Up A Notch

by Breanna Hayse

  “I’m sorry, Jim.”

  “Right now, it’s Major Fox to you. Got it?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she said quietly.

  He entwined his fingers, elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Now, I don’t know how your family handles your little games, nor do I care,” he said, his voice once again lowered. “But if you ever open your mouth to me like that again, you will leave me with no choice but to take you aside and blister that little backside so you can’t sit for a week. Got it?”

  “Yes, Sir,” the girl blushed.

  Jim looked satisfied. “Mike, I apologize if you feel I stepped out of line, but I’m serious. I can’t have her disrupting my crew or my assignment. I’ve known her too long to let this go,” he said sincerely.

  “You have no problem with me. Just tell me if you decide to carry out your promise. Because once you are done, it will be my turn. And my girl knows from past encounters across my knee, that it will be a very, very unpleasant encounter.”

  “That’s not fair!”

  “No, it is not fair. I also doubt you will find it fair when I report your behavior to Dad and Scott. What Jim may have done would be nothing compared to what they both will do. Now, with that said, will you reevaluate your attitude?”

  “Yes, Michael,” she said submissively and excused herself to go to the bathroom.

  Jim stared after her and carefully considered what he had just witnessed between them. “Okay, Mike, I gotta ask. Seriously, do you really spank her? She’s eighteen years old.”

  “Unfortunately for her, yes, we all do and quite frequently. She can’t seem to stay out of trouble and it’s the only thing that seems to get her to comply,” Michael responded, sipping his coffee. “If she pushes you, go for it. I don’t have to tell you about safety, right?”

  “Her safety or mine?”

  “Got it,” Michael laughed. “She’s such a great kid, but something in that tiny little head doesn’t seem to click when it comes to impulse. It makes no sense.”

  “Sure it does. Because of her upbringing and special talents, she believes she is expected to put up an impervious shield to the outside world. She’s still a kid and being ‘The Mighty Samantha’ all the time is exhausting .You forget that she is a female and is wired a little differently than we are. It’s imperative that any man she works with must earn her respect because she will never give a shit about rank or age,” Jim shrugged. “You had the same struggle she did, my friend.”

  “No I didn’t, I—”

  “You were a fourteen year old boy with the brains, brawn and training to best any man twice your age. You felt that you had to prove yourself to the men to gain their respect. Then what happened?”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about,” Michael suppressed a smile.

  “Bullshit. Once you knew they respected and trusted you, you started playing jokes on the squad.”

  “You have no evidence to support that accusation, Major Fox.” Michael announced.

  “To this day you are still going to deny it? I rest my case. You and Sam are exactly alike,” Jim exploded with a loud laugh, ignoring the stares. “She needs to be surrounded by strong men to give her a sense of peace in the middle of her chaos.”

  “We talked about that this morning. Shhh, here she comes.”

  “Ready for debriefing?” Jim asked cheerfully, standing and heading towards the door.

  “Yes, Sir. Michael? I’m sorry.” She touched her brother’s arm and looked up at him with big, round eyes.

  “We will talk about this after you finish getting pampered. I got a reservation for you at 1400. That’s 2:00, Sam,” Michael added, seeing her try to figure the time.

  “Really? Thanks. I know I’m a brat sometimes,” she quietly admitted.

  “Don’t tell me, tell him. Go on.”

  Sam trotted next to Jim and grabbed his arm as they walked towards the conference rooms. “Jim, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad, pipsqueak. I just want you to know I’m serious. I won’t put up with any monkey business on my ship,” the man said firmly.

  “I understand. Could we at least discuss some of my limits before you put the brakes on?”

  “Yes, we can do that. Now, how much do you want to tell the men?” Jim asked Michael.

  “Might as well prepare them,” Mike said. “With our little darling around, they will be in for a lot of surprises.”

  Chapter 10

  The room stood at attention when the three walked in. They were greeted by Master Sergeant Higgins who wrapped his heavy arms around the girl for a huge hug before shaking Michael’s hand. “I am so glad to see you, Samantha. Mike, how are you? How was your trip? I’ve been busting at the seams to tell the crew what they are in store for.”

  “You are looking well. Do you like it here?” Sam asked cautiously.

  He nodded vigorously. “Very much so, it’s a challenge that I’ve needed for a long time. How’s the unit coming along?”

  “It is amazing. Thank you for your help. How did you pull it off?”

  “I called in some major favors. Little Lady, you really made me take a good look at myself. I’ve spent years making people miserable because I was miserable. I knew it was time that I gave back something decent.”

  “Would you like to go out with me once we board? I promise Ton won’t eat you.”

  “I would be most honored, ma’am. If the Major permits.”

  “Of course, Higgins. Let’s get this done so we can get some rest before we shove off. Good Day, gentlemen,” he addressed the crew and research team. “I just need to remind you that the ship is on lockdown due to the sensitivity of this assignment. Tuesday’s loading is at 0530 and I plan to set off at 0600. I would like to introduce you to our guests, Mike and Samantha Quimby. They are research scientists traveling with us to the Recon site. They are also Special Forces field commissioned officers and very old, personal friends of mine. Lieutenants, would you like to state your business?”

  Michael leaned against the table top and briefly introduced his team’s field of research before starting on the more sensitive topic.

  “I must advise this crew of a few things which are both personal and professional. You will be seeing things on this trip that few others have witnessed. My sister is more than what you see here. Some of you have already witnessed her abilities. She is the most precious thing in my life, but she is also a dangerous weapon if crossed. You are to immediately come to the Major or me if you have any type of problem with her. I’m sharing this to make you aware that there are a few issues that might cause her to become agitated and what you might view as irrational.”

  He took a deep breath before continuing. “Sam has a serious medical condition which requires her access to salt water. If she says she needs to dive, do not interfere under any circumstance. And I mean any circumstance. Please just notify one of us immediately. A wetsuit is not required, even in lower temperatures.”

  “Lieutenant, I’m the ship’s physician. I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of such a condition.”

  “Doc, there are things you will observe this trip that you’ve only dreamed of. Trust me. And trust them,” Higgins said.

  “I invite you to discuss this with our unit commander who is also a physician,” Michael commented. “Back to the matter at hand, this is a closed assignment in which we will be using equipment that only Intell is aware of. It is because of this that I must insist that under NO condition whatsoever is anyone to either raise their voice or have aggressive contact with my sister. This is for your safety and not due to my concern about her kicking your butts. I’m talking about possible capsizing of this vessel. It will be easier to show than to tell you, but leave it at this. Sam is called a Siren on our base for good reason. Sam?”

  “Hi guys. Now that you have this terrible impression of me, I just wanted to let you know that I’m really happy to be sharing this time with you and introducing you to my world. My brother didn’t
go into detail about my condition or how it occurred. Long story short, I inhaled a chemical that blew out my lungs, took a dive way too deep and crushed my insides, and was found alive under water three days later. The process has not been able to be duplicated due to the uncontrolled variables and we are still discovering the effects of the accident. So, please report anything odd about me to either Michael or the major. Like Michael said, don’t stop me if I have to dive. I can’t control the need yet and will literally snap the neck of anyone who tries to stop me.”

  She took a deep breath, letting her words sink in before adding, “I also have broken the cetacean code.”

  Murmurs rumbled through the room, adding yet another unbelievable piece to her story.

  “They respond immediately to me if I feel trapped or are injured. A blue will breach the ship if it thinks I’m being harmed. I can’t always control them. I’m also learning the pinniped signaling. You’ll meet Ton. He is a three year old wild orca who is a working member of our team. He has a mind of his own and views me as his calf, and is as protective as my brother here. We are still in debate regarding my invitation to join a pack,” she glanced at Jim and her brother, who shook his head.

  “Ton feels it is important for our safety. Apparently, there are large herds of leopard seals about the area. My only other option would be to gather the whites, but I can’t trust them to protect us when we go into the wreck site if there is blood. I’ll keep you advised. Questions?”

  “Pardon me, ma’am, but are you trying to get us to believe you’re like, well, a mermaid?”

  “No, I’m not a mermaid. But yes, the records indicate that I am classified amphibiotic. I am able to breathe dermally.”

  “That is physically impossible,” the doctor said, “I’m too busy to play this little fantasy game. This is ridiculous.”

  “Dr. Crane, sit down. That’s an order,” Jim said.

  Higgins stood up. “Hey, you guys know I’m pretty cut to the core, right? I don’t go for nonsense or play around. Frankly, I have a reputation of being a total, straight laced asshole. Yeah, I see you three nodding back there,” he pointed to some men in the back. “I’ve seen what this lady can do with my own eyes. In fact, that’s why I’m here. I lost a bet to that girl and it shamed me more than you could imagine. Some of the things she shared with you are new to me as well, but after what I witnessed, I don’t doubt their truthfulness. Give them a chance. It’s only two weeks. You can suck it up until then.”

  “I am so tired of being challenged,” Sam whispered to her brother.

  He patted her shoulder. “It doesn’t help that you are so cute either. You’ll show them, don’t worry.”

  “Can I swim with the packs? That would prove something.”

  “The answer is still no. Don’t ask me again.”

  ***

  After moving their gear to the Spindrift Hotel, Michael went golfing with Jim and Higgins while Sam went for her “me time.” She did the complete top to bottom treatment and returned to the hotel feeling relaxed and happy. One problem remained that she needed to discuss with her brother. She waited until after dinner and their return to their rooms.

  “Michael? We need to talk.”

  “Yes we do. I owe you a good spanking for how you spoke to Jim.”

  “Not that, something serious. Sit down.” She sat next to him and put her leg on his lap. “Feel my leg.”

  “Yeah, so? You used to wax before we went on ship.” He patted her smooth, soft skin before pushing her leg off him.

  “Now my arm”

  “What about it? Losing your tan?”

  “Michael! Look carefully. I swear, for as smart as you are, you really can be dense. Ok, so you want to make it difficult?” She stripped completely, standing boldly in front of him, hands on her slender, curved hips. “Open your eyes! Stop acting like you’re embarrassed. You see me naked all the time. Except for my face and head, I’m completely smooth.”

  Michael frowned, peering at her skin for even the softest peach fuzz. Nothing. Silently, he slipped his old jersey over her head. “When did this happen?” he asked quietly.

  “I noticed it a few months back. At first, I thought it was just the benefit of waxing. You know, the hair grows back finer and stuff, but then I realized that the growth stopped. I didn’t even notice my arms until today when the gal commented about my recently waxing them. I’ve never waxed my arms.”

  “Why not your face and head then,” Mike asked.

  “The only thing I can guess is when I put on that helmet, the gas was in contact with my head and face. Didn’t you think it was odd I didn’t have optic, audio or sinus damage from the pressure? I’m guessing my nails weren’t affected because they aren’t follicular and have a different growth structure.”

  “Now that you mention it, the only organs that were crushed were air filled, your lungs, uterus, stomach and intestinal tract,” Michael contemplated. “We never understood how quickly you healed from all the surgery. It took a little over a week for everything to mend and with the tiniest of scarring.”

  “So anyway, I thought it was important to tell you.”

  “What else did you have done today?” Michael asked, uncomfortable with the thoughts surrounding her physical changes. Was she going to morph into something inhuman? He mentally slapped himself for his overactive imagination.

  “The works. Mani-pedi, massage, facial, hot oil treatment, trim, eyebrows. It cost Daddy $300 plus a tip.”

  “I’ll make sure he knows. Now, let’s discuss you attitude with Jim today. What was that about?” he asked, maintaining control of the situation and bringing the discussion to something he could focus on.

  “The devil took over, I guess, probably because of our talk earlier.”

  “He’s one of my oldest friends. He adores you, but he’s still an officer. I understand your need to respect the men you serve under, but Jim has never given you a reason not to respect him. Did you get the response you needed from him, by the way?”

  She didn’t answer, swinging her bare feet as she looked at the floor. Her toes were cute, little pink flowers painted on the big toes.

  “Are you listening to me?”

  “Um, yes, Michael.”

  “No, you weren’t. Like usual, you were tuning me out. What am I going to do with you, Sam? Come here. This is long overdue,” Michael ordered, pointing to his muscular lap. She looked at him with her doe eyes, but there no pity to be found. He simply frowned and pointed. “If you don’t come over here this minute, I will get the hairbrush.”

  Sam stood slowly to obey, placing her stomach across the span of his hard thighs. She placed her hands flat on the floor as she tried to brace herself comfortably as she held her breath. He lifted the jersey out of his way and repositioned her bottom in the range of his hand, wrapping his long right leg across the back of her knees. Without a word, he began to spank her with heavy blows that landed precisely over the smooth, soft skin, quickly bringing it to a rosy glow.

  She was unable to kick or squirm, and could only pound her hands against the floor as she tried so hard not to give in to tears. One hand found its way to attempt blocking the smacks, but was quickly captured. Sam began to cry, beg forgiveness, apologize, and make promises… all which fell upon deaf ears. Michael had heard the same song and dance before and this time he would stop spanking when he was tired and she was taught a lesson about proper submission. She struggled, he spanked. She yelled and he spanked. She cried and he spanked. She finally stopped kicking or twisting, and cried softly as he continued the deluge of hard-handed strikes upon her now dark red backside.

  His hand stung uncomfortably when he finally stopped. He pulled her up to face him. “You will learn respect. Go stand in the corner and hold that shirt up so I can see that bottom,” he ordered unsympathetically. The girl quickly obeyed, wise enough to keep silent. Michael sat back and watched TV for a while before calling her back over to him.

  “Tomorrow you will take Jim as
ide and tell him what happened tonight as a result of your rudeness. You are also to tell him that I want him to let me know exactly what you said. If you water it down, we will have a repeat tomorrow evening. Understand?”

  “Yes, Michael,” she whimpered dejectedly.

  “Good, now come here.” He pulled her into his arms to hold her. She cried some more but felt safe and well loved in his strong hold. He squeezed her tiny frame gently. “I love you. Now get that bottom into bed. It’s time to call Dad to say goodnight.”

  “Do I have to tell him that you spanked me? It’s humiliating.”

  “No, baby girl. Not unless he asks,” Michael stroked her tear stained face.

  ***

  Satisfied that the dry suit situation was resolved, the girl plotted her next undertaking—to gain permission to get into an orca pack. Prior to boarding, and far away from her brother, she sat down with Jim to discuss the pros and cons of her involvement. He was frustratingly logical, countering every comment with another, safer solution. His eyebrows rose when she started to throw a tantrum.

  “Do you really want to go there, Samantha?” he asked patiently, “I’ve known you since you were ten and it is not going to work. Your only hope is to convince either your brother, father or uncle that it’s the best move and then I will reconsider.”

  “If it were Michael wanting to do this, you would let him!”

  “Cool it with the ‘tude, young lady. Mike has enough sense to look for an alternative. This matter is closed, Lieutenant,” he gruffly announced, leaning back in his desk chair. She slapped her hand on the desk and stormed out without a word. He sighed, wondering how her family managed to keep from going insane. He also wondered how other officers dealt with her. This was going to be an eventful trip, for certain.