Duncan explained two things that sold him on the house.  First, it had a two story library.  He was a book collector - sci fi paperbacks up until now.  He also collected books on technology - how to do everything from make a stone knife to a nuclear generator.  There was a main section to the house and two wings and a half wings, plus a large basement with storm cellar and vault.  There were a whopping 12 bedrooms plus the master bedroom.  He had almost suggested Marcia enjoy the master bedroom, but she very firmly nixed that idea.  She almost managed to sound cross with him for even suggesting it.  Then she turned to Masumi and told the other butler that a little education in etiquette was in order.  Masumi gave a slight bow and explained that Duncan had already made that one of her duties.  But she was politely holding lessons until later, after she had a chance to observe his strengths and weaknesses.

Gary was completely ambivalent about the RV idea.  He did point out that an RV added the need to find a place to park - and that they could always bring a tent.  Duncan nodded.  He looked up 3 room tents and came up with one that could be ordered and picked up at Walmart for under $300.  It was actually a 12 man tent.  Each room could fit a queen sized air mattress.  “I am adding an air compressor.  There is no way I am going to blow up multiple air mattresses in one sitting.”  He looked at Masumi.  “Not to worry, tenting is only for those really off the beaten track locations where there are no hotels.”  Duncan began explaining more in detail about his plans to see the USA, then Europe travel either east to Europe or west to Australia or Japan.  He added that he was interested in Masumi and Gary’s input.

The problem Duncan really had with all the RV’s were their floorplans.  Most had a single master bedroom, plus a sofa hide-a-bed.  A few added bunkbeds.  It it was just he and Aliyah, the decision would be easy.  Gary would probably have been fine with a sofa bed given his military past.  But adding a butler complicated things.

Surprisingly it was Masumi who pushed the decision back toward the RV and “roughing” it.  She asking if she could have time to put together a spice rack, a tea set, and if they were, like many Americans, coffee drinkers a way to make proper coffee.  With a very few luxuries Masumi was up for the challenge on a long term basis - to include the yachting trip.

Duncan smiled and looked at Masumi. “Aliyah, remind me to pick up some extra photo gear.  Actually, we should ALL go shopping for clothing suitable for travel and fun.  Hiking, swim suits, and such.  Okay … I have an RV picked out.  It’s only downside is the sleeping arrangements for Gary and Masumi.  One of the floorplans has two sofa hide-a-beds.  I think there is a privacy screen.”

“I also think I have an initial plan.  Part of me wants to go north to Los Alamos.  There are a couple interesting things to do there.  But south is Bosque del Apache, Elephant Butte, and Gila Cliff Dwellings.  Carlsbad Caverns are down there too.  But if anyone here is claustrophobic, that might be out.  And if so, not a problem.”