Dean called the colonel bright and early. The idea he'd come up with last night was, in his opinion, genius. He could take Cass out, in his human form, and just roam around the base, letting the dragon interact with people and learn how to socialize. That was the one area that Cass was the weakest on, and Dean knew it was something he'd need. After all, it wasn't like Cass could just fly from here to wherever Michael and Raphael were. No, he'd have to use a certain amount of stealth, and that meant being in human form, interacting with people. Dean had already prepared multiple arguments in his head to try to convince the colonel, but to his surprise, the colonel agreed right away. He'd even told Dean it was a great idea. Ecstatic, Dean cancelled his free hour he'd scheduled between breakfast and lunch so he could tell Cass what to expect. Cass was thrilled, hugging Dean fondly. Dean was pleased. Now, he'd get the chance to make amends with the dragon for standing him up for lunch, plus get Cass out of the damned cage a little bit and start to build up the dragon's confidence in interacting with other people at the same time. Dean congratulated himself. Maybe he wasn't smart like Sammy, but every so often, he surprised himself.

Ketch seemed surprised to see Dean still in the cage with Castiel for supper, obviously expecting Dean to use his time then. Dean had ended up cancelling it all. He'd been warned that it didn't mean he'd have extra time the next day, but he didn't care. He'd spent every free moment with Cass, going over how to introduce himself, how to smile so he didn't look like a serial killer, and the basics of polite conversation. Dean, not wanting to start a fight in front of Cass, had managed to be civil with the lieutenant all day. But after listening to the way Ketch was buttering Cass up constantly during flight training, his patience was at an all-time low. It was all Dean could do not to punch Ketch in the face. Instead, he sat and glowered at him when all three of them gathered in the humanoid habitat for dinner. Ketch didn't react other than glancing at Dean a time or two. Cass certainly noticed something was wrong. He kept looking between the two men, confused. But when neither said anything, Cass relaxed and seemed to enjoy the meal. He certainly liked having people to eat with him. It made Dean feel even more guilty about ditching the poor dragon for lunch the other day. Well, he'd make it up to Cass tomorrow. The dragon was going to have a great time out in public. Dean would make sure of it.

"We should talk about our plans for tomorrow's training," Ketch began.

"Yeah, we should," Dean interrupted. "Because I already talked to Col. Stephens, and Cass won't be doing flight training tomorrow." He grinned and shook Cass's shoulder. "I got permission bring him out to interact with people. It's past time he learned how to do that."

Ketch's eyebrow shot up. "Yes, that is the plan, but I'm the one who will be…"

"No," Cass interjected at the same time Dean did.

Dean grasped Cass's arm and continued, sternly reminding himself to be civil. "Lieutenant, while I appreciate all you do with the flight training, this is absolutely ground work. That means me. Besides, it was my idea."

Ketch dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, carefully folded it, and put it down. He took a deep breath and smiled at Cass. "Castiel, when it comes time to fight, you most likely won't be flying out there in full view of the enemy. The plan has always been for a more stealthy approach. Now, we already know that your body is so tough because part of it seems to exist in another dimension. That's why you can condense yourself down to human form, and can morph into your dragon form without disturbing whatever clothing you're wearing. Today, we learned that the same holds true with your riding harness. That was a crucial element. The plan for tomorrow is for you to have the harness on, change back to your human form, and practice interacting with some volunteers…"

"Which I will do," Dean announced.

"No, because as soon as that is finished, we'll immediately be going back to the training field for more aerial training," Ketch explained patiently. "The plan is for us to learn how to quickly change and get into the air. That's why I will be wearing my flight uniform under my civilian clothing."

"Great," Dean replied with a smile. "This means you don't have to sweat in two layers. You can just be in the uniform and wait out there on the training grounds, and we'll come out as soon as we're done interacting with people." He reached over and gave the dragon's arm a friendly shake. "Sound good, Cass?"

Cass beamed at him. "Sounds good!"

Ketch sighed. He folded his hands on the table, looking at Dean with an expression of extreme patience. "Private Winchester, our orders are very clear," he said. "Tomorrow's exercise will be completed as I've described it. You are scheduled for more time in the simulator."

"Why?" Dean challenged. "We agreed that I'd do the ground work, and this is ground work. Give me one good reason why it should be you instead of me."

"Simple," Ketch responded. "Because those are our orders."

"But why? I want to be with Dean," Cass said, looking upset.

"I know you do, buddy." Dean scowled at Ketch and indicated Cass. "Look at him. He's already upset. You want to take him into an unfamiliar situation and expose him to strange people without the person he's the most comfortable with? That's horseshit, Ketch."

"None the less, those are our orders," Ketch replied calmly. "We will be carrying them out."

"Well, 'we' disagree with those orders," Dean huffed. "How about we talk to the Colonel about changing them?"

Ketch breathed through his nose. "Private Winchester…"

Dean held up a hand. "No, Lieutenant, I'm not backing down from this. You forget, I took Cass out before…"

"Which was completely unacceptable!"

"My point is, he's comfortable with me," Dean insisted, reaching out to clasp Cass's arm again. "Every time you ride him, he's anything but comfortable."

That earned him a sharp look from Ketch. "I beg your pardon?"

"Did I stutter?" Dean retorted. He'd reached the end of his patience. Letting go of Cass, he pointed an accusing finger in Ketch's surprised face. "Cass never wanted you to ride him. He tolerates you for one reason - because I asked him to. But there's a damned good reason that he doesn't go out without me."

"Yes, because you're the only one capable of hearing him at present," Ketch said. "That's something that is being worked on."

"Why?" Dean challenged. "I'm the one he's bonded with. I am the partner he chose. I am the one who can hear him when he speaks telepathically because I'm the one who has the damned profound bond!" He irritably indicated Cass's mark on his arm. "That is why I am the one he is the most comfortable with. The only thing I've got an issue with is the flight training, which I was supposed to be working on with the shrink. So far, I haven't seen one yet. What is the delay?"

Ketch shrugged. "I can't answer that."

Dean glowered at Ketch. "Listen, I got dragged in here specifically to be Cass's guiding partner. It doesn't make sense that I'm not guiding him as much as possible. Now you're trying to tell me that you're supposed to take him out to interact with people while I'm clear on the other side of the compound in the simulator? How the hell does that make any sense? What if something goes wrong? Cass needs me!"

"I do," Cass agreed, looking more and more upset as the argument between the two men intensified. "I don't understand those orders."

"See?" Dean crowed, triumphantly. "Even he says he needs me. That should be the end of the discussion right there, point, game and match."

Ketch pounded a fist on the table. "Private! You have your orders."

"Please don't fight. I'll go out with you, Lt. Ketch, but I want Dean with me to meet people," Cass insisted. "It's not that I don't trust you, I just really want it to be him."

"Winchester cannot always be with you, Castiel," Ketch explained. The edge he'd just had in his voice while speaking to Dean was gone now. He smiled and placed a hand over Castiel's on the table. "Don't worry, love, I'll be…"

"Take your fucking hands off of him!" Dean yelled.

Ketch's eyes went wide. "I do beg your pardon?"

Dean reached over and swatted Ketch's hand away from the surprised dragon. "I said take your fucking hands off of him! And don't you ever let me hear you call him 'love' again." He pointed an accusing finger at Ketch. "I know you tried to make out with him yesterday, you sick bastard. He's like a child! What are you doing, confusing him like that?"

"I don't believe that is any of your business," Ketch snapped. The lieutenant's face was darkening, his hands clenched into fists as he glowered at Dean. "Stand down."

"Blow me! As to it not being any of my business? The hell it isn't! You were brought into this for one reason and that reason is to help me train Cass. Helping me does not include butting in where you're not needed or wanted. It sure as hell doesn't include making out with him. Put your hands on him again and I'll rip your lungs out!"

Ketch straightened. "Did you just threaten me, Private Winchester?"

"You're damned right I just threatened you!" Dean roared, getting to his feet. "You don't get to touch him, you don't get to play games with his head, and you don't get to take him out tomorrow. I am sorry that you lost your friend, but the fact is, you did. Castiel is my partner, not yours. If you don't like it, then find another joining partner and go get your own dragon."

Even Dean knew that was below the belt, but at the moment, he was simply too angry to care. He could see the words hit, see Ketch's eyes widen and his face pale before darkening again. The lieutenant got up, visibly furious. "Who do you think you are?

Dean moved forward to meet him, standing until their faces were inches apart. "I think I'm Cass's guiding partner, and I'm not about to let some sleezeball like you take advantage of him."

"How dare you speak to me like this?!"

"Step outside and let's see just how much I dare, motherfucker!"

"What is the meaning of this?!"

Dean and Ketch looked and quickly stood at attention as Gen. Thompson himself came storming through the door and into the humanoid habitat. The man appeared breathless, as though he'd just been running. "As you were, both of you! Now, please tell me why it is that the staff monitoring the cameras just called my hotline to tell me the two of you were screaming at each other while the dragon burned up the dining table?"

Dean looked over. Cass looked back at him, blue eyes wide with distress and both hands clutching tightly to the edge of the table. Sure enough, smoke was rising where Cass gripped the table. "Oh, shit!"

"I'm sorry, Dean," the dragon moaned, belatedly letting go of the table. The burned marks of his hands were clearly visible in the melting plastic. The portion closest to Castiel was sagging slightly, the stench of burning plastic filling the air. Wisps of smoke continued to rise, causing the dragon to give another small moan of distress.

Dean immediately moved to wrap his arms around Cass. "Hey, it's ok," he soothed. "You didn't do it on purpose. You were just upset. That's on us. I shouldn't have gotten into an argument with him in front of you, but it's over. You're safe."

"Dean, did I do wrong?" Cass asked anxiously. "Should I have not let Ketch kiss me?"

"You did nothing at all wrong," Ketch said quickly before Dean could answer. Ignoring the look Dean shot him, Ketch quickly moved around the private to a point where he could gently rub Castiel's back. "There's nothing wrong with being attracted to someone, even if it confused you a little," he assured. "That's only natural." He smiled, and his voice became soothing. "I promise I won't rush you into anything, love. It's alright."

Dean gritted his teeth to keep from saying what he was thinking. Cass was upset enough.

"Gentlemen, now that the dragon is calmer, would you both come out into the hall and speak with me?" the general called. His voice was calm, but it was clear that it was not a request.

"Of course," Ketch replied immediately. "Castiel, I will see you again soon."

"A-alright," Cass said, forcing a small smile.

Dean shared another pointed look with Ketch, waited until he'd stepped out, and then hugged Cass tightly. "Listen, I'm going to step out and talk to them for a little bit, but I'll be right back," he promised, stepping back. "I'll get this straightened out. And you didn't do anything wrong, ok? No one is upset at you for any reason. Do you understand?"

"No," Cass admitted. "I don't understand what's going on, but I do understand that you need to go and talk." He looked anxiously around. "Dean, you're really coming back as soon as you're finished with your talk, right?"

That broke Dean's heart more than a little. "I promise you that I'll be right back." He lifted one of the dragon's hands and hooked their little fingers together. "Pinky swear. Just let me get this whole thing straightened out. I'm sure it's just some sort of misunderstanding. Then I'm coming right back in to you."

The smile Dean got for this was gummy, the dragon's entire face lighting up with it. Dean squeezed Cass's shoulder and followed the other two out.

The general wasted no time. As soon as Dean joined them and they were out of the dragon's hearing, he whirled on the other two. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. "Lieutenant, explain."

"Private Winchester disagrees with my orders to take the dragon out among volunteers tomorrow," Ketch said.

"Why?" The general turned to Dean. "Stephens said it was your idea."

"The idea was for me to do it, not him," Dean explained. "I'm Cass's guiding partner and I'm supposed to do anything that doesn't involve flying."

"Says who?" the general asked, crossing his arms over his chest and narrowing his eyes at Dean.

Dean blinked, not anticipating the question. "Well, that's the whole point of me being here."

Thomas hadn't changed expression. "Private, you realize that taking the dragon among people is part of battle preparation, and that battle is expected to take place in the air?"

"Yeah, but…"

"And to date, you have not been able to fly?" the general continued. He indicated Ketch, who was standing quietly at attention. "Lt. Ketch has the qualifications and experience we need, not to mention plenty of logged flight time with the dragon. He's the natural and obvious choice to complete this critical step."

"But I am his guiding partner," Dean insisted. "I am the one he trusts. Even he says he wants me to be there. Sure, Ketch will have to take him out eventually, but don't you think I should be with him for the first time instead of on the other side of the compound in the simulator?"

Thompson's hands moved to his sides. His back straightened, and his eyes narrowed even more. "Private, I don't know how things were with your daddy or any of your other superiors, but here, I am not accustomed to having my orders questioned," the general snapped. "As a courtesy, this time I will explain to you that it's best that the dragon learns to interact with people with the person who will be riding it right from the start. Now, you may be its guiding partner, but your role does not permit you to direct its training. That would be my job. Am I in any way unclear?"

"What the hell is this?" Dean exclaimed. "I feel like you're trying to phase me out of Cass's training altogether or something!"

"We are." The abruptness of the announcement made Dean blink in surprise. "I will be perfectly blunt, Private," Thompson continued. "You were not, are not, and never will be our man of choice to take this dragon into a fight. Now, it's unfortunate that things worked out the way they did, but the circumstances were outside of our control. Your sole duty moving forward will be to continue to encourage the dragon to work with Lt. Ketch, just as you have been doing." He shook his head. "This would have been so much easier if Lt. Davies had survived, or if Warrant Officer Novak had a partner that was even slightly competent. Hell, we could have even used you as the joining partner if circumstances were different. Instead, we're stuck in this mess."

Dean was struck speechless.

"Now, I am going to overlook you threatening the Lieutenant a bit ago because you clearly did not understand the situation here," the general continued, "but now you do. The free ride ends here. You will follow your orders. You will stay with the dragon just like you do now. You will cheer it on and make sure it follows Ketch's orders." A finger shook in Dean's face. "And if you do anything, anything at all to jeopardize this project? If you think you're restricted now, you will not like the consequences if you cross me again. I will do whatever I have to do, up to and including taking you completely off this base and trying to manage the dragon without you, in order to make this project go forward. National security is at stake here. I have zero time or patience for any more of your bullshit! Do you understand me?"

"Sir yes sir," Dean managed.

The general nodded and turned to Ketch. "You let me know if he gives you any more trouble. And good luck with your dragon tomorrow. We all have very high expectations for it."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Ketch saluted. Dean belatedly remembered to do the same. The general returned it, turned smartly on his heel, and headed off, leaving Dean staring dumbly after him, still at attention in his salute.

"As you were, Private," Ketch said smugly.

Dean blinked, dropped his arm, and turned to glare at Ketch, fists clenched.

"Uh-uh," Ketch warned. "Do you really want to test the general any further right now?"

Dean breathed hard through his clenched teeth. He stiffly followed behind Ketch as the lieutenant opened the door, ushering Dean inside. "You two have a good night now," he called. "Castiel, I'm looking forward to our mission tomorrow. I know you'll do just splendidly. And remember, Winchester." He pointed up. "Big brother is watching."

Dean could only glare at him as Ketch closed the door, locking him back in the cage.

Cass cautiously came up behind him. "Dean? Are you alright?"

Dean grimaced, pasted a smile on his face, and turned to the dragon. "Yeah, buddy, I'm fine."

The dragon looked unconvinced. "I'm sorry I burned the table. I got you into trouble, didn't I? I know you're upset."

"That was our fault, not yours," Dean assured. "No one is upset at you about it. You just have to be more careful, especially when Ketch takes you out tomorrow."

That visibly upset the dragon. "But I already said I wanted you! You are the one who…"

Dean raised a hand. "It's ok," he said. "They want you to keep training with Ketch, so that's what we'll do."

Cass narrowed his eyes. He stepped closer to Dean, looking carefully at his face. "Something happened. You're trying to hide it from me, but I can sense you're upset. I know you don't want me to be alone with Ketch, especially after he kissed me." He glanced at the door and then back at Dean, his face twisting into a scowl. "They threatened you. They hurt you."

"Nobody hurt me," Dean said quickly. "I just got reminded of my place in things was all."

Cass tilted his head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I forgot I'm nothing but a lowly private that no one wants," Dean said bitterly. "Something I should have always kept in mind." He shook his head. Waving toward the slightly-melted table, he continued, "Listen, I don't really have an appetite anymore. You go finish your supper, but I've got a headache. I'm going to lie down. They'll probably be coming in here soon to replace the table, once you're done eating." Suiting action to words, Dean headed to the bathroom.

Castiel looked after him, frowning. As Jimmy Novak, he'd wanted to make a career in the Army. He understood the power of rank. Just as important, he knew Dean. The fiery private was not one to back down, no matter how much he'd been threatened. What had just happened didn't make sense. He knew that Dean had been determined to be the one to take him out. He'd been angry about it, to the point he'd even threatened Ketch. That had been when Castiel had accidentally burned the table, because he'd been worried for a moment that the two really would get into a physical fight. Castiel had liked Ketch well enough before. The man was always complimentary and careful not to push him too hard. Kissing Castiel had confused him, but Dean's anger over the event made him feel strange. Seeing Dean get so upset tonight, become so determined to protect him? It had almost felt good.

Castiel moved closer to the bathroom curtain, listening as Dean washed up and brushed his teeth. After a few moments, he slipped in through the curtains.

Dean was at the sink, rinsing his mouth. He stood up and gasped in surprise to see Castiel standing so close. Castiel quickly put his hand over Dean's mouth. "They hurt you."

Dean shook his head and tried to speak around the hand over his mouth, but Castiel held on. He reached up and tapped Dean's forehead with his other hand. Dean frowned, then his eyes went wide. "Cass, can you hear me?"

Castiel smiled. "I can, and I know they hurt you. Maybe not physically, but they hurt you all the same."

Dean seemed to slump. "They threatened me," he admitted. "They flat-out told me that they don't want me involved in your training beyond encouraging you to work with Ketch."

"Why? You're my bondmate!"

"Yeah, but I'm also a screw-up." The light seemed to dim in Dean's eyes. "I was a lousy soldier and I'm a worse bondmate. If they'd had any other choice but me, they'd have taken it. Now, if they could get rid of me altogether, they'd do it in a heartbeat. I guess, in a way, they kind of are. They're taking me out of your training, buddy, reducing me to basically your cheerleader. I guess I get it. They never wanted me to be a part of this anyway."

Castiel went still, replaying what he'd been told the day they'd tried to convince him Dean was afraid of him. He growled, low in his throat, and Dean grimaced. "Hurting me, buddy!"

Alarmed, Castiel quickly let go. Dean slumped and winced, rubbing at his jaw. "You got a hell of a grip," Dean noted.

Being careful to be gentle, Castiel took his bondmate's shoulders. His hand slid down Dean's arm, fingers tracing the mark he'd made. Dean was topless for washing up. Castiel traced the mark of his own hand fondly, a smile on his face. "I will never let anyone take you from me. You are my bondmate and you always will be."

"Sure, buddy." Dean seemed confused, but he was smiling. "We'll get through this, ok?" Aloud, he said, "Think you could step out and give me some privacy to drain the lizard, Cass? Kind of hard to do that with you standing here."

"Of course, Dean," Castiel replied. With one last fond stroke of his mark on Dean's arm, Castiel headed back out. He looked at the remains of their dinner on the table, shook his head, and put all of the dishes onto the tray to be removed. If Dean wasn't eating, then he wouldn't eat, either. Dean was his bondmate. It was past time these people learned what that meant.