Fic: Sparkling Stars V: Night Patrol (1/1)
Title: Sparkling Stars V: Night Patrol (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: George 'Christy' Christopher/Virgil Edwards,Lester Gruber, Harrison 'Tinker' Bell, Willy Moss, Quinton McHale
Fandom: McHale's Navy
Genres: AU, Drama, Historical, Slavefic
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: During night patrol, Christy and Virgil talk.
Date Of Completion: August 17, 2022
Date Of Posting: August 25, 2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Universal does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 918
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
The entire series can be found here.
On the sea,
Just you and me,
Someday will be.
George 'Mac' Macklin
"Life Upon The Sea"
1917 C.E.
Night patrol was always perilous. Moonless nights were the worst, but at least this night there was as a half-moon. The light shone on the water, helping the crew of the PT-73 keep watch for submarines and any other ship that might be running Blackett Strait. The three-boat patrol, consisting of the 73, 109 and 87 were spaced out across the Strait. The air was still, almost as if waiting for something to happen, and probably not anything good.
Virgil kept his hands loose and ready to shoot his .50-caliber baby if necessary. He kept scanning the horizon, just like the rest of the crew. Massaging his wrists, grateful that the Skipper removed his slave bracelets and collar for missions, he touched his helmet, its weight comforting. If he was lucky, the steel pot would protect him from stray bullets. Maybe.
"Hey Christy," Virgil said in a low voice. They were out on the open sea without any land in sight. The engines were idling to minimize noise.
Up at the con Christy said, "Yeah?"
"Do you ever wonder why we're in the middle of another world war just a generation after the last one?"
"Sometimes, I guess."
Virgil hunched over, glad for his jacket. Somehow in the middle of the South Pacific it was a touch chilly.
Christy spoke again. "Looks like the War To End All Wars had unfinished business."
"Huh." Virgil considered this statement. "You're right. Germany had a lot of grievances."
"Yeah, kind of, but griping is one thing, invading other countries another."
"No kidding." Virgil rested his elbows on the turret. "All this super race stuff is gonna bite 'em in the ass."
He could hear the smile in Christy's voice. "Sure, and the Japs may get the same comeuppance. They consider themselves the superior race, too. Look what they've done to the Koreans and Chinese."
Virgil shuddered. "Guess superiority breeds contempt."
"Maybe they'll go at each other like scorpions in a bottle."
"We can only hope."
Virgil continued scanning the sea. The fastest way to get killed on night patrol was to become lazy. "I'm hungry," he whined.
This time Christy laughed. "You're always hungry." He adjusted his helmet and looked up at the sky.
"Do you hear something?" Virgil asked, checking out the sky, too.
"For a second."
Virgil glanced over his shoulder at Gruber, who was talking to Tinker. The Machinist's Mate was standing on the ladder leading down to the engine room. Neither one seemed to have heard anything.
"I wonder how many retreads are serving in this second war?" Virgil said.
"A lot. Some of 'em are bumped up to brass now."
"Without ever having heard a shot fired in anger."
Christy snorted. "True. Wonder how many of CommFleet's admirals ever saw action in the Great War."
"I think Admiral Rogers did."
"He'd be an exception."
Virgil rubbed his eyes. "You're the political expert. You think any Navy guy could become President someday?"
"You mean after getting enough publicity to become famous?" Christy checked on the location of the other PT boats.
"Yeah."
Christy shifted his feet. He was tired of standing. "Well, look at the evidence. Who gets to the White House? Generals, not admirals."
"FDR served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in World War I."
"You think someone not a general fighting this war will be President?"
"Maybe."
"Ha!"
"Hey, stranger things have happened."
"Right, someone from rinky-dink Taratupa is going to be hearing 'Hail To The Chief' someday."
Virgil smiled at Christy's skepticism. "Oh, well, guess I'm not a political know-it-all."
"You're a political know-it-not."
Virgil's grin widened. "Maybe I'm a forget-me-not."
Christy looked back at his friend. "You're unforgettable."
"Ah, well, one can only hope." Despite his light tone, Virgil was warmed by the sentiment.
"Ha!" Christy was scanning the horizon as the moonlight silvered his blond hair. He had removed his helmet.
Virgil loved that blond hair. He had been immediately attracted by that shining hair when he had first laid eyes on the quartermaster. He loved to run his fingers through those golden curls whenever he got the chance.
Oh, you've got it bad, Edwards.
"So, you think we'll finally get fresh eggs this week from Urulu?" Virgil asked.
"We'd better, otherwise the Skipper will raise the roof."
"You sure that's a good idea?"
"What do you mean?"
"Does the Skip want to get cursed?"
Christy tilted his head back, staring up at the stars. "You worried about a four-foot skipper?"
Virgil laughed. "Bet he'd be just as loud."
Still keeping his voice low, Christy said, "You eightballs! Of all the dad-blasted, stupid, moronic things to do! Argh!"
"Ha, and Lester thinks he's the great impersonator."
Christy turned and winked.
Willy popped up from below. "What are you chucklin' about?"
"Oh, just livin' life," said Christy.
Willy shook his head affectionately. He took the signaling lantern and aimed it at the next boat.
"What's up?"
"Skip's givin' the order to go home to the 109 and 87."
"Yes! I could use some sack time."
"Don't we all " Willy began blinking the light in code.
Virgil rubbed his eyes. Sack time sounded good to him, too.
McHale called up from below. "Take us home, Christy!"
Christy put his helmet on."Aye, aye, sir!"
Christy shot a smile at Virgil and after firing up the engines, turned the PT-73 around for home.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
This story can also be read on AO3.