in time to run into Vit who was doing the same thing. The “few minutes” he wanted? Pearls. Fijian pearls of all the unusual colors.

“Vit!”

“I wish for you to have memories of our travels Kokhana.”

“I do have memories! This … Vit …”

“Baird was already making a wholesale purchase. I merely tacked my request onto his.”

“And what are we going to owe him for it?” I asked cynically.

Equally as cynical Vit gave a secret look and said, “Nothing. He needs a … favor … and this is payment in advance for it.”

“Not another poker game.”

“Nii. I will tell you but only so you do not become concerned should someone see and make more of it than they should.” While I waited him out he finally said, “The young woman. The nanny. He wishes for her to have something but cannot be seen giving it to her.”

“Oh really. So he’d prefer that people gossip that you are having an affair with Sofia rather than owning up to it himself.”

“You suspect, or you know something.”

“Let’s just say that my woman’s intuition has suspected something but that since it is none of my business, I am not going to give her any advice though she is in a rough situation. And her age is something else to consider.”

“Would you make the delivery?”

“Is that what Mr. Baird was asking? To get you to involve me in their sordid mess?”

“You are a wise woman.”

“And you are … sneaky and clever,” I said giving him a kiss and then making a face and taking the small bag of pearls and pouring them into my hand. “Which ones are Sofia’s?”

“Those are yours and Baird is getting off cheap. The pearls for the nanny are surprisingly tasteful … a choker and earrings … but not something she could afford on her salary.”

I nodded. “I’ll do it. But she isn’t being pressured into this is she?”

“That one? Nii. She is old for her years. She lost her mother and several siblings in a bombing event. She could have fallen apart, but she put herself in danger to protect the little one as well as get the other three out of the school they were in and get them to safety. Her family … they were angry that she did not immediately come to them in their need instead of staying with the Baird family and tending to the others in shock over Baird’s wife’s death. When Baird found out … he has made sure that even if things do not end well between them that she is never to be without a home to stay.”

“Why do people have to make things so complicated?” I grumbled. “Just give me the things so I can take them to her.”

“Now?”

“Yes. Now. Obviously they are meant as a gift for some reason and delaying it will change the meaning. I’ll meet you up in the buffet.”

“Nee. Make it the XO Lounge.”

I did but I’m too tired to write it all out. If I have time I’ll do it during the sea days. I have a huge stack of translations to do and five back-to-back port days to prepare for in New Zealand. For now Vit has offered to massage the backs of my legs. Yes, it will likely turn into something else but I don’t care. His hands are magnificent and I’m not missing one of his massages.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 44: February 20 & 21 – at sea (2 Days)

It has been a tense two days on board the B. Thank goodness it is over with … for now. It appears that two of the college age family members (read: adult “children”) of a member of the diplomatic corp were caught hacking the ship’s computers. I’ve had dealings with this family before … or the youngest son and a senior staff member. Part of me is shocked and to be quite honest, a bigger part of me is not. Cyrus and his family had … er … “leanings” toward a certain worldview. I knew that they did not approve of females in positions of authority, but I had no idea how deep that ran and how far some of the family was willing to go to enforce their belief system. Vit and Dylan both had quite a bit to say about it … but not to me. I sensed they were protecting me and quite frankly I let them in the immediate aftermath of the reveal. What no one expected was how far the females of their family were willing to go.

I was walking down a corridor when suddenly they were just there. “You are an immodest harlot who lies.”

I was surrounded by three women dressed modestly in black tunics. I looked behind me thinking there was no way they could be speaking to me. Seeing no one else in the corridor I turned back and said, “Obviously you’ve mistaken me for someone else. Excuse me.”

I tried to leave but the oldest of the three stepped in front of me. “This is your fault. You’ve entranced them. You must be a shaitan.”

Only understanding what she called me because of a college roommate I backed up and said, “That isn’t very polite. I am no demon or tempter or anything along those lines.”

“Liar. Blasphemer. Our sons did not do this thing. You are trying to dishonor them and their father.”

As they were getting a little too close inside my personal space I told them forcefully, “Back up. Now. You are obviously referring to an incident I have no authority to speak about. Take this up with your husband.”

“Watch your tongue infidel. You have no right to even speak his name.”

“I didn’t speak his name. In fact, I am telling you that I will not speak of this matter as I have no authority to do so. You are only making things more difficult for your family and I suggest you take it up with your husband. Now excuse me.”

That’s when the youngest of them grabbed me and I ran my fingernail under her thumbnail to get her to release me rather than hit her which was my first instinct. I saw the one that appeared to be the oldest of the three pull a jambiya dagger, but I was already in self-defense mode. I slapped the alarm on the wall and then the one on my communication device. Lucky for me there were several security guards in the area because a meeting had just gotten out and the three women were taken into custody. When the security video was reviewed … it was not pleasant.

I was present and the diplomat had the right to question me. I think he made a tactical error however by bringing his secretary because what fell out of that man’s mouth put a point on the problem.

“Worthy women defending the honor of their family.”

Most everyone in the room simply looked at the man like he was a few fries short of a happy meal. The diplomat, on the other hand, made a strange noise and then growled something I didn’t hear sufficiently to understand. But I did hear the secretary say, “One man’s shame is another man’s honor.”

Uh oh.

The fury on the diplomat’s face was frightening and then he said, “You attempt to school me in honor? You who have none that you would lure my sons and wives from me? You think to take my place? Beware cousin, I have lost all forbearance for you and will no longer hide you from your enemies.” The man must have made some motion but I didn’t see it. However, the secretary barely had time to register what had been said before he was taken into custody by two burly diplomatic guards. He tried to maintain his dignity and looked rather smug but began to show fear when he heard his employer/cousin say to those of us present as the secretary was being led away, “I’ve already spoken to my government. My uncle, the Prince, will have another representative waiting in Auckland to take my place. This situation will be dealt with … privately.”

The bottom line is this, the diplomat has agreed to be relieved of his position and replaced by someone new in exchange for the incident being contained and kept quiet while his government decides what to do with his sons and wives. There is some fear there I believe. The two young men have been “radicalized” much more than the father was aware. He himself is a member of their conservative party so to say that the sons have been radicalized must mean something very extreme.

Vit says that the secretary/cousin will be turned over to someone and that it was none of our business. “These men … they deal with their own at least as harshly as they deal with their enemies.” That is all he would say on the subject and I’m not inclined to dig for more. I’ve heard stories from people concerning the differences in culture and worldview regarding those who fall from grace … in families or in governments. I would not want to be in the man’s shoes that’s for certain.

A helicopter arrived this evening and I watched the diplomat, walking with his son Cyrus, get in and fly away without a backward glance at those he left behind. That entire party have been confined to quarters that have already been stripped of every amenity. Tomorrow, as soon as we dock in Auckland, they will be removed from the ship. By tomorrow evening a new diplomatic envoy from their country will be installed.

This has all happened shockingly fast. I was nearly confined to quarters as well, but others said that would send the wrong message.

“Well if you expect me to go socialize at the clubs and spill the beans you’ve got another think coming,” I said rather nastily to the room of people that included Mr. Baird, Barney and Henry, Chief Ivanov, and a few others that I’m not going to bother naming because I already feel ridiculous.

Polina said, “I don’t think we need take it quite that far.”

“Far?! Oh really. Would you rather Vit and I get drunk and dance the tango in the XO lounge?! Because I can see from the look on some of the faces I’ve been seeing that they want me to do something that somehow justifies how those women acted. Well I won’t. And I don’t care if I do sound like a grumpy two-year-old for saying it. I haven’t done a thing to deserve what has been done to me. I also don’t deserve people thinking that I’ll ask for some kind of revenge or privilege or anything else because of what has been done. I think I’ve proven myself enough at this juncture. I just want to be allowed to do my job, stay with my husband, and see this mission out.”

Henry of all people smarted back and said, “’Bout the job and the mission is it?”

I turned on him. “Yes it is! Why people get stray hairs is beyond me. This whole thing is nonsense, but it is just the kind of thing that the media would love to get hold of and use against the mission. Well not on my watch they won’t! I’m not going to throw a hissy just because of a conflict in worldviews. It’s regrettable absolutely. But not worth making everyone’s job harder than it already is. Honestly, why anyone would think I would …”

Barney snorted and said, “Shut her up Dymtrus before your wife’s sweet idealism gives us all cavities.”

I was outraged, and only more so when Vit took my hand and stopped my pacing and said, “I need a drink. But not until after I get something on my stomach.”

I must have looked like a wet feline as Vit herded me out of the conference room. Only more so as Baird said, “Explain things to her.”

Well Vit “explained” things to me over aperitifs and appetizers. “I know it goes against your expectations Veta.”

“Who said I had any expectations?” I asked, forcing myself to be calm to keep people from looking. “I would have never ‘expected’ anything other than for the situation to be rectified and all of us go back to the mission.”

He sighed before knocking back a shrimp shooter. “You know what I mean.”

“No. No I don’t. You know I hate all of this 007 crap. And you know I don’t need to know all of the details because I doubtless wouldn’t understand them.”

“Veta …”

“For instance, what could they have possibly thought they were doing?! Cyrus acted out and failed to follow the rules on the field trip. I was doing what I said I would do. If I hadn’t the entire group would have descended into chaos. How am I supposed to do my job if I must consider every cultural difference in every diplomatic family? Can I even do my job at this point?! What am I going to do if they try to send me …”

“Veta!” Vit said firmly but quietly. “Do not panic. There is no need.”

“I am not panicking and there is every need … not panic I mean but to be … oh you know what I mean.”

“Do you wish to go back to the cabin?”

“Coming to the Lounge was not my idea. You were ordered to explain things to me. Remember? Well start ‘splainin’ already. And don’t tell me I need to be reasonable or whatever it is they hope you can make me.”

Vit sighed. “You are taking this too personally.”

“After the insults I’ve had hurled at me the last two days … and doubtless behind my back for weeks … how am I not to take this personally?”

“Because they were and are wrong. Just because that family had behavioral issues, and you became one of the focuses of those issues, does not mean you are responsible for setting them off.”

“I know that!”

“Yes. You do. But you are reacting as much to the news we had of Lena’s … her passing … as you are to this situation. Barbie’s assumption that you would drop everything and return to Pembroke … and then her reaction when you asked her why she would think that …” He shook his head. “There are similarities and even Derrick, in his own pain, saw it without me having to say a word. Peklo [hell], even Charlie and Dylan saw it on the first pass of her words.”

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe through my nose to keep from having an anxiety attack. Barbie’s words had hurt. Her accusation that I was abandoning Derrick … had scalded my soul. Just enough to make me wonder if she was right. But Derrick would not hear of it and told Barbie he would speak to her in private, sounding very much like Poppa the few times he truly became angry at one of us siblings. I know that is a situation that I’m going to have to deal with … but not right now. Right now there are too many other things going on.

Quietly Vit said, “Kokhana, whatever their worldview, their actions were wrong. You are innocent of what they accused you of. We just need to be careful to not … not paint the new envoy with the guilt of the old. I think that is what they worry that you cannot or will not do.”

With my eyes still closed I said, “Then tell them to stop worrying. That is all above my pay grade. If there are students involved they get the same protection, no more and no less, that all of the other students receive. They will also get the same discipline if it becomes my place to divvy some out. I’m not going to recreate a bad situation even if it is for good intentions. Nor will I ask for any special treatment because of what happened. I honestly just want it over and done with. It is ridiculous to start with … and all the trouble that was caused was an unnecessary distraction. I just don’t know how effective I am going to be. Rumors, rumors, rumors … the kids will talk even if their parents tell them not to. I’ve already heard I’m ‘hated’ so what good does that make me?”

“Who was it that said that they didn’t need to be loved to keep them safe?”

“Don’t throw my words back at me Vit. No, I don’t need to be loved but I don’t want to be hated or feared either.”

“That may not be up to you. You cannot take their freedom of thought away from them.”

“No. I cannot. But …”

“No buts. There may be plans to feel out the students and their parents to make sure that false beliefs are not perpetuated through gossip. But if there is not? Sometimes you simply cannot control the personal mindset of the group you lead. In those instances all you can do is lead … and leave behind those that will not follow.”

“Experience talking?”

“Yes,” he answered stoically.

I agreed to go to dinner and even endured a few questions from other XOs and their SOs but all I could say is that while I may have been a focus, how the remainder of the situation was handled was none of my business and that I only hoped we could all get back and get focused on the B’s mission.

We were at the dessert course when Vit and another XO were called away for some incident report. I hadn’t meant to turn tail and run but I finally just admitted I couldn’t do it. “I’m sorry everyone. I … just can’t keep up appearances. Please forgive me but … if someone could apologize to the waiter. I hate to just abandon such a nice dessert.”

One of the women that usually had all the tact of a bull moose in rut surprised me by putting her hand on my arm as I made to stand, “You okay honey? Need someone to walk you back to your cabin?”

“Oh. Uh … thank you but no. And once again, I apologize. I’m just … not good company.”

“It must have been bad,” she said referring to the diplomatic situation.

“It wasn’t good but … I also got some family news that … that I need to give some brain space to that isn’t pleasant either.”

“You sure you’re okay? You look a little green.”

“Hm … mm … an ex sister-in-law passed away. I knew it was coming … she’d been sick for a few years … but … “

“It is still a shock when it happens,” the woman said like she understood more than I expected she would. “Do me a favor and text me when you get back to your cabin.” She shrugged. “Just something short.”

“I will,” I said trying not to show the surprise I felt. “And thank you. I just need to … organize my thoughts and prepare for tomorrow.”

When I got back to the cabin I did as I promised and then fought the tears for a few moments before I said what the heck and let them fall as I climbed into the shower. Poor Lena. I know some of her misery she brought on herself, but Angelia told me that for three days not even the strongest pain killers completely reached the pain she was in. She finally passed during a horrible seizure and her mother had hysterics and had to be sedated. Her father is the one that gave the nod that allowed the medical staff to finally give Lena a shot that allowed her to pass from this life in less pain that she had been for a long time. Please God let her have found Peace from the demons that had been tormenting her.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 45: February 22 – Auckland, New Zealand

For a while this morning I second guessed the wisdom of maintaining my position as a chaperone today. By the time we docked at 1 pm I needed off the ship as much as the students did. Vit made me promise to keep my personal phone on at all times. I still have the app where he can track the location of my phone, therefore my location, and perhaps he needed the comfort of that more than I did.

When the workday started I found that I was able to stabilize my thoughts and do my job and it has helped me deal with all my emotions of the last couple of days in better form than I have been.

Our first stop was a walk through the Parnell Rose Gardens. Over 5,000 roses bloom annually in the park, also known as the Dove-Myer Robinson Park. Featuring both new and old rose varieties, the gardens are a highlight in Auckland’s oldest neighborhood of Parnell. An eclectic mix, some of the flowers have been bred by internationally celebrated rose breeders. Aside from the roses, Dove-Myer Robinson Park is also home to the oldest manuka and the largest pohutukawa tree in Auckland. The roses start blooming in October and continue all the way into April. With it being February, the roses were still in full bloom and I soaked in all I could and took tons of pictures.

At the MJ Savage Memorial Park we took a thirty minute history walk. It isn’t really a landscaped city park so much as a greenspace that encompasses and memorial to the first Labor Prime Minister of New Zealand and the founder of the welfare state and the remains of some defense fortifications. The views of the Harbor and City are spectacular from the park. The one downside from a security standpoint was that the grass was long and some of the students got wet feet that they complained about for the remainder of the day and some of them tripped multiple times. For myself, I got startled when a couple of dogs came bounding out of the grass directly in front of me. All three of us skidded to a halt as if we were waiting on someone to make introductions. I figured I’d do the honors.

“How do you do?” I asked the two large Staffordshire bull terriers. “Is your master somewhere nearby?”

They cocked their heads like they were actually thinking about the question and considering whether to answer it or not.

“Here!” a young man said as he huffed and puffed his way over. The dogs trotted over to him and sat down at his feet.

I told him, “Sorry. Didn’t want any of my students to startle them.”

The young man bent down and scratched their heads which they enjoyed but they were also still gunning a little shy of my group. We passed by and I was careful to make sure the man and the two dogs were going a different direction. Our guide nodded and said, “Park is dog friendly, but some dogs are friendlier than others.” I smiled in understanding and he continued with his lecture and then it was back on our walking trail.

Maungawhau (Mt. Eden), means mountain of the whau tree. It is 196 meters high and the highest natural point in Auckland. Less than ten minutes south of the city center, a climb up to the summit is considered a must-do as you are rewarded by panoramic 360-degree views over the city and harbor once you reach the top. The volcano has an oval base caused by three in-line craters. Its ancient lava flows covered 5.6 square kilometers and its 'bubble' contained enough lava to fill 32,000 Olympic swimming pools … or so said our guide. The Maori people lived on Maungawhau until around 1700, when the Waiohua tribe defeated the Tamaki people and the pa (fortification) was abandoned. Changes to the natural shape of the cone are clearly visible today, providing historic evidence of Maori terracing, food pits and house sites. From base to summit to base again took us about an hour and I for one was glad of the exercise.

Next came 45 minutes at Sylvia Park Shopping Center where the students had some free time to eat or grab a snack, which ever they wished. The remainder of the tour was rather a whirlwind from our bus.

We drove through Auckland Domain; Auckland’s oldest park set around the cone of an extinct volcano and took in the magnificent views from the War Memorial Museum and Cenotaph. We made a short stop at Mission Bay Beach to enjoy the amazing light show of the iconic Mission Bay Fountain. As the day came to an end, we enjoyed the Harbor Bridge Lights from a few different vantage points for that Instagram photo that all of the students wanted.

Finally, the bus came to a halt at the Wynyard Quarter, a modern waterfront area, where we turned them over to their families. I had a bus pass to get back to the pier but when I went to the public transportation point who did I find?

“Surprise,” he said with a quiet smile. “Do you feel up to … er …” That’s when I saw several of the XOs and their SOs standing not too far away looking at a map of the area. There was a new couple that I did not recognize and carefully Vit said, “New staff.”

“Good thing or bad?”

“He is under Yegor’s command. They’re Ukrainian. He thought …” Vit shrugged.

“Sure. Why not,” I said knowing Vit needed my support. He was uncomfortable for some reason but would not admit it which told me nothing and something.

The evening actually wasn’t bad. It was just enough of a distraction without being overwhelming. Wynyard Quarter is a former industrial park and wharf type area that was reclaimed and then rejuvenated by the city of Auckland in the early 2000s. Now it is home to the newest cruise terminal and several yachting venues plus more eateries and bars and hotel space than you think would fit. Rather than take the bus we all agreed to walk back to the cruise ship terminal to walk off the excess of food and liquor that had been drunk by some of us. Vit and I were the steadiest on our feet, not that any of the others were drunk, just really mellow at that point, so we took it on ourselves to get everyone back through security, on to the ship, and then made sure they made it to their cabin.

“I had not intended on there being other people Kokhana.”

I looked at Vit, gave a wry grin and shrugged. “Sometimes life just happens. The new couple? Any reason why they were so adamant about only speaking English? They know we are Ukrainian by birth.”

“And American by citizenship and choice. I will not speak for them but I suspect … they wish to immigrate.”

“Uh …”

“And Yegor is not against it which means he must believe there are sufficient reasons at home for them to do so.”

It came out a little snarkier than I had intended when I said, “Yegor Ivanov?! Mother Russia himself has given them his approval? Are you sure you didn’t drink a little too much vodka?”

“My initial reaction to Ivanov has given you a wrong impression of him,” Vit said with that old-man-attitude he sometimes takes without meaning to.

“No. Yegor Ivanov managed to do that all on his own without your help. I do not mind his personality since you do not, but his brand of chauvinism and general arrogance will never make him my favorite person. How Polina can balance her position as head of security and his need to be in control at all times only makes me respect her more.”

He was silent for a moment before saying, “There are those that wonder the same thing of you. They do not understand how we make it work.”

“You mean they wonder what a handsome Cossack like you is doing with a Siberian-hearted witch like me.”

“Veta?!”

“Don’t go with the outrage Vit Dymtrus. I’ve heard them and have evidence of people’s opinion. This incident … the one with the hacking … is just the latest.”

“You … are angry with me?”

“No. And I’m sorry if that is the way it sounds. You can’t control what people think. You’re my world cholovik [husband]. I just wish people would stop trying to take you from me … or me from you. I’m tired of having to watch my back against people that would be better off minding their own business.”

“No one should dare have a thought about taking you from me,” Vit said repressively. “Now who has bothered you in this way?”

I sighed. “Enough of them that making a list would only complicate things further.” I leaned against the wall. “I’m just tired Vit. Tired down to my soul. It seems like all we’ve done the last few years is try and fight for a little bit of space for our own. And at every turn people … people thwart us. And now things are happening that try and tear us apart. And even when I choose to stay with you people try and make me feel guilty for it. You could go a lot further a lot faster in your career if I wasn’t around and we both know it. Maybe I am selfish for clinging to you like I do.”

“Nii Veta. Did you ever think perhaps I need you to … er … cling to me so fiercely? That I need to be reminded so often of why I fight to move forward in this world? For too long I had lost my way, simply existed. From one pain to the next. But with you by my side I know there are reasons for the why of things in this world. And you know it as well. You have simply weathered one too many pains and we should have just come back to the ship so you could rest. Let’s do so now. Your eyes are dark in a way I do not like.”

I do not blame Vit for falling asleep. He’s always needed more sleep than me because he needs his mind to completely shut down between his days or the stress winds up making a mess in his stomach and then the vodka makes too many appearances. I also don’t mean to whine. Maybe Vit is correct. Maybe it is just too much right now. I don’t want to be separated from Vit yet being with him separates me from Derrick and my responsibilities to the family. And why I am worrying about that when they didn’t worry about what they did to Vit and I when they sold the house? Ugh. I’m just tired, and tired of everything it seems. Maybe it is a reaction.

Whatever is going on in my head I need to get a handle on it. But now I am worried that I have enemies that I don’t know … or worse that I do know, but that I just don’t know are enemies. And were Cyrus’ brothers the only ones in on what happened? Do the students really hate me? Why? Am I doing my job so poorly?

Gah! I have to work tomorrow, and I still haven’t responded to Reggie and need to before I can really let go and go to sleep. I know what I should say but even in my head it sounds trite. He will know if I am not truly invested in my statements. He doesn’t need anymore trite and rote answers as he is likely getting from some quarters. Please God, just give me the wisdom I am obviously lacking in other areas. I want to help, not heap more hypocrisy upon the mound of misery Lena has caused the family. And perhaps finding and practicing wisdom in that area will help him in other places.

Why is it right when I need to be at my sharpest I feel as dull and useless as a bent butter knife?

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 46: February 23 – Auckland, New Zealand (Sunday)

I’m exhausted but feel like I’ve passed some test or other. Not sure why but that is the impression I got from the students at the end of our time on shore today.

Vit came close – I could see it in his eyes – to asking me to call out sick today. My pride – perhaps my own brand of arrogance – would not let me but I was smart enough to ask for an extra set of eyes in the form of an extra security guard. Polina found favor with that and I was lucky that Grover drew the short straw.

“You look like hell,” he grumbled in a friendly manner.

“Probably.”

“Er …”

“Just pretend you aren’t interested in slam dunking the Chaos-Monkeys in the nearest dumpster. Trust me, it isn’t always easy, but they get better when they don’t think they can get to you.”

“Damn. I’d heard stories.”

“Stories?”

“The kids. Nightmares on wheels. Pain in the a … er … butts.”

“Eh, not … all the time. They’ll test you. As long as you don’t act like you care whether they like you or not they usually cool it. Act like their opinion of you is important and they’ll pull out a harp and pluck it for all its worth.”

He snorted, then chuckled, then lost it and laughed out loud. “Okay. Got it. Just watch my back in case any of them start getting mutinous.”

“Any of them get mutinous and they better watch their own backs. Admin demands absolute obedience and has zero tolerance, unless of course it is their kid breaking the rules. Let me take the hot seat if we must deal consequences. Hopefully not. I’m just not sure how the bruhaha in the diplomatic corp is going to have affected their home life and therefore their attitudes with authority.”

“Why?”

I gave him the look the question deserved. “Because if they have one target they are less likely to make the mess they are capable of. Good cop, bad cop. It works in the movies anyway.” He gave a coughing surprise of a laugh before helping me herd the cats.

I could tell Mr. Parnell had had a hand in scheduling today’s field trip after getting on the bus our guide said, “I don’t know about you mates, but I could go for some coffee. First stop is Thames Foundry Ltd. Its in Kopu and we get there about 8-ish. We’ll have a 30-minute coffee break. Don’t waste the golden opportunity to find your human for the day.”

Our guide was younger than most that we’d had and it showed in his phrasing and communication skills. The students really enjoyed him … and surprisingly so did most of the adults. I never had to speak up to remind him to keep an eye on our schedule but did have to run interference when some the media personnel tried to encourage him to more silliness than was constructive. I also quietly discouraged him from giving out too much personal information as the reporters had already proven themselves capable of all but doxing people when they wanted what someone wasn’t willing to give. They can be ruthless, and I didn’t want anyone to get side-swiped just because they were doing our group a favor.

After coffee we continued to Coromandel Township where we were given hour to explore the former colonial gold rush settlement. Coromandel Town is known for its charming mix of Victorian architecture, beaches and forests. While we were there we also had the opportunity to experience the Driving Creek Railway, but it was at our own expense. Luckily for the adults I have been frugal with the security expense account and I was able to pay the 35 AUS per adult to ride along with the students. I even had to pay for the teachers as their debit card wasn’t working. I’ve already turned in the paperwork to get the money transferred back to security’s account, but they acted like I was criminal for asking that it be reimbursed.

After leaving Coromandel Township we went to the other side of the Coromandel Penisula to Whitianga stopping by the Waiau Waterfall and Swimming Hole as well as the Waiau Kauri Forest. The students gathered water samples before their free swim time which kept it “educational” and not just “enriching.” I overheard some of the teachers discussing some complaints they’d been getting from the parents … especially the Tiger Moms of the Asian envoys. They don’t seem able to compute that education doesn’t just occur when you are sitting down with your nose in a book or computer. Apparently, some of the parents are horrified at the amount of “fun” being had by their children while in school. I barely kept my mouth shut. Having spent most of my pre-college education as a home school student I had a decidedly different opinion about what constitutes education. But another fight I don’t need so I diplomatically refrained from giving my opinion.

Grover however must have known what was going on because he poked at me a bit to try and egg me on.

“No thanks,” I told him. “Not my job these days. I’m security, not education facilitator.”

“Yeah, I heard you were a teacher. You sure as hell sound like a few I’ve known. Must be killing you to keep your trap shut. From what I remember of Dev he definitely had an opinion on that stuff.”

I snorted. “All of my siblings do. Most are pro-homeschool but not all of them. Everyone is entitled so long as you aren’t hurting your child.”

“Weren’t you supposed to be a teacher when you boarded? What happened?”

“No clue beyond the fact that I was wanted and then suddenly wasn’t. I was lucky that a slot opened up as a chaperone otherwise …” I shrugged. “I think I may have finally proven enough times that I can do this job.”

“Yeah. ‘Bout that. No hard feelings?”

Straightening my shoulders and refusing to feel sorry for myself I answered, “None. You’d been told, or the innuendo had been there, that I was being shown favoritism I didn’t deserve. Just so long as you know I … I can make it without the extra special help.”

“Hell, I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“Don’t worry about it Grover. Just keep an eye out for any boy that looks like he is paying too much attention to Raina … yeah the blonde with the brother glowering at her … because we don’t need another fight over that girl’s honor.”

“That type is she.”

“Not really. She can be challenging but mostly because I think she needs a little more attention from her parents than she is getting, and she is easy prey because of it. If she wasn’t as smart as I know her to be I’d categorize her as your stereotypical dingbat blonde. But she’s not. She can be quite different to what she is acting today,” I explained as I tried to look over all of the family and friend groups to make sure that nothing unusual was in the air behavior-wise.

Grover shook his head. “Don’t make things complicated. She may be smart, but she sounds like she lacks commonsense. Why she is like that shouldn’t be security’s concern. And why don’t I just go join Miss Thang and the Conquistador trying to catch her attention?”

“You go Grover. I’ll way lay the brother. Anton’s tolerance of some of the other males in his class is getting a little low.”

Eventually I had to get sneaky and get Aiden, Al, and Jae to occupy Anton while I used Edda and Pei Shin and a girl new to the group named Robin to shanghai Raina into their group. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it sufficed to keep the hormones to a minimum and everyone on the straight and narrow. We had a quick lunch at Whitianga then headed to Hahei Beach for the next part of our day.

We boarded the Hahei Explorer at 2pm. The Hahei Explorer is the original Cathedral Cove boat tour to Hahei's marine reserve which has a stunning volcanic coastline and magnificent sea caves. We enjoyed the scenic boat ride for one hour before returning to the beach where we made our way over to the Hot Water Beach area. We’d managed to get there right on time. During the tide change we dug holes in the sand and enjoyed the natural warm water in our own self-made pools.

At 5:30 pm we made our way back to Auckland and I hustled the students back onto the ship. Grover was looking a little shell-shocked and claimed we should be getting hazard pay. I thought that was a little over the top, after all we hadn’t lost a student, hadn’t had to break up a fight, hadn’t needed to remind others that PDAs weren’t acceptable, or any of the other numerous contretemps the media usually tried to start, intentionally or otherwise. When I told him that all he did was shudder and do his best to move the students up the gangway a little faster.

I was filling out paperwork on the pier when I saw Vit coming down the gangway and then make his way over to me.

“Anything wrong?” I asked sensing trouble.

“Nii.” At my skeptical look he modified that to say, “Not really. I am just full up and my plans …” He shook his head. “We have thirty minutes before all aboard. Let’s use them in the duty-free shops.”

I nodded knowing that sometimes Vit needed “retail therapy” even if it was just looking around.

He was picking things up and putting them down in the shops for ten minutes before his shoulders started to relax. That’s when he spotted a sheepskin. “They lay nemolvyata [babies] on these do they not?”

“I … er … suppose.”

He looked at several then put one in the basket he was carrying. “Vit?”

“I think we are losing sight of what we work towards. Doing this will be a reminder. And we will buy one of those … toys. The wooden bee.”

“It’s called a Buzzy Bee and I had one from when Poppa went on a mission trip. But … never mind. Vit?”

“Trust me Kokhana. I have given this some thought.”

He was in a strange mood and I have at least learned to know there are times I simply need to back away and let Vit be the man … even if he was acting strangely.

He didn’t just buy those two items however. He bought a couple of bottles of New Zealand wine, a jar of Manuka honey, a greenstone pendant I made the mistake of stopping to admire, three bags of pineapple lumps (a “candy” we’d both discovered last time we were here with the Marchands), two bottles of 42 Below vodka (for Yegor and Polina), some Whitaker chocolates, and a Merino poncho for me which given the temperature I thought was at least as over the top as the sheep skin was.

The bored clerk barely changed expression as she rang up Vit’s purchases but before she could start the lecture that she couldn’t take foreign currency, Vit handed her a debit card which finally made her smile. She pointed to a sign that for some reason meant we got an additional 5% discount which made both Vit and I happy and we hurried to get back through security before head count took place.

We weren’t in our cabin thirty seconds before there was a call. Recognizing the voice I took the two bottles of vodka and put them on the desk for Vit to deal with. Yegor Ivanov may not be my favorite person but he sounded quite happy when Vit explained to him he was able to get the bottles and that he’d bring them before dinner. I shook my head. “Is he that desperate for vodka?”

“Not him. Polina. She rarely drinks but when she does, Yegor wants her to have something besides the swill they grew up drinking. He had meant to go ashore himself but got sidetracked by a communication anomaly.”

“That … doesn’t sound good.”

“A replacement component with … some of the same issues as what it was replacing. Including some … bugs … that shouldn’t have been there.”

“So.”

He kissed my temple before changing for dinner. “Certain groups must always try. That doesn’t mean we must let them succeed. Do you mind eating in the buffet tonight?”

“Of course not.”

“Then we will drop this off beforehand. If it is too crowded, we will take our trays and eat at the back of the ship on loungers. You agree?”

I nodded, finished changing, and that’s exactly what we did. While we did watch sail away, we didn’t stay to socialize but instead returned to the cabin. Vit asked me if I was too tired to play for him and, realizing I hadn’t practiced as I should have for the last few weeks, I chose some pieces that he had heard me play before but that required me to pay attention to my finger work.

I finished the last piece and saw that Vit had dozed. I put away my violin and changed for bed myself before waking him up. He needed a shower and I sat to read the emails I’d been trying not to think about. Hearing the plans for Lena’s memorial, Barbie’s complaints that I wasn’t there to help out when the family really needed me, and Angie telling me not to worry about it since it was all going to be hosted by The Foundation anyway only served to wind me back up. I think I’ve written enough that I can at least turn it off for now. I need to turn it off for a while. I have a feeling that Reggie’s next email is going to hold some very uncomfortable words and I need to think on how to respond.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 47: February 24 – Rotorua, New Zealand

Arrived in Rotorua at 6 am this morning. Some of the students were wound tight and some could barely be moved with a stick of dynamite. In other words, they were being typical teenagers. Luckily, despite the day being incredibly full, there were no attitudes. I think Mr. Parnell has decided keeping them moving and busy is the way to combat the problems one normally associates with this age group. Whether it continues to work or not remains to be seen, it certainly worked today. Grover was once again assigned to my security detail. He wasn’t unwilling but he started out a little bored. The day didn’t end that way.

Our first activity was a 25-minute scenic drive to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, considered New Zealand’s most extensive geothermal site. We disembarked here for a guided walk along the wide and well-groomed trails that border volcanic craters, natural springs and bubbling mud pools in a vibrant range of yellow, orange and turquoise technicolor. The smells drew a few comments but nothing too graphic. Some of the freshmen boys had a few things to insinuate but boys that age always do. We listened to our guide describe the area’s geothermal activity since the 1866 eruption of the Tarawera Volcano. Quite an interesting history. He instructed us to notice how the surrounding native bush has regenerated despite the extensive destruction of the time. We learned about the Lady Knox Geyser and then witnessed it our self as its fountain of water exploded into the air. Our “leisurely stroll” allowed for plenty of time to ask questions and take photos which the students took advantage of much to the pleasure of our guide and the park staff. The last portion of this leg of our day’s trek was to hop back into our vehicle for a short drive through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and discover how New Zealand’s indigenous Maori made use of these geothermal hot spots.

Everyone’s growling stomach was dealt with as a couple of the teachers handed out “environmentally friendly” boxed lunches provided by the ship and approved by the parents. Certainly they had more food in them than most boxed lunches of my experience.

I’m glad that the students refueled as the next leg of our journey was Kaituna River Rafting. We got to experience the best rafting section in New Zealand – according to our guides – on an exciting 3-hour white water rafting excursion. I was already prepared and geared up but was grateful that the rafting company included a brief instructional talk, including safety procedures and some tips, before we hopped in our rafts. We had some adrenaline-flowing fun and I was glad that Vit had insisted that I take his old GoPro camera so that I could still take pictures but be hands-free when I needed to be.

We floated down a deep canyon on the Kaituna River, which is lined with beautiful New Zealand native flora. It wasn’t difficult to admire the subtropical scenery while flowing down the river, even with some parts starting with some easy white water. Further along the river builds in difficulty. Eventually, we floated right under a couple of majestic waterfalls. I think the biggest adrenaline rush for me was when we jumped in the river off a 10-foot cliff and then road down the 23-foot Tutea Falls. Yes, I said we road down the waterfall.

Our team took on 14 rapids in a tight and twisting warm water jungle canyon. At the beginning, there was a quite calm part where we got to practice everything we learned during the safety briefing and dry practice run. This is also where everyone that wanted to jumped into to the water and practiced rescuing. After that is where the real adventure started. First double waterfall! Talk about heart pumping. There were also some nice pools on the way so we could jump out the raft and swim around. It was cool because the stream takes you from the raft and then brings you back … like magic or fairies or something. Dev would have loved it I am sure.

After a few more rapids we came to the Tutea Falls waterfall. Holy smokes. We got a few more instructions including to make a “war cry” to shout out loud and go!! Our team took three strokes, held tight, hit the falls, and then water was everywhere! It was awesome, the GoPro stayed attached and we also got photos of our raft going down the falls. But all the pictures and videos in the world just does not cover the experience. During the fall you don’t have time to realize that the entire raft and everyone on it is for a short time completely under the water. There were some more great rapids where we did some funny “rodeo rides”, standing rides, etc. that the students really enjoyed.

It wasn’t until after we beached and regained our land legs that I found out that several of the rapids had been grade 5. I was surprised that I’d never felt personally unsafe and I was very happy to say that all the students had followed the rules and there were no mishaps. But the adventuring wasn’t over with.

We transferred to the starting point for a zipline tour in the Rotorua forest, a protected ecosystem that our ticket price helped to preserve. When we arrived it was a gentle walk to the first platform which perched 72 feet above the forest floor. But of course before the students planted their first step on a ladder expert guides provided safety gear and a briefing on what to expect during the treetops adventure. We also learned about the region’s history and birdlife, and heard about steps the local tour operator is taking to care for the 500-year-old forest.

Then it was on to enjoying the aerial views as we zoomed along six ziplines — the longest of which is 722 feet (220 meters) long — stopping at two suspended bridges in between. It is a lot harder than it sounds. I mean it isn’t rocket science or the Olympics but it does take some commonsense and using muscles that don’t normally get used not to get “stuck” between to points on the zipline trail. Once we were back on firm ground, we were loaded into our bus and taken straight back to the pier.

Ugh. I’m tired. Grover on the other hand came back on board looking a little shell-shocked. When Vit, Towers, and a man named Grissom were the only ones around Grover nearly lost it. “What the hell do you feed this wild cat Dymtrus?!”

He reminded me a little too much of Charlie when he was getting smart so I told him, “Oh shut up Grover.”

Vit was more surprised by my irritation with the man than Grover’s original words but then understood when Grover said, “She was laughing all the way down each and every rapid. The kids followed her lead even though you could see some of them were scared. They’d fall out of the raft she’d just reach over the side, pull them back in, and remind them to hold on next time. Next time she said. She jumps off cliffs like a freaking lemming. No big deal! We went down a 20-foot waterfall in a rubber boat and I’m telling you she acts like it’s a treat! And don’t get me started on the aerial ballerina routine.”

That’s when Mr. Parnell walks up and asks, “Students give you any problem today?”

I answered him, “None. Grover is just a little out of sorts, realizing the lengths we go to keep the students occupied and out of everyone’s hair on port days. He’ll adjust his reality as soon as he gets a good meal. He can’t help it that he’s a walking wall with higher caloric and nutritional needs than your average bear.”

Grover is making some odd noises so I decided it was time to beat feet before he makes any headway with Vit and triggers his protective gene. To Vit I asked, “You want to hit the jacuzzi after dinner? I need to work out some kinks.”

Grover squawks and Vit is having a hard time keeping a straight face as we walk away. I was rewarded for my performance once we reached our cabin, a satisfying experience if I do say so. I saw that I had email but I wasn’t ready for it. Vit and I changed, headed to the XO Lounge and then changed and went to the gym and jacuzzi. We climbed in one that wasn’t too full and I slowly relaxed and nearly fell asleep much to a few people’s amusement.

Debby Tindale saw me and started laughing. “Grover face planted after dinner and hasn’t moved.”

I opened one eye and told no one in particular, “Someone needs to turn him over and administer a couple of Tylenols or he is not going to be pleasant to be around tomorrow.”

She just left laughing and I’m left wondering if anyone took pity on him or not.

I would have done my own face planting except I knew I needed to read my emails. I was correct. Reggie’s was pretty intense. Nothing abnormal that would trigger me to call Derrick but it was close in a couple of places. He has some unresolved anger, admits it, but adds he is talking to his counselor about his feelings. He also admits that Derrick and Benji aren’t people he can talk to right now as they have their own grieving they are doing. I shot off an email to Christine and was surprised by an immediate reply to give her a call if I could.

I did so with some trepidation and then was surprised to hear, “Whatever Barbie is spewing ignore it.”

“Uh …”

“Don’t even try Veta. Dylan saw the emails and asked Derrick how much truth there was in them. There’s none. I mean yes, things have been rough but the rest of it and I …”

“Hey … oh … I need to say something to Dylan and remind him of the privacy rules we had agreed to when he took this security job.”

“No. This time his social deviancy came in handy.”

I snorted a surprised chuckle and then felt awful. Christine caught it before I could hide it and said, “Don’t you dare feel bad about laughing Veta. Lena … had to live and perish by her choices. No one wanted them for her but she wouldn’t turn away from her path. What Barbie is doing …”

“I’ve heard from Angie and a couple of others that this thing with her daughter is tearing her apart.”

“Barbie is tearing Barbie apart. I think it is because of other … er … issues from before she was adopted. Be that as it may she’s an adult now and she’s only making things harder. And you’re an easy target because you aren’t around for her to have to face in public.”

“Still, I feel guilty for not being there.”

“You’re here in the best way possible. You are out of it enough that Reggie can talk to you. And don’t try and give me blank face to keep from lying. We all know that he writes to you. Derrick is even encouraging it now that he understands that you’re more like a pressure valve for him than Derrick can be at the moment. Derrick and I also trust that if things go down too dark a path you’ll say something.”

Hearing the question I told her, “He’s got some unresolved issues but he knows it and he’s speaking to his counselor. Beyond that …”

“Beyond that you are keeping his confidence. I understand. And so does Derrick. I’d wake him up but … he’s exhausted Veta. Lena’s parents … are not making this particularly easy. I mean I understand at a certain emotional level they aren’t there yet, but they still don’t seem to really want to accept that Lena did most of this to herself. They are going to have their own issues to deal with if they don’t start facing reality. And they are pushing to have more to say about Benji and his care. They want him to come live with them for a while in Jacksonville.”

“Have Benji’s doctors write a letter to the court discouraging that. I liked Lena’s parents but … they are the type of people that use good motivations as a rationalization and justification, even when they can see it isn’t turning out the way they intended. One of those since we mean well it will turn out well kind of things. If Benji truly is under the best care right where he is at then that is where he needs to stay … not go try some new treatment at some new facility under doctors that don’t have a clue who he is.”

“I agree. So does Derrick. And Reggie already spoke to his brother’s doctors and his own counselor and asked the custody judge to give it another six months before he re-examines the case.”

“Reggie? He did that on his own?”

“I know. He floored Derrick and me … and frankly surprised the lawyers and judge as well. He surprised his grandparents most of all. I wish Lena had been well enough to appreciate who her son has become despite everything that has occurred. I know she would be proud of him. The judge has granted the six-month extension of the custody case, has instructed Derrick to continue to allow them in Benji’s life, and made a point of telling Lena’s parents that if their presence started to create problems that he would, on recommendation of Benji’s doctors, limit their access. Reggie is no longer a minor so can decide for himself. He is still in contact with them, but they are aware he has boundaries and won’t tolerate any speculation that Derrick could have done anything any differently and his mother have a different outcome.”

“Oh my.”

“I take it he didn’t tell you that part.”

“Well I gathered he had boundaries, but I didn’t know about the legal stuff.” I sighed. “Please tell my brother that he married a woman of sound good sense and that I’m proud to call her my sister. Now that you’ve salved my concerns how about you tell me how you and Chrissy are getting along in all of this drama … or just in general.”

We talked a little longer then disconnected. Vit, who had been listening without eaves dropping asked, “All is well?”

“As can be expected I suppose. Reggie seems to be coming out of this a very strong person. Derrick … his health is forcing him to step back whether he feels he should or not. Christine’s health is finally 100% but Chrissy still needs some physical therapy for her collar bone and shoulder area. And Benji clings to Chrissy in a way a boy his age generally doesn’t. Chrissy may be over-helping him a bit and they’re trying to redirect both of them into a healthier dynamic.”

“And the Barbie situation?” Vit asked trying to hide the bite that wanted to be in his tone.

“Dylan reads my emails. I hadn’t thought he would be so direct in his meddling. I’ll deal with it.”

“But are they?”

I looked at him and I have a suspicion he’s been trying to hold back his opinion to avoid causing problems in the family. “Barbie … has some personal stuff going on. Angie and a couple of the others are going to step in and … redirect her dynamic also.” I shrugged. “Has any of them ever told you about some of their early years before Poppa and Momma came into their lives?”

“Some of them.”

“Barbie came into the fold late. To me she’s always been there but … she’d outgrown most of her issues by the time I was really old enough to pay attention. Barbie was … promiscuous. She got pregnant. It was a little girl but it died in the womb. She would be about my age if she’d lived. She grieved for the little girl for a long time. And sometimes she would get fixated on me but that didn’t last once she was married and then started having her own children. Just every once in a while … things get complicated between us. It’s been years since it happened and I’ve kind of put the whole story away thinking it no longer had any relevance. But I think it might.”

“In what way?” he asked, at least willing to hear me out.

“Just … it seems strange to try and explain it. I’m not even sure that I can. It is just all rolled up in expectations and Momma and her own past and control I guess. I don’t know, a bunch of psychobabble. Barbie is terrified her daughter is going to get into the same kind of trouble she did. She’s also disappointed in the path the girl has or is taking, I’m not sure who to believe at this point. I was such a mess growing up that … but even then Barbie knew there were some lines I wouldn’t cross, in part because of Momma. Then me staying home and taking care of Momma fit Barbie’s expectations and the trouble with Robert gave Barbie … and some of the others … the idea that I would get my degree and come home and replace Momma and Poppa with Derrick and Lena. But that was before Lena … changed in their eyes. The real truth is that Lena never would have tolerated me doing that because … oh you know the history. When we came home and took over caring for Momma and Poppa’s house it put me back in my place in the family. Then they sold the house not expecting me – either of us – to seek out a different future than any of them expected.”

“Your family is mad at me for taking you away.”

“No. They’re mad at me for following you away if that makes any sense. But only a few of them at this point. Mostly I think for Barbie life is not turning out how she expected and she’s having to revisit her own adolescence which was pretty rough and left some scars. She’s a mother and she’s scared for her daughter because she’s been there. But she doesn’t know how to confront the situation in a healthy way and her husband’s got the same problem.”

“And their problems are now ours.”

I looked up at Vit and shook my head, surprising him. “Not my monkey, not my circus. I won’t be Barbie’s whipping boy nor her comfort blanket. I can’t. Not if I am going to hold onto my own mental health.”

“Agreed. Now let us move to the bed so I can show you some appreciation in comfort.”

Vit. Sometimes he’s such a guy. I never know which one of us he is comforting.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 48: February 25 – Napier, New Zealand

Someone listened to the complaints of a few of the parents and there are more serious “scholastic” lessons included with each port day. I noticed a little more boredom on the faces of the students, but the guides were good about trying to make it relevant to them which helped more than I suspect the adults were aware. I heard it was much worse with the middle school grades and lower. I’m not sure why they changed what was working but we’ll see where this goes.

Even with the adjustments made, some parents still weren’t satisfied. In their opinions, school isn’t “school” unless the students are sitting at a desk with their nose in a book or taking an exam. They don’t even consider computer-based curriculum “school” which I find extremely ridiculous as that is now the norm in most states in the US. And they really don’t seem to understand that the activities – on most days – that the students do in port are also educational. Your brain takes in information in different ways and the learning style that the parents want to force on their children just isn’t consistently successful for most students. It may go in short term memory but for long term memory you need all of it … visual, aural, verbal, kinesthetic, logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Whoops. I’m showing my education degrees. I need to watch that. I get the feeling that it irritates some of those that have been hired as teachers. Most of them refuse to even consider the fact that their ultra-traditionalist approach isn’t really traditional at all but a method born in the industrial revolution era when everything became streamlined and child labor laws were changing therefore the number of students in school increased dramatically and … oooo I’m doing it again. I really do need to stay off the soap box.

As it is the students are now starting “school” an hour earlier, even on early docking days, and they will be staying an hour later on most days as well. Mr. Parnell candidly told me he expects it to be calm for a few days but eventually there is going to be a rebellion. This puts the students in a longer workday than their parents have. I doubt the adults in question would tolerate what they are asking of the students. Based on what I saw on some of the faces I saw today, and the conversations I overheard, I suspect the uprising to be sooner rather than later. For now, I’m going to recount our day and just leave it at that. Vit is working on reports and I’m working on trying to relieve my mind of some of the stress I am still feeling.

We anchored at 10 am and had already stacked the students in line to get off the ship immediately in our port of Napier, New Zealand. The first thing we did was stop at Clive Square and our guide told us about the history of Napier's city center and why it is an Art Deco city.

In Napier, as in much of New Zealand, architecture and art is influenced by a single common factor - plates. Namely the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates, and their associated geology that according to our guide, “has seen a tumultuous and turbulent history shape a people and a place.” The country’s worst earthquake took place in February of 1931 in Napier, which was then a small town on the East coast of the North Island. It was a 7.9 on the Richter scale; buildings crumbled, and 258 people died. Once the initial shock had passed the townspeople embarked on an ambitious rebuilding program. There were only a few key stipulations: new buildings must be safe, modern, and cheap. Enter Art Deco. Art deco and its lack of ornamentation, extraneous columns or overhangs was cheaper and safer than the ornate pediments and high parapets of the old architecture, most of which crashed onto streets as people fled the earthquake. Basically, they were “art deco” before the term had even been coined.

From that point we explored the city. We stopped at Bluff Hill Lookout and had great views over the city and port because the weather cooperated. Next, we stopped at National Tobacco Company Building, one of the famous Art Deco jewels in Napier's crown and learned about its history dating back many years. A little dry but not bad as a couple of the teachers dressed up the stories between stops.

Our next stop wasn’t what I would have thought to be age appropriate but on the other hand many of the students came from countries where wine drinking at the dinner table was quite common even for the underage set. Mission Estate Winery is New Zealand's oldest working winery and we were given the opportunity to explore the stunning historic building and landscaped gardens. Grover put a sweet red wine in my hand, and I sipped it before I thought. I sat it down quickly but he and Towers – who was also on duty that day because we had a larger than normal group of media following us around – told me that they’d play teetotalers so I could at least have a taste. One sip was enough, and I purchased a couple of bottles and had them packed off to the ship and put into Vit’s care.

The next stop was more to the students’ liking; the Silky Oak Chocolate Company and complimentary chocolate tasting. They also had fun exploring the souvenir shop on site. I had a little fun purchasing a couple of boxed sets of their non-chocolate goodies like their preserves and syrups. Yum. We may not have much in the pantry but wine by the time we find a place to live, but it will be full of memories and some few goodies as I am able to acquire them.

Lunch was in the sculpture gardens at Birdwoods Gallery. I’ll admit it was a little staid for some of our group but I’ve definitely experienced worse. A few of the sculptures were quite lifelike – and I got a few giggles when I came around the corner and was confronted by a realistic gator – and the buildings were interesting as well. There was a small art gallery with a shop that had some tchotchkes people could spend their allowance on. A few of the students did get fidgety but having two additional security guards that were large males helped manage that situation. Grover simply encouraged them (with a growl) to explore the Olde Worlde Sweet Shop to blow their mullygrubs blew away. We wound up with a few experiencing carb crashes but that’s okay, it kept the volume aboard the bus bellow a dull roar.

The students’ attitudes continued to return to what I thought of as their normal when we stopped at Te Mata Peak for stunning views from the highest point in Hawkes Bay accessible by road. Mr. Parnell allowed them to stay longer than was planned to allow them to use the cameras and get shots that could be uploaded to the school’s slideshow.

Last stop of the day was another fun one that was yet educational and fit in with the ecology portion of the B’s mission. Arataki Honey Visitor Centre where we tried a taste of honey and learned about the amazing world of honeybees. There was also a silly contest about spotting a Queen in the Bee Wall that was a central display at the center. The tasting area of 10 different honey flavors hit the spot despite the previous sweet shop stops we did. Yes, I’m sorry to say I probably should have purchased one bottle of wine fewer so I wouldn’t feel so guilty about the money I spent on honey. On the other hand, Vit already got into the both the honey and the wine and declared them delicious. That is good enough reason for me.

It was after leaving Arataki and heading back to the pier that the students found out they had additional “class” time to complete before they could go to dinner that things once again started heading downhill. I cannot express how relieved I was to cut loose from the emoting that was starting to fill the space they were in. I wasn’t the only one.

“Someone better tell whoever tried to change the trail map that they’ve got some very angry little doggies on their hands. They’re gonna stampede.” Towers and I just looked at each other. Sometimes Grover’s “cowboy” came on a little strong.

“Er … yeah. I’ll get right on that,” Towers said with a wide-eyed innocence before heading in the opposite direction.

Grover used the same wide-eyed innocence and asked, “Was it something I said?” That let me know that he wasn’t quite as oblivious to his phrasing as he sometimes acted.

All I could do was roll my eyes and tell him to scram, that I’d do the reports and thank you for his service that day but that hazardous duty pay would not be forthcoming. He didn’t have to be told twice which left me in peace to finish the paperwork before my own stomach started rubbing my backbone.

I was back to the cabin and almost too tired to decide what to do when Vit walked in looking how I felt. “Room service?” we both asked at the same time. It took longer to receive than had we gone out but neither of us cared. We took a short nap waiting on the food and that is the only reason I am still awake. Vit on the other hand is snoring away. It appears that it isn’t just in the student area that complaints by the diplomats are trying to be addressed. The changes seem minor on the surface but they certainly create a pile-on affect as the shift goes on. Unnecessary duplication of paperwork is just the beginning of it. And when one area slows down it slows down all of the projects down the line. I say everyone should just enter things into a big database and let the diplomats or their staff pull things out in whatever form and content they think they need. I’m going to put a bug in Dylan’s ears as one of his “feet on the ground” birdies.

Something worse is that Vit thinks the latest round of kerfuffles are intentional, by someone manipulating things in the background. With all the new “busy work” there will be less time to catch the constant attempts at security breaches. He and Yegor are going to try a few sneaky tactics of their own without really telling anyone what they are arranging and try and flush out where the manipulation is coming from the most. Good lord I am glad I am not stuck with that responsibility, the ones I have are difficult enough. How do I convince the students (and teachers and other chaperones) that the new educational mandates are not designed by me in retribution for the “hacking incident” as it is being called? Some of the looks I got today were frankly a little frightening. And no, I’m not imagining it. But remembering it is making me a little edgy once again, so I am stopping her and going to bed. Tomorrow is another day and Lord only knows what it is going to bring.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 49: February 26 – Wellington, NZ

Had a surprisingly good day considering my misgivings yesterday. It was probably the fieldtrip and the short duration. I was also able to have a private conversation with Mr. Parnell and some of the teachers which helped immensely with my own concerns and theirs as well. I will admit however that not all of the educational staff agree with my presence within the program. I’m not sure whether it is due to my security designation or it is my own educational background. The ones that dislike me tend to run towards the “ultra-traditionalist” thinking. I don’t mean to be snarky but I am getting tired of some of the snide “jack booted thug” comments. That is the last thing I am. Just because there are rules that must be followed for the benefit of all does not mean I am a JBT or an elitist. My concern is if I respond to their opinions, I am only encouraging them to continue down that thought path.

We anchored at 9 am this morning and the students were so ready to get off the ship and away from the new “school rules” that I didn’t have any problem getting them through security as they had policed their own about disallowed items and all of the other etcetera. That was a relief as given yesterday’s mood, no way did I want to see a situation created because I had to start banging heads first thing. All that would do is make some agree that I was a JBT or something equally as obnoxious.

Our chariot of the day was a 4 WDS that was both air conditioned (hurray!) and allowed all passengers to be forward facing. That second part was good as we have a couple of students and adults that lean towards car sickness. I never leave the ship without a supply of Dramamine, Bonine, meclizine, and Phenegran, ginger lozenges, and peppermint; which is administered depends on what is in their med file and signed off on by a parent. Why they can make it aboard the B with no problems but get woozy on land makes no sense to me, but it is a reality that we must be flexible about.

The fieldtrip tour departed directly from the pier and first took us through the city and by some of the most famous icons and architectural examples on show. Immediately after that we left the city limits on our way to the suburb of Karori and beyond and drove through an authentic slice of rural New Zealand. Well sorta authentic. There were extensive wind farms in evidence and our guide made sure to explain how they were utilized in the local sustainable energy market. Since the man gave both the pros and cons, I thought that offset some of the unrealistic expectations that were being fed to them by some of the staff on the B. In this day and age you would think the available scientific information and technology would curb the impractical assumption people make. Sustainability is important of course, but some of the solutions people fantasize about enforcing are worse than the problem they are trying to solve. We found that out in Florida when solar energy went from fad to fraud when reports explaining that humidity and cloud cover significantly lower solar energy production were withheld from the public.

Most of the students seemed to enjoy the journey through Terawhiti Station and to the dramatic Seal Coast south of the city. Home of New Zealand’s most modern wind farm, Terawhiti Station is also a working beef and sheep farm. As we drove through the farm our guide also discussed the history of farming and electricity generation in the area.

The geology of the area was also interesting. We drove across a live active fault line, over rocky beachfront and around headlands before visiting a colony of Wild New Zealand Fur seals. The views on this tour were exceptional. The weather cooperated in the morning so we saw the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean, the tumultuous waters of Cook Strait separating the North and South Islands, and the distant mountain ranges of the South Island. I’d seen it before on the Sun but it was every bit as interesting and beautiful the second time around, perhaps more so as I knew what to expect and could focus better.

Fur Seals are at the colony all year round, but peak Seal numbers are May thru August. The numbers may not have been at “peak” at our visit but there were more than sufficient numbers to enthrall all of us. We watched as these massive creatures lay out on rugged Wellington rocks and played on the blustery coastline. “Play” looking more like they were fighting and growling at each other most of the time. We learned their biology, mating, and reproductive cycles and how man and seals interacted in history and how that has changed today. Extremely interesting.

It was over too soon for many, but I suspect some of that was in reaction to the knowledge that they’d be returning to do classroom assignments. However, before we reached the pier, we stopped for photos at one of the world's most remote lighthouses, the Leaning Lighthouse. We had a very brief morning tea here but was soon back on the road.

As the students went back through security Mr. Parnell asked if I would come to his office for a moment while the students had their lunch. Uh oh. Called to the principal’s office. But it turned out not to be a bad thing.

“Veta … frankly I’m not quite sure how to approach this.”

Sighing in resignation I said, “You no longer want me as a chaperone.”

“What?! No! Oh dear, this is … is …”

Another teacher in the room didn’t have as much trouble. “Do we have you to thank for these new rules?”

Shrugging I leaned against a bookcase since there wasn’t room for all of us to take a seat. “Depends on how you look at it I guess. If you are asking whether I made suggestions to destroy the rapport and schedule that you all have developed the answer is no. Personally I think it is going to cause some serious issues in the long term, and given how some of them were acting yesterday maybe in the short term.”

Another one said, “Then explain depends.”

“I wish I could, but I’ll give you what I’ve got even if it makes me sounds like an egotistical idiot that thinks the universe revolves around me.” That got a couple of raised eyebrows, but I plowed forward. “For whatever the incident with my records was for, it happened. It isn’t like we haven’t heard there are too many ‘wimmens’ running things around here, but I think it put a spotlight that certain … factions … thought they could manipulate personnel for their own purposes.” Mr. Parnell cleared his voice, so I tried to keep it less snarky and more professional. “Be that as it may there are other things going on from a security standpoint that I am not at liberty to talk about that have nothing to do with me – or the students – directly but we make useful tools to create distractions with.”

“Distractions?”

“Hmm. Let’s put it this way, the more fires the firemen have to put out the less time they have to keep the fires from starting in the first place … and potentially catch … people … that might be planting worse things in places they no longer have the time to monitor. And that’s all I can say so don’t ask me any more.”

I’ll give them credit, the teachers that Mr. Parnell had asked to the meeting weren’t just book smart, they were clever enough that I might have given them too much to think about. Either way they were fast to connect the dots and then look at Mr. Parnell for some guidance.

He nodded like he was thinking then said, “So you are saying that you are not the originator of these changes.”

“Absolutely not. Look, I have a master’s in education. I’ve done a reasonable amount of teaching in the classroom and more to the point, I’ve been a traveling tutor and understand how educational opportunities must be managed more creatively in that setting. On a personal level I … don’t care for how the students are used by the media and even by administration as public show pieces. They’re teenagers, not politicians or tools. The mission of the Bonhoeffer is important for all of us, but we are still individuals that need to be treated as such. Unfortunately, it looks like I am an easy target for some reason I’ve yet to determine. I’m minimizing my exposure as much as possible, I’m also minimizing as much as possible any problems I might cause in fulfilling my duties and responsibilities. I thought I had accomplished that but … between the hacking incident, finding out that enough students despise me, and now finding out that even the adults think I am the doofus instigating trouble … I’m concerned whether I can even do the job assigned to me.”

I think that was more of an answer than Mr. Parnell or the others had expected, and it gave them something to think about. But I also got some support I hadn’t expected from Mrs. Loper.

“We all experience those thoughts from time to time Veta. Trust me, I’ve second-guessed myself many times, but I was reminded by some close associates that we are here for a reason. And that yes, there will be people and groups lined up against us because of the mission the B is on. I for one am glad you have been consistently willing to go the distance. You have better control of the media types than most of us do simply because your attention doesn’t have to be split as much as ours does. Don’t quit on us now.”

Her assumption that my attention wasn’t split during port days gave me a better understanding of why people in security only chose certain individuals to work with the teachers and students. But rather than go off on that tangent I replied, “I don’t want to but neither do I want to be the distraction creating problems. I’ll deal with the students’ dislike of me as being part of the security part of my job. Someone must enforce the rules. But I want it clear to the students they have some of their own parents to thank for these changes. Some of the parents do not seem to get the concept that education doesn’t just happen in the classroom … and quite frankly shouldn’t. We are trying to facilitate a life-long love of learning, not simply rote memorization of facts and figures that they’ll forget as soon as they can get away with it.”

“That’s telling them Ducky,” pudgy Mrs. Dempsey said. She is the teacher in charge of the mathematics area and while she has a good heart she comes off a little bizarre on occasion. “And while I find all this fascinating, I have a pop quiz to hand out. My records are going to be inspected tomorrow and I need to bring them up to par.”

The meeting broke up with Mr. Parnell looking obviously relieved and Mrs. Dempsey wasn’t the only one with reports to write and prepare for inspection. That included me and that’s what I worked on for the remainder of the day, but I did it from the rear deck of the ship where I could enjoy some sunshine and fresh air.

Vit has already gone to sleep. He and Yegor are spending a great deal of time in consult but it is already paying dividends as they found a, unknown-up-to-that-point communication node that has been getting a work out by party or parties unknown as a way to literally fly under the radar. I wish I felt I can be as successful at shutting down the problems I sense coming in the education department.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 50: February 27 & 28 – at sea (2 days)

Honestly not much to write about. Unless you count somehow losing another sock to that monster of a washing machine. Seriously, I tied all of the sets together with rubber bands – much to the amusement of the other people waiting their turn to use the Monster – counted them, did everything I could think of and the blasted machine still managed to kidnap one to who knows where. And then an extra sock simply appeared in the dryer load. What … the … heck?! The washers and dryers aboard this ship are possessed. I complained to Vit about it tonight and he laughed like I was joking. I threw a pillow at him to highlight the fact I’m not joking. He reversed course and says he will check it out. I know he is merely humoring me, but I don’t care at this point. I have nearly a package-worth of socks that have no mates. It is ridiculous. I don’t have any more that I can spare at this point.

On a better note, I got a lot of translating completed in Mr. Baird’s office. Not necessarily because I am any faster than before but because there were far fewer interruptions than normal. I figured out why today. People would mean to come in for something, spot me and swiftly have a change in plans. Count me clueless why. Next at-sea day if this continues to happen, I will ask Barney. I’m not sure if it is a snub or that they are afraid of me. Either or is silly; however, it was nice actually being able to walk away at the end of my shift with my in-box transferred to the out-box.

Got an email today from Dev that included an audio file. Of him laughing. For my benefit. Lovely. Grover is seriously due to some payback. I did not need the story of the frog on my head to go viral in the family. Of course, I got some of my own back by sharing a certain picture of the Walking Wall as he was rather unceremoniously catapulted out of a certain raft during a certain field trip. The look on his face is priceless. One good turn deserves another … and another … and another … until a certain cowboy learns that it is not good to fool with Yelysaveta Krystiyan Anastasya Bohdana Petric Dymtrus.

After Vit promised to look into the mechanical washer monster issues he asked me to start going over our personal inventory. Just as a matter of habit we’ve continued to keep one so we know what we have in storage in Pembroke as well as what we’ve had going in and out here on the B, back to our original purchases in Miami. He said that the inventory showed that he had several more cakes of shaving soap but that he couldn’t find them. I found them in the suitcases we had stored under the bed but looking for one thing made me realized how low we are getting on some other items. I’ve started a “grocery list” which also addresses Vit’s other request. He wants me to make sure that the inventory is not accessible from any other device. That’s been fun.

I’ve had to take the inventory off our cloud and back it up to a flash drive (in an encrypted format) that we leave stored in our cabin safe. It is going to make updating the inventory tedious but Vit says he has his reasons and I choose to trust him even if it sounds a little paranoid. Who on earth would find of interest the number of lip balms and feminine hygiene products I keep stored? Good lord, there are people on this ship (and possibly off) that have way too much time on their hands.

Vit is still glowering at some report at the desk but I have a headache in the making and tomorrow is Sydney. I’ve been here before and there is ample opportunities for mischief in the city and I want to be prepared just in case some of the students decide they’ve bided their time long enough. I’m going to bed with a couple of naproxens and a hot water bottle. Maybe I should switch that to Midol. I really am not feeling well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 51: February 29 – Sydney, Australia (1) - Part 1

Luckily for all concerned I was not with the larger high school group but with the Science Club and those that had earned enough points to go with them on the hop on hop off tour. Edda, Pei Shin, Jae, and Robin. Then Aiden, Al, Anton, and Raina opted to travel with us as well. That was eight students and two adults … Grover and I. Mr. Parnell had to switch to the larger group at the last moment as someone snitched that two of the male students had “something” planned.

“Then shouldn’t Grover and I …”

“No. I want you with the students that deserve a chance to get out and explore a bit on their own. I need to see if they will do their work without a teacher being there.”

“Er … but technically I am …” And then Mr. Parnell gave his own sneaky grin and I understood. “Ah. A teacher without there being a teacher present. I get it. Observe. Facilitate. Don’t necessarily prod.”

“Exactly.” Then he frowned. “I also need to see that the other security guards will do what is necessary. The students grow too use to you and they need to see what the alternative will be.” He sighed then nodded. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. You need a whip and chair, and perhaps a coil of chains as well; especially if it is the two that I am thinking of. They’ve been pushing the boundaries hard since Auckland. But they are also being egged on. I’m rather disappointed in their behavior. They weren’t like this at the beginning of the cruise.”

“They’ve gotten comfortable. I believe this will … hmm … rectify this situation.”

We dropped anchor and separated from the larger of the student groups immediately. It was 2 pm and we only had a short period to enjoy the use of the hop on hop off bus before they closed down for the day.

Our first hop off was Sydney Tower. Grover made a face that caused some of the students to laugh. He was obviously game but said, “No one and I mean no one do anything that gives me the heebies. You do and I will carry your happy a … er … butt back down to terra firma. Got it?” They got it and I think that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the day. We hit the 4D cinema, a journey with wind, bubbles and mist that lasted four minutes, then it was up to the Observation Deck. A guide was provided and we learned about the various viewable locations like Botany Bay and The Rocks. There were fun facts scattered about the Observation Deck and views featuring man-made and natural elements. It took us longer to get down than it took to get up to the deck.

Hopping back on the bus we rode through a couple of stops and then got off at the El Alamein Fountain. The El Alamein Fountain in Fitzroy Gardens, was opened in 1961 as a memorial to the Australian Imperial Forces 9th Division and commemorates the Battle of El Alamein, Egypt, in World War II. It is named for the Australian Infantry Forces (AIF) who fought near the Egyptian town of El Alamein, in two battles which helped turn the course of World War II. The fountain itself has a modernist design which evokes a huge dandelion of water above a series of four terraced pools. A spherical bronze fountain head comprises 211 radially arranged ‘stalks’ for an overall diameter of 12’ 6”. The disks of water merge together and create the impression of a huge thistledown, or dandelion.

I would have also gotten off at Woolloomooloo Bay, but we had a lot of stops in front of us to get to in a short amount of time. The very next stop was the Sydney Opera House. We didn’t tour it, but I did try and give a brief history and other interesting facts about the place as I remembered them from my time there with Frankie. It was also an opportunity for those interested to take a few photos to upload to the school’s slideshow.

I really wanted to stop at the Botanical Gardens, but it wasn’t on the “approved” list because of some scheduled protest or other. Rats. We also didn’t stop at the nearby State Library for the same reason. Apparently Saturday in Sydney is similar to Saturdays near universities in the US … no school which means there is more time to pontificate and show off. I missed Hyde Park – again, not on the approved list – and had to pass by the Power House Museum that was closed for major renovations. We did make a stop at the Sydney Fish Market as we had a scheduled talk on sustainable seafood practices which wasn’t nearly as dry as our group expected it to be. Not to mention there were a few “taste tests” during the tour.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship made for our next easy stop, but China Town called to the girls and I gave them thirty minutes to pull us through a few shops. I had no idea that going there was going to raise my hackles the way it did. Shades of San Francisco and all that. The gate and décor reminded me of it too much for comfort. Luckily the students didn’t pick up on it, but Grover did and nodded in agreement. He’d heard about the incident even if he hadn’t been there himself. Nothing happened for which I’m grateful … well the boys did grab some won tons and egg rolls and shared them around. Grover and I abstained as we didn’t want to get caught one-handed if we needed two.

Sydney Harbor Bridge was our last stop and once again it was mainly for photographs though I did sneak in some math and physics that they seemed to enjoy rather than resent. When they found out I had climbed the bridge they insisted on hearing about it which I did from the bus back to the pier and then through security. Grover had peeled off to go to his duty station once we were aboard and I walked the group towards the classroom but was stopped by one of the secondary teachers.

“They’re excused.”

“Ah … these students?”

“Yes. But you need to come give Mr. Parnell a hand in reminding a few of the students of the rules.”

I sighed. “Oh dear. Thank you for letting me know.” Debra Knox is not the most scintillating of conversationalists, but she is a good political science teacher; surprisingly objective and refuses to be drawn into your typical agenda roles.

The students I’d had knew to get while the getting was good, and I just asked them to check in with parental units before going to dinner. Just to be safe I sent individual memos out to their families to make them aware we were back on board and they were dismissed for the evening. I had just finished the last one when I got close enough to the large lecture room to hear a ruckus brewing.

I burst in and seeing two boys moving aggressively towards Mr. Parnell, I inserted myself between them and him. “Just what is your problem?! Have you lost all good sense? Do you know what could happen to you, not to mention the problems it would cause your family, if you continue with this type of display?!”

“It’s your fault!”

“Beg your pardon?!”

“You made these new rules Queen Bitch and …” He made the mistake of grabbing my arm during his diatribe and it wasn’t just a gentle tug.

I popped him in the mouth shocking not only the student but every other student … and not a few of the teachers as well. I swept his feet from under him, put him on the ground, my knee in his back, and then put handcuffs on him before calling for back up for an act of violence.

The young man finally looked scared and even though there was muttering here and there no one quite knew what to make of what was going on. They didn’t have time really because security rushed in and I explained as well as replayed the event on the monitors. Apparently no one had been thinking about those cameras. When the boy was taken away finally looking scared and realizing he’d well overstepped the line I turned to everyone in the room. “Whoever told you they could hack the cameras and turn them off thought a great deal more of their skill than what is deserved.”

I saw a few more shocked faces and noted their identities to turn over to Dylan. Not Polina as I didn’t want them turned into an incident yet, but I was thinking about it.

“Second, contrary to what is obviously public opinion, I did not have anything to do with these new rules. These are in answer to your parents’ demands … not suggestions, demands. You have a problem with the new schedule then I suggest you take it up in your family quarters. Fat lot of good it will do you because I and your teachers went to bat for you to try and make it so you had more freedom … and lost. Think about that ladies and gentlemen. We are on your side. Whoever is telling you otherwise is lying and is NOT on your side. They are filling your head with garbage. And just like the techs say … garbage in, garbage out. And some of you have been belching a whole lot of garbage and the piper is going to get paid.” Looking at them hard I said, “Mr. Rankin not only broke school rules, he broke ship’s security rules. It is out of my hands. Those cameras are reviewed daily. Mr. Rankin grabbing an adult with violence would have been noted one way or the other. This way at least he was stopped before he could make an even bigger ass out of himself.” There were a few gasps. I was having none of it. “Stop acting like you’ve never heard the word, most of you use it on a near hourly basis. I could have used something quite a bit more vulgar and it would still have been true. What happens to Mr. Rankin’s father’s status as a diplomat aboard this ship is also a question. There will doubtless be penalties to be paid and consequences meted out as his reputation will be questioned.”

I did my best to remain calm but I’d all but had it with this nonsense. “If you have questions, I have always been available to answer them. I attended a meeting requested by Mr. Parnell and some of your other teachers to discuss some of the very questions you doubtless have yourself. When you are released, I suggest you step lightly as your parents are currently being informed of what happened and by whom. At the same time, I suggest you give serious thought to any questions you might have regarding the rumors that I have caused your current predicament. I will also research to find some specific names and references. On Tuesday there is another Sea Day. Normally I work on translations for Diplomat Baird but I will arrange time off and make myself available to any student who wishes to ask me something concerning the rumors and gossip that are still flying despite the fact that most of the culprits have been apprehended and are being dealt with by their government.” That gave them a big think to think on.

“And one last thing,” I added. “Touching an adult or any of your fellow students in violence or some other form of intimidation or unwillingness on their part will absolutely not be tolerated. It is legally classified as assault and/or battery. This is a diplomatic mission. We will all behave with the decorum necessary to support that mission … and that includes in our own behavior on and off this ship.”

“Ye’re nothin’ but a jack booted thug. Ye’re only brave because of those stripes on your shoulders but ye’re nothin’ and no one. We proved it once, we’ll do it again.”

I shook my head sadly. “You appear to be as stupid as Mr. Rankin.” This time it was Polina that walked in, followed by three security guards. She replayed Kwik Gwan’s words and then nodded at the security guards who took the sixteen-year-old into custody to his and everyone else’s surprise.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 51 - Part 2

Polina announced to the room, “The breach of security that was admitted to is a matter of international law, the seriousness of which continues to be at the top of the list of things we will make sure does not happen again. Threats will not be ignored or glossed over because of your age or connections. Your parents have already been informed of this and should have taken their responsibility seriously and made sure you were aware of the zero tolerance policies now in place. Certainly they have had a say in changes that have recently occurred in the educational department. And unless you wish to be confined to ship from now until such a time as you are removed from the Bonhoeffer, I strongly suggest you rethink following and aiding such behavior as will now have to be dealt with.” She turned to leave the silent room and then turned back. “None of you have a clue about what a jackbooted thug really is. You’ve never experienced that kind of oppression. However, if necessary, I am sure I can make sure that you are educated on the matter with plenty of personal examples from here on out.”

Not even I expected her to be that blunt, but the band played on. When the door closed I explained, “For those of you unaware, the woman who just left this room is Polina Ivanov, Chief of Security on the Bonhoeffer. She’s also my boss. You only have the opportunity to go on shore for fieldtrips because Chief Ivanov provides personnel to assist in your protection. San Francisco has not been that long ago surely, that you forget why I and those like me follow you around?” A few students seemed to be waking to the fact that life was not quite the way those filling their ears had made them believe it was. “I do not wish to frighten you, but you are old enough that you need to wake up. There are people in this world who will without remorse use you to further their agendas and will then toss you under the bus and walk away like they never knew you while you wind up taking all the blame for the stupidity and ignorance they encouraged. Your parents are not on board the B for a pleasure cruise. They are doing important and necessary work, trying to keep this world from blowing itself up in another world war that could be worse than all the others combined. Or are you happy with the conflagrations we saw last year?” Some students shook their heads, and some appeared to be in shock. A few showed a maturity that helped them to keep their emotions and mouths under control. “Now enough of this nonsense and stop making it harder for the people on this ship to do their jobs. Peace is our goal. Don’t make us pull out a big stick to ensure that it happens.” I sighed and turned to Mr. Parnell. “I will let you know as soon as I’ve arranged time off and try and give you a clearer window of when it will be. And for the record, the offer extends beyond the students to any teacher or chaperone that might have questions as well. I’m … sorry it came to this.”

He gave a brief nod and I turned and left the room and headed towards Polina’s office to see what came next. I was halfway there when she called me and told me to meet her in Conference Room D. That was a fun two hours. The families of Rankin and Gwan were there and tried to lay the blame at my feet even after they saw the vid. That’s when Polina pulled up some data that I had not been aware of and which it was a struggle not to reveal how shocked I was.

Both Rankin and Gwan had found a way to use the diplomatic security lines to join a group that was being radicalized – not in a religious sense but in a political one – by other members who claimed to be teens just like them. “Fortunately we have excellent security personnel both on and off this ship,” she said. “The three most vocal and admired members of the group claiming to be three male teens are in actuality two adult males in their forties and an adult female in her fifties. All three individuals are known members of an extremely violent cell of anarchists. This group has promised to sink the Bonhoeffer and kill every man, woman, and child on board. Your cabins are currently being inspected. What is found will determine how this situation proceeds. However, I can assure you, your sons are facing legal prosecution at the international level. You will be given the opportunity to call your home country for legal representation as soon as we have finished the inspection and interrogation of you and your families.”

I was feeling like I had fallen down a well and when Polina beckoned me to follow her out of the room I did so on shaking legs. I continued to follow her in silence all the way back to her office. She closed the door, instructed me to sit down, and then reached into her drawer to pull out a bottle of the 42 Below vodka and pour us both a drink.”

Pushing my glass towards me she said, “You drink?”

“On occasion,” I answered. “But usually only for pleasure.”

“Ah. A good thought on most days. On days like today …” She shrugged and tossed the shot she’d poured herself straight back. I did the same.

I finally gathered my courage and asked, “Rankin and Gwan – the two male students – just how much trouble are they in?”

“As I told their parents it depends on what we find. We had Rankin’s nineteen-year-old sister under observation already. She was intimate with a crew member that has since been removed from the ship. It turns out he – the crew member – was a plant with an agenda of his own.” She gave me a searching look. “You do not like my methods.”

I shook my head. “It’s not that. I’m … uncomfortable … with my place in all of this. It makes me feel guilty.”

“Why? You’ve done nothing wrong … except wallow a bit in being a victim.”

“Wallow …?!”

“Yes. Wallow. You had nothing to do with the associations the people involved have. You did not add to either their gullibility or culpability. You did not encourage the criminal acts that have taken place. In other words Veta, you are not the center of the universe.”

Sighing I replied, “Let me guess. Dylan Petric had a thing or three to say about all of this.”

She chuckled cynically. “He is a good man to have on your side. But as a brother I can imagine he is a pain in the ass.”

“You have noooo idea.”

“Some. I had a brother that was in that line of work.”

“Was?”

“Someone … made an example of him. He was … he was put in the field when he was what you Americans call a desk jockey. He was an easy target and … and now my sister in law is a widow with teenagers that need a father so badly that she is considering marrying a man twice her age simply because he is good with them, my mother refuses to wear anything but black, and my father found religion and tries to drag us all with him.” It was more personal information than I had ever imagined getting from her. “But let us return to the subject. These people use excuses, justifications, and rationalizations for what they do. And they teach their minions to be the same way. Sometimes people wake up to the reality around them, sometimes they do not. It is possible that we have caught these two boys in time. It is also just as possible that the taint goes deeper than it first appears. I have seen it go both ways.”

“Is there any way to stop it from spreading here on the B? It seems like there are clusters or whoever the group is they are finding ways to … perhaps infiltrate is not the right word …”

“It is an excellent word and one which I will use in my report, so thank you. I have a question for you.” At my nod she said, “As a … educator and someone interacting with these children on a near daily basis … do you think they would be receptive to regular … let’s call it counter-infiltration.”

Taking her question seriously I gave it some thought before answering. “It might depend on the form it takes. Real world examples and their consequences. Maybe examples of what we are up against here on the B. A reminder of the work their parents do and what they are trying to prevent. Make it age appropriate and perhaps just a little more graphic subject matter than their parents are comfortable with. You’ll have to be careful of your examples. And if something is found … off … you’ll need to discuss that with them also. With that I think the majority of them will listen. For some of them however it is going to be an issue of maturity. It will be a fine line to walk but we can call it part of the mission. We are trying to educate the world and get them to work in concert for the benefit of those interested in peace … and that starts at home. And for now ‘home’ is here on the B.”

“You say we.”

I shrugged, a little embarrassed at my assumption. “I’m security. I believe in the mission of the B even if the methods may be above my pay grade and something I may not always be comfortable with. But I also care very much about my responsibilities outside of the mission, and the students are my responsibility. Most of them are mature enough to handle the situation if they are given good information. Like I told them earlier … garbage in, garbage out. They can’t make informed opinions if they are being fed lies and half-truths. Better information, better delivery of that information even if it should be obvious because of their parents’ positions, can do nothing but improve the long-term prognosis for the B’s overall mission.”

She gave me a sly grin. “I will use that in my report as well. Very good Veta.”

That was my dismissal and I arrived at the cabin to find Vit pacing. When he saw me he merely asked me, “You are well?”

“I’m not a nervous wreck but … do you have a little bit of time to talk before dinner? I need your opinion.”

We were a while “discussing” not only today’s incident, but what I’ll simply call the big picture. I tried not to be offended that he and Dylan had been talking. It wasn’t precisely behind my back. I could have been proactive and asked but hadn’t. Vit and I refused to let it turn into the mess our personalities could have turned it into. But it wasn’t easy, and we were both beat by the time we’d talked all it was constructive to do.

We went to dinner in the XO lounge. Part of it was making a statement and part of it was simply us trying to avoid looks and questions in the more informal setting of the buffet. We didn’t stay much longer than dessert and coffee, but I think the bottom line is we did hold our own. Or Vit did as he already has earned a great deal of respect from fellow crew members and those in the diplomatic corp. I kept up, but just barely. Polina’s comment about me not being the center of the universe kept playing in my head as a reminder but some of the looks I was getting as we moved about the ship – especially by those that felt hostile as they tried to put me in my place – triggered my insecurities. Luckily for all concerned none of them were stupid enough to do it so Vit would see. That tells me something, but I’ll have to think about it for a bit before I can translate it into something that makes sense.

Vit insisted on a couple of turns around the promenade and then we headed back to our cabin, but with the understanding that, for now, we’d reached maximum capacity on the subject and needed to pick something else to occupy our time. Vit had reports to go over and after some housekeeping chores I gave out and decided to journal.

Tomorrow is Sunday and Vit was already scheduled to come on the fieldtrip with me. He’ll either see for himself what I am up against or he won’t. But at least I am assured he believes me and understands my concerns, that he doesn’t believe they are merely something of my imagination. I think he is concerned that I’m allowing myself to be personally involved. Perhaps he is correct. I’m willing to consider it. But I am very grateful that I’ll have him by my side tomorrow. I’m no coward but I’m low on confidence and wondering more and more whether I’m going to be able (allowed?) to continue in this capacity. And where those thoughts lead is no place constructive so I’m going to watch a couple of videos and put it from my mind.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy!

Lili

 

[moldy]

Kathy - all I can say is you must love us a lot to give us so much! Thank you.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 52: March 1 – Sydney, Austalia (2) (Sunday)

Vit did get to see how the dynamics had changed with the students. He also caught a few of them talking him up and treating him like they were sorry for him, inferring that I was a problem. He set them quite straight with his Cossack stare and cocked eyebrow, like they were stepping well outside of their authority. I ignored that when I could. Vit always has been better at that sort of thing than I. But I’ve also been trying to remember what I learned by observing Madam Marchand and her interactions with others. I really dislike the Ice Queen appellation that some have hung on me but maybe that is what is going to work for this job.

Our day began early which obviously already put some of the students in a foul mood. Listening a bit to what was said, and as importantly what wasn’t, I heard that most of the students got seriously grilled from rare all the way to well done and beyond by their parents and diplomatic senior staff. Some of them are even scared … and apparently should be as they’d been “talking” with Rankin and Gwan who were trying to introduce them to their online associates. Point blank they were each in their own way told not to associate with Rankin and Gwan except as needed for school and during diplomatic events their families attended as a group. Even then they were not to do so without a chaperone or staff member nearby. That was an assumption of guilt that many students were surprised by, thinking it would be the diplomats against crew. Now the students are aware that the diplomats may not be the top of the food chain. And that even if they are, they are quite willing to eat their own if that is what it takes to adhere to the mission.

For all of it, the day was not as miserable as it might have been. Kids are amazingly adept at compartmentalizing things and living in the here and now so they can enjoy it. Our first stop of the day was at Jenolan Caves in New South Wales. Jenolan Caves are said to be the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia. Before site staff even allowed us off of the bus, we received a thorough introduction to the Cave Rules: Listen carefully to your tour guide and obey all instructions. Do not stray from your tour group, even if you have your own light. Do not touch any rock or crystal, as the invisible oil on our skin permanently damages the irreplaceable cave crystal. Do not smoke, as fumes damage the cave crystal. Do not eat or drink, as food particles attract life forms, such as animals, birds, bacteria and fungi, which are foreign to our caves and harm the fragile environment. You may take a bottle of water with you. Do not litter. Please use the rubbish bins in the Grand Arch and near the Guides Office. When you aim your camera flash in the dark, please consider other visitors' eyes. Cameras are welcome. However, do not bring a camera tripod or a selfie stick into any cave. Most of the students immediately obeyed about leaving their selfie-sticks but as they exited the bus, I had two security people stationed at the bottom of the stairs. After two people were caught with selfie sticks in their bags everyone had to get back on the bus where they were to leave any and all belongings except for their phones or micro cameras.

“Do not make me do this again.”

I heard a rude remark from a boy I knew to be a friend of Rankin and Gwan and I pointed at him and a security guard became his new best friend for the remainder of the day. He was also turned over to his parents when we reboarded and they were shown the security footage from everyone’s body cams. At the time Vit asked me in Ukrainian, “How long has this type of behavior been occurring?”

I answered in the same and said, “It has been brewing but nothing so obvious. Something has emboldened the hard heads among them. Chief Ivanov is aware, and the off-ship security is investigating any possible ties to the terrorists.”

He lifted an eyebrow at me, knowing I was up to something. We had a few students that could speak at least some Ukrainian and Russian. I wanted word to get around that the trouble brewing was very serious and those that could and would use commonsense needed to start doing so immediately.

Finally, we were able to begin our tour. There are many caves and tours to be explored at Jenolan, but we had three hours. The two caves that were arranged for us were Lucas and River caves, both strenuous explorations. Lucas Cave was the biggest chamber, containing both the highest and largest chambers as well as one of the most photographed feature - The Broken Column. There was also the opportunity to get a tantalizing glimpse of the underground river. Lucas Cave had 910 stairs and traveled 860 meters.

The other cave was the River Cave. It was an underworld labyrinth with still pools that were evocative of the mythological River Styx. It took us 2 hours to climb 1,298 stair and travel 1,271 meters. The students were tired after that and so were most of the adults. It was with relief that I could deposit them back in the bus which would take a bit of time to get to our next stop.

We did make a brief stop on our way out of the park area at Blue Lake. We took a short scenic walk around the lake that some of the students half-heartedly complained about but were rewarded with a platypus sighting. The Science Club was all over it and I tried to hide my smile at them gleeking like crazy. The platypus cooperated and seemed to pose numerous times doing what platypus do but eventually grew bored, or needed to head to its next appointment the same as us.

Our next several stops were short ones between drives where several of the students seemed to doze when their fellow students allowed. First came Cahill's Lookout, for spectacular views left many of our group breathless. And from there we headed into the Blue Mountains National Park for several scenic stops. Echo Point Lookout gave us stunning views of the Blue Mountains and the iconic Three Sisters. Then it was The Three Sisters lookout. The Three Sisters are an unusual rock formation in the Blue Mountains, and it is the Blue Mountains' most spectacular landmark and what it is primarily known for. Last stop was at Katoomba Falls, arguably one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. The falls form part of the Kedumba River which drops almost 150 meters into Jamison Valley.

At the end of the fieldtrip stops I noted that some students didn’t seem all that keen to return to the ship. I found out that it is because they would be dealing with more interviews, this time with security personnel as well as senior diplomatic staff. That’s not something I would have been looking forward to either and their classmate acting out as he had first thing in the morning was not going to help their cause.

Once at the pier I was informed that a security detail would meet at the bottom of the gangway and escort the students back aboard, directly to their “interviews.” Edda looked at me pleadingly and asked, “Can’t you do anything?”

Al unceremoniously popped his sister on the back of her head and rather insultingly said, “Like she can. Rankin and Gwan screwed it up for the lot of us. Damn idiots. You heard Dad last night. There’s no choice. People back at home bases are now involved and they think it is tied to some terrorist group. If Ranking and Gwan do come back, they better watch their backs and I’m not the only one saying it.”

Several students had listened on in interest, but they were too far away for me to correct Al’s behavior without drawing even more unwanted attention. Aiden whispered, “He’s just angry. Bringing some of the old stuff up and making him stressed. I'll talk to him.”

“Thank you,” I whispered back.

I looked at Vit as soon as the last student had gone aboard expecting him to lead us to our turn but instead he asked, “I know it has been a long day but would you care for dinner on shore? I … made plans earlier.”

I nodded but also asked, “Who is joining us? The usual suspects?”

“Nii. Yegor and Polina.”

Having dinner with the Ivanovs turned out to be surprisingly convivial. We didn’t speak of work at all and all four of us relaxed and then headed to a nearby bar that had a surprisingly good floor band allowing us to dance. And once we had gone that far we all laughed and were sorry when we had to get back to the ship as it had grown quite late.

As we walked back to the ship Yegor and Vit became a little silly as drinks tend to do to men and they were joking and laughing as I rarely saw Vit do with anyone, even me. Polina saw me watching them and smiling.

“Thank you,” she said.

Startled I asked, “For what?”

“For … this,” she indicated vaguely. “It is rare as … hmm … I believe Towers would say it is as rare as bird teeth.”

I swallowed a laugh and said, “Close enough. But I … still don’t understand.”

“My position. It does not allow for many … friendships. Especially with colleagues. It is doubly difficult for Yegor to have a wife with a standing that makes his look less. I have enjoyed this night.” She looked at her husband. “Yegor worries. He is a chauvinist but he still worries.”

“It doesn’t look like he has anything to worry about.”

“No longer. When we were younger and my career outpaced his? There were problems. And when … you see we have no children.”

“None of my business.”

“I make it your business. We had a son. He died. They told us that any child we had was high odds that they would have the same kind of cancer. Thus … we chose, and adoption did not suit us. But that is a thing I wish you would not tell Vit.”

“Like I said none of my business. I respect your confidence however and refuse to judge you. You and Yegor … you get kids after their parents …” I shrugged. “Maybe that is what your calling is. To help people on the way to finish growing up even if you aren’t there in the beginning.”

She snorted. “идеалист.” [Idealist.]

Not feeling like protesting I admitted, “Probably some of that. But I’ve seen it all. You know my story. My parents were unique. My siblings are at least as much so. But none of us are perfect and I have adopted and foster siblings who … went their own way with much pain for all involved. My parents took a while to come to terms with that. Everyone is different and everyone has a different calling in their lives. You and Yegor are still young.” As she snorted again I rephrased that. “Maybe not as young as I am but you aren’t that much older than Vit. Live life to the best of your ability and … there may be surprises down the road.”

She chuckled cynically. “Not all surprises are good things.” Then she looked at me. “But some are. I would like to do this again when there is time. To get away from the ship. To … to be a person and not a uniform or position.”

“Thank you. So would I.” I cleared my throat. “And I promise to be careful of taking advantage of you while we are on board. Making claims on you.”

She gave it some thought. “You do not need to be too careful. I … may call on you so that I drink tea and not the vodka. Yes?”

“Anytime you want.”

We all quieted down and returned to our shipboard personas before we went through security. Vit and I were quiet as we reached our cabin and we’ve remained that way until we decided to shower. Vit now sleeps and I think I can now do the same. Life is very … strange on occasion. On a day I expected to be awful it turns out I’ve made new friends. And what friends they are. For sure I have now discovered that I am not the only one that resents that my job sometimes eclipses my identity and gives people the wrong impression. Maybe I’ll get brave enough to ask Polina how she combats it or if it is something she simply must accept.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 53: March 2 – Sydney, Australia (3)

I can sum up the day’s adventure by calling it “Walking with Wombats.” I had the Science Club today, and only the Science Club … Edda, Pei Shin, Jae, and Robin. The others that were normally with us – Aiden, Al, Anton, and Raina – chose the “cooler” fieldtrip that included surfing and physics. Personally, I feel they lost out because I understand that despite it being an all-day beach outing, very little of that time was actually spent in the water and only thirty minutes of it was surfing.

On to our day. I woke up feeling good. Yes, the worries of the last week or so was still there but I managed them and felt much better for it physically and mentally. It helped me to deal with the fact that I was rather rudely informed I wouldn’t be security for the high schoolers by one of the teachers that still doesn’t like me … but that’s been true since the beginning and has more to do with she not thinking I was ever a “real” teacher because I didn’t have several years of accredited classroom teaching than it did with the 007 stuff.

Mr. Parnell walked in on the tail end of her announcement and the accompanying laughter at my expense by some of the students and “Harrumphed” and then said, “The large group’s loss is the Science Club’s gain. Edda, Jae, Pei Shin, Robin … you won the lottery with that exhibit. Commander Reagan has arranged for you to have an all-day nature tour in and around Sydney. Chief Dymtrus, please escort the students to security and I will meet you there in a moment.”

As soon as we were far enough away from the lecture hall I said, “Ok, count me clueless and accept my apologies but what exhibit?”

Jae was the one to answer as the girls blushed. “It was just a Diagram correlating the Bonhoeffer’s positive effects on our ports of call with the overall mission of our crew. We just did it for a little extra credit.”

“Well, you may not think much of the work, but some people obviously do, and I would appreciate seeing it when any of you have a moment. Some positive feedback would be greatly appreciated. Ah … here comes Mr. Parnell.”

The man arrived and said, “Sorry for the last-minute change. There will be other opportunities for water sports in the coming days. Here is a copy of today’s itinerary. Read it over and tell me what you think once we get through security.”

The four students moved forward, but Mr. Parnell held me back for a private moment. “Sorry about that Veta. It seems we hadn’t ferreted out all of the problems in our own staff.”

“She doesn’t have ‘sympathies’ so much as she resents someone who hasn’t spent years in the classroom being called a teacher. She’s a traditionalist but not in the sense you are concerned about.”

“Are you certain?”

“As certain as I can be. Why?”

“Because I would hate to lose her. She may be challenging to work with on occasion but there is no doubt that she knows how to teach and get concepts across so that the students retain them. She’d be difficult to replace. As for Ranking and Gwan, thank you for your forbearance. And with yesterday’s episode as well. Essentially the parents were given the option to send them home into the care of someone their government chose, or to keep them on the ship but under what amounts to being confined to cabin with no access to the internet or other forms of communication. They will do all the schoolwork on a computer under the observation of security personnel. They will wear an ankle monitor that will track their location and activity … they are not going to be sitting around all day playing video games … and will monitor who they come in contact with.”

“It isn’t up to me what happens to them. While some of what you mentioned may be considered draconian, I’ve not been privy to all of the details of the investigation – which I believe is ongoing – so I’ll leave their penalty up to others.”

He coughed and said, “Kinder than I expected and certainly wiser than some of the other teachers. I suspect reality will begin setting in soon. How soon remains to be seen but I would prefer not to see innocent students penalized for what their guilty classmates conspire to.”

Since security sent us to opposite kiosks at that moment, I was left with no way to comment and since Mr. Parnell didn’t bring it back up, neither did I.

Our transportation for the day was an amazing VW microbus that look like it might have stepped out of the 1960s. Everyone laughed and climbed aboard with our two guides, filling the 8-passenger vehicle that was a two-tone of appliance green and white. All we needed were surf boards on the roof to complete the look. We certainly garnered a few stares starting at our first stop which was Sublime Point Lookout.

I felt like I was on the edge of the world as the views go on forever at Sublime Point lookout. It is located in Leura, overlooking Blue Mountains National Park; very close to where we were earlier. This spot offers sensational views of the Jamison Valley, and is popular with picnickers and birdwatchers and the more adventurous know it as a haven for rock climbing. Our guide helped us to spot gang-gangs and cockatoos feeding in the casuarinas. On a short hike we also crossed a bridge over a dramatic ravine before arriving at the lookout platform. Gazing out over the amazing scenery we got a different viewpoint on Katoomba and the extended family of The Three Sisters. Mount Solitary was a magnificent sight as well. The sheer cliffs attract experienced rock climbers, who are often seen tackling climbs such as ‘Hells Bells’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’.

Hopping back into the VW our next point of interest was Kiama Blowholes. The name ‘Kiama’ has traditionally been translated as “where the sea makes a noise.” The larger of the two is called Kiama Blowhole and is located next to the lighthouse. It has a 2.5m wide opening and has been recorded at heights of more than 30 meters! About 2km south, the Little Blowhole is smaller but more consistent, often putting on what our guide called “regular whoosh-tastic displays”; whoosh-tactic being a term made up by local advertisers. True geological wonders, Kiama’s blowholes are visited by thousands of tourists each year and were particularly busy today which made having four students much easier on my nerves. The blowhole foundations were formed from volcanic lava flows eons ago. Eventually it was the ocean’s power that created what we see today – eroding the softer strata rock to create the vertical blowhole.

Science notwithstanding, we had to move on and arrived at the Minnamurra Rain Forest Center, where we took a river walk to view some beautiful waterfalls and the rainforest loop helped us to spot several interesting animals including another platypus. There were bowerbirds, king parrots, lyre birds, a water dragon (a type of lizard), and a lot of birds that reminded me of how excited Frankie and Benji would have been if there were with me. Thinking of Benji I quickly snapped as many pictures as I could and determined to post them on the blog – which I was sadly not keeping up with – to share them with my nephew.

From Budderoo National Park and its lookouts we headed to Morton National Park for its double falls. Between the national parks we also saw Carrington Falls and Fitzroy Falls. From there it was a short drive to our final dinner destination which was to see the wild wombats and kangaroos in Kangaroo Valley! Talk about an overdose of cute!

Wombats are cute, but they are also very muscular wild animals. The ones we saw where we stopped to eat – Bendeela Picnic area – seemed immune to human interest but we also stayed back and allowed them to eat. To me they resembled miniature fuzzy cows, at least until you get up close and they still look more like a small cattle species minus the hooves than their tree-climbing relatives. Who knew?

This is what our guide had to say: “Wombats are marsupials which are a special category of mammal. This means that they carry their young in a pouch. They are one of Australia’s most famous native animals and live in many types of environments – from the snowy mountains of Tasmania to the woodlands of South Eastern Australia. They are most active at night, however on cool quiet days you may see them during the day. In Kangaroo Valley you can see them later in the afternoon. They live for 15-30 years. Wombats build a burrow for a safe place to sleep. Female wombats have a unique backwards pouch that stops dirt from getting into it while digging. If a predator tries to come in, wombats have a special hard plate on their backside that allow them to crush intruders into the tunnel walls. [Can you imagine?! An armored butt is nearly as freaky as digging dirt out of their pouch. The kids were in hysterics over that one.] Wombats above ground amble along very slowly, far more interested in eating than anything else. If startled or threatened they however run quite quickly, and because of their dense body composition (77 pounds) it’s possible that a wombat could knock you over!”

I watched one take out a photographer. About like being run over by a rottweiler or some other large dog breed. It was humorous in one respect but in another it was not, and the man lost a rather expensive photo lens when the camera hit the ground. I guarantee he didn’t find that humorous in the least.

With our meal complete we were about to leave thinking we wouldn’t see a kangaroo when our guide had an idea based on a complaint his brother constantly made. We went to the golf course and parked. Sure enough there were kangaroos out on the greens eating away. He said his brother was always complaining about the fact that there was kangaroo scat right where he needed to putt. Problem for him but good intel for us. We didn’t get near as close to the kangas as we did to the wombats. Kangas are nothing to fool with. While the worst danger they posed was as a road hazard, if a Kanga feels threatened they are strong enough to disembowel large animals (including humans) with their rear legs. We may not have gotten very close but we were close enough a few times that my spidey senses tingled. This one large Kanga in particular looked a little psychotic and slightly evil.

Finally we were forced to head back because the ship was sailing away at 6 pm. We arrived, got onboard before anyone had to call for our location, and found the other students there before us. When they saw the pictures most of the girls and even some of the guys wanted to know why they hadn’t been able to do something like that. The girls also had a bit of a fit over the stuffed animals that the girls in the Science Club had brought back. Edda said hers was for her little sister but the other two were unashamed to say they were keeping theirs. It was a bit of a fast one for Edda as I know she had a duplicate stuffed wombat toy in her backpack. And when the others asked if I had purchased anything Aiden, Al, and Edda all replied at the same time, “Post cards.” Revealing the inside joke known by those who knew me.

And speaking of post cards, after posting the bird pictures and answering some family correspondence, I took the time to organize the cards that I had just been sliding into the cigar box. I’m running out of room but won’t say anything to Vit unless I need to. He’s exhausted. He said it is like starting all over again, going over every system to make sure that it isn’t compromised. So far they have found nothing except for malware and spyware on most of the computers used by the diplomatic corp. That tells the techs that protocols are not being followed and also perhaps that they are mixing uses on each machine. Dylan designed some firewalls that require the user to sign on and off each time with a retina scan and listen to a warning before they can continue. The diplomats are already complaining that it wastes their time, but they are being reminded that had they followed the simple rules to start with none of this new stuff would have been necessary. And strangely (or not), there is now a secure database that data is keyed into and then reports can be pulled from it in various formats … no more paper forms in duplicate and triplicate and etc. Ha! It was billed as an ecological protocol but in reality it is for security reasons … and to address the time waste and space waste of having too many paper forms that will do nothing but get filed for posterity.

Tomorrow is a sea day and I’m not looking forward to it. It is the day that I have set aside to answer questions. Baird was less than sympathetic but then switched gears and said maybe this would put an end to the nonsense so everyone could focus on work. We’ll see. I’m hopeful but have realistic expectations at the same time. Either way an early night of it couldn’t hurt.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 54: March 3 – at sea

Ugh. Today was as grueling as I thought it would be. Having to constantly reinforce the boundaries I had agreed to was a big part of it. I found out that Gwan’s family had informed the media department of my acquiescence to answer questions and inferred that anyone could do the questioning on any subject. No. I agreed to speak to students, teachers, and chaperones and to keep it on topic concerning the rumors floating around. That was it. I quickly informed Polina and I was surprised when she herself came down and cleared the room of anyone that didn’t belong.

“While I understand why you offered to do this Dymtrus, next time clear it through Human Resources. They frown on this sort of thing for the very reasons I’ve just dealt with. I suggest for everyone’s protection that this meeting be recorded.” Then she turned and left and part of me felt stupid for thinking it would be easy.

The next two hours was nothing more than a pure grind. The first fifteen minutes went quickly. The questions were general but pretty much put the kibosh on anyone being able to say that I was the originator of the scheduling changes and the new rules. And when I started naming names and referencing committee minutes that are on file it shut down the assumptions that had been made using me as a scapegoat. That is when the questions started to once again get out of line, mostly in the form of personal questions and the kind of “questions” that are more accusations than attempts to find answers. Or the same questions were asked multiple times like they didn’t believe the answer the first time around. I was prepared. I remained calm. I mean if I can face pirates I could face these people … but for some of them it didn’t feel much different.

There was one girl in particular that bothered me with her attitude. She was like a harrier hound … or a lawyer. I kept reminding her calmly each time her questions became out of bounds. Then I’d had enough. “The people in this room should take notice of your actions. What you will do to me you will do to them.”

“Excuse me but I am not the one under investigation.”

I replied, “And neither am I. This session was a courtesy, nothing more and nothing less. You are taking advantage of it and allowing your imagination to run away with you. The two hours I arranged is now up and I must return to my other duties. If you still have concerns, then take them up with Mr. Baird and Security Chief Ivanov. State specific reasons why you are concerned. For instance, you seem to think I am lying when I say it is your mother that asked that students not use restrooms other than those on the education deck. Your mother can be at the meeting and we will review her statements that are on vid and voice recordings on the subject. It was your father that first brought up the idea of restricting all students to the ship while in ports of call. I believe he is on record calling the students and their activities unnecessary distractions to his work.” When she got a lot of stares she simply got up and left the conference room. I believe she was finally cluing into the fact that people that live in glass houses should not throw stones.

With no other takers I returned to Baird’s office area and sat down to start translating. I was rubbing my eyes from an incipient headache then nearly jumped a mile when I felt hands on my shoulders and a voice in my ear that asked, “Rare, medium, or well done?”

Realizing it was Vit I slumped and said, “All of the above in that order. Now my edges are burnt and crispy.”

He asked with concern, “So bad?”

“I should have gone through Polina … or Human Resources. She had to rescue me from the reporters before the meeting even got under way. I felt foolish and it went downhill from there. I remained calm but … but I still feel foolish for thinking it would just be a matter of letting people ask their questions, me answer with transparency, and then I’d have their belief and it would all just go away.”

“Mmm, a little naïve perhaps,” he agreed, but it wasn’t a dig, just the truth. “You give certain types too much credit? But it is done yes?”

“And how. Unless forced to for an investigation other people can just … just …”

“Yes. They can. Now come and eat. You did not at breakfast, and we should not allow others to prevent us from normal life.”

Vit was correct even if he did express it in a way that made me feel even more foolish. He didn’t mean to and the fact that he had come to check on me and brought lunch so I wouldn’t have to face more people right then makes me confident that I picked the right man to have in my life. I can’t forget that Vit has lived through much worse than what I’ve dealt with up to this point.

The afternoon was mundane. So much so that it soothed my nerves. And then Mr. Parnell stopped by and I prepared to get frazzled again but it wasn’t like that at all.

“Veta, I … look I hope that you’ll continue to agree to provide security.”

“I’m there until my supervisors dictate otherwise Mr. Parnell.”

He snorted. “That’s the kind of PC answer that I usually get from others, not from you. What I’m asking is are you going to request a transfer.”

I shook my head. “It hadn’t been my intention.”

He relaxed a little. “Good. And while this may sound crass, I’m thankful I don’t have to train someone new how to interact with the students.” Before I could figure out a reply he added, “And for the record, I’ve had several students ask me whether you’d be remaining on staff. They fear that if there is a change up … several appear to be wise enough to realize that you let them have a lot more freedom that other security personnel will not. Or perhaps would be instructed to disallow.”

“That … may happen whether we set out to make it happen or not. Their parents …”

“And that is a fact that some of them are not happy that got out.”

“Excuse me?”

With a cynical grin he said, “Apparently we were supposed to take the fall. Proving that it was their own parents has created some adversarial situations in their suites.”

This time it was my turn to be cynical. “They wanted us to be the bad cop so they could be the good one and their kids believe that their parents were strictly the good guys.”

“Of course,” he said with a snort. “But at least I can tell them, barring a reassignment by security, they can stop worrying about this. And since you have said you aren’t requesting reassignment, and I’ve gotten no notice to that effect, here is March’s port and field trip schedule. I may need to consult with you since you’ve been to this area of the world with both a primary and secondary student. Personally, I’m not terribly impressed with some of the assignments. I will let you know if any changes come down. And if you could reach out to Mrs. Loper that would help me as well. She’s been in on this since the beginning and is quite frazzled that non-educators are basically shredding all of the arrangements and scheduling for the students.”

During dinner – which we took in the buffet to avoid more intimate conversations that would have been had in the XO Lounge – I discussed what I’d learned with Vit. He said, “Yes, administrators do not always understand the issues faced by those actually doing the work.”

“Experience talking?” He gave me a look like it was a silly question so I grinned and we finished dinner then headed back to the cabin; he to go over reports and me to review the schedule.

We have five more ports in Australia then move to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, then India. Vit told me that India continues into April and then we hit the Middle East, something he is not at all looking forward to because it is going to create a lot of security issues and that I will be on the front line of that, only I can’t look like there is an increase in security in order to not make a political flub. Oh me oh my. My personal problems look small compared to some of what is coming down the pike.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 55: March 4 – Brisbane, Australia

I chaperoned the high schoolers as a large group and after a momentary bought of nervousness on both sides, things fell back nicely into more normal interactions. Edda came up to me bold as brass right after we went through security and were going down the gangway.

“Ms. Veta Da said not to say anything because he doesn’t want you to get mad, but I don’t think you’ll get mad.” I lifted my eyebrows and she got the message to lower her voice before saying, “I should have warned you that I’d heard rumors but that’s all I thought they were. I didn’t think they would have been stupid enough to actually do what they were talking about. I won’t make that mistake again. None of us will. But we have to be careful because some of the others already think we are suck ups and … can be mean. It doesn’t bother me, but it does the others.” By others I understood her to mean the others in the Science Club. “So … “

“So we will simply take things as they come. You can always discuss any issues with your father and he can turn the information over to Chief Ivanov who will dispense the information to whom she thinks is appropriate.”

She relaxed. “I told Al no one has to explain things like that to you. That you get it. You’ve been there. So anyway … if it seems we are one way when it is a Science Club fieldtrip and another way when it is all of us … you know what I’m talking about?”

“Yes. And I appreciate your candor. You’d better catch up with the others so there won’t be talk.”

“There’s already talk. We’re just trying to find a way to minimize it and avoid any hazing in case some of them get bold.”

“Has there been hazing?”

“Nothing we couldn’t handle but … less is better. I’d rather Aiden not have to take notice. He’s got enough problems being friends with Anton and liking Raina.” She rolled her eyes and said, “What a drama.” The look she had on her face reminded me strongly of when Momma would say things like “fourteen going on forty.”

She sauntered off after that and one of the chaperones came over and drew unwanted attention. “Did she mention drama?”

I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes but I managed. “Oh, you haven’t chaperoned with the secondary students have you?”

“No.” The look on her face said something but I wasn’t sure what.

“The Science Club sometimes takes in some of their peers that might need a little cushion from a situation. Miss Baird was simply informing me that the recent issues hasn’t changed their desire to help if they can to keep the drama to a minimum so that everyone can continue participating in port day field trips.”

“They sound like suck ups.”

Just the way she said it, let alone her words, immediately raised my ire but I did my best not to let it show. I did however deny her statement. “Actually no. They are students that are very serious about their grades and the educational opportunities they are being given access to. They’ve a few years to go yet, however they are already sketching out their application resumes and essays. I think it is kind of sweet.”

“Er … sweet?” she said with a sneer.

“Yes. And I hope to see the concerns of the parents alleviated by some of the assignments that Mr. Parnell and the other teachers are creating.”

I could have said more but she looked bored and moved back to the other chaperones who were clumped in a group and I could see her gossiping the information I had given her. That was the last bit of time I gave them to gossip however as I quickly divided the students up into groups and assigned a chaperone to accompany them. The others knew the score but in the lower grades the chaperones seem to be getting a free ride at the security personnel’s and teachers’ expense and I determined to mention it to Polina. Not my monkeys, not my circus but it is something that needs to end so that security can do more than play babysitter in the countries that are coming up. Or maybe I should say, especially in the countries that are coming up.

Our first excursion was easily one of my favorites and I think the same thing can be said for some of the students. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was our destination and we spent four and a half hours there experiencing the beauty of Australia’s native animals at the oldest Koala Sanctuary in the world. One of the highlights was we walked through the kangaroo enclosure to see kangaroos, wallabies and emus up close, and see over 100 koalas. The cuteness-factor was on total overload. We also saw wombats, echidna, platypus, Tasmanian devils, dingos (essentially wild dogs), crocodiles and more. I was just standing there observing when a koala decided I would be a good place to climb. Come to find out I had gotten a branch of eucalyptus leaves stuck in my hair and that is what the koala was after.

“Well my goodness,” I said in a whisper as I stood still trying not to startle the koala. Robin though it a marvelous trick and stuck several more sprigs of the stuff in my uniform and it apparently made another koala think I was the waitress of the day. Since I was doing my best not to upset the animals the zookeepers decided to use me and played along, pointing out the koalas’ features and biology. Too soon they were taken and put back in the tree and I nearly giggled because they looked rather disgruntled as I suspect I am softer than the tree they were put in.

Several students hand fed the kangaroos, but having had my turn at amazing, I held back and kept watch. Where possible I always make sure that the chaperones get their turn at doing things should they so desire so the next time a “stand” was needed I laughingly volunteered a lady I knew to be of the “bird crazy” crowd. She was thrilled and I managed to get a few photos of her being a perch for a kookaburra.

Much to everyone’s sorrow, that part of our day came to an end and we hurried back out to the bus after showing our gratitude to the park by helping them separate some recycling and by promising, once the students were given permission, to talk the place up on their social media. I’ve already added it to my personal blog to family and we’ll have to see how much is allowed through. I was careful as I could be but we shall see.

Everyone was starving by that point, myself included, and it was a good thing our next stop was Summit Restaurant. We had a nice two-course lunch at Mt Coot-tha (Brisbane’s highest point) with views over the City. Next was a short drive through Brisbane Botanic Gardens to see some of the different types of plants that grow in this sub-tropical city.

The next point was more to the liking of the students. We went to the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane to explore Southbank Parklands and ride Wheel of Brisbane and see Australia's only man-made inner-city beach. We were there nearly an hour before heading to our last stop which was Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. We went to visit Kangaroo Point cliffs and Story Bridge. The views from the park extend across the river to the City and beyond to the mountains surrounding the city's outskirts. It is a popular picnic spot and we had a modified “tea” there of cookies, tea, fruit, finger sandwiches, and some small chocolates. At the cliffs' base are well maintained gas barbecues and eating spots, interspersed between vibrant river's edge sculptures, walking and cycling tracks, and whimsical pavilions for the rest. The park was so busy that for our tea, most of the students had to sit on the ground rather than at a table.

We were starting to draw some unwanted attention so I moved everyone back to the bus. Yes, it cut the day short but only by a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, there was some groaning but I let it go and companionably reminded them, “Yeah, yeah. This is nothing we haven’t faced before. On the other hand, I’d rather not let anyone put you in danger, even unintentionally. San Francisco may be weeks back, but I do not want a repeat just because I started taking your safety for granted.”

That was enough for most of them, but I caught a few sneers. I also caught an elbow being delivered in one boy’s side and a girl who suddenly got pointed looks from her female friends. I decided to let the peer pressure have a chance, but I noted it and decided to put it in my report (including naming names) after we’d returned to the ship. It makes me sound like a gossip … or snitch … but under the circumstances the information may lead to the leaks, or weak links, depending on how you view it.

With nothing pressing Vit and I went to dinner in the XO Lounge and then returned to the cabin to watch a Nat Geo show. The show was more than just a little boring and in no time Vit had mumbled an apology and gone to lie on the bed. I decided to go wash my hair and it is almost dry and now I too will go to sleep. I don’t know why I am so antsy. Nothing bad happened today. In fact things were normal. There was nothing to complain about. This is ridiculous. I hope the white noise machine will block out these irritating thought cycles I keep falling into.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 56: March 5 – at sea

I don’t know why I am even bothering to record today in my travel journal except that it is a treat to finally have another “nice and boring” sort of day with no emergencies, chaos, or other upsetting events take place. Vit and I breakfasted together in the buffet and neither of us were waylaid. He to his work and me to mine afterwards and I nearly made it through half the stacks of translations by lunch which we also took together in the buffet. The workday finished with relatively no drama … I heard there was some in the Rankin cabin but that was none of my affair and I didn’t even ask what caused it.

I met Vit back at the cabin, we had dinner in the XO Lounge, went walking on the promenade deck and didn’t get any weird looks or stares, and then returned to our cabin for some “relaxation.” I did do a little hand laundry while Vit completed a few order forms but that was it. We also took care of some correspondence from home but nothing too heavy. The lawyer for the The Foundation tried to contact me but I am not biting. Whatever is going on, they can deal with it.

I also rearranged some items with the idea in mind that I will need to make a pharmacy or grocery store run soon. I don’t want to have to utilize “Ship’s Store” but I may if things get problematic. There’s nothing but pill dust in the bottom of the Midol bottle and I’d rather not resort to Vit’s shaving soap for my legs as the last time I tried it was nearly a disaster with some severe razor rash for my troubles. Ugh.

Now I’m waiting for Vit to finish polishing his shoes and we are going back to bed. Exciting will return tomorrow. It is a snorkeling fieldtrip to the Great Barrier Reef.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 57: March 6 – Airlie Beach, Australia

Oh my gracious. What we did today never gets old. My only regret is that Vit wasn’t with me to make memories with. I didn’t regret reading a couple of the students the riot act when I caught them purporting to be making plans to do some private diving. Nope. Uh uh. Told them if I caught anyone doing it then that meant everyone was going to get out of the water and we would simply head back to the B and then the miscreants could answer for it.

Next came the rules for the day and I got a standing ovation from the captain and crew of the ship that we used to depart from ‘Port of Airlie’ marina at 8am. When diving or snorkeling, listen to the skipper, divemaster and crew on the tour. They’re the experts and it’s their job to make sure you have a great day out on the reef so they’ll take all precautions necessary to keep you safe.

“Next, watch out for the Irukandji and box jellyfish.”

Several students said, “The what?”

“Irukandji and box jellyfish. Both have stings that can sometimes be fatal to humans, yet these stings are treatable, it just depends on the health of the victim and the time of transfer to medical attention. They are one of the reasons that we are wearing a lycra wet suit today.”

“We have to wear these?” One girl asked while pulling at the – to her – uncomfortable sleeves.

“Yes and don’t whine about it. They are also sting ray proof and we are in the peak season and the suits will help keep you safe.” Seeing some looks I said, “And if you are caught removing any parts of the suit you will cause everyone else to be very angry at you when you cause the trip to end early just because you can’t follow a simple rule that is meant for your safety in the first place. Next, marine life on the reef that can pose a threat to humans include the deceptively cute and harmless looking blue-ringed octopus and cone snails. Lionfish, stingrays, stonefish, and sea snakes are other characters to watch out for.”

I looked around and saw all but two of the students taking me seriously so I continued on and simply made a note to include it in my report. “Lastly, no matter how enticing it may seem, avoid touching coral. First of all, you’ll kill it. Secondly, if you do get cut by coral a small amount of animal protein or calcareous material may be left in the wound, making it susceptible to infection. You should notify me immediately so proper first aid can be administered. To avoid trouble will mean flushing the wound with fresh water and then with vinegar or isopropyl alcohol. Not fun but still better than what will happen if there is an infection. Everyone got it?”

The use of peer pressure is amazing. My two mouthy trouble-maker wannabes suddenly found that it was more trouble than it was worth to be insubordinate. We traveled via Hamilton Island, past Whitsunday Island and Hook Island, out to the Coral Sea, open ocean and then onto the Reefworld pontoon which is where we would snorkel from. The wind conditions varied and it got a little rough once we were into the Coral Sea but thankfully it calmed down again.

The guides and crew were great. They obviously had a lot of experience entertaining divers and gave us lots of information about snorkeling, where to book diving, helicopter flights and guided snorkeling. Guided snorkeling is with a marine biologist and is a separate cost to the general snorkeling and I was sorry I couldn’t take the Science Club on such an excursion. They would have flown into ecstasies.

When we arrived at the pontoon it was to find that morning tea was ready. Not that I and a few others weren’t grateful, but we did have a few with green gills from the rough water. Ginger tea and ginger ale soon took care of that however. Arriving at Hardy’s Reef at the Great Barrier Reef, it was time to get our place on the pontoon for our belongings. They promised everything would be safe but given that our students aren’t allowed off the ship with very much there really wasn’t much to worry about. One of the guides got a little silly and said that when the young ladies had grown up they were to come back and see him. Any woman that could pack that lightly was worth any sacrifice. He got a few chuckles but some of the female chaperones did not find him amusing.

At the back of the boat was our snorkeling equipment. We had fins, snorkel/mask and stinger suit. Once we were dressed, we were given time to become accustomed by take a tour of the reef on a semisubmersible. Our first snorkel wasn’t long, but it was tiring for several of the students and chaperones. I could have stayed longer, as could our more experienced members, but better to cater to the others than push them too hard. We had a smorgasbord lunch back on the boat from 11:30 am.

We visited something called the underwater chamber to let lunch settle. Basically, the bottom of the pontoon was set up like a glass bottom boat and from my perspective it was marvelous though I heard a few whispers from our chaperones that opted to remain on board rather that snorkel that it seemed an immature activity for our students. I ignored them but made not to quiz a few students on their experience. Then it was back to the water for a last-minute snorkel.

All aboard the pontoon was 2:10 pm and then it is time to head back to the B. A nice afternoon tea was served on the way and we arrived back at the Port of Airlie by 6pm which was sailaway for our ship. Yes, we cut it close but there was some rough weather that necessitated a certain amount of caution. I had called ahead to let security know and to ask them to pass the info along to the parents. Based on the smiles of the staff and parents who welcomed us back aboard the notice was appreciated.

Vit had a late meeting and I didn’t see him until I was stepping out of the shower. And then had to step back in at his insistence on “helping” him to conserve water.

“You goof. I take it you are happy to see me.”

Vit smile as I lathered his shoulders. “Yes, very glad. I … I worried for you today. There were several large shark sightings.”

“Sharks were one of the few things we did not see,” I said right before I went on to tell him of the day.

Afterwards he asked, “No trouble with the children?”

“A couple thought about it but were convinced by their peers – who decided their stupidity was not worth losing their privileges over – to take another path. Any more from Dylan?”

“Nii. Or should I say nothing on the issues involving you. He is finding strange things that should be in some crew files that are not there. Same for diplomats.”

“Uh oh.”

“Nii. Nothing too awful but possible for blackmail if the person did not want it known. That is a thing Dylan worries about. Polina as well. She is not happy over the things missing from files. For the most part it would not prevent someone from being hired or assigned, but there are a few that it would have even though those particular crew members have proven themselves to be trustworthy.”

We finished our shower and then went to grab a light but late meal and then hurried back to our cabin rather than get caught by those wishing to socialize. Time enough for that on sea days. We both accomplished a lot with the extra couple of hours we kept for ourselves and now it is time to get some rest. G’nite.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 58: March 7 – Cairns, Australia (Part 1)

We did not arrive in port today until 11 am but I did not mind. It gave me a little extra time for personal housekeeping chores and for Vit and I to pay some attention to each other in more leisure than we normally have. Plus sail away was not until 8 pm so it is not like we lacked time in port to complete the day’s activities. You would think that there would be skads of time for Vit and I to take care of things. It seemed that way when we worked for the Marchands and even the short-term contract we had with the Bairds on the O’Meg. This time? Even with the “perks” of meals I always feel behind in some areas. I don’t get to exercise as much as I used to, not even in Pembroke, though I try to do a yoga session at a minimum of every other day/night. I do have to keep my competency levels up so I do simple hand and stance exercises daily but that’s not like the whole body work out I had become accustomed to. Then there is the regular things like watching a movie, reading a book, doing laundry, personal correspondence, practicing my violin. I’m always playing catch up and even when I manage to get everything checked off the list, within twenty-four hours I’m behind again. It gets depressing on some days.

Today however I was happy to be in a “small group.” Mr. Parnell was the teacher in-charge to my security personnel, and we both considered it to have been a nice day as we were leading the Science Club and their Gleeks. As soon as we disembarked at Yorkey's Knob Marina which is where the Cairns Cruiseship Terminal is located, we headed towards the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway terminal at Smithfield where we began our journey up the Kuranda Range. The views over Cairns' northern beaches and the Cairns World Heritage Rainforest were spectacular.

There were two stops for us to enjoy the rainforest and wildlife as well as get a bird’s eye view over Barron Falls. Our local guide met us at the skyrail terminal in Kuranda to help us transfer the short distance to Kuranda Village where we had a relatively leisurely stroll around the markets and shops. As a bone we had lunch at the award winning Frog's Restaurant in Kuranda. Our guide was somehow related to someone that got us a few tables all together and with not too much of a wait which was nice. Even with all that the menu had to offer every one of the students had some type of pizza. Apparently the pizza on the ship isn’t very good and the kids all made a huge fuss at how good the pizza was. Mr. Parnell had kabobs and I had a salad. Not very adventurous but I was getting done in with having to eat so much prepared foods. Even my cast iron stomach was getting tired of it all … or spoiled and blasé’ but I couldn’t tell which.

After lunch we traveled down the Kuranda Range to Cairns Aquarium which houses ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems; from the world’s most ancient rainforest to the world’s largest coral reef. We spent more time than I expected discovering the 70 different exhibits showcasing the rare and incredibly unique species of this region. Pretty amazing but I’ll admit to information overload at a certain point. The ones I distinctly remember are the Endangered Freshwater Sawfish, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Humphead Maori Wrasse which dominated the massive freshwater and marine habitats, while Amethystine Pythons and Emerald Tree Monitors (snakes, yuck) make a spectacle of themselves in the terrestrial displays. We enjoyed a private presentation at Australia’s only Deep Reef Tank and Queensland’s largest Oceanarium.

Then it was back to the pier so the students could reboard and write their reports. We rejoined the other student groups and went through security line together. I noted something was up when there was an additional area in the security cue. They would pull people out of line at random – adults and students – and run them through the alternative line. Or at least it appeared at random; I found out shortly that it was anything but. Two of the high school students were pulled, both were found to have electronics on them. I heard Mr. Parnell muttering when he saw it, but I was waived off when I tried to get details for him. Luckily for me Grover was there or I might have been tempted to pull rank because I didn’t like the attitude that was being slung at me, like I was somehow at fault.

I told Grover, “I’m not asking for anything above my pay grade. I just need to let Mr. Parnell know where the students are getting hauled off to so he can inform their parents. Every single student knows the penalty for being caught with devices off ship. I’d like to know how they got them off the ship myself.”

Grover pulled me over to the side and said, “This doesn’t have anything to do with pay grade. These guys would have been kissing your ass if they knew who you were.”

“Excuse me?”

“They are a team sent in by one Dylan Petric. We both know who he is. And these guys should know who you are. Which I’m gonna check and see … they sure knew who Vit was and all but saluted to him.”

“Lovely. That still tells me nothing or is that your assignment?”

He snorted, then chuckled. “I really can’t say much except that the families of those two have already gotten the same treatment. They share a staff and one person on their staff came under suspicion for nothing you need to know about, but it has to do with a certain hacking incident that caused you some headaches. And someone has a long ass memory and an arm that is pretty damn long too. So tell the teach that this ducklings are going to be treated just fine so long as they cooperate with the investigation … strike that … don’t tell him about the investigation, simply explain about the electronics and they are being taken to their parents. Let someone else share the news that the investigation is still ongoing.”

“Understood. Is this the new norm?”

“They’re thinking about it.”

“Gonna be fun.”

“Sure is. But security needed to be tightened up. People are treating this like a lark on the US government’s dime. Was starting to give Chief Ivanov and some of the others in admin acid reflux and wasn’t doing the rest of us much good either,” he said with a nod before returning to the security station.

I kept my face carefully neutral before going back to Mr. Parnell. “They are being taken to their parents by security.”

“I don’t recognize all of those personnel,” he said suspiciously.

“New team. Apparently came on board while we were out..”

“Oh really,” he said before asking, “What else did you find out?”

“A great big ol’ nothing. Apparently I will be informed how they got the devices off the ship … maybe informed. You are likely to get information before I am since you are part of Admin. However, I got the feeling it would be wiser not to push too hard until they are more amendable. They appear to be a very serious group of individuals with a singular assignment.”

“Ahhh,” he said, finally adding two and two and getting four rather than five. “Is this going to be the new norm?”

“I have no idea, but if it is I have a feeling there are going to be some attitudes about it. There is a division of trust somewhere along the line. But understandable when you add all of the incidents – recent and probably several we don’t know of – and put that as a backdrop of what the B’s mission is supposed to be.”

I’d given him something to think about and stopped his questions just in time as it was our turn to go through. And then I was called back over by Grover. I prepared to go through the other security line but the team leader approached me and asked if I had a moment.

“I apologize for not knowing who you were.”

“Don’t worry about it. Security is the issue. And doubtless my fluid job description isn’t going to make it easy to pigeon hole me.”

He slowly smiled. “And Dylan warned me you could have a hot temper on occasion.”

“Excuse me?”

He finally smiled. “I should have remembered you from the office parties. On the other hand, you stayed off in the corners as much as possible, hiding behind whoever Dylan had brought as his wingman. His wife hates that part of the job and refuses to do it.”

“The office parties or being the person I hid behind,” I asked sardonically. Then before he could recover I said, “If it isn’t something I need to know don’t strain yourself trying to figure out how not to tell me without hurting my feelings and causing me to run to Dylan. Under normal circumstances that stuff doesn’t bother me and given the mission of the B and all those aboard we should all understand there are boundaries. But when it comes to the students …”

“Gotcha. And my name is Dorian Grey.”

I blinked and then had trouble keeping a straight face. “I know the name. And I won’t mention a certain training exercise in Mississippi that involved a baby gator in a bathtub.”

He was struggling to keep a straight face as well when he answered, “Does Dylan still dance and sing?”

“If he does I try and be in a different state when he does it.”

That almost broke him but the man is used to his job and became serious once again when he was sure that I wasn’t in a snit over things. “About the fluid job description, I’d like to have you come in day after tomorrow so you can answer any questions I might come up with after looking at personnel files.”

“Assuming I can. I don’t socialize very much … and not because I still hide out in corners. Port days I am with the students and sea days I am working on translations in Diplomat Baird’s office.”

He gave me an odd look and then nodded before saying he’d be in touch and passing me on through their scanner so I could reboard. Just to make sure that gossip was as minor as possible I double checked that the two students pulled from the line were indeed with their parents – I didn’t mention their parents were being questioned as well – and then headed to Mr. Parnell.

“I just wanted to let you know I confirmed that the students are with their parents. But it doesn’t look like they’ll be back in class before the last bell.”

Loud enough that some of the students heard he responded, “It doesn’t matter. They both receive zeros for all this week’s work due to being caught with contraband. Mr. Guzman is already in danger of failing to get his letter of competency to promote to the next academic grade, this stunt and its consequences are not going to make it any easier for him to catch up.” He made a note on the tablet he was carrying and then said, “Just do your best to keep me in the loop. I understand there may be a conflict of interest, just … help me to keep the students safe.”

“They’re a top priority,” I responded trying to not create a situation by intimating that they were the top priority. As Derrick always says, semantics matter.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 58 (Part 2)

I finally escaped my duty and headed to the cabin to freshen up before dinner and to find out if I’d be dining alone or with Vit. I walked in and then nearly stepped back to make sure that I’d gone into the correct one. That’s when I spotted Vit and Yegor sitting in the floor putting together “toys” like it was Christmas morning.

“Uh … need me to come back later?”

“Ah Kokhana! Dylan sent you something.”

There were four large crates. One was up on my side of the bed the other three were on the floor being emptied by the two men. On second glance two were boxes and the third one was an empty crate.

“Maybe I should just …”

“Nii. We will remove these two boxes as soon as a dolly is delivered. The empty crate is for packing and sending back. It will be taken back by the two team members that are not remaining.” Then he looked at me, saw I was trying to piece together what he meant, and asked, “Did you not receive Dylan’s message?”

“What message?”

At that moment my communicator dinged and a message from Dylan came through asking that I check my personal email. It only confused me even more. Especially when Yegor looks at Vit and says in his heavy Russian accent, “That should not have taken so long.”

“Nii, it should not.”

A little frustrated I said, “What should not have happened is Dylan contacting me on my ship’s communicator. It isn’t for personal business. I don’t care if he is acting like the grand poobah of all that is security and a pain in the backside brat. He’s still my brother and he is referring to a personal email … which I can’t get into,” I growled getting further frustrated with my electronic devices. “And if you are telling me that someone is once again getting into my business that has no business being there I am just about to show that I am just as Cossack as Vit … and female and really close to losing my temper. Not a good combination I assure you.”

Yegor gives me a surprised look and then grins and claps Vit on the shoulder like he was congratulating him on something. Men. Angie is proven right yet again as she can frequently be heard to mutter that they all suffer some form of terminal testosterone poisoning.

Then I use a handy-dandy program that I keep on an external drive to clean up the email, something that raises Yegor’s eyebrows at how fast it works, and am finally able to read the note from Dylan and I’m fairly certain that he should be glad that he is thousands of miles away on the other side of the planet. I turn to look at Vit and ask, “Did you know they were going to do this?” Vit shrugged a little too casually. “Vit!”

He just grinned and got up to answer the cabin door and then as he quickly pushed in the dolly he told Yegor, “This is where we make a quick getaway.” Yegor just laughed. Grrr. Men.

I put aside my snit since it was mostly fake anyway and helped them to put the stuff back in the box they had open and get both of them loaded and back out the cabin door (no easy feat) and then re-read Dylan’s email. Actually only the opening came from Dylan, the bulk of the letter I could tell immediately Charlie is the one who wrote it.

“Don’t make a bunch of noise Squirt. You had a portion of the estate account coming to you anyway and the books needed to be cleared off. Dylan explained that cash wouldn’t do you much good but that some supplies from home might be welcome. Had Angie do most of it. Dev threw a couple of things in there for Vit. Yes, this is on the quiet because I’m getting fed up with the others making all the noise about why didn’t they make more from the sale – been over that road too many more times than I should have – and then there were the taxes that the estate had to pay. The capital gains was a shocker for most of ‘em I can tell you that. All that to say this is less than we coulda made and in hindsight there were troubles caused that shouldn’t have and it has festered, and I just want the final bit cleared from between us. Angie, Derrick, Dev, and Dyl are the ones that specifically said they are the same mind, but you know they all feel like that even when they act like have their heads up their *****. [I could see that Dylan’s filter was hard at work. Sigh.] Plus, that coffee you sent brought a hella good price on the *****market. Paid the lawyer’s fees with something left over. Might not want to do that again though, made some people a little too interested. Maybe get some and save it for the holidays or something like that. Or maybe them regular tea leaves. Been missing the sweet tea like Mom made even if it did like to send me into a diabetic coma.

Angie got to thinking that you must feel like a nun in some of those get ups you have to wear. She sent your box of scarves and broaches. You pick the ones you don’t want to keep and send them back in the crate Dylan says he is sending so you can downsize if you need to. She says she’ll put them back in the trunk you were keeping that stuff in. She’s put some other stuff in there … female stuff. Don’t ask me as she boxed it up separate, thank gawd. I do not want to have to explain that stuff to CJ just yet. [CJ is what they’ve decided to call Charlie Jr. because he hated when the kids at school made fun of him being called Junior. Not to mention we have more than a few “Juniors” in the family and it can get confusing.] I know she threw in some of the shaving soap that Vit uses and girl type stuff for you. She also threw in some of the weird yopan or youpan tea you like to drink. [He meant yaupon. Charlie is so silly sometimes.] Derrick threw in some first aid and hygiene stuff and a few other travel thingamajigs he thought you could use. He and Reggie are going through Lena’s things and found out she had a few PODS stored in a warehouse. Reggie and Benji are the heirs of her estate and Reggie has decided that he isn’t involving his grandparents in this part as every time they make things, in his words, “A hella lot harder than they need to be.” Benji is not involved in this part at all which is a good thing because it is a mess. Reggie threatened to donate or sell it all but Derrick talked him out of it. Most of the stuff still had price tags and receipts on it. They are returning what they can and selling most of what they can’t. Whoever that woman was at the end, she sure wasn’t the Lena everyone of us knew and loved. Dang there is some crazy **** in those PODS. And it must have been going on for a while because Derrick says they are finding things he thought Lena had gotten rid of a long time ago.

Now from me to you Squirt. You be careful. Dyl told me a bit of what you’ve been going through and I ain’t happy. The others may think you’re all grown up and I might agree on that but that doesn’t mean I think you should have to put up with some of the **** that you’ve been putting up with. I know you and Vit need to do what you have to do but you two still just be careful. And you’re over in them places that don’t help my happy any at all. And thinking about my kid sister doing it as a security officer … uh uh, makes my brain itch. So you just do what I say and be careful. And if you have to fight, do it mean and dirty like Dev and I taught you. There is no such thing as a fair fight … it is one of them oxymorons that Dad was always on about.

As for the family … same as always. I’m wondering if that is the good thing I used to think it was. And I know you wanna know but won’t ask but Barbie is coming along. Found some support group she has started going to for adoptees. Seems to be helping her. Glad of it. Lots of what they call unresolved issues that she needs to get to resolving so she can be happy in this life. She and Dylan were really starting to go at it and Rhonda was about ready to take them both out. Bit of news for ya … Karen is preggers with twins. Dev and she thought they’d missed that bullet but figgers that one of the other of them had the chance of it happening. Seems the story of them being artificial fraternals might not have been the truth. Fine thing to find out that late in life. Karen’s husband is going bonkers. It was a whoops to begin with. He was already having a hard time dealing with being the dad of five kids, six is turning his brain inside out and his hair white. Be prepared for her to cry on your shoulder because she sure is heck is crying all over everyone else’s. And on top of it they put her in a high-risk category. Do us all a favor and see if you can talk her out of the treetops if she gives you a ring. Hard to say. Seems like with you not here, you’re the only one some of ‘em says will understand and it is everyone else’s fault you aren’t here. I nearly had something to say about that at the last family meeting and Angie and Dev both hit me in the solar plexis. **** but they act like I can’t keep my mouth shut. And don’t need any comments from the peanut gallery Squirt.

Reckon I’ve run on enough except to say that Derrick and his bunch seem to be doing better. Still a rough row to hoe but they are definitely improving. Oh yeah, and got a packet of papers that I handed off to Dylan on Vit’s citizenship. Seems they are giving him credit for his time working for the Peace Mission. Good deal Lucille. Dylan says that he’ll post it in the file he has running on Vit’s behalf whatever that means.

Love ya and all the rest of the mushy stuff, C

I guess Charlie was serious about clearing the air when we spoke last time. I need to do the same even if that means just not thinking about some of the things that happened and were said because I’m just picking at scabs and that’s not healthy.

I wound up just grabbing a salad and bringing it back to the cabin because Vit and Yegor were playing with the toys that Dylan shipped to them. I’ve said it numerous times … I hate that 007 crud. But whatever the toys were, they seemed to make Vit and his team happy, happy, happy. The electronic devices the high schoolers had on them were confiscated. And I heard a lot of rumors and gossip as I walked the hallway trying to keep my salad from decorating my uniform. A certain staff person in a certain office is restricted to quarters and will make the perp walk when we dock in port tomorrow.

And now that I’m finished eating and writing I suppose I really should start unpacking one box and start the packing process in the crate. Vit and I are collecting too much stuff. You wouldn’t think that was impossible in less than three months but our duffles under the bed are getting full and it is a bit embarrassing. Mostly with wine and that sort of thing but still. Need to watch that. And I can just see Angie’s head explode if she unpacks the baby blanket and toys. I better pack those in a separate box and then close it with strapping tape. Rumors running amok in the family I do not need.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 59: March 8 – Cooktown, Australia (Sunday)

A late sail away yesterday didn’t stop us from an early anchorage today. Seven am and we were in the tender within five minutes heading to shore. Cooktown, Australia is where we were at today. And I had the entire high school student body … minus six that are confined to detention in a conference room where they know they are being watched and monitored by shipboard security and by stateside security. I heard a couple of the parents said it was like jail. I also heard they were asked by no less a personage than the captain whether they would prefer an actual jail sail at Guantanamo or some other stateside prison until a trial can be held. That tells me there is a lot of evidence and not just talk. It also tells me just how serious each of the incidents are being taken. I haven’t been asked any more questions so perhaps my involvement is at an end. That’s probably wishful thinking but I’m happy to keep wishing.

I did get a welcomed surprise today. Despite the new “toys” I am sure he is eager to play with, Vit opted to join me as part of our normal Sunday routine. No trouble today and in fact the students seemed to be eyeing me with a new respect. I’m not sure what that is all about but I have a feeling I am going to have to invest some time in finding out. More mysteries I don’t need nor want.

Vit took it all in stride and merely gave me an innocent wink when no one else was looking. Oh brother, I have a feeling that I have certain parties to thank, but whether they did me a favor in the long run is yet to be seen. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to ruminate on it as I was short two security staff due to the recent need for more one-on-one observation of the students that are effectively on cabin arrest.

First stop, after an amazingly easy bus boarding, was the Daintree Rainforest where we spent an hour cruising on a river doing things like spotting crocodiles and wildlife in the mangroves. We learned about the unique ecosystem found there and how the reef and rainforest co-exist. We, or should I say the students, took water samples to go with the other water testing they’ve been doing since the beginning of this voyage. It reminded me a bit of all the times Frankie and I collected sand to check out under the microscope. I briefly wondered if he still had his collection, but that time is passed and though I enjoy the occasion trip down memory lane, in the middle of a mission is not the best time to indulge myself.

I had been comparing our surroundings to other memories I had when Vit mentioned that it reminded him of some of the areas of coast of Florida that Dev had introduced him to along the southwestern coast. I agreed while I slapped two mosquitoes vying for space to siphon me dry.

Next up was a three-hour visit to Daintree National Park. We visited the Cape Tribulation section of the Park where our guide led us along dedicated boardwalks into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. I’d finally had enough and pulled out my all-natural insect repellent. It wasn’t as good as having Deet but it was better than nothing and soon enough the bottle was being passed around. I wish the planner had mentioned just how buggy it was going to be. From here on out I’m going to need to research a little deeper on what could come up during an excursion rather than simply rely on the schedule. How some of those bugs made it through my clothing I don’t know but I have bites in interesting places. Ugh.

From the boardwalks we headed to Mossman Gorge to jump on board the Mossman Gorge shuttle. The shuttle takes you into the rainforest and provides incredible views of the spectacular scenery. There was the rainforest and crystal-clear water flowing over giant boulders of the Mossman River. The shuttle was rather longer than I expected – an hour – and I finally understood why I’d been handed a back of all-natural this and that type trail bars to hand out to the students. They were all wondering what time we would eat. I was surprised there wasn’t a meal break considering it was a seven-hour excursion.

Last stop of the day was Jindalba Boardwalk. Another area of rainforest at that location gave our guide another opportunity to once again provide commentary about the unique flora and fauna that call this place home. However, I noticed that the students by and large were not as attentive as they had been in the morning. I need to look ahead to see if we have any more of these “food free” excursions and see about acquiring boxed-meals even if it is just crackers, cheese, and some fruit paste. The trail bars we were given were rather awful tasting and I’m not exactly one to complain about food. It reminded me of twice chewed cardboard. I’m really surprised at the omission. I’ll speak to Mr. Parnell in private however. I do not need to make any more enemies if it was a particular someone’s mistake rather than a general oversight.

Speaking of Mr. Parnell, I found out the man has some pretty significant diplomacy skills of his own. He, along with support from some individuals in Admin and in the education department, managed to broker a deal with some of the more hardheaded parents. Instead of a static daily schedule, there will be a minimum number of classroom hours each week that need to be met regardless of the number of port days. I think that is as good a compromise as can be arranged with things being the way they are. On the other hand, part of me wonders that if the Education Department is already accredited and can issue grades and letters of matriculation, why do the parents have so much say in things. They could have left their kids at home or in the schools they were already attending. Some staff and diplomats did that very thing. It honestly sounds like a control issue to me. I could understand if the education their children were receiving was subpar but from what I’ve seen the opportunities are already excellent … if the students will just take advantage of what is in front of them.

There are two sea days and then our last day in Australia before moving on to a new part of the world. I believe the new areas will be a shock for some of our students. For others it will be like going home. The fate of the six students currently on cabin restriction has not been decided … or at least not so that it has been released from common knowledge. I better turn this journal off and get to making sure that my Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian are as up to snuff as I can make it given such short notice. I don’t need to be completely fluent, but a working knowledge of basic phrases is needed so I can check behind the “new and improved” translation program that Dylan got me access to. That is one of those “nifty toys” that came out of those crates.

And speaking of crates, I need to have the one that is going home filled day after tomorrow so that staff can ship it out. And I’m keeping the other one that I am emptying so that I can try and do that again … mail something home with Dylan’s help … at some future point. We are supposed to be home sometime in early July but I’ve heard rumors (during conversations Barney has with Henry) that it looks like there may be another month on the other side of that, depending on how the Middle East and Eastern Europe goes. If Dylan knows he isn’t saying. For now I’m not going to worry about it since it is months off either way.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 60: March 9 & 10 – at sea (2 days)

I finished packing the crate this morning. A guy from the security crew came and put a special hasp lock on it in addition to taping it shut. Apparently the hasp lock can only be opened by certain people … me, Vit, and Dylan, and DHS has a special pass for it as well. I wanted to ask why but didn’t have to.

“This keeps some of the nosey folks out of it.”

“Nosey?”

“Yes ma’am. You’ve got a few we’ve caught getting into things in the name of inventorying. And then items go missing from the inventory. Granted that sort of thing happens all the time … supplies and acquisition is famous for that kind of stuff … but given the nature of the Peace Mission it generates some sour notes on people’s characters. That Chief Ivanov was plenty hot when she found out and is having a security detail – that is itself being monitored – monitor a re-inventory of ship’s stores.” He looked rather pleased by that information so I didn’t say anything else until I asked Vit about it at lunch. He assured me that “they” were on it. That made me want to ask who they were but I’m not sure I want to know. Between Dylan, Vit, and now Polina and perhaps even Yegor I feel like I’m in the middle of one of those awful spy dramas. Bleck.

It wasn’t as easy to get things packed as I thought. There was plenty of room, that wasn’t the problem. It was more a question of what to send home. Vit took a while to decide which bottles he was sending and which ones he was keeping for our personal use on the ship. By not having our glass of wine in the XO Lounge with dinner we are saving a good bit of money. Not everyone has the privilege of keeping liquor in their cabin, only XOs and the diplomats and senior staff. That means if they want it they pay for it by the glass. Not everyone is happy with that, especially on the civilian side. I understand the why people would complain, but also understand that there are privileges that come with rank. Also, administratively, they are making the effort to keep drinking to excess under as much control as possible; you can’t do that with a lot of hidden drinking in cabins and it can be a problem for those sharing cabins as well. Add into it that we are heading into an area of the world where drinking can be frowned upon which adds another layer of complication. So supplies on ship may be locked away rather than worry about them being confiscated or denying the B docking privileges or any other number of problems that could arise.

Dylan sent along these packages that are essentially bubble wrap for wine bottles and it looks like he expected us to send home an entire cellar full. I don’t know if that was a comment or not. Probably not and I’m just being sensitive, looking for the criticism. I find myself doing that a lot lately. Even with Vit. That’s a bad habit I broke years ago, and something I don’t want to fall back into the routine of allowing to happen. There is no need for me to assume everyone is measuring me and finding me come up short. Just the opposite should be happening. I keep forgetting how much status my duty assignment comes with, the level of authority. That should count for something. I don’t know, it just seems I’m struggling in some personal areas that I need to address. I get as tired as other people must of me having to go back over the same old emotional ground over and over.

I decided to send back most of the scarves and pins simply because I don’t know when or if I will ever get to wear them. I kept a couple of basic ones that I might be able to get away with but though I thank Angie for thinking of it, my life is “all uniforms all the time.” Even here in the cabin when we are being casual most of our wardrobe is made up of pieces from our uniforms. What I wish I had were different shoes. I miss being able to wear my Skechers. I remember Derrick calling that a 1st World problem. Whatever. I am happier when my feet are happy. So there.

I caught something yesterday while working and I reported it to Barney; however, she didn’t seem to think there was any cause for concern. I didn’t agree and took my concern to Polina who did think it was worth looking into. Barney got her nose bent out of shape a bit and I got the cold shoulder today, but I was between a rock and a hard place. Vit agreed with me. On the other hand, he all but said, “Welcome to my world.” Basically saying that sometimes you just have to choose and deal with people’s hurt feelings later I suppose.

The translations didn’t match. What I mean is that the translating machines that the ship was using as opposed to the new translation programs Dylan provided didn’t match when the same document was put through them. I noticed some irregularities once I installed Dylan’s but at first put it down to my lack of fluency. But then I got curious and compared the results of the two programs and where the irregularities showed up. It was only problematic on the minutes of diplomatic meetings. Further, the irregularities seemed to be particularly noticeable concerning certain meetings and certain diplomats … and it only happened in Chinese translations.

Since I was concerned that it was either me or the program, I also sent Dylan a heads up using the ultra-private and secure line his uses for family contacts. All he did was acknowledge me and then ask me “for the sake of his hair follicles” to let the professionals handle it. Cute. But good advice. I have no designs to play one of those heroines in a television miniseries.

Other than that the only thing I can report is that I spent a few hours taking care of other family correspondence. Reggie seems to be working through his anger and grief. His letters to me are no longer so harsh in tone when referring to his feelings about Lena. Perhaps it is seeing that some of her mania pre-existed the separation by his parents by many more years than anyone suspected. Benji is getting a charge out of the bird pictures I try to send him once or twice a week. And he reports that Frankie has started an online birding club for teenagers (Christine confirmed there is adult supervision of the club’s online footprint) and he was specifically invited to join making him feel less like a pariah to his peers. He is still standoffish with his cousins, but I think that is more fear of what they think of him than what they actually think of him, if that makes sense. Been there, done that. This is something he may have to battle for a long time. I feel badly that I can’t be there to help walk him through some of this and make it easier on him. But maybe that isn’t my job. I’m where I am at for a reason. I don’t know. I don’t want to transfer my personal demons onto Benji, that’s for certain.

Christine corresponded on Derrick’s behalf. He got his hand smashed in their greenhouse door and while it didn’t require stitches, and nothing was broken, they splinted the hand until they are sure that he won’t keep ripping the scab off the cuts. Chrissy finally completed all her physical therapy and wonder of wonders has decided to take up the violin. Derrick is teaching her some of the basics on a very secondhand instrument until they are sure that she is going to put the time in and make the commitment needed for real lessons. I kind of heard an unspoken question if I would be willing to teach her. I’m not against it but in a roundabout way I reminded her that Vit and I aren’t even sure we are going to be living in Pembroke because we don’t know what our employment options are going to be just yet when this job is over.

I had to remind Angie, Rhonda, and Charlie of the same thing. It seems my siblings are trying to plan ways to anchor me to them again. I don’t know though. After the house issue and some of the other things going on, it just may not be possible for me to do what they hope. Vit and I are saving a good bit of our paychecks, more than we thought we would as we didn’t expect my pay place on the pay scale to be so high … or either one of us to make all the over time that we are being credited with. I don’t know how long that is going to last but we’ll take it for as long as we can get it. And speaking of getting it, I need to go wash a few of my uniform pieces so I can be ready for tomorrow. Someone made a snarky comment in the office yesterday about my uniforms needing some starch. They weren’t wrong. I supposed I should watch that. I don’t want people to think I’m sloppy.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 61: March 11 – Darwin, Australia

A park. Just for crocodiles. Well not just for crocodiles but close. It reminded me a little of the old Gatorland type tourist traps back home. Tower, who was one of the other security guards today, had just as much trouble not laughing at the comparison as I.

We got into port at 9 am and quickly made our way as a large group to meet up with our day’s guides. Once our feet hit dry land the class made its way to the “Welcome to Darwin” sign where a group picture was taken (minus 7 students). Six of our students are still confined to quarters and the 7th missing student was the young woman that had given me such a hard time during my volunteer question and answer session. It appears that she went a little far questioning her mother and her mother turned around and slapped her pretty hard. In her country it would have been no big deal, but the B operates under US law so disciplinary action is likely for both parties. What that will be I’m not for sure, but I heard at the very least it will involve mandatory family counseling as well as mandatory anger management lessons for mother and daughter. No one was gossiping about that however; all the students were eager to get going after two very long (to them) sea days. They didn’t even mind that the Crocs wouldn’t be until the afternoon.

First we started with coffee and breakfast the way locals do it – at a local café steeped in history and once dubbed “a den of communist iniquity” by a local politician. I tried to keep the political overtones down but there was only so much I could do once the aforesaid locals added their voices to the history lesson. From there we dove right in to Darwin’s multi-cultural character – a walk through the Chinese museum and Taoist temple; a wander through the back lanes of Darwin City where we saw amazing life-sized murals and artwork; a visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders where we had the opportunity to purchase locally made crafts and take a “bush-tucker” morning tea. Next came a leisurely drive to explore the myriad different architectural styles of Darwin housing; from the original Burnett-style houses on stilts, Greek and Chinese inspired building, to some modern marvels – and a few monstrosities. Good heavens, some of the buildings were really tacky by American standards. I tried not to be judgmental, but it wasn’t easy even if I did manage to at least keep my mouth closed on the subject.

Arriving at the Darwin Museum and Arts Center, we experienced an amazing array of artworks, explore the area’s refugee heritage in the Maritime museum, and the Cyclone Tracy “chamber” and exhibition. Thank goodness my pins stayed in my hair on that last one or it would have been a mess. Next came a walking tour of the wharf precinct where we were introduced to hidden staircases, the Deckchair cinema, a labyrinth of tunnels under the city. Also included was an amazing virtual reality experience of the bombing of Darwin, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (you can even explore inside an RFDS plane). And all of this before lunch believe it or not. The students were really hustling to keep up with our guides. In a couple of the locations it was like herding cats but not nearly as bad as I had worried it would be. It seems taking the influence of certain of the students out really made a difference in the overall behavior of the group at large.

We took our lunch – I was adamant that there be no more of those “no meal” days if we were going to be off ship more than five hours – on the edge of the wharf looking out over the beautiful Darwin harbor.

After lunch came the “fun” part of the day. Darwin's Crocodylus Park is called a must-see for any and all reptile-enthusiasts making their way through Australia's Northern Territory. Er … yeah. Most of the guys really enjoyed it and not a few of the females. One of the chaperones has been in a funk because he had to re-home his pet boa after taking this job and … let’s just say he more than made up for any lack of enthusiasm on the part of a few of the students. I suppose some people simply have an affinity for reptiles even if they are cold blooded creatures that can eat you.

With an emphasis on conservation, research, and education, visitors to the park can speak with the researchers and crocodile handlers who study the toothy (and occasionally smelly) creatures. These are also the people who are in charge of the feedings and guided tours at this popular indoor and outdoor attraction. I must admit it really was interesting. We were warned to brush up on all our crocodile trivia inside of the museum as there would be pop questions throughout the remainder of the tour and the teachers would be taking notes of who participated. After the museum we ventured outside to see freshwater crocs and their massive saltwater cousins. We were also introduced to lesser known species of crocodiles from the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, as well as a collection of American alligators that lingered on the banks soaking up some of what the kids called aerosol Vitamin D. Lest we were thinking it was just crocodiles there, the park guides showed us lions, emus, iguanas, and enormous Burmese pythons, in addition to tigers, monkeys (why?!), capuchins, wallabies, and red kangaroos. We ended the day with a guided cruise through the park's waters, where we had the chance to observe large saltwater crocodiles in their natural environment.

“Jae, unless you want me to staple you to your seat you will do me the kindness of not leaning over the side anymore. I am not going to explain to your mother why you come back missing body parts all because of a picture you wanted to take.”

“Sorry Mrs. Dymtrus,” Jae said with a huge grin that told me he wasn’t really sorry but was at least trying to be polite about it. The next time he started to do it Pei Shin, Robin, and Edda all grabbed him and all but sat on him the remainder of the cruise.

The chaperone was nearly as bad. But lucky for the man I didn’t have to say anything as Mr. Parnell attached himself to him and kept him focused. I found out he’s the husband of one of the Indian diplomats. It was an arranged marriage. She’s 35, he’s 24 and occasionally the age difference shows. Mr. Parnell said his wife asked if we could give him a job to … after all of the hmmm’ing and er’ing was over with … mature him up a bit. I took from that he’d embarrassed her a few times. Not my monkeys, not my circus, but I suppose it is the kind of situation senior staff does get involved with when living in such close quarters.

There’s been a few times in the past that I wondered if I was an embarrassment to Vit. He says not. In fact, he seemed rather proud of my “innocence” and naivete in the beginning. But I think we are beyond that now and I do not want to inadvertently hold him back, either personally or professionally. I don’t know. But lately it seems a lot of the old insecurities that I thought I had put to bed are coming back. Like tonight for instance.

“Veta you must get over this shyness.”

“It isn’t shyness Vit. I just didn’t have anything to add to the conversation. I was listening to the other women talk … we just don’t have a lot in common or much crossover in our experiences on board. Not to mention it would have been rude to interrupt Barbara Dutton.”

Confused he asked, “Why do you dislike them?”

“I don’t dislike them.” Only a slight fib. “I just don’t know them.”

“Then make the effort to get to know them.”

“How when they really don’t want to get to know me?”

His very male response was, “Nonsense.”

Trying to explain it so he could understand I said, “Vit, I don’t gossip. Can’t. That’s the rules even if I was so inclined. They’re … disappointed for the lack of a better word … that I have nothing of interest for them to hear. It makes my value as an acquaintance pretty low. I don’t bring much to the table otherwise either, not to mention my job … look, the stripes on my shoulders reminds them that I could turn things around on them and take their gossip and turn it over to someone else. It is uncomfortable for them.”

“You are misreading it … or over thinking it. Those women are above gossiping.”

I had to struggle not to laugh in his face. It wouldn’t have resulted in a very good conclusion to the conversation. “I’m not going to argue about it Vit. I know what I know. If you don’t believe me then trying listening next time.”

“What?!”

Whoops. “Sorry, that came out rudely and I didn’t mean it that way. Just … next time pay more attention to the undercurrents. I know you and your friends want your wives to get along. And we do. There is no open animosity amongst us. But my position … and my experiences here on the ship and in life in general … sets me apart. I am fine with that. I think. The other women are as well so long as we keep our distance from one another. Was I this way when we went out with Yegor and Polina?”

Slowly Vit answered, “Nii. But that was … cultural.”

I snorted. “Vit I was raised in the States and am Americanized. Whatever was left over of my Eastern European birth long since faded into obscurity in my memory. My ‘culture’ is Southern USA.”

“And?”

“And … I am Eastern European by birth … but it isn’t really who I am. With us there are commonalities that bridge the differences between the four of us. I … and perhaps the other SOs … simply can’t find any commonalities that don’t reinforce the differences rather than bridge them.”

Vit still maintains that I am too “shy” which may be his way of trying to be diplomatic when what he really means is that I am standoffish. I wasn’t in the mood to risk finding out for sure. I will make more of an effort, but it will be more about keeping the peace between Vit and I than actually expecting the other women to do the same.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 62: March 12 & 13 – at sea (2 days)

Well didn’t I feel like I’d been sent to the principal’s office for a lecture. When she started with the “be appropriate” lecture I told Her (while trying not to tell her off) that she was speaking to the wrong person. That I’d already traveled extensively in this part of the world and had no intention of offending the cultures. That I was aware that modest dress – which was my normal dress anyway – is a requirement and that if her bosses have issue with mine then they needed to address the uniform as that is all I wear unless I am in my cabin with my own husband.

I was really fighting the desire to squawk at the woman in front of me treating me like I was a piece of trash waiting to embarrass the entire mission. Since there was gossip that I’d witnessed the proof of, Mrs. Holier-than-Thou needed to look in the mirror before calling into question someone else’s morals. It was obvious she didn’t care for my response to her instructions. On the other hand, she could not say much in rebuttal unless she wanted to perhaps set something in motion that would bite her instead of me. It might have taken far longer than it should have, but I’m finally learning to not cower away from confrontation because sometimes it is necessary. Perhaps had I not let things fester I could have left home on better terms. But that’s another topic than the one I am writing about at the moment. The thing with the SOs aside, I really do stand up to people more these days. But this … this … whatever she wants to call it is a little more than is seemly.

The nerve of some people. As soon as I left the meeting I went to Polina’s office only to find she had steam coming off of her and I tried to back out fast … but wasn’t fast enough. Hearing her grumble the name of the woman I had just left I closed her office door and asked, “So is she after our husbands, trying to hide her own infidelity (though we both know what that so-called husband of hers is), or is something else going on?”

She stopped, looked at me and then pointed to the chair in front of her desk. “You too?”

“Me too. Assuming you mean I just came from being all but accused of being a street walker with no sense and fewer morals.”

She threw her stylus on the desk and nodded. “That woman is gone as soon as I can arrange it. She is creating problems and riskol [schism or disruption] where it need not be. You are the fourth woman that I have spoken with on this subject. The last one was the wife of the Polish diplomat. The woman is sixty if she is a day and that … that … suka had her near tears of embarrassment.”

“Mrs. Nowakowski?! She lays something across her lap when she sits down rather than show her knees!”

“Tochno! It is nelepyy!” [Exactly! It is ridiculous!]

I suppose Polina needed someone similar in background to her to vent to … or at least someone she trusted not to carry tales. Technically she is one of my bosses but her second is a man and not likely to feel the same way about this as a female does. Since I’d been wondering I asked, “What is her job? I don’t recognize the stripe on her epaulettes.”

With a sniff that said a great deal concerning her opinion of the woman she answered, “Because it means nothing. It simply says she is a spouse of a diplomat’s chief of staff. She is basically just a show piece to stop the questions that inevitably come up as soon as anyone has spent any time in that man’s company. They were married back when such things were still looked askance at. I am told their families are connected through mutual business and social interests. Now that he would be free to live out his proclivities perhaps it is his family that prefers that they maintain appearances. Or perhaps it is the marriage contract that binds them.”

“There is a prenup?” I could see she was trying to translate it so I explained, “A pre-marriage contract that specifies how they split assets in case of a divorce.”

“Ah. Yes. Exactly. Or such is the rumor given to me by your rather strange and useful brother.”

I rolled my eyes. “Dylan. He knows too much about too many for anyone’s comfort, especially mine. However, if he passed the info along then he has vetted it and you can lay money that it will have something to do with the situation. Not that it is any of my business but why can’t you just have her reassigned? Or if not reassigned then tell her to knock it off. God I hope that she isn’t doing this with the students, she’ll send them off in the exact opposite direction and then I really will have a mess to clean up.”

“Net. And technically she is not supposed to be doing what she is.”

“Then tell her to stop,” I said a little scandalized.

“It is not so easy,” Polina said on a tired sigh. “Proklyataya politika. Her lover is very powerful and is … protecting her.”

“I hear the man has a wife.” Polina nods. “So why not invite the wife for a surprise ceremony or award or something.”

Polina slowly gives me what Angelia calls an evil, grinchy grin. Finally she says, “It is a good thing for Yegor and Vit that they are good men.”

We both chuckle and I left Polina to flesh out a possible strategy for dealing with Mrs. Thang.

Vit and I attended dinner with the “XOs and SOs” as we’ve begun to call them. During dinner the subject of dressing for upcoming ports came up. When they found out that Vit and I had already travelled in this area of the world they asked our opinions. I was surprised based on their previous behavior but tried not to let that show, or my attitude to get in the way of making the effort I had told Vit that I would.

Vit looked at me a little hamstrung on how to explain so I took the ball and moved it downfield. (Can you tell we were watching “futbol on the telly”? “It isn’t as onerous as some appear to be trying to make it. When you go to someone’s home you normally dress respectfully as a sign that you appreciate their hospitality. It is no different in this area of the world. They aren’t asking – or at least 99.9% of their population isn’t asking – for you to dress like a convert. They just want you to be conscious that they have cultural restrictions and be mindful so that visitors don’t create unnecessary situations which they will have to deal with, perhaps in uncomfortable ways for all concerned which will only increase misunderstandings. For instance, you wouldn’t exactly show up to your grandmother’s bridge party dressed like a Las Vegas striptease artist.”

Vit tried to hide his chuckle at their stupefied expressions at the way I was talking. Vit knows me too well and knew I was getting a bit of my own back while I explained things. I’d been put on the spot a few too many times and embarrassed for it. Innocently watching the women trying to swallow their drinks rather than spit them all over the place was my bit of innocent revenge. Barbara tried to blow a hole in my act by deadpanning, “My grandmother was a Las Vegas dancer.”

Brightly I replied, “Wow. Then you know exactly what I mean.”

She finally broke and started laughing, albeit unwillingly. I’ve heard that Barbara Dutton is on good terms with a particular woman who shall remain nameless for the moment. She is however someone that likes to tell other women how they are supposed to act and dress in a hypocritical manner. Hopefully they’re done thinking I’m an easy mark for their wit. I’ve had all the ouches I can stand for a while. Either way, I think some people are in for a rude awakening and not all of them on the same front.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 63: March 14 – Bali, Indonesia (1)

I may never show my face again. Never. As in ever. O … M … G as several of my nieces used to say far too often to irritate their mothers. Seriously. And if this gets back to the family, I swear I may never go home. O … M … G

The day started off just lovely. Not. We arrived in Bali ahead of schedule and started taking on supplies immediately. And what should be in those supplies? Since no one in their right mind would ever think of it I’ll simply record it for posterity. I received some pay back for my willingness to stand up to certain parties on a particular subject. An unusual delivery to say the least. Even Vit began to understand I was truly up against some meanness rather than just exaggerating the problem for effect.

In my package was a “Muslim-acceptable” swimsuit for any future water activities off-board ship. It reminds me of my yoga clothes only with the shirt being looser and longer. The bottoms are below the knee capri-style made of wicking nylon material, only they aren’t really bottoms at all but part of a unitard that the top covers. The top is similar to a short-sleeved t-shirt with a crew-neck made of the same material as the bottoms. The top has inconspicuous placements of Velcro that keeps it attached to the bottoms so that there is no “riding up” and exposing what is underneath the top. Then there is a head covering that is reminiscent of a bathing cap only instead of rubber it is looser, made of the same material as the rest of the get up, and uses elastic around the edge to keep it on similar to a snood that covers the entire head. There is also a tie that can be used to secure the cap even more if need be. After all, Lord above forfend a lock of hair should show. I didn’t know whether to snort, grimace, giggle, or be insulted.

“And this is meant for … what?” Vit asked.

“You know exactly what it is for and how it is meant. You know more about how women can be than you like me to hear about.”

He tried to get stiff for a few seconds and then shrugged. “I do not wish to … as Charlie would say … rub your nose in my previous experiences.”

I forced my face into a pose that would let him think the subject didn’t bother me. “I would be an idiot to think you were a priest before our marriage. We agreed that the ballerina and Robert were both in the past.”

It was Vit’s turned to grimace and snort. “On that we agree. And this?” he asked pointing to the swimming costume.

“This? I’m not sure. I’ll clear it through Polina … or maybe HR. It isn’t exactly something that I’ve been told is part of an approved uniform. Or maybe I will give it to Barney to pursue. That should make her day.”

Vit finally chuckled. “You are still receiving blowback for taking the translating issue to Polina?”

“A little. She’s gone on to the next thing which to my eternal gratitude doesn’t have a thing to do with me. I think the woman must need more roughage in her diet or something. Lately she’s been really … crabby.”

“Barney has always been as you say, crabby. Henry is good to be able to get her to relax but even his duties have come to weigh on him. Baird’s position is different from anything they’ve had to deal with in the past. They were more comfortable viewing him as an aging playboy. He is far from that role these days.”

“What about Sofia?”

Vit shrugged. “What is it you say? Not my monkey, not my circus.”

Speaking of monkeys, it has been one of those days. Oh my Lord. The students were wound a little tight today. The new location with all its accompanying new rules made for your typical nervy reaction. But we were going so much today that any excess energy was used up rather quickly. At least our bus arrived promptly so we could head out. I heard the buses for the middle grades and younger students was nearly an hour late due to traffic problems.

Our first stop was Puseh Batuan Temple, a village temple decorated with sculptures and other types of ancient stone. Have I mentioned how much like herding cats the students can be at times? We were all required to wear sarongs before we could enter but thankfully they were provided. And since we were the first tour and the sarongs were freshly laundered, I didn’t have to worry about who had worn it before us. We were there about forty-five minutes touring the grounds and viewing the 11th century temple that faced a separate large communal hall.

Our guides quickly moved us along from there to Tegenungan Waterfall, a breathtaking and scenic waterfall located in a lush jungle setting that you would have thought was a movie set. We enjoyed the impressively green valley panorama with cascading water as a centerpiece for an hour, giving everyone a chance to take some wonderful photos … and giving Mrs. Dempsey a chance to give a lesson on perspective and how to estimate sizes from a distance if the dimensions of one or two nearby fixed points were known. A waterfall and math, what wasn’t to love?

A short stop at Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism, gave everyone a chance to experience how local Balinese produce local coffees and teas. The plantation we stopped a remains best known for offering coffee Luwak or civet coffee. Bleck. Even some of our coffee-holics gagged at that one. Civet coffee is a type of coffee that's made from coffee beans which are excreted whole in the droppings (excrement/poop) of the Asian palm civet. No thank you.

We went from coffee to rice with a stop at Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The location is exotic rice fields located in a beautiful valley of Tegalalang. The rice terraces alone offer a scenic outlook that spreads down and away to the rice paddies on the slopes across the valley. But in addition to the scenery the students got a lecture on some of the sustainable farming techniques that have been practiced for centuries.

And after that came … monkeys. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to be exact. It thrilled me nearly as much as civet coffee had. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of the Balinese long tailed Monkey (macaca fascicularis) and more than 700 monkeys live in this forest. Yes, I kept expecting one to “make contact” with me the entire time we were there but thankfully they chose other targets this time. I was very thankful, especially after what I dealt with later in the day. The big concept we walked away from the sanctuary with was that the forest caretakers implements the concept of harmonious relationships among natural environment, humans, and God. I was surprised at the level of spirituality among the workers though given the area of the world we were in I shouldn’t have been.

Our last official stop of the excursion was at the Ubud Traditional Art Market, a traditional market located just opposite to Ubud Palace. The students were given an hour to “shop til they dropped.” There were lots of attractive souvenirs made by local Balinese such as silk scarves, dresses, wood-carvings, kites and many other handcraft goods. As I’ve mentioned in the past, and it still remains true, the students are encouraged to spread a little economic cheer wherever they go and the market was no exception. I bought a scarf and a bag of Balinese coffee beans (no, not civet coffee though I considered it as a gag gift for Charlie at Christmas).

The remainder of the day-time part of the excursion was a series of scenic drives. Sanur Beach, located in the southeast of the island with fishing boats rest on the sand. Its long stretch of beach offers shallow waters. Sindhu Market, which is a traditional market where locals/residents source their groceries during the day with friendly vendors. Big Garden Corner, a beautiful garden with a variety collection of stone sculptures in an outdoor setting, with a playground & restaurant. Campuhan Ridge Walk, easy and lush green nature trek with scenic locale, known for its hilltop views and the aesthetically rich vistas. Saraswati Temple, a beautiful water temple notable for its lotus pond dedicated to Goddess Sarasvati. Neka Art Museum, where there is an impressive collection of arts inspired by natural beauty, people and culture of Bali. Kuta Beach, located on the western side of the island's narrow isthmus. This beach known for its long sandy beach and great waves for surfing. Ground Zero Monument, which was built in the memory of terror attack in 12th October 2002. The simple yet elegant architecture from carved stones. Legian Street and Legian Beach located in a town that supposedly “never sleeps.” Seminyak Beach, favored by the great wave that is ideal for surfing adventures hence many many surfers visit this beach to conquer the waves. A great many other beaches all notable for something. And then it was back to Benoa Harbour where we docked. That’s when we were all informed of our evening activity. At the time even I was excited. If I had only known. We were going to the Bali Safari & Marine Park.

The park wasn’t nearly as impressive as its name sounds. The area is only 43 hectares (approximately 106 acres) with a relatively small number of animals. But they have the tourist trap down to an art tying it in beautifully with wildlife conservation. I am woman, hear my snark.

It is located in Gianyar, and the safari park is, according to the brochures, home to rare animals from two continents, namely Asia and Africa. There are more than 60 species and 400 rare animals that you can see. Yes, that sounds impressive and yes I know what happened has colored my view but honestly, I’ve been to Busch Gardens too many times to be in complete awe and not miss the areas that needed some rehab and refurb. The animals are caged when not on display and the cages aren’t that big. The animals did include a few rare Indonesian animals such as Sumatran tigers, owls, white starlings, and crocodiles. The main event however was the dinner and “night safari.”

When we arrived, I was glad that several more security personnel had been assigned to come with us. Night activities with the students aren’t my favorite to begin with and the mixed crowd we were with didn’t help my nerves at all. First off, I had to keep an eye that the kids were not accidentally offered the wrong type of liquid refreshment as their welcome drink. Then we had to be broken down into smaller groups for the walking safari rather than being allowed to stay all together. Gah. At least we were all seated together for dinner at the Nkuchiro Restaurant for Indonesian BBQ. That part was yum. During dinner we were treated to the Rhythm of Fire show. It was after this that things got … challenging.

We were put into very small groups for the “Night Safari.” I wasn’t the only adult that suddenly felt like a marshmallow inside the s’more. We were put in specially designed caged trams that took us on a journey where we witnessed and hand fed animals at close range. I don’t think so Charlie. Nope. Not happy with that arrangement at all was I. Especially not when we were rolling through the tiger area.

One tiger in particular was acting strange. It kept pacing the cage I was riding in and then decided to leap up and use the top of the cage as a cat perch and then reach its paw inside like it was trying to playfully pry out a snack. The driver just laughed and said not to worry about the beastie. That he was one of their older males and was asexual and a “sweetie.” Yeah right.

Well that “hormonally challenged male tiger who was once thought to be asexual” decided it had met the love of its life. Me. And decided to try and impress. Not. He … he sprayed me. When male house cats do it it is a mess. Can you imagine what it was like to be sprayed by a tiger?! O … M … G …

The zookeepers immediately ran in to help. But was it for our safety? Noooooo. They were “stunned and excited.” It meant that perhaps they could have another mating pair to add to the genetic diversity of the endangered animals. I’m standing there with tiger pee dripping from me and they are all smiling and happy. It was a good thing they put that tiger up because I was thinking maybe a tiger rug was in my future.

Finally someone got a clue and led me off so I could try and rinse off and change. Grover looked like he was in the middle of a serious case of acid reflux … between the smell and the fact that he was trying not to laugh. O … M … G…

A rinse wasn’t going to cut it but that’s all I could do. They at least provided me … for free after I said a few rather choice words … a nice sarong dress but all it did was cover my bits and pieces. I still smelled. And so did my uniform and shoes despite being tied tightly shut in a garbage bag. On the way back to the ship I sat I the back of the school bus with the windows all around me open and still I could hear gagging noises ahead of me when we slowed down for a curve.

I’ll be honest for a moment and say I was nearly in embarrassed tears. I was the butt of the joke and I guess everyone wanted a piece of it … or something along those lines. And it didn’t stop there. When the bus got back to the ship there were a lot of people hanging around. And it wasn’t because they needed to be there. I waited until the students all made it through security and then sent the chaperones and other security staff through. Grover finally realized maybe it wasn’t as funny to me as it was to everyone else, but I had my dignity firmly wrapped around me.

Maybe I deserved the “ice princess” nickname when I was in college. Maybe. But I sure deserve it for my act tonight. I could have given the naked emperor a run for his money. As I passed by Polina I said, “It will be tomorrow before I’ll be able to finish the reports, but you will get them no later than that.”

Her face blank, her only response was, “Good enough.”

I walked calmly to our cabin. Along the way I heard way too many questions from people wondering what the smell was after I had passed by. I both needed Vit right there right then but was equally horrified at him finding me in this state. I was stripping off in the bathroom when I hear knocks on the door. He was laughing and asking me if I needed any help. Something went ping and I jerked the door open and asked, “Did I make fun of you when you fell in that foul mess down in the bowels of the ship?”

He blinked in surprise and must have been surprised even more when I shut the door in his face right before I burst into tears.

“Kokhana?!”

“Just … just leave me alone. I’m done in and can’t take any more. I’m tired of being laughed at like being peed on by a giant cat is somehow hysterically funny.”

I turned the shower on and proceeded to spend nearly an hour trying to scrub the smell off me and stomping around on my ruined uniform trying to get the smell out of it at the same time.

Everything is ruined. From my outside all the way to the inside. Barney, bless her, called down and told me not to bother, that she’d requisition me another uniform, but it might take a couple of days. I nearly broke down in tears again thanking her for being so nice. Vit wasn’t in the cabin when I climbed out and maybe that is a good thing. We’d probably just wound up in an argument.

Barney was commiserating. “I have an aunt that is daft for cats. And she refuses to get any of them fixed. Every few months the Council comes around and takes as many off her hands as she’ll let them take, but there’s always too many left behind. The smell … I had to wash me Da’s clothes after he’d gone for his yearly visit. Trust me Veta, it isn’t worth the effort. Just tie them in a bag and I’ll send maintenance to get them for disposal. They’ll have to go in the incinerator.”

I didn’t turn her down and all of it went in the bag. I apologized profusely when the man came to pick them up. He just tried to keep a straight face, but the smell really was awful.

I tried to comfort myself by playing but no matter the music, it sounded like a dirge. Still no Vit. I suppose he is angry at me. My head is killing me. At least the smell is finally gone but now the cabin smells like a funeral parlor as I used nearly an entire bottle of perfume trying to cover the stench up. I’m taking a sleeping pill and going to bed. Tomorrow is another day and I just can’t wait to see what it brings. (I need a sarcasm emoji in this program.) At least I finally have a real day off and don’t have to listen to the students and their nonsense that is sure to come. I thought Vit and I could spend the day together, but I’ve probably ruined that too.