Chapter Thirteen - "I Relieve You, Sir"

"Hail and Well Met"

Chapter Thirteen - "I Relieve You, Sir"

1640hrs EST; Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA; May 30, 1997

"The review stand is set up, sir, with two of our birds; one on either side of the podium. Belted off;101 CO's bird and 102 lo-vis. XO's bird, sir." Spud grinned at Animal.

Animal looked over at Spud Kelly. "Good job." Then looked over at the two F-14As parked ready to be center stage at the change of command ceremony. "I think that will look incredible as a back-drop.

Right above the stage set-up where the change of command was supposed to happen; the top of the hangar where a painted VF-41 patch and VF-41 Black Aces was written in black outlined in red on the hangar just above the doors. Everyone participating would be in dress whites with swords. Everyone else would be in service whites.

Animal wanted to make sure that everything went smoothly as did Rattler. The Change of Command ceremony was a solemn occasion with the fact that the out-going CO would be giving a speech to say how he had enjoyed leading the men and women under his command both ashore and deployed in action.

All members of the squadron deployed as an active fighting unit on board the carrier; officers and enlisted.

Then the outgoing CO would mention that he hoped that his legacy would continue to be improved upon by successive commanding officers who would command this squadron who would start by doing so with the reign of the initial succeeding officer who would take command directly from him which in this case would be Animal.

From there the ceremony would involve the retiring commander concluding his statements and then the formal relief of the command then the new commanding officer would say a few words.

Well, things would work out, Animal thought. Meg would be driving down to Virginia Beach tonight along with Harm and Mac and the latter two would find adequate accommodations at the Oceana VOQ.

Meg would meet up with him and they would find accommodations off-base that would suit the two of them so they could relax. Evidently Bud, Harriet and the Admiral would be there as well. There was a house on base that was Flag Officers VOQ. Bud and Harriet would room in their respective VOQ rooms as they weren't married yet, engaged though they were. Their wedding was a few months away.

Well, he had a few things to go over with Rattler so he headed back in. Spud went back to ordering enlisted to move chairs and establish rope barriers. Tents and awnings had to be set up as well just to make sure that there was no rain on the chairs tomorrow morning. The change-over ceremony was at noon and there would be a reception afterwards.

Lieutenant Commander Austin-Nakamura, as the wife of the new VF-41 CO, would be the only serving USN officer to be there in non-uniform as she would have a dress on. Everyone else would have to have uniforms on, either dress whites if they were participants in the ceremony or service whites if they were guests. LCDR Austin-Nakamura would have a place on the dais where the family members of the new CO would be.

Rattler looked over at the itinerary on his desk of tomorrow's events and ran his hand through his hair, "Well, it's all come down to this moment tomorrow. Once the change-over is done, you're the boss-man, Animal."

"It's been a good haul, hasn't it?"

Two Presidential Unit Citations, A Battle E and a Battle S for Rattler's command tour.

"Spades..." Rattler gave Animal a thumbs up as he grinned, "You can be damned sure that I'll be trying to get a CAG slot back here when my shore tour is done."

"And we'll look forward to it." Animal nodded. "We need someone who's a former Ace as the Air Boss. You understand how we work."

He looked up at the image of the VF-41 Tomcats overflying the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The US Navy photographer on the VS-24 S-3 Viking had shot that image of Fast Eagles 101 and 102. The high-vis and lo-vis contrasting greatly between the two F-14As and at this size of print, one could see the names Dale Kinnick and Ernie Epstein on the rail of Fast Eagle 101 and their respective callsigns: Rattler and Habu. On Rattler's wing was Fast Eagle 102 with the names on the rails of Toshio Nakamura and Jim Willis and the callsigns Animal and Scooter; the wings of the Tomcats were held back in manual full sweep but their hooks were down. After the S-3 had broke formation; the Tomcats had brought their wings forward and began their final break towards Platform.

"I want a copy of that image." Rattler noted turning his head to look at the same image that Animal was peering at. "I'm gonna ask the US Navy Print Media if they can get me the same sized print so I can get it framed for my office at home as a memento."

"It's a nice pic, isn't it?"

"A rare shot of us coming back from a patrol together since we rarely ever did one together. I think it was only because Keeter and Taco's bird went down on the number three cat and you were on number two as Ready Five that day."

"And it just so happens that the Scouts were up with a photographer that day. Lucky all around."

"And Keeter's still whining about that because he says that camera op shoulda been his to prove that he's an Ace." Rattler grumbled,

"Everyone knows Skippy's an Ace, he won't shut up about it."

"There's no way in our books to rescind a patching, right?"

"Nope, sorry."

"Shit."

Animal asked, "So, we've gone over everything that we need to go over to satisfy CoC requirements over this past week?"

"These orders just came in for you regarding the status of your squadron. Evidently they're adding a new mission to your profile."

"What?"

"Looks like you're going to be relocating Serb dirt from one side of the lot to the other."

"They want us to move mud in addition to our aerial tag n'bag role?" Animal asked.

"Looks like they're tossing you a bone. See if you'll run with it. They were talking about a pair of Mk 85s LGBs down the tunnel. Because the 'Cat's big enough to carry its own LANTIRN and be able to light up any ground target without a ground spotter. And with JDAMs on the horizon, it'll get easier;just program 'em in and let'er rip; that way you don't have to put so many assets on one target."

"I can see their point, doesn't mean I have to like it, though. But as good little Navy men in blue, well we line up in nice, orderly military fashion, nut to butt, say yes, sir; thank you, sir; drop trou and quoth BOHICA."

Rattler grinned, "There, that's the spirit."

"First to fight; first to strike..." Animal said. "This squadron's been setting a bunch of firsts for the F-14."

"I've been hearing ugly news from the five-sided shit-house."

"I'm delighted." Animal rolled his eyes.

"Not sure you will be after hearing this." Rattler said. "You're not getting Deltas or Bravo Pluses".

"What?"

"Scuttlebutt down the grapevine says you'll be changing type in '99. After you get back from your Med deployment."

"They're switching us to Hornets?"

"The Super Hornets; Foxtrot two seaters to be exact."

Animal rolled his eyes, "shit...maybe I'll have my shore tour booked by then." He then looked up at the ceiling, "shit...Jugs takes over after me and she's not gonna like the news either. She gets to kickstart the type change and go to sea with the type for the first time. It's outta my hands by then."

"So what you gonna do once squadron changes hands tomorrow?" Rattler asked as he looked out the window of the command office.

"Be on the horn to Fallon, see if they can book us in for some DACT and some range time. Get the tech-reps from Honeywell over to Flat'n Dusty and have them look over our guidance systems. I don't want any of our airframes digging a hole while going into this whole new strike profile. I don't intend on losing a single soul on deployment so they'd better give us the proper tuneups on the systems or I'm going to be on 'em like stink on pig-shit"

"You gonna be ready in nine months time? Rather short for a turn-around."

"Well, they may not like me by the end of this but I'll know if they're ready to deploy and stake my career on it, even if we're short hands going to sea."

"You're gonna be a relentless task-master, Animal."

Animal grinned evilly.

1700hrs EST; JAG Headquarters, Falls Church, VA; May 30, 1997

"So, we all ready to head down?" Harm asked. "The Admiral, Bud and Harriet are all riding down in the Admiral's limo and we'll ride with them on the way back. So right now, we're riding with you, Meg." Harm grinned at his former partner.

"Lucky you, you get to wear a dress tomorrow." Mac grumbled, "I'm gonna be boiling in my Class B green skirt and khaki shirt while Mr. Naval Aviator...Hotshot Lawyer here gets to wear the exact same thing he's been wearing as UOD for the past three days." She smirked at Harm.

Harm shrugged his shoulders. "Well participants in the ceremony wear dress whites; guests wear service whites and well Marine guests just wear their Class C's." he said with no small hint of blasé. Mac just stuck out her tongue at him. "Nice tongue, Mac."

"I just have to finish up this case and put it in the done pile and put them all in my safe for Monday." Meg stated as she looked over at the two, "Just give me ten minutes and I'll be right with you."

"No worries." Harm said. He grabbed his briefcase and his officer's cap from his office. Mac did the same with hers. "Say, shall we grab a soda on the way down to Virginia Beach? That way we don't get dehydrated going down there."

"Sounds like a good idea." Mac agreed, "Could also do with a Beltway Burger"

"Yeah, me too..." Meg replied enthusiastically. "Their triple cheeseburgers are absolutely to die for!"

"No...way" Mac grinned, "You like the triple cheese too?" She raised a hand palm outward, "put'er there." Meg grinned back at her as they high-fived.

Harm groaned...

...they looked at him and in unison asked "What?"

"You mean I have to share space with a pair of carnivores on the way down..." that provoked glares from both Mac and Meg.

"May I remind you..." Meg said imperiously, "you are riding in my car, driver picks the food outlet, shotgun shuts his cake-hole!" Mac burst out laughing.

"Hmmmph!" Harm pretended to pout, "Get me a big salad and I'll be mollified."

"I'll think about it..." was Meg's answer, which provoked more laughter from the Marine next to her desk.

Finally Meg was done with her file and after a few notations in her day-planner, she put the files in her safe and locked them up. Then she got her combo cap and her briefcase. "My dress is in the back trunk, you can put your briefcases and uniform bags to the other-side of the trunk."

They walked down to the parking lot and to Meg's Camaro. The day was still bright, but they knew that with the four hour drive, they'd be getting into Oceana a little after 2130hrs. "Hi, honey?" Meg was on her cell, as she popped open the trunk for Harm and Mac, "Mac and Harm are coming with me, the Admiral, Harriet and Bud left earlier via limo. I'll get you something to drink as we hit Virginia Beach." Meg grinned, "Yes, I'm stopping by Starbucks. No, that's all I'm telling you. You can find out when you have it in your hands." Meg informed him, "Now I need to hit the road or I won't be in before 2200."

She had this look of pure love in her eyes for the person with whom she was speaking with on the phone, Harm thought. Mac smiled seeing Meg's look as she was talking to her husband.

"I love you too, I'll see you when I get there, my love." Meg stated, "yes...honey, I'll be careful..."

Harm looked over at Mac who grinned at him with a told you so look on her face.

Meg replaced the phone in her bag, "Everybody ready? Let's get going."

2145hrs EST; Starbuck's Drive-Thru; Virginia Beach; VA, May 30, 1997

"One Venti Mocha Frappuchino, Two Venti Mocha Frappuchino with two shots of Cinnamon Dolce, and Banana with whipped cream and chocolate shavings."Meg said to the barista. "What about you, Harm?"

"Um...guess I'll have the Mango Smoothie,"

"Venti?"Meg prompted.

"Yeah, Sure...".

Meg passed over the credit card and the transaction went through without a hitch.

"Here you go, Harm..." she gave him his Mango Smoothie, "Mac...your Venti Mocha Frappuchino." She grinned as she set the remaining two in the cupholders and they got set to pull out of the drive-thru. "And now...off to Oceana."

It was 2205 by the time that Meg pulled up by the Oceana gate. Harm and Mac were sucking on their drinks as they passed over their IDs to Meg who in turn passed them along to the young Marine corporal who stood there examining them and checking faces to IDs. "You're good ma'am. VF-41 Hangars and parking is that way, Ma'am. You can also head to the VOQ as well down that same road if you want to check in first. "

"Thank you, I want to surprise my husband first." Meg stated as she looked over at the Marine corporal.

"Have a good night, ma'am."

Meg drove forward and turned down towards the VF-41 hangars.

There were evidently a few who were hanging around the offices this late at night. "What's JAG doing here and they come bearing gifts." Meg smirked at the speaker, a relatively, young in his late twenties sandy blonde haired aviator in working khakis with railroad tracks on his collars. Metalman was lounging around the couches in the rec area. Keeter was lounging by the pool table and turned around to spy Harm.

"Woohoooo! Harm! How ya doing? And who's this pretty jarhead you got with you?" Keeter called out.

"Are Yippee and Skippy still here?"Another irritated voice called out as a tall red-haired man leaned out of the CO's office."hey. Hi, Meg? Hey, congratulations on your promotion. And Lieutenant Commander Rabb, good to see another patched member back in the fold if only temporarily. You two reprobates!" He turned to the blonde-haired aviator and Keeter, "Don't you two have homes to go to?" They just stood there grinning.

"So, hi, Dale? Have you seen my husband?"

"Oh, I'm sure he's hiding somewhere in here." Rattler grinned, "He said something about reports to file on. Namely something regarding making sure that all rejected applicants to the squadron don't get a second attempt."

"Did I hear a familiar voice?" Animal leaned his head out of his office.

"I believe, you may have." Meg informed him. Proffering her husband his Mocha-banana frapp, she said, "here you go...dear, I also got one for myself."

"Yum!" Animal grinned widely, "Banana...really good." He stated as he looked at his wife who smiled demurely.

"I thought you might like that. These two need to get settled in the VOQ and then we all need to find something to eat."

Animal said, "Not too sure if there are too many places open this late around these parts. We might just be relegated to the Golden Arches for food tonight."

"Though it wouldn't be my first pick of place to eat, I can live with the Golden Arches, I'm hungry enough to down three Big Macs." She shot a warning glare at Harm, "No wisecracks, Mr. Naval Aviator!"

Harm looked as though he was clamping his lips tightly. Meg grinned as Keeter made as if to say something and wisely thought other-wise.

Metalman said, "I waited too long; mess is closed now." He looked woebegone, "What am I gonna do now?"

"Well?" Animal called out..."Who has eaten?" No-one raised their hands, "You're welcome to come, but it's dutch!"

"That I can do..." Rattler stated. "And are you two reprobates waiting for an invitation?" He pointedly asked the two.

"Uh, maybe..." Keeter said.

Metalman had an ingratiating grin plastered on his face. "Yes, boss."

Meg looked at him with a smirk, "I guess he can come, You have money?"

"Yes, ma'am." Metalman was a Lieutenant; properly respectful of Meg's now higher rank. He only decided he was going to drive his CO and XO crazy. Besides, she was a JAG and line officers knew if you piss off a JAG, bad things happen.

"Good, that means you won't get drafted as a McDonald's dishwasher to pay off your meal." Meg told him smugly. Metalman winced.

"Let's get going before McDonald's closes." Animal proclaimed, "I think most of us want to eat tonight." There were no statements to the contrary.

Due to NAVY UNIREGS, they were not allowed to eat in so they got their food and came back to eat it in the squadron lounge.

"It's gonna be a sunny day tomorrow," Rattler pronounced sagely and about as dignified as he could while munching on a fry, "and that means its going to be a good change-over." He stated. "And the new command should start on a good note. Not to mention, you two..." he pointed to Keeter and Metalman who were digging into their burgers "...are lucky to have a CO like him." He pointed to Animal. "He knows how to inspire the men and women around him within the squadron and I'm sure he'll take the Black Aces to greater heights."

"Hear hear!" Harm grinned as he tried to rap his plastic fork against the side of his McDonald's soft drink cup as if he was clinking a fork on a wine-glass in acknowledge-ment of Rattler's comments. Unfortunately all it did was make a dull thwack which didn't do too much for the statement.

"Mmmm, burger good..." said Keeter to Metalman in complete ignorance of Rattler's commentary.

Metalman agreed then emitted a loud "OW". Mac had kicked him under the lounge table for completely disregarding Rattler's comments about the incoming CO.

Mac smirked at him when he gave her an offended look, "Sorry, Lieutenant, muscle spasm, old war wound from Bosnia. Still bothers me from time to time. Occasionally have to stretch the leg firmly to get the leg under control."

That was promptly followed by another "OW!" from Keeter who looked at Harm with some annoyance at having his shins solidly whacked.

"Sorry, Keeter, I thought you were playing footsies, " Harm smirked. "So I retaliated."

"I'm looking forward to seeing all the former patched Aces coming by from the times gone by." Animal commented, "Some of our old squadron mates from when we were nuggets."

"COMNAVAIRLANT is gonna be there." Rear-Admiral James Pointer their old COMBATGRP was now "He said he wouldn't miss this change of command ceremony even if they offered him a round the world cruise."

Animal grinned at Rattler's pronouncement. Pointer thought of his Aces as family as he was an Ace from the Nam Era,

"Now I gotta tell ya practically all the who's who of DC's military brass wanted to be at the change-over ceremony so we had to get bleachers set up on the side so that they could view the particulars going on."

"Damn!" Animal looked at Rattler, "You're not kidding." He looked at the guest list that Rattler had on the lounge table in front of him as he was munching on his burger. Rattler was right. They'd damn near emptied the Pentagon. A lot of them are flying down in three C-9s. JOSAC is having fits trying to coordinate three flights out of Andrews down to Oceana to get everyone ferried over to the CoC ceremony and back again after the reception. There's gonna be so many stars there, people are gonna think this is a reproduction of the Milky Way galaxy."

"Turning into a real circus." Animal looked at the list again, "I think we've turned into the main attraction."

"And on that note,"Rattler concluded, "I think it's high time we all got some sleep..."

They all agreed and the two JAG officers headed for the VOQ after getting their bags from the trunk of Meg's car. Animal and Meg headed over to their temporary on base quarters which would allow them

to use it until the next day. And goodness knows where everyone else would sleep. Especially once the Pentagon circus showed up in town. But then again the Pentagon brass would be heading back as soon as the Change of Command reception was over.

0600hrs EST; NAS Oceana Temporary Married BOQ; NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA; Saturday, May, 31, 1997

It felt strange not waking up with a Marine drill instructor screaming at his recruits outside the window. Animal actually got a chance to sleep in for a change, though not for long as his body still decided to boot him up at 0600hrs. Meg rolled over to regard him with a languid gaze, "Good morning..." she murmured as she wrapped her arm around him and sleepily reached down to wrap her fingers around Animal. Animal's eyes widened as he felt her fingers.

"Well, good morning, love." He smiled at her and received one in return.

Meg rolled back over once she had coaxed him enough; tugging him to his side and sliding her rear up against his body so that he could feel her bare hind end against him. She felt him rub against her back, sliding down till he was at her entrance. She could feel him and then she sighed as he filled her so that she felt full, intimately joined and they slowly began to move together. He stopped, withdrew then turned her to face him, wrapped one of her legs around his left hip the other along side his right leg, so that he was able to join with her again facing each other this time. She felt him move within her and she sighed as the sensations drove her wild.

His hands held her locked in and tight. He tightened then shuddered, a warmth flowed into her as he came, "oh, yes, Meg..." he groaned.

Meg gasped at the warmth inside her made her feel full. She could feel his every twitch and a little more warmth joined the first rush each time. She looked at him with passion. "Let's make love again as soon as you're able to..." she whispered to Animal as they curled up together, still intimately joined. "I need you." She reached down and he stirred. A little more and they were back together, drawing a passionate sigh from Meg as she ground herself against his every thrust.

Their culmination was just as wonderful as the last and Meg held tightly on to Animal as they rode the wave of sensations together, Meg crying out in passionate ecstasy as she felt him flow into her, the warmth intermingling with how warm she felt from the exertions.

Meg pressed up against him, her breasts pushed up against his chest as she hungrily kissed him, telling how she wanted him...so much, "I love you, Tosh. I need you..." she whispered against his lips interspersing those words with hungry kisses.

When the two of them were thoroughly satiated, they moved to the shower and washed each other off. And they both were too exhausted from that morning's exertions to go through any more intimacy in the shower. When they got out they towelled each other off and stood there intertwined in an embrace enjoying the feeling of bare skin contact. Animal feeling Meg's supple bare body, his arms around her as she leaned back against him, her breasts resting against against the tops of his forearms as he interlocked his arms.

"I love you, Tosh..." she murmured, her damp hair tickling his face as she leaned back against him.

They were at the 0800hrs mark as they came out dressed in uniform for their walk to the officer's mess. The UOD was service whites to make it easy on the guests to coordinate with the happenings on base with the VF-41 Change of Command ceremony happening at 1200hrs. Then it would be back to the little house for Meg to change into a civilian dress and for Animal to change into formal dress whites.

0830hrs EST; Officer's Mess; NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA; May 31, 1997

Animal and Meg sat down with the other JAG officers. "Good morning, sir." He said to RADM Chegwidden.

"Fine day for a Change of Command ceremony." AJ stated. He'd been gratified to see blue sky and the awnings only having to be used as sunshades. Evidently there would be a Navy Band playing there as befitting the dignified ceremony of the changing of the VF-41 head of squadron.

Everyone at the table acknowledged the admiral with a "yes, sir, that it is." Standard correct protocol. Acknowledge the admiral when he speaks; laugh at his jokes no matter how corny, remind yourself that you will expect that same kind of response when you get your stars.

Bud was happily digging into a plate of sausages and eggs. While Harriet was more dainty coming from a mainline family of wealthy landowners who believed in using ten utensils for different courses of their meals split up into salad fork, dinner fork soup spoon, table spoon, blah blah blah. Mac and Meg were starved and they both were busy devouring their food. Harm was looking at his rather limp looking salad and wondering just how unpalatable this was going to be.

Animal, on the other hand, had gotten a nice helping of sausages, eggs, toast with jam and a fruit salad to the side. "Shoulda went for the fruit salad, Hammer..." Animal opined, "Most of us know to stay away from the rabbit food, we don't know if its from last year."

Harm rolled his eyes, got up, deposited the contents of his bowl in the garbage and headed back up to get some fruit salad. When he was out of earshot...

"It was from last week." Animal grinned to the rest of the table as he watched Harm make his way through the line-up. Mac nearly rolled off the bench onto the floor laughing. Meg gave her husband an indulgent look shaking her head in silent laughter at the trick her husband played on Harm while the rest of them had mile-wide smiles on their faces. It was rare to see someone put one over on Harmon Rabb Jr., the admiral thought, Nice to see it so expertly done with the panache of an aviator.

Besides fruit was good for Harm. It would keep him in several needed vitamins and the natural sugars would give him plenty of energy to get through the day. So Animal had done him a favor.

Looking at his Aviators chronometer Animal commented, "well looks like it's running 0945hrs. Meg and I have to head back and get changed over." Yes, it wouldn't look great to be late for the Change of Command ceremony; definitely not for the incoming CO.

When Meg and Animal got back, they had another quick shower and got dressed in their respective chosen attire. Meg was wearing a light blue dress which showed off her figure and her legs and she'd also put on some awe-inspiring makeup that was reminiscent of the makeup she'd worn to their wedding. That made Animal gawk at her. She was beautiful, but that make up made her stunningly gorgeous.

Animal by this time had his dress whites on; full panoply of medals on the left and ribbons on the right. His white corfam shoes. Meg put the Medal of Honor around his neck and snapped the clasps behind. Both Rattler and Animal were both going to be wearing Naval Aviator wings and Navy Officer Swords.

The participants; the squadron; both officers and enlisted were supposed to be in full dress whites, the officers and Chiefs wearing the choker whites and the E6s down to E1s in white cracker jacks.

The set-aside area was starting to fill up very quickly as guests were starting to arrive. There was a sea of gold shoulder-boards as most of the high ranking officers were there to observe. There was a Navy band gathering and a group of Seamen guarding the area they had set aside as the ceremony area in lieu of a quarter-deck. The band was playing incidental music. As the clock struck 1130hrs, the whole squadron was called to quarters. All enlisted were set in an three ranks for inspection as were the officers who formed to the side in the same. As the seats filled up in the participant section of the area, the guests all looked forward to the ceremony.

The new XO of the VF-41 Black Aces, Commander Kimber Benton was in full dress whites. Her white naval uniform showing the three stripes of a commander on her sleeves as the female dress whites uniform was cut similar to the female USN service dress blues uniform. She stood in front of the officers and Command Master Chief Yeoman Leon Trebalos stood in choker whites, his MCPO anchors on his chokers brilliantly shined bookending his Adam's apple. The other two members of the Command staff would notify the outgoing CO that the squadron was ready to be reviewed.

At this point when the last of the men and women of the squadron fell into place. Kimber came to attention marched to the quarter-master and informed him that the crew was at quarters.

Meg was in a section reserved for the families of the COs; both outgoing and incoming; near the dais, but not entirely by it, joined by the family members of Dale Kinnick's family.

At 1200hrs Rattler, Animal, the Chaplain and COMNAVAIRLANT, RADM James Pointer proceeded to the ceremonial area. When they had reached the area they sat down on the chairs.

Mac, Harm, Bud, Harriet and the Admiral in their service uniforms were watching enthralled by the pomp and circumstance of the Change of Command ceremony. When they were all settled the chaplain stepped up to the mic and began a rather wordy invocation.

The invocation went on for about fifteen minutes finishing with a rousing "Amen!" Whether it was for God or just an expression of general relief that the lengthy sermon was over, it wasn't certain. Next the retiring CO made his remarks. A dress whites clad Rattler, naval officer's sword by his side, grinned as he stepped up to the mic.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, Honored Guests. It was once said by a fine naval officer, I shall not stomach a slow ship for I intend to go in harm's way..." he paused for a long moment as he looked upon his squadron mates. "And...even though times have changed since John Paul Jones uttered those words every single commander of a US Navy unit has desired of such a fast capable unit as the legendary naval officer of old would have wished for. In my command stint in VF-41, I have had such a fast, capable unit comprised of the finest young naval officers in United States Naval Aviation. We have set the standards of excellence. Two Presidential Unit Citations, the Battle E for excellence; the Battle S and a reputation for being one of the toughest squadrons to get into within the United States Navy. The Black Aces have a tradition and that tradition is a long and proud one. In fact there are several proud Black Aces amongst the guests here who have gone onto higher command and much greater responsibility.

During this conflict in the Adriatic, VF-41 has flown over one thousand man hours of sorties over Yugoslavia flying combat air patrol and TARPS missions in support of NATO coalition troops as they try and maintain peace in the region. These TARPS missions were absolutely crucial to discovering our enemy's positions and keeping our troops aware of the dangers that were in the area.

We did our jobs and we did it well. I leave here knowing that I leave a top notch capable frontline fighter squadron to my successor's own command touch.

Since I was a nugget F-14 driver in the late 70s, I was happy to know that the squadron I was with was one of the best in the Navy. In 1981, the CO and Lieutenant Larry "Music" Muscynski showed the rest of the F-14 community that we were the best. Since then VF-41 has added two more tallies against Japan in that trade war gone hot. An F-2A by then-Lieutenant Rabb and a F-15J by then-Lieutenant Commander Toshio Nakamura. It has been rumored that McDonnell Douglas was not very happy about that shoot-down; yay for Grumman Ironworks." Laughter trickled through the audience. "It has been said that VF-41 has been at the forefront of any new technology innovation to do with the F-14 Tomcat. And the incoming CO will have to add a whole new mission profile to this squadron's arsenal in addition to our primary role of Fleet Air Defense. Not only will we see an F-14 that can knock targets out of the air at 100 miles away; but we'll annoy those irritating Air Force F-16 jockeys who say that oh we can carry 2000lb LGBs. Now we can ask them, Well can you pull seven plus G's with them on mount without having your wings rip off? My successor will prove that the Tomcat is a very capable strike platform for dropping large scale ordnance on enemy positions. And making things go away." Cheers accompanied that statement. "In my time as VF-41 CO, I have never enjoyed more the camaraderie of my unit members. Through two deployments, we have fought by each other's side. The flight crews may take the fight to the enemy but our enlisted keep up the aircraft and ordnance that allow us to keep that fight going. We all work together as a team. The enlisted may not wear the patch on a flight suit, but make no mistake; they are as much Black Aces as those of us who strap a jet to the seat of our pants. From the highest ranking CO to the lowliest E1... wait a minute...do we have any E1s in this squadron." A few isolated cheers "OK! SO why aren't you in school?" laughter. This was a joke as Seaman Recruits were supposed to be going into trade school within the Navy and not in a regular line squadron. Of course they could be affiliated with a squadron before going off to trade school. "Now I don't want to drag this speech on forever and I'm sure the majority of you are eagerly awaiting lunch rather than hearing me flap my gums." Not one word from the squadron not even Metalman or Keeter - they knew the high brass was watching. "It has been my honor and my privilege to have been a long-standing member of this squadron moving from nugget all the way to the CO's chair and I hope that my successor will take this squadron to new and awe-inspiring heights. I have been privileged to have served with him for a great number of years and for the past three years, he and I have led this squadron together. As my XO, he has been a great part of why we won the Presidential Unit citations twice and our Battle Awards and I know that our squadron is in good hands with him at the helm. And he has picked one of our best squadron members to fill the role that he has filled so well these past three years.

I truly hope that this is not a final parting but just a temporary parting of our paths within the Navy and hope that our paths cross again at some later date. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve with such fine young men and women within our squadron. You and I have gone into battle together and we have fought side by side. To those who have moved on in their careers and who couldn't be here today and to each and every one of you standing here today as I pass on the reins; it has been an absolute pleasure and a deep honor to have served alongside you in the best fighter squadron in the United States Navy. And after I read my orders, I will step aside to allow my relieving officer to make his statements." Rattler then formally read his orders detaching him from VF-41 Command. "Sir, I am ready to be relieved."

Animal stepped forward grinning he said a few words to Rattler sotto voce, "...you won't have to train strike to Yippy and Skippy...aren't you relieved?" Rattler started laughing. Animal, also clad in choker dress whites and sword stepped up to the mic and in keeping with the gravity of the occasion, he read out his orders to assume command in a loud and clear voice. The sun shone down exposing the mic and his crisp dress whites as everyone fastened their eyes right at neck level at the Medal. Once done he faced Rattler, saluted and stated, "Sir, I relieve you." then as RADM Jim Pointer, COMNAVAIRLANT looked at Animal, Animal faced the Admiral and said in a loud voice able to be heard all the way in the back. "Sir, I report for duty!"

He then turned to the mic. "Ladies, Gentlemen, Honored Guests, As Commander Dale "Rattler"Kinnick gets set on his next great adventure to the halls of the Pentagon, I wish him well.

Commander Kinnick and I have served together for a long time even as squadron-mates during my initial nugget phase in 1982. When I went on shore tour in 1985 he stayed with the VF-41 Black Aces developing a life-long association with the squadron; when I came back in 1990, I was a Lieutenant Commander. And Dale and I were finally the same rank. As it turns out he would get first crack at leadership of this squadron and he picked me to be his XO which to this day I greatly appreciate as he groomed me for command of a fighter squadron. Dale, or as he is better known by his squadron-mates, as Rattler; was a great leader to serve under. You knew exactly what he wanted, when he wanted and exactly how he wanted it done and there was nothing unclear about his orders. Commander Kinnick has stated that it was great to serve with this squadron, i would also have to say that it was great to have his leadership within this squadron.

And on a more personal note." Animal looked over at Rattler who was sitting nodding his head at him "Thanks for being at my side when I made the biggest decision of my life and became a married man. Dale was my best man at my wedding. It was only fitting since we've been squadron-mates for well over a decade and good friends for almost that long.

But now he's bound for shore duties. And I heartily wish him well. Because eventually Commander Kinnick will be back, hopefully with eagles and commanding a Carrier Air Wing. So good luck, Commander Kinnick; Fair Winds. And best of wishes in your career." He paused a moment and said, "All Orders of our last commander remain in effect." Commander Kinnick's command pennant was lowered from the flag pole, folded and brought to him. And Animal's new command pennant was unfurled and made its way up the flagpole.

The chaplain made his way to the mic and gave a benediction. After which Animal gave the command to "pipe down" which meant that Commander Kinnick was piped off the dais. "Commander, US Navy, departing." The ceremony was over and it was nearly 1400hrs. From here on in, it was the receptions and there was an elaborate one to be held in the NAS Oceana officer's club while others were held in the Chief's mess and the enlisted mess. During the course of the evening events, both Rattler and Animal would make their way to each separate celebration along with their family.

Animal joined his wife who looked over at him with a wide smile. Meg was happy for her husband who had now assumed the mantle of squadron command from Rattler and would now be making command decisions regarding the future of this squadron.

Harm and Mac joined them. Harm kept looking at Meg and her stunning makeup and very nice dress. Meg noticed Harm's gaze and grinned at him, "So...Harm. Why are you gawking?" Mac snickered at Harm who was non-plussed and not too sure how to react to a Meg who was wearing drop dead gorgeous makeup. He'd never seen her like this before even at the formal occasion at the Thai Ambassador's reception. And well, she was now out of his reach as a married woman. Meg took her husband's arm as Animal proffered her it.

Animal looked over at Harm and grinned,"it's gonna be a lot of partying until the late hours. Our last CO's CoC was like this too from what I heard from Rattler; I was in rehab for my shoulder."

"So who usually shows up to these things?" Harm asked.

"Oh, practically everybody's gonna find some excuse to party tonight. The officers' one is held at the O'Club whereas I find that the enlisted and Chiefs tend to have their own hallowed ground where they have their own little celebrations. Rattler and I have to poke our noses in there as well. Y'know, show your faces to the troops sort of thing."

"Burden of command?"

"Naww, not burden; responsibilities. And besides connecting with your men and women in your command develops a good chain of command so that you are able to have your orders followed."

The celebrations, along with food and alcohol flowed. Meg and Animal kept it light as they had to drive two hours back to MCB Quantico. Harm and Mac would catch a limo ride back to DC with the admiral, Bud and Harriet.

It was well past 0200hrs Sunday morning when Animal and Meg got back to their quarters at MCB Quantico.

"Oh, god..." Meg groaned as she regarded the alarm clock, "I'm going to be so dead on Monday if we don't get some sleep. If it wasn't for having to eat and prep food for the week; I'd stay in bed all day." She sighed, "And since Gunnery Sergeant Psychopath will be screaming at his recruits shortly, I might as well put on coffee and get started cooking." She sighed. "Besides interrupted sleep is worse than no sleep at all." Meg muttered crossly. "If I get this done, then maybe I can get some sleep."

Animal nodded. He wasn't sure about the accuracy of the sleep statement, but he was inclined to believe it. Frankly he felt like hell waking up after being jolted out of a nap or sleep after only a couple hours. And like his wife, he was irritable when that happened.

Meg was flipping through the recipe books trying to find something that she could make with what they had now in the cupboards instead of having to buy stuff at the NEX when it opened in three and a half hours.

"I need to see what ingredients I already have..." Meg informed Animal as she got up from her chair, "I'm leaning towards Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo..."

"I like that idea." Animal looked over to see his wife nodding tiredly. "Do we have all of the stuff needed for it?" He asked,"the Fettuccini, the chicken, the ingredients for the Alfredo sauce?"

Meg looked in the cupboards and the fridge, marking off what she had. Five packages of Fettuccini noodles. Chicken breasts, and the Alfredo sauce ingredients. "Yeah, I think I do...but first, I need coffee before I bounce my head off the table and kill braincells, I sorely need."

"Nope, can't have that, can we?" Animal grinned at her.

Meg smirked at him and went to grab the coffee grounds and filter and pretty soon the aroma of brewed coffee filled the air. The hours of the Quantico VOQ weren't restricted. There was business conducted at all hours so people were in and out of the VOQ just as much as the BOQ building. So coffee being brewed at 0245hrs was not unusual. One was just considerate of the fact that people were sleeping and didn't make a whole bunch of noise.

After she'd sat for a good half hour savoring her coffee, Meg got up and set the big stewpot on the stove filled it with water, tossed a dash of salt in and turned the burner on high to boil the water in prep to do the fettuccini.

In the meantime she would also deal with seasoning and baking the chicken so that it was ready when it came down to putting all the ingredients together. The chicken added meat to an otherwise vegetarian meal if one used vegetarian cheese made from fermented soybeans. Meg wasn't vegetarian. The chicken was prepared and shoved in the oven to cook at 345 degrees for 95 min.

Then since the water was coming to a roiling boil, Meg added some oil to the water to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It was there that she added the fettuccini and allowed it to steam in the water.

Meg then started mixing together the ingredients for her own Alfredo sauce. And since she was making enough for a whole week's worth of lunch for her and her husband, she made a lot of the sauce.

When the fettuccini was done, she strained the noodles; pulled the chicken from the oven as the timer went off and set the chicken on the rack to cool enough so she could strip the meat off the bones.

Mixing the noodles in with the Alfredo sauce was easy enough and didn't require a whole lot of effort. The real effort was the chicken and the fact that the meat needed to be stripped off the bones as soon as it was cool enough. That took a lot of effort and a lot of swearing ensued from Meg who didn't like dealing with greasy things in the first place.

By this time 0500 had rolled around and the yelling amidst the drill square started up. Animal kept the window closed. He'd turn on the AC later on in the daytime. He'd had enough of DIs during NROTC at NYU.

When the chicken was entirely stripped and the bones were thrown out, Meg tossed the chicken into the Alfredo and the Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo was done. Then it was apportioned to ten containers. And then since the drill instructors had moved on by this time to other parts of the base, Meg and her husband had some peace and quiet.

Once the apportioned lunches were in the fridge, Meg sighed. It was 0700hrs and exhaustion was starting to creep in, but there was still laundry to do and her husband was in the midst of grabbing up the laundry and taking it out to the laundry room. So Meg just grabbed another cup of coffee. I swear to God, I'm going to be going pee all morning...she muttered to herself. The things I have to do to stay awake.

By the time Animal came back with the clean laundry, she was working on some fruit salad so that they could have a little breakfast along with some yogurt. Meg dished some into two dishes and added some yogurt into each. Wrapped the remainder in food wrap and put it in the fridge.

0845hrs was still bright and early but in order to stave off mental collapse, she and Animal after that breakfast were trying to decide whether to take a nap for a few hours, then get the longer sleep a little later. But would that work? Or would they just end up collapsing and find their body clock totally messed up.

"I don't know if we should drink a gallon of coffee and stay awake until our bed-time or take a nap now." Meg sighed. "My body wants sleep, but if I let it, it won't let me sleep when I need it."

"Read books?" Animal suggested.

"I'd probably end up smacking my head into the open pages and closing the book on my face." Meg sighed, "And that wouldn't help much."

"More coffee?"

"I'd probably pee enough to float the USS Missouri."

"Go for a run?"

"With all these Marines jogging in full combat gear? I'd end up looking weak." Meg grumbled.

"Or we could just kick ideas around until we come up with an idea that sounds good." Animal grinned at her. "Besides, I've been seriously thinking about getting a computer; a laptop that I can tote around and take to work; that is if I can understand how to work these things."

Meg grinned, "Computer shopping?" she asked looking at Animal with some curiosity. "That could work. Though of course it all depends where we were going to get it. Does it mean going off base? Because I doubt that any stores off base are open since today is a Sunday."

"What about DataCenter? Aren't they open seven days a week?" Animal asked her.

Meg snapped her fingers,"You're right!" She exclaimed, "They are open today. Though I think they close at six so we'd have to get we want to hit the Fairfax store in time to get in some good looking around. Your Mustang, I'm too beat to drive." She said as she grabbed her purse from the table and Animal grabbed keys and wallet after slipping on civvies. Meg had changed into jeans and a t-shirt after she'd gotten back but still had the stunning make up on. "I'll muck with my makeup later after we settle in for the afternoon."

The drive up to Fairfax was not too bad for weekend traffic. It was the First of June and most were coming home from a weekend out as the next day was a work day.

1130hrs EST; DataCenter Computers; Fairfax, VA

When they pulled into DataCenter, the parking lot wasn't too packed it was a good large computer retailer and had a lot of selection. Meg took Animal's hand and they walked together around the store. Of course Animal being red-blooded male was looking at games like Flight Simulator III and Falcon 4.0. And of course he wanted to get NHL 97. Meg grinned as games seemed to always be something that guys always gravitated to. There was this game called SimCity, a slower paced game by a guy called Will Wright which seemed interesting enough. And building games fascinated Animal who sometimes found it kind of nice to slow down the pace of things.

"I have a feeling they're gonna come out with some really fancy stuff in the next twenty years." Animal said to his wife.

Meg nodded and informed him, "They're coming out with a lot of really cool stuff." She stated. "And the technology is going to grow by leaps and bounds. Right now it's Intel Pentium II chipsets and 1.2 GHz that's the max. But soon these computers will start breaking the speed-limits and processing power will outstrip the computers we had that were the size of rooms in the sixties."

"Weren't you a baby at the time of the moon landing?"

Meg smirked at him, "I've been known to read ancient history textbooks."

OUCH! Animal narrowed his eyes at her with a "Haha...very funny, Honey..."

"I thought so." She smirked at him giving him a kiss.

"So is it even worth getting them right now if they're just gonna keep coming out with faster and faster computers." Animal looked puzzled as he looked at yet another laptop.

"Sweetheart, the answer is whether you want to play with a hypothetical fast computer sometime in the future or play an actual computer game now." She winked at him, "I know which I'd pick."

Animal grinned at her, "so you're saying a computer in the hand is worth two in the bush?"

She laughed, "something like that but the reference I always heard of was something to do with an ornithological reference."

Animal grinned, "I've heard that too..."

"First hand?" ZING!

"Smartass " he wrapped his arms around her and said, "I love you."

"I love you too. Now what do you intend to do the most of with this computer. Do correspondence like write letters, reports, etc?"

"I think that would be its intended use, but knowing me, I'd probably end up playing games too."

"Then you'd probably want a desktop computer for gaming." Meg told him. "At least that has the capacity to add memory, graphics cards and other things you'd need. You'll also need a sound card to get decent sound out of the computer.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm going to be walking out of the store with a very expensive computer today?" Animal looked at her.

"Because games mean that you have to have a souped up system and you want to play games." His wife informed him.

"OK...so...where do I start?" Meg grinned as Animal asked this and started pulling boxes down and putting them into the cart, "this is the motherboard; the RAM, graphics card, sound card, the card that allows you to hook up to a modem. CD-Burner, 3.5 inch disk drive. Let's go take a look at the case. Here's a good one with lots of ventilation. Here's some good speakers and,oh, cool. Joysticks that look like real fighter pilot control sticks. Interesting name -Thrustmaster." She commented.

Animal raised an eyebrow and whispered in her ear,"Sounds like the name of a porn-star. Pleasure beyond Imagination, the Thrust-Master!"

Meg burst out laughing. "It'll probably take them a few hours to build it, depending on the number of techs and the sales today. So maybe we'd better take this to the counter and pay for it so that they can start building it for us. Then we can also pick up some games. You also need to go pick up some Command at Sea pins for your uniform. For your blues as well as for your khakis at NAF Washington's NEX. By the time we get back they should have it finished and ready for pickup. Then we should be able to also pick up a few games and some programs for you to use MS Word 3.0 Is out and so is Excel. So we should get MS office. Photoshop is also good. And we should get a printer and a scanner. We can pick those up as well. She figured might as well put them in the cart now; games, programs and whatever else; then pay for it and pick it all up when the computer was done being built.

They went up to the counter and paid the cost of everything which just about made Animal's eyes bug out. This computer nearly cost as much as his first car, a beater he'd gotten for about $7,000.00. But computers were expensive and that was the going rate. So all the stuff was taken to the back and the techs would finish around 1500hrs or 3PM by civilian time.

Animal and Meg headed to the Mustang and their next stop was NAF Washington. Showing their military IDs they were able to go to the NEX. Finding the command-at-sea pins was relatively easy and a crosscheck of Animal's authorized wear insignia was deemed that the Command-at-Sea pin was authorized now that he'd taken command of VF-41 Black Aces.

Purchasing enough pins to outfit a good number of his khaki uniforms as well as his blues and his dress whites, he took the proffered bag, thanked the stores specialist and they headed back out to the Mustang. Now it was a matter of killing time and grabbing a bite to eat.

Starbucks had banana bread. Meg's was way better. And they both drank Frappuccinos while they read the Washington Times. Animal was extremely happy reading the sports section where the New York Yankees beat Washington DC baseball team 9-2.

When they pulled into the DataCenter parking lot, it was nearly 3PM and they headed to the technical counter to see if the computer was ready to be picked up from the tech who was building it.

"Yes, sir, it's all ready for you and everything has been installed, Your OS is Windows 97 and you have enough RAM to run the most intensive games that are out there." DataCenter got one of their staff to help bring the computer in its box and the various bags of peripherals and games out to the car to be placed in the trunk of the Mustang. That was a lot.

"Thanks honey for the help in picking it out."

Meg kissed him.

"Maybe we can play some games together." Animal suggested,

"SimCity sounds like fun. And I hear they have another title coming out where you can play with life; an actual life simulator."

"That might actually sound like fun." Animal said as they entered the interstate heading back towards Quantico. He was looking forward to playing it when he got home.

However going home involved a stop in at their local Starbucks for a couple Mocha Frappuccinos with three shots of espresso to stay awake. Animal couldn't wait for six months down the road when the holidays would bring out his major favorite Eggnog Frappuccino. Of course he had to have it with Mocha so he generally had them do a Mocha Frappuccino; Half Eggnog; Half Milk. Maybe he might even throw in a banana the next time he ordered one just to send his tastebuds completely off the deep-end.

They had one loaf of banana bread defrosting so when they got home they would have that to munch on and that would be a snack for them until dinner was ready.

Meg had decided that for their dinner they would make chili. Luckily they had bought enough ground beef. This would be their dinner while the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo would be their take to work lunches.

Setting up Animal's new computer was a blast. Cords and cables had to be set PO up for each and every peripheral that they put in and a lot of it was frustrating, but Meg and Animal finally got the computer up and running.

It was certainly interesting to see the computer boot up for the first time and see the Windows 3.1 screen pop up with all the icons of the programs that had been installed on the hard-drive. Microsft Word would allow him to write reports and other things that were personal. He would confine classified information to the Department of Defense computers at the base where everything was encrypted. But at least he could enjoy leisure time on his computer with Meg.