A/N Casey has his plan. So does Shaw. Will Casey save the ship and crew? He loves being back with fighting men and women. What he doesn't love so much is having all their lives in his hands. Everybody clap your hands and an asshole will get what's coming to him…WE HOPE
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 8:
A is for Asshole, B is for Bomb…
The Captain's Mess has almost emptied as they get ready to go to General Quarters. Casey takes a moment to take a breath and have a thought, amazing how many people are envious of those in the upper ranks . All they think about is the money, the extra little bit of comfort. It was rough on me when I was responsible for the few people I care about in Burbank. Now I'm, making decisions that could affect the lives of thousands, maybe millions.
Gazing across the table he looks at Chuck. He's probably the bravest man I know, but he'd never admit to that. He's always done what's asked of him, needed from him. I don't know how many times he's put his life on the line for others. I'll never forget that first time. While everyone else was running from the bomb, he ran in to defuse it. Never mind he had never seen a bomb in his life, he did it. He saved thousands of lives that day, including mine.
Some people are lucky enough to have one person in their life they can count on. I'm surrounded with good folks. I gave up my family to serve my country. I've been paid back tenfold. I am one lucky Marine. Casey tilts his head up and closes his eyes, Big guy, if you're listening, please help me to protect these good people. I'll gladly trade my safety for theirs. You get Chuck and Sarah home safe. Give them the family they both need and deserve. Look after Alex and the Elf. He's annoying, but I couldn't be prouder of him. Watch over my grandkids if I don't make it, please. I promise I'll do my part.
Casey looks at Chuck, "Chuck would you join me in the galley?" He gets up and walks into the small space behind Casey. "Kid make your way to the flight deck. I have a feeling the zombie will be heading your way. You have to have Walker's back. He hates her and won't hesitate to take her out. Not to mention she hates him. There's no telling what she'll do.
Chuck, I'm proud to call you, my boss. You are my best friend and the bravest man I know." Casey wraps his arms around Chuck and squeezes him tight, "You stay safe. If you get hurt, Walker will kick my ass, and Grimes will never forgive me. Shit, Ellie will hunt me down and operate on me without anesthetic. Bartowski, you better stay alive, or my life will be miserable."
Chuck is speechless as Casey releases him, he just nods and says, "Me too."
Casey pauses, "Chuck, if Shaw heads your way and wants to board the waiting chopper, let him. Don't try to stop him, help him feel safe and comfortable. You keep Walker safe, that's it, that's your job, got it?" Chuck nods and heads out the door into the mess.
The first Apprehension Team arrives with two prisoners and leaves to round up others.
Chuck walks over to them, "Hi guys, been having fun?"
The two sailors look at him like he's crazy, "What the hell is going on Sir? Why are we cuffed?"
Chuck is conciliatory, "Gosh guys, I'm sorry. You don't know what's going on, and here you are getting manhandled. You know what let me talk to the General. I'll get this straightened out." He picks up the small, disarmed bomb package and places it in front of them. "Just keep an eye on this for me while I talk to him."
The two men back up and one blurts, "Get that the hell away from me."
Chuck smiles, "Gentlemen, I need to know how many of these you planted and where they are."
They stare at Chuck, and the taller one says, "Fuck you."
Chuck paces back and forth in front of them, "Tell you what; here's my concern. I really don't like violence. Normally I would never hurt another person. It makes me feel bad. Here's my problem, the woman I love, and my best friend are on this ship. I don't want them to get hurt, so I need that information. Thanks to you people, I haven't gotten much sleep, so I am a little irritable. Tell you what, if you can get past me, I'm going to release you. You can go. If you don't get past me, you tell me what I want to know, or I'm going to tape those explosives to your chest. Let's see if your boss gives a shit if you live or die." The two men eye Chuck up and down, the tall one sneers. Chuck turns to the guard, "Cut that one free." To the other sailor he says, "You have till the count of three, then it's your turn."
The guard cuts the nylon cuffs, the man wastes no time and rushes at Chuck swinging a fist. Chuck blocks the swing and comes back with a round house kick to his face, knocking him back. "One." The sailor shakes it off and rushes at Chuck again. Chuck plants his left leg and ducking low, avoids the sailors swing. Then thrusting with his whole body, he strikes the sailor in the chest with his right palm. The others in the space could see his chest compress and hear the ribs crack. "Two."
The sailor groans as he holds his chest, breathing hard. He stares at Chuck. "You asshole, I'm gonna kill you." He rushes at Chuck for a third time. Chuck waits until he's close then drops to his back. The sailor can't stop his forward motion. When he steps over him, Chuck drives his foot into his crotch. The sailor howls as he's thrown two feet into the air. Landing on his back, he's holding his crotch screaming. "That's three." He stands up and walks towards the remaining prisoner.
The sailor backs up and yells out, "Get me a pen and paper. Get me a pen and some paper, quick. Oh shit! Somebody please, get me a pen and some paper. "
Captain Kirk is staring at Chuck in disbelief, "Holy shit, he really is Batman."
Casey is across the room laughing his ass off, "Nah, he's just cranky he didn't get his nap today. Cuff that one again. Although I have a feeling, he may have some trouble walking right now." Turning to the one still standing. "I'm sorry, I've been rude, have you met the Colonel? Be nice to him, he can be a real ball buster." The whole room cracks up laughing except the cuffed sailor and his buddy who's lying on the deck groaning.
Casey points to Malloy, "This is the MAA. He's your friend. Make your friend happy or he'll reintroduce you to the Colonel. Keep him cuffed Chief. If he stops talking, let the Colonel know."
Malloy pulls out a pen and paper, "Tell me where you planted the bombs, and who else is working with you." The prisoner starts talking and keeps looking over his shoulder to be sure Chuck is staying away. The door opens and the second Apprehension Team comes in with another prisoner.
Casey goes to the door, he says, "Guys, grab a drink, fresh coffee and cold bug juice on the counter. We'll have more names for you soon."
Echo four hands Casey a detonator, "He had this on him. One took care of the package."
Casey can't resist, he turns to the cuffed prisoner, "Hi, I'm General Casey, have you met the Colonel?"
Chuck waves his hand, "Hi. I'm the Colonel, damn glad to meet you."
The original prisoner yells out, "Dude, tell them what they want to know. Trust me, it ain't worth it."
The new prisoner looks at the guy yelling at him, then at the one on the deck groaning, grasping his crotch. "Sure whatever you want. I'm your guy."
Casey acts disappointed as he grabs him and walks him over to Malloy, "Are you sure? We really don't mind if you need to be motivated."
The guy on the floor groans loudly and screams, "Oh God! It hurts so bad. Get me a corpsman."
The prisoner's eyes go wide, "No, no. I'll tell you whatever you want."
Casey looks at both of them, "Where's the XO?"
They both shrug their shoulders. Casey smiles, "Thanks guys I was hoping you would stonewall me. Colonel, do you mind if I take these two?"
Chuck shrugs, "All yours General, just remember how long it took your knuckles to heal last time. Not to mention after you broke their jaws they couldn't talk anyway." Chuck is surprised at how much he's enjoying the lies and intimidation. He thinks to himself, maybe Casey is rubbing off on me. I have a strange urge to grunt, he laughs to himself.
Casey smiles and steps up to the new prisoner, "Yeah, but I had fun, didn't I?"
Casey hauls his fist back and prepares to swing, "I swear, I don't know. We got orders from the Admiral. He said the bombs were fake and it was to train the security people." The next thing he's aware of is bright lights going off in his head as his nose is driven into his face. Casey stands over him where he fell to the deck and grabs him by the shirt, pulling him up. "Don't you know it's rude to lie to a General?"
The prisoner standing next to the MAA shakily answers, "The XO was trying to get into the server room, but it was guarded. That was a while ago, I haven't seen him since."
Casey drops the bloodied sailor to the deck and turns to the sailor talking, "Tell me son, how much did you get paid to blow up your shipmates and half of Europe."
The sailor shakes his head, "The admiral said it was a bluff. That once the government paid off, we would get fifty grand and a new life in another country."
Casey let's out a gasp, "Are you really that stupid? You didn't even get paid upfront. You idiot, the Admiral is dying. He had every intention of going down with the ship. His family got a cool million. Fucking idiots. I didn't even have to touch him. He gave your names up willingly. For that asshole and no money, you betrayed your oath, your country, and your shipmates. I'm personally going to deliver your traitorous asses to Gitmo." He gives him an evil smile full of teeth. "Assuming there's anything left to deliver."
Captain Kirk stood by silently as all this went down, "I can't believe this could happen on a United States fighting ship. I'm… I'm… I don't know what I am."
Casey is sympathetic as he responds, "Believe it or not Jim, last time, Shaw almost took over every intelligence agency in the country. If it weren't for Chuck and our team, he would have succeeded. I really hate saying this; I'm not surprised it happened. I'm surprised it took so long to happen. I guess I'm a little jaded, I've seen a lot. That's what makes Chuck so special. No matter what happens he still wants to see the best in people. I've never seen him hit anyone like that. If that guy had just walked out the door, he probably wouldn't have touched him. But he took the first swing. Everything after that was self-defense. There's that, and the fact that Shaw tried to kill Walker. He really got on Chuck's bad side. I guess that asshole just caught some of that."
In the next half-hour the teams check in bringing in new prisoners and new information. Echo One checks in and steps over to Casey. "Eighteen so far."
Casey nods, "Did you stow them in a safe place like I asked?"
One smiles broadly, "That's affirmative Sir. I can't think of a better place to stow them. Should keep the ship plenty safe." Echo One pauses, "General, forgive me if I'm out of line. If you can find a place for me in your next command, I would be honored to serve with you."
Casey is touched as he thinks to himself, to have a fighting man, a warrior, a hero, honor me with such a request is more than I can handle. His voice cracks as he answers, "No, One, the honor would be all mine. We'll talk later. Maybe it's time your wife stopped wondering if you'll be coming home. Plus, someone needs to be around to threaten Casey's dates."
One throws his head back and laughs, "You may be right Sir, Casey is a looker. I've been worried she may run into a knuckle dragging grunt (a slur on Marines) at that."
Casey laughs and slaps him on the back, "Get out of here before you find out what else grunts can do with those knuckles. Be careful, we're almost done. Let's all go home safe."
Echo One grabs his Snipe partner, and they head out the door to look for more bombs.
Casey walks over to Captain Kirk. "You ready to bet the Bird Farm (slang for an aircraft carrier)."
Kirk laughs, "Your gut hasn't been wrong yet. Let's do this thing."
Casey shakes his hand, "See you on the other side, live long and prosper."
Kirk laughs, "I thought Chuck was the Trekkie."
Casey walks him to the door, "Let's just keep that between us, shall we?"
They walk out the door. The CO heads towards the bridge. Casey heads to his stateroom to get the gear he needs. Then he walks calmly to CIC to get ready for General Quarters thinking, well the shit is about to hit the fan, yay.
The Captain turns to the Boatswain Mate of the Watch, "BM1, set General Quarters, set condition Zebra throughout the ship, this is not a drill. All stations take muster reports and report to the bridge."
The Boatswain Mate of the Watch, repeats his order. Aye, aye Sir, General Quarters, set condition Zebra throughout the ship, this is not a drill." Pausing 3 seconds to make sure he is not corrected he sounds the alarm. Claxon's sound all over the ship. Although they can't be seen, the flurry of activity is well known to everyone on the bridge.
The Boatswain Mate picks up the mic and announces into the 1MC, (All ship announcement circuit) "This is not a drill, I repeat this is not a drill, General Quarters, General Quarters, all hands man your battle stations, make readiness reports to CIC (Combat Information Center). Set condition Zebra throughout the ship, make Zebra reports to Damage Control Central. All stations take muster reports and report to the Boatswain Mate of the Watch. This is not a drill, I repeat this is not a drill, General Quarters, General Quarters all hands man your battle stations, make readiness reports to CIC, set condition Zebra throughout the ship, make Zebra reports to Damage Control Central. All stations take muster reports and report to the Boatswain Mate of the Watch."
The condition one crew arrives on the bridge dressed in battle gear. Flak jackets, fire resistant hoods and gloves and helmets, each station is replaced. Then one by one each station reports that they've taken their positions. Less than five minutes have passed, and the aircraft carrier is battle ready and sealed tight.
The Captain looks around and the XO isn't on station, Casey called it again.
Kirk announces loudly, "This is the Captain. The Officer of the Deck has the Con (control of the ship)."
The response is immediate, "This is the Officer of the Deck, I have the Con."
The CO walks over and picks up the phone and dials CIC, "CIC, this is WEPS."
Kirk takes a deep breath, "WEPS, let me talk to the General."
"Aye, aye Skipper hang on."
"This is Casey, no show huh?"
Kirk does not sound happy, "Casey, I'm starting to hate your gut."
Casey laughs, "Imagine how I feel. Always the bearer of bad news. Have the Ship's Office compare muster reports. Anybody not accounted for and not on station is to be rounded up by our apprehension team and held in your Mess. Let me know when you have that done, time is of the essence. I'll be waiting for your call."
Fifteen minutes pass as Casey paces in the CIC. All ships in the group have reported that GQ is set and spaces are being searched for suspicious packages. Following Casey's orders all such packages are to be unopened and immediately tossed over the side. He's pleased as the minutes pass and no such packages are reported.
The phone rings, "Casey, go."
The CO is sounding tired, "John we have twelve men unaccounted for. Ten of them are in the Mess, six detonators have been found, the teams are searching for the other two now. What's next?"
Casey sighs, "Next, you give me permission to use your 1MC, and I arrange to let the assholes go, so we can save your ship."
Kirk is quiet for a few moments, "Well you haven't been wrong yet. Are you sure you want to let them go?"
Casey smiles, "Always open to better ideas."
Kirk purses his lips, "Have at it. The 1MC is all yours. Just in case, thanks Casey. It's been an honor."
Casey grunts, "Keep your lady feelings to yourself. I ain't done yet. You just keep an eye out for Klingons and Gorns. Let me take care of Shaw."
Casey picks up the microphone for the 1MC, "This is General John Casey, Carrier Strike Group Commander. All hands I want to thank you for your fine work during a trying couple of days, Bravo Zulu (a verbal pat on the back). Hopefully those rough times will be ending soon. Daniel Shaw, if you'll call me in CIC, I'll get you off our ship in a way that keeps you and my crew safe. All hands are to remain on station and alert. You are not to interfere with the XO."
Casey sits in his chair as he waits for the phone to ring. He looks around thinking, so young, so well trained, and brave, willing to put their lives on the line to protect our society, our freedom. Then assholes like Shaw act like their lives are meaningless. I hope I get the chance to put one between his eyes. The phone rings and he picks it up, "Casey."
Casey's blood boils when he hears his voice, "Hello Casey, looking for me?"
Casey fights to hold back his temper, "Shaw, I want you off this ship. Your plan is in the shitter. The only thing you have left is my concern for these fine young men and women. Tell me where you are, and I'll clear a path and give you an escort to the flight deck. I have a helo standing by gassed up to fly wounded sailors out. If you leave quietly, it's yours. You have my word no one will harass you. If you decide to get noisy, I'll pay you back for all the people you've hurt, very slowly and very painfully."
Shaw laughs, "Still the same Casey, always with the hyperbole." Shaw lets out a deep sigh, "Very well Casey. I guess we both want the same thing, me alive and gone. I was hoping to spend quality time with my ex and her boyfriend. I guess there'll be other days. It's easy. I'm in my stateroom. Send two escorts, unarmed. If I see anybody else, I'll set off the explosives I have scattered around the ship."
Casey smiles, "Really Shaw? Same old, same old. You got it. Two men unarmed. Give me ten minutes to clear your path. They'll knock on your door when we're ready. Shaw, one last thing. I'll find you. Decker too, you can count on that. You really should have stayed off my RADAR. This play was just stupid. See you soon."
Casey hangs up the phone, then picks it up again and calls the bridge. The Boatswain Mate of the Watch answers, "Bridge BMoW, how can I help you sir?"
Casey closes his eyes, realizing just how tired he is, "This is General Casey, let me speak to the Skipper."
"Kirk here." Casey let's out the breath he's been holding. "He's in his stateroom, cocky son of a bitch. Have CHENG clear a path from there to the flight deck. I need two Echo team members outside his stateroom unarmed. They're to escort him, and make sure he gets on that chopper and off your ship. I'll be out of touch till this is over, good luck."
Casey hangs up, grabs the case with his rifle. "WEPS, good work, keep my skies clear, see you soon."
Commander Garner extends his hand, "It's been a privilege Sir, and I never want to play poker with you."
Casey laughs, "The Honor was all mine. Wise choice, too bad though. I could use the money. Chewed up a lot of cigars this trip, later." Casey leaves CIC and heads to his very favorite spot, high up and under the sky.
Climbing high into the super structure, well below the rotating RADAR dishes and their dangerous microwave emissions. Casey finds his spot where he can be Overwatch for Chuck and Sarah on the flight deck. Setting up his rifle he checks the wind and adjusts his sights, he takes a deep breath and checks the points he needs to cover. He settles in and waits, letting his thoughts happen. Okay Chuck don't screw this up. Make him feel safe and get him on that chopper.
Chuck and Sarah are standing to the side dressed in battle gear as Shaw is escorted to the waiting chopper. He turns and says something to the two men, and they step over to both ends of the chopper.
Chuck walks slowly towards Shaw hands in the air. Sarah keeps her gun leveled at him. Shaw holds the detonator above his head. Chuck holds his hands out wide to show that he's unarmed. "Hey Daniel, how have you been? It's been a while."
Shaw is disarmed by Chuck's calm demeanor, "Hi Chuck. It has been a while, I heard you and Sarah called it quits."
Chuck sighs, "Yeah we had a problem, but thanks to you we were forced to work it out."
Shaw laughs, "Glad I could help out. Tell you what, why you don't repay me and shoot the bitch?"
It's Chuck's turn to laugh, "Is that any way to talk about a woman you made love to."
Shaw shrugs his shoulders, "I don't know if I would call it love. I mean it did scratch an itch and I did enjoy taking her away from you, again."
Chuck nods his head, puzzled by that again, "Okay enough with the reunion. Is there some reason she shouldn't shoot your ass?"
Shaw smiles, "I was hoping you would ask. You see I've planted explosives all over the ship. This thing in my hand is the detonator."
Chuck moves his head back and forth, "Yeah I kinda figured that out given the whole exploding Buy More thing…"
Shaw nods, "Mmmm hmmm, but you see I learned my lesson from that debacle. This is a dead man's switch. I get knocked out or die, and the ship gets scuttled."
Chuck remains calm, "That is a frightening thought. So what did you have in mind?"
Shaw takes a breath, "You bring the Admiral and the men you took prisoner up here and we leave on this chopper. You give me your word you won't shoot us out of the sky, and I'll give you my word to leave the Ford intact. Of course if you blow us out of the sky the detonator will go off."
Chuck looks at his nails, clearly calm. "I have an alternative plan for you. Hand me the detonator. I'll hold it for you, and you can fight Sarah one on one."
Shaw thinks for a moment, "That is tempting, but what happens if I win. I have no leverage, and I would have to fight you."
Chuck smiles, "But you know Decker removed the intersect, and I would have to fight one handed."
Shaw laughs, "But what about Casey sitting up there with his rifle on me. No, I think we'll stick with my plan."
Chuck shakes his head and looks sad, "Come on Daniel, you know… I did save your life."
Shaw smiles, "You did Chuck, don't think I didn't appreciate that. I mean I did steal your woman and all. That's why I didn't tell the Ring your secret. But then you did shoot me. I figure that makes us even."
Shaw yells at Sarah, "Come on Sam, we had fun, didn't we?"
Sarah snarls and extends her gun, moving her finger to the trigger.
Chuck gets upset, and steps between Sarah and Shaw, "Uh, oh Shaw, you shouldn't talk to her. I don't think she likes you anymore. By the way, her name isn't Sam. That was her dog's name. She lied to you."
Shaw shakes his head, "Spies, you just can't trust them. Look Chuck I really am enjoying our chat, but my hand is getting tired. I would hate to blow the ship up because of a cramp. How about you get my people up here and I get out of here?"
Chuck shrugs, "Well okay. If that's your final word. Would it be okay if I step over there and make a call? Sarah will keep you company, please don't talk to her. She's really pissed at you. I'm betting she's having a hard time controlling her trigger finger. By the way how many men are you expecting?"
Shaw nods and says, "Twelve," Chuck walks over to the phone mounted on the bulkhead. He talks animated for a couple of minutes, his hands waving in the air as he emphasizes what he's saying. Finally, he nods his head, hangs up the phone, then walks back out to Shaw by the chopper.
He's shaking his head as he approaches, "Okay I convinced the General… did you know Casey made General?"
Shaw sounds exasperated, "Yes Chuck, I did know. Please give him my congratulations. Now what's happening?"
Chuck looks apologetic, "Sorry, I'm just really proud of him. Anyway, he agreed that you can have the Admiral and your men. The deal is if you uncuff them before you're in the air he'll shoot them. He also needs your word that you won't set off the explosives."
Shaw smiles, "You have my word. I won't set off the explosives."
Chuck smiles. "Cool, I have to tell you. Casey is not happy with this, but he doesn't want to see people hurt. Your henchmen are on the way up. Will you need a pilot?"
Shaw shakes his head, "No, I can fly it, but I'll need you to uncuff the Admiral, so he can hold the detonator. Hey, what's this I hear you flew an F-18?"
Chuck shrugs, "Sure, I get that. Tell you what, I'll uncuff him myself. That whole Batman thing really got out of hand. I'm still not a pilot, but Casey is."
Shaw smiles like the cat who ate the canary. "Thanks Chuck, I appreciate you being so reasonable. You do realize next time we meet I will be trying to kill both of you, Casey too."
Chuck waves his hand, "Hey this is between us. I'm just glad we could settle this without hurting innocent sailors."
Shaw looks over Chuck's shoulder and sees the prisoners being marched out. One is on a stretcher, another with a bandage over his swollen nose. Shaw asks, "What happened to them?"
Chuck looks back at the injured men, "I'm not sure, I think they fell up a ladder (a Navy euphemism for; got his ass kicked)."
Shaw gives Chuck a dirty look, "Fine, I guess we did deserve a little "questioning"."
A dozen men climb into the chopper. The Admiral comes out last, and steps up to Chuck. "Hello Batman, sorry things worked out this way. You seem like a good man. I would have enjoyed having you in my command."
Chuck spits at the deck between the Admiral's feet, "You're a traitorous asshole and I hope the next time I see you it'll be at your firing squad. Now turn around let me get those cuffs off, so I can be rid of you."
Chuck removes the cuffs, and the Admiral walks over and climbs into the helo. Shaw cautiously hands him the detonator then climbs in too. "Wait here while I make sure she'll fire up." Chuck backs up as the rotors start to turn. The two echo team members hold their position. Sarah puts her gun away and wraps her arm around Chuck.
Shaw walks back to the Admiral and puts a headset on him. The admiral points to the headset, then to Chuck. Chuck walks back and grabs a headset. Immediately he hears the Admiral demanding, "Get Casey on comms, I want to talk to him."
Casey responds quickly as the helo lifts off, "I'm right here Asshole. What's on your, shit for brains, mind?"
Casey has the Admiral in his sights, he thinks to himself, It's a tough shot, two moving platforms, but I can do it, I would love to wipe that smug look off his face, just a little squeeze, that's all it would take. One little bullet and the world is rid of Shaw. I would also be killing twelve sailors, traitors… but stupidity is no reason for me to be a murderer. He relaxes his finger on the trigger.
The Admiral laughs as the helo climbs into the air out of rifle range, "Shaw promised not to blow the ship asshole, I didn't." The Admiral drops the detonator laughing wildly as the chopper is replaced in the sky by a giant fireball. A loud boom shaking the carrier as debris rains down into the water between the ships."
Chuck is surprised and steps between the fireball and Sarah pulling her in close pushing her head down as he speaks into the microphone, "Um Casey, what did you do with the explosives?"
Casey answers as he lights his cigar. "Well they belonged to Shaw. I figured he would want to take them with him. We had your jammers spread out on the ship and Echo one was standing right next to you with one in case we missed any. As my man Hannibal Smith used to say: "I love it when a plan comes together." Now shut up and let me enjoy my cigar before some boy scout tells me I have to put it out. I'll meet you in your stateroom in a few hours. Kiss your woman and enjoy the sea air. Then get some rack time. We're not done here yet."
Sarah kisses Chuck, "Colonel Carmichael, I'd like to freshen up. Can I come to your stateroom in a while?"
Chuck, is still unsure if it's a good idea. He takes a deep breath and exhales, "Yeah I guess so." Sarah leaves and Chuck heads to his stateroom.
Casey comes down from his perch and heads to the bridge, when he walks in the Captain turns and seeing him calls "Attention on deck." The bridge crew pops tall at attention.
Casey smiles, "As you were," the crew returns to the tasks at hand. "Hello Captain, before we secure from GQ, let's get reports from all stations that they were searched for any strange materials. If anything is found, let's get Echo team in there to handle it. While you're dealing with that would you mind if I use your inport cabin to make a secure call?"
Kirk walks over and offers his hand to Casey, "I liked the fireworks. Mi casa es su casa. You do know you could take the Admiral's cabin as your own."
Casey shakes his hand, "No thanks, it'll take years to get the stench of asshole out of that space. I promise not leave a mess for you."
The Captain holds his hand up, "Sir, would you mind waiting for one moment." He walks over to the 1MC and taking the mic in his hand he makes an announcement, "Attention all hands this is Captain Kirk. We'll will be securing from GQ in a short while. Your Department Heads and Division Officers will explain what remains to be done.
However, in honor of General Casey, once we have secured from GQ the ship will be in safety standdown. Watch stations only for 24 hours. There is one more item, if you see a large man wearing a star walking around the ship smoking a cigar, make believe you don't see it. Just thank him for saving our butts and let him enjoy his smoke. That explosion you felt earlier was meant for us. General Casey, and his team, made sure we stayed safe and able to go home to our families. That's all for now, a full explanation will be forthcoming."
Casey pulls out a cigar and lights it, "Skipper, totally unnecessary, but greatly appreciated. Do you mind if I smoke in your cabin?"
Kirk smiles, "Have at it. I may join you once all the reports come in and we secure from GQ."
Casey heads down to the CO's cabin and making himself comfortable he picks up the phone and completes the security protocols. The voice on the other end just says, "I'll let him know you're calling Sir."
Casey waits patiently. After a while a familiar female voice speaks into his ear. "John what the hell is going on out there? We're getting multiple reports of a huge explosion over the Med, over your battle group."
Casey takes a puff on his cigar and puts his feet up on the desk, "Nice to hear your voice too Diane. I'm fine how are you?"
Beckman growls, "Knock it off Casey. The President is waiting to be briefed. By the way, we plugged the leak here. Walker isn't going to be happy. It was her boss, offering her Station Chief was Shaw pulling strings."
Casey is stunned. "Crap, that is not going to go over well here. Let's keep that to ourselves for now. Anyway Shaw won't be pulling strings any longer. That explosion was his chopper making a getaway. Somehow all the explosives he planted on Ford wound up in the air with him.
Carmichael dealt with the virus and is currently catching up on some sleep. The personal situation seems to have been resolved, only time will tell. We have a plan in place to ensure that all the ships in the group are free of explosives, but it's going to take time. Any word on my replacement?"
The line goes quiet as Beckman fills in the President. A few minutes later the President comes on the line, "John, I want to thank you. You and your team have saved a lot of lives today. Not to mention avoiding a major embarrassment for the United States. Any chance I can convince you to join my staff as my personal advisor?"
Casey is quiet as he puffs on his cigar. "Mr. President I am honored with your suggestion that I might have something to add to your administration. But Sir you have the woman there who taught me most of what I know. She would be a much better choice."
The President laughs, " I was warned that you didn't understand tact. I guess they were wrong. Very well General I graciously accept your refusal. I will of course be expecting you and your team in Washington for a complete debriefing, ASAP. I'll let you go, unless there is something further that you need."
Casey sits up, "My replacement would be nice."
The President chuckles, "I'm afraid General, that you are irreplaceable. However, your relief is waiting in Rota. As soon as it's safe, he'll be flown out. Anything else?"
The door opens and Kirk walks in, Casey pulls his feet off the desk, "No Sir that should do the trick. Thank you for your support." There's a click, and the line goes dead.
Kirk takes a seat on the couch. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out a cigar, lights up and relaxes. "You do realize you'll be taking the heat for mine too."
Casey laughs, "No problem, I just said no to the President. I think I can handle a little cigar smoke. My relief is waiting in Rota he'll be here as soon as you can land a COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery, a fixed wing, prop driven plane used to deliver personnel and materials to a carrier at sea)."
Kirk takes a puff on his cigar, "Well that could take months, I mean we have to make sure the ship is safe."
Casey laughs, "I appreciate the gesture, but I've got grandkids to get back to. Not to mention a business being run by a … oh crap my son-in-law. He's a pain in the ass. But he's good to my little girl, and he's saved my life more than once."
Kirk looks amazed, "That's some family you've got there. Are you related to Carmichael as well?"
Casey is about to say something disparaging but changes his mind. "Don't tell him I said this, he's the son I never had. That kid is top notch in my book. Jim, if you don't mind, I'm going in your bedroom and catch a couple of hours."
Kirk stands up to leave, "Hopefully we'll be securing from GQ soon. Get some rest. You've earned it." Casey walks into the bedroom to catch some Z's. Kirk heads back to the bridge, to celebrate the saving of his ship and crew, and get the cleanup started.
A/N Well there it is. I guess whether or not it's a happy ending depends on who you were rooting for. As for Charah, Casey said it all "The personal situation seems to have been resolved, only time will tell."
