CAUTION AND COURAGE
PART FIVE
Will and Billy returned to Rod's house to find him in the kitchen
preparing supper.
"Sorry we're late," Will said. "We hoped to take you out to eat
as a token of our appreciation for your hospitality."
Billy was discouraged by Will's comment because it seemed to
mean that the plan for an evening of sexual pleasure had not
won Will's approval. Still, he managed to say, "That's right.
We's grateful for all ya done for us and want to return the favor."
"Not necessary," Rod beamed as he slipped a casserole in the
oven. "I'm glad to have your company. As I said before, it gets
pretty lonely here in a big house. You guys have been a very
welcome change of pace for me. By the way, I've fixed a
casserole for supper. It's one of my favorites. My mother's
recipe. I don't have a chance to have it very often because I
don't often have guests to share it with. When I'm alone, I have
to eat it for three or four days. Kinda takes the pleasure out of it
by the third day. It'll be ready in about an hour. I don't drink but
if you'd like a glass of wine before supper, I've got several to
choose from."
"I don't drink either," Will lied, reluctant to open one of Rod's
bottles of wine.
Billy promptly added, "I'd have one cold beer after a hot day in
the fields back on the farm but I never grew a taste for wine.
That's somethin' my momma and daddy couldn't afford. Same
for hard liquor. Tried some moonshine once. Thought I was
gonna die."
"You two are real oddities for being in the Navy. Don't you want
to uphold the tradition of hard-drinkin' sailors?" Rod's laughter
at his joke was contagious. Will and Billy laughed also but Billy
make the mistake of saying, "That ain't all that makes us
oddballs in the Navy."
"Oh?" Rod asked. "There's more?"
Billy suddenly realized the implication of what he had said -- an
indirect admission of being gay. But he couldn't think of a way
to extricate himself from the trap he was in. There was an
awkward moment of silence before Will said, "Yeah. We're the
only ones that sunk our own ship. I was afraid the Government
will send us a bill for the cost of the launch we lost back on the
island."
After supper, they watched a movie. No sooner than it ended,
Rod excused himself as he had done the night before to go to
bed early. Will and Billy remained in the living room talking
quietly so as not to disturb him. Billy, still eager to give Rod a
sexual treat, said, "I reckon ya haven't changed yur mind `bout
doin' somethin' with our host."
"I haven't rejected the idea, Billy, but I haven't accepted it either.
Call me old-fashioned but I think there are two kinds of sex.
There's the kind you do just for experimenting, or later on for
nothing more than physical gratification. Lots of men do nothing
more than that -- with women or other men. The second kind is
very different. It's the kind that you and I do. It's an expression
of love. It's far more than physical although that's certainly a
part of it. It's emotional. It's spiritual. It's infinitely better than
merely getting your rocks off. With the first kind, one can
bounce between partners as opportunities arise. I suspect Rod
does that. With the second kind there's a bond that demands
commitment. And fidelity. What it comes down to is two things.
I haven't decided whether the two kinds of sex can coexist.
Which creates another concern. If we have sex with Rod, what
will it do to our relationship? What would it mean for our future?
Will we have -- or create -- other opportunities to have sex with
somebody? Would it lead to orgies? If so, could our dedication
to each other -- our love for each other -- suffer? I'd hate for
that to happen."
"I reckon I gotta agree with some o' what you said. There bein'
two kinds of sex. Ya told me ya had sex with guys in school and
it was nothin' more than sex. Ya also told me ya love me and
that makes it heaps better than sex without no love. I ain't
never had the first kind o' sex so I can't compare the two.
But there's one thing I know for damn sure. I love you.
I wanna be yur lover forever. Ain't nothing that'd change
my mind `bout that. Lessen maybe ya turned mean ... but that
ain't gonna happen. Yur too nice to do that. Givin' Rod a thrill
... both of us doin' it for him ... ain't gonna change how I feel
bout ya. Might even make me love ya more. Though I don't
know how I could love ya more than I do now. And that's the
gospel truth!"
The depth of Billy's sincerity as he professed his love was
clearly evident and touched Will who replied, "And I love you
back, Billy Ray Simpson ... more than I ever thought possible."
Their kiss was long and passionate. Both of their cocks began
to stiffen.
"One more thing I gotta say, Will. If'n ya don't wanna do nothing
with Rod, it won't change how I feel `bout ya. If'n ya do, I'll still
love ya as much as before."
"Show me!" Will exclaimed. "Right now! In bed! Or, rather, on
the floor."
They both chuckled and made their way upstairs to their
temporary bedroom where they lost no time disrobing,
embracing, kissing, fondling each other, and achieving a nearly
simultaneous orgasm in a sixty-nine position.
Relocating to the bed, they snuggled together with their naked
bodies pressed tightly against each other and reveling in the
unbounded joy of being more than two loving partners but joined
emotionally into a precious bond of oneness.
After several minutes of quiet bliss, Will said, "Let's do it."
"Again?" a surprised Billy asked. "Don't know if'n I can get it up
so soon. But I'd be happy to do it to ya if'n that's whatcha
want."
Will chuckled and said, "No. What I meant was let's do it
tomorrow night with Rod."
"Really? Ya sure yur okay with our doin' it with him?"
"It took me longer to realize it," Will said almost contritely. "And
it took me longer than you to accept it. But it would be a
wonderfully nice way to return Rod's kindness. And ... here's
the most important part ... I'm as confident as you obviously are
that it won't jeopardize what we have with each other."
<><><><><>
Will and Billy were sure to be home to greet their host when he
arrived after his shift at the café. They were as excited as
children about the surprise they had planned. When Rod came
through the front door he saw his guests in the living room and
cheerfully said, "Hi, guys. How was your last day of freedom
from the rigors of Navy life?"
"Great!" Will replied. "We didn't do much ... just walked around
downtown mostly and stumbled on Gaslight Village. VERY
interesting. Fact is, we found a restaurant that looks like a great
place to eat. We'd like to take you there tonight to express our
appreciation for your kind hospitality."
"Oh, that's not necessary," Rod said. "As I've told you, it's a
pleasure just to have your company."
"You may think it's not necessary," Will countered. "but Billy
and I think it is. So let's not argue about it. We thought we
could have an early dinner before the crowd packs the place
and then come back here to ... ah ... relax a bit."
Rod continued to resist the offer but soon relented as both of his
guests were adamantly persuasive.
Upon returning from dinner, the trio settled into the living room
to relax and chat. It wasn't long before Will said, "You left your
bedroom door open this morning. I noticed you have a queen
size bed."
"Yeah," Rod said. "It was my parents'. But I must confess that
it's more comfortable than the double bed in your room."
"I s'pose it is," Billy said. "And big enough for three people."
Rod didn't think Billy's comment was any more than a casual
observation and said, "Quite easily, I imagine. It's really too big
for one person but it was there ... so that's where I sleep."
"I think you're wrong, Billy" Will said. "Sure, it's bigger than a
double bed but not big enough for three adults."
"I AIN'T wrong!" Billy exclaimed. "It's as wide as it is long.
That's plenty `nuff space for three people."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Billy."
"Oh yeah? I s'pose ya think yur smarter n me just cause ya got
a couple o' years of college!"
Rod became concerned that his guests' tempers were getting
out of control and he tried to settle them down. "Hey, guys!
Chill it! There's no sense arguing about something as trivial as
the dimensions of a stupid bed."
But Billy and Will continued with the dialogue they had agreed
upon. Rod grew more uneasy. After a few more harsh
exchanges, Billy said with fake anger, "Ain't no way yur gonna
see that I'm right, Mr. Know-It-All!" He paused before adding,
"Unless ... nah, that wouldn't help none."
"Unless what?" Will asked with fake impatience.
"I was just a'thinkin' ... They's three of us, right? If'n we was all
to lie down on the bed, it would prove I'm right."
"Or wrong!" Will spat out. "And you're forgetting your manners.
We're guests in Rod's house. We can't just march into his
bedroom and lie down. That would be a gross violation of
proper behavior. But then you're not the brightest bulb on the
string when it comes to proper behavior."
Rod was still clueless about the purpose of the angry dialogue
and tried once more to calm things down. "TIME OUT!" he
shouted. "Go to neutral corners for a while. I hate to take sides
in a trivial argument but I have to tell that you're both right. Billy,
you're right because three people would fit in the bed. Will,
you're right because it would be quite cozy ... not actually
crowded but there wouldn't be enough room to stretch out.
Especially for the person in the middle. And if you want to try
Billy's experiment, it's okay with me."
That was exactly the opening Billy and Will had hoped for. They
looked at each other and grinned. Will then asked, "Is that a
serious invitation, Rod? You really don't mind if we lie down on
your bed?"
Exasperated, Rod replied, "If it will settle the argument and
make you happy, then the answer is ... no, I don't mind, and
yes, I'm agreeable." To his great surprise, Will and Billy began
removing their clothes. "What the hell are you guys doing?" the
astonished Rod asked.
He got no reply and could only watch in utter amazement as his
two guests continued shedding clothes until they stood before
him utterly naked with their nearly perfectly proportioned bodies
and their dangling manhood exposed. Poor Rod was shocked
into speechlessness. All he could do was wonder why two
attractive men stood before him as if lined up for inspection.
And inspect he did! As if on cue, Billy and Will faced each
other, wrapped their arms around each other, and kissed.
Their kiss was interrupted when Rod blurted out, "YOU'RE
GAY! And you've just been pretending to argue to set me up.
Right?"
"That's right," Will said. "We apologize if we caused you any
discomfort by arguing. But the look on your face right now is
priceless. Is there anything we can do to make up for deceiving
you? Is there anything else we can do ... FOR you to show our
appreciation for your hospitality?"
Still a little confused, Rod asked, "Are you suggesting....?"
"Not suggestin'," Billy said. "More like askin'. If'n yur int'rested
and willin' then we'd be happy to pleasure ya in bed for a spell."
"Interested? YES! Willing? I don't know. I'm guessing that
you two are partners. If that's the case, I don't want to do
anything to jeopardize your relationship."
"Not to worry," Will said. "We've talked about it and agreed that
it won't damage our love and our commitment to each other. As
long as we both agree in advance, a little recreational sex with
somebody else is okay. And let me add one more thing. We've
both admired you from the first time we saw you. We would be
honored if you let us give you some pleasure because we would
enjoy it as well."
"Hallelujah; Praise the Lord; Amen," was heard in a mighty
whisper from "hot" Rod after he grabbed hold of both the sailors'
cocks and hurriedly led them toward the stairway and his
"Master" bedroom. Quickly, he licked his lips that had suddenly
gone as dry as the desert sand, and with each step he could
feel the lead pumping into his rising pencil.
<><><><><>
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Rod asked, still stunned by
the turn of events. He had had a series of partners over the
recent years, one or two for as long as a month, but he had
never participated in a threesome. The prospect of sexually
frolicking with two very attractive young men inflamed his lust.
However, he hesitated. "I'd love to accept your offer, guys, but
... I mean you're partners. That's something to be treasured
and protected ... something that I haven't been able to achieve.
If there's the slightest chance of jeopardizing your relationship ...
well, I just couldn't do that to you."
"Yeah," Billy said. "We's partners. `Though I can't figure it out.
I'm a country hick and Will's not. But one thing I knows for sure.
We love each other and we's gonna be partners for a long time.
Ain't nothing that can kill our love for one `nother."
"Billy's right," added Will. "except maybe for calling himself a
hick. He's got more character and common sense than any of
the rich snobs I grew up with. That's why I love him so much.
And, of course..." He fondled his lover's cock and flashed a
broad grin. "...he's got this beautiful hunk of meat. What he said
about `nothing can kill our love' is absolutely true. Now, how
about it? Shall we all have a little fun together?"
"That's an offer I can't refuse!" Rod exclaimed as he rose from
his chair.
At the bottom of the stairway, Will and Billy stepped aside to let
Rod take the lead. After all, it was his house, he was the host,
and it seemed the proper thing to do. However, Rod said, "One
of you guys go first so I can admire your butt as we go up."
Will looked at Billy and said, "You go first. You've got the cutest
ass."
"NOT SO!" Billy exclaimed. "Yur bottom is heaps better than
mine."
"STOP IT!" Rod blared. "No more arguments between you
two!" He grabbed Billy's arm since he was closer and eased
him up onto the first step. Half way up the stairs he said over
his shoulder to Will, "You're right. He's got a wonderfully cute
ass."
"Yes, he does," laughed Will. "But what's in front is a lot better.
Wait until you see how big it is when he's hard."
"Stop yur teasing," Billy called back. "My bottom and my penis
ain't nothin' to be laughed at."
"He's right about that," Rod said. "What he's got shouldn't be
laughed at. It deserves to be slobbered over."
They reached the top of the stairs and walked a short way to
Rod's large bedroom. Once inside, Will and Billy -- without any
advanced planning -- began to take off Rod's clothes. The
target of the young men's endeavor submitted passively and
very willingly to his guests' assistance. As soon as Rod's shirt
came off and revealed a muscular, slightly hairy chest with
prominent nipples, Will and Billy simultaneously voiced their
admiration. They were equally impressed with the solid
muscles of their host's legs. But it was the conspicuous bulge in
Rod's briefs that stoked the fire of their lust.
If Rod were undressing himself, he would probably have
removed his briefs slowly and seductively (as he had done with
previous men). But neither Billy nor Will had the patience for
that. They pulled down the briefs quickly to reveal a cock that
was in the early phase of engorgement and was significantly
larger than any the two young lovers had ever seen. They
almost gasped at the length and girth of it. The ball sac was no
less impressive. What surprised them the most, however, was
that every trace of pubic hair had been shaved off, which made
his cock appear even longer.
Rod sat down on the edge of the bed. Without so much as a
`may I?' he began fondling the two cocks that were at eye level
and inches away from his face. Billy and Will allowed the
stimulation to continue, wanting to give Rod as much
opportunity as possible to gratify himself. It was not just Rod
who derived sensual pleasure. Both Will and Billy found the
skilled hands manipulating their cocks to be extremely arousing.
It wasn't long before all three men were sporting very stiff
erections.
"Lie down, Rod," Will said hoarsely. "Billy, you get on one side;
I'll take the other."
Billy, having less experience, duplicated Will's moves. They
kissed Rod's neck. They teased his nipples with their hands but
soon began to suckle on them. Rod's hums and moans egged
the assailants on. His hands pressed down on their heads and
he sensuously rubbed their backs and arms and shoulders,
encouraging them ever onward. They gradually moved
downward to find an erect cock leaking precum into his naval.
They took turns licking it off, a feat that was made difficult
because at every touch of a tongue the massive rod would
twitch, accompanied by its owner's moans of delight.
Rod was rapidly approaching the peak of arousal when he
dared to ask for something that had long been only a fantasy
and wish. "Hey guys, as long as were doing this, I wonder if you
could do me a big favor."
"Anything you want," Will replied.
"I've always wondered what it would be like to be fucked and
sucked at the same time. Would you mind?"
"Sure `nuff," Billy immediately replied. "If'n that's whatcha want,
we's here to please ya."
Rod retrieved a condom and lube from the drawer of his night
stand. Will took them immediately, having decided that he
should take the back door. Strangely enough, he and Billy had
not yet had anal sex and he reasoned that Billy's lack of
experience might be an impediment to satisfying Rod as well as
a possible cause of nervousness or anxiety for Billy. He said to
Billy, "I'll fuck him. You work your magic on his cock. In fact,
why don't you get in a 69 position and let him suck you if he
wants."
"YEAH!" Rod exclaimed. "I'd like that!"
Will applied a liberal dose of lube to Rod's hairy asshole and
began to open up his Portal to Paradise. It responded more
quickly and opened wider than those of the boys he fucked
when in school. By the time he had three fingers inside the
warm love canal, Rod and Billy were happily slurping away on
each other. Will quickly put on the condom and easily entered
Rod. As he pumped the husky ex-sailor, he made sure his prick
was contacting Rod's prostrate. He had a fleeting thought of
regret that he had initially resisted Billy's idea of a threesome.
Had he relented from the beginning, there would have been
TWO nights of carnal pleasure. However, he and Billy had to
report to the Base in the morning so one evening's orgy would
have to do.
Billy, not having leaned to delay his orgasm, was the first to yell,
"GOTTA SHOOT! LET LOOSE O' ME!"
Rod was not willing to waste a load of warm cream and clamped
his lips around Billy's pistoning cock. Billy screamed and Will
increased the pace of plowing into Rod's ass ... but consciously
suppressed his urge to cum.
Moments later, Billy recovered from his intense orgasm and
resumed sucking on Rod's massive cock. "Billy," Will said, "let
me know when he's about to cum. I'll fill his ass at the same
time he fills your mouth."
Billy didn't respond, leaving Will to wonder if his partner was so
lost in what he was doing to Rod that he didn't hear. However,
a few minutes later, Billy interrupted his sucking long enough to
say, "Let `er rip, Will!"
Rod stiffened and moaned loudly when he felt Will's cum fill his
bowels and he filled Billy's mouth with a series of explosive
blasts of his own cum.
When they had all recovered, they lay in bed with their naked
bodies pressed firmly against each other. "Thanks, guys," Rod
said. "That was an experience of a lifetime. And much better
than I imagined it would be." Billy and Will both grinned,
knowing they had given Rod such pleasure and had thoroughly
enjoyed the experience. Although neither would admit it for a
long time, they hoped for the opportunity of having similar
recreational sex with other men.
Soon, Billy propped himself up on an elbow, looked across Rod
in the middle of the bed, and said, "Told ya so! There's room for
three in this bed."
Not willing to concede defeat even though their earlier argument
was fake, Will said, "Sure. For sex. But not for sleeping all
night."
"I think Billy's right," Rod said. "But don't get into another
pretend argument. Instead, we can prove it to you. If you'd like
to spend the night here with me, I'd be even happier than I am
now."
"That's kind of you, Rod," Will said. "But Billy and I have to get
up early and report to the Base by 0700. It'll be Saturday and
you probably want to sleep late."
"Nonsense," Rod said. "I get up early even when I don't have to
work. I've found it's better to maintain a constant schedule.
Besides, I'd want to get up early anyway to say goodbye to you
two."
"Okay," Will said. "But I'd like to shower now. All that steamy
sex made me work up quite a sweat."
"I think we all need a shower," Rod grinned. "How about we
shower together?"
"Good idea," Billy said. "I think there'd be room for three of us.
A little cozy but nothin' wrong with that."
"It'd be too crowded," Will said, hoping to playfully revive an
argument.
"No it wouldn't, Will."
"Yes it would!"
"Hold on, guys!" Rod interrupted. "There's no need for another
mock argument. We're friends now. Very good friends. Let's
just do it and enjoy ourselves."
It was crowded in the shower but, under the circumstances, that
was an advantage. They used every opportunity to engage in
intimate contact. They were comfortable enough that no
fabricated excuses were necessary to fondle each other. Nor to
meticulously explore bodies with special emphasis on cocks that
started flaccid but responded by coming to full, upright attention.
Billy was the only one to ejaculate, however; neither Rod nor
Will had the urge.
They returned to bed and lay down with Rod sandwiched
between Will and Billy, both of whom laid a leg and an arm
across the muscular stud who had been amply rewarded for his
hospitality.
"You guys are amazing," Rod said. "You're partners and I envy
you for that. You're willing to have sex with somebody else and
confident it won't jeopardize your relationship. I can only hope
that when I find a partner he's as loyal and open-minded as you
are. There's something else that amazes me. Both of you are
fantastic in bed ... as good as any guy I've ever been with. But
what's amazing is that two sex buddies MORE than doubles the
pleasure. I can't thank you enough."
"We're the ones who should be thanking you," Will said.
"Opening up your home to us was awfully generous."
"There's `nother thing we oughta thank ya for," Billy quickly
added. "The sex was fantastic!"
They lay contentedly for a short time before Rod said, "I'm
worried."
"About what?" Will asked.
"You've assured me that having sex with you wouldn't hurt your
love for each other. But look at us. I've already come between
you two." His bedmates chuckled at the joke. "But maybe I can
resolve the problem," Rod said. He reached down with both
hands and gently cupped the two flaccid cocks that were
pressed against his hips. "There," he said. "Now I've sort of
connected you again."
"I'll go you one better," Will replied. "Billy, let's hold hands ... on
top of this stud's cock."
They fell asleep in that position, each of them blissfully happy.
<><><><><>
The alarm clock blared at five in the morning and startled Will
and Billy who had to shake the cobwebs out of their brain before
realizing where they were and recalling the glorious evening of
sex they had enjoyed with Rod. They both had morning
woodies and a compelling urge to empty their bladders. They
scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Rod was not
far behind. The three stood around the toilet with their arms
around each other and playfully crisscrossed their steams of
piss.
"You have to be at the Base at 0700?" Rod asked.
"Yes!" came a duet reply.
"Does that leave time for a quickie?" Rod asked.
Agreement was immediate and eager. They hurried back to
bed, arranged themselves in a triangle, and began sucking. Will
took Rod's cock since Billy had it to himself the night before.
Rod brought Billy back to full erection. Billy worked on his
lover's cock. Within fifteen minutes, all three horny men
achieved climax amid a chorus of moans.
They would have preferred to cuddle for a long, blissful time but
regretfully got out of bed. Billy and Will rushed through dressing
but Rod only slipped on a robe. By half past six, the two sailors
and the former sailor stood at the front door to say goodbye.
"It was a delight having you here, guys," Rod said. "Especially
last night."
"We all enjoyed last night," Will grinned. "And we're grateful for
your hospitality."
"You know, of course," Rod said, "that you're welcome any time.
I know you'll be shipping out soon but maybe if you get back
and have some leave we could get together."
"That'd be wonderful," Billy gushed.
"Between now and then," Will said with a note of sadness in his
voice, "Billy and I will have to endure being on the same ship but
not together ... if you know what I mean."
Rod frowned and said, "It will be tough, I know. But be careful.
One mistake and you're doomed. The bigots -- especially the
brass -- won't tolerate any infraction ... or even the suspicion of
an infraction. Above all, never forget your love for each other.
That will make your lives more difficult because you can't
express your love but take the long view. Your Navy days will
end and you can be together for the rest of your lives."
The advice was unnecessary. Both Billy and Will had given a
lot of thought to surviving the frustration of not being able to be
intimate with the man they loved. Since discovering their mutual
love, however, neither of them had dared to bring the subject
up; both had chosen to live the current moment to the fullest.
Unknown to the other, each had been haunted by the chorus in
a song that aptly describes the misery ahead:
So close.
Yet so far away.
We believe in tomorrow and a better day.
We lie down to sleep
So close.
Yet so far away.
(Lyrics by Rick Giles, George Green, Daryl David Hall)
<><><><><>
Will and Billy boarded the Brighton just after ten in the morning.
Loading the hold with more supplies and heavy equipment for
Vietnam would ordinarily require about ten hours but an
additional delay was caused by the need to secure and load a
launch to replace the one that had been destroyed while
searching for the downed airman on the nameless island near
Guadalcanal. Departure was scheduled for midnight. The first
thing the two secret lovers did was to go to their lockers and
change into regulation uniforms. They hadn't been aboard for
an hour when they got a message from the Captain ordering
them to report to him immediately.
"I s'pose he's wantin' to explain why we lost the launch," Billy
said.
"No doubt," Will replied. "All we can do is tell him what
happened and hope he doesn't hold it against us."
"Think he will?" Billy asked anxiously.
"Hard to say, Billy. But I have a hunch he'll believe us when we
say it was unavoidable."
"You wanted to see us, Sir?" Will asked when he and Billy
arrived at the Captain's office.
"Yes. Come in. Sit down. I have some questions for you."
The interview took more than an hour during which the Captain
took notes for the paperwork he would have to submit to the
Admiral. Two things in the description of the mission seemed to
be of particular interest to the Captain. The first was sighting
and attempting to avoid the mine. The second seemed less
relevant to the report he would have to submit: foraging for food
on the island and the treatment of the wound without proper
medical supplies. By prior agreement, Will and Billy said
nothing about Sean's fatalistic attitude nor about his apparent
resentment over being subordinate to a less senior seaman.
The only unexpected information came when Will said, "I
suppose you'll be talking to Wilcox ... for additional facts and to
verify our account."
"Unfortunately," the Captain said, "I can't do that. He's been
detained on Base for psychological evaluation."
Both Billy and Will were surprised at the news but Will managed
to ask without thinking, "What's the matter with him? He
seemed okay when we last saw him."
"I don't know," the Captain said. "And if I did, I wouldn't tell you
... because of patient confidentiality. His duties aboard the
Brighton will be taken over by a new member of the crew."
There was an air of finality in the Captain's response so Will did
not probe any further. But both he and Billy were curious and a
little concerned about their shipmate even though he had been
a pain in the ass during the mission.
"I think I have the information I need," the Captain said. "But
there's a personal matter that I need to discuss with you,
Benson. Simpson, you're dismissed. And thanks for filling in
the blanks for me."
Billy rose, did a smart about-face, and left. Will was left to
wonder what the personal matter might be.
The Captain grew as visibly nervous before saying, "I'm going to
do something that I've rarely done during my career and that's
to intrude into the personal affairs of those under my command.
I try very hard to restrict my dealings with subordinates to things
that are clearly relevant to their military duties. But I'm between
a rock and a hard place. First of all, let me assure you that what
I'm about to say in no way influences my assessment of your
abilities or your future in the Navy. Secondly -- as I'm sure
you're aware -- the `old boy' network is as important and useful
in the Navy as anywhere else. That's a long and maybe
confusing introduction to what I want to say so let me get right to
the point. I've received a message from Captain Williamson at
Great Lakes. I served under him once and he was instrumental
in getting my promotion to command a ship of my own. I owe
him a favor ... several, in fact ... this is one of them. He's asked
me to talk to you about an apparent estrangement with your
family. Apparently, your father is worried about you because he
hasn't heard from you since you enlisted. I'm guessing this is
more than the typical concern of a father for his son. For
Captain Williamson to ask that I speak to you, it must be a very
serious problem."
Having exhausted the excuse for bringing the subject up, the
Captain paused. Will said nothing. He was too busy trying to
quell the anger that seemed to engulf him and fighting the urge
to lash out at his autocratic father. It maddened him that he
couldn't escape his father's compulsive need to control every
aspect of his son's life. But prudence prevailed. He had made
the mistake of voicing his anger to Captain Williamson in Basic
Training. It was either that or his father's continuing interference
that got him assigned to the engine room of a cargo ship. It was
a mistake he vowed not to repeat.
"Anything to say, Benson?" the Captain asked.
"No, Sir."
The Captain was not about to drop the subject and asked, "Is
there a reason you haven't been in touch with your parents?"
The phrasing of the question did not allow for evasion. "Yes,
Sir. But I'd rather not discuss it. Don't get me wrong. I'm
grateful for the things my parents did for me as a child."
"You're not a child anymore but you're still their son and always
will be. And ... forgive my meddling into your personal life ... but
they are naturally concerned about your welfare. Don't you
think it's fair to let them know you're all right?"
Will was conflicted. He had to agree with what the Captain said
about parents' interest in their children's health and happiness.
But he still resisted the temptation to explain why he had
consciously distanced himself from his family. Hoping the
conversation could be ended, he replied, "Yes, Sir."
"Then can I assume you'll contact them?"
It was not an order but the situation and the tone of the question
left only one conclusion: it was clearly an emphatic request.
"Yes, Sir."
"Good," the Captain said. "That'll be all. For now."
Upon leaving, Will complimented himself for not saying, `I've
rejected their lifestyle and values because of their snobbery ...
their disapproval of my every action ... their obsessive need to
control me and shape me into their distorted image of perfection
... and their constant demeaning of my individuality.' The
Captain's assessment of the conversation was quite different.
His initial objective was to do a favor for a colleague. That he
did. But he also had other motives: to restore family bonds and
to mentor an extremely promising young man who -- he hoped
-- would become a valuable asset to the Navy.
In the meantime, Billy had been worrying over why the Captain
wanted to speak with Will in private. Was it a discussion of
Will's potential and possible promotion? That would no doubt
mean separation from his lover. Was it an assessment of his
behavior and competence on the mission? His Southern roots
and relative lack of education may condemn him to menial
duties for the rest of his time in the Navy. Or was it something
else? He just didn't know. So as soon as he saw Will return, he
asked, "What'd the Captain wanna talk to ya `bout?"
Will replied, "If anybody else asked me that question I wouldn't
answer. But you're special to me. I promised you I'd always be
honest. That's important. It seems my father is continuing to
take advantage of his network to keep tabs on me. He sent
word through his connections to the Captain that I haven't
contacted my family since enlisting. My father claims to be
worried about me, which is pure bullshit. It infuriates me, Billy.
The bastard is still trying to control my life. In the process, he's
involved people -- like the Captain -- as his henchmen to make
me toe the line. You know how I resent my father's dictatorial
ways. Now he's poisoning the opinion of people around me,
people who have no need and no right to know about my
personal family troubles."
"Ya said ya would always be honest. I will, too. I haven't said
this before but I think ya oughta at least write t'say yur okay.
First off, yur dad may really be wonderin' and worried `boutcha.
Second, it'd maybe stop him from pesterin' ya by churnin' the
waters `round ya."
Will took a moment to digest and process what his lover had
said. His first conclusion was a reaffirmation of his respect for
Billy's character and wisdom. He had to agree with the logic of
his argument. Speaking softly so as not to be overheard, he
said, "Thanks, Billy. You're right ... as usual. If we weren't
aboard the ship I'd give you a hug and a kiss to show you how
much I appreciate and love you."
"I'll collect later," Billy grinned. "Count on it!"
To be continued.
Author's Note: I'm grateful to Iatia for his support and editing.
I'm honored to have such a good friend.