CASTLE'S COMMAND
CHAPTER TWELVE
Norfolk Virginia, 25, December 1951.
Kate set breakfast on the table and called Rick in. He came in dressed in his pajamas and a robe.
"Wow, Kate. What are we celebrating besides Christmas? This is quite a feast." He wasn't exaggerating There were scrambled eggs, waffles, Ham, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice.
She smiled, one of the most dazzling he'd ever seen.
"I've got an extra present for us this year. You know that I had an appointment with Doctor Jeffords, yesterday. Well, my Darling it finally happened, I'm pregnant, we're going to have a baby!"
Rick embraced Kate in a tight hug and kissed her.
"That's wonderful news, Sweetheart. I know that it's been hard on you, wanting a baby for so long. We are going to treasure this little one."
"What do you want, Rick, a boy or a girl?"
"Every man wants a son, Sweetheart, but I will be happy whichever one we get. It's all in God's hands anyway."
They had been married for seven years now and wanting a baby and not getting pregnant had been hard on Kate. They were starting a little later than most, but having just turned thirty, Kate wasn't old, nor yet at the age when a pregnancy carried more risks than normal.
She'd had her career, a necessary and important job along with the equally important job of being the wife of a career naval officer, loving and supporting a man with an often-difficult job. She had one advantage over many other navy wives. Working in e intelligence field, meant that Rick could often share details that other men had to keep from their wives. Still, with all of that, there was an ache, a need that hadn't been eased or filled. Those days of want were now over.
She couldn't wait to tell Jenny Ryan. Jenny had to wait almost as long as Kate, having Sarah Grace just ten months ago. The Ryan's were Rick and Kate's closest friends.
There is a bond among men who have served together in combat. An earned trust. There have been various names for it. The Greek warrior societies, the sword brothers, brothers in arms, Korps Brudder, such men are brothers, often closer than actual siblings. They have gone into Hell and come out the other side. The wives of such men often become sisters, Strong yet comforting women who have endured the same hardships.
Such men are Richard Castle and Kevin Ryan. Such women are Katherine Castle and Jenifer Ryan.
As soon as breakfast was over, Rick placed a call to his parents to tell them the good news. He was no sooner off the phone when Kate called Jenny, without either man finding out how it happened the Ryan's were joining the Castles for Christmas dinner.
Kate would supply a ham, sweet potatoes, a salad and an apple pie.
Jenny would bring corned beef with new potatoes, a casserole, soda bread and ice cream.
The Ryan's arrived at five o'clock, not only bringing over the food, but a very good bottle of wine and presents, they had originally planned to just drop off the Castle's presents and pick up their own, have a drink and go home. The lades had changed that. Kevin had to make two trips carrying everything in. Jenny was fully occupied with Sarah Grace.
The wine was for dinner, so Rick fixed drinks for everyone. Glenfiddich on the rocks for Kevin and himself, Glenfiddich and soda for Kate and Irish Mist and soda for Jennie.
"Merry Christmas and a happy new year, spent with beloved friends."
Rick toasted They all sided their drinks and chatted for a few minutes, then Kate said;
"You two go talk about sports or something, Jenny and I want to talk about babies." The men cheerfully argued about the prospects of their favorite teams for the 1952 season. Rick arguing for the New York Yankees, while Kevin for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
That went on for about an hour, then it was time to serve the Christmas feast, which was eaten, accompanied by much happy talk and laughter. After supper, Rick fixed eggnog and they opened their presents. Rick gave Ryan A Hamilton pilot's chronometer, a twin to the one he'd gotten for himself. (He could easily afford it; he'd had three new Stone Files books hit the best seller's list) Kate gave Jenny a deep burgundy Burberry coat and matching gloves. Jenny gave Kate a purple and gray Pashmina scarf, Kevin gave Rick a heavy wool bridge coat. Just a little more appropriate for a senior naval officer than a leather jacket.
Rick and Kate had exchanged their personal gifts to each other the night before. Rick gave Kate a diamond tennis bracelet and she'd given him a pair of Luchese boots.
"Wat about the New Year's Eve ball, do you plan to go?" Kevin asked. "We weren't sure about leaving Sarah Grace with a sitter."
"Yes, we are going, Kate said. I wouldn't miss a chance to dance with my husband for all the world. Getting a sitter isn't hard I've heard that several officer's daughters babysit for these events."
Rick chimed in.
"Admiral Sayer is hosting this event. I hear that he takes a dim view of any of his senior officers missing it. Although we're on the junior side of senior officers we are senior officers. So, even if you don't want jeopardize your career, attendance is a must. You'll finally have to buy the evening mess uniform."
"That expensive thing, why?"
"It's an image thing, Kevin. You are a career officer as a senior officer you have to set an example."
Kevin continued to grumble, but on Thursday he bought an off the rack version. Not as sharp as Rick's custom tailored one, but it would do.
The ball was an elegant affair. The men dashing in their uniforms, both of them wearing more miniature medals than most officers of their respective ranks and years of service.
Both Kate and Jenny wore mermaid style gowns. Kate's in a purple so dark it appeared black, and Jenny's in forest green. Both women wore their hair in French Rolls.
The two couples entered the hall as their names were announced. All eyes were on them as the two ladies were easily, if not the most beautiful in the room they certainly in contention. They stopped at the adjutant's table to leave their calling cards then proceeded through the receiving line, Besides the military personnel there were several civilian dignitaries present including the mayor of Norfolk, a state senator and the governor of Virginia and their spouses as they went through the line
Admiral Sayer stopped them for a moment.
"John, I'd like you to meet one our finest young commanders. Richard Castle and his lovely wife, Lady Katherine. Richard and Katherine may I present the Honorable John Battle, Governor of Virginia. pleasantries were exchanged and they moved off to their table. There were six other couples at the table Two lieutenant commanders, three commanders and a captain and their wives or dates. Introductions were made and a pleasant conversation was carried on as they sipped their aperitifs. For once the men foregoing conversations about their careers, in deference to their ladies. Dinner soon arrived. Soup and a small salad preceding the entrée of which there were several options, New York strip, pork loin. Steak, prime rib, salmon and chicken cordon bleu all with the traditional accompaniments.
Conversation ebbed a little as everyone enjoyed the superb cuisine. After the desert, the opening of the ball itself began with the playing of the Beautiful Blue Danube. The floor quickly filled with couples. Kate thrilled as they took the floor. Both Ric and Kate were excellent dancers perfectly in tune with each other. So much so, that a space cleared around them as others watched them.
Ate was pleasantly shocked as Governor Battles came up to them and said;
"Commander Castle, may I have your permission to ask your lady for a dance?"
"Of course, sir but the decision is hers."
"May I have this dance, Missus Castle?"
"Certainly sir, I would be honored."
After that Admiral Sayre asked for a dance, as did the mayor. After that a smiling Kate said;
"Thank you, gentlemen, but I'm afraid that my dance card is full."
They stayed long enough to toast the new year and then went home to continue their celebration in bed.
Over the next few months, Kate's pregnancy proceeded smoothly, one of those fortunate women who had infrequent, minor morning sickness.
Nor was she subject to the frequent, horrible mood swings some women went through. Of course, she was occasionally moody or teary but that was normal.
One aspect that Rick enjoyed was that Kate's hormones made her want sex even more often than was normal for their very active sex life.
Norfolk General Hospital, 20, August 1952
At nine o'clock that morning, Alexander George Castle made his entrance to the world. He was a large baby. 23.5 inches long and weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces. The nurse took the baby away to be cleaned up then brought him back to be laid on Kate's chest. The bonding between mother and child was instant. He was asleep in moments, as was Kate.
She awoke to the infant's cries.
"I think that he's hungry." Rick said
Kate opened her gown and held Alex in place. He rootled for only seconds, then found her nipple and latched on. Kate felt ripples of pleasure as her newborn nursed for the first time.
Alex had his father's strong chin and nose and blue eyes, but his mother's mouth shape and hair color. As the months passed, Alex was generally a sweet-tempered baby although he did have a fair amount of both his parent's stubbornness. He was walking by ten months and forming his first baby sentences.
Christmas of 1952 was, of course, a very special one as it was Alex's first Christmas There were a dozen presents for Alex, just from his parents. Martha and George took the train down to Norfolk to spend Christmas and New Years with them and brought have a dozen more presents for Alex as well as presents for Rick and Kate.
Norfolk Naval Base, 15, March 1953.
Rick reported to Captain Graham's office. Captain Graham was the career guidance officer.
"Commander Castle reporting as ordered sir."
"At ease, Commander, please be seated. Would you like coffee?"
"Yes sir, thank you sir."
Captain Graham was a portly man with graying blonde hair. The row of ribbons on his coat proved that he hadn't always been a staff officer.
The coffee was brought in and served. After the preliminary sips. Graham said;
"You've been a destroyer skipper for almost eight years, and you've got a fine record, but there are only so many slots for flotilla command and there are officers senior to you who will get them. I think it's time to broaden your horizons. The Navy would like you to qualify in cruisers. We have also noted how effective a command team you have built so we are offering that option to Lieutenant Commander Ryan as well. He will be promoted Commander as you both will serve as executive officers on different cruisers for about eighteen months. You should be ready for your own ship at that time. If it all works as planned you will be promoted Captain, take command of a cruiser with Commander Ryan as your exec and Chief Esposito as your command chief."
"If that's what the Navy wants, sir, I'm happy to oblige, though I must say I'll miss the Chevalier."
"One other benefit, Commander. It will mean two more years stationed here at Norfolk. Wives appreciate stability."
When Rick broke the news to Kate, she was quite happy. Rick would be here at home, unless something bad broke out.
Their orders came through. Rick and Chief Esposito were assigned to the U.S.S. Atlanta while Kevin was assigned to the U.S.S. Juneau
Norfolk General Hospital 13, August 1954
Just one week shy of two years later, Johanna Martha Castle followed her brother into the world. With the exception of her blue eyes, Johanna would become a miniature copy of her mother.
Norfolk Naval Base 24, September 1954.
"Attention to orders." The following officers are promoted as follows:
Castle, Richard. Captain USNR date of rank; 24, September 1954.
Baldwin, David G…."
It was Friday night and a rather exuberant party was held, celebrating Rick's promotion. Thirteen years in the Navy and promotion to captain in the peacetime navy was quite an achievement. Rick had already been informed That in two weeks he would assume command of the U.S.S. Atlanta with Kevin as his executive officer and Esposito as the senior Chief Petty officer.
Aboard the U.S.S. Atlanta Norfolk Naval base, 09, October 1954
The crew and guests were assembled on the foredeck of the cruiser. Captain Richard Castle read his orders and said;
"I assume command, I relieve you sir."
Captain Charles Forrester said;
"I stand relieved sir." The two men exchanged salutes and then shook hands.
"Congratulations Rick. You've earned the slot."
"Thank you, Charly. I hear that you're getting your flag." *
"Yes, Its' been confirmed. Ceremony next Wednesday. I hope that you'll attend."
"I certainly will. Do you know where you're being assigned?"
"Yes, San Diego."
"I hear that it's a great station. Good luck, Charly."
The rest of the fall and winter were spent on training operations, mostly as part of aircraft carrier strike groups, but one interesting two -week operation where the Atlanta, the Chevalier, another Gearing classdestroyer the Perry and two Fletcher class destroyers the Sullivans and the Kidd went on an anti-submarine and anti- piracy/smuggling training mission with the British Bermuda squadron. With Admiral Chance Evans aboard, the Atlanta served as the command ship and the simulated target for a British and an American submarine. Two small cargo ships served as simulated smugglers and an ex-mine sweeper as a simulated pirate.
Castle was surprised that piracy was still going on in the modern world. He also sharpened his knowledge of anti-submarine warfare.
The pirates aboard the Black Shark had what they thought was a good system. They had crewmen in Bermuda watching for luxury yachts that would make good prizes. When one was identified they get a message to the Black Shark. When the yacht left port, the rates would follow in a sport fisherman and radio the yacht's course. When well at sea the Black Shark would intercept the yacht, take the passengers and crew off to be held for ransom, sail the yacht into a cove in Haiti where it was the name was changed and sold to a crooked dealer.
The captives had all their identity papers thoroughly gone over and were told that if they talked to the authorities after release The head of each group would be found and killed. They couldn't do it, of course, but the terrified captives believed them because they claimed to have ties with the Mafia. (They didn't)
They had successfully done this three times. The fourth would be their downfall.
The Atlantic Ocean, wo hundred-fifty miles west-northwest of Bermuda, 15, December 1954
Captain Jeff Belden of the Fair Lady was an ex Royal Navy officer. He'd heard rumors of yachts disappearing at sea, so when a suspicious ship began following his vessel he went on his guard. He had several weapons on board, in a cleverly concealed arms locker. Four surplus M-1 Garand rifles, a Browning automatic rifle and two M-1897 Winchester trench guns (Shotguns) He and his two mates had Colt Government model .45 pistols. He had the weapons broken out and distributed.
All of his crew were ex Royal or U.S. Navy personnel, including the stewardesses.
The Black Shark was an ex-Italian mine sweeper that had belonged to several owners (some legit) Her three-inch guns had been removed as had her forty- millimeter mounts. Two fifty caliber machine guns and a twenty-millimeter canon were kept below deck until needed.
Captain Rufino Candela was desperate. If they made this capture, he'd have enough money to get out of this life and live comfortably in Sicily.
He'd turn the Black Shark over to his first mate to do with it what he would. He ordered a second warning burst, which again was ignored.
He'd hired his cousin, Giovanni as radio/radar officer on the assurances of his uncle, which showed one of the failings of nepotism. Both the radios and radar were down. They were old sets with a main power supply powering both sets. Giovanni had failed to lay in enough spare parts or even all the right ones. On previous runs they'd jammed radio transmission. They couldn't do it now, nor could they pick up anything on radar Giovanni was working on both sets. A smarter man would have waited for the electronics to be repaired or passed up this target altogether. Desperation and greed are a bad combination.
With the other three captures, the yachts had heaved to with just a burst of machine gun fire, wide of the target. This one was different. It was speeding up and someone on board was returning fire. The pirates had three major problems. First, the yacht was a little faster than they were and was pulling away. Second, they didn't want to damage the capture. Third they didn't want to actually kill anyone that would get them hanged.
After ordering his men to return fire, Captain Belden picked up the radio microphone, tuned to the maritime emergency frequency and transmitted a message: "Mayday, Mayday. Any naval vessel. This is Captain Jeffery Belden of the yacht Fai Lady. We are being pursued and been fired at by an unidentified vessel. Presumed to be a pirate. Our position is approximately two hundred-fifty nautical miles west-northwest of Bermuda, on a course of two hundred-seventy degrees. Mayday, Mayday."
On board the Atlanta, two hundred- forty nautical miles west-northwest of Bermuda, 15, December 1954.
The chief radioman came up to the officer of the deck with a message pad.
"Sir, we just received a mayday message. The officer read the message.
"Mayday, Mayday. Any naval vessel. This is Captain Jeffery Belden of the yacht Fai Lady. We are being pursued and been fired at by an unidentified vessel. Presumed to be a pirate. Our position approximately two hundred-fifty nautical miles west-northwest of Bermuda, on a course of two hundred seventy-five degrees Mayday, Mayday."
"Yeoman, call the captain to the Bridge."
"Aye, Aye sir. Captain to the bridge, Captain to the bridge."
"Damn it, I just sat down" Rick staired regretfully at the sliders and fries on his plate. Cursed again and left the wardroom for the bridge.
"Captain on the Bridge."
"What have we got, Lieutenant?"
"Sir, we have a mayday. A damn strange mayday."
Rick read the message.
"Do we have them on radar?"
"Yes sir, two contacts at nine thousand yards.
"Call the admiral to the bridge, steer to intercept, all ahead full."
Admiral Chance came on the bridge.
"What's the situation, Captain?"
Rick handed the message to the admiral.
"We may have a case of piracy, sir."
"Let's find out." He got on the radio.
"Admiral Chance to squadron all ships come right to one hundred eighty degrees, all ahead full, go to battle stations."
Then he muttered;
"If this is a hoax, I'll have someone's ass!"
Regardless of the real situation, it was a good reason for a drill.
"Chief, radio the yacht and tell them help is on the way. And pipe everything to the bridge speakers."
When the Fair Lady replied everyone on the Atlanta's bridge could hear the gunfire in the background.
"That's no damn hoax. All ships, all ahead flank. This is a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Ten minutes later the Admiral said;
"Do we have them on visual?"
"Yes sir. They're hove to."
"Very well. Give them one shot from number one turret."
"Captain Candela had grown tired of the chase and said;
"Use the twenty, but hit them in the bow. I want minimal damage."
When the burst of fire hit the bow, captain Belden knew he had no chance against the twenty- millimeter canon. He ordered the engines stopped.
Captain Candela rubbed his hands in glee. This was it. He could leave this game. His glee was short-lived. It ended with the waterspout that erupted fifty meters abaft his ship.
He had served in the Italian navy in World War two and he knew that boom that rolled across the water.
Dios Mio! Warships! Where, in Satan's name did they come from?
Damn you, Giovanni, why couldn't you do your job?"
He raised his binoculars to his eyes, recognizing the lean gray shapes of destroyers and a cruiser! He knew that his ship had no chance of outrunning one of them, much less a shell from one of their guns
He hung his head in despair. His life as a pirate was over, his life as a free man was certainly over, and maybe his life itself was over.
The squadron arrived on scene and two motor whaleboats were lowered. One boat with ten marines, an officer and a corpsman were sent to the Fair Lady. The other, with another ten marines and an officer went to the Black Shark.
Aboard the Fair Lady.
"I'm Lieutenant Leonard Crandall of the U.S.S Atlanta who is the captain?" Captain Belden stepped forward.
"I am, Lieutenant, Captain Jeff Belden. Boy, am I glad to see you! I thought we'd had it."
"Any injuries on board?"
"Only a few pair of soiled shorts or panties."
"Any major damage to your vessel?"
"No, just a few shell holes forward. My crew will have those patched in an hour."
"Very well. You'll have to accompany me aboard the flagship."
Aboard the Black Shark.
Two of the Marines had submachine guns the rest rifles. They boarded the pirate ship and ordered all the crew on deck. Lieutenant Carson said;
"All of you on deck. The ship will be searched. Anyone hiding or trying to hide will be shot on sight. None of the cowed pirates tried to hide.
"Who is in charge here?" Knowing that his men would rat him out if he didn't admit it, Candela said in heavily accented English;
"I am. I am Captain Candela."
The Marines handcuffed the pirate crew, except for Candela and they were loaded into one of the whaleboats and taken to the cruiser.
Lieutenant Carson and Sergeant Lorne took Candela to the captain's cabin and forced him to open the safe. They took the money, watches, rings and bracelets and placed it all in a canvas bag. It would be counted and inventoried aboard the cruiser. They also took the ship's papers, as dubious as they were.
The pirate crew was assembled in the wardroom. The author in castle was a little disappointed in the pirates. They all looked like ordinary seamen. Not a pegleg, hook or eye patch in the bunch. There were, however, plenty of garish tattoos.
Admiral Evans said;
"Mister Candela, translate my words for those of you gang who don't speak English. I do mean gang. I won't insult honest seamen by calling it a crew. By maritime laws, still on the books, I could and probably should court martial and hang you all. But I will leave that up to the British since you probably operated out of Bermuda. You will remain handcuffed and under guard at all times. Any attempt to assault any attempt to assault any member of this ship's company will be met with deadly force. That is all."
The pirates were allowed to use the head, one at a time, an armed Marine with them every minute. They were fed stew, their only utensil a spoon.
Admiral Evans talked with captain Belden.
"Captain you will have to return to Bermuda make statements to the authorities. My report of what my officers and I witnessed will be forwarded to the authorities. We will transfer the pirates to one of the destroyers, which will escort you to Bermuda. A temporary crew will board the Black Shark and sail it to Bermuda."
"Thank you for everything, Admiral."
"You're welcome, Captain Belden."
The U.S.S. Kidd was detached for that mission.
Once again, the author in Castle as disappointed that the only anti-pirate action he was ever likely to witness ended too anticlimactically. The pirate ship wasn't even sunk.
Norfolk Naval Base, 15, April 1955
The Castle and Ryan families were moving to San Diego California. The Atlanta with most of her present crew was being transferred to Cruiser-destroyer squadron six at Naval Base San Diego.
TBC
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Admirals and generals are known as flag officers because they have a flag bearing the number of stars of their rank.
