A/N: You may have noticed that I haven't been doing Author's notes lately. I'm not sure if it's because I got lazy or… no that's it I got lazy. So, a friend, actually a fan, Holy Rotating Blades, Batman… I have a fan, suggested that I list the military terms up here to make the reading easier for you civilian types. I'm gonna give it a try, let me know what you think.
CHENG = Chief Engineering Officer
WEPS = Weapons Officer
WMD = Weapon of Mass Destruction
Soup Sandwich = hard to explain (get a visual in your mind) A real mess
COMMO = Communications Officer
CAG= Commander Air Group
Wonderland= Fantasy land, or Washington DC
Mast = Administrative hearing, Non-Judicial punishment (NJP) can be awarded, but it remains solely in the person's Navy record. In the Navy it comes from standing before the Mast on sailing ships where disciplinary hearings were conducted. In the Marines it is referred to as Office Hours.
Bust in Rate = reduction in rank, if suspended the punishment is withheld and dismissed if there is no further infraction within six months.
Court Martial = a military hearing in front of a judge or panel (jury). A guilty verdict carries into the civilian world as a misdemeanor or felony. There are three types; Summary, Special, General; each one carries stronger penalties than the one before it.
Brig = Jail or Prison, Can be just a cell on board ship or a full-on prison like Leavenworth.
Swabbing = mopping
MAA =Master at Arms, Navy Cop, courtroom bailiff, Brig chaser (prisoner escort).
Enlisted are rated on a scale of E-1 though E-9, E-1= Seaman Recruit, A Master Chief = E-9, and a totally useless piece of information E-10 is the Master Chief of the Navy, there is only one at a time. He or she wears an anchor with 3 stars.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 11:
Finally, Home
Chuck steps into the space with Sarah. She turns and stands quietly in her all-white uniform. Her head is down, her hands clasped in front of her. Chuck steps up, and lifting her chin he kisses her gently. "Are you okay Mrs. Bartowski?" Sarah nods. Chuck is confused by her sheepish behavior, "Is something on your mind, my Love?"
Sarah nods again, "I've waited so long for this moment. I've dreamt of nothing else for so long. Suddenly, now I feel so, I don't know, shy. I've never wanted you to want me, like I want you to want me right now. I know we've been together, but this is so different. I'm your wife. You're my husband. It's forever. It's finally forever. It just feels so huge." She looks up into his soft brown eyes, he meets her gaze, and she smiles. "Baby, it's so powerful. I can feel how much you love me just standing next to you. When I look into your eyes I'm swept away to a different place. I can't explain it, there are no words." She takes his hand and starts towards the bedroom, "Come make love to your wife."
They step into the bedroom and Chuck closes the door. Sarah stands quietly when Chuck approaches her. He leans down and kisses her gently, softly caressing her lips with his. A soft sigh escapes her. Leaning down further he plants small kisses on her throat as he whispers, "Sweetheart, I feel like I'm in a dream, I'm making love to my dream girl, my wife, Sarah Lisa Bartowski."
Sarah's head falls back on her shoulders, "Oh Baby, when you say my name, it sounds like a love song."
Sarah's throat is exposed. Chuck continues to consume her soft flesh with his mouth. His hands move to the front of her blouse, slowly opening the buttons. his mouth continues to arouse her as he kisses his way up to whisper in her ear, "Sarah, I love you so much."
Chuck pushes the blouse off of his wife's shoulders allowing it to slide to the floor. He moves his mouth to her soft, white, perfect shoulders, kissing softly, barely touching, teasing.
Sarah moans as a shiver runs down her spine. " Chuck, why does it feel so different, so new and exciting?" Chuck doesn't answer as his hand moves to her side. Pushing the zipper down on her skirt, it falls off her hips to puddle at her feet covering her white high heeled shoes.
Sarah stands in her plain underwear as she caresses his face. "I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to shop for you Baby. I promise I'll make it up to you for our next wedding."
Chuck looks in her eyes, as he reaches behind her to unclasp her bra. Then reaching down he pushes her plain white cotton underwear down to join the rest of the apparel puddled at her feet. Chuck steps back and offers her his hand to help her step out of her shoes and over the clothing, bringing her closer to him. Sarah stands naked, except for her thigh high stockings. Chuck's eyes move down to her feet and slowly, very slowly move up, over her calves, her thighs, her stomach, and breasts, until his eyes meet hers. He waves his hand over the area his eyes have just left. "No need, Sarah you're perfect. There's nothing you could do to make this better."
Sarah takes in a deep breath and smiles, "My turn." She reaches out and starts to unbutton his shirt, "Sweetheart, do you remember the promise I made to you at lunch the other day?"
Chuck looks puzzled, "I'm sorry, I had a lot on my mind…"
Sarah gets the last of his clothes off and pushes him onto the bed. "That's okay Baby, I'll remind you."
As Sarah and Chuck consummate their marriage, Casey is kicking back with the Captain and his officers in the Wardroom (officers dining/meeting room). "Man it's nice to be able to breathe again. Jim I'm not sure how you and your people do this day in and day out, for years at a stretch. The responsibility, the stress is enormous. It really weighed me down, and I've only been at it for three days."
Kirk and a couple of the other officers who had been involved in the recent peril laugh. "Come on Casey, Did you think we deal with a nuclear threat, saboteurs, turncoat Admirals, super spies and our ship being mined every day? There's not one of us who could have done what you did. That's why you were called in. You dealt with more in three days than the rest of us will, in our whole careers.
Look I'm not going to minimize what CHENG deals with, keeping a nuclear power plant and our engines running. He's a frickin' hero. WEPS has to corral dozens of men and women handling WMDs, and he has more than his share of soup sandwiches (visualize it) in his department.
Lt. Macleod, my COMMO handles more secret information in one hour than the average person will see in two lifetimes. Information that could destroy national security in a heartbeat. All while proving to a bunch of young, and often immature, men that she is capable, just because she's a woman. Don't get me started on CAG's load, he has more ego in his briefings than… let's just say herding cats is easier. And cats don't carry thousands of pounds of high explosives and jet fuel." The officers in the room laugh and nod their heads.
"So yeah Casey, we carry a lot of weight, but you stepped up when we needed you. At a time when nobody even understood the weight you had to carry, let alone being able to help you carry it." Kirk laughs, "And with all that going on, you played cupid to…, now don't get me wrong they're incredible folks, …two very hurting units as well. Casey, if it were up to me, I would put you up for, a Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, a Presidential Citation, and a Daddy of the year award." The room breaks into laughter and applause.
Casey waves them down, "Yeah, yeah, keep that crap. All I want is to me sip my Johnny Walker and smoke my cigars in peace while I watch my grandkids play in a safe world. That's all I need. You need to remember, all of us were saved by the Colonel. I just played cop, he played hero. Let me tell you gentlemen and lady. You have now had in your life two of the finest, bravest people you will ever meet. They come by their hurt honestly. They've been yanked around by the bad guys and the good guys, over and over. I guess if I'm being honest, I've done my share of yanking. There were times I hated my job.
What we just went through for three days doesn't even come close to what they've been through. Did they give it up, not once. I have never seen two people fight so hard to be together. I could tell you stories that would make you break out in a cold sweat. But then we would all be arrested and hidden away forever. Sorry for getting on my soapbox. I want you to know those two people have saved your lives, your families, and our democracy more times than I care to count. Guess what, they won't get any medals, no pensions, no ticker tape parades. What you folks did for them today is the greatest reward they'll get…" Casey smiles, "…And the only one they would care about getting. Again, sorry, I guess I've been needing to say that for a long time.
Just in case anyone of you think I'm going home for a Honeymoon, unlike two others I just mentioned," the room laughs. "My next stop is Wonderland where everyone, unlike you folks, is going to be pointing at each other. Trust me, nobody will be stepping up to take responsibility. I would rather stay here and swab decks.
That reminds me Skipper, CHENG, WEPS, COMMO, CAG, write up the paperwork for commendations for yourselves. Jim make sure I see paperwork for Pete Malloy, and Echo Team. Let's not forget Senior Chief Child and the crew members who walked around collecting bombs and traitors. I also want to see paperwork for dishonorable discharges for Mason and his twelve traitors. The CO will review, then I'll sign. I'll be damned if I'm gonna do anymore paperwork than I already have to. And people that is a direct order. CAG how about you get me a draft on the Skipper's paperwork, save me some work."
CAG nods, "On it."
Kirk interrupts, "Casey get real, you know they have to hang this on someone. I'm the Captain."
Casey shakes his head, "Sorry to disappoint you, Captain. All of you will be writing witness statements hanging it on the Admiral. Make sure you question in writing how Shaw got his security clearance and fake military ID. Trust me the "honors" on this one, will not be going to you.
However, Jim I'm going to put Disher in your hands. I've seen nothing that ties him to this conspiracy. He's your monster, but I wouldn't mind squeezing his ego a little. Your call."
Kirk smiles, "Most of the paperwork you mentioned is already in progress. I should add there's paper with your name on it, the Colonel and Walker as well. As for Disher, would you like to hold Mast (administrative hearing) on him? You can assign NJP (non-judicial punishment), say a bust in rate (reduction in rank), suspended. Then I can ride him like a donkey for six months with that sword hanging over his head."
Casey laughs, "Jim, I do believe you have a mean streak. I gotta say when this mission is over, I will happily be removing this uniform and it will never see my ass again. I never thought I would say that. Guess I found something better than being a Marine. Holy shit, did that come out of my mouth? Hmmm, I wonder if my pension goes up. In any case I think it's time to leave saving the world to young people. Plus I've got the best boss a man could have, waiting for me back home."
Chuck smiles wide as he holds Sarah close to him. "Baby, I love that you're a woman of your word, I hope nobody heard me."
Sarah laughs and pulls herself close to him, "Stop, you're making me blush. I thought you didn't remember what I said."
Chuck laughs with her, "Okay I confess I remembered. I just didn't want to set the bar too high for you."
Sarah stretches up and kisses his chin, "I see, and how close did I come to that bar?"
Chuck whistles, "Whew! Sweetheart, you cleared that bar by miles. I'm just worried there's no way you can maintain that level for fifty years."
Sarah climbs on top of him and looks at his face with a big smile, "Well Honey, you know what they say. If you want to stay in top form, practice, practice, practice."
Chuck rolls over, taking her with him and kisses her. "You're right as always, my wife. I can't wait to get you home and make love to you in our house."
Sarah reaches up and touches his lips with her fingertips, "I'm sorry to argue with you Husband, but I am home. Finally after two, long, terrible, lonely years. I'm home. Chuck, have you forgotten? You are my home. You always have been, you always will be." Chuck kisses his wife and begins fifty years of practice, practice, practice. Sarah moans, "OOOOHHH Batman, you are my hero."
Casey looks at his watch, "We have some time before dinner. Let's have Disher, a small piece of business we can get off my plate. Guys I want to suggest something that may chafe some. I want to recommend Lt. MacLeod as interim Executive officer. From what Jim says she could use the command support. Julie MacLeod stands up, "Sir, thank you for that vote of confidence, but these guys are great. They're senior to me and have a lot more experience. I couldn't."
Jim Kirk looks around the room to his officers and one by one they silently nod agreement. Finally, he looks at MacLeod, "Are you saying that you'll refuse to accept a direct order from the Carrier Strike Group Commander and your CO?"
The lieutenant shakes her head, "Negative Sir, I would follow the two of you into hell, or God forbid onto a Marine Base," the room laughs. "I wouldn't feel comfortable giving orders to senior officers. Sir, to be blunt the crew will say I got the job because I'm a woman. I don't think it would help my cause."
Casey smiles, "With the exception of that Marine Base crack, you just proved that you are a good choice for the job. But I get what you're saying. Well at least I can pay for the dry cleaning of your dress uniform. I'll also guarantee that as long as I'm around. I'll use my connections to make sure, When you, all of you, get out you will have a job waiting. Your Skipper will have my contact info. Actually, I laughed at the Marine base crack. You're right hell is easier." The officers laugh as there is a knock on the door.
WEPS opens the door and Master Chief Disher is standing in the opening waiting to be invited in. MAA Pete Malloy is standing right behind him. Casey remains in his seat and crooks his finger, indicating he should enter.
Disher enters and stands in front of Casey, "Permission to speak General." Casey nods.
"I want to apologize for my earlier behavior. I admit that I allowed my ego to outweigh my good judgement. I apologize for disobeying your order and for disrespecting you, and my CO. Forgive me Sir if I add, you deserved neither disrespectful action. You are a good man and a fine officer. You saved our ship and crew. I am ashamed of my behavior."
Casey stands up and paces the room as he thinks, then stops in front of Disher, "Well you just saved yourself from a Court Martial. However, I can't have an enlisted man, regardless of rank or position, thinking he can make demands and give his CO problems based on his ego.
You're in luck, an exceptionally good friend of mine has taught me that everyone deserves a second chance. Master Chief, as a wedding gift to him I'm going to honor that lesson. I'm going to let you keep your stars (a Master Chief wears an insignia with an anchor and two stars) and clean record. Chief Malloy, keep that paperwork on file. Master Chief, if I get a call from the Captain that you so much as farted in his presence. I'll make sure that you stand in front of a panel of your peers (court martial) and get brig time. Captain Kirk, he's all yours, until you make him mine again." Casey walks away.
Captain Kirk steps in front of him, "Master Chief, this is not the first time I've had issues with you overstepping. You are fortunate that the General's a kind man. He went a lot easier on you than I recommended. I'm warning you in front of all my senior officers. Keep your ego in check or I'll have you swabbing (mopping) decks with the E-1s (Seaman Recruits, lowest ranking sailor), Any questions?"
Disher shakes his head, "No Sir, I receive you loud and clear. From here on out, I will not waiver in my support of you, and your command. Thank you General, for my second chance, I promise I won't disappoint."
The Captain waves his hand, "Make sure your Chief's Mess is aware that they work for me, not you. If I can't count on them, I won't keep them around. Dismissed."
Disher leaves the Wardroom. Pete Malloy moves to follow him, Casey calls him back, "Malloy, front and center."
The MAA walks over and stands at attention in front of Casey. Casey looks him up and down. "Stand easy," Malloy relaxes, "You're a good cop, for a squid." The officers laugh, "How much time do you have in?"
Malloy answers, "eighteen (years) plus Sir."
Casey looks puzzled, "Pete, why aren't you a Senior Chief?"
Malloy looks embarrassed, "I had some difficulties finding where I fit in. I made my bed Sir, nobody else."
Casey nods, "Yeah I get that, I guess I lucked out, didn't get caught. Are you trainable?"
Malloy is surprised by the question, "I like to think so Sir."
Casey offers his hand. Malloy sees a business card in his palm. Casey passes it to him when he shakes his hand and he takes it, "Sir?"
Casey smiles, "I have a friend in security. He's always looking for good people. You're dismissed. Go keep your shipmates safe."
Malloy pops tall, "Aye, aye sir. May I say it has been an honor."
Casey nods and smiles, "Get the hell out of here, before you start thinking you're a zero (a derogatory term for officers)."
Malloy leaves the Wardroom, and Casey sits back down to relax.
Sarah shakes Chuck, who's fast asleep, "Husband, I'm hungry. Feed me."
Chuck wakes up startled, "HUH! UGH, husband hunt and kill. Wife make fire, cook But first more practice."
Sarah giggles, "Yes of course husband, I do wifely duty. No matter how awful." Sarah rolls on her back and spreads her limbs. "Husband have way with me. Let me know when done. Then feed me."
Chuck starts to tickle her. Sarah screams and starts laughing, "Did you say awful… wifely duty?"
Sarah is twitching wildly, "No, no, wifey lie. Hubby wonderful lover."
Chuck relents and stops tickling, to look into her blue eyes, 'Wifey wonderful. Husband lucky she so wonderful."
Sarah wraps her hand around the back of his head and pulls him in for a kiss, "No husband, wifey lucky one. She get Batman. Big hero. He steal my heart. But feed wifey, or too weak to practice."
Chuck bends over and tenderly kisses Sarah's belly, "Okay Babe. I'll see what I can do."
Chuck leans over Sarah to grab the phone at the side of the bed. When he leans over her, she plants kisses across his chest as he moves in both directions. He lays back down with the phone in his hand and looks at Sarah. "Hon, I have no idea who to call. Maybe the guard on our door will know." He puts the handset back into the locking cradle.
Chuck starts to get up. Sarah grabs him, "Where do you think you're going?"
Chuck laughs as she pulls him back down to the bed, "I thought you were hungry?"
Sarah rolls on top of him, "Not hungry enough to let you out of my bed. Kiss me."
As Chuck picks his head up to kiss her the phone rings, Sarah pouts. Chuck kisses her as he grabs the phone. "You've reached the Batcave, Batman speaking," Sarah giggles.
She laughs harder when she hears Casey's voice screaming, "GROW UP NERD. I called to find out if you guys are hungry."
Chuck laughs as he places the phone so Sarah can listen too, "Aye, aye General. Growing up, and yes we're starving."
Casey laughs, "Yeah, like you'll ever grow up. Food will be outside your door in 30, listen for the knock. The nuke inspection team will be here in the morning. Breakfast at 0700, I'll deliver it personally. Tell Walker to make sure you're able to walk."
Sarah grabs the phone, "I heard that, Casey. You're a nasty, nasty man."
Casey grunts. Sarah continues, "We love you, John."
Casey growls, "Bah, I'm gonna throw up." There's a click as Casey slams the phone down. Chuck and Sarah roll around on the bed laughing.
Sarah stops laughing long enough to stroke Chuck's face, "You know what Baby? I was afraid that I'd forgotten how to laugh. You make me so happy. Thank you for marrying me."
Chuck pulls her in close, "Honey, we make each other happy. You don't have to thank me. I married you to make me happy."
Sarah sits up and looks into his eyes. "Charles Bartowski I make a promise to you here and now. I will thank you every day for loving me. On the days when we have fights, and we will, I promise to tell you twice. Now I'm going to seal that promise with a kiss." Sarah leans down and kisses him with all the love she can muster. Lying there on top of him Sarah is content as they relax together.
There's a knock at the door, Sarah picks her head up, "Feed wifey, make strong for practice." They laugh as she gets up and heads into the small head. "Sweetheart, would you mind getting our dinner? I'm not really dressed for company."
Chuck laughs, "I don't know Sarah, I'm thinking the sailors would think you're dressed just fine."
Sarah turns back to him and makes a face, "Well tough for them. Only one man gets to see me in my birthday suit, only Batman."
Chuck gets up and slips into a pair of sweatpants then goes to open the door. Sitting just outside the door in the passageway is a cart with multiple plates and carafes. Further down is one of Echo's men still on security watch. Chuck waves to the sailor then getting a whiff of the food his stomach grumbles. Wow, I didn't realize how hungry I was. He laughs to himself. I must have been distracted.
He wheels the cart into the room, just as Sarah comes out of the bedroom, wearing only her panties. Her body lithe and taut, not a speck of fat, her breasts firm and full. She's muscular yet feminine. Chuck looks at her, gets a glazed look in his eyes and freezes, just staring.
Sarah looks at him puzzled, "Baby, what's going on?" Chuck's mouth starts to move but nothing comes out. "Chuck, Baby, are you okay?"
Chuck shakes his head, "Um, I'm trying to remember what I was doing. Something distracted me. My mind went blank."
Sarah laughs and crosses the room to kiss him. "Honey, I think that may be the absolute best compliment I have ever received. You do realize your hands are on the food cart."
Chuck looks down, "Oh yeah, that's right."
Sarah laughs as she takes the trolley and moves it over next to the small table, moving the food over and uncovering it, "Come on Baby, let's eat while it's hot."
Chuck walks over and takes her in his arms, "Sarah, I have a feeling this will always be hot."
Sarah throws her head back and laughs hard, "Husband I was referring to dinner, but I'm glad you like what you see." She softly plays with the hairs on his chest, "You know you aren't bad yourself. Have you been working out?" She leans down and kisses then licks his nipple. "Eat first, then we can show each other our favorite parts, okay?"
Chuck shakes his head, "That would be impossible wife. It's all my favorite part."
Sarah smiles at him, which only makes him more amorous towards her. She jokingly pushes him gently, "Look Honey, steak and lobster."
Chuck's eyes stay on her, "Where? All I see are blue eyes calling my name."
"Charles Bartowski, do you intend to starve me, just to satisfy your sexual cravings? "
Chuck nods, "Sounds like a plan."
Sarah laughs again, "If you sit down and eat, I'll promise to be your sex toy for the rest of your life."
Chuck immediately sits in the chair and grabs his knife and fork, "Let's eat."
Sarah giggles and sits next to him. She notices a note on the trolley and when she reaches over to get it Chuck fondles her breast. "Chuck, behave yourself. That's all yours, whenever you want, but right now it's time to eat." Sitting back down she unfolds the note and reads, "Mr. and Mrs. Batman, our congratulations on your nuptials. In gratitude for your service the Wardroom had the food for this special meal flown in. It was then prepared by the Senior Chief himself. Please enjoy it and know that each bite represents our thanks and good wishes for a long and happy life. The Officers of U.S.S Ford."
Sarah smiles, "Oh Chuck, that's so sweet."
Chuck takes a bit of lobster, "Yum, that is so good. Perfectly cooked. Honey, I'll bet you don't know how sweet it really is. Did you know that officers have to pay for their food? They're charged for each meal. The enlisted men also have to pay for their food, they receive BAS, Basic Allowance Sustenance. It's not very much, and when they live onboard that money is deducted from their pay. These men and women protect our freedom, put themselves in harm's way, and do it for little compensation." Chuck takes a bite of steak, "Oh my god, that is so tender and delicious. All of that makes this meal so much sweeter. We aren't eating on the government dime. This is a true and beautiful gift from the officers."
Sarah nods, "Thanks for telling me that Sweetheart. It does make it taste better knowing what a lovely gift it is."
Finishing their entrée Chuck lifts the last two cloches to reveal two portions of Tiramisu. The yums and oohs fill the room as they feed each other the tasty desert.
The meal done, Sarah stands up and moves over to sit in Chuck's lap. She looks into his eyes and kisses him softly. "Baby, I hope you know how much I love you. You really are my hero, in many ways my savior. Now let's go in the other room and you can play with your new toy."
Chuck stands up, taking his woman in his arms, he carries her into the bedroom and kicks the door closed.
A/N To be clear the idea for the glossary at the top came from CliffM. My editor and story conscience. I called him a fan so I could make that Robin-like joke.
