TAT.P1
Trans-Atlantic Terror
Shadows on the Atlantic
Essie Vance [Whitney], Peter Graves [Jordan],
Phillip Vance [Aaron], the Beaumonts (grandfather Pierre, Marina, 3 yo
Anna)
Recap: They spent 3 weeks in London helping the museum catalog
and sort all the artifacts they helped recover from the Iraqi ziggurat of
Kizzah. But
also during that time, they somewhat befriended Henry Stanley who later went
missing. Which led them to find his toy train-set that whisked them into
another dimension on a ghost train. Where they battled ghouls as they struggled
to find their way back to reality. Healed, it is time to head home to Arkham,
Massachusetts.
10
April, 1922 London:
A familiar face greeted them at their door. Author Butters meekly doffed his
conductor hat, “So sorry to disturb you. And I apologize if I got you in any
trouble with the police when I reported your visit and the train engine
missing. Anyway, considering you befriended Henry Stanley, poor chap, and him
an American… His will asked he be buried home in America. I understand you are
about to sail; would you mind terribly, escorting his casket? Phew! Thank you.
If you’ll sign these papers, I’ll have the funeral home deliver his body/casket
to the dock.”
12
April, Southampton Docks, 6am: Peter and Essie arrived early to accept the casket which
was loaded into the cargo hold. Phillip was late (escorting the Beaumonts) as
he explained to the others, “I was able to change out their 3rd
class tickets for 2nd class with us. They still charged full price
even though I told them our bunking arrangements. Essie, Marina thanks you for
offering to bunk with her but she decided to room with her father who will help
care for little Anna. Peter, that means you and I are bunking.”
 |
 |
9am: They stood in the shadows
of the HMS Adriatic. As they waited in line, the 1st
class passengers allowed to board first, Essie scanned a brochure that listed
ship amenities. “Seven-day sailing, I think I’ll mostly lounge on the deck
chairs or listen to the orchestra in the lounge. Turkish bath? Oh, that sounds decadent!
I hope they sell bathing suits aboard ship.” Peter looked over her shoulder, “Gym
and skeet shooting for me. But I’ll meet you in the lounge for drinks. Bath? Sounds
relaxing.” Phillip held Anna as Marina handed her papers to the boarding
master, Thus, he could only blindly reply, “Skeet shooting sounds fun. And the
bar lounge even better.”
Their
heavy luggage was stored in the cargo hold. Their weapons checked with the purser
and stored in the armory. Thus, they only had personal luggage of clothing to
carry themselves which they quickly deposited in their rooms. “Six-hours before
we sail. Nothing opens till noon; so, care for breakfast?” Turns out even the
dining room closed for boarding. Along with the squash and shuffleboard areas
as needed for loading traffic. “Sounds like a liquid meal, care to join me at
the bar?” Essie glanced at Phillip and Marina, “Perhaps we could go dancing
after dinner.”
3pm
Sail and Muster:
They stood along the railing to watch the ropes thrown as tugboats helped pull
the ‘lady’ into the currents. Once underway on her own power, the HMS
Adriatic sailed around the Isle of Wight and into the English
Channel before turning westward for the Atlantic. It was after 4pm when the
ship horn blared to announce muster drill. Crewmembers directed the passengers
to the A-Deck where the lifeboats were hung. 2nd class was ushered
to the back while 1st class stood in front. Thus, Essie and the
others could barely see let alone hear the instructions provided. Essie helped Peter,
“No, that strap goes under your crotch.”
5:30
Dinner:
Peter stayed topside already in his 3-piece tweed suit, nursing a drink while
he waited for the others. Essie was fashionably late as she debated trousers or
dress. Pierre stayed in the cabin with Anna as Phillip escorted Marina. The
entered the dining hall together and were met by a waiter who led them to a
large table at the center of the room. Most seats already filled… with
high-class passengers! As they took their seats, a gruff voice objected, “What
the hell do you think you’re doing?! Wait staff doesn’t sit. Get back to work!
And get me another drink!” Peter glared at the seated man with rosy cheeks, “Hold
your tongue sir, lest you lose it.” A confrontation was brewing.
And
that’s when the ship Captain at the head of the table stood to take control as
he called back the waiter who looked dumbfounded, “Mr. Kelly, will you kindly
show these people to their proper table.” But another seated man rose, “Captain
Barclay, that is alright. Please, allow these fine folks to stay. Ladies, my apologies
for my rude associate Mr. Taft. I am Augustus Vanderbilt and would be pleased
to enjoy your company.” He looked toward Taft, “Joseph, if you will please curb
your tongue.” But Joseph obviously had been drinking and retorted, “Balderdash.
You play with commoners like a cat with mice. Kelly, where’s my damn drink? Get
me my regular highball.”
Elizabeth
leaned over to Essie to whisper, “Augustus is a famed safari hunter. Born into
family money but built his own journalism empire. Mr. Taft… nephew of President
Taft who is now Chief Justice. Felicity tells me Joseph tends to ride his
family’s coattail. Always getting into trouble but uses his ‘position’ to get
his way out. As for that young couple at the far end… Jonathan and Judith are
British nobles. He’s the son of a diamond baron while she daughter of an oil
tycoon who invested in the Texas oil boom. The woman beside your friend is MY dear
friend Joanna. Our husbands rode with Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba where they both
died. Joanna and I became friends and world travelers. If you’ll excuse me.”
She rose.
Meanwhile,
Peter tried to remain civil. When Augustus mentioned the name “Taft”, Peter
recognized the significance. But names don’t forgive rudeness. Perhaps Joseph
needed a good punch in the face to make his cheeks even rosier. And that’s when
Elizabeth tapped him on his shoulder, “Excuse me. Would you mine changing
places with me so I can sit with my dear friend Joanna.” Peter gladly pushed away
from the table. Yet Joanna tried to intervene, “Beth, please go back to your
own seat.” But Peter already offered his chair. But as he walked away, he
overheard the whispered, “Listen Beth, you prattling cow, I told you our
friendship is over. Leave me alone.”
Essie
noticed the queer look from Peter staring at the women behind him. Yet all she
saw was Joanna hanging on Joseph’s arm and fakely laugh at the man’s rude
comments. Peter settled into his new chair at the end of the table where he had
better view of Taft. When he whispered his overheard comments to Essie, she realized
why Beth now quietly sobbing. “Poor girl. Sounds like a lovers’ fallout.”
Capt
Barclay stood at the end of the table to announce, “Welcome aboard the HMS
Adriatic of the White-Star-Line. Their fourth and fastest of the
quartet dubbed The Big Four. First to have an indoor swimming pool and
Turkish bath. As for me, was captain of a Destroyer during the Great War. Since,
I’ve had the privilege to captain this fine cruise ship these last 3 years. Perhaps
you’d care to share your own story.” Most were pleasant in their introductions.
Jonathan and Judith had to be asked twice as they too centered on themselves
(lovebirds). “Judith travels to visit her father in Texas where I hope to open
diamond stores.” Felicity spoke less of herself, “Captain, am I correct in
remembering this the ten-year anniversary of the Titanic sinking? Should WE be
concerned of icebergs?” Capt Barclay forlornly admitted her memory, “15 April,
1912 to be exact. The Titanic sailed on her maiden voyage from Southampton on
the 10th making headway to New York. Struck an iceberg on the14th and sank the15th.
One comforting thought is this ship, the Adriatic, arrived to carry some of the
rescued passengers back to the UK. As for icebergs... All ship captains learned their lesson that day."
That
put a damper on introductions! Not that Elizabeth was in form to speak. Essie
broke the ice (pun intended), “My departed husband was an archaeologist. I’ve
continued in his steed. Just returned from Iraq where we helped find untold
treasure.” Joseph interrupted, “Not born into wealth like myself!” Essie ignored
him, “WE did not keep it; we turned all over to the museums. In fact, some is
aboard, bound for the Arkham Museum.” Peter introduced himself a detective. Joseph
interrupted, “With that tweed suit, I thought you a riverboat gambler. HA.” Peter
and Essie both noticed Joanna squeeze Taft’s arm in comfort. Essie quietly realized,
“That old bat his hitting on him. She must be 30 years older.” Phillip spoke
up, “Apprentice detective and Marina here is my fian… friend… girlfriend.” THAT
raised some eyebrows!
The
evening progressed with dinner being served. [failed Credit Rank] Which brought
laughter from Joseph watching Peter struggling with all the forks/knives/spoons,
“Look at him. He holds the knife as if wielding a weapon.” Augustus finally
spoke up, “Joseph, I think it’s time for you to say goodnight.” But Peter
insisted, “No, please. Let him stay. He’s quite entertaining. It is not often I get to watch a civilized man
make a fool of himself. Ouch!” (Essie kicked Peter’s leg under the table.) But
Joanna was already assisting Joseph and leading him away. She called the
waiters, “Kelly/Shaw, please help me get Mr. Taft to his room.” Essie whispered,
“I think she’s making a move on him.” Augustus spoke up, “I do apologize for my
associate. Let me make it up to you. Perhaps you’d like to joint me at the
skeet range tomorrow? Say 10am, before the official opening.”
Before
they left the table, Capt Barclay called Kelly to the table, “These folks will
be sitting with us the rest of the cruise. Please take their measurements for
dinner tuxedoes.” Felicity quietly spoke to Essie, “You two girls look about my
size. May I offer you each one of my dresses?” They finished the evening on the
dance floor.
10am
Day 2, Skeet:
After a hearty breakfast they walked to the 2nd deck fantail for the
skeet range where they found Augustus… and Taft with drink in hand… already
waiting. Peter greeted them, “Joe, glad to see you again ole buddy. Quite a
night I must say. Good to see you alive.” The mockery went over Joseph’s head. Augustus
offered Essie a 12 gauge from the hut, but she declined, “If you don’t mind, I’d
prefer to use my bow and arrows.” Augustus impressed, “Don’t tell me you are
another Annie Oakley!” While Augustus selected a 20 gauge for himself, the
others took 12 gauges. All double-barrels. “Ladies first. One point per broken
clay. First to 6 points.”
Round
1: All were
quiet impressed Essie hit clay on her first shot. Joe also hit clay even though
him slow to raise the barrel and thus late shot. Phillip was indecisive aiming
at the 2 clays in flight and thus missed both. Peter actually fast enough to
get off 2 shots but only hit once. Augustus also got off 2 shots but only chipped
clay. Phillip already knew but Essie and Peter only now realized the man was handicapping
himself with smaller gauge pellets. Joe got back into rhythm with taunts, “Assistant
dick needs some practice. Where’s that waiter with my drink?!”
Round
2: The arrow
just missed the clay… maybe the fletching tapped it on the way by. Joes stepped
up, “Pull” “Click!” “Damn gun jammed. Doesn’t count.” Peter was quick enough to
catch the barrel as Joe swung it towards the others during his complaint. He broke
open the gun and removed the shells before returning it. Joe stomped back to
the counter, spewing curses at the attendant and to harass the waiter, “Kelly,
where’s my drink? Make it a double. Bring two.” Kelly stayed in the shadows to
distance himself from the dangerous man. He only reached out to put the drinks
on a nearby table. Meanwhile, Phillip quick fired both barrels, hitting both
clay. Peter missed while Augustus broke clay.
Round
3: Joe
stepped to the line out of order and fired. And missed. And got more irate
which meant cursing. [94] Essie pulled back the string and released. But her
fingers slipped just before release such that the arrow slipped off the string
and never went down range. Joe sloshed his drink as he teased, “Maybe you
should throw it.” Phillip broke another clay. [98] This time, Peter’s gun
jammed. “Two different guns? When was the last time these were cleaned?” Joe
used that as his own excuse for missing and opportunity to berate the attendant,
“Hey jackass, do your job! You’re costing me the game. I’m losing face because of
you.” In the background, Kelly delivered more drinks. Peter instructed, “Just
bring a bottle. Cut out the middleman.” And that’s when Essie asked, “Did you
see that shadow? I swear it had a tail.” She looked to the sky for possible
clouds or flock of birds as the source. Meanwhile, Augustus scored a hit.
Round
4: Essie
reset the arrow and tried again. “Pull.” [98] The string broke. “We must be
cursed. Two guns, now bow.” Joe mocked her, “Didn’t you say you were a tomb
robber? Stole a Pharaohs’ treasure? Cursed indeed. Don’t come near me.” All
were surprised Taft staggered to the line and broke 2 clay. “Ha! Stay away like
I said.” Peter congratulated him, “Here, here. Have another drink.” Peter then
shot and hit. Augustus quietly broke 2 clay without bluster. Essie backed out
of the competition as she sought Kelly, “Make that a Scotch for me.” The waiter
still skittishly hid in the shadows.
Round
5: Once
again Phillip managed to break 2 clay, while Augustus broke another. Taft… wasn’t
even close. Nor was Peter. At least Joanna arrived to cheer on her champion, “Joseph,
don’t give up.”
Round
6: Joes’ cursing
became slurred, especially when he badly missed. But once again Phillip managed
to break 2 clay. 7 points. Augustus needing to break 2 to tie. But Peter was
next on the line. “Pull.” [00] He slipped in Joe’s spilled drink. The gun
slipped out of his hands and landed butt first on the deck. Everyone cringed at
it possibly firing. They continued to cringe when it toppled over and landed
with a thud without discharging. Augustus conceded, “I think we’ve had enough bad
luck for the day. Congratulations Phillip. Fine marksman.”
12pm,
[failed Insane Vision Spot- delusions]: Phillip accepted Augustus’ handshape but whispered, “I
noticed you handicapped yourself with the lesser 20 gauge. Thank you but I
think YOU really won.” His words trailed off as he thought he saw a shadow,
although without a tail. He mumbled thanks again but excused himself as now on
the hunt. He spent the next 2 hours topside, walking the portside (sun side) of
the ship as he searched for shadows with tails. It was almost 1:30 when he saw
it! Man shadow with a tail! He searched for the source. Moments before he
realized it the shadow of the deck worker carrying a mop. He continued on his
quest.
Essie
knocked on Marina’s cabin and asked her to join her in the Turkish bath. Girl
talk, “So, what’s up with Phillip? Do you love him? Miss him?” They spoke in
French to hide their conversation. Laughter was in English.
Peter
settled into a lounge chair to eavesdrop on Joanna and Taft. He noticed Phillip
like a bloodhound on a hunt and quietly thought how he’d make a fine detective someday.
He faked reading a book as he listened to the nearby conversation. Idle chatter,
mostly from Joanna. Taft too slurred in speech to understand. Joanna waved for
Kelly, “Bring some water. It’s too soon.” Joseph protested, “I can hold my liquor.
Just warming up for dinner.” That’s assuming Peter understood the slurred words.
But him also distracted. “Was that a shadow with a tail?”
NEXT
SESSION:
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