The powerful bike purred to a stop on top of a steep rise. The rider turned off the ignition. Lifting up the visor, the rider slowly surveyed the scene below. It was true, this really was Crowe's Point. "I've arrived!!"

Since before they had even met in person, Tina had been urging her to make the 'voyage of discovery', but she'd been parrying her thrusts with such little gems as, 'yeah, right'. Okay, not too original and not too smart, but the best she could come up with on the spur of the moment.

"Well Tina," she thought, "You got me this time, it's all true!" Looking down from the rise she slowly took in every detail. Her brain was telling her that there was no way she should be able to see every aspect from where she was, but she had to put it down to what Tina called 'the magic' of the place. She found herself looking past the buildings she assumed were the tavern and the hotel, across the frozen pond to the ice rink. She could see Max and Laura's vineyard, his training ground, the stables. She could even see Tina and John's house, and in the distance Lachlan's hanger. Turning slightly she gasped when she set eyes on The Rose/Surprise. Although she had never been one to enjoy messing about on boats, she had always had a great deal of affection for the beautiful men-of-war from the Nelson era.

She turned back to the love of her life, her bike, mounted up, and headed down the hill. On the ride down , she found herself wondering what she would find, and who she may meet. That last thought made her heart beat a little faster and she began to think that this wasn't such a good idea. She was getting very nervous. What was she doing here? She then remembered Tina telling her that she would only find her way if she was meant to arrive, so she decided to go with the flow and tried to calm down.

Eventually she pulled up in the car park outside the hotel. The place seemed to be deserted, and to tell the truth, she was a little disappointed. Tina had told her that she was expected, and that there was always someone there to welcome new guests.

Turning off the ignition, she dismounted the bike and was about to get her gear from the saddlebags when a deep baritone voice sounded behind her. "Holy snapping arseholes, that's a bewdy of a bike mate!"

She slowly removed her helmet and turned to face the voice, biting down the urge to recite that famous line from Gladiator as she did so.

She smiled and looked up into the face of one Terry Thorne. A look of surprise flashed across his face and he stammered, "Sorry luv, thought you were a bloke for a minute." The Thorne charm soon kicked in again when he realised she wasn't offended though and she was awarded with a patent Terry 1000 watt smile that left her weak at the knees.

He held out his hand saying, "G'Day, pleased to meet you. I'm Terry Thorne, and you must be....."

"BEEJ!!", Tina's cry of recognition cut through Terry's introduction. Out of the hotel doors rushed Tina, and in a couple of seconds the girls were hugging and crying being so pleased to see each other again. "C'mon hon, let's get you checked in." she said.

They headed up the steps and through the doors. Chelle looked up from behind the desk and smiled. "Welcome Beej, it's so good to meet you at last."

"Hi Chelle. I'm so happy to be here, and it's a pleasure to meet you as well."

Tina showed her up to her room. It was everything she had expected. Pine walls and open fire, just like a forest cabin. The balcony looked out towards the sea. The bathroom housed a gigantic spa bath as well as shower, and the bed was to die for. Her favourite music was stacked by the sound system, and her favourite films were by the TV. She looked across at the book case and smiled. They had thought of everything!

She stowed her gear and they made their way back down into the lobby, where Terry was still chatting with Chelle.

Tina turned to her and said, "John's down at the rink. Will you be okay while I go get him?"

The early morning light filtered through the bedroom window sending filigree patterns playing across the bed. Beej opened her eyes and stretched like a lazy cat. She looked over at the clock, 5.00am! She couldn't believe it, for the first time in over 8 years she had managed more than 30 minutes sleep. I think I'm going to like it here, she thought.

She took a leisurely shower and wandered into the kitchen. Opening the fridge she spied a carton of juice. She poured herself a glass and headed out towards the balcony. She had noticed the wooden steamer chairs out there the previous evening and decided to try one out for a while before getting dressed.

Looking around at the view her gaze fell on the ship. She wondered if Brave Captain Aubrey was awake. Standing up to lean on the railing she caught a movement on deck. The figure seemed to sense her gaze, he turned...their eyes seemed to meet.

Jack had spent a restless night onboard. He couldn't get her out of his mind. She was nothing like the women he had known in his lifetime. She shaved her hair, had told the group at the tavern the previous evening that she 'didn't do girlie dresses', whatever that meant, was decorated with tattoo's like a common jack-tar, and rode a monstrous machine she called 'Harley'.

Yet, at the same time, she loved opera and some classical music, and despite the aura of self reliance and independence she tried to emit, she was shy and uncertain when he spoke to her while they all ate their evening meal. She was also a buxom wench, unlike the 'stick insects' girls he had seen around the place since his arrival.

Jack went up on deck to catch the end of the sunrise. As he stood there he felt that he was being watched. He turned to look towards the hotel. He saw a figure on the balcony....their eyes seemed to meet.

Beej re-entered the lounge room. Not wanting any breakfast she went into her bedroom and slipped off the robe she had put on following her shower. She picked out a pairs of sweats and a vest top, stuck her feet in her trainers and headed out into the early morning air. She wasn't certain anyone else would be around at that time of the morning, but she wasn't worried, she liked the idea of having the place to herself for a while.

She wandered of towards the stables and ventured inside. It smelt of fresh hay and horse and she loved it. Although she seemed to have a natural way with animals, she knew it was best to keep her distance until they got used to her, this seemed especially wise when she reached the two end stalls and realised that the magnificent beasts occupying them had to be the General's war horses, Scarto and Argento.

She was so in awe of the handsome pair that she hadn't heard the new arrival to the stables, so the soft "Good morning" startled her more than it should have.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to scare you."

I know that voice, thought Beej, and turning round, found herself face to face with one Maximus Decimus Meridius.

"Oh, good morning General. I'm sorry I didn't hear you come in. I was admiring your wonderful boys."

"You have me at a disadvantage my dear. May I know your name as you already seem to know me?" Max asked with a twinkle in his eye.

At that moment, Hando sauntered in looking for Maximus. "This is Beej Morris, a friend of Tina. She arrived yesterday arvo."

"Ah, I am very pleased to meet you Beej. Thank you for the compliment concerning my boys. You like Horses?"

"Well yes I do, although I have to admit to using a different kind of horse power." said Beej.

"Yeah Max, she rides a petrol pony, don't ya Beej!"

"Good morning Hando, and I take exception to you calling my baby a pony." Beej retorted, laughing.

Maximus raised an eyebrow, "So, Hando wasn't joking when he told me that magnificent machine in front of the hotel belonged to our new guest."

"Guilty as charged General. If nothing else, it's a good conversation starter."

"I would tend to agree." Max said, "But I'm forgetting my mission. John and Tina are in the hotel and asked me to tell you if I found you."

"Thank you General, I'd better not keep them waiting. I hope to see you soon."

"As do I, and I hope that by then you will feel able to call me Maximus."

"Thank you Gen...Maximus. I'll see you later. Bye Hando."

Beej left the two men standing in the stable and made her way back to the hotel. She found Tina and John waiting for her in the lobby.

"Morning girl." said Tina giving Beej a friendly hug.

"Mornin' Darlin'." added John, giving her a brotherly kiss on the cheek.

"Hey guys, what brings you up here at this early hour?"

"We thought we'd take you back to ours for breakfast." Tina answered. "Better than eating in your room or alone in the restaurant on your first morning."

"Oh great, thanks. I'll just run up and change."

"No need," said John, "We're all informal around here, and you're on vacation after all."

"Okie, dokie, let's go then."

They all piled into John's truck and headed out for the house. In no time at all Tina and Beej were out on the Biebe patio, leaving John in the kitchen to rustle up some breakfast.

"So how was your first evening?" asked Tina.

"Well Teens, I have to say that when you introduced me to John I was completely blown away. He's everything you said he was and more. If I'd not been sitting down I think I would have fallen over. He is so charming."

"I know." smiled Tina. "I'm a lucky girl."

"I'll second that." said Beej raising her O.J. in a silent salute.

Tina looked at her with a gleam in her eye and asked, "So, I know you've only been here one night and haven't met many of the boys, but first impressions?"

"Well....I'm so glad I met Terry first. I was getting very nervous and he put me at ease. He's like a big boy in a mans body isn't he. I would hate to be around him on April Fool's Day that's a sure and certain fact. I don't need to tell you what I thought of John, you hit the jackpot there hon. Hando was a bit of a surprise. You were right when you said that Maximus was bringing out the human side of him. We hit it off right away, but then I guess we have a few things in common.
I only briefly met Maximus this morning in the stable. Girl, he got me so flustered I could only call him General!. Then we have Sid..."

"OMG!, you met Sid!" cried Tina

"Briefly yesterday when Terry took me to the tavern. He was doing his impression of a green door when I tried to get in there."

"What happened?" asked Tina, dreading the answer.

"Not much, he tried to wow me by oozing all over me with his slimy chat up lines, so I told him to piss off!"

"NO!!, what happened then, we didn't hear of any trouble when we arrived."

"Nothing, that was the funny part. He just turned and walked away!!"

"I don't believe it!!" squealed Tina, laughing so hard she was in danger of falling off the chair.

John chose that moment to walk out from the house carrying the breakfast tray. "Don't believe what sweetheart?"

"Beej met Sid yesterday."

On hearing that John let out a groan.

"No, it's okay John, she told him to piss off....and he did!!"

John almost dropped the tray at that point. "Damn. I wish I'd been there to see that, and I can think of a few others who would have enjoyed it too."
"Well, after the initial shock, Terry couldn't stop giggling until we got to the bar."

Tina looked into her friends eyes and said, "Go on."

"Go on where?" replied Beej innocently.

"There was someone else you met last night that you still haven't mentioned."

"Oh yes, Captain Aubrey. He's sweet."

"Sweet!?!" exclaimed John

"Hush John, from Beej that's praise indeed."

"Well, if you haven't decided what to do today, maybe you should take a walk down to the water later on today. You could arrange a packed lunch, maybe enough for two?"

"Tina, don't you think that's a bit forward?" asked Beej feeling herself going pink.

"Now then Mrs Biebe, you wouldn't be up to your matchmaking tricks again would you?" asked John, kissing her lightly on the forehead.

"Couldn't hurt." muttered Tina.

After a pleasant breakfast filled with chat and laughter, John ran Beej back to the hotel with the promise that they would meet up later in the evening.

She ran up to her room to freshen up. She decided that she would take the bike out as she wanted to cover as much ground as she could to help her get her bearings around the place, so she changed into her boots and jeans. Laying her leather jacket on the bed she looked through her tops. On impulse she picked out her Master & Commander t-shirt and put it on.

A quick trip to the tavern to pick up the packed lunch, and having stowed it into the saddlebags she was off and away.

It seemed like she had ridden for hours. Was the Point really that big? She was still taken by surprise at every turn in the road. The Terrain seemed ever changing, and she could see how easy it would be to fall in love with the place. Looking at her watch, she realised lunchtime had been and gone, and she was well inland. Was she staying away from the dock on purpose?

She sat down for a moment to think. Maybe she was keeping away from Jack. She didn't want him to think she was pushy or forward, because despite her outward appearance, she was still quite an old fashioned girl at heart. Sighing, she got up, wiped the grass off her jeans, got on the bike and headed slowly down to the coastline.

Parking the bike in sight of the ship, she walked towards an outcrop of rocks and sat down. Was she going to make the first move? Was she going to stay on the rocks? Would she head back to the hotel?

She sat there for what seemed like an eternity battling inside over what she should do next. The hairs on the back of her neck began to tingle, and she knew she was being watched. Looking up, she saw Jack leaning over the taff rail gazing in her direction. When he saw her look at him, he straightened up and waved her over.

Beej got up, and then remembered the food on the bike. As she turned away from the ship and walked towards her bike she failed to see the look of dismay that clouded Jack's face, which lifted instantly when he realised she wasn't leaving, just getting something out of her saddle bag.

Stopping at the side of the ship, Beej looked up into Jack's face and asked, "Permission to come aboard Captain?"

"Permission granted Ma'am." replied Jack reaching down to relieve her of the bag she was now carrying.

Beej climbed aboard and looked around her in awe. She couldn't believe how small it was to house so many men.

"Can I give you a tour of my little wooden world?" Jack asked hopefully.

"Oh yes please. I've never been on such a ship before. I am ashamed to say that I live close to Portsmouth but have never been to visit Victory."

"You come from Hampshire?" Jack asked. A warm glow filled his heart remembering his Hampshire home.

They spent a pleasant time talking about places they both knew and loved before they continued on with their tour. They started below decks and Beej was amazed at hoe little head space there was, and felt sorry for Jack having to crouch down all the time.

When they got back on deck, Jack looked up at the rigging and then at Beej.

"Would you like to go aloft ma'am?"

"Oh, I don't think so Captain. I'm not really the right shape for running up and down the ratlines." Beej said sadly glancing down at her more than ample form, "And by the way, I would expect you to call my mother ma'am, my name is Beej."

"Very well 'Beej'. But what you say is nonsense. Of course you can make it aloft. We shall take it slowly and I will help you every step of the way. I would suggest that you remove your heavy boots however. You may find it easier to ascend bare footed."

After taking off her Blunnies, and with a couple of false starts, they made it to the top, with a lot of helpful good humoured pushing and shoving on Jack's part. Beej looked around her and gasped at the beauty of the scene stretching out all below them. Glowing with both the effort of the climb up and the exhilaration she turned to Jack.

"Thank you." she whispered and placed a tentative kiss on his cheek. She was surprised to see a faint pink glow appear on his face. It seemed she wasn't the only one to be afflicted with the tendency to blush.

It was early evening when they returned to the deck. Jack would have liked to stay aloft with her to watch the sunset, but didn't want to risk her slipping on the way down in the twilight.

They ate their meal on the quarterdeck, and a companionable silence fell over them. Beej looked over at Jack and found him watching her.

"May I ask you a question of a personal nature?" he asked.

"Yes, of course Captain." she replied.

"Your name is quite unusual. Can you tell me what it means?"

"Of course, it's a nickname." Beej smiled when she noticed his puzzled expression and added, "A pet name, like a term of endearment."

Jack nodded his understanding.

"You see," Beej continued, "My given names begin with a B and a J, and knowing that I didn't really like my first name, a friend of mine turned my initials into a name, Bejay, which in turn became shortened to Beej."

"May I be so bold as to ask what your given names are. I'm afraid I find Beej a strange thing to call a lady."

Beej almost choked at the thought of someone calling her a lady, but never the less, she told Jack her given names.

"Very well, as you are not comfortable with your first name, I shall call you Joanne if I may." he said softly, taking her hand in his and kissing it gently.

Beej was flustered even by this small show of affection, so wanting to change the mood of the moment, she asked Jack to explain some of the traditions naval customs to her.

They sat happily discussing the various ways of the navy and eventually Jack mentioned tie-mates. Beej asked him to explain, and Jack told her that traditionally, the sailors liked to grow their hair as long as they could and kept it in a plait. When they washed it before divisions they found it hard to re-plait themselves, so they used to pair up. Each man would re-plait the others hair and they were known as tie-mates, staying in their chosen pairs for the duration of the voyage.

Beej sat nodding in understanding, and realised that Jack had stopped speaking. She looked up to find him gazing at her intently.

"Is something wrong Captain?"

Jack too both her hands in his and looking deeply into her eyes he asked in a deep soft voice, "Joanne, would you do me the honour of being my tie-mate?"

Beej took a deep breath to try to calm her pounding heart. "I would love to be your tie-mate Jack, but I'm afraid I don't have much for you to work with in return."

Jack smiled, realising that she had finally used his name and not his rank.

"I'll think of something." he said, running his hand over her hair."

As I imagined....just like velvet, he thought as he took her by the hand once more and led her into the great cabin, slowly closing the door behind them.

Lachlan stepped through the door of the hangar and stood in the early morning sunshine. Wiping the oil from his hands on a rag that had long before seen better days, he stood listening.

Birds sang from the branches of the trees and crickets were chirruping in the grass. No other sounds could be hear around.

"That's odd", he said to himself. "I could have sworn......"

Turning to head back inside, he stopped once again and waited. Silence.....and then, he heard the distinctive low throated purr that could only belong to the latest topic of interest amongst the boyz in the tavern.

Lachlan took a few steps away from the building, and his eye caught the glint of sunlight hitting shining chrome.

"I was wondering when I was gonna see this little bewdy." Lachlan said.

Within a few minutes the bike came fully into view, pulling up a few feet away from him. The rider switched off the engine, kicked down the stand and dismounted. Taking off her helmet, Beej smiled shyly.

"Good morning. You're Lachlan aren't you? I'm Beej."

"G'Day Beej, pleased to meet ya. Heard a lot about ya.,." replied Lachlan, finding it very hard to look at Beej instead of the bike.

"Heard a lot about the bike you mean," laughed Beej, patting the saddle as she walked up to shake hands with Lachlan.

"Don't tell me, it's a softail right_"

"Almost, it's a Heritage Softail Classic, catalogue colour vivid black with chrome trim." replied Beej, unable to mask the pride in her voice.

"Bet that cost a pretty packet! Oh, sorry luv, that was rude of me asking the price."

"No worries Lachlan, I don't mind. It was a shade under 13,500, pounds stirling that is." Beej said.

Lachlan smiled at the way Beej used the Aussie phrase before adding, "So, what can I do for you this fine sunny morning luv?"

"Well, she needs a bit of a tune up. I was wondering if I could impose on your valuable time and ask if you would do the honours for me. I would do it myself, but I have an appointment."

"Would I?" Lachlan was almost jumping for joy at the thought of being allowed to work on the immaculate machine in front of him.

"Wouldn't you rather Colin or Johnny do it? They're both mechanics after all."

"Lachlan, you have a bike and a plane. You service both?" Lachlan nodded. "Well then, I can't think of anyone better to look after my girl," Beej said smiling.

"When would you like me to start?" asked Lachlan.

"Well, I'm just off to meet Captain Aubrey at the tavern. He has offered to explain the art of reefing sails," laughed Beej. "If you could run us both down to the dock, I could be back here in a couple of hours or so."

"Okie dokie." smiled Lachlan, thinking that he couldn't wait to see the Captain on the back of a hog. "C ya then."

Beej headed back to the bike. Just as she was about to start up the engine she heard Lach call out.

"Hey Beej, any chance of copping a ride sometime?"

"Get in line mate, there's a certain young skinhead champing at the bit for a go. He kept saying something about having something hot and throbbing between his legs, and I just know he had to be talking about the bike."

Winking, Beej fired up the bike and left Lachlan standing there fit to burst with laughter.

On the ride to the tavern Beej had time to wonder what on earth made her say that to Lachlan. She had suffered from terminal shyness for most of her life. What was it about this place that made her so relaxed. More of the 'magic'?

It didn't take too long before she pulled up outside the tavern. Checking her watch, she realised that Jack would probably already be inside. She didn't want to keep him waiting, knowing the naval view of punctuality, and in her haste, she caught her boot in the saddlebag flap as she was getting off the bike.

She would have done a header into the gravel of the car park if it wasn't for a strong pair of hands catching her from behind.

Without a word, her rescuer set her upright by the bike. She was just about to turn and thank whoever it was when two arms snaked their way around her waist. Looking down, Beej let out a groan. The arms were encased in purple Armani.

Choosing to mistake her groan of irritation for one of passion, Sid moved his hands up from her stomach until they reached her breasts, and began a slow sensuous massage.

"Ah, Cherie. I knew it wouldn't be too long a wait before you fell for me," Sid oozed.

"Blood hell Sid, get a life why don't you!" Beej said, trying to free herself from Sid's embrace.

Placing his mouth close to her ear, he purred, "You know you want me. You can't resist my charm." He then proceeded to slowly lick around the shell of her ear ending up at her lobe, which he slowly sucked into his mouth.

Freeing herself enough to turn and face him, Beej looked up into his face and spat out, "You have as much charm as a dose of dysentery Sid. Stay away from me you fucking leech!"

Suddenly the tavern doors flew open and the imposing figure of Captain John Aubrey R.N. strode out into the sunlight.

"You sir, belay there! Unhand that lady NOW!!!" The voice that broked no disobedience boomed out across the car park like a full broadside.

"Oh please, first it was Sheriff Tubby, now it's Captain Lard. Why can't you women go for quality and not quantity?" Sid whined.

Beej grabbed Sid by the lapels and whispered, "When you can have the organ grinder, why settle for the monkey?"

Sid stepped back, amazed that anyone would want Captain Windbag when they could have him. He had no chance to voice his displeasure however as at that moment Jack arrived and stood protectively in front of Beej.

Turning slightly, he looked down at her. "Are you alright my dear?"

Beej looked up, blushing slightly as their eyes met. "I am now you are here Jack."

Jack smiled before turning back to Sid.

"I would suggest that you go about your business Sir."

"Yeah, why don't you go about your business...Cur?"

Sid spun on his heel. "Keep out of this White," he spat, glaring evilly at Bud, who in return smiled happy in the knowledge that Sid caught his inference.

"You gonna make me, shit for brains?"

"Um, Officer White? Please, everything is fine. Sid was just leaving," Beej said. "Weren't you, monkey," she added loud enough only for Sid to hear.

Pulling himself up to his full height, Sid marched off. For now he chose to keep quiet, and not show that his purple plumage had well and truly been ruffled.

Jack turned back to Beej. He took her hand in his and gently kissed it.

"Good morning Joanne."

"Good morning Jack. I trust you slept well."

"Thank you, yes," Jack replied, hoping she did not catch his little white lie. In fact he had spent the night awake in his cabin thinking of her.
For a moment they were lost in each others eyes, until they heard a discrete cough. Turning, they realised Bud was still there.

"Forgive me Wendell. I did not mean to be so rude. Joanne, allow me to name my 'brother' Wendell White. Wendell, this is Miss Joanne Morris."
Bud stood looking at Beej for a moment with a frown on his face.

"Joanne?" He asked. "I thought John and Tina said your name was Beej!"

"It's a nickname 'Bud'," explained Beej, walking forward to shake him by the hand. "Jack thought it wasn't the right name for a 'lady', so he likes to use my middle name."

Bud was just about to ask what her first name was, but he caught the look on her face that said 'Don't ask'. Instead he took her by the hand, and pulling her towards him, enveloped her in a tight bear hug and gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek.

"Welcome to the Point," he said, smiling.

"Wendell, we were about to partake of a cup of coffee in the tavern. Would you like to join us?"

"Love to Jack, thanks very much."

Jack discreetly placed his hand in the small of Beej's back, hoping not to embarrass her in front of Bud, and gently steered her in the direction of the tavern, with Bud close on their heels.

They slipped into a booth and soon Andy came over for their order.

"Two black coffees please Andy," said Bud.

Jack looked at Beej with one eyebrow raised in enquiry.

"I'll have a skinny latte if I may please Jack."

"Can you supply such a thing as a skinny latte Andrew?" Jack asked, wondering what on earth he had just ordered.

"No worries Captain, back in two ticks," Andy replied, winking at Bud and Beej.

The trio chatted away happily until Andy came back with their order. Jack took a sip and sighed. Hot, black, strong and freshly ground and roasted, just as he liked it. Bud grinned as he raised his cup to his lips. Jack looked over at the strange brew in front of Beej.

"Would you like to try some Jack?"

"If you insist my dear." He took a sip and wrinkled his nose. "It's.......interesting!" he said, wondering why they were both grinning at him.

Beej took pity on him, and, hoping she wouldn't embarrass him too much, took out a tissue and reached over towards him. "Excuse me," she said, gently wiping the froth from his upper lip.

Jack started in surprise thinking no woman in his own time would have made such a bold move, then remembering that she wasn't from his own time, and she definitely wasn't like any woman he had ever known.

After finishing their drinks, Beej and Jack rose from the table telling Bud they would have loved to have stayed longer, but Beej had to get the bike back to the hangar.

He walked them down to the car park and left them by the bike, telling them he would catch up with them both later.

Beej handed a spare helmet to Jack and smiled when she saw the questioning look he gave her.

"No-one rides with me unless they wear one Jack."

"We are going to ride on your machine?" Jack asked.

"Well, we aren't going to push it up to Lachlan. Don't worry Jack, it won't take long. When we get there, Lach will take us down to the ship."
"Ah," Jack mused, pursing his lips in thought.

"Think of it as a horse Jack, and you'll be fine."

Beej told Jack to get on the back of the bike and she eased herself onto the saddle in front of him. She told Jack to hold on tight to her, ignoring his protests of it not being quite 'proper'. After starting up the bike she had to smile as she felt his large hands on her waist., especially as he kept adjusting his hold to rest them in a more 'proper' area of her body. As they shot off down the road her smile widened to a grin as Jack reached round to link his hands over her stomach. He's learning to relax at last, Beej thought to herself. The warmth of his body radiated through her back and she found herself sighing in contentment.

Lachlan was waiting for them in front of the hangar. There was no way he was going to miss their arrival. He grinned as he watched Beej help Jack off the bike. He decided to keep quiet about the way Jack was looking a bit green around the gills though. He didn't want to embarrass his new brother.

Lachlan drove them down to the dock, leaving them with a wave and promising to have the bike tuned up by the time they got back from 'wrapping up the sails' as he put it.

They stood watching the truck disappear up the track. As soon as it was completely out of sight Jack pulled Beej towards him, hugging her and kissing her tenderly.
"I've been waiting to get you alone, beloved., he whispered, a twinkle in his eye. "Shall we go aboard ma'am?" he asked, bowing graciously.

Beej noticed that as soon as they were on board Jack seemed more sure of himself, gaining his confidence when surrounded by things he understood. She realised that he was still way out of his depth in his new world, and her heart went out to him.

She was nudged out of her reverie by Jack's voice, low and gentle, not his usual voice of command.

"Well Joanne, I think it is now my turn to offer to take you on 'a spin' on my preferred mode of transportation."

Beej looked up at Jack, for a moment not understanding what he meant.

"Jack, Surprise was manned by 197 souls. How can she be sailed with a crew consisting of a Post Captain and a lubber, a female lubber at that."

"I cannot understand it, but I am certain that we can do this together. Do you trust me Joanne?"

"With my life Jack."

Jack's battle scarred face broke out into a smile bright enough to rival the sun. He took off his jacket and prepared to cast off fore and aft. Beej was relieved when she realised that Surprise was only tied up to the dock and that they wouldn't have to try to weigh the anchor with no help. She began to feel Jack's confidence envelope her. We can do this, she thought.

In a few moments she felt the deck move beneath her and realised that Surprise was gliding silently away from the dock. She looked up and saw that the sails were set and there was enough of a gentle breeze to help them on their way.

Jack beckoned to her to join him on the quarterdeck.

"You need not wait for an invitation Joanne."

"Thank you Jack," she said, pleased to be standing by his side in his wooden world.

"Would you like to take the wheel?" Jack asked.

"Would you like to run aground?" Beej replied, laughing.

Jack then proceeded to give her a 'crash' course on how to steer a frigate, and to her amazement, they managed to move over the water in a straight line.

"I believe we could not undertake this journey in anything other than calm waters my dear. Not without the need to press more hands. Ha, ha, ha," laughed Jack. "On this millpond however, a crew of two would appear to be adequate."

They sailed along the coast, never out of sight of land, but far enough out to sea to make them feel as if they were alone on the ocean. Towards early evening Jack dropped anchor and the ship rocked on the gentle swell.

They both leaned over the taff rail, gazing back to shore and both marvelling at the beauty of the Point. Jack straightened up and held onto Beej, his hand tracing lazy circles on her back.

"I think it's time we ate my dear," he said taking Beej by the hand and leading her down below to the cabin.

As they entered she was amazed to find a sumptuous buffet laid out on the Captain's table, and asked Jack how he had managed to get it all ready before they had sailed. He told her that he had a lot of help from Tina, and he was pleased that she liked it.

He held out a chair for her, and pushed it in as she sat. He went back on deck to fetch his jacket, but was finally persuaded to leave it off as it was just the two of them in the cabin.

When the meal was over, Beej asked Jack if he would play for her. He was delighted and chose some Mozart and Bach. He apologised about playing the pieces alone, as they were meant to be duets for violin and cello. She told him there was no need for apologies as she was certain he would make them sound beautiful. She sat listening to Jack play, losing herself in the music.

She suddenly realised that the cabin was silent and looked up to see why Jack had stopped playing. She turned towards him and met his gaze, noticing a fire in his eyes that wasn't there before. She felt her stomach constrict and her heart was aglow.

Jack carefully replaced his violin in its' case and walked towards Beej. He held out his hand. She took it and slowly rose from her place on the stern locker. Without a word, he led her towards his sleeping cabin and opened the door, standing back to let her pass through.

Once inside she hesitated just inside the door. Jack noticed and understood. He bent down to kiss her lips tenderly, holding her hands in his and rubbing his thumbs lightly across her knuckles.

"I will wait in the main cabin. Call me."

Beej nodded and watched as Jack walked out closing the door quietly behind him. She was grateful for his concern and delicacy.

I don't deserve him, she thought as she looked around his compact sleeping quarters. Jack had taken his hanging cot down and had it replaced with a narrow bed along the length of the partition wall. She took a deep breath, took off her clothes and dived into the security of the bed.

Jack was pacing the length of the great cabin, looking towards the door at every turn. He stopped in mid stride and turned towards the door.

"Jack."

He heard the quiet call and let out the breath he was holding in a great sigh of relief. Walking towards the smaller cabin, his hand reached out for the door handle.
Beej watched as the handle turned and the door slowly opened. She smiled shyly as Jack came in.

He looked towards the bed and saw that she was sitting against the head end with her knees up under her chin covered by the blanket, and with her arms linked around them.

Jack sat on the edge of the bed and took her hands. He felt her shaking slightly. She was nervous, and all at once he realised that he was nervous too.

"Are you sure my beloved Joanne?" he asked in a whisper.

"Jack, you are my world, and I have never felt more sure of anything in my life."

Jack smiled and got up from the bed. He turned his back to Beej and began to undress. When he was as nature intended he turned back to face Beej and saw her smiling at him. He returned to the bed.

Placing his hands on each side of her face he kissed her tenderly. When he felt her respond, he deepened his kiss leaving them both gasping for breath. He slowly lifted the blanket and joined her in the bed. Running his hands over her body as if charting new territory, he kissed her again.

He eased away from her to look into her azure eyes.

"Permission to come aboard ma'am?"

"Permission granted Captain," she replied, smiling broadly.