Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Tomkins is sentenced to seven years’ labour in the fledgling colony of Sydney Town, Australia. The voyage across the sea is arduous. He is travelling with mean, street-hardened criminals, some of whom would like to use him for their pleasure. Fortunately he meets Peter, who takes Jacob under his wing. Together they find moments of pleasure amid the drudgery of the voyage. They share their hopes and dreams, and finally declare their love for each other upon the eve of their arrival in Sydney Town -- a place where the currency is rum, distilled and controlled by the powerful military. But what will happen once they disembark? The chances of remaining together are slim. A lot can happen in seven years, especially when Jacob’s new master takes a liking to him. Is their love strong enough to survive the ravages of time? Can they survive the rigors of their sentences?

Across the Sea

They ate a simple breakfast of gruel washed down with tea, and after they’d rinsed their dishes, they were assembled in the yard that separated the main building at the front from the barracks.


Almost immediately the lieutenant from the previous day came marching out of the main building, followed by three men in civilian clothes.


Jacob felt his heart race. He stole a glance at Peter, who like the rest of the men, was staring straight ahead.


One of the civilians stepped forward and pointed along the line of convicts.


He pointed at Peter. “Him.” Then continued along the line, saying “Him” three more times.


Chapter 17