Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

[davedove]

Scene 6


Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh


When the time came, Ms. Stork and I made our way to the main dining room of the ship. Like many cruises, we had been assigned a table and I was curious who would be seated with us. The organizers of the Kilted Kruise had arranged for the entire group to sit together, but we didn’t know who would be at our table.

When we arrived, the headwaiter quickly showed us to our table. Apparently, we were the first to arrive at our table, although I saw that people were seated at some of the other tables.

As other diners arrived and were seated at nearby tables, I did recognize some of them, but others were complete strangers.

Soon, the Panache clan arrived and sat at the table right next to mine. Shortly after that, David and his wife also approached and sat at the same table. I noticed that his table seemed to be centrally located among those tables with kilted gentlemen. Apparently, this was the Moderators table, although it appeared to seat only eight. So, the table was already over half full, not nearly enough for all the Moderators and their families.

Just then the first of our table companions arrived. Coemgen quickly approached, still in his casual kilt, but at least he had removed his pith helmet before dinner.

“Mon ami,” he said in a heavy French accent. “How good it is to be seated with you for dinner.”

“Coemgen,” I said, “I just have to ask you. What is it with the accents?”

“But what do you mean, monsieur? My speech, she is the same as it always is.”

I decided to let the matter drop, as another person was approaching our table. This time is was an attractive dark-haired woman, perhaps around forty years of age. She carried herself well, like a dancer or model would, and her clothes, while not necessarily trendy, were very stylish and fit her well.

“Hello,” she said to us as she was seated. “My name is Di.”

She looked familiar, so after we had all introduced ourselves, I asked her, “Are you a member of our organization?”

“You mean X Marks? Yes, I am. You would know me as SexyButler.”

“Of course, now I know where I’ve seen you. Welcome to the cruise. Have you met anyone else yet?”

“No, I really only made it on board about an hour ago and only had time to check out my cabin before coming to dinner.”

I looked over at the Moderators table and saw that the last seats had been taken by Bradley and his lovely wife. Bradley had recently been elevated to the ranks of Moderator. I wondered if he had to go through the same trials as I had when I lost the position to Panache.

Two more people sat at our table that we had already met on the trip, Livingston and macdoc. After introductions were made, we chatted until the final members of our table approached.

“My friends,” the large voice called out as he approached. “I am so glad to see you again.” Ancienne Alliance grabbed my hand and pulled me into an embrace. He released me and introduced the woman her had approached with him. “Allow me to introduce my beautiful wife.”

The woman extended her hand to me. “Please excuse my husband,” she said. “He can be a bit, exuberant.”

“Quite all right,” I replied. “Please sit down and join us.”

I introduced the couple to those sitting at the table and he greeted each of them just as he had me.

Just then I noticed the people being led to the table on the other side of the Moderators. Still wearing their black leather kilts, Grant, Big Mikey, and another man were following the headwaiter when Grant noticed Panache.

“What?” he exclaimed loudly. “You expect us to sit near him?” Glancing past Panache, he saw me sitting at my table. “And him as well? This is unacceptable!”

The headwaiter seemed unsure what to do, but Mikey quickly pulled Grant aside and spoke quietly to him.

“Very well,” said Grant. “We will sit here. Let the ruffians see how royalty behaves. Perhaps we will rub off on them.”

Again, Mikey looked relieved. This would probably be a long trip for him. Whatever pay he received from Grant would be fully earned on this voyage.

[starbkjrus]

hehehehehehehehehe.

Will there be any tapioca for dessert?

Looking forward to more.....

[Coemgen]

Just then the first of our table companions arrived. Coemgen quickly approached, still in his casual kilt, but at least he had removed his pith helmet before dinner.

“Mon ami,” he said in a heavy French accent. “How good it is to be seated with you for dinner.”

hehehehehehehehehe.

Will there be any tapioca for dessert?

Looking forward to more.....

</french>
<yiddish>
Eh? Vos es dis meshugana, fakakta tapioca?

[Arlen]

I can't wait to see more of the story. It's a pity Grant couldn't find himself some dinner dress. I bet he isn't even wearing his dress chicken.

[davedove]

Scene 7


Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh


Like on most cruises, the hardest part of dinner was deciding what to eat. There were so many choices that no one could possibly eat them all. I finally settled on a nice steak topped with blue cheese butter and Ms. Stork ordered the salmon cooked on a cedar plank.

Even with Grant seated so close to us, the meal passed without incident. There was a small bit of concern as the desserts were being ordered. Unlike his usual self, Grant was being very nice to his waiter, and maybe a little too nice, even forward to his assistant waiter, an attractive young lady from the Czech Republic.

“Thank you, my dear,” I heard him say as she handed him the dessert menu. He leaned over towards her. “Which of these delectable choices would a lovely young thing like yourself order?”

Before she could answer though, he interrupted her. “Oh wait, there is pudding. Let us have some pudding.” His smile was just like of a child who had just received his favorite dish.

Other than that small event, everything well through the meal and we all enjoyed the experience.

Shortly after dinner, the show stage had been reserved for those who had specifically signed up for the Kilted Kruise. Soon after the appointed time, when everyone was seated, Dee walked onto the stage. I had not seen him at dinner, but the dining room was large and he was probably seated far enough away that I didn’t notice him.

“Hello everyone,” he began. “Welcome to the first ever Kilted Kruise. My name is Dee and I am a Herald for that great kilted organization, X marks the Scot. Many of you are a member of X marks already, but many of you are not and probably want to learn a little more about us.”

“Our organization,” he continued, “is a brotherhood of those who welcome the kilt as an alternative to the standard men’s clothing. We offer friendship and fellowship to all those who join. Our members are great for sharing their experiences and giving advice to new kilt wearers and all of us realize how much we can learn from one another. When this cruise is over, we hope that you all will consider joining our organization. But first, let me introduce a few of our Moderators.”

“First,” he said, “allow me to introduce David, one of our earliest Moderators.”

David walked from backstage to stand behind Dee.

“Second,” Dee continued, “the one and only Jaime.”

Jaime walked onto the stage and joined David. He waved enthusiastically to the crowd.

“And finally,” said Dee, “our newest Moderator, Bradley.”

Bradley took his place on the stage.

After the applause ended, Dee continued. “There are some other Moderators besides these three gentlemen, but they had to stay behind. Someone has to run the place since I’m not there.” The crowd chuckled lightly at his joke.

“Anyway,” he went on, “Right now we want to open up the floor to any questions you may have about our organization. If you have a question, please raise your hand and I will be around with a microphone so that everyone can hear the question.”

For the next several minutes, Dee made his way around the theater, letting many different people ask a variety of questions. Most were about membership dues, responsibilities, and other things that all organizations have to deal with.

Then I heard a loud voice call out from behind me. “We have a question.”

Turning around, I saw that it was Grant. He had called out loudly to get everyone’s attention and was waiting for Dee to get to him with the microphone.

When Dee got to him, Grant grabbed the microphone and began speaking.

“Your little organization sounds very interesting,” he said, “but we feel what you have said does not completely meet our needs. What about those like us who have greater ambitions? What of us who deserve a leadership role in the organization.”

Jaime took the question. “Well, Grant, anyone who joins has the potential for a leadership position. All you have to do is contribute for a time. The current Moderators will consider the quality of your contributions, and if you meet the standards of excellence, you will be invited to join their ranks.”

“We would expect one such as yourself to answer in that way. Your method is so slow and inefficient. When someone with obvious leadership ability comes to you, you should elevate him immediately. Only in that way can your organization rise to true power.”

David took the microphone from Jaime. “Grant,” he said, “I think I may be able to answer your questions better in private. If you like, I can speak with you after this gathering.”

Grant thought about that for a moment. “We find that acceptable,” he said. “You may speak with Mikey here and he will arrange the meeting.

Grant then took his seat and the questions continued. Once the questions finished, the attendees filed out of the theater to enjoy the amenities of the ship.

[Livingston]

This is getting interesting. BTW, that was a great meal. Too many more like that and I'll have to retire my current, but small, kollection and find some new kilts.

[Jock Scot]

Hmm,this Grant fellow is rather irksome,maybe,on second thoughts,he should be cast overboard.I am still concerned about the fish though. OK ok,I know,shut up Jock and eat your peanuts.

[Livingston]

I know what you mean, Jock. The fishing in that area would end up poor for quite a while.

[davedove]

Scene 8


Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh


After the gathering in the theater, it was nearly time for the mandatory lifeboat drill, so Ms. Stork and I headed back to our cabin to get our life jackets. When the drill alarm sounded we made our way to our designated location like everyone else.

After the drill, we returned the jackets to the cabin. Ms. Stork decided to get started on her reading, but I wanted to enjoy the ship life a bit more before retiring. The next day would be a day at sea as we made our way to Cozumel. I figured there would be plenty of time to relax tomorrow.

My first stop was the Highland Bar. There I found several of our members enjoying a bit of single malt. Some members were enjoying more than a bit.

The bar was designed to have the feel of a typical pub. In keeping with the Scottish theme, there were pictures of highland scenery and a few of different kilted warriors.

I noticed Jaime and Bradley were enjoying a wee dram together, so I walked up to join them.

“Gentlemen, do you mind if I join you?” I asked.

“Of course,” said Jaime. “Here try what we’re having. It’s got a marvelous smoky taste to it.”

I took the glass he offered and had a sip. It was very smooth and did indeed have a smoky finish to it.

“Nice,” I said.

“Several people came up to us after the presentation,” said Bradley. “It looks like we will soon have several new members.”

Just then a bearded man, wearing the trademark black kilt of the Sinister and Obscene Kilt Syndicate bumped into me. He was carrying three glasses of single malt.

“Excuse me,” he said politely as he moved on.

I looked in the direction he was heading and saw Grant and Mikey sitting there.

Grant called out to him. “Do hurry, Mr. Standard, our lips have gone too long without the nectar of our homeland.”

I turned back to the Moderators. “So what are your plans this evening, gentlemen.”

“After we’re done with this drink, we have to head up to the Lido deck to join our wives,” answered Jaime.

“Yeah,” said Bradley, with a laugh, “we can’t stay away too long or we might actually enjoy ourselves too much.”

Jaime and I both laughed at this, in the way that men around the world would.

When we finished our drinks, we made our way to the Lido deck. The ship was having a typical Caribbean party, with lots of steel drums, mixed with Latin beats. Most of the Latin tunes were merengues and I danced with several of the ladies there. We even managed to get Pipesndrumsnun up for a dance.

As the party wound down, we all made our way back to our cabins to sleep away the festivities. Tomorrow would be a fun day at sea, topped off with a formal dinner.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

[U][SIZE=3]...
...I noticed Jaime and Bradley were enjoying a wee dram together, so I walked up to join them.

“Gentlemen, do you mind if I join you?” I asked.

...
“After we’re done with this drink, we have to head up to the Lido deck to join our wives,” answered Jaime.

“Yeah,” said Bradley, with a laugh, “we can’t stay away too long or we might actually enjoy ourselves too much.”

Jaime and I both laughed at this, in the way that men around the world would.

....

Who is this Jaime you keep speaking of? Some Red Hot Latin Lover of mine?! It obviously isn't my husband Jamie, he whose every waking moment is spent just dreaming of the time he gets to spend with me. Or perhaps he has a different wife besides this one?











Be well,