Hello all, I have another chapter for Sail Away. I just wanted to mention something quickly. I understand that the business side of this is fairly far fetched. But this is fanfiction, there are things on here that don't make complete sense in the real world. So hopefully you can look past it and just enjoy the story. Thank you for reading!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own The Adventures of Tintin

There was a lengthy and awkward silence for what seemed like an eternity for Tintin until Aurora finally cleared her throat and turned to her father.

"Perhaps it's best if you take a seat Father. I know you like doing business when the atmosphere us relaxed,"

Mr. Stanton looked down at his pocket watch and tut-tutted quietly.

"As you wish, Aurora. Just please consider I do not have all day. My meeting commences at 12 o'clock this afternoon,"

Aurora led her father toward Tintin's red velvet sitting chairs, throwing Tintin one more disbelieving glance. Tintin shrugged helplessly before clearing his throat and standing more to attention as Mr. Stanton's gaze fell on him.

"Let's make this quick. Sit please and I will review your plan,"

Haddock sat opposite Mr. Stanton, seeming to have lost all his confidence in the presence of the intimidating man. The plan, which had somehow ended up on the floor, was quickly scooped up by Tintin. Aurora's eyes widened again and she held out her hand for the paper. Sheepishly, knowing that his luck was no doubt running out, Tintin handed the wrinkled paper over to Aurora, who quickly scanned it over. The colour left her face and she took a deep breath. Tintin felt his heart skip a beat.

"You do have a business plan, correct?"

Mr. Stanton looked up expectantly at Haddock first, before turning to look at Tintin, who stood clenching his fists behind Aurora. Before he could say anything, Aurora twirled around, blocking Tintin from her father.

"Father!" Aurora's eyes were filled with fear, but fortunately for her, Mr. Stanton was still looking at Tintin.

"Aurora, please. I have no time to waste. Do they have a business plan or not?"

Tintin gulped and stepped around Aurora, his hands behind him to hide the fact that they were shaking.

"I actually don't have a plan, sir," He could feel his face growing red from embarrassment. Mr. Stanton sighed and looked to stand up.

"I appreciate your honesty, Mister…"

"Tintin, sir,"

"Right, Mister Tintin. But I am in an awfully large rush today with my meetings and cannot possibly be held up- ,"

"Wait Father, please wait!"

Mr. Stanton looked up at his daughter, narrowing his eyes as he replaced his pocket watch once again.

"Aurora, I do not appreciate my time being wasted, you know this. I also don't appreciate being interrupted,"

Aurora ushered her father to sit once again, which he did reluctantly. Aurora kneeled beside him and showed him the paper Tintin had given her.

"Look Father. Tintin had written up a business plan, but he's never done one like this before. It is not in Tintin's nature to deal with business side of things and the proper etiquette with which to do so. I know you've written hundreds of such business plans and had great success with the movement and expansion of your company through them, but Tintin is of another profession. He is working with a editorial and is quite an accomplished journalist. You have one set of skills that you do very well and Tintin has another. They differ greatly, but that does not make you are better than him or he is better then you. Father you must understand that not everyone is the same. So please, hear Tintin out. He may not be presenting his idea in the way you prefer or have been taught, but he is good to his word and is one of the most honest man I have ever met. Mister Haddock as well is a respectable retired sea captain. There can be no harm in at least hearing them out for their idea. Please Father?"

Tintin held his breath. He had never known Aurora to be so serious in the short time he had known her. To speak with such determination to a man such as Mr. Stanton was impressive and he could not help but be grateful for her calm buffer.

Mr. Stanton pursed his lips together for a moment, looking up once more at Haddock; Tintin was not sure he would see Haddock as a 'respected sea captain', but he was a sailor, there was no doubt there. Aurora had spoken the truth to him.

Aurora remained kneeling at his side, searching his eyes. Mr. Stanton's dark eyes seemed to soften gently as he looked back on his daughter and Tintin was sure he caught a glimmer of affection in their depths. He was a business man through and through, but he also was a father and it was clear Mr. Stanton was fighting those roles at the moment. Finally, his eyes retained their serious shade and he cleared his throat, looking back up at Tintin with an curt nod.

"Very well, I will hear out their proposed idea. As long as it's quick,"

Aurora squeezed his arm.

"Thank you father,"

Mr. Stanton nodded at her, a small smile playing on his lips. Tintin breathed a sigh of relief, it would seem that his father role had won that day and he could not be more thrilled. Aurora stood up quickly and turned to Tintin, taking hold of his arms, she looked up into his eyes, still filled with worry.

"You can do this Tintin, just remember what I told you. I know you want the best for the people of this country and he will see that in your face. Good luck," She whispered this of course before squeezing his arms gently and letting go to stand behind her father, smiling brightly at him.

Tintin swallowed nervously, the weight of dream lay heavy on his heart, which did not help the sinking feeling in his stomach. But, he knew he had to be brave, this was just another adventure and he was determined to take it in stride. He stood a little taller, holding his head up and his shoulders back. Mr. Stanton looked at him steadily, while Haddock, who did not have a taste for all the seriousness of business, sunk further into his seat. Tintin cleared his throat.

"Well, sir. I don't know if Aurora mentioned this, but Captain Haddock and I have the plan to sail out whenever we can afford a ship and crew to work for us. Our plan is to find the lost treasure of Red Reckham,"

Mr. Stanton held up his hand, looking briefly back at Aurora. Tintin shut his mouth, not moving a muscle.

"You mean to tell me, Mister Tintin, that this is all about some lost treasure?"

Tintin nodded his head, taking a deep breath. Aurora smiled encouragingly, gesturing to continue speaking.

"Yes sir. This treasure has said to have been lost sometime in the 17th century. Mister Haddock's ancestor Sir Francis was the captain of the Unicorn and he served Charles the II of England in the navy. The Unicorn was the pride of the English fleet in Charle's words. In 1698, Sir Francis was sailing back from the Island of Santo Domingo in the Caribbean. But they were attacked not a day into their journey by a pirate ship. The pirate captain, Red Reckham and his crew overpowered Sir Francis' men and took control of their ship. Red Reckham wanted the secret cargo that he knew the Unicorn was bringing back to Europe and demanded to be shown it, threatening to kill Sir Francis crew if he refused. The ship was said to be carrying tobacco, gun powder and dates, but the secret cargo was greater then all of these. A total of 4000 tonnes of gold and jewels. Red Reckham tricked Sir Francis' into believing that he would release him and his crew if Sir Francis showed him the treasure. But once he did, Red Reckham threw Sir Francis' men overboard and tied Sir Francis to the mast of the ship, planning to sail the Unicorn back to England. That night, Sir Francis escaped his bonds. He knew he could not let Red Reckham keep the treasure, but since he was alone, he had but one choice. He had to destroy the Unicorn to keep the treasure out of Red Reckham's hands. He nearly did not succeed as Red Reckham fought him hand and foot as he set fire to the gun powder. After the ship went up in flames, the treasure was lost to the sea. Haddock and myself spent the last year finding the remaining clues in the identical Unicorn ship models Sir Francis left for his descendants. We arrested Red Reckham's descendant Ivan Ivanovich Sakharine last year after he kidnapped me, stealing Haddock's ship the Karaboudjan and an attempt of murder us both for the treasure. After his arrest, Haddock and I were able to find the remaining clue and discover the coordinates to the location of the lost treasure in the cellar of Haddock's home, Marlinspike Hall. Along with a hat full of gold from Sir Francis which he managed to save after the explosion,"

Mr. Stanton had remained motionless as Tintin gave his speech, waiting an extra second after he finished to speak.

"That is a very well researched story, Mister Tintin, do you happen to have any proof? The gold perhaps?"

Tintin's face drained of colour momentarily, looking down at Haddock, who seemed to sink lower into his chair. Tintin looked back at Mr. Stanton.

"We did have the gold for a short time, sir. But Haddock spent it… uh… at a party he hosted at his home. On model ships sir,"

Mr. Stanton raised an eyebrow.

"So no proof?"

Tintin suddenly smiled, some of his nerves melting away.

"Actually, I do have proof sir. Wait one moment,"

Tintin disappeared into his office. Mr. Stanton turned his attention toward Haddock, who seemed to wither underneath his stare.

"You spent an entire hat of gold on a model ships?"

Haddock gripped his hat in his hands.

"They were very beautiful ships,"

Aurora stepped in quickly.

"It's true Father, they are very beautiful. He showed them to me and even gave me one to keep. He's very generous,"

Mr. Stanton nodded and settled back into his chair, checking his pocket watch once more. Before anything more could be said, Tintin came back into the room, carrying a framed picture, which he handed to Mr. Stanton, smiling proudly.

"Our entire story was published in the news, sir. You'll see the picture of Sakharine being arrested and Haddock and I holding the Unicorn,"

Mr. Stanton pulled out a small monocle and looked at the pictures carefully, scanning through the article attached.

"I also have the paper with the coordinates to the treasure if you need, sir,'

Mr. Stanton handed the frame back to Tintin.

"This is sufficient proof, I will accept that. So what is your plan?"

Tintin breathed a deep sigh of relief, smiling at Aurora, who clapped her hands silently, smiling at him encouragingly. Clearing his throat once more, Tintin felt a flood of courage flow through him and he was finally able to look Mr. Stanton in the eyes. The business man met his gaze head on, seeming to be impressed that Tintin did not waver.

"Sir, Captain Haddock and I plan to take a ship and crew and sail to where the coordinates lead and reclaim the treasure. We have reason to believe that no one else has a hold of these coordinates so the treasure is still on the ocean floor. If we indeed bring this treasure in, I believe there will be a great boost in the economical status in Belgium and all across Europe. My plan, if you are willing sir, is to set up a partnership with you. if you are willing to loan us a total sum of 20,000 pounds for a ship, crew and the necessary equipment to dive for the treasure, I will provide you with 10% of the treasure on the return journey. This will no doubt aide with increase of your trades from Brussels to Europe and to America. We are also willing to give you an initial credit in assistance to the finding of the treasure,"

Tintin could not believe he had just presented a business plan to such as man as Mr. Stanton. He stood firm as he waited for an answer.

Mr. Stanton, who again had listened quietly as Tintin presented his plan to him, finally stood up, taking out his pocket watch one last time to check, replacing it in his suite pocket as he stepped forward.

"Well Mister Tintin, I must say that that was the most unusual business plan I have ever heard,"

Tintin felt his heart skip a beat again, the adrenaline running through his system fired up. Mr. Stanton turned slightly to look at his daughter. Aurora's eyes shone with home and he smiled softly, turning back to hold out his hand to Tintin.

"But, I have to say, that I have agreed to ideas from men who have half of your passion and none of the courage I've seen from you. You have my assistance and I will write you up a check as soon as my meeting is finished this afternoon,"

Tintin could not believe what he heard as he accepted Mr. Stanton's hand and shook it firmly. Haddock seems to become back to live in his chair, trembling with excitement, but remaining silent in the presence of such a man. Aurora smiled at him excitedly, before she ran to Tintin, hugging him around his chest. Tintin was in too much shock to notice her as he stared at Mr. Stanton, who smiled at his daughter.

"My daughter seems to have the same opinion as I. You're a fine man,"

Tintin nodded absentmindedly. Aurora let him go and shook his arms, finally getting him to look down at her, his mouth still gaping slightly. She laughed as she nudged his chin for him to close it, he could only smile.

"I knew you could do it Tintin! You can finally have an adventure!"

Tintin finally came back, grabbing Aurora's arms and pulling her in to hug her fully. Aurora could not stop smiling as Tintin let her go and walk over to slap Haddock on the back. The old Captain kept nodding and smiling.

"You did it my boy,"

Tintin could not help but grin at his old friend.

"Yes, no help to you, you old barnacle,"

Haddock waved him off, standing up to walk over to Mr. Stanton, holding out his hand.

"I'd like to thank you sir. This means the world to Mister Tintin and myself,'

Mr. Stanton's smile had vanished and he stepped around Haddock up to his daughter.

"I hope you are not thinking of accompanying these men, Aurora," His voice was quiet and Tintin's heart stopped suddenly.

Aurora stopped smiling and the room grew quiet.

"I was Father, living here has opened up a whole new world for me, but I still wis to see more. A great adventure such as this would be impossible to miss,"

Mr. Stanton did not move, only looked down at Aurora.

"I made this deal for you, Aurora, to give you the satisfaction of your own victory. But I will not allow you to partake of the voyage. It is far too dangerous and I forbid it," His voice was colder somehow and Aurora stared defiantly at him.

"Father, this is my one chance to have an adventure of my own. You can't take it away from me like this. Your gave me your blessing to explore the world,"

Mr. Stanton held up his hands as his daughter approached to plead with him.

"I will not have it Aurora. There are dangers at sea that you know nothing about and I cannot entrust these men with your lives. You will not go,"

Aurora's eyes were wide and Tintin could see she was close to tears.

"You don't know that. I've been studying the ways of sailing and I know how it works. Nothing will happen to- ,"

"Aurora! Reading about a ship is different than actually being on one. There is no way you could prepare yourself for every situation that can occur on a ship at sea. There will be no more discussion. My decision is final. You will not be sailing,"

Aurora opened her mouth, but no words came out. She looked over at Tintin, seeming to plead with him to intercede. Tintin stood still, his mouth open, but no words coming. He wanted to speak up in defence of Aurora, but a part of him knew he could risk their chances of keeping partnership with Mr. Stanton. Finally, he shook his head slowly, not taking his gaze off of Aurora. The dark ginger turned back to her father who was standing now at the opened door. He pointed outside and his eyes were serious.

"It's time you left Aurora. I will allow you to stay here in the flat. I must get to my meeting now,"

Aurora did not speak, her mouth was still open and her eyes were glazed. Slowly, she walked across the living room and to her father. Tintin made as if to move and meet them, but Mr. Stanton met his eyes and shook his head. Tintin froze as the stiff business man ushered his daughter out the door, stopping only to nod to the two men.

"I will send your check. I expect to receive a note of your start and end date. Good day gentlemen. God speed,"

Without another word, Mr. Stanton closed the door and the receding steps downstairs concluded the day.

Tintin did not move for a long while, until Haddock finally let out a long sigh.

"I'm sorry Tintin, but there's noting to be done,"

Tintin turned slowly to look at his old friend, still processing the events of the past hour.

"She was counting on me. I let her down Haddock," He looked at the now closed door. "She can't have her adventure, all because of me"

Haddock lay a hand on Tintin's shoulders.

"That's not true. It was her father's decision and you were right not to go against him. You'll talk to Aurora before we go, she's a right understanding little thing. She knows this whole affair is not your fault. Talk to her, you'll see,"

Tintin shook his head, walking slowly over to his office to open the door. Snowy leapt out like a wild animal, instantly romping around his master's feet. Tintin merely walked past him and sat down at the kitchen table, looking passively out the window.

"I don't know if I can,"

Haddock joined him at the table.

"Come on Tintin, this isn't you. You should be thrilled! We have our ship and crew. Aurora did it for us!"

"That's why she should be coming with us. We owe her!"

Haddock sighed and sat down across from Tintin, taking off his hat and placing it on the table before him.

"I know. But we can't go against that girls daddy. You have to work this out. You'll feel better after apologizing. Then we can begin our plans. It's here Tintin!"

Tintin could not help but smile. His dream of near on 2 years was finally here and he knew he should be excited. But a nagging sense of failure ate at him in the back of his mind. He spend the next few hours going over the fine details of their voyage with Haddock over a light lunch. They would be needing a crew of approximately 30 members due to the length of their trip. For the diving part of their adventure, they would require quality diving gear. Although Tintin had not done a lot of diving in his life, he knew of a few places that carried what they needed. They would also have to set aside a portion for a cook and enough food for the voyage. After everything had been listed, written down and finalized, it was past 6 o'clock. Haddock stood up and stretched his arms over his head.

"Well Tintin, I'm off home. We have a busy few weeks ahead of us. Best to get rested and ready early,"

Tintin nodded absently as he looked at the sheet before him. Haddock sighed.

"Tintin,"

The ginger looked up at him, a sad look in his eyes. Haddock smiled softly.

"Go talk to her. Make it right and you'll feel better,"

Tintin sighed.

"The only way to make it up to her is to let her come. I don't know if she'll want to talk to me after I let her down,"

Haddock grunted as he gathered his old rain coat and walked toward the door.

"Then let her do the talking. She'll get it out of her system. You'll see!"

Tintin waved goodbye to Haddock and looked once more at his sheet. It was chalk full of information that he did not seem as excited over as he should have been. He heaved a long sigh and looked up above him. Snowy, pawed at his leg softly, whimpering under his breath. Tintin looked down at him.

He had to talk to Aurora. He had to make it right if he was going to enjoy this adventure.

So there it is, the adventure is finally underway! I should have more to come in a week or so, where they have the ship and you get an idea of who the dark skin man is. I hope you enjoy and feel free to leave a review of what you like and don't like.