CASTLE'S COMMAND

CHAPTER SIX

Author's Note: At the start of chapter 4 I had said that I was changing the date of D-day I decided against doing so to pivotal a date However on August the U, S. VI Corps began landing on France's Mediterranean coast

Kate got up and went through her morning routine before dressing in a casual skirt and blouse. She then went and woke Rick, giving him a passionate good morning kiss. He kissed her back, just as passionately.

"Good morning my Darling. I am about to cook breakfast, please get up, wash and shave. It will take me about thirty minutes."

Rick did as she asked and dressed in his uniform shirt and trousers from the day before. He kissed Kate again as he came to the table. It was a simple meal of oatmeal, fried potatoes two rashers of bacon, whole grain toast and coffee. Food purchased on the civilian market was rationed. The military, however had priority and Kate could shop in the navy's commissary. She would not be extravagant. Rick would clearly understand.

They spent most of the morning listening to the news on the radio and talking more about their lives before the war and the early war years, before they met. She learned about Kyra and he about the loss of her mother and her father's descent into the bottle At least he didn't have to hold a job as the income from his estate kept him fed and clothed. (Also drunk) His household staff took care of him as best they could. She hadn't seen him, or wanted to after their last fight. The night he cursed her for not being Johanna. It was hard for her to cut him out of her life, but she refused to be abused.

Just before noon Kate went to the local market, where she was able to purchase a few small potatoes and a half pound of bacon. Lunch was bacon and fried potatoes.

After lunch, they took a walk around the neighborhood and to a small park. This part of Dover was only lightly damaged, although only a block away the area was devastated. They returned from the walk, talked a little more, then snuggled, making out, lightly on the couch.

Despite all the damage, local busses were still running. Rick decided that they should take their evening meal in the officer's mess. Even on medical leave Rick was still entitled to his rations. As Kate was entitled to hers. The talked the mess officer to issue the cold rations, for a week, to be cooked at Kate's apartment.

They ate their evening meal, then got the rations issued and Rick got a staff car to take them back to Kate's flat. Kate's small refrigerator (She was one of the few in England that had one) was barely able to hold the meat and eggs. Fortunately, most of the rations were not perishable, after storing the food, they indulged in some more making out, until Kate husked; "Bedroom."

Again, they each slowly undressed the other, letting the anticipation build. Kate neatly folding their outer clothes and laying them on a chair. Underclothes landed on the floor. Their mouths crushed together, already open, tongues seeking, meeting, twining, tasting. She released his mouth, tilting her head back exposing her neck to him. He kissed down her neck, back up to the sensitive spot under her ear, which made her shiver and moan. Down again, pausing to suck gently at her pulse point, not leaving a mark. He drew a nipple into his mouth, suckling it and swirling his tongue around it tweaking the other in his fingers then switched breasts. Kate mewled with pleasure and felt the heat already flowing to her core and the dampness between her legs. She was fully wet before Rick even touched her there. He barely inserted one finger into her and she came

He held her close, gentling her down from her first high. She whispered,

"Darling no more play, I want you inside me, now!" She grasped him and guided him home. He entered her, slowly. Gently letting her adjust. When he was fully seated, she put her legs around his waist drawing him as deep as possible. He started slowly, establishing a rhythm which she matched then increased the tempo until they were both panting and mutually moaning their pleasure, her second, powerful orgasm triggered by his release.

They lay snuggled together until she giggled. "Ready again, so soon? He was and she was.

After their second round, they bathed together and went to sleep in each other' arms.

They awoke the next morning within seconds of each other, still in each other's arms. Rick kissed Kate and said;

"I could get used to this, waking up, each morning in your arms."

"You had better get used to it, Darling because you will be. I expect you to do the honourable thing and marry me. As soon as possible."

"Katherine Beckett-Trent did you just propose to me?"

"Yes, Richard Castle, I believe I did."

"Of course, I will marry you. But can we do that before the war is over?"

"Yes, we can. I already looked it up. There is no bar between allied officers. As officers, we do not need permission. And there were quite a few war brides after the last war."

Rick laughed. "I should have expected as much from an intelligence officer."

"Or any other woman as much in love as I am." Kate replied

"Okay, as soon as we can make an appointment, we'll talk to the chaplain. What about rings?"

"I am sure that there has to be a jeweler still open. If not here, in London. Chief O'Leary seems to have an unlimited set of connections. I shall ask him to help.

Colm O'Leary has known me for a long time. Before he enlisted in the navy, worked for my father. His father was the groundskeeper on our estate."

"That's another question, Sweetheart. Will you lose your rank in the nobility when we marry?"

"No, but it won't matter because I will be going to America. I don't think you will stay in England after the war. I have not been practicing since Lloyd's death, but I am Catholic. As soon as we talk with the chaplain, the banns will have to be posted for two weeks before we can marry. But two weeks and one day after that, I will legally be your bride. I am already, as far as I am concerned."

The rest of the week was spent much the same way. Rick had to report to the hospital to have the stitches removed and be cleared for duty. Commander Greaves only cleared him for limited duty (desk duty) for another week

Kate reported to Commander Bailey. He smiled and said;

"That leave was good for you. First officer, you look quite refreshed and dare I say, happy?"

"Thank you, sir. I am. very. I must tell you sir; Commander Castle and I wish to marry. I have already checked. There is no regulation against it."

"I am aware of that, First Officer. There will be many sad faces among our young officers. And some resentment. You are marrying an American."

"That may be, sir, but Commander Castle is a gentleman. I cannot say the same of some of this flotilla's officers who made improper advances to me."

Bailey had the grace to look ashamed, even though he'd not been one of them.

"Very well, First Officer, I offer you my congratulations."

"Thank you, sir. Permission to see the chaplain."

"Granted."

Kate called the chaplain's office and asked for an appointment. She was given one in an hour. Rick returned from the hospital to headquarters and had just enough time to check in, before Kate told him about the appointment. Rick said;

"Kevin, hold the fort for another couple of hours. I'll explain when I get back."

"Yes, sir. No problem."

The chaplain was Leftenant Commander O'Neal a Catholic priest and career Royal Navy chaplain. He welcomed the couple to his office.

"Welcome First Officer Beckett-Trent and you Commander Castle. First Officer Beckett-Trent did not say she was bringing you with her. How may I help you?"

"We wish to marry, sir." Kate said.

"I surmised as much when you brought Commander Castle with you. In this case, I think I should approach this as Father O'Neal and council you. First, I must ask, is this wise? In the midst of war, you both being serving officers, you have known each other such a short time."

"We have known each other long enough for each to know the other's heart. Isn't it wise accept honest love where it is found? You know as well as I do, father that lasting marriages have come from people who have known each other for only days. What if it is in the midst of war? We both know the risks. They are not limited to officers, sailors or soldiers. My mother, a civilian, was killed by a German bomb."

"What of your status, Lady Beckett-Trent, you're standing in society?"

"That is something I care nothing about. The only status I care about is that of a beloved wife."

"You haven't said anything Commander."

"What do I need to say? I can't possibly say it better than Katherine has and I agree with her one hundred percent." Then Kate said;

"Although I haven't been to church on a regular basis since my husband died, I am Catholic, Father. I want the sanctity of marriage."

Father O'Neal sighed.

"I cannot refute that argument. Very well. I will help you with the necessary forms." Kate smiled.

"Thank you, Father. Will you please post the Bann tomorrow?"

"I will. Are you Catholic Commander?"

"No, I'm not."

"Katherine, will you promise to do your best to convert Richard to the true church and raise any children in the faith?"

"I will."

"Do you agree to this, Richard?"

"Yes"

"Katherine will you attend Mass every Sunday?"

"I will if the needs of the service permit."

"Richard will you attend with her?"

"I will under the same conditions."

"When do you wish to wed?"

"A fortnight from Sunday."

"Do you want me to officiate?"

"Yes, Father."

"I will arrange for the chapel, Katherine, I must hear your confession before you wed."

"Yes Father."

They left the chaplains office.

"That went easier than I expected." Rick said.

"Once I mentioned the sanctity of marriage, he had no choice but agree. A priest cannot allow one to put one's soul in danger."

They returned to the base. Kate met with Lieutenant Calder to be brought up to speed on new intelligence that had come in while she was on leave. There was nothing of critical importance that needed her action.

Castle wet into conference with Ryan. In the past week, there had been only routine patrols. The three convoys that had come in ad too heavily escorted for the Germans to sortie against. Castle was sure that they were rebuilding their strength and biding their time. The calm would not last. After the briefing, Castle said;

"Kevin, I have a favor to ask of you. I am marrying Katherine Beckett-Trent two weeks from Sunday, if a mission doesn't get in the way. I want you to stand with me as my best man."

"You're getting married? No moss growing on you. But she's English"

"There's no regulation against it."

"Well, she's gorgeous, I'll give you that. Sure, I'll be you best man as long as you feed me afterward."

"There will be a small wedding dinner and reception at the O-club. Probably dancing."

"I'll be there with bells on,"

After the duty day, Kate drew O'Leary aside.

"I need a favor of you, Chief. I assume that you have contacts in the town."

"Yes, ma'am I do."

"Do you know of a jeweler that is still in business?"

"Yes, ma'am, a small one.

"I am getting married, a fortnight from Sunday. We won't have the time to shop for rings. If you come by my flat in an hour, I will give you my old rings and my fiancé's class ring for sizing get rings for me in a similar style and a plain gold band for my fiancé. Sell my old rings. Lloyd is dead. I have the good memories; I don't need mementos. Bring me the bill for the difference."

"I will be happy to. I'll go straight away."

"You can do another favor if you will. Lloyds clothes are still hanging in the closet. Take them away and give them to someone who needs them."

"Bless you for that, ma'am. I know several lads who have lost most everything. Clothes will mean a lot to them."

O'Leary managed to cajole a jeep out of the motor pool and drove Kate to her flat. It only took a few minutes to bundle the clothes into the jeep and give O'Leary the rings.

"It will probably take two or three days for Jake to come up with something."

"That will be fine. I'll give you the commander's ring tomorrow." Kate suddenly realized that she'd said the commander's Ring instead of her fiancé's.

"Oh! I…"

"Don't worry ma'am I already knew that it is Commander Castle. As does all your staff."

O'Leary drove Kate back to the base in time for supper in the officer's mess. When Kate told Rick about selling her rings and wanting to borrow his class ring, he said;

"You don't have to sell your rings. I can easily afford to pay for ours."

"Oh hush, Darling. I proposed to you so I can bear part of the cost. Besides, we are starting a new life together. New life new rings."

The next morning Yeoman Stevens came in to Rik's office and said;

"Sir, there's a Captain Norton to see you."

"Send him in." A medium sized man with a youngish face but salt and pepper hair came in. Ric rose from his desk.

"Good morning sir, what can I do for you?"

"You can get us some coffee and then close your office door."

'Stevens, get the captain and I coffee."

"Aye, aye sir." A few minutes later Stevens came in with coffee, milk and sugar and a plate of doughnuts. "I took the liberty of getting doughnuts, sir. I hope that's all right."

"It's fine Stevens. Thank you. Close that door behind you.
With coffee served and doughnuts chosen Captain Norton got down to business.

"I'm Dick Norton, Admiral Kinkaid's deputy. I see that you've received the second cluster to your purple Heart and the Silver Star is on the way. Dashing, daring commanders are fine on individual boats and even squadrons, but a group commander has to hold back and control both squadrons. That is why your boat is a PTCC Patrol Torpedo Command and Control You will adhere to doctrine and place your boat center and slightly to the rear between the squadrons or be assigned to operational staff in London. Am I clear Commander?"

"Very clear sir."

"Castle, I do understand how you feel. I came from destroyers. But you are simply too valuable to put yourself at more risk than you need to. Okay that done, I want to have a look at the group and see what you need. I do have some more news for you. Nine more boats and crews are on the way and should be here within the week. The original idea was to take on boat from each squadron and give you three slightly understrength squadrons. But the admiral decided that would be unwieldly.

So, three boats will replace your lost boats and the other six split up to give you two overstrength squadrons."

"What about quarters, sir?"

"We'll add some bunk beds and a company tent, while the Seabees construct temporary quarters."

"There probably won't be time for much, if any training they're going to be thrown straight in. The crew from 604 will directly replace the crew from one of the new boats in Semmes' squadron. About half of the late 519's crew is fit for duty on the replacement boat in Ryan's squadron. I'll transfer four experienced men in from other boats and three of the new men for the rest of the crew."

"That plan should work. Let's get this walk through done, I need to get back to London."

Two days after Kate gave O'Leary Rick's class ring, he returned with the wedding set and the class ring. Rick and Kate were together in her flat when O'Leary arrived. He first gave Rick his class ring back then showed them the wedding set.

"Oh Colm, they are beautiful. Absolutely perfect. Aren't they, Darling?"

"Yes, Sweetheart, they are. Thank you, Chief O'Leary. What do I owe you?"

"Ten pounds, sir." Rick took the money out of his wallet and handed it to O'Leary.

"Thank you, kindly sir."

"O'Leary we're all off duty here just three friends so why don't we all have a beer."

"Wouldn't be right sir, you're officers. I thank you anyway."

"You can take one with you and drink it later, can't you?"

"Aye, sir, I can that." Rick got him a beer.

"Sir can we talk man to man, outside, for just a minute?"

"Sure, O'Leary, what's on your mind?" They stepped out."

"Sir, I've known the lady since she was little. I used to work for her dad. She's had it bad the last couple of years. Please treat her the best."

"You have no fear on that count, I love her and will do all I can to make her happy."

They stepped back in and O'Leary bid good night to Kate.

"Take good care, Chief."

"Thank you, sir.

Although Rick knew that the doctor was right, he chafed on desk duty, but at least he was kept busy as the new boats arrived and he was able to integrate the new men with the veterans, to some degree though that left six of the boats with mostly inexperienced crews. He called them in for a briefing.

"I know it's going to be tough being dispatched straight into it with little time to acclimate, but I have no choice in the matter. You will Partner up with a more experienced boat and follow their lead. Your squadron commanders will make the assignments and individual squadron briefings Good luck, gentlemen, dismissed."

There were only three missions that week with no boats sunk or fatal wounds. In a joint effort with Bailey's flotilla, a German destroyer was damaged and forced to withdraw.

On the Monday that Rick was returned to full duty, the weather in the channel kicked up with high seas and gale force winds. The PT's couldn't operate, they'd be tossed around like so many wood chips in a mill race. The E-boats wouldn't be tossed around quite as badly but the chance of scoring hits with their torpedoes was minimal so they mostly stayed in port.

Kate was happy with the nasty weather as it kept Rick in port and out of danger. She remembered how naive she'd been when Lloyd put to sea. She hadn't worried that much. The Hood was the pride of the British fleet, and most people thought her a match for the German ship. How wrong, they were.

She now knew that she would be a ball of nerves every time Rick sortied. She was grateful that Captain Norton's counseling Rick, everything that made Rick even a little safer was a blessing to her.

Although the weather out in the channel remained atrocious, Sunday, in Dover dawned clear and sunny but cool. Kate gave a prayer of thanks that the weather seemed to be cooperating with her.

Kate had asked Gwen White, a sister WREN officer to be her maid of honor and two nurses from the hospital to serve as bride's maids. Most of her friends were of her social class and would have not approved of her groom. She didn't care. The bride's maids were more from tradition than necessity. Still estranged from her

father, she'd asked Commander greaves to walk her down the aisle.

Rick had asked Lieutenants Calder and Stewart to serve as his groomsmen. Ryan as his best man, didn't have much to do except hold the rings and check Rick's uniform. He convinced Rick to wear his medals rather than just the ribbons.

On Sunday morning, Kate went to confession before Mass, Then She attended the ten o'clock Mass, Rick attending with her, as he'd promised to do.

The Mass was held at Saint Paul's Roman catholic church, the same one where the wedding would take place. The quiet beauty and dignity of the old church provided a sense of serenity in the midst of chaos.

After the Mass, Kate went back to her flat to change into her wedding attire.

She wore a white lace tea dress with a veil, rather than a full gown. Rick and his officers in their dress blues. The British officers attending also wore dress blues

The ceremony was simple, traditional the guest list on both sides small. Rick just his squadron commanders, boat skippers and Chief Esposito Kate's, some of the flotilla's officers, Chief O'Leary and the two enlisted WRENs Clarke and Smythe.

The only elaborate part of the ceremony was the traditional arch of swords, with four American and four British officers making up the honor guard. Commander Bailey supplying swords to the four Junior American officers and commanding the guard.

The guest list for the reception was larger, of course, all the officers from both squadrons and the flotilla (with the exception of the four who had propositioned Kate) O'Leary, Esposito, Clarke and Smythe were allowed in the club as special invited guests

The dinner was, like everything else, simple due to the war, A salad, roast beef or mutton or Dover sole with new potatoes and peas. The wedding cake was a joint effort of the British and American mess chiefs. Rick cut the cake with his sword, first piece only. The rest cut and served in the ordinary way. Then came the exciting part of the evening entertainment. Kate tossed her bouquet straight into the hands of Gwen White, quite to the discomfort of her plus one Kevin Ryan caught the garter and since he hadn't a plus one found a few speculative glances sent his own way, wondering if he might follow his commanding officer's example.

Kate and Rick danced the traditional first dance as a married couple, then Kate danced with Commander Bailey and Rick with Gwen White. They left as soon as they decently could.

The bad weather in the channel lasted through Tuesday. Ironically, the stormy weather provided the calm before the storm.

My apologies in advance if this chapter is somewhat choppy. A lot is going on at home. Battle action in the next chapter.

Please review.

Swordwriter