A/N: I have been informed that some people were reading my story first time through when I rudely removed the story. My apologies. I will be posting the updates on a regular basis. Hang in there you'll see it all. By the way the move reviews I get the faster I work.
For the lawyers out there, it may not be perfect, but I didn't want to get too bogged down in legalese and proceedings.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 3
We Save the World Better Than Anyone
A lone figure approaches the fighter jet carrying a ladder. Chuck pushes the button to raise the canopy. The man, dressed as an officer, hooks the ladder on the craft and climbs up to look into the cockpit. "Welcome gentlemen, as agreed I'm Ford actual. Let's get you fed; you must be starving. We can do introductions in the Captain's Mess."
Without saying a word Chuck unbuckles and disconnects his lines as the Captain climbs down the ladder. Still wearing their helmets Chuck and then Casey climb down. Casey turns salutes the Captain, as does Chuck. The CO returns the salute. Casey taps Chuck on the shoulder and signals him to follow.
The Captain is surprised as Casey leads Chuck around behind the aircraft. Once out of view he grabs Chuck's shoulders and starts to turn around in a circle. Faster and faster until it would be impossible to determine who's who.
Casey stops and walks around to the port side of the jet, Chuck right behind him, to rejoin the Captain.
The two of them stand and wait. The Captain asks, "Ready gentlemen?" Chuck shakes his head, and signs lifting a bag. The Captain understands, "Your gear will be taken to your stateroom safely, I assure you gentlemen." Chuck shakes his head. The Captain shrugs, "Very well then, let's get that gear for you." Casey helps the Captain pull Chuck's bag out of the compartment where it was stowed. Chuck shows a thumbs up as he lifts his bag and waves towards the hatch. Casey grabs the bag and signals Chuck to lead the way.
The Captain leads them to a hatch and stepping over the combing. He waves them to follow. They walk through several passageways and climb several ladders (Stairs). All empty of personnel. The Captain steps through a hatch and the deck tile is now a royal blue. Casey knows they've entered Officer Country. They are about to walk past a head and Casey taps the Captain on his shoulder. He holds up a finger and points to the head. The Captain nods. Casey signals the Captain to wait then leads Chuck through the non-watertight door.
Once inside Casey unzips his flight suit pulling it down and removing his diaper tossing into a trashcan. Chuck follows his lead. They both wash up the best they can and redress. Casey reaches into his pocket and retrieves his patches attaching them in the appropriate places. Again, Chuck follows his lead. Casey straightens Chuck's Name tag and pats him on the shoulder. He opens the door, and they step out to rejoin the Captain. He calls to them from down the passageway. Walking to him they're at another door. Opening the door allows the scent of coffee and food to hit their noses. Chuck's stomach growls and Casey laughs.
Casey unbuckles his helmet and signals Chuck to do the same. Casey reaches out his hand to the Captain, "I'm John Casey. This is Colonel Charles Carmichael, permission to come aboard Captain."
The Captain laughs as he shakes the outstretched hand, "James Kirk, a little delayed General, but permission granted."
Captain Kirk turns and offers his hand to Chuck, "Welcome aboard Colonel, that was a nice piece of flying."
Chuck shakes the hand, "Thank you, Captain Kirk, Jim Kirk really, wow. But I don't know how to fly. Please call me Chuck."
Captain Kirk stares at the two men bewildered, "Jim works for me. Well come on in gentlemen, let's get you introduced and fed."
The Skipper leads him to the table where two other men are standing, "General John Casey, Colonel Charles Carmichael, this is our Carrier Strike Group Commander, Rear Admiral Frederick Mason, and our CAG, Captain Mark Denver." The men shake hands all around and the Captain waves at the table, "Please gentlemen, have a seat. Let's eat. Senior Chief anytime you're ready. I hope you don't mind gentlemen, it seemed that family service would save some time."
A crewman wearing a white coat and a chef's hat begins to bring out food and place it on the table. Chuck reaches out to grab a serving spoon. Casey grabs his arm and pulls it back.
The Rear Admiral smiles, "That's quite alright Colonel. We need you well fed and on your best game. Go right ahead." Chuck digs in and loads his plate with pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs, the others at the table join him.
Casey asks, "Do we need a SCIF?" (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility)
The Rear Admiral lays his fork down, "I don't see the need, we should be fine here. The Ford was hacked. We were given 72 hours to turn over one billion dollars, or they'll blow our power plants right here as we sit. We were given boundaries and told if we steam (travel) outside that perimeter, they'll set them off. If we attempt to defuse their virus, they'll blow the plant."
Casey looks at the men around the table and is amazed, "Is that possible?"
The Admiral continues, "our IT's (Technical Information Systems Technicians) tell us it is. They were directed where to look and found evidence that it is very possible. The President assured me that if anyone could solve our problem it would be Colonel Carmichael. Based on how you got here, I'm open to believing that."
Casey waves his hand, "No big deal, Gentlemen I've flown F-18's before. The carrier landing was a little new, but I guess we did okay."
The officers around the table look at each other, the CAG finally speaks up, "General we were led to believe that Colonel Carmichael is Batman."
Casey laughs, "He is gentlemen. He loves comic books. He's quite the nerd, but he's never been in a military aircraft before today, I guess you can't believe all the scuttlebutt you hear. However, he is a true genius when it comes to computers and all kinds of geek stuff. Let's get him to his stateroom and give him a minute to gather his thoughts. Then we can get started. I assume you've notified CNO of our arrival." The Admiral nods.
As Casey and Chuck stand ready to leave, the Captain raises his hand. Casey and Chuck sit back down, "I have two CIA agents on board. Madder than wet hens because they weren't included in this meeting."
Casey looks at Chuck who shakes his head. Casey responds to the Captain, "We'll let you know if we need their assistance. Until then they are not to know who we are or what we're doing. Let me tell you something about Charles Carmichael. If you piss him off, he will find a way off this ship. I think you believe that. Even if your ship doesn't blow up, your careers will. Our identities and abilities are need-to-know. Protect his privacy, and in return I believe he will save your asses. Now, that stateroom, please. Gentlemen, no one is to leave this space or communicate outside this space until I return. Any problems with that?" The men all shake their heads. "Good I'll expect you to police each other. I'll be back shortly."
Casey and Chuck are shown to a stateroom. As soon as they enter the door, Casey puts his finger to his lips. He checks his bag for indications of tampering. Content that there was none, he opens it and pulls out a small device. Chuck recognizes it, as Casey walks around the room moving the device up and down. When he's done, he pulls out another device that Chuck also knows. He pushes a button and a red-LED glows. Casey signals Chuck to wait. He pulls out a radio plugs it in and turns it on. "Okay kid, what's your read?"
Chuck shrugs, "Hard to say at this point. Better than even chance someone planted that virus in person. Didn't the President say there would be a special team waiting for us."
Casey nods, "He probably meant a Seal team."
Chuck scratches his head, "So they wouldn't be associated with the crew. They couldn't have been onboard when this all went down. Think you can arrange for them to be our security team?"
Casey does a short laugh, "You know what Chuck, you did great in the Captain's Mess. They have no idea who flew that jet. You've already sized things up on the fly like a pro. I'm fairly certain if you look at those officers cross-eyed, they'll shit their pants. Are you sure you don't want to get back in the spy game?"
Chuck gives him a nasty look, "CASEY!"
Casey holds his hands up, "Okay, okay, just joking. So, no interaction with the spooks (intelligence operatives), got you. I'll look into the Seal team. You do know it could be her? She is stationed out this way."
Casey sits on his rack (bunk) and holds his head, "Thanks John that never occurred to me. Of course, I considered that. I have enough to deal with right now. If it is her, you keep her far away from me. I don't want to see her."
Casey nods, "Good copy, Batman. I've got your six, just like always."
Chuck smiles, "I know, thanks. Hey! How cool is it we're on a ship commanded by Captain James Kirk."
Casey walks to the door shaking his head and laughing, "I just hope we can save his Di lithium crystals. Hang loose, I'm going to see about security for you. Grab a quick nap. I won't be gone long."
Casey makes his way back to the Captain's Mess. The three officers are still there drinking coffee. Casey walks in and pours himself a cup. Sitting down at the other end of the table, his Desert Eagle still strapped to his chest. "Let me guess, you have questions."
Admiral Mason is the first to speak up, "Exactly who is this, Colonel Carmichael? There's no record of him."
Casey nods as he pulls out a cigar and stuffs it in his mouth, "You met him, he's real. He's under my command. What else do you need to know?"
The Admiral continues, his voice getting edgy, "That's another enigma, the only thing we can find out about you is that you retired as a Colonel two years ago. Exactly what command is yours?"
Casey sits up and leans on the table thinking, Something about this guy is making my gut sing. "My apologies Sir. I'm sorry we're making you uncomfortable. CAG can you arrange a COD to Rota for me and Carmichael?"
Admiral Mason stands up and stands over Casey, "General Casey, what kind of crap are you trying to pull, you're here on orders from the CNO?"
Casey leans back and puts his feet up on the table, "Well Sir, you've put me in an awkward position. If I answer your questions, I'll be violating my orders. If I don't, I'll be disrespectful to a superior officer and will have to face court martial. My only recourse is to leave and let you work it out with the CNO. By the way we aren't here on his orders. He was ordered to send us here. From what I gather, he wasn't too happy about it."
Admiral Mason reaches out with his right hand and smacks Casey's feet off the table. Sputtering in anger spit flies out of his mouth. "Get your feet off that table. You're a disrespectful grunt. Bah. Keep this asshole away from me." He turns and heads for the door.
Casey stands up, "Actually Rear Admiral there is one more item of business that can't be done without you."
Mason turns and faces Casey, "Really General, and what business would that be?"
Casey pulls his gun out and levels it at the Admiral, "I am placing you under arrest for assaulting a junior officer. You may think you're Patton, but he was a warrior. Captain, if you would be so kind, have your Master at Arms bring handcuffs and some paper coveralls to the Captain's Mess. We wouldn't want the Rear Admiral to catch cold, while he waits in the brig to be transported stateside for his court martial."
The Admiral sneers, "There is no way the Captain is going to follow that order."
Captain Kirk steps up to Casey, "The Master at Arms and his team are on their way General."
Casey waves his gun at a couch, "Have a seat Admiral this won't take long. You can save us all some time by removing your clothes."
Mason blusters, "I'll do no such thing."
Casey shrugs, "No problem. I'm sure it won't be the first time you're embarrassed by what undressing reveals. Sorry Admiral, just a little joke." The Admiral turns his head quickly when he hears what sounds like a snort. The CO and CAG are standing quietly, stone faced.
There's a knock at the door. Casey holsters his gun, and the Captain calls out "Enter." The door opens and three men wearing sidearms enter. Casey issues orders, "Master at Arms, place Rear Admiral Mason under arrest for assault. He is to be strip searched, by force if necessary, and escorted to the brig. He is to be allowed no contact with anyone at any time. Write up a search warrant and get it to Captain Kirk for signature, ASAP. Any questions?"
The MAA responds, "Negative General, no questions. Rear Admiral Mason I'm Chief Master At Arms, Pete Malloy. I'm investigating the alleged offense of violation of UCMJ article 128, assault. I advise you that under the provisions of Article 31, UCMJ, you have the right to remain silent. That is, say nothing at all. Any statements you make, oral or written, may be used as evidence against you in a trial by court-martial or in other judicial or administrative proceedings. You have the right to consult a lawyer and to have a lawyer present during this interview. You have the right to military legal counsel free of charge. In addition to military counsel, you are entitled to civilian counsel of your own choosing, at your own expense. You may request a lawyer at any time during this interview. If you decide to answer questions, you may stop the questioning at any time. Do you understand your rights? Do you want a lawyer? Are you willing to answer questions?"
Mason growls, "Yes, I understand. No, damn it, I want a lawyer."
The MAA offers, "Very well Rear Admiral. We'll assist you in contacting JAG for a free consultation with an experienced military defense lawyer regarding your case. Now please remove your clothing and place it in the plastic bag the petty officer is holding."
Mason grumbles as he removes his clothes. The Captain speaks to his MAA, "Chief, General Casey, CAG, and I will need to be interviewed and will sign witness statements. General Casey was the assaulted party. Let me be clear, the Admiral is to have contact with nobody except for myself or the General. I want your best men guarding him in the brig 24/7. they are not to speak with him. Get that search warrant to me, post a guard. Nobody enters the Rear Admirals quarters unless I'm with them."
The MAA snaps tall, "Aye, aye Captain, no contact. Understood."
The admiral is escorted out of the Captain's mess in handcuffs, wearing paper coveralls, under guard. Casey returns to his seat and sips his coffee, now cold.
Casey looks up, "My apologies for the feet Captain. No disrespect intended to you or your officers. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do."
The Captain and CAG look at each other with blank stares. All of a sudden, they both burst into laughter. They're laughing so hard tears start to roll down their cheeks.
Captain Kirk is the first to recover, "Oh my God, that was awesome. I've been wanting to do that forever. That blowhard is pure politician. He does nothing but get in the way. General when this is over, I am gonna take you into town and get you soooo drunk."
The CAG pipes up, "Hell yeah, and the cigars are on me. General, you are the best I've ever seen."
Casey waves them down, "My pleasure, gentlemen and when we're alone it's just Casey. My gut tells me something's not right with that guy. If there's no objection, I may want him gone tonight. Carmichael believes there's a good chance the virus was uploaded in person. I was clear; we're need-to-know. He pushed, that makes me suspicious. I'll need access to a secure line, no offense, privately. Also, I was told there would be a special team waiting for me."
The Captain immediately offers, "You can use my in-port stateroom for your call. We took on a Seal Team, but we weren't told why. I guess they're here for you."
Casey nods, "Jim… is Jim, okay?" The Captain nods, "With your permission, I'd like ten minutes on the phone. Would you mind bringing the team, to your stateroom, so we can all have a chat? CAG any chance you can have a COD on standby. I want to search his quarters and then we can decide our next steps. No offense but I want to keep things tight. Can I get with you later to read you in?"
CAG laughs, "First off, the name's Mark, CAG was my father's name. You can ask me anything you want. As a matter of fact, if you weren't so damn ugly, I'd kiss you right on the mouth. I was about to turn my papers in to get away from that A Hole." The three men laugh and stand up to leave.
Casey follows the Captain to his in-port quarters, he opens the door. Casey pauses before he walks in, "Thanks Jim, by the way Carmichael is geeking out over your name."
Kirk nods his head, "My folks were Trekkies, with Kirk as a last name, what choice did they have. Wait till he finds out my middle name is Timothy."
Casey throws his head back and laughs loudly, "Oh my God, Captain James T. Kirk, Chuck is going to want to go squid (Navy) and change his name to Spock."
The Captain joins in on the laughter, "Anything else you need Casey? I'll have the team standing by with me out here when you're ready for us."
Casey raises his hand, "Oh there is one more thing, could you have your most trusted IT get with Carmichael in his stateroom. Rank is unimportant. Ask him to do an update. Let him know I'll be there shortly. Tell him to knock and be careful. If he spooks him, it can be fatal. Tell him to say Carina hates 4 leaf clovers. Not a password, just an inside joke."
Casey closes the door and goes through the security protocols on the encrypted, secure phone. A voice answers and Casey gives the distress code, "He's with his family Sir." It may be a moment. Casey waits patiently, "Yes General how can I help you?" Casey fills the President in on the afternoon's activities. "I trust your instincts General; I'll have CNO assign a replacement. You are now the ranking member on my carrier. You have my full support. Any word on the issue?"
Casey responds, "Not just yet Sir. I had some housekeeping to do. We'll be getting into it shortly. I needed to arrange security. We're fairly certain this is an inside job. I'm not sure yet how widespread. I would appreciate if you could have Justice tear into the Admiral. Finances, associates, communications. It would be helpful if he has minimal contact until we have a better picture of the situation. We have him cold on the assault. It was witnessed by the CO and CAG. I understand there's an Agency team on board with your permission I'll read them in as required."
"Thank you General, your work is appreciated. If there's nothing else, I have family waiting." There is a click and Casey hangs up the phone and walks to the door.
The Captain and six very scruffy looking men are standing outside the door, when Casey opens it. "Thank you, Captain, sorry for the inconvenience. The Admiral's replacement is in the works."
The Captain walks in followed by the six men. "No problem, Sir. General Casey this is Echo team."
One of the men steps forward and taps the gun strapped to Casey's chest.
"Shiny! Some years back I was playing in the sandbox and three bad guys got the drop on me. I was looking down the barrels of their AK's whispering goodbye to my wife. Suddenly their three heads exploded like watermelons. I was covered in bad guy brains. I looked around and the only spot those shots could have come from was a hillside over a quarter mile away.
Now the weird thing was there were only two shots. I asked everybody I could who had overwatch so I could thank them. All anybody would say was, "Sounds like Casey." The area was cleared, and we were waiting for our ride out when a jeep rolled by. Sitting in the back seat was a Marine Major with an M40 on his back and a shiny Desert Eagle just like this one strapped to his chest. I owe that man everything." The man extends his hand, "Echo One at your service Sir. Thank you. I want you to know my eldest daughter, my first born, is named Casey."
Casey takes the man's hand, "Glad you made it home. Thank you for your service and continuing to put yourself in harm's way." Casey shrugs, "Why waste a taxpayer's bullet when you don't have to. By the way, I wasn't there."
Casey releases Echo ones' hand. "Okay ladies if we're done reminiscing, I have a job that I need to trust you with. Your lives depend on it. You'll be guarding my partner. My closest friend. If something happens to him and you didn't die trying to protect him, you will be dead when I get there. No one, and I mean no one is to get near him, you are authorized to use deadly force to accomplish that goal. Now, this is going to sound weird. That goes especially for a woman with blonde hair. She is to get nowhere near him. Be careful, she's deadly. If you have to take her out, do it from a distance.
Echo one, if you're okay with it, I'd like your team to go blue and gold. Two men on, one roving and for relief. Break up the watch sections anyway you like. From this moment forward Colonel Carmichael is never to be unguarded. Captain, thank you for the use of your quarters. I'm going to get the team set up and put Carmichael to work. I'll find you when I have an update." Casey walks to the door, "Follow me gentlemen. You are about to meet the world's biggest nerd. Who by the way can kick all your asses, at once."
Casey leads the men to Chuck's quarters, he knocks on the door, "Carmichael, it's me."
Casey hears Chuck's voice from the other side of the door, "Come in General."
Casey opens the door and sees Chuck sitting with a sailor, "Colonel come out and meet your security team, it would get too crowded in there."
Chuck steps up to the open door, "Hi I'm Chuck."
Casey shakes his head, "Colonel Carmichael, this is Echo team." As Echo one extends his hand he thinks, this is the guy who's going to kick our asses. This guy is pure nerd. "Honor to meet you Sir. Anyone who serves with General Casey has my respect. Behind me are Echo Two through Six. We'll be making sure you stay safe Sir. If there is anything you need just let one of us know. I hope it doesn't inconvenience you Sir, but from this moment forward, until the General relieves us. You can regard us as your six, you'll go nowhere at any time without us. If you need privacy, we'll be outside the door, after we clear the space. Any special orders Sir?"
Chuck nods, "Yes. If a blond woman shows up, she is to get nowhere near me."
Echo One nods, "The General has filled us in on that situation. The only way she gets to you is by climbing over our dead bodies."
Chuck shakes his head, "Yeah well, if she's in a generous mood she'll just knock you out."
Casey interrupts, "Okay Colonel, are you ready to go to work?" Chuck turns back into the room to grab his bag and invite the petty officer to join him. Casey turns to the team, "Echo team, I'm going to recommend a twenty-foot separation on the watch. You may need the reaction time. Have the relief check in at irregular intervals. This woman won't cause him physical harm. What she will do is way worse."
Chuck is animated as the group is led through the passageways by the IT2, (Technical Information systems technician second class). He's in his element now as he works through the information being shared with him. The group arrives at a watertight door, bracketed by two armed Marine guards. The Petty Officer offers, "The servers are in here Sir."
Chuck smiles, "Okay, finally something I understand. Come on Petty Officer let's get to work." The Petty Officer enters a code into the digital lock. The hatch unlocks with a snapping sound. He pulls back on the dogging handle and pushes the hatch open. Just inside is a small vestibule with a non-watertight door at the back end. The IT2 enters, puts in another code, the door unlocks, and he moves inside. Chuck follows, closing the door behind him. The Marine guard pulls the outer hatch closed and rotates the handle to dog (lock) the hatch down, then pushes the button to resecure the electronic lock.
"One, do you want the door or perimeter?" Echo one looks around, taking in the surroundings, "I'll take the door, Echo four will be twenty feet that way, Marines 20 feet from each of us. Echo six will have first rover."
Casey turns to the Marine guard wearing sergeants stripes, "Did you copy Sarge. If Echo team is called away your team will maintain security on this space. Anything to add?" The Marine responds crisply, "Negative Sir, works for us."
Casey smiles, "Good, make it happen. Keep your heads on a swivel. One, would you mind filling the Sergeant in on the Blonde Terror. I'm gonna do an eyelid check (grab a nap), yell if you need me."
Sarah is pacing around her stateroom/office deep in thought, "It has to be him. Who else would they call? Who else could fly a jet first time out? Oh God, I hope it's him. But Decker wiped the intersect. Could there be another intersect? Oh god I hope it's not him. How could I face him. Oh, please let it be him. I want to hold him so much. I need him to hold me so much."
Zondra Rizzo is sitting in front of her, "Sarah, I'm talking to you. Earth to Sarah come in Sarah."
Sarah shakes her head, "Oh sorry Z, something's on my mind, what's up?"
Zondra pushes back from the small desk, "That's the problem, nothing's up. I've reached out to every resource I can think of. Nobody knows who this Batman guy is. The only thing I can get is rumor. That he's some kind of computer genius, who's never flown a plane before. But somehow, he flew half-way around the world with a perfect flight and perfect carrier landing. It's all feels pretty SCI-FI to me."
Sarah sits down and holds her head in her hands, tears forming in her eyes.
Zondra is concerned as she leans in, "Are you okay Chief? I'm sure we'll find out what's going on eventually."
Sarah gets herself under control and sits up, "I know Z. That's what scares me most."
Exhausted, Casey makes his way back to the stateroom he's sharing with Chuck.
Man, I can't wait until I get out of this flight suit, I'm almost at the point where I can't stand my own stink. Getting undressed he grabs a towel, places his gun in a waterproof bag and heads to the showers. Poor Chuck, thrown right into it. Not even enough time for a quick shower.
Enjoying the warm water raining down on his body Casey hears the door open. For some reason the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Naked, he grabs the bag with his gun in it and lies down on the shower floor. Sliding himself into the adjoining shower stall just in time. There are three metallic sounding chugs and holes appear in the door of the shower stall he just vacated.
Aiming at the legs under the stall door Casey fires. The blast deafening in the small space. A figure falls to the deck as half his leg is blown off. Casey's second shot blows a hole in the shooter's chest. Casey pushes off the deck and rolls out of the shower stall into the room. Determining the space is clear he gets up and wraps his towel around himself, his ears ringing.
He carefully makes his way around the body kicking the gun away from it. Opening the door, he checks the passageway. Making sure it's clear, he gets to the nearest phone and dials the bridge.
A voice answers, "Bridge, Boatswain Mate of the Watch, how can I help you?"
It finally hits Casey how close it just got to being very real. He takes a deep breath, "This is General Casey. Please ask the Skipper and MAA to join me at the officers' showers."
The BMoW responds crisply, "Aye, aye General, CO and MAA to the officers' showers."
He then turns to the Officer of the Deck; "Sir General Casey has requested the CO and MAA to meet with him at the Officer's Showers."
The OOD considers it for a moment, "Have you tried to contact the Captain in his cabin?"
The BMoW answers, "That's affirmative Sir, no response."
The OOD waves his hand, "Very well, pass the word."
Casey leans against the bulkhead listening to the word passed over the 1MC. "Commanding Officer, your presence is requested at the Officers' showers, Master at Arms report to the Officers' showers."
Casey looks up and sees that the passageway is filling with curious personnel who must have heard the shots. They're staring at a near naked man holding a very large gun. He notices someone pushing through the crowd and spots Sarah Walker heading towards him, gun in hand. She runs up and stops in front of him. Casey stands up straight and calmly says, "Walker."
Sarah holsters her gun and throws her arms around him, "John, are you okay?"
Casey pats her on the back, "I'll live, you realize that you're hugging a naked man in front of half the officers on this ship?"
Sarah just squeezes tighter, "I don't care, I'm so glad to see you. I knew it was you they've been talking about. Where is he? I need to see him."
Casey looks up over Sarah's head, as the Captain yells out, "Master at arms clear this passageway." Walking over to Casey. "I see you've met our Agency presence."
Casey disengages himself from Sarah, "Yeah, we've met. Sorry to cause a fuss. I just shot a guy in the showers. Just to be clear he shot first.
Captain, I would like to recommend that you restrict all non-essential personnel to quarters, enlisted and officer. Conduct a space-to-space search, two-man teams you pick at random. We have no idea who's involved. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more weapons to be found. The guy in the showers was using a silencer. I think we have a conspiracy to uncover. You may want to collect all data devices until the Colonel has a chance to screen them. We don't want to cause a huge fuss just yet. Let's see if the Colonel can reduce the threat before we get too public. Is there a way to cut off all external non monitored communications?"
The Captain nods, "On it General. We can set up a cell phone jammer. Are you ok? Do you need medical attention?"
Casey shakes his head, "I'm fine, getting a little chilled though. Tell the MAA, I'll give him a statement whenever he's ready. I'll be in my stateroom. When you get a chance Jim, let's search the Admiral's quarters. I think we may be running low on time. Agent Walker you're with me."
Sarah follows Casey to his stateroom, as soon as they're behind a closed door she hugs him again, "General Casey. Wow! I can't believe you're here. I've missed you so much."
Casey pulls his arms off of her and starts to dress, "Yeah I could tell from all the calls and letters."
Sarah sits in a chair, "Well that didn't take long. You know damn well you wouldn't take my calls, I tried. Alex told me how pissed you were."
Casey grunts, "Well can you blame me? I wasted a bundle on that rented tux."
"Damn Casey, go straight for the heart why don't you?" Sarah lets out a deep sigh, "Okay I'm an asshole. I get it. I hurt him bad. He's here with you, isn't he? He's Batman?"
Casey sits down opposite Sarah, "Batman's identity is need-to-know. Even if it weren't above your paygrade."
Sarah sits back and crosses her legs, "Let's see, Colonel John Casey, USMC retired. Head of Security for Carmichael Industries shows up as a General on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. Smack in the middle of a nuclear crisis. Shoots a man in the shower, and if the rumors are correct had a Rear Admiral arrested. Jump in if I get something wrong. In addition, some guy, who calls himself Batman. A guy who's never flown a plane in his life flies an F-18 Super Hornet, called the Batmobile. He makes a perfect landing on that very same aircraft carrier. The same guy who is supposed to be some kind of computer genius who is right now locked away in the server room of the very same aircraft carrier where I was sent to investigate a nuclear threat."
Casey leans back, "Walker, You are one hell of a spy. What you need to know is that there is a security force that has orders to shoot to kill any blonde woman who gets within twenty feet of that server room."
Sarah leans forward, "Casey, I need to see him."
Casey leans forward and takes her hand, "I am glad to see you, Sarah. I'm glad you're doing okay. If the person you think is here sees you right now there is a strong possibility that half of Europe will be vaporized, and the other half will be unlivable for decades or longer. Hypothetically speaking; if he were here, he needs to see you too. Although he may not agree with me."
Sarah's eyes fill with tears, "I miss him so much John. I'm miserable. I'm so fucking stupid. I walked away from the best thing that ever happened to me. Maybe the only good thing." Sarah gets up and paces in the small space, "How bad is it? Does he hate me?"
Casey nods, "Let me put it to you this way. If he came across you in the street and you were on fire, he may not take the time to pee on the flames."
Sarah falls back into her chair, "Oh God! What have I done?" Sarah suddenly lifts her head, "How did he fly a fighter jet? Decker wiped the intersect?"
Casey opens his hands, "I never said he did that. You know I'm a pilot. Back down Walker, don't force my hand."
Sarah nods, "Will you help me see him?"
Casey stands up, "I have no idea who you're referring to. Right now, I need you to work with the command. Use your resources to screen the crew. Look for any connections between the dead crewman, Rear Admiral Mason, and anybody else in this crew. Walker I wasn't joking before, if you get within twenty feet of Batman you will be shot. If you cross a line I don't like, you'll be removed from this ship instantly, am I clear? One more thing, do I know your partner?"
Sarah nods, "Zondra Rizzo."
Casey breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank God it's not Carina Miller."
Casey opens the door, "Get to work. And Walker, behave. Get those emotions under control. Don't pull a Bartowski on me."
Sarah gets up and throws her arms around Casey's neck and kisses him on the cheek, "It's nice to have the team back together. We save the world better than anyone."
Casey scowls, "Damn it Walker, quit hugging me. Get to work." Sarah leaves and Casey can swear she seems to be skipping.
A/N Hope you're enjoying. Please leave me a review or a vote, or both. It's how I know that I'm not wasting my time. It also inspires me to keep writing.
Why are some doors designated Non-Watertight doors?
A ship, not just Navy ships, is compartmented so that if there is flooding watertight doors can be sealed to contain the flooding and avoid it from spreading. Doors are marked as NWTD (non-watertight doors) and WTD (Watertight doors) so that a crewmember can instantly know which doors need to be secured in any given moment.
A Watertight door has a raised lip that is about a foot high called the combing. Sailors call them knee knockers. When running to battle stations it can get painful. The combing allows the door to still be opened if the flooding is light. In addition, each WTD has a valve in the combing that can be opened to see it there is water on the other side of the door.
