C James

Indeed!!! A very thoughtful gift from the considerate Mr. Basingstoke. So, let's look at the history of that garlic press. Trevor saved it from the pirate ship (mistaking it for an EPIRB in the dark, due to its similar shape and his numb hands). This directly resulted in Trevor's ordeal in the Southern Ocean. He then used it as a mayday beacon, by setting that huge log on fire and tying it to it with a mayday note inside. That note was indeed discovered (and resulted in the press descending on Trevor). Now, the garlic press has served to introduce Basingstoke to Trevor. Perhaps we were wrong to think of Bridget as the primary antagonist in this story? Could his garlic press be the actual antagonist? Will it redeem itself before the end?

Interesting news: at least one of the "black boxes" has been reported to be nonfunctional for weeks. It's pretty clear that Costa lines knew of and approved of a close pass of the island, because their ships do such things fairly often. They cannot say they didn't know; on every Costa ship, near the main lobby, is a display showing the current positions of all other Costa ships. They are tracked in real time. The cruise line would know of any course deviations. The prime cause is that the captain took manual control, and utterly disregarded safety, his instruments, common sense, and proceeded to make the turn to parallel the shore visually (at night). His navigation display would have shown the danger very clearly. It's known for certain where the ship first hit: divers found wreckage there. One lingering puzzle; the gash is on the port side. The ship, however, rolled over on its starboard side. The watertight bulkheads run side to side, so water entering one side could reach the other, but it's still odd that it would list away from the hole. This makes me wonder if the initial impact could have also holed the ship's hull elsewhere.

The Costa Concordia, one of the largest cruise liners on earth, over a thousand feet long and 114,000 tons, struck rocks off the Italian coast, then capsized and partially sank on Jan 13th. 12 are known dead so far, but there are still around 30 missing. It could have been vastly worse; there were over 4,000 people aboard. I've been on quite a few cruises, including two on Costa lines so I'm quite interested in this story. Also, for those of you following "Circumnavigation", you'll recall me yammering on about AIS: a type of active radar transponder, which reports on a ship's ID, course, heading, etc. AIS, in this case, allows us to see what really happened to the Concordia. It's already known that she, via reckless handling, hit rocks a couple of miles south of where she now lies. However, the press reports involving the time between that initial impact and the second grounding a couple of hours later are IMHO dead wrong. They report that the ship was trying to reach the port near where it ended up. It wasn't. It's reported that the crew, knowing the ship was sinking, intentionally ran it aground. That didn't happen either. The ship had a data recorder, like an airliner's black box. It was recovered from the wreck the next day, intact. Oddly, no data has been forthcoming from the authorities. I'm troubled by the fact that, due to manifest faults of the captain (he caused the disaster with a reckless maneuver, then got himself ashore hours before the last of the passengers were saved) combined with some painful history (the Andrea Doria disaster, long a painful and embarrassing memory for Italians) and this being an Italian cruise line, with lawsuits sure to flood Italian courts, there is motive here for that "black box" data to be withheld or "lost". Fortunately, we have AIS. A reconstruction based on AIS data was made. To the best of my knowledge, this is accurate. It is also FAR better than you'll find in the media. It also shows a few huge surprises. Okay, going back to the novel "Circumnavigation", it was mentioend that (and linked to) there are publicly availible AIS data pages on the 'net. There are also (Bridget was shown using one) subscription services that have far better data and tools. One of these is Qastor. Here's a page showing a reconstruction of the disaster based on AIS data. They have both PDF and .WMV files for those who, like me, don't have flash. the .wmv files play just fine on windows media player, and I highly recommend them. The link I suggest is grounding costa concordia.wmv There is also an interpolated one below it, but the first one is a bit easier and faster to view, and has no guesswork involved to fill in the data dropouts (there is a 16 second gap during some of the approach to impact in the actual AIS data). The data does, though, show the actual impact, where the ship hit the rocks at high speed during a turn to starboard. It ripped at least one massive (160 foot long) gash in the hull, and left a boulder the size of a small house sticking out of the hull. The true mystery, though, is what happened after that? The AIS reveals what happened to the ship, and how to came to be aground a couple of hours later (a grounding that likely saved two thousand or more lives). The ship was flooding; 5 compartments breached. (generally, losing three adjacent watertight compartments would likely result in sinking with that design). They lost power: that ship used 6 electrical generators to produce power for the ship systems and the ship's electrically driven engines. The generators failed within five minutes of impact. There is a backup generator, but it's not enough to provide propulsion. So, then, how did the captain get the ship to shore just barely in time, before she capsized (and would have gone down like a rock)? He didn't. As you watch that AIS video, watch how the ship behaves as it passes the port; it's velocity vector diverges from its centerline angle (in other words, it starts moving somewhat sideways). It then turns AWAY from shore, before slowly (at about a knot) moving towards shore sideways. That makes no sense for a powered maneuver, but, it makes total sense if the ship was dead in the water and the wond was from the north northeast at around 10 knots (which I've confirmed it was) The ship was drifting, sideways to the wind, and was blown ashore. (and that's something the media has yet to figure out... they are still reporting that the crew intentionally grounded the ship after the first impact, after turning back and trying to reach that little port, non of which happened.) Here's why it's a huge scandal; this is the timeline of what happened, based on what is presently known. I think it speaks for itself. (And BTW, the delay in ordering the passengers into the lifeboats would have ensured around 2000 or more dead had the ship been just a bit slower drifting ashore; it was just about to capsize when it did). And, ironically, I recently learned I've met Francesco Schettino, the Concordia's now-infamous captain, though far too briefly to have any impression. I didn't even remember until I saw this news item and saw the date. I was aboard that ship (Costa Atlantica) for that cruise, and on cruises I always go to what's called the captain's cocktail party: frequent cruisers are invited (so just you and about 800 total strangers, not exactly an intimate party). The captain and senior officers stand in a greeting line and greet the passengers with a quick handshake as they file in to get a free glass of champagne. (I'm very fond of free champagne.. or free drinks of any kind). BTW, one more Circumnavigation tie-in: the scene where Trevor saw the shuttle launch from the sea was inspired by me seeing one from roughly that same position, on the deck of the Costa Fortuna, which had just sailed from Florida, bound for Italy.

Indeed!!! It all worked out very well; they were paid far more than the car was worth, and now they get the car back too!!!! See? A happy ending, for one and all.

Trevor has done well so far... he survived the pirates.

Basingstoke made Trevor and his friends a bit suspicious, which is good. Well, it's good, unless that's what Basingstoke wanted. There are still a few little minor issues to iron out for Trevor and friends, such as the cartel's hit on them. Thanks Benji! Bridget is indeed taking one hell of a gamble. She needs to transfer her buisnesses to Sanchez's people, and get into all those safe deposit boxes. Will she push it too far? She's already able to leave at once; she has millions seqestered overseas, so it's not like she's looking at poverty. One thing to consider; Lisa and Joel were going to have their wedding reception in Bridge's house. It's quite possible that recent events sent that plan up in smoke. This also puts an end to them inadvertantly revealing info via the bugged guesthouse. And yep, those aligators might find out that their christmas dinner had conseqences. Well, Basingstoke actually has THREE contracts; one on Trevor's head, and the other to kill Lisa and Joel. So, he's being very careful in the setup; he doesn't want it to look like a murder and spark a huge investigation. But... he's also pressed for time; around the first of December, or a few days later, Sanchez gave him a month. We know he can't leave witnesses (so Shane is in great danger too), Basingstoke needs to make the deaths look non suspicious. A bit problematic, when he needs to take Trevor's head. I do have other stories in the works, but I need to finish Circumnavigation before making any decisions. And you described "Let the Music Play" (and a sequel, "Changing Lanes"), one of the completed novels on my old site that I have got to get to work on and get moved over to GA stories. I have to make corrections (typo fixes and such) so some of the chapters, and there's a few things I want to fix, so it's not just needing to copy it over. I plan on getting that done in the next few weeks. In the meantime, it and other stories are at my http://cjames.gayauthors.org site. (Thanks, Wildone and Benji, for helping Kevin find it; I was offline and couldn't reply). ************************** BTW, I haven't released the title of the coming chapter yet, but this time the reason isn't my usual bad memory. Well, sort of, but not the usual way. The title currently on the chapter is "Ignorance is Bliss" but I realized I'd used that title before, so I need a new one.

Chapter 108: Inferno Motoring down the Intracoastal Waterway, just barely under the speed limit, Bridget took the helm, clutching the wheel of the small boat, listening to the rumble of the engine. Her mind raced, battered by unaccustomed tumult, her thoughts an ephemeral froth, battered by warring feelings of hope and despair. She glanced back, a pained look upon her face, her hair blowing in the salt-scented wind, toward her beloved house, now forever out of sight. A dozen other difficult

Inferno is up. BTW, the issue of how many chapters remain has come up. We are getting close to the end; as a rough guess, eight to go, plus an epilogue. Fear not though; I have, as always, endeavored to keep the chapters entirely cliffhanger-free. It's been a very long haul... longer than I thought, that';s for sure, but we're in the final stretch. I thank those who have stuck with the story this long, and especially those who have commented in some way (here, e-mail, PM, etc). CJ

But but but... You know I never, ever use cliffhangers, right? And a happy New Year to you too.

One thing about Bridget's plan... she told Gonzalez to say she was with him, and heading for Orlando. Yet, she's trying to have his, and a stand-in for her, charred bodies found in her house. That's a ruse that won't keep the heat off her for long, even if it works. Now, now... I was merely having fun with the risk posed by burgers with the lot... Trevor and Shan managed, somehow, to survive them once before. So, not a cliffhanger. Yes, Henry is dead, but you can't blame me!!! Clearly, he was killed by Bridget and Billy, so they, not I, deserve the blame. Will Gonzalez survive? That's not a cliffhanger... Will the currier survive? Even if she doesn't, it won't be me killing her off. What will happen with Trevor and the gang? Maybe Basingstoke was just being nice and wanted to give Trevor his garlic crusher back... The answers to all of these non-cliffhangers are in "Inferno" the next chapter. Bad wording on my part: I meant that I hope to avoid any more posting slowdowns between now and the end of the story. We're in the final streach, but the next chapter isn't the final one.

No one has yet noticed the dire danger Trevor and friends are in... They are attempting to eat burgers with the lot. Surely, there could be no greater peril? We rejoin Trevor, Lisa, Joel, Shane, and Basingstoke (and the garlic crusher!) in the next chapter. Dirk and Jim have a problem; they are still thought of by the public as wanted fugitives. However, that may change. But but but... Bridget is the one who should be blamed, not me! And as we all know, I never, ever use cliffhangers! The cartel's retirement plan does leave much to be desired, in most cases... As for Gonzalez... there are clues. The diamond rings were real.... and Bridget has her reasons. The courier is physically similar to her. Good spotting on the cunning bit. You are absolutely right, I don't leave cliffhangers, not ever, and I never use them. In fact, I go to great lengths to avoid even the hint of a cliffhanger... I think you may have been confused by the scurrilous accusations of Wildone and others here in the forum. They are trying to frame me... Benji!!!! For shame!!! We all know that Wildone is out to frame me... It's well known that I never, ever use cliffhangers. BTW, before I forget, the coming chapter (AUD75, in Australian Math) has a nice, relaxing title, that works well with the current title of "Gasoline", I think. It's "Inferno". **************************************** And, a note on Henry. In all seriousness, I'll miss him a lot. He was one of my favorite characters.

Chapter 107: Gasoline A squeal of tires sounded in the Florida night, as Gonzalez floored his cruiser, the engine roaring, racing through traffic, heading for Henry’s motel. It was the only thing he could think of – the only place where he knew that Henry might be. The phone trace was yet to come in, and with every call to Henry’s number, Gonzalez’s sense of dread and helplessness grew. Falling… Henry’s world spun, a weightless blur of stars and silhouettes, flashing to blackness, th

I do apologize for the delay between this and the last chapter. Hopefully, there will be no more delays between this and the final chapter. I'll try my best. Anyway, here's the next chapter, Gasoline. And BTW, Happy New Year!!!!

Carnarvon had epic floods a few months ago, too... They've sure been through the wringer.

Wildone!!!! I have been slandered!!! I did indeed give the title of the chapter about to appear, over a week ago! It's Gasoline.

But perhaps Basingstoke was just being nice, and wanted to make certain that Trevor got his garlic crusher back? Canuk... I'm shocked! Not you too? Please don't listen to Wildone and his minions... Surely you know that I would never, ever use a cliffhanger!?!?! I think Wildone is out to frame me with the award... and he's misleading people! Can't we all, in the spirit of the holidays and as a New YEar's resolution, just all just agree to do the right thing and blame Wildone? I think it would be for the best.

Welcome to the forum!!!!!!! I do have several novels (complete) on my old page, plus some short stories. I still need to copy two of the novels over to GA stories. But, my current novel, Circumnavigation, is, like all my stories, completely cliffhanger-free, so no fear of being left hanging! CJ

A little late as it's already 2012 in some places, but Happy New Year!!!

See? That's one less complication in the story. You're very welcome! I did want to give extra for the Christmas chapter and the one before. It was Christmas, after all. Henry is indeed still alive! The last we saw of him, he was still in the wheelbarrow. So, though he still has some, ah, concerns below, he's very much alive. He may not remain so, but as of the end of the chapter, he's alive. (and thus, not a cliffhanger!) What?!!?!?! I did not kill him! Jerry's hitman did! The same goes for Henry; it's Bridget, not me, who is intent on turning Henry into aligator chow. And BTW, Henry is one of my favorite characters. So too was Jim, the big biker, in LTMP and Changing Lanes. I was very upset when he was cruelly gunned down just moments after being told he was going to become a father, and then his wife died first... But that was Jerry's doing, not mine!!!! I'll clear that up in the next chapter, but we saw Barney trying to sell it, than having cash, and we also saw Basingstoke place an order to buy something that was for sale in Melbourne. :-) Maybe Basingstoke was just in the holiday spirit? Cliffhanger? But there's no cliffhanger! We ended the chapter with a heartwarming gift and joyous reunion (Trevor and his beloved garlic crusher). And, um, you're supposed to include batteries with a gift that takes takes them? I seriously never knew that... I'm wishing you a HAppy New YEar, even though you're trying to frame me! Basingstoke has a problem; Trevor is somewhat famous now, so if he dies via foul play there would be a huge investigation (especially with something as notorious as a beheading), which is something BAsingstoke does not want. Therefor, he has to be careful how he does it. Maybe it would help those speculating if I released the name of the coming chapter? It's "Gasoline." Huh? But.. there's no evil at all here, it was just a happy Christmas chapter. Basingstoke has been shown to be both fond of, and good at, subtle disguises, so I doubt he's too worried that his description will get back to Carnarvon.

Another vote for Cia!!!!! Oh come on Wildone, that's a stretch, even for you!!! That was a Christmas chapter, posted on Christmas Eve, and was all Christmasy, with presents and stuff!! But Lugh... why? Or, would you prefer Lugh for king of cliffhangers? Hrmmm, has a nice ring to it, that does...

Ah, the readers beg to differ!!!

But... it's not a cliffhanger!! It's just a lunch (burgers with the lot... though some might say they alone are a deadly peril) and Trevor got an unexpected late Christmas present in the form of his garlic crusher.

But it's not a cliffhanger!!! Basingstoke might have just wanted to give Trevor a present.. it's Christmas, after all! I am sincerely sorry about the two week hiatus. (until no later than the evening of January 9th, when the next chapter will post, unless I can get it up a few days earlier.) I truly hate the skipped week thing, but I got behind in my writing due to work. CJ

But but but... It's a Christmas chapter...... Ret2Ak has a great idea: Come up with ideas as to how any conundrums are resolved. One thing to bear in mind; I always foreshadow. Yep, not a cliffhanger in sight! I'll explain why at the end of this post. Hi Emoe! I'm shocked... absolutly shocked, that some have made allegations that there is a cliffhanger in the chapter. Don't they know it's Christmas? Where is their Christmas spirit? Do they have any idea how hard it waqs to find a pic of an alligator in a Santa hat for the chapter? Yes, it's a happy and heartwarming reuinion between Trevor and his garlic crusher! Maybe Basingstoke was just being nice? Or, maybe it was due to the three guys looking alike; he needs to know whose head to send Sanchez. I think the "He was just in the Christmas spirit" theory is a good one. Are you assuming that Henry is dead? Why? Last we saw of him, he's still in the wheelbarrow, mostly. Christmas day in Australia comes before Christmas day in Florida, so we saw Christmas on the farm in Australia, then later, Christmas at the (alligator) farm (the name harks back to the Breakfast at the Farm title a couple of chapters ago) in Florida. Then, we see Trevor and the gang, and the garlic crusher, on what is Dec 26th in Australia. As a rule, I try to keep the timelines synchronized within a few hours. Of course, my inability to count has caused a few goofs in that regard, grom time to time. And, ack, cliffhanger king!?!?! But there is not cliffhanger! It's a Christmas chapter!!! But but but.... there isn't any cliffhanger!! Henry? Bear in mind that there might possibly be some confusion. The fear is that there are allegators below, right? Well, what's the definition of an allegator? al·le·ga·tor noun -s Definition of ALLEGATOR : one that alleges So, a person making an allegation is thus an allegator. So, Henry may well be dangling over a pond full of people who are elleging things... much as some in this thread are alleging that I use cliffhangers. Therefor, we can say that this thread is full of allegators. So, is Henry in any danger? Last we see of him, he's still mostly in the wheelbarrow. Also, we know its risky to swim alone, but he wouldn't be alone if he goes for a swim. Is Bridget feeling the heat? Yes. She's facing the destruction of all she holds dear (her large and diverse operation). But, is Bridget's potential loss of her buisness a cliffy? I don't think so. She's tough, she can handle the worst case scenario she's facing: a life of wealth and luxury, exiled to some troptical paradise. Gonzalez in a dither? Maybe he'll warm up in the next chapter. Lisa and Joel... Good point, but stuff like that can take a day or so to sink in. And they still don't know it was their talking in the guesthouse that almost got Trevor dead, twice. They suspect her phone line, not the bugs. Basingstoke? Maybe he's just in a gift giving mood. 'Tis the season, after all.

I sincerely apologize for the two week's delay. That was not planned, and I had hoped to avoid any such delays. I had a business trip in early December, plus had to get my home and vehicles ready for winter, and had a surge at work, all of which whacked my writing time. I committed to a weekly posting schedule when I began this tale, but I'm not a fast writer, so keeping up the pace is only possible when all goes well. Also, these last two chapters were double-sized. I did try cutting them to make more chapters, but I wasn't happy with the result. Anyway, my apologies to one and all for the delay, and I'll do my absolute best to avoid any further delays for the remaining chapters of the story.