Tramp Wars: The Enemy

by Larry Roberts

  “Yes Mark but you were part of it all the same with the paragraph talking about you repairing the engines so the boat could get there. Guarding and supporting the other boat and the back hatch and something about you personally saving the lives of the hostages and several marines as the Pirates tried to sneak out the back.” She turned looking at Mark gushing with pride before going to the next. “The next one is your rescue of your fellow Cadet in the Serengeti system when his vacuum suit tore open. You closed the tear in the seam and carried him, running a mile to the ships air lock before his air ran out using your own to supplement his, saving his life even after your air ran out. Then last year on Sahara prime the delivery air truck #9 broke down thousands of miles from the ship and help and no working comm and after 10 days in the desert heat you fixed the truck after the mechanic had given up, to make it back to the ship with the crew half dead but saving all your lives.” She giggled smiling from ear to ear as her whole body wiggled with pride making her boobs and butt even more demanding as she continued. “This is for rescuing crewman Briggs from being asphyxiated in Gun turret B, when he emptied a full barrel of cleaning fluid onto the deck in an enclosed space.”

  She went down the line as Mark kept trying to keep from looking at her many moving parts as his head throbbed. She started on the quarter ribbons or tabs across the bottom when Mark told her to stop and repeat the last one. “You not only did the whip but you set a record. One of only two to break the 7 gee mark at a hundred yards. It warrants a tab ribbon for the accomplishment.”

  “What! I have a ribbon for swinging around the nose of the ship on the end of a cable. An illegal act worth brig time if caught. And I got a ribbon for it? How the hell did they even find out about it? Hell a bunch of us did it that day but I got a medal for it?”

  “Yes Mark. It is a time honed tradition of the ship for adolescents that is greatly discouraged and not tolerated once of age from what the computer says. The next is for setting a record sliding down the lower deck ladder from the top mess deck to the bottom main airlock deck. You not only are one of a hundred during the life of the ship but you set a record doing it.”

  “Godstar!” Mark started turning red. “Take it off damn it. My buddy Criss died trying it after I did it so get it off now!”

  “But it is required on your uniform according to regulations.”

  “Get it off. I don’t care if I am out of uniform or not. Take it off.”

  “Yes Mark. I remember his death now. I forgot. I am sorry. ” She pinched it off the ribbon bar leaving a space where it had been. “ I have to leave the space as there is a specific place and order these have to be in according to the list. The Exec has already signed off on your awards with a note that many were up graded from the original awards. Only the Captain can change it.”

  “Fine the empty space can remind me of my buddy and what a stupid moron I can be and he was for leaving such a mess behind that cost the life of Dick. NO. He was murdered.” Mark shook his head before he grabbed it to try to relieve the pain that suddenly appeared in his heart after losing so many close friends, to match his head.

  She sat down and started to continue across the bottom row with a lot less enthusiasm but Mark stopped her saying enough was enough. He was not interested anymore in the stupid medals. Besides he realized he needed to use the head, desperately.

  Thinking for a second Mark had to ask. “I saw all kinds of medals on the uniforms of the court-martial bored but most did not have half the number hanging on their chests.”

  “That’s ok, I checked on the computer and found out most Commanders don't have as many as you. You are an exceptional young man and with the right guidance you will become a damn fine Officer Mark.” Leaning forward she smiled giving him a quick kiss. “The Captain said so. I heard her.” She starred at Mark for a minute as he sat suffering. “If you will shower and dress, breakfast is waiting for you in the Ensign Mess. And don’t forget to brush your teeth. Your breath could kill a Yakmoose after last night.” She started dressing making Mark sad each time she covered a good part. “You can find the mess to the right as you exit this dorm. It is the second one over, that large empty space toward the center from the hatch mechanical room with another ensigns barracks this side of it that still has work left to finish up the showers and entertainment room. I was told I can't eat with you in the new mess being a civilian but I am going to take care of that today. I have to get to work anyway. This is going to be a special day for me too. I am swearing in as an Officer to become a Doctor. I would like to have you there love.”

  “Hey, good for you but I hope it is not because of me. Anyway I would love to be there, just give me a call when you are ready. If there is anything I can do to help just ah whisper.” He used his hand to push his hard dick down between his crossed legs under the sheet to hide it and started rocking back and forth on the bed as he looked over at the little bathroom door. Pulling the loose sheet around his naked middle getting ready to head for it even if she did not leave soon but praying that she would.

  “Funny that you said that Mark. I have to move out of my parent’s cabin as an officer, but I don’t want my own cabin. I want to tell them to assign me to bunk with you. Besides, there aren’t any more empty cabins left after all the shuttling around last night anyway and the other dorm is not done yet and I can’t think of anyone I would rather spend my life with.” Looking surprised. “Ah I mean bunk with for now. I thought you liked me a lot and I know I love you more than I ever thought I could ever love anyone. Besides, I don‘t want to take the chance that bitch Cindy will get you.” Reaching up she patted the smaller upper bunk stacked full of boxes from Marks old room with his parents. “I like small narrow bunks anyway.”

  Mark looked up over his shoulder at the bunk with a pained expression as he continued to rock, clamping his legs tighter. “What? You want to sleep in my upper bunk?”

  “No silly. I just don’t want to force myself on you is all. I would love to sleep with you for the rest of my life.”

  “Ok? That sounds good. I…” As he looked back at her painfully shocked.

  Diane launched herself at him giving him a bear hug as she kissed him hard filling his mouth with her tongue reaching far inside him tickling the roof of his pallet as she pushed him back onto the bed. Mark was just starting to forget why he was crossing his legs in spite of the pain when she finely jumped back up. “Oh. Thank you love.” Then raced out of the cabin.

  Mark starred after her for a minute as the pain in his lower stomach returned in full force. Holding himself as he lurched to the little bathroom he leaned over the toilet. His head against the back bulkhead as he willed his member to soften enough to do his business before his bladder burst matching the pain in his head. But the thought of Diane just kissing him and in his bed that coming night kept getting in the way.

  Forcing himself to think of something else it finely downed on him. That he was one of the lowlife officers now and had not a clue as to what the hell he was going to do. His member suddenly softened rather quickly. Much to his relief. As the pain blissfully subsided with the flow; his stomach started to growl reminding him that he was starving to death. “Ensign Mess?” He could not remember saying anything to the Birthing Chief about moving or making a mess down her. Unless the Chief took him serious about a snack bar and got carried away.

  Finely empty; Mark threw a towel around himself and walked down to shower. The other ensigns where up and bitching about their new cabins and none private showers. Cursing the Captain for moving them. Mark just smiled and enjoyed himself as he waited in line for the two shower stalls.

  An ensign walked in and stepped in front of Mark shoving him back out of his way. “Stand back Probee I’m senior to you. Mark felt better when the next Ensign in pushed in front of the ensign in front of him. One of the female lieutenants walked in with a towel around her and got in front of the line daring anyone to look or say anything as she told them what she thought of the new accommoda
tions. As more ensigns came in they cut into various places in line without anyone saying anything to them. As he stood at the back of the line Mark started to get upset at how long it was taking each time he was next only to be pushed back several spots by new arrivals, Mark suddenly heard one of the lieutenant's bellow as he walked through the door. “Don’t you dare step into my shower worm!”

  The Ensign half in the shower stall stopped and backed out coming to attention. “Yes Lieutenant. My apologies for not seeing you coming sir.”

  “Very well puke face. Don’t do it again.”

  Finally showered after starting to wonder if officer south was a good idea after all. He returned back to his cabin, shaved and dressed smartly in his white dress uniform then followed Diane’s directions to the Ensign Mess. The compartment only having tables and a serving counter was surprisingly crowded with ensigns and a few lieutenants. Mark had not realized that there were so many of them when he had suggested moving all the ensigns to the Tween decks, not realizing what the numbers he had been shown actually meant in real life. He suddenly felt out of place as everyone else in the mess was wearing khakis, especially with so many starring at all his ribbons plastered across his chest as he first walked in before they returned to their breakfasts. He went down the self-serving line and then sat at a table by himself at the back as he eat breakfast. The Lieutenant’s and Ensign’s had one topic. What ass hole changed the billeting to this hell hole and what they would like to do to him.

  Steve looking like death warmed over, joined Mark at his table and the first words out of his mouth was; “Wow we did all this.”

  Mark raised his hand as Steve stuffed his mouth with syrup soaked Waffles. “Shut up for Stars sake. You want to get us spaced!” He whispered holding onto his head from the pain. Though with each bight his head seemed to feel a little better. The pills Dian had given him starting to work.

  Steve jerked around looking at the other officers busy with their own problems and then smiled. “I had a blast last night at the party with the girls and slept like the dead with not a single baby crying.”

  “I take it you’re a happy spacer then.” Mark said between his mouth fulls’ while trying to ignore the pain in his head.

  Ensign Hickum; the Cindy that had been all over Mark the night before; walked in. Mark followed Steve’s riveted eyes. Frowning when he saw her, wishing he could hide for what he had done all over her as she looked at him with eyes that could kill. Then remembering her stripping off her clothes as she bent over trying to shake her boobs clean. Her big red nipples flinging vomit all over half the guys in the game room before grabbing a dirty greasy rag to wipe streaks of grease all over her boobs only to pore beer over them and smear it around. He could not help smiling back at the Ensign in spite of how bad his head felt.

  “Shut your hole Ensign Pukeface!" She practically yelled as she growled at him then clutched her head.

  “Sorry Ensign Stripper.” Mark said shaking his head and upper body briefly before he could catch himself. Making his head suddenly feel like it was getting ready to fall off. With the pain bringing tears to his eyes but he had to smile in spite of that. "Do you want your panties back? The guys were talking about using your bra to hold a couple of bowling balls up out of the way on the bulkhead."

  Her lips curled up as she starred at him and opened her mouth to say something when one of the lieutenants looked up at her and said in a loud booming voice; “Good morning Ensign Hickum. How are you feeling this morning? I heard you had quit a night of it". Pain suddenly crossed her face as her head instinctively tried to shy from the noise bombarding her ears. Putting her hand to her ear on that side she stiffly turned and sneered at the lieutenant as she half staggered on towered the serving line. The lieutenant smiled at her and chuckled. “It is hell when the Saturday night party happens on a weekday and in port and you have to work the next day isn’t it.”

  A Boson Mate with Spencer stenciled across his dungaree pocket walked in past Mark stopping at the lieutenants table, came to attention and saluted. The lieutenant looked up dumbfounded as he returned the salute. He had been engrossed, reading a book pad and had not even noticed Ensign Hickum let alone the Boson Mate until he had to return the salute. “Sir. You are ranking senior officer of the Officers Mess South. May I have your permission to read this notice to the Officers Sir?”

  Surprised, the Lieutenant swallowed the drink of coffee he had just taken as he read the report laying on the table and put the cup down. Staring at the Boson. “Me?”

  “Yes sir. You are senior Ranking Officer in charge of the Officer’s Country South and the Mess. Do I have your permission Sir?”

  Taking the announcement from the Bosom he read it and gave it back. “Yes Bosom Spencer, make your announcement.” Turning back to the report sheet he smiled shaking his head in disbelief. "Damn; me Officer in charge of Officers Country South.” He seemed to sit straighter in his chair. Holding his head up higher.

  “All officers will report to the word room at 0800 for muster. That is all.” Turning back to the Lieutenant and handing him a sheet. “Sir, these are the construction reports and inventory sheets for Officer Country South. Please itemize and properly initial all items after you have inspected them, as complete and sign sometime today sir. With your permission, I will return to my duties sir.”

  The lieutenant turned back around from his report sheet. "I don't have time for all this." Irritated with the enlisted man for increasing his work load as well as again interrupting his reading as he eat breakfast and spotted Mark sitting a few tables back. Ignoring the bosom he stood up. “Just what the hell do you think you are wearing Ensign?” Walking back around the boson to get at the new Ensign. “Did I miss some directive changing the uniform of the day? Why are you in dress whites? And while you're at it, tell me where the hell you picked up all the fucking color? You were only sworn in last night.”

  Finishing his bight of food. Mark was starting to feel better with something in his stomach. Mark sheepishly smiled up at him. “I think you will have to ask the Exec about that and this is all they gave me to wear so far. I was told they will get me the rest this afternoon or tomorrow.”

  The Lieutenant leaned down fingering Marks ribbons shaking his head as he stuffed his finger into the missing Tab then straightened up to stare at Mark. “When a superior Officer address you Ensign you stand and come to attention or have you changed your mind about becoming an officer? Now stand up or get out Mr. Collins."

  Mark's mouth dropped open with his fork half way to his mouth frozen as he starred at the lieutenant.

  "Are you dense Ensign? I gave you an order!"

  Mark pushed back his chair and stood up coming to attention. "Yes Lieutenant Sir."

  "Now Ensign. The uniform of the day is Kakis. It is always Kakis unless otherwise posted. You have to buy them in the ships flag store. They only supply you with your dress uniforms and then they take it out of your pay. Don’t ever wear this again unless you are ordered to moron.” Turning back to his table and breakfast. “The Store opens at noon. Now get out of my sight until you are in the proper uniform of the day. I still can’t believe they scrapped the bottom of the toilet and made you an officer.”

  -----------------------------------

  Captain Cook sat down at the Captains table in the Officers Mess. “I do believe it does not seem as crowded as it normally does Mr. Evens. What has happened to a good portion of the tables? I could actually walk to my table without bumping into one with every step. Oh and the Ensigns. Where are the Ensigns? Without them it seems a lot quieter.”

  “I am sorry Captain I do not know.” Turning to the steward and holding up a hand to stop her. “Do you know what has happened to the Ensign’s and the tables?”

  “Sir. Yes I do sir. They have been transferred to the Ensign’s Mess on K-0 deck sir.”

  “The Ensign’s Mess? Why is there an Ensign’s Mess on K-0 deck?” bellowed the Captain.

  “Sir. To serve Jun
ior Officer’s country South Sir.” said the Steward.

  “Who the Hell authorized and what the hell is Junior Officer’s Country South?” Barked the Captain. “McBrian! Somebody find me the Purser officer.”

  “Here Captain.” An Officer stood and walked to the Captain’s table. “How can I help you Sir?”

  “What is this about Officer Country South?”

  “I have no idea Captain. My Birthing Chief called last night; something about rearranging birthing for the new Ensign and finally having a solution for birthing the junior officers together but nothing about creating what did you say? Officer Country South.”

  “The new Ensign?” Shaking her head. “I want you and your Chief in my office at 0800 Mr. McBrian.” Taking a big swig of tea. “Why do I have the feeling that Mr. Collins is at the bottom of this. Why did I think making him an officer would keep me from hearing his name every time there is a disaster? Even if I didn’t know it was the same person all those times. And why didn’t someone stop him. I have a hundred officers above him with their sole duty to keep an eye on that boy and he still is causing trouble.”

  -----------------------------------------------------

  Mark walked into the Ward Room a good 15 minutes early with Steve. Taking a seat at the back trying to hide. Mark felt self-conscious in his dress whites after being chewed out.

  The Duty officer finely came in and looked around. “It seems the Ensigns have new quarters. From what I understand they are rather nice.” He said sarcastically. “And I am sure you would be interested in all the notes from happy grateful husbands and wives with ecstatic kids now living in your old cabins. As for myself, I have to admit that I enjoy the Officers Mess with out all you low life’s taking up room and getting in the way but the Captain will be reviewing the accommodations change. So for you and those responsible; don‘t get too comfortable yet." The Duty officer looked straight at Mark. "For today continue with your assignments and duties. Dismissed.”