Chapter Twelve
Somewhere beneath the waves, we crossed a circle we couldn’t see.
Leticia and Jim enjoyed a light lunch on the Lido Deck, chatting with a friendly couple, Peter and Sally from Whitley Bay.
The couple had experienced the Rauma Railway excursion the day before and shared stories and compared notes, recalling the breathtaking journey.
Together, they relived the train’s winding route as it pounded through dark tunnels to emerge in the majestic Romsdalen Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.
‘Good to catch up again,’ Leticia said, ‘perhaps we’ll see you on another day out,’ she added when Peter took Sally’s hand, and they left for Afternoon Melodies in the Observatory.
A steward came to clear the table, and as Jim sipped a beer, Leticia glanced around the deck to see Nora, splashing happily in the pool wearing a pretty skirted swimsuit and swim cap adorned with rubber flowers that bounced above her orange curls.
Sid, who’d joined Nora at the previous fitness class, floated on his back, paddling lazy circles around Nora, pausing occasionally to share a refreshing drink from her poolside water bottle.
They giggled like teenagers between sips.
Noting the time, Leticia rose. ‘I’m going to see if Joy is up to joining us,’ she said, planting a kiss on Jim’s brow as she made her way.
Henry was buzzing with excitement as he reached the Lido Deck. Bill Zhang’s talk had been fascinating, and he’d learned much about the aurora borealis.
Using an informative PowerPoint presentation, Bill had demonstrated how the aurora comes to life in the sky.
‘When the solar wind’s streams of charged particles from the sun travel through space and reach Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field.
’ Bill used a laser pointer on the screen to explain.
‘This guides the particles to the polar regions, where they collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, transferring energy, which is then released as light.’
Engrossed in his thoughts as he moved, Henry didn’t see Jim, and it was only when Jim called out that Henry stopped and looked around.
‘Are you coming to join us?’ Jim asked, ‘Leticia has gone to get Joy. We’re here to watch the crossing of the Arctic Circle ceremony. It will start soon.’
‘I’d be delighted,’ Henry said.
He sat beside Jim and ordered a beer, clearly in good spirits, then began describing the talk he’d attended, animatedly sharing what he’d learned from the astrophotographer.
He’d soaked up the expert insights, and Jim, just as eager to learn more about the aurora borealis, nodded along, listening intently.
‘When do you think we’ll see it?’ Jim asked.
‘There’s no guarantee, but hopefully further north, and with luck by the time we get to Troms?. Bill has a channel on Instagram, and you can sign up to his alerts.’
Enabling their Wi-Fi, the two men produced their phones. They began scrolling through Bill Zhang’s account, their eyes wide as they studied images of the aurora.
‘Sexting while the women are away?’ a voice called out, and a shadow loomed.
Startled, Henry and Jim looked up to see Kenneth standing over them.
‘Or is it some afternoon delight on the adult sites?’ Kenneth took a seat and indicated to Barbara, alongside, to do the same. ‘Room for two more?’
‘Only if you are interested in images of the aurora borealis,’ Henry snapped, ‘and not any other exposure as you crudely suggest.’
‘Don’t get your knickers in a knot, old man.
’ Kenneth gave Henry a hearty slap on his back.
‘I’m only having a joke with you.’ He turned to Barbara, who wore her fur hat and a Christmas jumper.
‘Be a good girl and find a steward, would you? I’m gasping for a drink.
’ Removing his cagoule, Kenneth settled himself in.
‘I had no idea Improvers Bridge could be so taxing.’
Henry drained his glass and held it up. ‘Mine’s a pint,’ he said, ‘Jim will have similar.’
‘So, what are you two rascals up to?’ Kenneth drummed his fingers on the table and yawned as he looked around the deck.
‘We’re here to watch the Arctic Circle ceremony,’ Henry said as Barbara returned with a steward in tow. In addition to their order, she ordered a bottle of her favourite red.
‘Ah, these maritime traditions,’ Kenneth mused, ‘we’ve crossed the equator many times, haven’t we, Babs?’
‘Actually, Kenny, we did it once on the Queen Mary sailing to South America,’ Barbara snapped. ‘I’ve several photos at home that you’ll never live down. King Neptune, you’re not.’ She snatched the bottle from the steward and filled her glass.
Jim shifted in his seat. He thanked the steward for his beer, then raised his glass to acknowledge Kenneth’s round. ‘You must be a pollywog,’ Jim said.
‘I beg your pardon?’ Kenneth sat up.
‘It’s a nautical term for a passenger who crosses the equator for the first time,’ Jim explained. ‘It’s also an old English word for tadpole and an expression the Navy still uses.’
Barbara began to snigger. ‘That suits you, Kenny, “pollywog” – I rather like it, Kenneth Montgomery Jones, Pollywog. You always wanted a title.’
‘Well, if I am one, then so are you,’ Kenneth retorted.
Henry ignored the couple’s bickering and gave a wave as Jack strolled by with Judy.
Raising one hand to acknowledge Henry, Jack placed the other on Judy’s waist and Henry was surprised at Jack’s sudden familiarity with her.
No longer keeping his distance, the pair now appeared cosied up, and Henry felt quietly pleased to see it.
Perhaps the cold was bringing them closer.
Turning to Jim, Henry asked, ‘Have you crossed the equator?’
‘Several times,’ Jim replied. ‘Leticia and I would be called “shellbacks,” an expression for those who’ve done it before. I’m not sure how often we’ve cruised the dividing line, but it’s many.’
Outdone with equator crossing one-upmanship, Kenneth took his wine and tossed it back.
Jim saw Leticia and Joy approach. ‘Hello, both. You’re just in time; the ceremony will begin soon.’
Henry stood to make room, and as Joy sat down, he thought that she looked a little peaky. ‘Are you feeling all right?’ he softly asked.
‘Er, thank you, I didn’t sleep very well.’
Before Henry could enquire more, music burst out, and a procession began led by Simon, who was wearing a long black hooded robe and a fake frosty beard. He carried a staff made from a mop wrapped in tinsel.
Informing everyone that he was King Boreas, the ancient God of the North Wind, he asked the assembled crowd if any first timers considered themselves worthy of becoming ‘Blue Noses’.
‘That’s the Arctic version of shellbacks,’ Jim explained.
‘You’ve got a blue nose, Kenny. I suggest you step up.’ Barbara ducked as her husband thrust out a hand to airwave her away.
Suddenly, Simon shouted, ‘I call for the captain!’
Heads turned as Captain Lauri Lindholm appeared and began to walk to a podium erected at the side of the pool to stand before King Boreas. Mature, tall, and slim, with waves of dark hair, the captain removed his glasses as he took his position.
‘About time he put in an appearance,’ Kenneth snidely remarked, ‘I was beginning to think the ship was being steered by a rumour.’
‘Captain, step forward,’ King Boreas said, ‘as tradition dictates, no traveller may pass beyond the Arctic Circle without sealing their passage by kissing the fish.’
Two crew members dressed as a mermaid and a pirate, stepped forward. They carried a long silver tray where a large icy cod lay, its milky eyes fixed in a deathly stare, surrounded by crushed ice, kale, and parsley.
‘I’ve kissed worse at Christmas parties!’ Kenneth called out and swigged his wine.
‘And I kiss worse every morning …’ Barbara sighed.
‘You must prove your worth!’ King Boreas held up his staff. ‘Kneel and kiss the fish!’
The captain played along, shaking his head and refusing to kneel. Two more crew members, wearing turtle suits, held his shoulders until he crouched down. Passengers, fired up in the spirit of the ceremony, began to chant. ‘Kiss the fish! Kiss the fish!’
The captain grimaced, closed his eyes, and puckered his lips. As the fish was thrust towards him, he pecked its cold mouth. But before Captain Lindholm could stagger to his feet, the turtles appeared with a bucket of ice and emptied it over his shoulders.
‘You are now a Blue Nose!’ King Boreas shouted, and everyone applauded as towels were hastily handed to the sodden Captain.
The turtles nervously moved back, wondering if they’d taken the ice-bucket challenge too far.
But Captain Lindholm proved to be a good sport.
Wiping his wet face, he retrieved his glasses and held up his towel in triumph.
The audience cheered as he took a lap of honour before returning to the Bridge.
Several department heads were introduced and put through the same procedure until it was time for the passengers to join in.
Henry glanced at Jim. ‘I will, if you will,’ he grinned.
‘You’re on!’ Jim laughed, and grabbing the hem of his fleece and T-shirt, he peeled them over his head.
Henry followed suit, pulling off his sweater and unbuttoning his shirt. Beneath was a thick thermal vest, which he whipped off like a prize-fighter going into battle.
‘You’ll catch your death,’ Barbara mused, one eyebrow raised as she stared at Henry and considered his figure – well-toned for a man of his age.
The sweater landed on Barbara’s lap, and she caught it without flinching, calmly smoothing the reindeer pattern across her knees. ‘Very festive,’ she said, ‘I’ll look after the reindeers while you join the frostbitten elite.’
Jim moved his chair forward, and with Henry bringing up the rear, the pair laughed like children as they joined the slippery challenge by the side of the pool, acknowledging Jack and Judy, who sat alongside.
Jack sported brief trunks, while a shivering Judy wore her felt hat and a long red sarong over her swimsuit.
‘This cold activity must suit you,’ Henry said to Jack.
‘Bring it on, the colder the better,’ Jack replied.
‘You seem to be getting on very well with Judy,’ Henry said as he watched Jack reach out to offer her a towel.
‘The woman’s a revelation.’ Jack grinned.
‘She’s almost as fit as me, which is saying something.
At first, I thought she was chasing me for the sport of it, but she’s got stamina and spirit that I didn’t see coming, and she’s full of passion.
’ Jack winked, and Henry raised his eyebrow.
‘I started out running from her,’ Jack continued and looked fondly at Judy, ‘and now I can’t imagine not running to her, if you know what I mean … ’
Barbara watched Henry and Jim head off. ‘Not joining in?’ Barbara asked her husband as she poured more wine. ‘Once a wimp, always a wimp?’
‘Good God, I’m not afraid of a little bit of ice and a slimy old fish,’ Kenneth stood up. He looked anxiously around as he removed his upper layer, tucking a vest that had seen better days under his cagoule.
The two turtles, third and fourth engineers from the engine room, were having a high time as they drenched passengers, and the mermaid forced the participants to kiss the fish.
Jim and Henry endured the ice bucket challenge and raised their fists in triumph, then high-fived as King Boreas told them they had passed their initiation.
By now, the enthusiasm for the ceremony had reached a fever pitch.
The poolside was packed with passengers waiting their turn while onlookers jostled for a good view.
But as Kenneth stepped forward, puffed up with bravado, a look of disgust crossed his face when he leaned in to kiss the fish.
He suddenly dodged back, caught his foot, and recoiled on a mound of ice.
With arms flailing, he lost his footing, slipped, and vanished with a loud splash into the pool’s deep end.
‘Where there’s blame there’s a claim,’ Barbara said and shook her head. But when she realised that Kenneth hadn’t surfaced, she leaped up, tossing Henry’s sweater to the floor.
‘HELP! He’s drowning!’ Barbara screamed, her voice slicing through the chaos.
Nestling in the jacuzzi with Nora, Sid sprang into action and dived headlong into the water. ‘I’ve got him!’ Sid called, surfacing with Kenneth in a chokehold and dragging him to the edge.
There was a collective gasp as everyone’s gaze turned to the surface of the pool, and Nora shrieked, ‘IT’S A RAT!’
She pointed, her eyes wide with horror, and all eyes turned to a strange floating creature. Panic rippled as husbands covered their wives’ eyes, and Jim and Henry leaned in for a closer look, while Jack and Judy leaped onto chairs.
‘You’re never more than three metres from a rat!’ Jack said and peered around anxiously, checking the deck for rodent infestation, as Judy trembled and clutched her sarong to her ankles.
At the same time, Leticia and Joy gazed at the disturbing sight of the conker-coloured floating object and the turtles exchanged worried glances. Grabbing King Boreas’s staff, the turtles ripped off the tinsel and dunked the mop into the pool to net the offending object.
Leticia turned to Joy and began to giggle.
Barbara, bracing herself with the last of the wine, hiccupped, then finished the drinks remaining on the table and pushed her way to the edge of the pool where Sid’s chokehold was causing Kenneth more damage than his drowning.
Grabbing her fur hat, Barbara hurled it frisbee-like to skim across the water. ‘Catch it, Kenny!’ she shouted, as Kenneth, tearing Sid’s hands from his throat, popped up to swiftly retrieve the hat and pull it over his bald head. ‘Thanks, old girl!’
‘Sh … show’s over,’ Barbara slurred. ‘There’s nothing to see here.
’ She waved her hands to disperse the crowd and kicking Henry’s sweater to one side, picked up her husband’s clothes.
The turtles raised the mop, and Barbara unhooked the squelching hair piece and tucked it in a pocket of Kenneth’s bright yellow cagoule.
Assisting Kenneth and draping him in towels, Barbara mumbled, ‘Good job you’ve got a spare …’ Reaching up for his arm she unsteadily guided Kenny from the Lido Deck. ‘See yous all at din-dins,’ Barbara called out to the wide-eyed group left behind.
‘Well, that was fun,’ Henry said and stooped down to pick up his sweater. He rubbed at his chest with a towel. ‘I never imagined that crossing the Arctic Circle would be so memorable!’