Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 23:34:16 +0000
From: Robert Me <winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: The Hut/17

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____________________________________________________________________________

BIG trouble.
____________________________________________________________________________

It soon got round the flotilla that they had never seen the Skip so
happy. Ok he was never miserable either, but this? He had gone to every
boat in turn as he always did before sailing checking the entire boat
with the captain and first officer, cracking jokes  as he went round,
taking the piss out of everyone and did not seem at all bothered about
the operation coming up that night.
"I recon he's just found out his girlfriend aint up the duff, or maybe he
got his end away last night. What do you think Chief?"
"I think that if you don't get that lot stowed away you wont be able to
get anyone up the duff, my boot and balls don't mix. Still, I will admit
he looks like I do on a Sunday morning when I'm on leave!"

Before going to his boat he had to go to the base post office to hand in
his letters to his father and Tony, then to the CO's office.
"All set Simon?"
"Yes, just the long wait, I hate this bit. No delays I suppose?"
"No, nothing has come through. Look Simon, just be careful, this is your
fifth drop and all without a problem, just be careful ok?"
"Thanks, but don't worry none of us are geting complacent, in fact just
the opposite. Sir, would it be alright if I go away this weekend? I would
like to see my friend who has just passed his Doctors finals and I would
like to take him out to celebrate."
"Why ask me, just tell me your going, you lot are being stood down anyway
in two weeks as you know, you all need rest." He went and phoned the
hospital and left a message for Tony that he would be there on Saturday
and could he put him up? "Just tell him its very urgent, thanks."

Simon got to the bridge and found Steven there. They looked at one
another and smiled, but Simon was smiling even wider.
"Your happy, what is it, you have dumped your boyfriend and you want me
to take his place, right?"
"Nothing of the sort. Steven have you ever had a dream that was SO real,
you did not know it wasn't until you woke up?"
"Oh yes. I have one every night dreaming that you would come to your
senses and force me into your room, strip my clothes off and make
passionate love to me."
"And what happens when you realize it was only a dream?"
"Simple, have a wank. Anyway, what was your dream about?"
"I was doing something so wrong that if it were true and not a dream, I
would have fucked my life up forever."
"Going to tell me what it was about?"
"No."
"Then it can only be about you and me having sex wasn't it and don't deny
it, that's the only reason you are so happy it was only a dream. Nobody
is that happy with only a few hours to go before we could all get killed,
AND if it wasn't about us, you would have told me." Steven looked at
Simon with a smug look on his face that Simon wished he could knock off.
"Yes, you are right. I'm sorry, but the relief when I woke up.........Oh
shit, sorry." Steven half smiled at Simon and seemed to shake himself
together.
"Right, lots to do. See you later Skip." He went to leave the bridge but
stopped and turned round to look at Simon, this time he was very serious.
"But you did have the dream Simon and that tells me something." Simon
looked out to sea and thought of Patrick and not for the first time
thought about relationships and how they must be held together on a very
thin wire. "I will NEVER be unfaithful to Tony and I'm sure he wouldn't
either, but what if he wasn't? I could have already have had "extras"
both with Patrick and now Steven. Fuck it, I cant wait to get to sea."

Tony rang Alan after he had rung Simon instead of first as he had
promised. The reaction was obvious and the congratulations genuine. "Tony
I have a little surprise waiting for you when you get back and some news
about both of us, but cant talk about it over the phone of course." Tony
was too wrapped up in his new status to think about what Alan was getting
at and all the way back kept saying over and over again. "I'm a Doctor,
I'm AM a Doctor. ME! A fucking DOCTOR!" But even more important he would
also be a surgeon trained to perform on the wounded from the D Day
landings and beyond. He, Alan and hundreds of others of the Royal Medical
Corps would soon be the reason why wives, sons, daughters, fathers and
mothers would have them home again.

Alan was at the station when Tony got in. "We have seven days off Tony
and I am taking you for a long weekend to Brighton where I have booked
our rooms and then to my home for the rest of the week. No arguing and
have no doubt you will be safe, even though I wish you did not have a
problem if you weren't! Does that make sense?"
"Not really, but it will be good to relax knowing I don't have to study
all of my free time now. When do we go?"
"We are on our way dear man, you will have enough of everything and what
you don't have, we will buy."

The agents and commandos arrived and stowed their gear on 998 and after
that they were taken to the crew room to wait until Simon told them to go
on board. There were 10 of them, no names were given except the leader,
Captain Brian Morrison of the 14th Commando Special Operations Unit.

It was that "dead" time when everything was prepared and ready to go, but
they would have to wait around until sailing hour and that was not for
another three hours.

Boats crews, commandos and agents were in the crew room trying to eat
their meals but nobody had much of an appetite and just sat around,
waiting for Simon to tell them all go to their boats which would be an
hour before they were due to leave. He sat there thinking about Tony and
looking at his "passengers" and wondering what the hell they were going
to do and how safe they would be? He had no idea why he did it, but
counted them, 9. "Someone's throwing up. I know I would."
He had to go to the toilet himself and while he was handling Tony's
favourite toy and thinking about him sucking it realised nobody else
was in there, so where was number 10?

During his training it had been instilled in him never to assume
anything, but question all that COULD be assumed, so he did, he needed to
know where number 10 was. He went back to the crew room and counted the
"passengers," still 9. He joined his own crew and chatted about nothing
in particular but thinking the whole time. He looked around at the
"passengers." Still 9.

"Steven, come outside and don't say anything stupid." Steven knew his CO
well and this was the time to be serious.
"One of our "passengers" is missing, go out and have a word with the
sentry's and ask them if anyone of these people are on board or have been
on any of the boats, especially ours. Simon went back in and waited, but
knew something was wrong, he just had a gut feeling about it. But, the
big problem was if this was some sort of sabotage attempt, how many of
them are involved? That Sherlock is the question and you had better come
up with a few answers, its not long before we sail.
The minutes ticked by and he began to cuss Steven, "where the hell are
you?" And then the door opened and number 10 came in and went to join his
team. Two minutes later Steven entered and wandered over to Simon. "That
bloke has been on 998 for about half an hour according the sentry's, they
just assumed he was clear to go on board. What's going on Simon?"
"Cant be sure, but I'm certain there should have been no reason for him
to go to 998 and if he needed to, he or the Captain should have asked
me first. No, some things up and the trouble is I don't know who else is
involved. Go to my office and ring Captain Osborne and ask him to get
over here now with 10 armed men. I am going to arrest the lot of them and
stop the trip. Tell Ossey we need to separate them and hand them over to
the MP's. I will also get the bomb people out to search 998 and their
kit, but lets get this lot arrested first, now go."

"Right everyone sit down I need to give you a weather update." He waited
for them all to settle down and began a weather report off the top of his
head."  Part way through it there was a hell of a noise outside as 10 men
wearing boots could not exactly creep up. The door flew open and they
poured in and followed Simon to the group pointing their rifles with
bayonets fixed at them. Everyone in the room could not be more surprised,
including the "passengers." Simon wondered if he had balls up.
"What the fuck is going on?" Captain Morrison shouted.
"Shut up, the only voice will be mine." He turned to number 10. "Why were
you on my boat for half an hour?"
"Checking equipment of course."
"Why did you not ask permission first? Did he ask you Captain?"
"No."
"Should he have a reason to be on board?" Morrison did not answer
straight away, he too was coming to the same conclusion as Simon had.
"No."
"Right, you are all under arrest and will be taken away for questioning
by the Military Police."
After they had gone Captain Osborne, Simon and the three boats captains
went to Simon's office and waited until Ossey had arranged a search of
998 by the bomb squad.
"Do you think they will find anything Simon?"
"In some ways I hope they do, I could be in deep poo other wise sir."
"No you wont, not as far as I'm concerned anyway. Whoever that man is, he
had no business to be on 998, they all know not to go on board once every
thing was stowed away, its a fucking war ship not a pleasure boat." Simon
felt a lot better hearing that.

The officer in charge of the bomb squad came in the office and put a
device on the table.
"We found two of these of these attached to two depth charges and very
well hidden, they would have blown you to smithereens. They were set for
03 30 what time were you due to land them?"
"03 00. Seems there will be Jerry's waiting for them and then watch us
blow up. I don't suppose they will get anything out of that bloke, he
must be a double agent, glad I don't have to interrogate him. What
happens now sir, shall we still go and just before 03 00 open up where
they would have landed?" Simon wanted to and was sure the others would as
well.
"I don't think so Simon, I am pretty sure they will want to keep the
Jerry's guessing. They are certainly going to have a long wait tonight.
Not only that, my thinking is there will be a large force of E boats
waiting to take on your other boats as well. This must have been planned
for sometime." Captain Osborne sent everyone out except Simon.
"I know you hate drawing attention to yourself, but I need to say well
done Simon, you have saved a lot of lives tonight. Both you and I need to
write a full report and when you finish yours give it to me and get
off for your weekend first thing tomorrow. Great stuff."

"I'm sorry Commander, but Lieutenant Tennant Williams has got seven days
leave and wont be back until next Friday."
"Oh right he will be going to my home then, I will ring my father."
"No sir, they have gone to Brighton and then they are going to Lieutenant
Forsyth's home from Tuesday until Friday according to the
contact information I have anyway and I am sure its correct. Would you
like the number of their hotel?" Simon's heart dropped.
"No thanks, I wont bother him. Thanks for your help." He put the phone
down and forced himself not to think, but instead rang his father.
"Hello dad, I have got a long weekend off. I should be home between 2 and
3."

Tony was still on a high as they got to their hotel, but did not feel
that comfortable and knew Simon would have a problem with this if he
knew. He made up his mind to call as soon as they got settled in. It was
a nice place and once he had unpacked and had a bath he went down to the
bar where they arranged to meet up for a drink before a meal. Alan could
not be happier, just being with Tony was all he wanted and even though he
would love for them to get closer, he was too much of a gentleman to push
things any further than where they were and if any thing
happened....................? It would be because Tony wanted it too.
Tony already knew of his feelings. Alan was not a Gary.

"Alan I need to call Simon and let him know I am here with you, he may
react badly, but he needs to know."
"Well, as far as we are concerned there is nothing for him to worry
about, but I can understand he will be upset. Of course you should call
him." As soon as they had finished eating Tony went to the telephone
booth in reception and rang Simon's base.
"He has got the weekend off sir and has gone home." Tony knew straight
away he would have called the hospital hoping for them to meet up. "FUCK!
He will know I'm not there and wondering where." He rang Andrew's home
and waited. No answer and guessed they were out in the pub. He was right.

"Never mind, call later he is bound to be in then. Its a lovely evening
lets go for a walk along the sea front." Alan was right, it was a lovely
evening and although still worried about Simon's reaction when he told
him he was in Brighton with Alan, he enjoyed the walk and had to admit
enjoyed the company, Alan was being what he promised he would be, a good
friend.

"Hello Doctor! Congratulations, bloody well done Tony. SIMON! He is just
coming down the ladder."
"Hello."
"Hello Simon...........how are you?"
"I'm fine.........just about to go to bed........and I expect you are as
well........How's Brighton?"
"Simon..........Its not what you think, I didn't know Alan had booked
this, he did it when I was away and just told me when he
picked.........."
"Picked you up? He certainly did. So he forced you to go there then? You
don't know how to say no? You did not think it would make me
feel........Ok, fucking jealous, I know that's bad, but I also know
people change, you should hear some of the married blokes on the base
with all the women here." There was a long silence.
"Simon, nothing is happening I promise you and it never will."
"It may when you get to his place on Tuesday...........Tony lets give it
a break, we both have different lives now and fuck knows when it will
finish."
"Are you saying we have finished? Simon NO..............! Please? Look
this is the truth, I was only thinking about qualifying and I was so
chuffed with myself and just went along with Alan's arrangements and did
not even think it would be a problem and only for one reason, there wont
be one. I love YOU Simon. How many more times do I have to say it and
when will you start to trust me?" Tony was near to tears and the next
thing that came out of his mouth he did not intend. "NO! fuck it. If you
cant trust me then we don't have anything. I have to trust you, and I do,
or did. How do I know you aren't fucking about. I know I'm not, but YOU?"
"Ok, maybe I am being a nasty.............."
"Yes you are and I don't deserve this. I'm going to hang up, but not
before I tell you there is no one else, only you, but you have to grow
up and if you ever do get back to me and tell me that
you................Oh fuck it, I'm going." Click.

"That went well Simon. I just hope when you two next meet and make up I
am out of the cottage, the fucking roof will cave in!" Andrew said good
night and pulled himself up the ladder thinking he would just have to
play cupid again. Simon sat there calling himself all the names he could
get his tongue too. "If Tony was not looking at another bloke before I
opened my big mouth, he could be now. Christ I really fucked that up."

"Look at it from his point of view Tony and if I am honest I did not
think this through too well, but then I did not have the motive that
Simon thinks I had. Look lets go back to the hospital and forget this and
going to my home Tuesday."
"No chance, I want to stay and go to your home, Simon will just have to
suffer as much as I am. We are doing nothing wrong and its for him to
work that out. Do you know Alan, its him not trusting me that hurts the
most." He sat there for some time and then smiled and looked at Alan.
"There is no way I am going to dump him though, I love him too much."
Alan sighed and wondered if he should play cupid, even though he didn't
want to. Two rather nice people may have wanted to get Simon and Tony
back together, but they would not have the chance.

"Alan, you said you had something to tell me about us?"
"I will be packing up in two weeks and go to a camp just outside
Southampton. I will help form a field hospital unit and train as a team.
You will stay on for three months to get more experience in the operating
theatre and after that you will join me. I am promoted to captain and you
my dear fellow will become a full Lieutenant. There will be four of
us surgeons and a staff of 20, not including the field medics. I don't
think it will be long before we go and invade and I'm sure we will be
amongst the first to land. Tony we are going to be very busy soon. Come
on, the bar is open."

Simon was half way through a letter to Tony in an attempt to make things
right when the phone rang. For some reason he thought it would be Tony,
but more in hope of being able to say sorry. He was very wrong, it was
Captain Osborne.
"I am sending a car for you, I need you back here, come to my office as
soon as you do."
"It will be quicker if my father brings me back sir."
"Fine, just get here as soon as you can."

Simon watched as his father drove away and once again cursed all those
responsible for this war and, again wondered how the hell just a handful
of men compared to the population of the world, could bring it to the
edge of destruction. The reports coming through were about
horrendous situations going on in Russia and all the countries the Nazis
now occupied. Nobody knew just how horrific it really was.

"Right, while you have been away all those hours a lot has been planned.
I was called to the Admiralty yesterday and met with Rear Admiral
Huntington and got some news for you which I am sure you will like. You
are to get three more Fairmiles and they will be here in a month, maybe
sooner. Any thoughts about captains?"
"Steven."
"Thought you would say that, you can tell him later. What about the other
boats?"
"Peter and Richard Thompson. They are good and I don't mean just
brothers."
"Right that's that then, do you mind if I appoint new officers and crew
as well?"
"Be my guest sir and thank you for agreeing to Steven."
"We both know the story about him I assume Simon?"
"Yes sir, oh and he would make a very good Lieutenant Commander and
second in command of the flotilla?"
"NOW your pushing it, but I will see what I can do. Simon the invasion is
not far away, the Germans must know its coming, but as far as we can tell
they don't know where and if they DO know, that's more than most of us
do! We are going full out attacking all along the north coast and there
is a big one tonight and including your boats there will be 50 out. As
much as anything we want to test their radar out. We hope they send
their E boats out we need to get rid of as many of them as possible
before the off. Right that's it, full briefing in two hours Commander."
Ossey looked at Simon, but it had not sunk in.
"Commander? Are you still with me?"
"Sir?"
"For fucks sake Simon LISTEN, you are promoted to Commander,
congratulations, its Rear Admiral Huntington's promotion for your efforts
on Friday and I could not be more pleased."
"Bloody hell I'm a bit young sir! Twenty two and a Commander? What will
the lads think? What will ANYONE think?"
"You will find out at the briefing, now get yourself to the clothing
store."

Simon had never been more embarrassed and if he had any doubts about the
reaction he need not have worried. As soon as he and the Captain walked
into the crew room there was quite a lot of disorder for some time, but
Steven helped no end when he whispered in his ear, "And who did you fuck
to get that?" Simon was creased up and became very relaxed. He even
forgot about his balls up with Tony, for a while anyway.

They set out three hours before they were due to take up their station at
the far eastern edge of the force and two miles off the Dutch coast. They
did not have targets to attack, but would cover the rest of
the MGB's from E boat's and hoped to engage them. They would meet up with
four MTB's and would sail together. The sea conditions were good and they
were able to power through at 20 knots.
"Steven."
"Yes Commander?"
"Shut up and be more disrespectful. We are getting three more boats very
soon."
"That's excellent Simon me old mate."
"You will take command of one of them."
"REALLY? Excellent me old mucker!"
"And you will become Lieutenant Commander."
"Now you are taking the piss your Excellency."
"And you will become second in command of the Flotilla." Steven looked at
Simon looking for signs of piss taking, seeing none he smiled a big one.
"Permission to give you a hug Commander?" Simon returned his smile.
"Maybe when we get back."

They arrived on station and met up with the MTB's who fell in behind
Simon's boats. They reduced speed to 10 knots and waited for the E boats
to turn up. After an hour patrolling they picked up radar contact on four
enemy boats and Simon ordered full speed. His boats got into line abreast
and 100 yards apart. The two groups came at one another at a closing
speed of between 50 and 60 knots. At maximum range Simon ordered his
boats to open fire and as the range closed they watched as the leading
German boat took many hits, which now included the 20mm guns and blew up.
They turned their fire to the next boat, but as another one came into
range the two boats on his port side directed their fire at them. Both
enemy boats were hit and withdrew so Simon ordered the MTB's to chase
them with their greater speed and they sank one of them. They continued
to chase hoping to find the other damaged E boat. 997 found it first and
damaged it further. The boat eventually stopped and abandoned it. 997 and
996 picked up the survivors and when they were all on board the
German's watched as their boat was sunk.
The patrol continued for another hour which would be the end of the
attack and set a course for home. It was an excellent operation sinking
three out of the four E boats and no damage to theirs. There was quite a
lot to celebrate when they got back.

After the debriefing everyone went off to bed and a well earned sleep,
but Steven got to him before that.
"Thanks Simon, you must have recommended me for my own boat and
promotion. I don't need to tell you what this means. I know I give you a
hard time making stupid comments about us, but I wont do that again I
promise."
"Why not? I don't have a problem with it, in fact I like it."
"No Simon, it would not be taking the piss with my comments now, I would
actually mean it, but can I give you that hug now?" Simon looked up and
down the corridor, it was empty. They cuddled and Simon thought of Tony.

Tony did not finish the three months at the hospital as he was told to go
and join Alan with his 4th RMC Field Hospital Unit. It was now the
beginning of May 1944 and being told to go early told him that something
was about to happen. He arrived at the base and was shown his room by
Alan. They spent the rest of the day talking about their FHU  and trying
to guess when and where they would be going.
"Have you heard from Simon?"
"No."
"Have you contacted him?"
"No."
"Fucking idiot."

The new Fairmiles arrived as well as the new crews. The newly promoted
Steven went off to organise his command.
"Good luck Steven, I'm going to miss you."
"I wont be far away Skip and will watch your back." He just could not
help himself. "And anything else you want me to watch as well."
"I thought you said you would stop that?"
"Habit and I also want to keep the interest up!"

Now with all seven boats operational they took on a number of patrols and
attacks on the coast lines. They did not see much action, but on one of
them they were attacked by four ME109's and took their first casualties
when three crew from 995 were killed. Apart from the sadness of the loss
it bought home the fact they had been living off borrowed time. For the
first time Simon had to write to the crew's families. It was to get worse
as a week later 997 was sunk and five crew with it. Simon had already
lost Spike, Brian and Patrick, now seven more friends, it was a massive
blow. It would get even more difficult.

"Tony, I can't order you to, but for goodness sake phone Simon's base and
talk to him. Make it all right between you two and then you can
concentrate on what we are here for my dear man."
"Am I being that much of a pain then?"
"Yes." He thanked Alan and went to their office and phoned Simon's base.
"I'm sorry Lieutenant, Commander Walsh is not available."
"COMMANDER Walsh?"
"Yes. Can I ask if you are related to the him?"
"No..........Just a friend." He put the phone down and knew that Simon
was in trouble. He rang Andrew.

"I have tried to contact you Tony, but they would not tell me where you
are. Tony, Simon's boat was sunk a week ago and they have no idea whether
he is alive or not. All they will tell me he was near the French coast
when his boat was hit and all I can hope for he made it to land and has
been taken prisoner." There was a long pause. "Tony, it does not look
good I'm afraid, but I refuse to think the worse until I am told. I just
have to hope and pray."
"I will pray with you Andrew, I promise."

An hour later Tony raised his head from his tear soaked pillow and went
for a long walk and thought of him and Simon together in that small
woodman's hut just outside Hamble.

"Simon, come home.........Please Simon?"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++

 winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk

Happy Easter to you all and thank you for writing to me. It is so nice to
hear from all over the world!

I am taking a short break to sort out the worlds problems and Chapter 18
will be sent in on Wednesday!

I am about to finish Chapter 23 and just one more to go after that.

Peace.