The Admiral (closed for gaigirl and cgraven)

[gaigirl]

Meg Moreell was in the research phase of her Master's thesis. She was writing about the future of women in the Navy. She held the position that although the law guaranteed equal rights to women, Navy tradition would never allow them to achieve the same rank and status as men. Meg had designed a questionnaire for career naval officers that was meant to prove her theory.

Meg came from a Navy family. Her father had attended the Naval Academy. Her grandfather had been the first corps officer ever promoted to the rank of Admiral. An only child, Meg sensed that her father was deeply disappointed that he had not sired a male to continue the tradition of Naval career into a third generation. Sure, women could be in the Navy, and even admitted to Annapolis. There were many women who were career officers, but what was the point? There would never be a female Fleet Admiral. Men like her father and grandfather would never allow it.

Over the past few months, Meg had spent countless hours gathering data through interviews. None of the veterans she had spoken to knew the real premise of her thesis. They were answering questions about the personality traits, physical abilities, and behavioral patterns of those they considered to be 'five star' candidates.

Walking home from her meeting with the retired Admiral Clark, Meg mentally reviewed the information he had provided her. Although his view on the role of women in the Navy was as conservative as she had expected, the time had not been wasted. He had provided her with a list of names that she thought might be useful for further information. One of the contacts Admiral Clark had given her lived close by, so Meg decided to write to him first to request an interview.

Meg came through her front door, and dumped her bookbag on the sofa as she passed. She headed over to her computer and hit the 'on' switch, then went into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of wine while it booted up. By the time she returned to her desk, the system was up and running. Settling into a comfortable position, her wine within easy reach, she began writing the letter to Captain Raven.


October 26, 2002

C G Raven
1433 Seaswept Court
Rocky Point, MA 01192

Dear Captain Raven,

Because of your distinguished career in the US Navy, your name was given to me by John Clark as a possible resource in my research work. I am a graduate student at Amherst College working on my thesis, which is an analysis of abilities and character traits necessary for successful leadership and advancement through the officer ranks of the US Navy.

There are a few questions I'd like to ask you if it would be possible for you to spare about thirty minutes. I would be greatly honored if you would be willing to assist me in my research.

If it will be convenient, I am planning to be in the area of Rocky Point in the second week of November. I hope we can meet during that time. If you would be willing to answer my questionnaire, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Margaret Moreell

 

[cgraven]

It is morning the gray light dimly filters through my windows, the cold wind driven rain, blown in a cross the bay, beats against the widow pains. There is a damp chill in the air that speaks all too clearly of the changing seasons.

I poke idly at the glowing embers on the hearth, stirring them once again to life, a couple of logs for the fire. The flames lick greedily at the logs, their tongues of flame weak shy at first but slowly building to a roaring passion as they consume the logs in their needy passion.

I stand watching this wild display and listen to the lonely beating of the wind driven rain.

Slowly I stroll over to my computer, the flashing light tells me there is E-mail waiting

A request for another interview

October 26, 2002

C G Raven
1433 Seaswept Court
Rocky Point, MA 01192

Dear Captain Raven,

Because of your distinguished career in the US Navy, your name was given to me by John Clark as a possible resource in my research work. I am a graduate student at Amherst College working on my thesis, which is an analysis of abilities and character traits necessary for successful leadership and advancement through the officer ranks of the US Navy.

There are a few questions I'd like to ask you if it would be possible for you to spare about thirty minutes. I would be greatly honored if you would be willing to assist me in my research.

If it will be convenient, I am planning to be in the area of Rocky Point in the second week of November. I hope we can meet during that time. If you would be willing to answer my questionnaire, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Margaret Moreell

I shake my head so John Clark recommended me I think to myself and wonder what he has up his sleeve we had never been friends competitors yes friends no, yet there had been a grudging respect born between us over the years. We where very different. He was a throughal breed Naval Academy, service family, 5th generation Navy. I on the other hand was a “Mustang” up through the ranks, made Chief Radarman, direct commission to Lieutenant, then a slow hard fought rise to Captain.

Miss Moreell,

I would be glad to assist you in any way I can, but my views on what qualities make for a flag rank officer are in marked departure from that of the Navy’s. I am Not sure why Adm. Clark gave you my name, but I will meet with you as you request.

Sincerely,

C G Raven Capt, USN (Ret)

I hit the send key and almost immediately regretted. I could just see her now short thick glasses a feminist crusader, chaffing at the bit to tear down the Navy and its “Old Boys club.”

Well I would answer her questions and be brutally honest about it. Bluntness was one of my less charming qualities And Adm. John Clark was well aware of it.

 

[gaigirl]

Miss Moreell,

I would be glad to assist you in any way I can, but my views on what qualities make for a flag rank officer are in marked departure from that of the Navy’s. I am Not sure why Adm. Clark gave you my name, but I will meet with you as you request.

Sincerely,

C G Raven Capt, USN (Ret)

Sunshine streamed though the window and touched Meg's face to wake her. Yawning and stretching, Meg climbed out of bed, and padded downstairs pausing briefly at her desk to fire up her PC on her way to the kitchen to start the coffee. Listening to the steady drips and hissing of the coffee, Meg stood at the kitchen window and looked out.

Beautiful day, she thought. I'll have to take time for a good run. Meg smoothed her hands over her long, thick, wavy hair, and then on down her firm curvy torso to rest on her hips. She stood at the window, enjoying the image of her sleep tossled reflection, and mentally reviewing her agenda for the day. Realizing that the sound of the dripping coffee had stoped, she got a mug out of the cupboard and filled it with the aromatic blend. Coffee! The elixir of life.

Meg walked back to her desk and sat down, with her coffee at her side. She activated her email program and watched the new mail being downloaded into her in-box. An unfamiliar address flickered quickly across the screen.

Oh, right. Captain Raven she thought. That was fast. Meg clicked on the message and was surprised that Captain Raven described his opinion as differing from the mainstream.

I'll just bet your opinion is a marked departure, she said to herself, smirking with doubt. His message was brief and to the point, yet there was something there that intrigued Meg. She didn't expect that his opinion would be all that different from the others she had heard, but his short note inspired a tiny flutter of anticipation. She took out her calendar to begin making plans for a trip to Rocky Point. This one could be good... she told herself. I wonder what he looks like...

 

[cgraven]

Her response had been crisp to the point, more like a message from headquarters than from a student working on her thesis. Amherst College, small very old New England and very exclusive, graduate student, liberal, a bit left wing, feminist crusader. All these thoughts passed my mind as I read her terse reply. Something was eating at the back of my mind, something just out of sight, not quite in focus. A gut feeling nothing more. Yet if ther was one thing that an ill spent youth at sea had taught me was do your homework. So I started researching the young woman who was to interview me.

There was nothing unusual in what I found with one glaring exception Margaret Moreell was the product of a very distinguished Navy family. Her father and Admiral John Clark had been classmate atAnnapolis rivals throughout their respective careers. Miss Margaret Moreell was being set up.

Well she would get quite a surprise. I was not one of the ring knockers. I was a Mustang, a quick mind and a sharp wit had gotten me my Captaincy, but there had never been a question of making flag, just not the right background.

I wonder what she was expecting, an overweight gray hair old fart drooling and shaking ready to give his sage advice on why the Navy was all wet and had failed to see his outstanding leadership qualities, while lesser men where promoted.

I was not a young man not at 54 and retired a year now, but you do not end up a Captain, with two tours in the “Seals” when you where a flat hat sailor just to let yourself go to pot. The face that looked back at me from the mirror was weathered, but rugged, bold on top with close cropped ginger hair, a touch of white. My body still hard and lean after an active life of service, ashore and afloat. No I was very sure I was not what Margaret Moreell was expecting, in more ways than one.

According to her last E-mail she should be arriving in about an hour time to put a pot of coffee on the perk, never could get use to those drip makers the coffee was never hot enough, and a two mile run. It was a beautiful morning and the time slipped away as I ran. I stopped to check the time.

“Damn I am late”

I came sprinting up to the modest little cottage I called home just as a car was pulling up into the drive.

 

[gaigirl]

The little cottage on Seaswept Court was not what Meg had expected. She thought Admiral Clark had told her that Captain Raven was single, and she had envisioned a dwelling cast in the shadow of bachelor neglect. The smoke rising from the chimney, the neatly landscaped entrance, and the bright flowers in pots lining a porch featuring an antique swing belied her impressions, sending a feeling of warmth through her mind. She slowly drove further up the long driveway. As she pulled the parking brake, she glanced into the rear view mirror. A man was running up the driveway behind her.

That can't be Captain Raven, Meg thought. She watched him as he approached her car. He looked to be in his late forties, with a muscular build. His hair was just a slight shade lighter than hers, and the ginger highlights sparkled in the sunlight. He wore his hair cut very short, typical for a retired salt. He certainly didn't old enough to be retired. She watched him as he neared the car, admiring his running form, and noticing the power in his legs. Physically fit men are such a turn on. Meg certainly hadn't expected Captain Raven to be so young and attractive.

Meg opened the door and stepped carefully out of her low slung sports car as Captain Raven greeted her, remarkably without any signs of being short of breath. He probably has only run down the driveway to his mailbox. "Good afternoon Captain Raven," she said with a smile. "I'm Meg Moreell." Subconsciously, she ran her hand from hip to hem smoothing her skirt before offering it to Captain Raven.

His hands were hard and calloused. His grip was firm but not overwhelming as he accepted hers in a hand shake. "Pleasure to meet you. Please come in." Captain Raven invited, with a smooth, pleasant voice that sent shivers of sexuality up Meg's spine. The touch of his hand had hit her like an electric shock.

As he turned to lead her up the steps to the porch, Meg couldn't help but scope the view of the way he filled his running trunks in the back. Mmmmm. Very nice... Meg murmered to herself, as she entered the cozy cottage with the smell of fresh coffee wafting in the air.

 

[cgraven]

The low slung sports car eased to a stop in front of the cottage. It was new and spoke of money and privilege. None of this was a surprise pretty much what I expected. What I did not expect was the young lady that emerged from that car.

Miss Margaret Moreell was quite stunning far from being the glasses wearing, plain Jane feminist I had expected she was quite the contrary, long, thick, wavy hair, a shade or two darker than mine, a firm curvy torso, a gentle sensual curve to her hips, her legs firm and sculptured like and athlete. There was something very sexy about the way she ran her hand from hip to hem smoothing her pleated skirt before offering it to me. The movement was natural a bit shy and I found her delightful. I had almost missed her greeting as I study her.

"I'm Meg Moreell."

I took her hand and the business of exchanging names, hand shakes and all the required rituals where accomplished as I showed Meg into my cottage. Meg instead of Margaret, yes that seemed to fit her.

“Meg Coffee’s on would you like a cup?”

She was to say the least a very attractive young woman not at all what I expected and I felt a very strong attraction to her. A man would have to be dead not to.

I waited for her answer hoping not to appear an over anxious schoolboy.

 

[gaigirl]

Coffee

“Meg, coffee’s on. would you like a cup?”

"I'd love one, thank you. It smells wonderful," Meg replied with a smile. Captain Raven turned the corner and went into the kitchen, leaving Meg in the entry way to look around. The living room was sparsely furnihed, but comfortable. There were several bookshelves, so Meg wandered over to the closest one to scan the titles. Much can be learned about a man in the discovery of what he reads.

There were a few photographs placed here and there on the shelves, and Meg noticed one in particular, that showed a younger, laughing Captain, obviously in love with the woman he had been with when the moment was captured on film. Regardless of the lady's identity, she was stunningly gorgeous, and the Captain obviously cared enough about her even now, to display her photo in his living room. Calm down, Meg told herself. This is business.

"How do you take your coffee?" came a voice from the kitchen.

"Cream, no sugar." Meg answered, turning toward the kitchen door, as though she'd been caught looking at his bookshelf. Pull yourself together, Meg girl. This is just one more officer who thinks he has seen it all.

Meg pulled her shoulders back and stiffened her relaxed posture. She began to go over in her mind the questions she intended to ask him once they started the interview, but was distracted by thoughts of the titles she had seen on his shelf, and the photograph. What is he like? she wondered.

 

[cgraven]

"Cream, no sugar."

Came the answer her voice seemed slightly distracted as if Meg was caught off guard. She seemed to stiffen as I brought her coffee, a sight guilty smiled seem to fade from her face. the lines smooth, youthful, and very intelligent.

“Kitchen or living room…….. Which would you prefer for your interview?”

My voice was light informal, respectful. She moved with a grace and style one of those women whose moments are natural, sensual with out trying. The kind of woman that would drive all thoughts from your mind catches your eye as she entered the room .

“If you don’t mind have your coffee I need to freshen up a bit, been for a run on the beach and I must smell like an old artillery horse about know. It will just take a moment………Shall I call you Miss Moreell, or Meg?”

I excused myself and hit the shower. A quick sea shower , a change of clothes, I wonder what she thought of my library, oh yes there where the typical books you would expect of a retired Naval Officer, the history’s, books on tactics, but there was also the works of Victor Hugo in their original French, the Stories of Louis L’Amour, contemporary poetry.

I returned shortly dressed in jeans, and a light sport’s shirt, and Dockers

“Shall We start Meg?”

Dam I hope she didn’t think that to forward of me oh well it was done no use worrying about it now.

 

[cgraven]

Captain C G Raven when he was a chief.

 

[gaigirl]

Cream...

“If you don’t mind have your coffee I need to freshen up a bit, been for a run on the beach and I must smell like an old artillery horse about know. It will just take a moment… Shall I call you Miss Moreell, or Meg?” ”

"Please call me Meg," she replied. "Take your time, I'll just review my notes and get set up. I hope you won't mind if I use a tape recorder," Meg asked. "Would you mind using the kitchen? A table would be helpful."

The Captain led Meg into his kitchen, and gestured to a chair at the table, where Meg settled in and began organizing her materials after he asked her to excuse him to shower and change. Once her notes were organized, and her cassette tape recorder set, she sipped her coffee and tried to relax.

The kitchen furnishings revealed few clues about the Captain. The counter tops were sparkling clean and uncluttered, without any debris of cannisters or appliances, other than the coffee pot. He had poured some cream into a small ceramic pitcher and set it on the table for her to serve herself. The little urn looked to be quite old. Maybe something that had been passed down through his family, Meg thought. The spoon he had laid next to her coffee cup was an exact replica of the spoons she had used in her parent's home, imprinted with the insignia of the Naval Academy.

The little spoon reminded Meg of her father, and she allowed herself to think about how he would perceive her thesis upon its completion. In simple terms, Meg knew her father would not be pleased, and she was not at all sure that she wanted to share it with him, but the thesis was the last step in this process of completing her Master's degree, and she was proud of her efforts and achievement.

Meg's father had supported her through her undergraduate studies, but had written The Buck Stops Here at the bottom of her graduation card. She had known what that meant, and she had quickly sought a teaching job in a suburban high school. After a few years of teaching, Meg had felt she needed something more, and had quit her job to go back to graduate school. Her father knew she was studying History, but Meg didn't think her father knew much about her particular interests, because being a rather self-absorbed man, he had never asked. Meg's father was the kind of man who would rather conjure up his own impressions than tolerate drawn-out, detailed explanations.

Meg had financed her graduate studies on her own through a teaching assistantship and some scholarship funding, but although she felt proud of her self-sufficiency, Meg knew that she would not have been able to quit her job and return to school full time without the family money behind her. Although she was grateful for the cushion, Meg couldn't really say she had earned this degree completely on her own, and she felt some accountability to her family. No question about it, her father would hit the roof if he were to discover the real focus point of her thesis.

Lost in her thoughts about the road ahead of her upon the completion of her thesis, Meg sipped her coffee, and waited for the Captain.

Captain Raven reappeared in jeans and a crisp sports shirt. "Shall we start, Meg?" His manner made Meg feel that he was more in control of the interview than she. Meg realized that the nostalgia about her family while she had been waiting for him to shower had dulled her reflexes, and she struggled for the assertiveness to retake the lead in the interview situation.

Tempting as it was to try to second guess his intentions, Meg decided to stick with her own agenda. The goal was to try to get the Captain to open up and trust her as he answered her generic questions, perhaps allowing something to slip.

"Yes, of course. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself first. Could you summarize your experiences as an officer?" With a click, the tape recorder was set in motion, and the Captain began to speak.

 

[cgraven]

Meg is sitting at the kitchen table her recorder set, her posture relaxed, as she toys with her spoon sipping her coffee. She stiffens as I enter the kitchen all business, the relaxed posture gone the smooth countenance of her face gone. This is a lady on a mission, her options formed, now merely looking for the conformation to justify her per drawn conclusion ….how very Navy of her. The apple dose no fall far from the tree crosses my mind.

"Yes, of course. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself first. Could you summarize your experiences as an officer?"

My hand subconsciously goes to the back of my head rubbing my neck this is either going to be real short or a very long afternoon.. I pour myself a cup of coffee preferring a batter old mug, My Seal unit logo and “Chief anchor on it. My voice is light relaxed and air as I start.

“My experiences as an officer………………………. Well we are all products of where we have been and for me the start was as a flat hat sailor black shoe Navy…,,,”


I pause as I lean back against the kitchen counter sipping my coffee.

“I am going to rustle up some eggs benidict for lunch would you like some.”

Not real waiting for an answer I start to prepare lunch for two as I talk.

“As I was saying we are all products of where we have been. I was one of the first seals back in the days of Long range recon. Go in behind enemy lines stay there anywhere from a week or two up to a month then come out with as much detailed information on the NVA as possible. The idea was that they never knew we where there. Made Chief by the time I was twenty three………………… Boy that really stuck in the craw of the old time lifers an anchor on snot nosed kid…………. Had the chance to apply for a direct commission…you know a new field for the Navy not many qualified Officers…Academy types…….I was simply in the right place at the right time. My rise to Commander was a bit ahead of the curve there was a war going on and I was very good at what I did. The only requirement in those days was how well you did your job.”

I pour another coffee as I slice some smoked Salmon paper thin. And refill Meg’s cup.

“Would you prefer smoked salmon or Black forest ham ?”

The spinach is cleaned and in the steamer as I continue.

“Well the 70’s come and go and I am still in the Seal community When the Navy comes up with this idea for Hydrofoils. That the first time I met Admiral Clark. You see he needs an Executive officer for this new squadron PHMRON 2 out of Key West Florida. It is not a career making move not a job for the ring knockers if the concept goes sour Well It didn’t and the next thing I know I am up in DC assigned to the committee on woman in the Armed forces DACOWITS, Meg how they came up with that one I’ll Never know. But that is where I met the best Damn Admiral I ever severed with in the Navy ADM Grace Harper. The rest of my career was pretty standard assignments at Navy Intel, as a Naval attaché in Kequaite, The Gulf war then retirement about a year ago”

I place Meg’s eggs in front of her and top off her coffee.

“So that is the life and times of C G Raven in a nut shell”

A silly boyish grins spreads across my face and again I am struck by a sharp attraction to Meg.

 

[gaigirl]

The interview begins

“So that is the life and times of C G Raven in a nut shell.”

Captain Raven pulled a well worn mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee. His cup featured a faded SEAL emblem, with an anchor. Meg wondered if it was a favorite of his, and whether ir brought back any memories when he used it. She thought about the spoon again. In her house, no one ever selected the few pieces of scattered USNA tableware except her father. He seemed to prefer the heaviness of the silver to the more dainty pattern her mother had chosen for every day use.

Standing at the counter, Captain Raven expressed his opinion that all of us are products of where we have been. I hope that isn't true, Meg thought, as he spoke.

Captain Raven seemed uncomfortable talking about himself, and before long, he offered Meg some lunch, and began to prepare eggs benedict. Obviously competent in the kitchen... there's a point, Meg thought, although she didn't answer him. He seemed to need something to do with his hands while he spoke.

Captain Raven briefly outlined his career as he cooked lunch, pausing only after he set the perfectly arranged plate in front of Meg. "So that is the life and times of C G Raven in a nut shell," he said, as he lowered himself into the chair facing Meg.

"This looks delicious. I hope I haven't put you out," Meg said, returning his warm smile. Watching the Captain perform so adeptly in the domestic arena of the kitchen had been an image Meg hadn't expected. This guy was full of surprises, not the least of which, his ability to turn Meg's knees to jelly as he spoke.

The Captain's voice had a smooth, velvety timbre that suited the contemporary poetry and the volumes of Hugo she had seen on his bookshelves. Meg could easily imagine him reading poetry aloud, or reading Les Miserables in the original French.

Pulling heself out of her distraction, Meg jotted down a few notes for follow-up questions before resting her pen on the notebook next to her, and lifting her fork. She wasn't sure if she should set the interview aside while they ate, and decided she would follow the Captain's lead. He had been rather formal in his communication with her, but he was generous with his smile, and Meg thought he was probably sizing her up just as much as she had been trying to analyse him. He wasn't turning out to be as predictable as she had thought.

Already he had noted his respect and admiration for Admiral Harper. Meg decided to save that for later, but the revelation in itself told her that Captain Raven's answers to her survey would probably go outside the limits of her data collection fields. "You started your career as a sailor," Meg restated, "What made you decide to enlist? Or were you drafted?"

 

[cgraven]

I didn’t trust myself around Meg she was all that I admired and desired in a woman. She was sharp, to the point, thorouhal, not in an officious detached manner, but rather direct to the point. Lords knows she was good looking to boot. I relaxed as we ate lunch a bit less guarded.

"What made you decide to enlist? Or were you drafted?"

“Meg I was brought up an Army Brat, Mom was a French Canadian Naval nurse dad career Army Officer. They met in the Pacific during World War II. At that time he was a Gunnery Sergeant in the Corps, had been a China Station Marine, 4th Landing detachment Shanghai, did Korea, got refitted out after the War, joined the Army … Hell they always had it easier… A teasing grin. Grew up globe hopping. Vietnam came along and I knew I didn’t want to hump a rife through South East Asia. That as they say is the short version”

A pause as I notice Megs clear eyes for the first time , eyes an man could get lost in, that could steal his very soul. I shake myself back to reality, Damn C G get a hold on your self your at least twice her age.

“More Coffee Meg?”

 

[gaigirl]

“More Coffee Meg?”

Meg declined his offer of a refill, and thought about what he had told her. She was surprised that his parents had met overseas, because hers had also. True, Meg's mother had not been a nurse, she had been the daughter of a Chief Warrant Officer who was responsible for repairing ships in the South Pacific. Meg's father had been stationed at the same base, and they had met on the golf course.

Meg was afraid of missing something important for her notes while she was eating, so she steered slightly away from Captain Raven's career history to some more personal questions. "It sounds as though you have traveled extensively around the world. Tell me about your favorite overseas city," she prompted.

 

[cgraven]

Shake of her head, a raised palm, and a polite no on the refill of coffee. A simple enough gesture, but the way the light caught Meg's hair the way it rippled and shined with that simple gesture, her flashing clear eyes, all this made me feel like a school boy.

"It sounds as though you have traveled extensively around the world. Tell me about your favorite overseas city,"

Those simple words introduced a less formal atmosphere to the interview.

“My favorite spot overseas is hardly a city Meg, it is more a feeling of the Place.”

I paused as I collected my thoughts how to explain it how to make her understand,. Why did I suddenly want her to under stand.

“Mont-San-Michelle I would say……………..It is on the French coast where Normandy and Brittany meet. It is an old town setting on its lonely rock just off the cost, a walled medieval city of narrow winding streets, which wind up the Mont to the old Benedictine Monastery…………..Legend has it the arch Angel Michael told the first abbot to build there, that it was a chosen place by god…………….quite a tourist attraction now a days, but I love it in the evening as it is bathed in the setting sun, the streets empty except for the residences………. It is a timeless place Meg…….. Like I said more a feeling than anything else”

My voice had taken on a far away aspect slightly poetic, I had been lost in memories of the place and her ……Of Aly and suddenly there was that old familiar ache in my heart, that loneliness that never truly went away. My cheeks colored crimson and I chided myself for letting my guard down so. I poured another mug of coffee, busied my self putting on another pot of coffee to perk. I need to occupy my mind, and hands with something anything at that moment.

 

[cgraven]

Mt-San Michelle

 

[gaigirl]

“My favorite spot overseas is hardly a city Meg, it is more a feeling of the Place.”

It seemed important to Captain Raven that Meg understood. It had been an innocent question, but she knew from his reaction that she had landed a home run.

As the Captain described Mont San Michelle, Meg felt herself transported to the curvy narrow streets, the purples and oranges of the setting sun, and the sense that time moved at a different pace there. As the Captain spoke, his voice took on a softer, more gentle quality, words flowing more slowly and thoughtfully. For a moment, his eyes seemed to go behind a cloud of his own memory, and Meg watched him closely as one again, he got up to busy his hands as though moving brought him comfort.

I can see him reading poetry. It suits him. "Did you live there, or just visit?" Meg asked, hoping to keep the Captain talking. While he was fiddling with the coffee pot, he had fallen silent, and Meg sensed a sadness in his manner.

 

[cgraven]

“Meg you might say I lived there and died there”

I measured out the coffee and the water my hands shook a bit at the bitter sweet memory. I continued not sure why and fairy sure that I would sound like an old fool.

“It was my last tour ……………………………………………I was assigned as the Naval attaché to our embassy in Paris………………. That is where I met Christine Marie Dvorau……………..She was with the French Navy a Lieutenant……….I will not bore you with the details lets just say it was Paris, spring, …..You know.”


I plugged in the coffee pot lost in time and space for the moment. I shook myself out of the past returning to the present

“Well we fell in love she was much my junior in more ways than one, dated, married, honeymooned on Mt-San Michelle……….. Neither government was best pleased. .”

“She was posted to Madagascar, killed in a training accent……….I retired at the end of that tour about a year ago.”

 

[gaigirl]

“She was posted to Madagascar, killed in a training accent... I retired at the end of that tour about a year ago.”

Reasonably sure that the photograph in the living room might have been the Captain's wife, Meg found herself without words. She wanted to let him know how sorry she was to hear such a sad story, but it seemed too personal to extend such condolences. What had seemed like a good question to keep the Captain talking about himself had turned out to hit her like a water balloon.

Reluctant to obviously change the subject, but uncomfortable with the silence of the kitchen, Meg finally decided to just set the interview aside, and speak from her heart. "What a sad story. It shouldn't have happened to you. I'm sure you suffered," Meg offered.

 

[cgraven]

"What a sad story. It shouldn't have happened to you. I'm sure you suffered,"

I set my coffee down, the silence in the kitchen is almost oppressive. Why I did it I don’t know but my hand caress Meg’s cheek. My fingers trial along the line of her jaw, My fingers lift her chin and our eyes meet, mine wistful, yet not sad. We remain that way for a moment.

“Sad Meg no. In the short time we had together I we where so happy……….Christine believed life was an adventure to be lived not a problem to be solved….. God did we live that adventure, and we lived it to the fullest.”

The perking of the coffee brings me back to the present reluctantly I draw away from Meg.

My cheeks color, a nervous cough, The though assaults my mind God she must think I am a nut case or a letch .

I top off my coffee in a desperate need to do something.

 

[gaigirl]

“Sad Meg, no."

Caressing her cheek, then bringing her chin up so that her eyes met his, Meg saw that although there was a sadness in his eyes there was a hope as well, and a softness Meg hadn't imagined possible. Her heart melted a little.

She had come here prepared to nurture feelings of antagonism, and to fit the Captain's answers into her pre-conceived notions of the realities she saw. Meg had not been prepared to like this man, to find him attractive, or to care one way or the other how well she got to know him. This was meant to be a business relationship, nothing more. Until he touched her face. That was the place where the lines got blurry.

The way The Captain had caressed her face made Meg think he was aware of their age difference, and that had she been older, his caress might have taken a less gentle, more passionate turn. Yet, the touch of his hand on her face left a zing that felt like little sparkles of fairy dust. There was no denying that Meg was very attracted to the Captain. She thought she shouldn't take advantage of the situation, but as she watched him fumbling in silent discomfort at the counter, she toyed with the idea of seeing how far she could get in the passion arena.

Waiting for the Captain to return to the table with his freshly filled cup, Meg was drawn even more toward him. "Cherish your memories," she said, reaching across the table to lay her hand on his once the Captain had resumed his chair. "She sounds like a wonderful person."

"Speaking of wonderful people," Meg continued, without giving the Captain an opportunity to respond, but still with her hand on his, "Tell me more about Admiral Harper. What made her one of the best officers you served under?" Meg blushed, realizing her double entendre, which she hadn't intended, but didn't want to retract and draw even more attention to it. That's what happens when I get turned on, Meg chided herself. The words don't come out right...

 

[cgraven]

My coffee in hand lost in a world of my own for a moment alone with my memories.

"Cherish your memories,"Megs Hands enfold mine her touch warm, soft, tender, yet there is an inner strength that draws me ever near this lovely young woman so different than my preconceived ideas of what she would be like.

"Speaking of wonderful people,"………………………. “Tell me more about Admiral Harper. What made her one of the best officers you served under?"

The questions had followed quickly one up on the other Not allowing for an immediate answer. A shy blush crosses Meg’s face and I can’t help but smile and a laugh escapes my lips.

“Grace Harper………Really it is quite simple she knew her job and was not above telling it strait to the brass and the devil take the high most.”

I sip on my coffee again I am lost in those eyes that tempt a man’s soul.

“Adm Harper was part of the group at MIT that built the 1st computer,in 1944 she was the mother than Grand mother of the Navy’s computer program. She told the brass when they thought computers where the answer to everything she said no. they are a tool , a hammer is a damn good for driving nail but makes a piss poor screwdriver.”


Grace retired 3 times the 1st when Commander was the highest a woman could go in the Navy. Held out for Captain to come back and the last time blackmailed the CNO for Admiral. She always lead by example, and was not above blackmailing the Navy for justice. She was one hell of a sailor………You might say she was a sailors sailor. she finally retiered in 1989”

All the while I had been rubbing the back of Megs hand with my thumb, my eyes on hers. God I wanted to kiss her right then and there. I leaned slightly across the table my lips slightly parted my eyes held hers.

 

[gaigirl]

Meg

All the while I had been rubbing the back of Megs hand with my thumb, my eyes on hers. God I wanted to kiss her right then and there. I leaned slightly across the table my lips slightly parted my eyes held hers.

Meg looked back at the captain, captivated by his laugh and his smile, and the depth in his eyes. Interview and appearances became secondary to physical desire, and she leaned in toward him and kissed his lips tenderly, with the very female awareness that if anything were to happen, it would be up to her to let him know she wanted him. And want this man she did.

The captain's lips tasted of coffee, and conveyed a tenderness that contrasted with the urgency Meg was feeling. His hand came up to caress her face, and Meg melted under his touch. Her hand went to his neck, and her fingers began to explore his hair as she pulled his face in closer to hers.

 

[cgraven]

I hesitate leaning half way across the table, I wonder what I am doing, what could this young vibrant woman see in an old mustang, Then her lips soft warm moist brush mine and all thoughts are driven from my mind. My hand caresses Meg’s cheek, velvet satin, silken all theses images come to my mind.

Her fingers toy with my hair, her hand resting gently on my neck. Slowly she draws me towards her. My tongue glides across the sensual full ness of Meg’s lips. Tentatively shyly it parts her lips, it invites Meg’s to come take a fuller taste of me. We are standing know, the little kitchen, forgotten, the interview, forgotten, all that exists is this moment in time, all that exists is Meg. She is in my arms, I hold her close and slowly our kiss deepens to reveal a more primeval urge and need that is growing deep with in e.

 

[gaigirl]

Standing together in heated embrace, passion building between them, Meg decided to pursue this moment completely. Pulling the captian in closer to her, she ran her hand down his spine, and let it rest on the tight swell of his very sexy backside, giving his cheek a little squeeze to let him know she wanted him.

The captain responded, kissing Meg deeply, and reaching slowly under her sweater with the hand that had been on her waist. His teasing touch as he began the journey to her breast took Meg's breath away, and turned her knees to jelly. "Let's go in and enjoy the fire," she suggested, and they left the kitchen together.

In the living room, the captain held back a little and allowed Meg to take the lead. She knelt down on the rug in front of the fireplace, and the captain settled in behind her, enveloping Meg in his arms. Before long, his little kisses on her neck and shoulder had completely restored the mood that had been interrupted by moving to the living room.

Bringing his hands from her shoulder to her waist as he kissed her neck, the captain began once again to explore the tingling flesh under Meg's sweater. Meg reached back to lay her hand on the captain's leg, but miscalculated his position, and found her hand gently cradling the obvious signs of the captain's arousal.