Devil Dawg Donnelly

Devil Dawg Donnelly's Standard disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or actual events is purely coincidental.

You may contact the author at ulfr57@gmail.com All comments, suggestions and/or observations are welcome if presented respectfully.

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Part Twenty One:

As Brock Gryzinski turned off the main highway and now headed down the gravel road leading to the Devil Dawg Compound, he couldn't help but recall the events that led him to where he was now, especially the ones over the last three days since that momentous and revelatory meeting with Max Donnelly.

He didn't really want to dwell on what Max had ordered him to do with his wife, just thinking back on it made him feel slightly nauseous, it definitely had made for the longest couple of hours in his life, but Max had been right, his wife certainly enjoyed herself, that is right up until the point afterward, as they sat on the bed together and nervously telling her that the reason he had never done that to her before was because he was gay; for propriety sake he left out the part where Max had ordered him to do it, that would have hurt her, and he knew telling her that their marriage was now over was going to be painful enough for her, the last thing he wanted was to cause her more distress than his deception already had.

He'd always known that the woman he married was a rather naive person, not stupid, but trusting to a fault, that's why it didn't surprise him that after he told her that he was gay and that's why he had never performed oral sex on her before, the first thing she assumed was that he was now cured or somehow overcome his gayness and him eating her pussy was his way of proving it to himself; Brock felt twice as bad as he looked into her smiling hopeful eyes before he told no, that he did it to prove he was gay to himself, a minor lie, but the truth would have just added to the pain she was already feeling after telling her he wanted a divorce.

He knew she would be devastated, he anticipated the tears, but he didn't think for a minute she would want to try and stay together despite his sexuality and said she'd do anything to save their marriage, he was certain that offer fell short of him having sex with other men.

It took him awhile, but he finally got her to understand that saving their marriage wasn't an option and after talking for awhile made her realize that she would be so much better off with a man that could love her fully and completely and that he also deserved to be with someone that he could do the same with.

What didn't surprise Brock, was after all was said and done, she expressed her concern for him, especially in telling his family, if that was something he intended to do, she proved time and again throughout their four year marriage, what a selfless person she was and this time was no different.

Brock knew, in many ways, he was gong to miss her, but one thing he now knew for an absolute certainty, he would never have to fuck or eat a vagina again.

As Brock drove down the twists and turns in the road he also ran through the list of other orders Max had given him, he'd packed as many of his uniforms and clothes that he could get into the backseat of his truck along with all the toiletries he used and a few other sundry personal items and had found a nice cheap motel to stay at.

Once he got settled into his room he got his phone and called a lawyer friend he had used numerous times and told him about wanting to file a petition for divorce, he made the conversation short, not really wanting to go into the personal details just that he wanted an equitable split of any joint property, his friend assured him he could drop by in the morning and he'd have the paperwork drawn up, ready for him to sign to get the ball rolling and that it would probably take about 30 to 40 days before the divorce would be legally finalized.

The rest of the evening Brock had spent compiling and categorizing the numerous requisition forms and applications Max had given him and also filled out and signed the provided transfer papers, which he could drop off after he finished at the lawyers in the morning.

Thursday had been pretty much a blur of activity for him, usually he liked to squeeze an hour or so at the gym in the morning, but he had to skip it that day.

He was thankful that it really didn't take that long at the lawyers office and only a few minutes to submit his already signed transfer papers at Admin/HQ all of which he was thankful for, because processing all of Max's requisitions and work order applications, even despite the fact he had spent hours the night before working on organizing them to the various agencies and departments they had to go too, it still took him until almost nineteen hundred hours that evening to finish up.

Even without compiling the cost report on everything he had processed Thursday, he knew the number had to be in the millions, and in the back of Brock's mind at the moment, as he made his final approach to the compound, with all that he had set in motion, he had to wonder if Max somehow had finagled getting the Pentagon to fund his own personal Marine Corps. base, one thing was for sure, this place was about to be deluged with equipment, supplies and contractors within the next couple of weeks and Brock was certain that the reason Max had him transferred here was because he would be the one that had to keep it all organized.

For most men, this would be rather daunting and terrifying, but for someone like Brock, it was like a conductor conducting an orchestra in a symphony he had written and as Brock pulled into the Devil Dawg Compound parking lot and saw all the shirtless, young Marines dressed only in their PT olive drab silkies busily being led by a huge, hairy, muscular mountain of a man vigorously putting them through some rather intensive calisthenics, he couldn't help but leer wantonly at them, especially the big one, as their bodies glistened and dripped with a very shiny patina of manly sweat.

Maybe, Brock thought to himself as he got out of his truck carrying his copy of the transfer orders Max gave him to present to Carl McGregor along with an envelope and small oblong box , that it wouldn't be so bad here after all.

Thursday night had gone remarkably well all things considered JD thought to himself, while busily pulling himself together Friday morning.

He had slept in longer than he had realized, awakened only by the ring of his phone which he had recharging on his bedside nightstand.

Just as he thought, it was Jason, sounding way too chipper for that early in the morning confirming he was on his way over to pick JD up.

After dinner the night before, he had ushered Jason into the living room as his dad escorted Timmy into his bedroom only to reappear about ten minutes later to join them.

Though he didn't think Jason picked up on it, JD knew his dad well enough to know when he was pumping someone for information, having been through it himself many times over the years and for some reason his dad continued throughout the evening to get Jason to talk about himself, especially about his childhood and about where he grew up in North Carolina.

He had stopped questioning Jason about his dad after Jason had stated he never knew his father, didn't even know who he was, what he did or even what his name was, because his mother didn't like to talk about him for some reason, speculating at his dad's behest, that something upsetting must have happened because anytime Jason had tried to bring up topic of his father, his mom would either change the subject or get upset.

The most awkward part of the evening though came when his dad started asking Jason about girls and dating, his dad listening intently as a visibly uncomfortable Jason skirted some of the more lurid details of his past encounters until his dad just brazenly asked him if he was still a virgin.

JD was not only embarrassed by his dad's question but also felt embarrassed for Jason as he awkwardly fumbled to find a response, looking nervously over to JD, his eyes conveying his silent, unspoken plea for help: "He's made out with a few girls but he's never gotten to third base before dad" JD answered for him, obvious relief showing instantly on Jason's face as he mouthed the words "Thank you" at him while his dad had turned to listen to JD.

It further shocked JD when his dad informed Jason that he should stay that way and went into the full family code thing and his whole spiel about waiting until after he was eighteen and living on his own and being able to make mature informed decisions, even going on about all the young men he had known throughout the years that had ruined their lives with unwanted pregnancies, even looking over uncomfortably at JD when he said it, with a still very blushing and embarrassed Jason, head bowed, just taking it in, all of which turned into the most bizarre segway into his dad inviting Jason and his mother over for an early dinner Sunday afternoon and then grilling him about his mom.

By the end of their conversation JD found out his mom was a professor of biology specializing in genetics and fertilization, that she was roughly about his dad's age and was a terrible cook or as Jason concluded, spectacularly bad and that she was also a workaholic, if she wasn't working she was reading, usually something eggheady as Jason had put it.

His dad had even gotten Jason to tentatively agree to swear off dating girls until he was old enough and responsible enough, Jason surprising JD by looking over at him with a grin and giving him a wink, responding he didn't think that would be a problem, eliciting an awkward blush from JD.

They had talked so much that evening that they had lost track of time until Jason received a text message from his mom asking where he was and if he was going to be home soon.

Jason had responded, getting up and stating it was later than he thought and he should be getting home, having borrowed his mom's car and wanting to stay on her good side since she didn't often let him do so.

JD remembered how his dad kind of stupefied him when he suggested that he and Jason should start working out together and recommended that maybe they could go to the base gym together the next morning.

Jason had beamed at the idea at first stating he'd never been on a military base before and usually worked out at home, but then added he didn't know if his mom would let him borrow the car or not, concluding he'd have to ask her first then get back to JD, but adding he definitely would be up for it.

As his dad bid them both goodnight and JD walked Jason out the front door stopping on the front porch, he couldn't help wonder if Jason would attempt to conclude the evening the same way as the previous night: "So..." Jason began softly: "Do you think I made a good impression on your dad?"JD couldn't help but notice how close Jason stood to him, sure he could feel the heat radiating off his body.

With a slight chuckle JD mused: "I think you must have done something right, my dads never been that interested in one of my friends before."

JD didn't know why, but he wasn't too surprised when Jason shuffled even closer to him, his right hand coming up to rest on his JD's hip as his muscular thighs touched his.

"Is that all I am to you.." He paused, a quizzical look on his face, perceptible at that close of a range even in the darkness before continuing: "Am I just a friend?" he queried.

"Honestly..." JD sighed: "I don't know what I'm feelin' right now..'he paused again, he could feel Jason's body begin to stiffen up slightly as his hand began to withdraw slowly from his hip and his head bowed slightly, but just as his hand slid from away, JD surprised himself by reaching out with his left hand, taking Jason's retreating right hand into his, holding it gently.

"You know everything that's going on in my life, most of it has my head swimmin' to the point I don't know whether I'm coming or goin' and last night.."he paused, his voice growing thick, almost trailing away, before concluding by grasping Jason's hand firmly and squeezing it: "I'm not saying no for what it's worth."

Jason looked up, locking eyes with JD and pulling JD's hand up between them and clutching it next to his chest, drawing closer to him again as he smiled: "I can work with that" and once again leaned forward planting his thick moist lips softly against JD's and gently kissing him and without even thinking about it, JD found himself kissing him back and just like the night before, Jason pulled back with the biggest grin on his face and wishing JD a good night before disappearing into his vehicle promising to call him the next morning and letting him know if he could borrow his moms car again.

Once again JD had stood there, as he watched him drive off, dumbfounded by his own actions but oddly feeling a warmth inside he had never felt before, along with a sense of nervous anticipation and a raging boner.

Having ordered the men to unload the M1165 MTVR of all the equipment and supplies, Carl McGregor surveyed the various items and checked them off against the list provided by Gysgt. Brock Gryzinski, who stood beside him still impishly ogling peripherally the sweaty, scantily clad Marines hauling the provisions and equipment from the troop transport he arrived in.

Carl was particularly happy to see the communications equipment and portable relay system that once set up would allow them their own mobile wifi network, Brock had even thought to double down on the energy requirements by bringing both a generator and solar panel array they could set up on the roof of the Lodge which would supply the meager current necessary to operate everything; the whole system had a rechargeable battery storage backup more than capable of supplying electricity enough to not only power the communications equipment but more than a few lights at night.

Brock leaned in and whispered in Carl's ear: "I also brought a coffee maker and bean grinder Sgt."

Carl sighed happily at the thought of a nice hot cup of freshly ground coffee: I could kiss you right now" Carl sighed, jovially.

"Maybe later?" Brock retorted eyeing Carl up and down suggestively with a slight grin crossing his face adding a knowing wink for good measure.

"If you two are done eye fucking each other..." Danal Cornelius interjected as he walked up behind them: "One or both of you might want to head inside and supervise the set up of all these doohickies this pretty little thing brought with him." Brock looked more than a little surprised when Danal gave him a swift smack on the ass and openly fondled and squeezed his left butt cheek: "Don't look so shocked" Danal continued, his usual smile turning into his trademark mischievous grin: "A pretty girl like you better get use to having a busy dance card" He said lecherously, adding with a twinkling wink of his left light bluish gray eye: "Especially being here isolated with a bunch of young stallions chomping at the bit to prove their virility and eligibility."

"That's enough teasing old man" Carl interjected, barely being able to contain the chuckle he was suppressing at the sharp spike of hormonal activity emanating from Brock after Danal's lurid tauntings.

Carl took pity on Brock herding him away from Danal and into the Lodge where several of the men were busily unpacking the equipment he had brought.

Watching as Brock switched focus almost instantly into his role as gunnery sergeant and began issuing instructions on what goes where, Carl couldn't help but be impressed by the man's professionalism and knowledgeability, organizing the men present into specific tasks replete with instruction sheets on set up specifications and placements.

In short order, he had the men busily performing their task as Brock pulled Carl with him outside to see to the set up of the solar panels and the portable generator.

"These are all temporary solutions" Brock said to Carl, as he handed out specification sheets to the two men assigned to assist in the generator set up and then to the two delegated to mount the solar panels to the roof of the Lodge.

Barely stopping to make eye contact with Carl, while he whirled from one task to the next Brock halted momentarily: "Within the next two weeks this place will be crawling with contractors installing the main electricals and plumbing."

Carl sighed at the thought, knowing Max had Brock set in motion what would forever shatter the peaceful rustic charm of the compound into a bustling command center and training facility with all the modern conveniences they usual came here to get away from, but change had become Max's mantra and this growth and expansion into the modern day was a necessity if they hoped to be successful in what they envisioned for the future, still, he couldn't help but wax rhapsodic at the loss of something that had been for so long their oasis of quiet serenity.

"Don't worry to much Carl" Danal interjected as he approached him, Brock veering off to check the last of the items being removed from the vehicle, as Danal interrupted his moment of quiet reflection and revelry, walking up beside him and placing his hand warmly on his shoulder knowing exactly the thoughts running through his mind: "The ceremonial grounds won't be touched..."He said softly, almost reverently: "Some traditions are worth preserving for future generations to enjoy."

"I know..." Carl mused distractedly, his thoughts still dwelling on past outings here with Max and the boys, watching on, seated next to him as the boys splashed and played in the crystal clear, cool waters of the pristine lake on hot summer days and at night running naked with Max in the woods until they were all hot, sweaty and out of breath, exhaustedly crumbling to the ground on some mossy patch and making passionate love beneath the moon and stars and Carl wishing it could be like that forever, just Max, him and the boys, without a care in the world.

"I had a second epiphany as well yesterday Danal, one I've been toiling over ever since." He added thoughtfully.

Carl could feel Danal's warm hand gently squeeze his shoulder as he stood there beside him: "Maybe it's time you headed back to Max, I think that young Corporal and I can handle things for now." He said softly. once again proving how well, at least in part, he could read the change in Carl's mood and thoughts.

"You know..."Carl hesitantly started as the cool breeze blew across the water of the lake to caress his face and short sandy colored hair: "I have to wonder, if after everything is said and done, if Max could ever go back to like it was in those days, being together one on one..." It was more of a statement than a real question as he turned his head to meet Danal eye to eye before continuing: "I have to wonder, if he would even want too again, or more precisely if he ever did want that in the first place or have I just ever been a means to and end for him, just another tool in his arsenal?"

For once, Carl could read Danal's mood, see his thoughts, knowing his mentor didn't have any answers or insights to assuage him, offering instead: "He does love you Carl, but what Max does or doesn't do in the future can only be answered by him."

"That's just it..." Carl interjected briskly: "As evidenced by this week, you have shown me that Max doesn't tell me everything, he doesn't trust me the way he expects me to trust him.." There was a bit of fire in Carl's eyes as he addressed Danal firmly now: "And neither do you!"

Danal withdrew his hand from Carl's shoulder, his eyes narrowing as the full force of his focused awareness surveyed Carl speculatively, Carl knowing he was now treading thin ice but dismissing the potential warning signs of garnering Danals ire: "Despite what you or Max think..." He continued, his voice full of conviction bordering on defiance: "I am not some child to be placated and manipulated to achieve his and your goals!" Carl could see Danal tense up, knew he was on the edge of responding with the same anger and authority he had unleashed on Paul Lakatos: "You and Max go on and on about change, but when you speak of it, you only do so from the perspective of others needing too..." Carl stepped closer to his old friend, placing both hands on his very tense shoulders, matching the fire in his eyes with the courage of his own realizations: "What about the two of you, how am I , or others for that matter, supposed to believe the two of you want change when both, at east from my perspective, are just as guilty of doing things the same old way you always have?"

Carl could see the fire slip from Danal's eyes, the tension in his shoulders was still there, but Carl new he now had his attention: "All I'm saying Danal, is change works both ways..." He paused letting that sink in before concluding: "From this moment on, if you and Max expect me and others like myself to continue on this path then the way you do things needs to change as well."

Carl saw the twinge in Danal's eyes, a spark of awareness igniting synaptic cohesion as a myriad of thoughts coursed through Danal's brain simultaneously.

Carl nearly jumped reflexively as Danal unexpectedly threw his arms around him hugging him close and as his old friend lifted him up of the ground and began swirling him around like a rag doll, Carl couldn't help but wonder if maybe he had pushed the old man over the edge until he started laughing, lowering Carl to the ground and kissing him right on the mouth.

"Thank you!" Danal said exuberantly, the smile on his face spreading ear to ear as he once again clutched Carl close to him, patting his back repeatedly as a confused Carl queried: "For what?"

Danal's voice boomed with laughter: "For showing me that an old dog can still be taught new tricks, my beautiful boy!"

Carl didn't know how to respond, choosing instead to just hug his mentor back, surprised he was still standing after confronting him the way he did.

A few moments passed before Danal gently pushed him back at arms length: "I have a confession young pup..."Danal beamed , the joy that spread across his face only secondary to the enthusiasm of his lilting voice: "In case you haven't noticed, I've been grooming you for years!" Danal laughed again at the confused look that now crossed Carl's visage before he asked quizzically: "Grooming me for what exactly, to fetch your newspaper or your slippers old man?"

Danal grew more introspective as he cautiously drew Carl into the memories of his own youth: "Do you remember how we first met?" He asked, his voice low, calm and steady: "It wasn't by chance we met when we did, it was arranged by Marcus."

The quizzical look on Carl's face, confirmed to Danal what he had always suspected, that Marcus had never divulged that little tidbit of information.

Danal carefully laid out in detail how Marcus had contacted him saying he thought he had a candidate that might meet most of the requirements to be trained as Danal's apprentice and future replacement on the council.

Danal imparted how he had wrongfully assumed that Marcus was speaking of Max, but when he arrived to discuss the matter further with him, he was surprised to learn that Marcus had indeed meant Carl.

Carl stopped him, holding up his hand, positing: "The council would never consider me a viable or acceptable candidate, so why would Marcus consider that an option?"

Carl could see that Danal now struggled, growing more pensive before responding, relaying his unvarnished account of events as they transpired back then.

He told Carl that though Marcus loved him like one of his own, he had felt that Carl had become a distraction for Max and wanted Max totally focused on his future as Marcus's replacement as leader of the southern region and rightful heir to the compound, but also noting your keen intellect and your innate ability to access difficult but nuanced situations, usually with a clear and level headed approach.

The one exception to that, was when it concerned matters having anything to do with Max, he did see Carl, after years of training, assuming an advisory role with Max, but thought if he could separate the two of you before you came into your Heritage, that it would eventually be easier to steer Max into the role he had mapped out for him.

Carl interjected at that point his own recollection from that painful time: "So it was Marcus who sent me away with you, two months before Max's ceremony?"

"Yes" Danal said, bowing his head slightly before resuming his narrative.

Right from the start I had realized what a mistake it was to separate you from Max, you were inconsolable and sulked the entire time you were away from him." Danal elucidated: "Teaching or instructing you was pointless, you couldn't concentrate on anything and quite frankly the constant moping and whining was next to insufferable."

Danal smiled at Carl, his hands once again on Carl's shoulders holding them firmly: "Here's what you don't know from that time..." Danal paused, his eyes locking onto Carl's: "I wasn't the one that ended your separation, it was Marcus."

By the questioning look on Carl's face Danal knew, that even to this day, Carl didn't know the full truth about his and Max's reunion: "Your path was set by Marcus, I was stuck with you no matter how badly I might have wanted it otherwise for you."

Danal held Carl's shoulders, his hands almost caressing them: "It was Marcus who changed his mind and do you know why he finally did so?"

Carl just shook his head, still caught up in the distant painful memory from his youth, the feeling of extreme loss he felt during those four months, until that glorious day Danal had taken him back and he and Max were reunited.

"You silly boy..." Danal almost giggled at the recollection before concluding: "As bad as it was for me to keep you from Max during that time, by all of Marcus's accounts it was twice as bad for him trying to keep Max from you, especially after his and subsequently your Heritage ceremony."

Carl stared at Danal, he knew Max had told him when they reunited that he missed him too, but the picture Danal now painted was completely new to him, Danal pulled him back close to him.

"After your ceremony..."Danal was practically giggling in his ear: "Max was so determined to see you, Marcus had to have him physically restrained, it took six of Marcus's men to hold him down long enough to slip the chains on him and even then they had to keep a constant vigil on him because he kept snapping the chains..." Danal pulled back again, looking a now somber Carl in the eyes once again: "Marcus had to take to sedating Max and even then, he still constantly asked for you, after two months of dong that and not being able to get Max to focus on anything else, he finally relented and contacted me to bring you home."

Though Carl had never heard this aspect of his and Max's reunion, he had no reason to doubt it, Danal's respiration and heartbeat were steady and Carl could not detect any hint of deception in either his words or his mannerisms, that and the fact, this all sounded so much like a young Max, to downplay anything that might make him appear to be weak, always feeling like he had to be the best at everything to garner his fathers approval, even the fact he kept most of this from him, all to protect Carl and his own young masculine pride.

Danal spoke again, pulling Carl back to the present: "I've never told you because I knew Max would never have wished you to learn how he suffered without you, not to keep you in the dark but to protect you from the truth of your separation and his own father's hand in it, at the time, he knew how much that knowledge would have hurt you."

Danal lifted Carl's chin, his eyes twinkling like two stars in the nighttime sky: "All those times I told you I knew Max loved you and would always love you, wasn't just placation, it came from my personal experiences and recollections of those times, but also it comes from the way I see him look at you now, like he always has."

Danal stepped back from Carl and cleared his throat: "As you have helped me see the truth, I ask you to do the same..."Danal's expression became more stern, his voice deeper: "I suggest to you Carl McGregor, that you yourself, where Max is concerned, can not see the forest for all the trees." He paused once again, his countenance become more reflective: "As you have given me much to think about, I suggest you do the same, Danal fished into his pocket and pulled out his car keys tossing them at Carl: "Go home "apprentice" and speak to your man, tell him what you have told me, lay all your cards on the table and insist he do the same."

Carl looked at the keys in his hand and then up to his mentor and friend: "If by that you mean don't hold back, believe me I don't intend too."

Danal smiled again, placing his arm around Carl's neck as he steered him back toward the Lodge: "Might I suggest a more tempered approach with Max than the one you used with me, I've put a lot of effort into you and would like to keep you around long enough to succeed me on the council one day so I can finally get some peace and quiet away from you noisy kids."

As Danal and Carl approached the Lodge so Carl could give the unit his final instructions before his departure, he was once again joined by Gysgt. Brock Gryzinski who Carl noticed had a letter and a small oblong box in his hands which he presented to Carl, stating that Max had instructed him to present these to Carl with the stipulation that he in turn give them to someone named Atticus Walker, who was to open and read the letter in private with Brock present.

Danal laughed out loud and started merrily clapping his hands as Carl just stood there glaring back at Brock, knowing full well what was in the box and he strongly suspected what the contents of the letter were as well; Carl knew this was just another one of Max's pet projects and that he was once again being expected to play his part in it, the difference this time was however, that he was now doing so willingly, with full knowledge of what Max expected the outcome to be and Carl couldn't agree more.

Carl had already noted the difference in Brock and he was certain it had to do with his "meeting" with Max the other day, he couldn't exactly pinpoint what the difference was but he could definitely tell, by the way Brock comported himself, that his level of self confidence had been boosted and that he seemed less rigid and closed off; Carl also couldn't help but notice the absence of his wedding ring which Carl was equally certain was down to Max's handiwork and the perceptible way Brock now presented himself, like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders and just learning to test the boundaries that had now openned to him, all these things were like an open book for Carl to read.

Carl suddenly stiffened and ceased his line of thought, bowed his head, shaking it back and forth and letting out a loud audible groan, Danal stopped chuckling, giving Carl a quizzical sideways glance right before Carl turned to face him declaring: "OH My GOD... I am turning into you, you old bastard!"

Danal once again burst into laughter as Carl chuckled along beside him while a very confused Brock Gryzinski looked on, absentmindedly scratching his head wondering what the hell was so amusing.

It was right at that moment, as if by some prearranged cue, Atticus Walker sauntered up to them. both Danal and Carl couldn't help but notice the wide eyed intense appraising stare Brock gave Atticus as he approached them, they both giggled like school girls noting how his gaze instantly zeroed in and focused on the immense straining bulge obscenely flopping side to side beneath Atticus's olive drab silkies, unconsciously licking his lips as his eyes continued to visually assault his massive, shirtless, sweaty muscular and hairy body.

As Atticus came to a halt a few feet in front of them, in the traditional arms behind back, legs shoulder width apart parade rest, both Danal and Carl realized, even without their heightened senses they could detect the strong hormonal emissions emanating from Brock, the air around them was practically awash with the strong wafting scent of honey and freshly dug earth, but they also discerned , that he wasn't the only one broadcasting hormonally at the moment, as evidenced by the furtive sideways glances Atticus kept silently throwing his way.

"Sergeant..." Atticus boomed, in his deep, gravely and guttural voice: "I'd like to report that all equipment and supplies have been removed and secured."

Carl was certain he could hear an almost imperceptible moan coming form Brock, in obvious reaction to the bassy southern drawl that oozed like sweet molasses from Atticus's thick wide lips.

"At ease Corporal..."Carl began, still trying to stifle the case of giggles both he and Danal had succumbed too: "Since your done securing everything I would like to introduce to you the latest member of your team."

The quizzical look that overtook Atticus's expressions were in themselves almost comical and Carl still fought to control himself, fairing better than Danal who continued to snicker under his breath.

Carl did note how Atticus kept looking over at Brock like he had misread him, his face and mannerisms denoting his confusion.

What was evident was the fact everyone of his senses was telling him that Brock wasn't like him and his other men and he kept looking at Carl for some sort of explanation or clarification, for Atticus, Carl knew part of his confusion was the fact that Brock, as a Gunney, was clearly his superior rank wise and Max had made it abundantly clear to him multiple times that these men were his unit.

Carl decided to put him at ease, at least about part of his dilemma: "You heard correctly Corporal." Carl paused momentarily to give a still snickering Danal a stern consternated look before continuing: "Cpl. Atticus Walker, I'd like to formally introduce the latest member to your team Gysgt. Brock Gryzinski."

With the confusion still fully displayed across his face Atticus stepped forward, hand extended to Brock who cautiously reached up and allowed Atticus massive hand to clasp his.

Brock couldn't help but notice how Atticus's hand dwarfed his own, nor could he not help but appreciate the strength of his very firm grip.

Carl turned to face Brock, instead of addressing Atticus directly: "Gryzinski, Max wanted me to make this especially clear to you, that while you're here, your Marine Corps. rank means nothing, Atticus here..." Carl's hand swept upward indicating the large Kentuckian Corporal: "Atticus is in charge of this unit, this is HIS team and you are under his command and you are to follow his orders and instructions is that perfectly clear?"

Carl was pleased to see Brock heave too and assume the standard full attention posture, taking a two step pivot to face Atticus and announcing loudly and clearly: "Gunnery Sergeant Brock Gryzinski reporting for duty Team leader."

Carl was pleased to see a large portion of Atticus querying expressions fade from his face as his military training kicked in: "Noted and welcome to the Devil Dawgs Southern District Gryzinski!" Atticus said proudly before adding: "At ease and stand down."

Carl motioned for Atticus to walk with him as Danal took the opportunity to pick Brock's brain about all the special equipment he had brought.

When they had passed enough distance to be out of earshot of Brock, Atticus began asking the questions Carl knew were first and foremost on his mind: "I don't mean to question Max's orders, but is this really on the up and up?" Atticus looked over his shoulder at Brock as he busily talked to Danal: "He's not one of us Sergeant." Atticus concluded, his voice as much a whisper as the large man could manage.

Carl smiled at his consternation, knowing Max fully intended this to be a test of Atticus's leadership abilities.

"Would it help you to know that Brock is fully aware of who you and your men are?" Carl said, addressing him in a matter of fact tone.

Carl turned to face the still confused young Marine: "As I just did with Gryzinski let me now make this perfectly clear to you, you are treat him no differently than you do any of your other men, expect no more or no less from him as you do from any of them, he trains as they do and is subject to the same rules and conditions, is that understood Corporal?"

Carl was pleased to see Atticus's training and professionalism kick in as the consternation faded from his expression and dutiful diligence and purpose took its place as he responded: "Crystal clear Sergeant."

Carl chose that moment to present the letter with Atticus's name addressed on it and the small oblong box to him: "This letter is from Max, I do not know its contents nor do I want to know, they are for your eyes only." He began handing the letter and box over to Atticus: "Max's only other instructions was for you to take Brock to the cabin, where you will then open the letter and read its contents, he was absolutely insistent that Brock be there with you when you do so." Carl noted Atticus looking at the box questioningly: "No Atticus I do not know what's in the box, but I'm certain you're not supposed to open it before you read the letter."

Atticus looked him square in the eye before asking: "No time like the present Sergeant?"

Carl smiled back at him: "Your call team leader, dismissed."

Carl's grin broadened as he watched the young Marine veer off, jogging double time, halting only marginally as he approached Brock and Danal and ordering Brock to follow him.

Carl joined Danal who was still grinning wickedly, both knowing that the two young men were probably about to have a very interesting conversation.

"I think that's probably the last I'll see of those two for the rest of the day" Danal said half seriously half in jest.

Carl chuckled: "Knowing both Atticus and Brock, I think you better count on being in charge for the rest of the weekend.

Carl watched as a huge mischievous and lecherous grin spread across Danal Cornelious face: "Did you say I was in charge?" he cooed turning to eye the half naked young Marines meandering about busying themselves in absence of further instruction.

Carl laughed: "You know perfectly well Max said hands off old man, instruct yes, molest no."

Danal batted his eyes in feigned innocence: "Looking is not touching pup, now hit the road and get your ass back home."

Carl just laughed, and jogged over to Danal's vehicle and started it up, pulling out and turned around in the parking lot and headed in the direction of the road leading out of the compound, stopping only momentarily to watch in the distance as Danal shouted orders to the young half naked Marines, who all rapidly rushed to get into a line formation. As Carl watched in amusement, Danal barked more orders and Carl couldn't help but shake his head and laugh as each one of the men, in almost perfect unison, dropped their silkies and stood at full parade rest now completely naked.

Carl just shook his head as he stomped on the gas pedal and headed straight for the road leading the way out of the compound; he couldn't help but laugh as he checked in his rear view mirror as Danal had them all doing jumping jacks while he sat in a chair sipping a nice cold beer, smoking a cigar and enjoying the show.