A/N: You may have noticed that I started doing Author's notes again. I don't know why. Seems to me if you're reading this story, you get more than enough of me and my ramblings. But hey, I have no idea if you're reading this or not. I'm going to make believe you are. As you know a friend, 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.
Bridge = the CO's command center of the ship, includes the Helm (steering Wheel) and communications to all departments and divisions.
Bulkhead = wall
COD =Carrier onboard delivery is the use of aircraft to ferry personnel, mail, supplies, and high-priority cargo, such as replacement parts, from shore bases to a carrier.
Fore and Aft =From the front (pointy) end of the Ship to the back (flat) end of the ship
Heave out = get your butt out of your rack (bed)
Hoisted = Lowered or raised using ropes or cables
HOP = a military flight that can carry passengers
OOD = Officer of the Deck, Has control of the ship when the CO leaves the Bridge.
Reveille = Reveille comes from the French word "réveiller" or, in English, "to wake up. On boardit's blasted throughout the ship at 0600 hours (6A.M.) every day except Sunday when it's at 0700 hours.
I only used it once in the story because it's annoying, but I thought once would be fun.
TRICE UP = bring up - raise from a lower to a higher position; The bottom rack (bed) is lifted and locked into place so that the deck can be cleaned under it.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 12:
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Chuck and Sarah are awakened abruptly when the speakers announce: REVEILLE, REVEILLE. ALL HANDS HEAVE OUT AND TRICE UP. Sweepers, Sweepers, man your brooms. Give the ship a good clean sweep down, both fore and aft! Sweep down all decks, ladders, and passageways! Chuck groans as the word is repeated, REVEILLE, REVEILLE. ALL HANDS HEAVE OUT AND TRICE UP. Sweepers, Sweepers, man your brooms. Give the ship a good clean sweep down both fore and aft! Sweep down all decks, ladders, and passageways!
Sarah snuggles herself close to him, Chuck sighs, "Something on your mind Husband?"
Chuck lets loose with a heavy sigh. "Well, there's that annoying alarm clock at six every morning, but that's not what's troubling me."
Sarah pulls him in tighter, "Well, tell your wife. What's the problem? That's why I'm here."
Chuck pulls in his arm around her shoulder bringing her in even tighter, "It's a tough problem. I'm trying to decide which I like more. Falling asleep, with you in my arms, or waking up, with you in my arms. It's a very close call."
Sarah looks up and smiles at him, "Hmmmm, that is a tough call. I'm going to have to run lots and lots of trials to be able to advise you properly. Honey, I hope that's the worst problem we ever have to face together. In any case, whatever comes, we'll face it together."
Chuck rolls over and pulls Sarah up so he can look into her eyes, "I believe you Baby. We're in this together, whatever comes…" he softly kisses her lips "… except this next thing. I have to use the head, unless you want to go first."
Sarah laughs, "No Sweetheart, you go ahead. I can wait, but don't be gone too long. I'll miss you."
Chuck rolls over her to get to the side of the bed, he acts shocked, "Sarah Bartowski, are you naked under these covers? You shameless hussy."
Sarah laughs hard, "Did you just use the word hussy, have we traveled back in time to the Victorian Era? Yes, my love it's true, when it comes to you and your desires, I am shameless and will fulfill all of your fantasies no matter how wanton."
Chuck kisses her, "Baby, having you as my wife fulfills the greatest fantasy I could ever come up with. I have everything I've been wantin'. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go potty."
Sarah laughs again, "Hussy, potty, terrible puns, what's with the kiddie language?"
Chuck kisses her and smiles as he moves towards the head, "Just getting ready for the Bartowski rug rats." Chuck enters the small head and closes the door.
Sarah puts her hand to her mouth, "OH!"
Chuck comes out and jumps back into bed. Sarah gets up to use the facilities her head down.
Coming out, she climbs back into the bed next to him and puts her head on his chest. It's clear she's concerned about something. "Honey, I think we may have just hit one of those problems."
Chuck pulls her close, "What could have happened in the time it took to go to the bathroom?"
Sarah puts her arms around him and pulls him in tight. "Baby, I know I told you to get me pregnant, and I meant it. I still do, but it's really scaring me. How can I be a mother? I've taken so many lives, the thought of creating life and then being responsible for it… OH Baby! I'm so frightened that I may let you down."
Chuck holds her close, "Sarah, did you plan on doing this all on your own?"
Sarah sniffles, "What do you mean?"
Chuck grabs the edge of the top sheet and dabs Sarah's eyes, "Well, are you going to create that life alone?"
Sarah looks up at his face and gives him a short laugh through the tears, "Baby, that would be a waste of a lot of good practice."
Chuck smiles and nods his head, "Exactly, and did you plan on leaving me the day Lil' Bartowski arrives?"
Sarah puts her hand over his mouth, "Don't you dare say that. Never. I will never leave you."
Chuck kisses her palm and moves her hand, "Good to hear, I accept that. Then I guess we'll both be there to be responsible. More importantly, I have no doubt that you'll handle our baby just as carefully as you would a bomb, and as carefully as you handle me. Something else you have yet to learn, we are not alone. Ellie, Morgan, Alex, Devon, Mrs. Sawyer, my mom, even Casey. You haven't seen him with the twins. He's a great grandpa. We'll all be raising our baby, together, as a family. Our children will have so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. They'll grow up loved, cherished, and protected.
Sarah Lisa Walker Bartowski, you are no longer a spy, surviving on your wits, alone in the cold. You're an important member of a family that loves you. We will support you through the toughest of times. There's no rush. We still have to have our second first wedding. That'll give you time to figure out that everything I'm telling you is true. Plenty of time to realize you'll be one hell of a mommy. We can do this, as long as we stick together. You recently said just that. We can do anything and neither of us will ever be disappointed."
Sarah sighs and kisses his chest, "There is no way I deserve you, Chuck Bartowski. I'm just grateful I got you anyway."
Chuck kisses the top of her head, "Casey will be here any minute, are you okay?"
Sarah raises her head and nods, "As long as I'm with you, I'm okay."
She can't see Chuck's smile, but it's there. "Well Mrs. Bartowski, I guess you're going to be okay for a very, very long time. Let's get dressed, THE CASEY is coming!"
Sarah jumps up, "OH! MY, save me Batman, save me."
Chuck gets out of bed laughing, "Dress to go up and down ladders. You are now officially my protection detail. Have you ever seen a nuke power plant?"
Sarah shakes her head, "Do I want to?"
Chuck shrugs, "It's not really a big deal. All you can see is a room, with a bunch of lights and buttons. But you'll get to watch me work. Plus, you'll be protecting your husband from evil doers."
Sarah pulls on a pair of jeans and throws on a tee shirt, "Where my husband goes, I go. Speaking of which, I have to go back to Naples to close out my apartment. Any chance you'll come with me?"
Chuck puts on his uniform and takes a deep breath. "Will I see anything that will upset me?"
Sarah puts her arms around him. "Sweetheart, I told you. I was faithful to you. Nobody has ever been in that apartment but me. Of course if seeing pictures of you and of us together will upset you, then maybe. Wait a minute, aren't you the one who said he has a girlfriend?"
Chuck starts to hem and haw, "I did say that, but it's possible I was lying. No woman could possibly come close to you, well maybe Carina…,"
Sarah pokes his chest, "Watch it Carmichael, I know all your secrets."
Chuck smiles, "Sweetheart, she doesn't even compare to your pinky toe. Let me talk to John. See if we can't work in an Italian honeymoon. Problem is the President is waiting to debrief the team. Casey will know what to do."
Chuck bends to kiss Sarah just as their lips are about to meet there's a bellowing from the outer room, "HEY YOU TWO, enough fooling around. Get your asses out here. We have work to do."
Chuck finishes the kiss, "I should know better than to say his name out loud."
Sarah laughs and takes his hand, "Come on Baby, let's eat. The sooner we sew this mission up the sooner we can get back to Burbank and get our house ready. By the way, where do you live? I'm not saying I was spying on you, but I couldn't find that out."
Walking into the outer office they find Casey sitting at the table drinking from a cup, "About time you two. Come on. I'm starving."
Chuck laughs as he sits at the table and pours coffee for Sarah and himself, "Baby, I know you were spying on me. Have you forgotten I run a security company. I let you know what I wanted you to know, including my dating status. John and I have penthouse apartments in CI. Safe, but no place to raise munchkins. I'll have our people upgrade the security on the house before we move in. OOOHHH, Sarah look, waffles, with whipped cream and fresh strawberries."
Chuck digs in, Sarah crosses her legs and sits back with her coffee, "Casey we have a question."
Casey stuffs a piece of waffle in his mouth, "Can't I get one meal without Bartowski drama? WHAT?"
Sarah takes a strawberry and nibbles on it, picking up another one she trims the leaves then feeds it to Chuck, "We need to pack up my apartment in Naples."
Chuck smiles and feeds her a piece of waffle with whipped cream, "Mmmm yummy, thanks Hon."
Casey bites into a sausage, "Won't your people do that for you?"
Sarah shrugs, "Maybe, but then we wouldn't get an Italian honeymoon."
Casey looks disgusted, "Bah, you two are worse than a pair of horny teenagers. Fine, I'll see what I can do, I know the President loves having me tell him to wait. 24 hours, that's all it took for you to become a full on Bartowski pain in the ass."
Sarah gets up and throws her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek, "C'mon John, you know you love us."
Casey pulls her arms off, "I love my daughter, I love my grandsons, I love my cigars, I love my Crown Vic, I love my Johnny Walker, you two, and the elf, … I tolerate."
Chuck finishes his breakfast and sits back sipping on his coffee, "Okay, we're fed, catch us up."
Casey puts a cigar in his mouth. Chuck nods, "Go ahead light up, a wedding gift from us." Casey is shocked but wastes no time putting a flame to his cigar. Sarah coughs and moves to the other side of the room.
Casey sucks on his cigar, a look of pure joy crossing his face. Taking it out of his mouth he points it at Chuck. "Well we were able to fly some dogs and food out to us last night. No landing, just hoisted to the deck, also the inspection team. The dogs helped speed the search process up. So far, no new bombs. I sent two of the Battle Group ships into port, they'll be using local resources to make sure there's nothing to be found, then fuel up and take their stations so the next two can tie up. So far it looks like Ford was the only target, and us of course.
Echo team was able to get divers in the water and they're hoping to retrieve the bodies, but that was a pretty big blast, anything left could be scattered over miles. Once the dogs and search parties have cleared the carrier's landing mechanisms, my relief and more resources will be flown out to us. After you walk the nuke inspection team through your changes, and I get my relief caught up, we can leave on the COD when it comes in. Hmmm, that could take a couple, maybe three, days, going through the whole situation, double checking all the searches and such. In the meantime, you two can catch a COD into Naples, ship your stuff to Burbank then grab a hop (a military flight that can carry passengers) directly into DC, we could meet up there."
Chuck looks at Casey with awe, "Partner, you are incredible. You dealt with all this and got us married. Now you're willing to stay out here longer to give us a honeymoon. I'm tremendously impressed and grateful. I mean I knew you were great, but this is above and beyond. I don't know how I'll ever repay you, but I'm going to try. Sarah, give Casey a hug for us." Sarah starts to get up.
Casey puts his hand up, "Keep it in your pants Walker. I've had enough hugs to last a lifetime. To be honest, I would rather stay out here with fighting men and women then go into that cesspool in DC. You two go have fun. I've got your backs."
"Casey, you're the best. By the way there may be one more little itty-bitty issue to deal with."
Casey throws his hands up his cigar firmly In his mouth, "I knew it. Come on. Hit me."
Chuck leans in, "Well, remember when the Captain said that the government owns everything I did, because I'm a Marine?"
Casey nods, "I remember, so what?"
Chuck makes a face, "Well they won't be able to use it. I encrypted it. It'll work fine here, but they won't be able to duplicate it for other ships. I would be happy to return the equipment to the previous software, minus the virus of course."
Casey takes a pull on his cigar, "Are you seriously telling me you intend to blackmail the government?"
Chuck looks shocked, "Never, I would never do that. I just won't tell them that the software is proprietary until I'm a civilian again."
Casey nods his head, "Make believe that I don't know what that means."
Chuck laughs, "It means that the software I wrote will only work on Ford. Only I would be able to code it for each individual ship."
Sarah gets up and hugs Chuck from behind and kisses his cheek, "My husband is a genius who's going to make us all rich."
Casey nods, "Okay I get it. And how much is this worth to us?"
Chuck grins, "Not sure. I would guess five, maybe six million… each."
Casey chokes on his cigar, "cough…cough… Boss you need to keep your mouth shut. This info does not leave this room. Nobody knows about this until I'm sure they can't yank us back. Now Walker, do you see why I call him Boss? He just told me that our families, my grandkids, will never want for anything."
The three of them laugh with joy. Casey gets up, pulls Chuck out of his chair, and hugs him, then he reaches out and pulls Sarah into the embrace.
Sarah looks him in the face, "Damn it, Casey, how many times do I have to tell you, enough with the hugs?"
Casey grins, "Stow it new Bartowski. Show some respect. You're talking to a millionaire."
They all laugh, Casey steps out of the hug. "Okay, you have until I finish my cigar to get your acts together, then we go look at a steam engine powerful enough to take out half of Europe."
Sarah looks puzzled, "Steam engine. I thought this ship was nuclear powered?"
Chuck is packing his bag as he explains, "It is Baby, but the only thing the nuclear plant does is heat water. That water is turned into super-heated steam. That steam drives turbines, which move the ship through the water, create electricity, power the evaporators to make fresh water. Even cooking is steam only, no open flames on board a ship. Casey's cigar is a big no, no, not just for health reasons. Even a small fire on a ship can turn into a catastrophe.
Every sailor is trained in firefighting. Did you notice the silver pins that most of the sailors are wearing, the ship's prow, super imposed over waves and crossed swords?" Sarah nods. "That's the ESWS pin, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. That means the person wearing it has been trained, tested, and qualified in all forms of damage control. That includes firefighting techniques, first aid and flooding control. In addition to all that, they have to be qualified in their areas of expertise, whether it be guns, missiles, air traffic control, you name it.
Officers go through something similar, but it's called SWO, Surface Warfare Officer. Their pin is gold. They have to know how to drive a ship, understand the ship's weapon systems and how to use them, and the engineering plant/communications/and other systems that make the ship an effective instrument of war. That's why all line officers are rotated through all the ship's departments. Bottom line, none of these people, enlisted or officer are treated commensurate with their qualifications and responsibilities. Saying thank you for your service just isn't enough."
Sarah and Casey stare at Chuck, "Okay Bartowski, I know you're a nerd, but how do you know all of that? Did you just flash?"
Chuck shrugs as he picks up his bag, "Nope. Mostly from video games, movies, books, and comics. Come on Casey, you're a lifer, you knew all this. Granted it's a little different for Marines, but not that different? Are you ready to go?"
Sarah looks at Casey and laughs, "Who needs the intersect? My husband is a nerd genius."
Meeting with the inspection team is frustrating for Chuck. Their ability to comprehend his coding is limited, but he's patient and helps to run the required tests. Every time they ask him how it's working; he explains it to blank faces. Each time Chuck gets anxious, Sarah is there to touch him, bring him back. When it gets really bad, she rubs his back and helps calm him. All of their tests come back green, perfect results. Then one of them, his security badge says his name is Johnson, asks, "Who's that woman? Why is she in this limited access space?"
Chuck smiles as he packs up his equipment, "That woman is here to protect me, and her security clearance is much higher than yours."
Sarah stands next to him, "It's okay Colonel. We're done, we can go."
Chuck takes a deep breath looks at Sarah and relaxes, "You're right agent. Let's go."
The inspector who challenged Sarah is not ready to let it go, "She needs to leave. You need to stay, until I'm done with you. Exactly who is it she's supposedly protecting you from?"
Chuck puts his bag down, and rocks his neck back and forth, staring directly into his eyes. "Johnson, right now she's protecting you from me. She's keeping me from kicking your ass, while telling you how incompetent and ignorant you are. We're going to leave now. Please don't interfere. You can give your report to the Captain at your convenience."
The inspector looks at him like he's crazy, "Who the hell do you think you are? You're not going anywhere until I'm done with you." He grabs Chuck's arm.
Without warning, Sarah grabs Johnson's arm and twists it behind his back, pushing up hard. She turns him and slams his face into the aluminum bulkhead (wall). "Sir, you have just assaulted a Marine Colonel, and nobody puts hands on that Marine. Colonel, please ask Echo one to join us."
Chuck opens the hatch and calls out, "Master Chief, um would you mind coming in?"
Echo one enters the space, immediately taking in the situation. Johnson screams, "I don't know who the hell you are, but this woman just accosted me."
The Seal asks, "Sir, this woman is part of the Colonel's protection detail. She wouldn't have you in this position if you didn't do something to threaten the Colonel. Did you do something to threaten the Colonel?"
Sarah pushes up on Johnson's arm, "Be a good boy. Tell the truth."
Johnson groans, "I just grabbed his arm so he wouldn't leave."
Echo One, picks up the phone and dials a number. "Echo one Sir. We have a situation in the plant control room. I think you and the captain may want to come down. Yes General, he laid hands on the Colonel. Yes sir, everyone is still breathing. Yes sir, I understand."
Johnson looks over his shoulder to his teammates, "Do you believe what's happening here?"
One of the other civilian inspectors shrugs his shoulders, "The plant passed. We can leave anytime."
Johnson decides he's going to flex his muscles, "Negative. I'm failing them. This plant needs to be shut down. I have no idea what this man has done to the operating system."
The other inspectors look at him like he's crazy, "Sorry Johnson, you can't do that. This plant is running smoother than any we've ever seen. All safety tests are green, and output surpasses all expectations."
Chuck speaks up, "Sir please, just apologize to my bodyguard and we can let all of this go."
Echo One looks at Chuck, "I'm sorry Sir, we're past that. This man assaulted you. He needs to be confined until he can be removed from the ship."
Chuck is exasperated, and whispers, "Seeley, is this really necessary? We can just leave."
Echo sighs, "I'm sorry Colonel. If I don't do my job, you know who I have to answer to. Not to mention this person is in no position to disrespect you or your bodyguard. The General is on his way. We'll just wait."
Chuck is imploring him, "Mr. Johnson please cooperate. Don't make this worse than it has to be."
Johnson stares at Chuck, "Do you always let women fight your battles for you?"
Chuck looks at Johnson and screws up his face to show his amazement, "Sir, are you saying that you want to have a physical fight with me? With fists? I'll be happy to oblige."
Sarah forces his arm higher, "Mr. Johnson, I strongly recommend against that course of action."
Johnson looks back at Sarah, "Now listen here young lady. I'm the lead inspector on this team, and I'm a civilian…" just as the words leave his mouth the door opens, Captain Kirk, General Casey and two armed marines enter the room.
Kirk speaks to Chuck, "Colonel, would you join me in the passageway?" Chuck steps outside with the Captain and Casey. The armed Marines remain in the space with Sarah.
A few minutes later they all reenter the control room, Kirk smiles, "I'm sorry Mr. Johnson, your clearance is rescinded. I've been told that you're incapable of understanding the Colonel's work, and you put your hands on him. You will leave my command immediately, under guard. Walking if you cooperate, carried if you resist." He turns to the other inspectors, "Is my ship cleared to operate?"
The other inspectors nod and one says, "One hundred percent Sir."
Kirk smiles, "Good. Any issues with the Colonel's upgrade?" both of them shake their heads.
Kirk turns to Chuck, "Thank you for the good work, Colonel. Feel free to go about your business. We'll handle this from here."
Sarah stands firm, holding onto Johnson's arm "He needs to apologize to the Colonel."
Casey puts his hand on her shoulder, "Sarah, how do you want to spend the next three days? I'm guessing it's not answering questions about why you broke this asshole's arm."
Sarah takes a deep breath, "Do you have this General?"
Casey nods as she backs down, releasing the arm, "I have it. Trust me, he'll never work for the government again."
Chuck reaches down and grabs Sarah's hand. "C'mon Sarah, the General and Captain will deal with him." Chuck picks up his case and pulls her to the door.
As they're leaving Casey remarks to Johnson as he rubs his shoulder, "Mister I don't know what your problem is. Whatever it is, I hope it was worth it to you. Marines, show this, person, off our ship. If there is no flight available, give him a set of water wings and point him in the direction of the nearest unemployment office. If he resists in any way, pacify him in the quickest, most painful way possible."
Casey turns to the other two inspectors, "Do you feel that this man is being mistreated, based on the behavior you saw?"
The two inspectors shake their heads, one of them answers, "The Colonel and his wife were nothing but cooperative, polite and kind, and his software is next gen. Johnson just had an issue because he didn't understand it. He decided to take it out on that very sweet young lady, and then he grabbed the Colonel."
Casey shakes his head and laughs out loud. "And she let him live?" He turns to Johnson, "You sir, are an idiot, a very lucky idiot." He laughs again, "Something must have made her soft. You put your hands on him, and she let you live." Casey is still laughing as Johnson is escorted out by the Marines.
Chuck puts his arm around Sarah as they walk back to the captain's cabin, "Baby, I love that you're so protective of me. Thank you for not killing him."
Sarah snuggles into Chuck as they walk, "Consider it a wedding gift hon. I know you don't want me killing anymore. I let him live to please you. Did I make you happy?"
Chuck smiles and pulls her in tight, "You did Sweetheart. You always make me happy."
Sarah tilts her head up and looks at him, "Hon, you do know, I wouldn't kill a man just for touching you?"
Chuck looks into her eyes, "Do I Sweetheart? Do I know that?"
Sarah giggles, "You'll notice I said a man. If a woman touches you… all bets are off."
Chuck laughs, "Honey, you have nothing to worry about. Why would any woman want a nerd, like me? I mean, I even let my wife fight my battles for me."
Sarah stops and turns Chuck to look at her, "Baby, you know I intervened because I knew you were frustrated and upset. I also know that if you had hurt him, you would be beating yourself up for weeks. We both know you can take care of yourself. You're no longer a me. You are now part of an us. We take care of each other, remember? Any questions?"
Chuck pops tall and salutes, "No Ma'am. No questions. Request permission to hug my superior spouse, Ma'am."
Sarah looks Chuck up and down, "Very well. Permission granted… right after you take all my clothes off." Sarah turns and runs down the passageway laughing and dodging sailors as she goes. Chuck takes off after her. "Hey, get back here. No running in the passageways. Where's the hall monitor when you need one?"
Chuck catches her just as she opens the door to the cabin. He pushes her in and slams the door behind him. She makes a try for the bedroom, but he's on her before she gets to the door. He pulls her clothes off tossing them aside then taking her naked body in his arms. "Colonel Carmichael reporting for duty Ma'am."
Sarah pushes her hand into his pants, "What a good Colonel, standing at attention for his wife." She takes his hand and pulls him into the bedroom. "Let's get you out of that uniform and into something I like to call homeport."
Chuck is holding Sarah in his arms as they rest together, "Well Baby, looks like we're done here. Are you ready to go to Naples, and end your spy life once and for all?"
Sarah rolls on top of Chuck and looks deep into his eyes, "Baby, I ended my spy life the day I discovered you were here. There was no way I was going to let you leave without me. I sent a message resigning, right after," she giggles, "I talked to the ships doctor, I have my priorities."
Chuck lifts his head to kiss her, "I have to say, I'm glad you do, and I'm glad they're in the proper order."
"Bartowski's get your asses out here, on the double!" Casey's dulcet tones fill the space.
Chuck yells back, "Okay Casey. Here we come, naked, on the double."
Casey yells out, "NO, NO, get dressed, I'll wait."
Chuck and Sarah are laughing as they emerge from the bedroom, after throwing some clothes on. "What's the problem Casey? Shy?"
Casey sneers, "Very funny. There's a change in plans. You're done here. A chopper will carry you to Naples in two hours. Get your gear packed, you won't be back. You'll have some time in Naples too." He does air quotes, "To pack your apartment. Yechhh. A ride home has been arranged for us, to avoid you being seen and recognized. You'll be flown directly from Naples to Mugu. I'll meet you at the agency office when I can. We'll proceed from there. Any questions?"
Chuck looks at Sarah, then at Casey, "I thought we had to brief the President."
Casey sticks a cigar in his mouth, "Don't you worry your pretty little head about that original Bartowski. I have that covered. You just relax and enjoy your "packing". Oh, by the way, Johnson lost his clearance. Seems the President doesn't like people harassing his favorite nerd."
Casey stands and moves to the door, "Anything else?"
Sarah walks over to him, "How can we contact the captain? We need to thank him before we go. Actually, could you ask him if he would join the three of us for dinner?"
Casey opens the door, "I'll let him know you want to see him. See if can keep your clothes on for ten minutes." Casey heads out.
Chuck and Sarah go about packing their stuff. They're all done and relaxing when there's a knock on the door. Sarah answers, it's Echo One, "Good evening, Ma'am I was sent to escort you and the Colonel to the Captain's Mess."
Chuck and Sarah follow Echo One through the passageways towards the mess, Sarah steps up and walks by his side, "Thanks for backing me up earlier, One."
The Seal smiles, "My pleasure Ma'am. There's no way anyone is going to disrespect you or the Colonel while I'm breathing, and please call me Seeley."
Sarah stops and turns to smile at him, "Would you have shot me if I got near the Colonel?"
Seely takes a deep breath, "Regrettably Ma'am, yes I would have. Near as I can tell, you would have been a bad distraction. His mission was too important to let that happen. I'm glad I didn't have to. I'm thinking you and the wife would be good friends."
Sarah slips her arm through Seely's, "I could use a good friend. Let's see if we can make that happen."
Chuck says playfully, "Hey, throwing me over for the first good looking sailor to come along?"
Sarah looks over her shoulder, "Hush Honey, he's fixing me up with his wife."
They arrive at the Captain's Mess, Sarah gives the Seal a hug, "Thank you for taking good care of Chuck. I'm glad you would have shot me. I'm even more glad you didn't have to."
Chuck shakes his hand, "Thank you Seeley. You have my contact info. I hope to hear from you soon."
Echo One, shakes Chuck's hand hard, "Sir, it's been an honor to be of service to your team. I'll be with you until you depart the ship. I'll be right out here if you need me."
Chuck knocks on the door, and hears the Captain say, "Enter". They walk into the mess, immediately their sense of smell is assailed by the scent of good cooking.
Table is set for four. The Captain and Casey are at the table talking, Senior Chief Child is walking out of the kitchen with platters of food, roast chicken, fresh steamed veggies, a fresh kale salad, and scalloped potatoes. After laying the platters out the Senior Chief heads back to the galley and Sarah calls out, "Senior, we'll be having one more for dinner. Please, bring out another place setting?"
He nods, "Yes ma'am, I have more one item to bring out."
When Senior returns, he is carrying a place setting and a small plate that he puts in front of Sarah. It's a small homemade veggie pizza, no olives.
Sarah is surprised, as she watches senior put down the place setting, she asks, "Just for me?"
He shakes his head, "No Ma'am I made one for every person that hugged me." Everyone laughs. "Captain if there's nothing else, I'll be in the galley."
Sarah snaps, "Negative sailor. I plan on having dinner with everyone I hugged. Sit."
The Senior Chief looks at his Captain, who raises his eyebrows, "You expect me to piss her off? You better sit down before she kicks both our asses."
Senior takes a seat, "Thank you Sir, Ma'am. I'm honored."
Chuck passes him the platter of chicken, "No Senior, we're the honored ones. Your cooking and service made us feel special and cared for. If it were up to me, you would be a Master Chief, because you're a Master Chef."
The Skipper laughs, "Funny you should say that Colonel, the paperwork is already in for that promotion. I can't guarantee it'll be approved, but I'm guessing a Captain and a General fighting like hell can make it happen, right General?"
Casey smiles, "I'll be discussing it with my contact in a few days. I already cosigned the Skipper's Recommendation."
The Senior Chief just sits there frozen, holding the food platter, "Um, I don't know what to say. Thank you, Sirs, Ma'am, um…"
Casey decides to rescue him, "Are you going to hold that chicken all night, or do we get some too?"
The dinner is eaten, and the conversation is friendly and light, the party pumps the Senior Chief for info, about his family and where he learned to cook so well. He spends a lot of time blushing and feeling like the guest of honor. About an hour after the evening started there's a knock at the door. The Captain calls out, "Enter."
The Senior Chief gets up, "Thank you all. It's been my honor and pleasure to cook for you." He turns to his CO, "All of you." He starts to clear the dishes when the Messenger of the Watch steps in.
The young sailor steps just inside the door and stands at attention.
The Captain calls out, "Report."
The sailor immediately speaks, "Sir, I'm the Messenger of the Watch, The OOD sends his respects. I was sent to notify you. The Colonel's Chopper is fueled and ready to carry his party to Naples. Their bags have been loaded aboard the helicopter and will depart at the Colonel's convenience, Sir."
The Captain smiles, "Well done son. You may give my regards to the OOD. Ask him to initiate my instructions, dismissed."
The sailor spins on his heels and departs the space.
Chuck stands up, walks over, and offers his hand to Captain Kirk, and in a bad Scottish Brogue. "Kepten, I kinna tell ye what an honor tis been. I hope te sey ye soon. The wee wifey and I ar hopin' to meet yer kin."
Then he stands tall and stiff, "Captain, it is illogical for you to be using your leadership talents under these circumstances. Although I suppose," Chuck raises an eyebrow, "The need of the many, outweigh the needs of the few. James T. Kirk, you are now and will always be my friend. Live long and prosper." he gives the Vulcan salute.
Casey watches in amazement and turns to Sarah, "You wanted to marry that?"
Sarah walks over and hugs the Captain as she answers Casey, "Yes. He's adorable. Thanks for all the special treatment and support Skipper. I've always wanted to cruise the Mediterranean. I can assure you my husband will never forget our wedding day."
The Captain is in stitches, "Chuck, Sarah I can honestly say, with no hesitation, that you will always have a place in my heart. The two of you, and the General, have been… The only word I can come up with is sensational. I would be pleased and honored if you were to remain part of my life. Please allow me to walk you out to your ride. I hope that you enjoy your time in Naples. I'll be taking liberty there myself in a couple of days. I owe General Casey a good drunk. Perhaps you can join us but be forewarned there will be cigar smoke. Now I guess it's about time to part company."
The Captain walks to the door and opens it, "Echo team will be escorting you, at their request. After you." Chuck and Sarah exit the Mess and are immediately greeted by a passageway lined with sailors in dress whites. The Captain steps out behind them, "Ship's company, hand salute." In one motion the entire passageway is lined with sailors holding a salute.
Chuck turns to Casey, "What am I supposed to do? Do I salute back?"
Casey smiles, "Negative Colonel. Just follow your escort."
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey, are escorted to the flight deck, the passageways filled with ship's company. As they walk by, there are calls of "Thank you Colonel, for saving our ship. Thank you, Ma'am, for saving our lives. Thank you General for your leadership." Over and over the trio is honored and thanked until they reach the aircraft waiting to depart and take them off the carrier. The Captain stands in front of them. Casey steps next to Chuck and whispers, "Salute and request permission to leave the ship."
Chuck salutes, "Mr. and Mrs. Batman reluctantly request permission to depart the ship."
The Captain returns the salute, "Reluctantly, permission granted."
Casey whispers in Chuck's ear again, "Now get the hell out of here. I've had enough of you two for a while."
Chuck climbs into the aircraft, Sarah puts her arms around Casey and squeezes tightly, he starts to protest, "Damn it Walker… oh I give up. By the way, Grandpa John works for me. Keep him safe. We need him back home. Sarah be careful, we need you back home too. Decker is still out there. I've arranged quiet security for you. No need to get Chuck worked up. Stick together and keep your eyes open."
Sarah kisses his cheek, "Let us know when you get to Naples. You stay safe. We need you back home too." Sarah climbs in and the hatch is closed. The flight deck is cleared, and the chopper lifts off heading to Naples. The Skipper turns to Casey, "C'mon General, I'll buy you a cup of really bad coffee."
A/N A quick note, in case you forgot, this is a Charah tale. It's all about their relationship. I apologize to those who like the military and action stuff. I may revisit that in a later story, after all I'm a squid at heart.
This is a love story. This was about the sadness of their separation and the celebration of their healing. I hope you'll stick around and see how things turn out. There's more action and plenty of angst to go around.
More to come, next week, Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.
