RIFLESSIONI

Ricordiamo Mario Cardea
    Il 4 giugno 2006 ci ha lasciato Mario Cardea all'età di 87 anni. Torinese di nascita, aveva iniziato l'Istituto Nautico a Camogli per concludere il ciclo di studi a Roma ove, successivamente, si era trasferito.
    Presso il nostro Istituto, appena sorto sul Lido di Roma, Cardea consegue il diploma di Capitano di Lungo Corso e nel 1941 accede all'Accademia Navale di Livorno per frequentare il corso allievi Ufficiali di complemento.
    Imbarcato su varie unità della Marina Militare durante il periodo bellico , il S.Tenente di Vascello Cardea partecipa a numerose missioni di scorta ai convogli nel Mediterraneo meritando un encomio solenne.
    l'8 settembre, all'annuncio dell'armistizio, si trova in Corsica, a Bastia, a bordo dell'Avviso Scorta Aliseo che, in quei tragici momenti, dovrà difendersi dagli attacchi degli ex alleati tedeschi che persero tutte le navi impegnate nello scontro.
    Dopo un breve periodo di imbarco au un cacciatorpediniere inglese, frutto di scambi tra la Marina italiana e quella britannica, a Cardea viene affidato il comando del MAS 562 che compirà numerose missioni per scorta a navi italiane e inglesi.
    Al termine del conflitto entra a far parte dell'Amministrazione delle Poste e Telecomunicazioni presso l'Istituto Superiore delle Telecomunicazioni dove resterà fino al pensionamento non tralasciando, durante il servizio, di mantenere i rapporti con la Marina Militare con richiami e servizi resi alle Forze Armate.
    Per oltre venti anni presiede la sezione di Roma della Lega Navale Italiana ove organizza e tiene personalmente numerosi corsi di navigazione per diportisti con notevole successo anche quale autore di varie pubblicazioni sulla materia.
    In questa breve nota abbiamo voluto ricordare un nostro compagno che fece parte del primo gruppo di diplomati presso il Marcantonio Colonna, purtroppo deceduto proprio alla vigilia della manifestazione che, insieme alla scuola, stiamo organizzando per celebrare, nel 2007, i settanta anni di attività dell'Istituto.
                                                         Corrado Sabbatini

“L’AGGUATO DI CAPO MATAPAN”
La tragica fine delle Unità della Prima Divisione Navale (gli Incrociatori FIUME POLA e ZARA e di due Cacciatorpediniere della Scorta, ALFIERI e CARDUCCI).

         Quella di Capo Matapan (punta estrema a sud del Peloponneso, nel mare Egeo) è una delle più terribili tragedie umane che si siano consumate in mare.
         Sono trascorsi 65 anni da quella notte, tra il 28 e 29 marzo 1941, durante la quale, in pochi maledetti minuti, la Marina Italiana subì la perdita di tre incrociatori e due cacciatorpediniere.
         Su Gaudo e Matapan sono stati scritti innumerevoli libri, e consumati fiumi d’inchiostro, per cercare di capire come sia stato possibile il verificarsi di quell’incredibile evento. Riteniamo che il più preciso e documentatissimo sia sicuramente quello scritto dallo storico e precisissimo ricercatore Francesco Mattesini, “L’operazione Gaudo e lo scontro notturno di Capo Matapan”, edito dall’Ufficio Storico della Marina Militare nel giugno 1998.
         La missione, denominata “Operazione Gaudo”, dal nome dell’isolotto a sud di Creta, aveva l’obiettivo di intercettare i convogli che, partendo da Alessandria d’Egitto, rifornivano l’apparato bellico alleato stanziato a Creta. La Squadra Navale italiana, agli ordini dell’Ammiraglio di Squadra Angelo Iachino, era composta dalla corazzata “Vittorio Veneto” (nave ammiraglia); da sei incrociatori pesanti da 11.000 tonnellate: tre della Prima Divisione Navale (Amm. Cattaneo), ”Zara”, “Pola e “Fiume”, tre della Terza Divisione (Amm. Sansonetti) Trieste”, Trento”, e “Bolzano”; due incrociatori leggeri dell’Ottava Divisione (Amm. Legnani), “Abruzzi” e “Garibaldi”, e tredici cacciatorpediniere delle Squadriglie: Sesta, Nona, Dodicesima e Tredicesima. Tali forze salpano, tra il 26 ed il 27 di marzo, da varie basi italiane (La Spezia, Napoli, Messina, Taranto e Brindisi). Ma gli inglesi già conoscono le intenzioni della nostra Marina.
        A scoprire tale intendimento è l’Intelligence Service inglese, capace di intercettare e decifrare, quasi in tempo reale, gli ordini operativi che Supermarina inviava ai Comandi dipendenti. Con l’apertura degli archivi segreti inglesi, dopo cinquant’anni dalla fine della guerra, si è finalmente chiarito che ciò avvenne perché l’Inghilterra era venuta in possesso della decifrante “ultra” costruita ed usata dai tedeschi. Ciò ridimensiona le tante accuse di “tradimenti” sostenute da molti e, più di tutti, da Antonio Trizzino nel suo libro “Navi e Poltrone” che suscitò tanto scalpore qualche decennio scorso. Gli inglesi, già dal 25 di marzo, erano venuti a conoscenza che la Flotta Italiana stava preparando qualcosa di grosso decifrando un messaggio che Supermarina aveva inviato al Comando Militare dell’Egeo il seguente messaggio: “OGGI 25 MARZO EST GIORNO X-3”; quindi il fatidico giorno X sarebbe stato il 28 Marzo. L’Amm. Cunningham, comandante in capo della Mediterranean Fleet, ne ha la certezza il mattino del 27 marzo quando, un suo aereo ricognitore, gli comunica l’avvistamento della Squadra Navale Italiana a 70 miglia ad est di Capo Passero, con direttrice di marcia S.E.
      L’Ammiraglio inglese ordina a tutti i convogli di rientrare nei porti più vicini e allerta nel frattempo le unità della Mediterranean .Fleet. dislocate nel Mediterraneo Medio Orientale e il giorno 27, dopo il tramonto per non essere avvistato dalla ricognizione aerea italo-tedesca, prende il mare, da Alessandria d’Egitto, con la potente squadra da battaglia costituita dalle corazzate “Valiant”, “Bahram” e “Warspite” (nave Ammiraglia) e dalla portaerei “Formidable”, scortate da numerosi incrociatori e cacciatorpediniere.
      In definitiva le due Squadre avversarie si vanno incontro; con la differenza che gli inglesi sanno di andare sicuramente incontro alla Squadra Italiana, mentre quest’ultima, pur considerando un’auspicabile” presenza di navi da guerra nemiche, con cui finalmente misurarsi, è ignara della presenza in mare delle navi da battaglia inglesi, anche per l’errata informazione a Iachino (cosa che ha fatto e fa ancora discutere), cui viene inoltre a mancare, fin dal mattino del 28, la ricognizione aerea italo-tedesca, non decollata dagli aeroporti delle basi italiane dell’Egeo per avverse condizioni meteorologiche: “Scarsa visibilità.”
         Lo ”scontro” ha inizio alle prime ore del mattino del 28 marzo con continui attacchi di aerosiluranti inglesi provenienti dalla portaerei Formidable che, ad ondate, attaccano le Unità italiane che li respingono con un veemente fuoco di sbarramento, senza riportare significativi danni, mentre la distanza dal “grosso” delle Unità di Cunningham si è ridotta ormai tra le 60 e le 70 miglia.
         Non essendo Iachino a conoscenza della presenza in mare della Portaerei britannica, deduce, erroneamente, che gli aerosiluranti provengono dagli aeroporti inglesi dell’isola di Creta Nel primo pomeriggio, durante uno di tali attacchi, è danneggiata il “Vittorio Veneto” che è costretta a ridurre la sua velocità a 15 nodi. A questo punto, vista ormai l’inutilità di continuare la missione, Iachino ordina alle sue Unità di rientrare alle basi, facendo assumere rotta nord-nord-ovest e alla “Vittorio Veneto”, riparate le avarie, di assumere la velocità di 19 nodi. Si era quindi creata una situazione di moto relativo tra le due formazioni che non avrebbe consentito a quella inglese di raggiungere quella Italiana se non, forse, nelle prime ore del giorno successivo, vale a dire troppo sotto le coste italiane, evento che gli inglesi avrebbero sicuramente evitato per non correre gravi e temuti rischi.
         L’Ammiraglio inglese, resosi conto di quanto sopra, ordina alla portaerei.” Formidable”, nell’approssimarsi del tramonto, di far levare in volo un’altra ondata di aerosiluranti per portare un ultimo massiccio attacco alle Unità di Iachino. Dieci aerosiluranti (sei Albacore e quattro Swordfish) attaccano da ponente, al calare del sole, le Unità italiane che li accolgono con un nutrito fuoco di sbarramento antiaereo, evitando, con opportune manovre, il lancio dei loro siluri, abbattendone un paio. Purtroppo un siluro, lanciato da un Albacore, colpisce, nella zona poppiera, il “Pola” che, per i gravi danni subiti all’apparato di propulsione ed a quello elettrico, si arresta, non potendo più né governare né sparare.
         Fu questo l’evento imprevisto che permise a Cunningham di acquisire quel vantaggio che per tutta la giornata aveva caparbiamente cercato. L’Ammiraglio Iachino, informato da Cattaneo dell’immobilizzazione del “Pola”, verso le 20.30, gli impartisce l’ordine, rivelatosi poi tragico, d’invertire la rotta con il resto della Divisione (“Zara”, “Fiume” e i cacciatorpediniere “Alfieri”, “Gioberti”, “Carducci” e “Oriani”) per soccorrere e rimorchiare il “Pola”.
         La manovra è eseguita, a malincuore da parte di Cattaneo che ha il sentore della presenza della flotta inglese nelle vicinanze. E’ ormai buio inoltrato e le Unità di Cattaneo navigano alla cieca (non avevano il radar, mentre le inglesi si).Le Unità inglesi avevano intanto raggiunto e localizzato il “Pola” e stanno dirigendo verso di esso per affondarlo, quando, non “credendo ai loro occhi”, scoprono sui loro schermi radar le altre unità della Divisione italiana, modificano la loro manovra di avvicinamento al Pola, disinteressandosi per il momento, in quella di attacco delle nostre navi, completamente ignare della loro presenza. Dopo qualche minuto, dalle ore 22,23 alle 22,26, ad una distanza compresa tra 2.800 e 3.200 metri, illuminando improvvisamente le nostre navi con i proiettori, le Unità inglesi aprirono il fuoco. Le tre corazzate inglesi sparano, in quattro minuti, con una precisione di tiro impressionante, data anche la breve distanza, 100 colpi perforanti dai grossi calibri da 381 mm. L’effetto delle salve, ciascuna delle quali di 6/8 proiettili del peso singolo di circa una tonnellata, è indescrivibile. Riescono a disimpegnarsi, indenni, l’“Oriani” ed il “Gioberti”, mentre la reazione delle altre unità è quasi nulla per i gravissimi danni provocati dalle improvvise bordate nemiche. Quel mare diviene un immane rogo e le unità colpite, in fiamme, sono successivamente affondate dai siluri lanciati dalle navi inglesi minori. La stessa sorte tocca al “Polla” verso le prime ore del mattino, dopo che gli inglesi, anche con l’ausilio di unità greche fatte uscire all’uopo dai loro porti, hanno tratto in salvo e catturato gran parte dell’equipaggio.
         3.684, tra Ufficiali, Sottufficiali, Marinai e personale civile imbarcato, erano, al momento dell’affondamento, gli uomini che costituivano gli equipaggi di quelle belle e sfortunate Navi. Essi provenivano da ogni parte d’Italia, e molti erano fiumani, polesani e zaratini, i quali avevano chiesto con insistente fierezza di servire la Patria su quelle unità che portavano il nome delle loro città. In quella terribile notte perirono ben 2.308 uomini (l’ottanta per cento tra un’età compresa tra i venti ed i venticinque anni), chi subito straziato dalle deflagrazioni dei colpi giunti a bordo, chi annegato, dopo lunga e penosa agonia, per le ferite e le ustioni riportate, chi dilaniato dai pescecani sotto gli occhi atterriti dei compagni superstiti, alcuni dei quali, come l’allora tenente di vascello Cimaglia, ora ammiraglio, ricorda con orrore e raccapriccio. 1196 furono quelli raccolti dalle navi inglesi e greche, con gesto di ammirevole umanità ed in nome di quella solidarietà che caratterizza ed unisce la “gente di mare”, aldilà dei confini e delle diverse etnie. Per questi si aprirono i campi di prigionia in India ed in Egitto. Molti di loro non tornarono....!
         Il mattino del 29 marzo, Cunningham ordina alle sue navi di fare rientro alle loro basi e, con ulteriore nobile gesto, fa comunicare a Supermarina la posizione dell’affondamento che, appresa la notizia, confermatagli anche dai due caccia superstiti, invia nella zona, la nave ospedale “Gradisca”.
         Purtroppo la tragedia si era consumata a 450 miglia dalle basi italiane e l’Unità giunse in zona dopo circa tre giorni. Furono raccolti ancora 170 uomini, ormai stremati, in un mare pullulante di cadaveri galleggianti, enorme orrido banchetto dei pescecani che infestavano quella zona di mare. La scena non deve essere stata meno terrificante di quella che è si presentò ai soccorritori dei naufraghi del “Titanic”, il cui naufragio è stato ancora una volta rievocato dalla cinematografia americana.
         Il destino delle genti è a volte crudele e beffardo fino all’inverosimile........! Quattro anni dopo venivano “affondate”, devastate e spogliate dalla ormai ben nota pulizia etnica ad opera dei comunisti titini, le città di Fiume, Pola e Zara che avevano imposto il loro nome a quei tre Incrociatori. 350.000 furono gli italiani di quelle italianissime città costretti a “naufragare” nel mare del forzato esilio, dopo essere stati privati di tutti i loro avere e subito ogni sorta di umiliazioni, violenze fisiche e morali. Non fu loro concesso di portare via neanche le ceneri dei loro morti!
         Ma essi furono più fortunati d’altri loro compatrioti che, a decine di migliaia, uomini, donne, vecchi, religiosi e bambini, furono torturati, uccisi ed “infoibati”, molti ancora vivi, per la sola innocente colpa d’essere italiani. E’ pur giusto fare giustizia di tutte le atrocità commesse nell’ultimo conflitto. Noi vogliamo gridare, e con sdegno, che per quel genocidio nessuno, specialmente dalla sinistra italiana, spende una sola parola perché sia fatta giustizia, o che almeno se n’onori la memoria con umana e cristiana pietà. Molti dei boia, ancora viventi, hanno pensioni, in dollari, dalla Stato Italiano (primo tra tutti il croato Oscar Pisculic detto Judi). Questa è, purtroppo, l’inconfutabile verità storica che i responsabili della cultura della nostra Nazione, e particolarmente quelli attuali, hanno scientificamente cloroformizzato
                                                                           Salvatore GRILLO

L'Incrociatore Fiume verso Gaudo

NAUTICI
"Addio Carletto" - Corrado Sabbatini ricorda il socio Carlo Salomoni recentemente scomparso

    Qualche mese prima di conoscerlo all'Istituto Nautico di Roma ove entrambi ci siamo diplomati, avevo incontrato per caso Carlo Salomoni in occasione della festa della matricola, pur non essendo, lui ed io, studenti universitari.
    Carlo, ma per tutti Carletto o anche "Piffero" come lo aveva affettuosamente soprannominato Roberto Donzelli suo inseparabile compagno di classe, perché, quando vestiva la divisa dell'Istituto, la sua esile figura assumeva l'aspetto di un piccolo suonatore di flauto di banda musicale.
    Quella stessa persona, in tuta di lavoro, la vidi però scattante sulle serrette del locale macchine quando mi venne incontro nell'osterigio del GLEN 1°, ormeggiato nel porto di Hull, per passarmi le consegne prima di lasciare la nave.
    Trascorso un lungo periodo di imbarco, tornava infatti a casa il 3° Ufficiale di Macchina Carlo Salomoni dopo essersi guadagnato stima e apprezzamento di superiori ed equipaggio, con risonanza negli stessi ambienti della Società armatrice, come ebbi modo di apprendere fin dal momento della mia partenza da Roma.
    Naturalmente mi chiesi se sarei stato capace di conquistare altrettanti meriti durante la mia permanenza a bordo.
    Da allora l nostre strade restarono separate per diverso tempo; in seguito però ci ritrovammo con altri colleghi animati dallo stesso desiderio di dar vita alla Associazione degli ex Allievi dell'Istituto Tecnico Nautico "Marcantonio Colonna" di Roma.
    Obiettivo praticamente raggiunto e mantenuto con ostinazione nonostante difficoltà e contrasti, più che altro incomprensioni, che, determinarono l'allontanamento di Carlo dalla Associazione.
    Tuttavia abbiamo sempre coltivato la speranza che, prima o poi, sarebbe rientrato tra noi. Ma il 13 agosto Carlo ci ha d'improvviso lasciati. Nel rendere testimonianza di affettuoso cordoglio per la scomparsa dell'amico fraterno, ci rammarichiamo di non aver potuto realizzare il nostro desiderio.
    Con questi sentimenti ci rivolgiamo ai suoi familiari auspicando che alcuni di loro vogliano accettare di associarsi al Sodalizio in base al nostro Statuto. Crediamo che tale gesto possa rendere omaggio alla memoria del congiunto, nostro compagno ed amico.
                                                                                                             Corrado Sabbatini

MARITTIMI DEL PASSATO - di Corrado Sabbatini

G.D. era imbarcato in qualità di Caporale; in altre parole era il Nostromo di macchina cioé colui che doveva coordinare l'attività del carbonaio, dei fuochisti e degli ingrassatori; depositario del magazzino, dispensava olio lubrificante, guarnizioni, stoppa e pittura con molta parsimonia, obbediente alla taccagneria degli armatori.
    Non più alto di mt. 1,65; se lo guardavi di prospetto aveva la sagoma simile ad un rettangolo col lato minore quasi uguale al maggiore; la pancia da Budda sopra la cinta dei pantaloni sostenuti da un pezzo di sagola.
    Indossava calzoni stinti cha arrivavano sotto il ginocchio, forse recuperati da un paio di braghe che un tempo lambivano le scarpe. Una maglietta sdrucita di cotone a righe orizzontali bianche e blu sovrastata dalla foderina estiva di un vecchio berretto da marinaio calcata sulle orecchie e maculata di unto, completavano il suo abbigliamento.
    Non abbandonava mai il mantiglio, una rete di spago ripiegata a triangolo che teneva sulle spalle reggendone un vertice con la bocca e che usava per asciugare il sudore, mentre dalla tasca posteriore sporgeva il malloppo della stoppa per pulirsi il grasso delle mani.
    Avanzava sulle serrette della macchina con la stagnina in mano e un po' di stoppa nell'altra, barcollante sulla gamba destra irrigidita che scaricava il peso sul piede infilato nella scarpa ortopedica.
    Raccontava di essere caduto dall'osterigio fin sopra al piancito della macchina con un volo di sette metri. Doveva tuttavia lavorare e ringraziava la Provvidenza per aver ottenuto l'imbarco dopo anni di attesa nel turno del collocamento marittimo.
    Doveva navigare nonostante le condizioni fisiche perché, a quel tempo, la tutela dei lavoratori contro gli infortuni richiedeva, per il diritto alla rendita, ben altro grado di invalidità permanente senza contare, poi, la modesta entità dei risarcimenti previsti per le varie situazioni.
    Nonostante ciò egli era felice e infondeva serenità a tutti sia canticchiando mentre lavorava, sia aprendosi in sorrisi che mostravano denti ancora a posto ma di colore marroncino e che forse avevano poco conosciuto il lusso di dentifricio e spazzolino.
    Era di Torre del Greco ed era vicino alla cinquantina quest'uomo che, durante la permanenza nei porti, non scendeva a terra neanche per avere la soddisfazione di bere un bicchiere di birra fresca perché doveva risparmiare a beneficio della famiglia.
    Questi sacrifici, profusi con altrettanta generosità dal nostro Caporale, come da parte di molti marittimi dell'epoca, forse inconsapevolmente, hanno contribuito a realizzare le basi per la rinascita della nostra flotta mercantile dopo le distruzioni della guerra.                           (Corrado Sabbatini)

UN ALTRO RICORDO DEL NOSTRO SOCIO NICOLA DI STEFANO

TAMARA

        It happened a very long time ago and that cruise is still vivid in my memory.
       I had been assigned as the permanent captain of a 25000 tons ship. She cruised the Caribbean the whole year round. Our cruises varied 7, 10, 11, 12 and 14 days. Always leaving from Florida. The 14 days, was a cruise through Panama, which ended in California.
     All others were round cruises.
     Arrivals in Florida were scheduled rather early in the morning.
    As usual, I got up about one hour before the port pilot was scheduled to board the ship. It was annoying, but I was very muck aware of my responsibility. I did not feel that my second in charge should conduct the maneuver on my behalf. The only good feeling I had, getting up early, was the knowledge that around six or seven o'clock, I could go back to rest.
     When the door to my quarters was closed, nobody would think of knocking or trying to wake me up, unless there was an emergency. Even the president of the company would not disturb me if he decided to come on board without previous notice.
       That morning, as usual, berthing operations were completed around seven o'clock, and at 7:30 I was already relaxing in my double bed. I read the news and the ship’s program for the day, before going back to sleep for two or three hours.
     Departure was scheduled for seven o'clock in the evening. I had a good number of hours to relax, before going to bridge.
      My door was still closed at eleven o'clock, but I was awake. Just thinking to get up and take a long shower and be ready for another cruise.
     I heard someone knocking at the door, very discretely, but with persistence. I realized that I was needed for some good reason: the person who was knocking had a very clear intention to wake me up.
     I put my dressing gown on and yelled:
- Come in! ...What's so urgent?
    I sow the timid face of my steward as I walked from my bedroom to the leaving- room:
- Captain, I am sorry, but the purser's office called me on the phone and told me that there is an important telephone call for you from the head office in California. I tried my very best to dissuade them from waking you up, but apparently the person calling said that it is important and they want you to call them back soon.
- All right Frank. Do not worry! I was already awake when you knocked at the door. I am sure that it is something important. They know very well that I take a rest after such an ungodly early morning. After all I have the responsibility of many lives and … a few million dollars. I better be ready for anything when I am needed! Well... you can tell the pursers that I have received the message and, as soon as I will be out of the shower I will call California.
- Thank you, captain. Should I prepare your breakfast?
- Certainly Frank. I will have it after I have called the head office.
     I had a quick shower and went to the radio room to call the head office. I had to ask for the operations manager in these cases, but when he came to the phone, he was very surprised to hear my voice:
- What can I do for you, Captain Stevens?
- In actual fact I should ask you what I can do for you, since I have been told that the head office wants to talk with me to discuss an urgent matter. I assumed it was you.
- Well, captain Stevens, this time your assumption was not correct. I was surprised when I heard that you wanted to talk with me. Now that I am learning that someone wants to talk with you, I think I know what the matter is. I think it is someone in passenger’s relations’. Please hold on. I will try to get hold of their manager.
- Very well, Mr. Brown.
      A few seconds later, the operations manager was on the phone again:
- Captain Stevens, are you still there?
- Of course Mr. Brown! … Following your instructions!
- All right captain. I shall transfer you to the manager of passengers relations. I know she wants to talk with you.
- Very well, Mr. Brown. Have a good day and my apologies if I disturbed you.
- Not at all, captain. Any time. I am always happy to hear from you … when there are no bad news... Farewell... I am transferring you.
      I heard he usual noises of clicks and clacks and then the voice of the manager of passengers relations:
- Good morning captain Stevens. Thank you for returning my call so soon.
- Good morning Ms. Pratera. It is a pleasure to talk with you.
- Well, captain Stevens, I am not sure that this time you are going to like it. I have a request to make. We have been in contact with an organization, which helps children who are on terminal illness. These children can express a wish (their last wish, because they are aware of their illness) and the organization tries to fulfil it. This time we have agreed to host a 14 years old girl, who is on her terminal status of bone cancer, on your ship. She will travel with her parents and her younger sister. They are coming on board today.
- Very well Ms. Pratera. I think this is very generous of the company. I certainly will do my best. Any special request from you?
- I know captain Stevens that you will do your best, as always. This time, though, I must ask from you some more. There will be a group of newspaper and magazine reporters coming on board to interview the girl and they would like to interview also you and, perhaps, the purser.
- Ms Pratera. I thought this was a goodwill offer from the company to the little dying girl! I do not feel comfortable to take interviews in a case like this. Interviews are nice when there is something funny and happy to discuss, but I do not wish to talk to journalists about a poor young girl who has been given a cruise, because she is about to die. I think this is in very bad taste. Please do not take offence, but sometimes I feel that I have the right to be a human being and have my personal feelings.
- Please, captain Stevens. I just thought it would have been nice for all of us, but if you feel this way, I respect your feelings. Please forget my request.
- Very well Ms. Pratera. I thank you for your understanding. I shall leave the ship for a few hours and will come back one hour before the scheduled departure. I can assure you that I will do my best to make this cruise for the young girl a fulfillment of her wishes.
- Very good captain. All the best and good luck!
- Farewell Mr. Pratera.
       That telephone call really upset me. I had a million thoughts going trough my brains. I was angry. I did not think it was right that a young girl only 14 years old, who had not yet had much chance to enjoy life, should die! And the “present” she had obtained? Was it a real sincere present? Or was this organization trying to take advantage of the girl's situation and desire? ... Was my company trying to do the same thing? … create some advertisement?!... While I understood that nobody was trying to do anything bad to the girl, I was so upset that anybody should try to take advantage from such a situation!
      I was convinced to have said the right thing to Ms. Pratera. It was better for me not to talk to any newspaper reporter, or I might say the wrong thing! … In that state of mind! ...
      I changed into civilian clothes, called my second in charge and told him that I was going out for a few hours. I also informed him of the young sick girl joining in the early afternoon. On my way to the gangway, I stopped at the purser's office and told the chief purser about the telephone conversation with Ms. Pratera. He agreed with me. I should not have anything to do with interviews, in this case. The chief purser and myself had been friends for a long time and he knew me quite well. He was a very good-hearted man and became very sad when he learned about the young girl.
        I left the ship and went out for a walk to the nearby shopping area.
        I returned at about five o'clock. Before going to my quarters I looked for the chief purser. I found him seated in his office, his head between his hands, his elbows on the desk.
- Hi! … Thinking hard, Benny?
- Hi! You know, … I have been so upset since this young girl and her family boarded the ship! … I could not stop thinking how sad it is! How unjust life is! I sow the girl at a distance... had not the courage to get close to her.... I was afraid to burst into tears!
What do you think we should do?
- I have been thinking about this all afternoon. I think that you and I, after departure when I will be finished with the bridge, will go to her cabin and greet her. Then you should tell the executive chef and the maitre d'hotel to prepare special dishes for her, and have one presented to her by a different headwaiter, each time.
- What a good idea! I am not enthusiastic, though, about going to visit her, but I know that we have to do it! ... I really don’t know what to say!
- Do not worry. I shall think of something. See you later. I shall call you on the phone when I am ready. In the mean time, I think it is better if you send somebody to inform the family of our visit. Ciao.
- Ciao, captain.
      I went to my quarters, changed into my uniform and went to the bridge to prepare for departure.
      After we left port, as planned, I called the chief purser on the phone:
- Hi, Benny! I am ready. Should we go? By the way what is her name?
- Hi captain! I am ready. Her name is Tamara.
- I shall be down to your office in five minutes.
       I looked in the mirror. I wanted to make sure that my face did not show the sadness that I felt. I pulled a few faces and rehearsed a happy expression. Then I left to go down to the main foyer to meet with Benny. I still had no idea what to say, but I knew that I could now control my emotions.
       We walked along the corridor and when we arrived near Tamara's cabin, Benny and myself looked at each other to encourage a happy behavior, and knocked at the door. Her father opened, asked us to come in and introduced himself, his wife, the youngest daughter and then Tamara.
         We shook hands with everybody. Tamara was seated on a bed. She wore a beautiful light blue dress, very wide, spread on the bed. I looked at her with a smile. I had to force that smile. I was looking at a beautiful girl: the oval of her face was outstanding, two big beautiful blue/green eyes. Her breasts were bigger than expected in a girl of her age. I could see that if she stood up she would be very tall. Then I looked at her legs: there were no legs! I learned later that, because of the cancer in her bones, they had to be amputated! But she was smiling! A beautiful, clean open smile! She was content that her last wish had been fulfilled. I had been told that she wrote to the organization: “I want to cruise on one of those big white ships. I want to be treated like a princess, eat a lot of sweets and become fat. Then I want to see the Bahamas!” Yes! … Her first wish had been granted and she was smiling with satisfaction!
        After shaking hands with her, I said:
- Tamara I am the captain of this ship and therefore I am like the king of this little floating village. Normally the king does not visit his subjects in their lodgments, but I wanted to welcome you on board, before any other passenger, because you are going to be the princess of the ship. Tell me if you have any special request, apart from the sweets. These have already been arranged. Any wish you have will be granted!
        She was a little shy. She blushed after I spoke to her and said to me that she had everything she wanted.
       I realized that Benny was becoming emotional and, before it happened to me, I welcome the rest of the family, excused myself and we left.
        When the cabin door closed, I noticed that Benny had tears in his eyes. I bid him good night and retired to my quarters.
        The cruise proceeded with the usual functions, problems, and festivities. As usual I had lot of work to do. Tamara, though, was in my mind all the time. I could not forget those big blue eyes!
        The weather assisted us for the whole cruise. The sun was always shining and the sea was almost calm all the time. I never saw Tamara around the ship. From time to time I saw one of her parents with their other daughter. At dinner, on my way to my table in the passenger’s dining room, I used to stop at Tamara's table to wish her "bon appetite". I never stayed long, because I felt that she was not at ease in my presence.
        The fourth day of the cruise, while I was having my breakfast, I received a phone call:
- Hello! Nick Stevens here. What can I do for you?
- Good morning, captain! This is the doctor. I just wanted to inform you that I have put Tamara in a wardroom. She has difficulty with her breathing and I am giving her some oxygen.
- This is bad news, doctor. Our passengers’ relation manager told me on the phone that Tamara should have six more months to live. How is she? … What do you think?
      I had known the doctor for a number of years and certainly he knew his profession. He was an elderly man, with much experience of life and a great education not only in the medical field. He mastered a number of languages. He was very versatile in all humanistic subjects as well as scientific matters. We used to call him our "walking encyclopedia". To my knowledge, he had never mistaken a diagnosis. He answered my questions:
- Captain, to be able to give you an accurate answer I should talk to her doctor. If you are happy with only my impression, not a diagnosis, I feel that she has only a few days left. If you wish, I can ask her parents for the telephone number of her doctor and, after I have spoken to this colleague I can give you some e accurate information.
- Please do that, doctor. If I could, I would be willing to give her a few years of my life. Poor Tamara! At her age she has had no chance to know much about life and the world!
- Very well, captain. I shall call you again as soon as I have more to tell you!
     Turmoil of thoughts was in my head. Her poor parent ... waiting for their child to die! How were they feeling now about their girl being in the hospital, during her last few days of life! Did they think that the end was coming close? … Or perhaps they knew already and expected it. I called her parents in their cabin. Her mother answered:
- Good morning! I am Nick Stevens, the captain. I just received a phone call from the ship's doctor to inform me that Tamara is downstairs, in the ship's hospital ... I just wanted to tell you that I am very sorry. I was hoping that she could enjoy, at least these few days at sea! I do not pretend to understand how you must feel, but please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
- Thank you for calling us, captain. It is very difficult to try to put into words our feelings. We have lived with Tamara’s illness already for two years. We know that she has not much time left. Slowly we have tried to become acquainted with the idea. We know that there is no choice, that all we can do is to try to make her understand that she is in the hands of God and she must accept His will. I do not think, though, that at her age she can understand this. Now she is in your hospital and she does not want to leave, because she is breathing from an oxygen mask. She is under the impression that this mask is the solution to her problems... If you want to try to talk to her to convince her that she should leave the hospital …we would appreciate it. The day after tomorrow we are scheduled to leave the ship in the Bahamas. She has been invited by the local government to visit the islands.
- Very well. I shall talk to our doctor and see what he thinks.
- Thank you again, captain. Farewell.
        She hung up. I realized that she was crying. I wandered if she had any tears left! The poor mother knew that those were the last few days of her daughter!
       A few minutes later, the ship's doctor called me again on the phone:
- Nick Stevens!
- Captain, It is me again. I have just spoken to Tamara's doctor. Unfortunately she confirmed my first impression. Her situation is such that we will be lucky to disembark her alive, the day after tomorrow.
- Doctor, I have spoken to her mother, just before you called me and she has asked me to talk to her to convince her to leave the hospital. What do you think?
- At this stage, captain there is nothing we can do for her. The oxygen mask gives her some confidence, because makes her breathing easier. She has metastasis all over her body and a number in her lungs. When I remove the mask, breathing becomes difficult for her. I think it might be a good idea for you to talk to her and see what she thinks.
- Very well, doctor. I shall be down in a few minutes.
- I will be here.
       I went right down to the hospital and, together with the doctor, went to the ward where Tamara was. She was lying in a bed, her eyes closed, the clear plastic mask on her face. Her chest was moving up and down rapidly. The doctor called her:
- Tamara, are you asleep?
      Her eyes still close, she answered, with a whisper:
- No, doctor. I am awake, but I feel better, as long as you do not remove this mask.
- Tamara, the captain is here and wishes to talk with you.
        She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me:
- Good … morning, … captain.
      She whispered those few words
- Good morning, princess. I heard from the doctor that you were here and thought to pay you a visit. I know that you are not well. I hope you do not feel too bad.
- Captain, … it is very nice of you to come to see me. … I am not feeling too bad now…. I have difficulty to breathe… but oxygen has solved my problems. … … You know that I have not a very long time to live, … but I still hope that something good will happen to me … and my health improves. … I am feeling better now.
- I know all this, Tamara and, believe me, we all on board love to see you feeling better. As you must have already done, though, we must all accept what God decides. We all have to die one day: we are aware of it. Some of us have a long life and some do not. I believe that is very important to be loved. You certainly have many people who love you. I know that you have expressed the wish to visit the Bahamas. The day after tomorrow we shall berth in Nassau and I have heard that their government has prepared many activities for you. You must prepare yourself for this occasion. You will be shown around the islands and taken, with your family to all the important places you wish to visit.
          She had closed her eyes again while I was talking. When she heard of the festivities, she opened them again and looked at me:
- Really, Captain? … What festivities?
- This is a surprise. You must wait to arrive there. It is going to be a surprise for all of us. I do not know any details, but I expect something really important: … all for you!
        I had succeeded to tickle her curiosity. I could read it in her eyes. They became dreamy and then sad. She must have had confusing and mixed thoughts in her mind. She loved to feel important (all children do), but I am sure that at the same time she was asking herself if she would have time to see all that! She turned to me again:
- Captain, … can I stay in the hospital a little longer? I feel so much better here with this mask... I want to go and stay with my parents and sister. Can I stay here until tomorrow?
- Tamara, you can stay as long as you like. The doctor, here, is nodding his head in approval. I have a question, though. Are you going to miss all the beautiful dishes that the chefs have prepared for your dinner this evening?
- You are right, captain. … I better … leave the hospital … this afternoon.
- All right, Tamara. Shall I ask you mum to come here, say … around four o'clock?
- Yes, please … captain! I can have … a few more hours … of easy breathing.
- Farewell, Tamara. I shall see you at dinner.
- Farewell, captain. … Thank you … for stopping by.
         It was time for me to leave. I doubt that I could have held that conversation much longer without becoming emotional. I left and went back to my quarters. I called Tamara's mother on the phone and informed her of my visit to her daughter. She was very thankful that in a few hours she could have her daughter back with her. She was aware that she only had a few more days of her company.
        Two days later, very early in the morning, we berthed in Nassau. From the bridge I noticed a little crowd of "officials", many more than the usual number of customs and immigration officers.
         I left the bridge and went to my quarters. I did not close my door, because I knew that soon some government officials would contact me about Tamara.
         I was not wrong. I was relaxing on the chair, behind my desk. Somebody discretely knocked on my door:
- Come in!
        A middle-aged woman came through the door. I imagined that she was some kind of official of the local government. She was black, tall, slim, and pleasant looking, in her mid forties. I got up from my chair and went towards her to meet her. She introduced herself with her name and title. As it often happens, she mumbled her name and title. I did not understand what she had said. I was not worried. I was used to get way with these situations. I shook hands with her:
- How do you do, signora! My name is Nick Stevens.
- How do you do, captain. As I said I represent the government of the Bahaman Islands. I am the government public relations officer. I am here to discuss with you the functions we have prepared to receive young Tamara. The Prime Minister, who was going to personally welcome Tamara, is abroad on some official business. His wife will replace him for the occasion. She will come on board, together with the president of the Christian Churches reunited, the minister of tourism, some photographers and television operators.
      As she spoke I felt anger coming to my head. I understood the government officials coming on board, since the government was going to host Tamara and her family for a few days. Photographers I could tolerate, because they would make Tamara feel important, but television … was too much! I was about to say something, but I manage to control my temper and kept listening
-... The Prime Minister's wife will give a little speech, then the Reverend and then we would like you to say a few words....
     She expected an answer from me. I gathered myself together and, speaking slowly and politely, I said:
- Signora, I have never been at a loss for words when I had to speak in public for any reason. This happens to me rather often. In this occasion, though, I really feel uncomfortable at the idea of saying anything to Tamara, or about her. The poor girl has not chosen to die. She knows that she will soon leave this world and I do not believe that this is an occasion to congratulate her for being still alive. I realize that the organization, which made her wish come true, needs some kind of advertising to be able to continue with these programs. I think, though, it is a little unfair to take advantage of such a sad situation. I do not feel comfortable to speak in this occasion. In actual fact I personally think that you are taking too much advantage of this situation!
     I felt better now that I had spoken my thoughts! I made sure not to say too much, because I did not want to jeopardize the relationship between the local government and my company. The lady was surprised at my words. Obviously she did not expect my reaction. I could read in her eyes that she wanted to say some more. Probably she felt the same as I did, but she had to carry out her work. She said:
- Captain Stevens, this is not all. In fact this group of people will board the ship around ten o'clock and we would like to meet in a private lounge, where there is enough space to set all television equipment. At the end of the welcome speeches, we wish you to escort Tamara, her family and the authorities to the gangway and to the pier. On the pier there will be approximately 400 children in their school uniforms, to welcome Tamara ashore. There will also be two local bands playing music, and children dancing before and during the time that Tamara will come down the gangway.
      To me this was too much! I said:
- How could anybody take advantage of death for publicity!
      I could not help saying that. She made no comments, but I realized that she was trying to keep tears from pouring out of her eyes. She waited for a few moments, than she said:
- Captain, we have been asked to "make this thing big"! It is not our choice. We are only doing our best to help this organization to raise some money to enable other children to fulfil their wishes! I am afraid that I have the same mixed feelings that you have!
       I did not make any comment. I asked the chief purser to come to my office, introduced him to the lady and asked him to organize the details of this "operation". I knew that Benny felt just like me about the whole situation, but he went on and discussed with her about the lounge, the technical help for the photographers and the television crew. The time for the function was set for 10 o'clock that morning. He would inform Tamara’s family of all details.
         At ten o'clock, very punctual, the group of officials arrived on the pier. I went to the gangway to receive them and escorted them to a private lounge, which we closed to the rest of the passengers. When we arrived at the lounge, Tamara was there, seated in her wheel chair, near her mother, father and her sister. Lights for the photographers and television were ready. The officials went to her; shook hands with her and her family and the wife of the Prime Minister began her speech. She said a few easy words. She told her how happy they were to host her for the next few days and that they were going to show her all the places in the Bahamas, which had been in her dreams. Than ... it was the Reverend's turn. In my opinion, he spoke too much, stressing the importance of heaven and how wonderful it is to meet God.
        I was looking at Tamara, during these speeches. She was listening, or gave the impression to listen to all those words. Her eyes were wide open, but I thought I saw in them a sea of sadness...
         At the end of the speeches I went to Tamara and said to her that it was time now to leave the ship. I would escort her to the pier. Earlier in the morning she had expressed the wish to have a photograph with her family and me. Before leaving the ship we had the photograph taken by the ship's photographers and then went to the ship's side door, where the gangway was.
         As soon as I began to climb down the gangway, I looked at the pier and was astounded at the large number of school children dancing and singing.
       The sun was shining. A very light breeze, which barely moved the air, was refreshing. The transparent, clear water in the harbor, the white of the concrete pier and the contrasting bright colors of the children's uniforms, created a festive atmosphere, which would have been perfect for a happy occasion.
          When Tamara appeared at the gangway, the bands stopped playing and all the children and everybody on the pier raised their heads towards her and applauded. … A very long everlasting applause.
       I was the first on the line going down the gangway. Tamara followed right behind on her chair, carried by two crewmembers. I wanted to turn my head to her, but I was afraid to look in her eyes. I was afraid to read again the same sadness I had seen when we were in the lounge. My throat was very tight. It was a great effort for me to control my emotions. If I had looked at Tamara then, I know that I would have lost control of my emotion. I could not allow myself to do that. The television crew was at the bottom of the gangway shooting film; the photographers and everybody else were shooting photographs. I just could not let go. I kept climbing down the gangway, step by step... very slowly, looking from the corner of my eye to make sure that Tamara, her parents and sister, government officials, the chief purser and a few other officers were following me.
        It seemed to me it was taking forever! … Finally I reached the bottom of the gangway. I stepped aside. Tamara, on her chair, was set on the side of the gangway, her family on one side of her and the officials on the other side.
        The children on the pier had stopped dancing and they all stood still, in-groups, divided by school. The bands were silent. A number of the school children, each representing a school, lined up in front of Tamara and each one of them, in turn gave her a present, after welcoming her to their country.
        I looked at Tamara. I could now, because I was not any more "the first of the line", the main focus of the cameras. I had tried to relax my throat, but that knot was still there. It was still a great effort for me to control my emotion.
         Tamara was receiving all those presents: dolls staffed animals, various souvenirs of the islands. She was looking at all those things, but there was no interest in her eyes … no happiness. Probably she was thinking that there was no time for her to enjoy all those presents. The look of sadness had not left her eyes. Her mother was thanking the children, as they went close to Tamara to give her their presents.
        I thought that it was time for Tamara to move from there. She had difficulty in breathing. It was hot and the temperature could have only increased. I spoke to her mother:
- Do you think it is better if you go now?
- Oh yes, captain! I can see that Tamara is suffering. Could you do anything about it?
- I shall try.
       I went strait to the public relations officer and said to her:
- Signora, I am afraid that Tamara has been exposed to the sun long enough. I believe that her parents would like to move away from here, but they are afraid to ask. They do not wish to appear rude.
- Certainly, captain. Thank you for your cooperation.
         She moved away and within a few minutes a gray stretched limousine arrived at the side of the gangway.
         I looked at Tamara. I realized that she was relieved at the thought of moving away.
          I went near her. I wanted to say something, but I was afraid to speak, to burst into tears. I grabbed her hand, kissed her on the cheek and pushed her chair towards the car. Purposely I ignored all people around her, other children who wanted to shake her hand, the authorities that wanted to say more to her. Her mother understood my state of mind and emotions. She came to me and said:
- Captain, thank you very much for everything. Do not say anything. I know what is going through your head. Now Tamara is in the car. You do not need to wait any longer. Thank you again!
        I shook her hand, waived with my hand to her husband and her other daughter and, without looking back, almost run through the gangway and to my quarters.
        I could not control the flow of tears in my eyes. They had been waiting for too long to burst out. I began to cry before I entered my quarters ... and cried for a long time! I do not know why I cried: perhaps, because I thought it was unjust for Tamara to die, … because I felt angry that people were taking advantage of her illness.
        Later that afternoon I called the office and spoke with Ms. Pratera. I informed her that Tamara and her family had disembarked and told her about my emotional status. I said:
- Please Ms. Pratera, never, never again send on board of a ship under my command another dying child! I could not take it again! If it is going to happen again, please make sure that I am replaced, before the child comes on board.
         She was a good person nice and understanding. She knew what I meant to say. She assured me to do her best to avoid a similar situation for me in the future.
         Only a few days later, I received a telex from the head office, informing me that Tamara had died. … A few days after leaving the ship … on the airplane that was taking her back home from the Bahamas.
         It was sad news for all of us on board, although we expected her death. The only good thing was that she had the chance to fulfil her last wish.
         I wrote a letter of condolences to her parents. Tamara will always live in my mind and in those who met her on the trip of her dreams.

STORIE DI MARE OPEN MARRIAGE

- una storiellina leggermente hard del Comandante Nicola Di Stefano -
(pubblicata in inglese per rinfrescare la lingua)
anche questo può succedere a bordo

            It had been one of "those" long days at sea ... for all senior officers! ...
            We had left port the day before with a full load of passengers, about nine hundred and fifty. Early in the morning the main compressor for the air conditioning had stopped. Unfortunately the spare compressor was small and not sufficient to reach the low temperature to which Americans are used. That meant that all officers were involved with the problem. In fact the chief engineer and his officers were attending the repair works necessary to start again the main compressor in the briefest time possible. The purser and his officers were around the ship to answer questions, organizing buffets on deck and suggesting to passengers to leave the inside of the ship and enjoy the sun outside on deck. The deputy captain was making sure that everything on deck would be organized for any occurrences.
            I had just come out of the shower, that early morning when the chief engineer had called me on the phone to inform me of the occurrence. He estimated that in six to eight hours the compressor should be repaired and back in line. That meant that two hours later the ship would be cool again.
            I thought that, after all, we were being lucky: at seven o'clock in the morning when I had received the phone call from the chief and therefore, with a bit of luck we should be back to normal well before the first welcome on board cocktail party.
            I had had a very brief meeting with my deputy, the purser and the cruise director to inform them of what was happening and to re-assure them that all activities scheduled for the evening should remain the same. During the day, all activities should take part on the open decks. We were fortunate also because the sun was shining and it was not one of the hottest Caribbean days.
            Everything went according to plans and just before five o'clock in the afternoon, the ship had reached the usual inside temperature! ... Just in time for passengers who were joining the first cocktail party to be ready: … showered and changed in their evening attire! ... We were all tired, mainly because we had missed our usual afternoon rest and also because of the tension ... waiting for the repairs to be completed in time.
            As usual, I hosted the two cocktail parties and then I went to dinner and met my table guests. They all looked very nice. I was being lucky that cruise, because there was nobody on board whom I had known before: neither friends nor acquaintances. I had given the maitre d’hôtel the task to find passengers for my table. It was not an easy task, because if I did not like the people at the table, I would not go back to the dining room, after the first night! ... I always had a good excuse to present to my table companions. This situation, though, would not be pleasant for the maitre d'hotel, because, every night, for the rest of the cruise he had to present my apologies. This situation would only occur once, maybe twice, during the time thee a maitre d'hotel was serving on board ... and only if he had not sailed with me before. Once he had realized the kind of people with whom I liked to spend my dinner hours, he succeeded in finding them for most of the cruises while I was on board.
           After dinner, after I thanked my guests for the nice evening, they asked if I would like to join them in a lounge for some dancing. I was in the habit of "touring the ship” after dinner and therefore I very seldom sat with passengers. I would rather sit for a few minutes here and there and not to be tied up with any table in particular. Therefore I thanked them and declined the invitation to sit at their table, but promised to visit the lounge where there was the kind of dancing we all liked: ball room!
           We left the table and I went to my quarters, and to the bridge for the routine checking.
            After such a long day, I thought that it would have been nice if I staid in my quarters, just listening to some good music. A second thought, though, made me realize that I really wanted to be with people and, why not? ... Dancing and laughing! ...
            I left my suite and met with the purser outside his office. It was routine for the two of us, since we had known each other for more than twenty years. Together, while gossiping and talking, we made the round of the lounges. When we arrived at the lounge where the dancing was taking place, I told him that I had promised to dance with the two ladies at my table. He left, because he disliked dancing and I walked towards the table where my dinner companions were seated. Only a few steps and a nice looking gentleman, very well dressed, in his mid thirties, approached me and asked:
- Excuse me, sir. I believe you are Captain Stevens!
- Yes I am.
- My name Jack Reed. I would like to ask you for a big favor, captain.
- Mr. Reed, what can I do for you?
- I hope I am not out of line if I ask you to dance with my wife. She has been dying to dance with you and she is too shy to ask.
- Mr. Reed...
- Please Captain, call me Jack!
- As you wish, Jack. You are certainly not out of line and I am delighted to ask your wife for a dance, but you must be a little patient and wait until I have danced with two ladies to whom I have already promised a dance.
- Certainly captain. Thank you very much. Sandra will be delighted to know that you will ask her! ...
            As he walked back to his table I had a glance at the woman seating on the chair next to his. I assumed that she was Sandra ... and I hoped so! ... She was very attractive: I could see a beautiful pair of legs and a very sexy look in her deep blue eyes! ... After a quick look at her I went to the two women to whom I had promised the dance and ... kept my promise. After the end of the second dance, as I escorted the lady back to her table, I said that I had been asked to dance with another lady and after that dance I would retire. I then went towards Sandra and, as I came closer to her I realized that she was even more attractive than I had thought at a first glance! ...
            She was obviously waiting for me, because as I reached her, she stood up. I introduced myself:
- I am Nick Stevens, the captain of this ship.
- I am really glad to meet you, captain Stevens. I was not able to come to your cocktail party, this evening, because my daughter called us on the phone, just as we were about to leave our cabin.
- I am very glad to meet you Mrs. Reed...
- Oh! No! ... Captain. Please call me Sandra.
- As you wish, Sandra. You are very young to have a grown up daughter. I mean one who can call you on the phone on the ship!
- You are right, captain. In fact we left her with her nanny and she is the one who calls and put her through! ... Our girl is six years old.
- Now I can understand.
            The band had just began to play a slow fox trot. I turned to Sandra:
- May I have the pleasure of this dance?
- Since this one is your pleasure and Jack asked you to dance with me, I accept this ... and the next one will be my pleasure!
- It sounds wonderful! ... Thank you! ...
            I lead her to the dance floor and ... two minutes later we were dancing as close as ... a stamp on an envelope! ... Fortunately the dance floor was crowded and I was hoping that passengers were not looking at me. The bandmaster had dimmed the lights ... Thanks God! I did not know what to think. Her right cheek on my right cheek, her eyes closed and her right hand was squeezing my left hand! ... I was confused! ... I tried to move away a little to look at her, but she was clinging to me with all her body! ... She began to give me little tiny kisses on my neck! ... That was too much: although I was almost out of my mind with her sex appeal, I could not allow myself to behave in such manner in public. Therefore, since I was not succeeding in getting away from her, I whispered in her ear:
- Sandra! ... I am concerned that Jack could be hurt by your behavior, here on the dance floor....
- Oh! Please! ... Do not worry at all about Jack. Probably he is now gambling at the blackjack table... He is not jealous at all and ... I am really enjoying dancing so close to you! ... I feel as if you like me too...
- Of course! … I do like you! ... You are not only a beautiful and attractive woman, but you have also a lot of sex appeal: it seems to me that your sex appeal pours out of each pore in your body! ... But here on board I am under "continuos surveillance" by all passengers and crew and I have never danced so close to any lady since I have been appointed captain! ...
- Well, if you find this situation embarrassing, we can stop right now, but you must fulfil your promise: we must have two dances and this is only the beginning of the first. We can stop now and continue it in your quarters...
- I would be more than willing, but I am still concerned about Jack.
- Very well, then. Let us go to the casino and talk to him.
- All right, Sandra, as you wish.
            We both left the lounge and walked to the casino. I was trying to be as formal as possible for the sake of the passengers who, I am sure, had been watching me before! She tried to put her hand under my arm, but I cleverly avoid it, without offending her: I acted as if I had not noticed her movements and moved away from her a little.
            As we entered the casino together, most of the dealers looked at us and wished me a good evening. Jack, as she had expected, was seated on a stool at a black jack table. He obviously was concentrated in the game and did not notice our presence. Sandra touched his arm. He turned briefly, looked at her and signaled to her to be quite. He then turned back to his game and ... he lost that hand!
            Jack signaled to the dealer that he was not playing the next game, turned on the stool and looked at Sandra. He still had not noticed my presence. He said:
- Dear! ... You know that I am never angry at you, but ... I have asked you so many times to leave me alone while I am gambling ... Unless ... is it something really important that you want to tell me? ... When I left, you were dancing with the captain, and I was under the impression that he liked you! ... Maybe...
- Jack! ... Please! ... Let me tell you why I came here. I asked the captain to dance with him in his quarters and he is worried about you! ... He is here! .
            Jack turned his head and, finally noticed me:
- Captain Stevens, please do accept my apologies for not noticing you before, but ... when I look at Sandra, I have eyes only for her! ...
            He looked at her with affection and laughed.
- Please Jack, do not mention it! ... I can understand very well what you are saying and can only agree with you wholeheartedly! ...
- Thank you, captain. But, please do not be concerned about me. If Sandra suggested that you go to your quarters I am happy with it! ... We are living in the twentieth century! ...
- Then it is obvious to me: I must belong to last century! ... Would you like to join for a drink?
- No, thank you captain! ... I am enjoying loosing my money at this table for the time being. Maybe later ... Sandra will tell me all about your dancing! ... Enjoy it! ...
            He turned towards the dealer and resumed his games.
            I looked at Sandra and I realized that she was waiting for me to escort her to my quarters. At that point I could not see any reason to postpone this "tete-a-tete" and showed her the way.
            As soon as we entered my living room, I put some music on. She asked me:
- Captain, is there a ladies' room in the vicinity?
            I showed her to my bathroom and went back to the living room, trying to understand what was going on. All I could think, though, was my luck with such a beautiful young woman.
            While I was dreaming about her ... figure ... with my eyes open, she returned and I was even more shocked: she was wearing my bath-rope! ... There was no more need to wait for further … signals...
            We both enjoyed the wonderful time we spent together! ... After a few minutes, as we were relaxing, she asked me to use my telephone. She said:
- I need to call Jack. I know that now he is in our cabin. I need to tell him what a great time we have had! ...
- ... Sandra ... Are you joking! ... What are you going to tell him? ...
            I felt not only guilty, but rather stupid! ... She said:
- About two years ago, Jack and myself were about to separate, because neither of us felt any more desire for sex with each other, but we both were attracted by other people. We than decided to try an open marriage. We wanted to save our marriage, mostly for the sake of our daughter. The result was wonderful and now Jack really enjoys watching me make love to another man. The situation excites him to the point that he makes love to me immediately after! ... And obviously I enjoy it just as much! ... Please let me ask him up here!
- ... Sandra ... I am sorry! ... Perhaps you think that I am bad because I thought that the two of us were being untrue to him, but ... I probably was born in the wrong century ... I am afraid I am not capable of ... yes ... to make love to a woman in front of her husband. It is psychological: just because he is your husband, because ... I have ... well ... please ... forgive me, but I just cannot do it!
- All right captain Stevens. I did not mean to worry you. I have enjoyed myself immensely and I thank you very much for the wonderful evening.
            She took a shower and left.
            I spent the rest of the cruise trying to avoid them, specially Jack, because I felt embarrassed ... just at the thought of the man enjoying sex with his wife only if she was shared with another man! ...
            The day before the end of the cruise, after my farewell speech, I stood on the stage for the usual souvenir photographs with passengers. There was a long line and I noticed that also Jack and Sandra were waiting for their turn. When their turn came, they stood one on each side of me. After the photograph was taken, Sandra gave me a light kiss on the cheek. She whispered in my ear: - Thank you again! ... I shall remember our evening for a long time!” Jack shook my hand and said:
- Captain Stevens I wish to thank you very much for the great time you gave my wife. She told me what an experienced lover you are! ... Pity I could not be included! ... But ... once more: many thanks!”
            I just said "thank you" and turned to the next couple on the line.
"Another experience!" - I thought - "Just as well people are all different to each other! ... This really makes the world interesting! ... One never ends to learn ... no matter how long life is! ..."