Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:48:57 -0400
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: Caution_and_Courage_Part_5_of_8

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.