Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

[James MacMillan]

Back on topic here - Our heroes are on a cruise ship that appears to be similar to the "Love Boat" like on TV - - - right?

[davedove]

Back on topic here - Our heroes are on a cruise ship that appears to be similar to the "Love Boat" like on TV - - - right?

Right, and they've recently contemplated throwing Grant overboard.

[Jock Scot]

Right, and they've recently contemplated throwing Grant overboard.

Is this idea wise?

[starbkjrus]

Now then James repeat after me.You can put boats on ships,but not ships on boats.Unless you are talking about submarines and then they are called boats.

Right, and they've recently contemplated throwing Grant overboard.

Is this idea wise?

Probably wiser than putting a cruise ship on top of a submarine. The last time I tried that it tipped over and JulieYourCruiseDirector fell overboard.

[James MacMillan]

Thanks guys...

The banter is almost as good as the unfolding story............

[Coemgen]

Right, and they've recently contemplated throwing Grant overboard.

Is this idea wise?

Probably wiser than putting a cruise ship on top of a submarine. The last time I tried that it tipped over and JulieYourCruiseDirector fell overboard.

But couldn't Grant use the rubber chicken as a floatation device?

[Jock Scot]

You chaps are missing the point! In this modern day and age we are supposed to be cleaning up the oceans.We just cannot add to the to the flotsam and jetsom by hurling sundry rubber chickens overboard in a willy nilly fashion, who knows where they may end up? Oh, and Grant might scare the fish.

[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.