Author's Note: So, this story is completely written. I'm not sure if I want to keep posting a chapter a day for you guys or if you want multiple in a day. Or just post them all and let you finish it? Let me know. Happy reading. dark rolling sea.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Two days passed with Mike running point on shore. He had petitioned to bring the Nathan James into a dock and to have repairs done. On the second day the president had agreed to the order and Mike had signaled the ship.
One the third day Tom joined him on shore and took over the point position. Mike was relieved. Currently he and Tom were in the inner office with the president, discussing the state of the local police force, and the situation with the military. There really was no structure in place, and no designated chain of command, either for that matter.
"So, I was thinking we need someone to be Chief of Naval Operations for the Navy. I also need a chief of police that I can trust," Michener said leaning back in his padded chair. Mike glanced at Tom.
"Did you have someone in mind?" Tom asked hesitantly. Mike sat back to listen.
"I do. First let's address the military and the status that we know as of now. I have messages being sent out over the network that we are slowly patching together for all miliary personnel, all branches, to report to Norfolk. Captain Williams is to register them all and give me reports on our numbers."
"And where are we now?" Mike asked.
"As of now we have gathered four hundred and sixteen people from all branches of the military. It's very small but it is a start," Michener answered.
"And what is your plan for this?" Tom asked.
"Eventually when we are a little more organized, I'll have a base of operations opened up here in St. Louis. I think this is a great city to reestablish a capital city, and I'd like to have a main base here. I'd like to see how many naval ships can be recovered from Norfolk and possibly out at sea," Michener continued.
"A big undertaking," Tom replied. Mike nodded in agreement.
"It is, but I feel like as we get our feet more solidly on the ground, and round up more survivors, we can do more and more to get things…back to normal," Michener explained.
"Understood," Tom said.
"Now, on to the Chief of Naval Operations for the Navy. I would like for you to hold that position," Michener said looking at Tom. Mike glanced at Tom to gage his reaction. He noticed Tom hold his face in check, showing absolutely no emotion.
"That's a big offer," Tom said carefully. Mike saw Michener smile at Tom.
"I want someone that I trust to hold that position. I know you are able to make the tough decisions and follow through. You won't be afraid to tell me the stakes and how it really is."
"Yes, Sir," Tom agreed. Mike looked at him with a raised eyebrow. If Tom took that position that would make him Captain of the Nathan James. "Can I think about it?"
"Certainly," Michener answered with a small nod. Mike thought maybe the president was a little disappointed to not have an immediate answer. ""Now, the police situation is unclear in this city. The state police are in shambles. I have messages going out asking for any one with police training and experience to report to the station house we are using for now. So far, I believe we have thirty-six guys with some experience."
"It's a start," Mike replied with a shrug. He knew over half those guys had stepped forward in the last two days after the first call went out over the restored comm system. He hadn't had a chance to assess anyone yet, so he had no idea if they were telling the truth or not.
"It is," Michener continued. "And hopefully more are coming forward. In the meantime, I need someone to help get the force back into working order. And I wanted to offer that spot to you, Commander Slattery," Michener said turning towards Mike. Surprise flashed through him, and he was sure it showed on his face for a moment. He was not expecting that offer. Mike licked his lips. If Tom was taking the CNO spot, Mike was not leaving the Navy for a cop job.
"Uh, I'm not sure I'm interested in leaving the Nathan James," Mike said trying not to offend the president and his offer by turning down the job.
"I can understand that. Especially with the offer I just gave Captain Chandler."
"Yes, Sir," Mike said with a nod.
"Well, give it some time, and think it over," Michener said. Mike nodded slowly, but he knew he wasn't going to take that offer. He was not ready to give up the sea just yet. "Okay, with that said, I have one more thing I'd like to discuss."
"Yes, Sir," Tom answered.
"I'd like to talk about Dr. Scott and your opinion on her running the agency we are trying to put together. It'd be like the CDC. To begin with it would focus on the Red Flu and making sure we recover. As we get our feet wet, and things settle down it would take on more responsibility."
"Is there a lab in the city that can handle that?" Tom asked suddenly. Mike glanced at him and wondered what he was thinking. If Rachel was offered a spot in St. Louis as well there was a stronger chance Tom would take the CNO spot.
"We have the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the works to being reopened for the city to use. We are thinking about housing the agency there. We can start looking for the equipment that they would need. Do you think she would be a good fit for that? To lead that agency?"
"I do, Sir, but you would need to ask her," Tom replied.
"Okay. Let's get her on shore, so I can talk to her. Also, I want to let you know that there is a block of rooms set aside for you and your officers while they are off the ship." Mike felt his stomach flutter with that news. He fought to keep the smile off his face.
"Thank you, Sir," Tom replied.
They wrapped up their conversation and Mike and Tom left the inner office. Tom made his way to the communications room, Mike figured he was contacting the ship. Mike stood in the outer room and stared out the window.
He was thinking about everything the president had said. He was thinking about having his own command. He was thinking about how that would affect his relationship with Andrea, as she would most likely be his XO. He was thinking about a hotel room with a full-size bed and what that would mean.
"Lot to think about," Tom said. Mike hadn't noticed him return. He glanced over at his friend and waited a pause. Tom searched Mike's eyes. "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking…," Mike said pausing. He couldn't really tell Tom everything he was thinking about. "What are you thinking?" He decided to turn the tables on Tom.
"I'm thinking I'm tired," Tom said. Mike could see it in his friend's demeanor. He had been seeing it in his actions.
"Big promotion from Captain to four-star admiral," Mike said with a grin. Tom nodded at him then made a face.
"Any interest in the police job?" Tom asked.
"Not really. I mean I liked being a detective before, but I love the Navy. And I'm ready for my own command." Mike replied tipping his head to the side with a grin. Tom nodded.
"I figured as much. I have to get to the RHIB and go pick up Rachel," Tom said looking at the clock. They said their goodbyes and Tom left out the front of the hotel.
Mike stood and stared out the window a little longer before he sighed and turned to face his duties. His first duty was to check in with the aide that was registering the people coming in with police experience.
"Mr. Gordan," Mike said as he stepped up to the young man's desk.
"Yes, Sir, Commander Slattery," Gordan replied.
"How many do we have on the list now?"
"As off fifteen minutes ago, Terrence reported forty-three men and women have reported in. He is working setting a schedule for tomorrow to start assessing their experience and knowledge."
"Sounds good. Sounds like Terrence is falling right into his new role.
"Oh yeah, he's running that place really well right now. But he's probably told me a million times today don't get used to it and to find his replacement ASAP."
"I was afraid of that," Mike sighed. He really didn't want that job at all. "Something to keep in mind I suppose."
Mike made the rounds checking in with his sailors in their various posts. Once satisfied everything was on track, he returned to the hotel conference room that was being used at the presidential office. He approached Gordan again. As he was about to ask about the hotel rooms, he noticed Tom return with Rachel.
"Gordan," Mike said. Gordan looked up at him.
"Yes?"
"The president mentioned rooms for officers of the Nathan James?"
"Yes, here at the hotel. We have an entire floor blocked off for you all. I can start assigning rooms if you want?"
"Yes. That's exactly what I want," Mike said. "Start with Captain Chandler and Dr. Rachel Scott." Mike thought for a moment, then lowered his voice. "Can they be put in adjoining rooms?" Gordan looked up at him with a tilt to his head.
"I understand, Sir," Gordan said with a nod and a smile as his fingers tapped away at some keys. He then pulled out a couple key cards and went about programming them.
"Mike," Tom beckoned, and Mike stood up straighter and turned to face his captain.
"Yes, Sir?" Mike asked.
"Do you have the rooms sorted out, that Michener gave us?"
"Working on it now, Sir," Mike said as he turned back towards Gordan as the man finished up the key cards.
"Also get word back to Commander Garnett about scheduling officers shore time. I think we'll be here for a while now," Tom continued.
"Aye, Captain," Mike said as Gordan handed him the key cards in envelopes with room numbers on them. Mike turned back towards Tom and lowered his voice. "As of now I have a room for you, Rachel can be right next door."
"Sounds good," Tom mumbled. Mike stepped even closer, lowering his voice so only Tom could hear him.
"The rooms are adjoining," Mike said quietly and gave Tom the key cards. "Rooms 3203 and 3205."
"Thanks," Tom said as he pocketed the keys. Mike nodded and walked towards the comms room and contacted the ship.
"Nathan James this is the XO, copy?" Mike said.
"XO, this is the Nathan James, over?"
"Commander Garnett, Captain Chandler said to have you start scheduling officers for shore leave. There are hotel rooms waiting for them at the presidential hotel."
"I want a king size bed," she said in a low voice. Mike laughed as he looked around, wandering if anyone else was listening.
"I'll see what I can do," Mike said with a smirk.
Mike left the comms room and went back to Gordan. He gave him a list of officers and asked that they all be assigned a room. He looked at the man and lowered his voice.
"Any of those rooms have a king size bed?"
"Yes, sir," Gordan said with a smirk.
"Give me that room," Mike said with a wink and Gordan laughed.
"Done, sir," Gordan said and quickly programmed a key card.
"Can I have two keys for that one?" Mike asked quietly. Gordan nodded slowly as he coded a second key. "Just between us," Mike said quietly.
"You bet, Sir," Gordan said with a grin.
Mike looked around. He saw Tom talking with another aide while the two looked at a map. Mike walked up and stood next to Tom looking down at a map of the city as Tom asked a question.
"And this map?"
"The areas that need to be restructured," the man said.
"All set with the officers," Mike broke in.
"Thanks, Mike," Tom replied. "So, first things first, we need police, and hospital care."
"Yes, sir," the aide replied with a nod. He pointed to the map in a few places. "We have Barnes-Jewish Hospital here that we are in the process of reopening. We have a few doctors and some nurses, and they are slowly testing the equipment. That's where the president wants to run the new agency out of as well. Over here, we have the police headquarters that President Michener wants to get up and running when he finds a commissioner. Over here, we have a block of schools we are looking to reopen. We've found a handful of teachers that are working to reorganize the school system and make a functioning model that we can work with."
"Sounds like Michener is on the right track," Mike said.
"This insurgence with the militia scared him," the aide said with a light-lipped smile. Someone called for the aide, and he looked in that direction. "Excuse me, Gentlemen, I have to attend to something."
The man walked away and Mike and Tom both studied the map. Mike was impressed with how much they were accomplishing in such a short period of time. He felt that maybe the country was on the right track.
"I think things are on the right track right now," Mike said absently. He pointed to a mark on the map. "Looks like they have several schools marked out, from preschool on up to the university level."
"Yeah, I noticed that. Also, it would make sense if they fortified this fire station and this one, then this police station along with these two plus headquarters here."
"Think that finding a commissioner statement was a dig at me?" Mike asked with a grin. He knew the aide knew Michener had asked him.
"Maybe," Tom said with a chuckle. "You aren't taking it are you?"
"Ninety percent sure I'm not. But feel free to take CNO, Admiral Chandler," Mike said tipping his head to the side and grinning.
"Stop," Tom said cringing, before he laughed. "I'd say no just to keep you from getting my ship."
"You probably would too, you bastard," Mike huffed with a laugh. Tom laughed with him.
"But I think this city is in good hands. Would be a good place to settle down," Tom said with a sigh.
"Is it time?" Mike asked. Tom looked at the map.
"It might just be, friend, it might just be," Tom mumbled with a giant grin on his face. Mike was now ninety-five percent sure Tom was going to take the CNO spot. He couldn't wait to talk to Andrea tonight. Tom looked over as Rachel and Michener walked out of the inner office. Rachel gave Tom a scowl which made Tom chuckle and wink at Rachel. Mike had to smile. Tom motioned Rachel over to where they were standing.
"Well?" Tom asked softly. Mike dropped his eyes to the map again.
"You could have warned me," she said coldly. Mike couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped.
"I could have, but then I'd have ruined the surprise," Tom said gently. "What did you tell him?"
"That I'd give it some thought," Rachel replied coolly. Mike noticed the look of surprise cross Tom's face before Rachel turned towards him. "What is all this?"
"We're marking certain parts of the city that will be the first to be reorganized and put back into use. The president wants St. Louis to be a blossoming metropolis as soon as possible," Mike said with a sigh.
"Like a fully functioning hospital with a well-equipped lab for making a cure?"
"One of the things on the map," Tom said as he dropped his finger on the red dot marking the Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Rachel nodded slowly.
"So, is the Nathan James under new orders?" Rachel asked. Mike could hear the agitation in her voice.
"For the moment. We are working with the communications network. There're small pockets of Army, and Air Force, Marines, and other Navy personnel that survived. Also, some National Guards from different states. We are trying to get word for them to gather in Norfolk so we can reevaluate what we have and distribute them accordingly. If we can get some jets with pilots, then we can get the cure across to all of Europe and Asia," Mike replied.
"I'll leave you too it then," Rachel said as she looked around.
"I'll be back, Mike," Tom said as he nodded his head for Rachel to follow him. Mike checked in with Gordan and made sure the rooms were ready as he noticed some of the officers coming into the hotel now. He knew that Andrea had organized the shore schedule and was now working on docking the Nathan James and preparing her for a long docking.
After a while Tom returned and they continued to work with the communications room getting a vid link system operating between St. Louis and Norfolk. Once the bugs were worked out and a meeting had been set for the morning Tom bid Mike a good night and disappeared into the hotel.
Mike was beat. It had been a long week and he was really missing Andrea. He checked in with the ship and learned that they had indeed docked. Jeter was going to stay aboard while there was still crew left but Andrea had already taken a RHIB and should be at the hotel shortly. Mike smiled.
He hung around the lobby until she showed up then told her to check in with Gordan and get her key for her room. He then told her his room number and slipped her the extra key, before he went up to the third floor and slipped into his room. He immediately stripped from his uniform and sunk into the large soft mattress. He was laying on his back with his arms behind his head when the door opened, and Andrea slipped inside.
Her shirt and pants hit the floor before she made it to the bed and Mike grinned as she collapsed onto him. He brought his arms around her and kissed her lazily as his hands roamed her backside.
"Got the big bed," Mike mumbled as they continued to kiss. He felt her smile against him before her tongue slipped into his mouth. Mike returned the kiss. She reached for his boxers as she sat up and kneeled over him.
"I told you want I wanted when we got to a big bed."
"Yes, I remember," Mike breathed out as his hands caressed at her hips. She wrapped her fingers around his cock and stroked him, causing his breathing to hitch a little. He sunk back into the bed, his head pressing down into the pillows. "Oh yeah," he hissed out.
Andrea's hand left his shaft, and she dragged her fingers along his chest, leaving trails of fire behind. Mike's hands drifted up to her breasts, as Andrea started to grind her hips against Mike's.
The passion and pleasure continued to grow as they both explored their bodies. Finally, Mike couldn't take it anymore as he gripped her hips tightly and flipped them over so that Andrea was on her back. He bucked his hips, using a hand to line himself up and then plunged into her fully. They settled into a light slow rhythm, working together. Mike stared into her eyes, as she looked right back at him.
As the pleasure inside them built they quickened their pace and soon were in a frantic race towards the end. Mike felt Andrea quivering inside and then she was clamping on him as he continued to pump in and out. Then Mike was there, an explosion in his groin and his mind as his orgasm raced through him.
Mike lowered himself to the bed, breathing hard, as Andrea tried to regain her own breath. He lazily kissed her neck and then buried his nose in her breasts and settled in. He heard her laugh.
"I missed you, Shortie," he breathed against her skin. Her hand petted his head.
"I missed you too, Big guy," she whispered.
"The president wants me to be a cop," Mike said as he pulled his face back from her chest and settled onto a pillow next to her. Her hand stilled in his hair, and she looked confused.
"But you're in the Navy?"
"Yeah, that's kind of what I said to him."
"You're not going to be a cop, are you?"
"I mean it'd be the head cop if I did, but no. I'm not. Because I think I'm getting something even better. But if I tell you…you have to keep it a secret."
"I can keep a secret," she purred seductively, and Mike laughed.
"Tom got offered Chief of Naval Operations today."
"No shit?" Andrea asked surprised.
"No shit. And I'm pretty sure he's going to take it. Rachel got offered the head of a new agency today. Something like the CDC was back before."
"Holy shit? Really? Chandler's giving up his sea legs?"
"I think so. He told me he's tired and wants a change. I think he wants to be around his kids more now that…well…" Mike couldn't finish his thought. It was too painful to say it out loud still. He felt Andrea stiffen a little then relax.
"Yeah…I guess…really CNO?"
"Yep. Admiral Thomas W. Chandler CNO of the Navy."
"That's awesome. I'm really happy for him."
"Me too. And not just because that basically makes me captain of the Nathan James," Mike said with a smirk. Andrea seemed to realize something.
"And I'd be the XO," she whispered.
"Yeah, kind of makes this tricky, huh," Mike said. "Good thing no one but Rachel and Tom know anything."
"Ummm…that might not be accurate," Andrea said with a cringe.
"Oh no," Mike hissed. "Who knows?"
"Chung asked me an odd question today," Andrea said. "And it led to a discussion. And Andy winning a bet with Lynn."
"Wait…what? A bet?"
"Yeah," Andrea said with a giggle. "About us…Chung was sure we were an item and Lynn thought he was nuts. And I kind of…well they know we're an item now."
"Great," Mike said as he dragged a hand over his face.
"It's okay. We just have to be more careful. Honestly, I'm surprised we made it this far before anyone figured it out. I mean hell Chandler and Scott were burning up the rumor will for weeks before they were even a real thing."
"Probably what kept us so quiet for so long. Everyone was distracted. I'm pretty sure Tex figured it out before he left too."
"Figures. Tex was pretty observant."
"That he was."
"So, you turn down the cop position to take the captaincy?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he said leaning in and kissing her soundly.
"And I'll be your XO," she whispered.
"The sexiest XO I could ask for," Mike grinned.
To Be Continued…
