Woody

WOODY By Lee Mariner

December 2002

DISCLAIMER: This is a fictional story intended for adult readers only. It depicts homosexual acts between young men and boys. All Characters are fictional and in no way related to any person or persons, living or deceased. Any perceived similarity is purely coincidental. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO READ THIS STORY OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERAIL, PLEASE LEAVE.

DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX AS IT CAN LEAD TO A LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCE.

All stories I have written or I am writing can be found in the Nifty Archives of prolific authors under my pen name of Lee Mariner.

This story is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written consent of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission guidelines but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the written consent of the author.

Copyright: December 2002 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights are Reserved.

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

Chapter #4

It didn't seem like I had hardly fell asleep when the damned intercom started blaring, "Reveille Lewis, drop your cock and grab your socks. Time to get that tub ready for down river."

"Screw you Martin." I said holding my hand over Woody's mouth.

Dick Martin was a nice guy but he got a sadistic pleasure out of holding reveille. He had been known to flick the head of some poor guys cock when he was walking through the barracks getting guys up in the mornings. If he saw a hard one sticking out of the guy's shorts and if the guy slept in a bottom bunk he would almost hit his head on the bunk over him when Martin did it.

He used his rank to get away with crap like that. If he had ever touched me, he'd be would be eating a knuckle sandwich for breakfast and he knew it.

As I held Woody's mouth shut, he shook his head murmuring and I held my finger over my lips shushing him. I could hear the intercom buzzing and that meant the receiver was open. Martin wasn't above eavesdropping.

"Hey Martin, you still there?"

"Yeah, whaddaya want?"

"Is Pearson on the way down with the day's chow and how about Parker? He knows he goes down river with me today doesn't he?"

"Affirmative to both. Where's Woodson at, I don't see him sweeping the boat down?"

"I'll worry about Woodson Martin, it's my boat and he is my seaman not yours so don't worry about it."

That was one of the things I liked about the Navy, seniority.

"Being a little bitchy this morning aren't we Steve? What's the matter, you pissed about having another early turn around and it's fucking you up?"

"Keep it up Martin and it won't be me that's fucked up. Tell Pearson to get that chow on board as soon as he gets here. I don't want to get hung up with the oyster boats because of him dragging his ass."

The intercom went dead and I took my hand away from Woody's mouth. We both were naked with half hard cocks and I needed to piss badly.

"Wash up in the crew's head up forward and get dressed, I'll use the other head aft. Don't waste any time Joey, we don't want Pearson or Parker coming down that hatch with us naked."

"They can't come down the hatch Steve, I locked it last night remember?"

"Shit, I forgot but that's even worse. You go ahead and I'll unlock it. That's the last thing we need, a locked hatch and one of them trying to get in. The two of us on board with the hatches locked, boy would that get around like wildfire."

I grabbed by skivvies off of the deck and slipped them on before going through the galley/mess deck too the skippers cabin. I started a pot of coffee before washing up. Like most sailors, I needed that first cup of mud to get my heart started.

I was in the head shaving when I heard Woody in the galley and I called out, "Joey, fix me a cup of coffee and then how about running the broom over the main deck? Don't worry about swabbing, you can do that when we get on station."

I didn't get an answer but he showed up in the doorway holding my coffee. Leaning in he kissed my shoulder and sit the cup on the edge of the sink.

"Anything else before I go topside?"

"Get out of here and act like you're the seaman of the boat."

"Aye, aye sir." He said, throwing me a mock salute and I hollered back, "Don't forget your white hat on deck Woody."

Parker came down the ladder from topside just as I finished dressing and I watched as Pearson started handing boxes of stores down after him. We still had about 30 minutes before we got underway but that was not enough time so that we could run up too the mess hall for breakfast. I only needed some toast with the coffee but I didn't know if Woody would be hungrier then that.

"How much more you got Pearson?" I called out. "That's the last of it Steve. I managed to get some extra bread and horsecock (lunch meat) for you. I told the Chief you were on a turn around from last night and he slipped it in."

That surprised me some, Pearson usually was that helpful since I had chewed him out. He was a good-looking kid but since they put a striker badge on his sleeve, he had gotten a little mouthy.

"Thanks, I appreciate that. You still got the duty truck?"

"Yeah."

"Do you have enough time to run Woodson up too the mess hall so he can eat before we get underway?"

"Sure, I still have to bring some of the day crew down. He can come back with me on the second run. I'll get him, he's up in the bow sweeping."

"Thanks Pearson, tell him I said he could finish that later."

Parker had been putting the stores away while I talked with Pearson and I wasn't paying any attention until he spoke.

"Did you and Pearson kiss and make up Steve?"

"What?" I said turning around.

"It sounded like you and Pearson were buddy buddies. He was kind of pissed after you jumped his bones a few days ago."

"He's okay Parker. That striker designation went too his head that's all."

"I think he is a cocksucker myself." He said snickering a little.

"You what? Damn Parker that's a hell of a thing to say about someone."

"Yeah, maybe, but I'm not so sure. Did you ever see the way he hangs around the heads or takes such long showers? That's what queers do so they can look at other guys." Parker had a grin on his face and his eyes had widened as if he was revealing secret information that only he knew.

"And how would you know Parker unless you are hanging around like you say he is?" I said seething inside.

"Me, hell no. But you just see things. You know what I mean, you get that feeling about some guys." He said rolling his eyes with a little sneer in his tone. "It's not hard spotting a fag from the way they act."

I poured another cup of coffee taking a deep breath to get my emotions under control. I didn't know much about Parker except he was a Reservist that had been called in because of the Korean War. For all I knew he might be a fag trying to feel me out.

"No Parker, I don't know what you mean. Has Pearson ever made a pass at you? Do you know anyone that he has?"

"No, but . . . . . "

"But's ass Parker. You can get someone in a hell of a lot of trouble talking like that. Even if you are kidding, other people can hear you talking that shit and their lives could be ruined. Christ Parker, I didn't think you were that damn dumb, Jesus."

"Geeez Steve, don't get pissed, I was just talking. I didn't think you liked him that's all."

"So what in the hell has that got to do with you thinking he might be queer?

I don't carry grudges or put my nose in other peoples business Parker. Pearson is a seaman and I'm a petty officer and as long as he does his job without a lot of backtalk, we will get along fine."

"I'm sorry Steve. You know how guys talk and make fun of some people."

"Yeah, I know and that's a bunch of dimwitted assholes that talk like that and most of them a wannabe's or jealous for some dumb damn reason. Christ Parker, you can say all kinds of stuff about people but it don't make it right. How about getting an engine check done before Woody gets back?" I said ending the conversation.

"Sure thing. Anything I should know?" He said and I detected a note of relief in his tone.

"Fredericks was my engineer last night, he didn't say anything to me. Same procedure as on the '51 boat, check his logs and let me know when you're done." I said watching his face. "Parker, forget what was just said except for one thing. You are the only one that has said anything like that about Pearson that I know of. Unless you can prove it, keep your mouth shut. Okay?"

Parker scampered up the ladder without saying anything, leaving a half finished cup of coffee on the table. I let out a sight of relief after he dropped the screen cover over that hatch. I really didn't know much about Parker but what he had been saying was even more of a reason to be careful around Woody.

I sat and finished my coffee; thinking about what Parker had said when I heard the engines being lit off and the boat surge forward gently. Rinsing his and my cups out, I went up on deck too the pilothouse. The deep-throated rumble of the powerful engines vibrated through the boat and then went silent before I could check the control systems. I jumped down on the main deck running aft too the engine room hatch hollering, "Parker, light those engines off again and don't shutter down until I say so. Dammit man, I haven't checked the control systems."

"I'm sorry Steve, I didn't know. Blanton always checks the systems on the way down river."

"Not on the '49 boat Parker. I like knowing my systems are working before I get out in the channel."

"Parker fucking up again Boats?" I heard from behind me just as the engines roared back to life.

Woody and Pearson had come on board while I was giving Parker hell. Pearson was carrying another box and Woody had a towel under his arm.

"He didn't know my system, that's all." "Blanton is going to get someone hurt on his boat if he isn't careful. He damn near threw me overboard once when I went with him. He hits top speed and then drops it into reverse and I damn near went over the side when the boat lurched and then shot ahead."

"That's crazy, he could throw the entire system out that way. What's that you got there?" I said going back too the pilothouse.

"The storekeeper forgot the coffee and sugar this morning so he sent it with us. Woody thought you might like to run up too the Yard Shack and get a quick shower so he brought you a towel. We can check out the boat control systems while you do."

"I appreciate it but we don't have time. Sit the coffee in the foul weather pilothouse Pearson. You and Woody get the bow and stern lines off and then you better get on up too the Shack for on station muster. Parker, I need those engines on line today." I hollered as Pearson jumped on the dock helping Woody with the lines.

Just as I got in the pilothouse, the engines roared to life again. After a quick check of the control systems, I flipped the range radio on.

"Range Control, 649 boat. Radio check and station assignment please."

"Roger that 649, this is Range Control. You are being received 5x5, no squelch. Your assignment is 7,500 range for double three rapid fire testing.

Be sure you keep a close check on the upper range to the bridge, it's Friday."

"Roger that Control, 649 underway for 7,500, will report when on station." I said dropping the controls into reverse and hollering for Woody to drop the spring line and heard Control give a 10-4 over the three blasts of the boats horn indicating backing down.

Usually there were plenty of oyster boats racing down from Long Island Creek but not many today. When the boat reached the middle of the creek, I flipped the wheel over and put the engines in slow ahead. Woody jumped up on the platform just outside the door standing watch as we started down the channel.

He gripped the railing at first and then he took his white hat off stuffing it in his hip pocket and leaned into the increasing wind from the boats forward motion. The wind flattened his chambray shirt against his chest and even with a t-shirt on I could see his breast nipples. The wind whipped his hair around like light straw and when he glanced at me his eyes were sparkling.

"You like going down river Joey?" I called out.

"Yeah. I don't care what the other guys say about being on the boats, I'd rather be here then hanging around the docks."

Most of the yard seamen didn't like boat duty because of the longer hours, night work and weekends. I agreed with Woody, being on board a boat had advantages over the men assigned dock work.

"You wanna take her down too our station?"

"Yeah man, can I?" He said excitedly.

"Wait until we reach the channel buoy and then you can take her."

At 5 knots, we reached the channel buoy in about 15 minutes and I saw why there was a lack of oyster boats coming out of the creek. Maryland Game and Fisheries boats were laying in wait. Tonging was permitted in the oyster beds that were located on the Maryland side of the river but lots of the Virginia boats dredged and when they saw the patrol boats they would make a run into Virginia waters up Long Island Creek. It was a game with them but a headache for our patrol boats when they dashed across the range in the middle of a firing program. More than one had come close to being blown out of the water but they didn't seem to care as long as they could dredge three times as many oysters and they could tonging.

I waved as we reached the buoy and called in.

"649 crossing Control." "Roger 49, we see you."

Anytime we had to cross the range from the Virginia too the Maryland side or vice versa, we called in so some trigger-happy civilian engineer wouldn't blast us. Range Control officers said we didn't really need to do it since they could see the entire river with their high powered binoculars but our Skipper said do it anyway. And I agreed with him. Our boats were fast but not faster then the shells they lobbed downriver.

"You ready Joey?" I said stepping back from the wheel.

"Yeah." He said and he slipped between the wheel and me his ass brushing against the front of my jeans. He pushed his ass back against me and I returned the push.

"Keep your mind on what your doing and your eye on that buoy on the Maryland side." I said moving from behind him.

"Set your speed control at 20 knots and then let her ease into it Joey.

"Is it okay if we open the front windows Steve? I like feeling the wind."

"Sure." I said feeling the boat squatting in the water, her screws biting in the deeper water as we cleared the channel.

We hit 20 knots in no time and the boat was skimming over the smooth water. The sky was clear except for a few wispy clouds and from the direction they were drifting I could tell it was from the SW. The water was smooth and the sun was hanging blood red over the trees on the Maryland side of the river. That usually meant foul weather was in the forecast but Range Control had not said anything about bad weather.

"Suck your gut in Joey, I wanna use the Yard radio." I said, moving the stool out of the corner to the other side so I could get to the radio.

"Something wrong."

"No, I just want to check the weather. "

"It looks nice out here too me." "Too nice Joey, just hold her steady while I call in."

"Yard Control, 649 here."

"This is the Yard 649. What's up Steve?"

"Have you gotten an updated weather report? Control has us going too 7,500 for a double three program and I'm just a little leery about the conditions. "

"Didn't they give you a weather report when you reported in, they are supposed to?"

"No they didn't, that's why I'm calling in. You know those air headed civilians. All they want to do is shoot their guns. If the weather is going to worsen, I don't want to be sitting on station at 7,500 when they start firing. High winds and 3" shells don't mix when they are short ranging them instead of downriver."

"Understand Steve, I'll call and get an updated report and call you back. 10/4? Yard out."

"How can you tell the weather is going to get bad Steve?"

"Mother Nature tells you Joey. See how smooth the river is? That means we are sitting in a high-pressure system. Watch those thin clouds; see how they are moving up from the South and how fast they are going? That means the upper atmospheric winds are pushing them and at high altitudes that are not good for short range firing programs. To have shells falling only 7,500 yards downriver, they have to angle them several thousand feet up into the atmosphere. The upper wind currents can have an adverse effect on just where they fall and I damn sure don't want to be under or even close when they come down. It has happened before and they usually say it was because of a computer error."

"Can't you move out of the way?"

"I sure can and if the weather report is what I think it will be, we go upriver too the 5,000 yard buoy. Range Control will piss and moan about it but the boat is my responsibility not theirs. Cut the speed back too two thirds until the Yard calls."

My hunch proved correct and when I changed course for the 5,000 buoy the Range Office protested that I was assigned 7,500 not 5,000. I told him he better check his weather reports if he wanted the 649 boat at that range or he could change his drop zone further down the range and then we would be at 7,500.

He fussed at me about not following my orders and he was going to report it. I didn't argue with the nut and we went on and moored at the 5,000-yard range buoy.

I didn't realize that Parker had been standing at the foot of the pilothouse ladder when I was talking with the Yard and Range Control. After we moored and I reported on station, he came out of the engine room wiping his hands with a rag and shaking his head as he moved towards me.

"They will report you Steve for changing your assignment and the Old Man will be all over you for it."

"Look at this way Parker. I would much rather listen to the Skipper chewing me out then not being able to hear him at all. We might be okay at 7,500 but I'm not willing to take that chance, how about you?"

"You're the Skipper Steve."

"Right. Make sure you clean the engine room and those Sterling's are wiped down when we get back in this afternoon. You know how Mr. Cox is about his engine room."

"Then why isn't the old fart here instead of me?"

"I'll let you ask him that Parker, if you have the balls. Just make sure you have it clean."

"I will." He groused under his breath as he turned and went back too the engine room hatch.

Parker was sounding more like a grouser and a sneaky bigot from his attitude. After listening too him earlier talking about Pearson and now griping about being told what he should do, I was developing a bad taste in my mouth for him. He was someone else to be careful around but he did have one redeeming feature, he could cook.

"Would you like some coffee Steve before I get started." Woody said from behind me, quietly, and it startled me for a second.

"Yeah, sure Woody. I forgot all about you."

"Oh thanks, that makes me feel good. I'll get your coffee." He said grinning.

I was in the pilothouse scanning the range when he brought the coffee. Reaching across and in front of me, he sit the cup on the shelf opposite the controls like I had told him earlier and then he kissed me quickly sliding his hand across my crotch squeezing slightly.

"I'll be up in the bow if you need me. Those turnbuckles and hand lines need cleaning before I do the deck."

"Keep that up and I'll do you."

"Ugh huh, I bet you would." He said his eyes sparkling as he jumped down on deck from the pilothouse platform.

The morning went pretty quiet after that except for stopping two small pleasure craft from using the main channel. I told the guys operating the boats that they would have to keep the channel buoys on their starboard side as they went downriver and they would be okay. One guy didn't like it.

"How are we going to cross over too Colonial Beach if you don't let us use the channel, that's where were going."

"I'll radio the boat at 12,000 you are on your way down. When that boat is across from you, wait for his searchlight signal and then you can cross. Please sir, don't jump out in the main channel until you see that light, he will be watching out for you." "Sounds like a bunch of crap to me, I don't hear anything going on."

"Sir, it's for your safety. Stay inside the markers like I said and you'll be all right. Jumping out in the river will cause trouble for you and the base. They will have to stop a firing program and you will receive a citation for violation of federal law."

"Shit, how you going to catch us in that tub." The driver of the other boat said sarcastically.

"We don't have to catch you Sir. I've warned you and your boat registration numbers are logged in. It's done by certified mail. It's up to you Sir. You can go on down river inside the markers or stay here until the Range Control Officer releases you."

"I guess we can go inside the markers. It's a pain in the ass watching out for those damn fish traps the local yokels set out. Be sure you let that other tub know we are coming down." He hollered when he pushed his throttle leaver forward.

I watched both boats for a few minutes before radioing the 647 boat at 12,000 giving him the information on the two boats. Just as I got a Roger from 647, the Range Control officer cranked in.

"They will be okay of they cross at 12,000 yards 647, we aren't dropping these loads down that far. Keep an eye on them anyway in case they decide they want to cross earlier."

That would take it out of my hands but I watched the two speedsters for a while from the pilothouse. Woody had been standing just forward of the deckhouse listening and watching. When the boats left he went back to what he had been doing.

The rest of the morning was quiet except for the double three program. When Control warned they were ready, I kept an eye on the boats and watched the river. The water boiled from the impact of rapid-fire shells landing just outside of the 7,500-range area and we could feel the concussion of the cannon blasts rolling across the water followed by the delayed firing report. It must have impressed the small boats; they didn't stop until they reached their crossing point.

Parker reported he had finished cleaning the engine room if I wanted to inspect it.

"I'll check it after lunch Parker, why don't you go ahead and see what you can whip up? You and Woody had breakfast but I didn't and I'm starved."

"Sure thing Steve."

Parker fixed vegetable soup with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and Woody relieved me after he ate. After I finished eating, Parker asked if it would be okay if he worked on a USAFI course he was taking towards college credits.

"It's okay with me as long as you have the Pannish system on standby if I need it." I said.

"I did that before I left the engine room Steve. I wish we had that system on the '51 boat. How come your boat does and the others don't?"

"The other boats can set it up if they want it. Mr. Cox did on here so he wouldn't have to be climbing up and down ladders whenever we had to get under way. Hopefully we won't have to get underway. You hit the deck if you hear the engines fire up though, you're not as old as Mr. Cox." I said.

Finishing my lunch, I poured another cup of coffee and left Parker to finish cleaning the galley and I went topside.

It had warmed up and Woody had removed his work shirt. His skivvie shirt was tight and showed the clean-cut definition of his chest and the narrowness of his waist. He was standing on the platform outside of the pilothouse looking through the binoculars. There was a sweat stain showing in his armpits and the hair was darkened from being sweat dampened.

It's funny how something can bring back a memory. Woody standing looking through the binoculars reminded me of a recruiting poster I had seen of a sailor onboard his ship standing watch looking out over the ocean, on alert.

"Got something out there Joey?" I said as I climbed the short ladder too where he was standing.

"Unh huh, I was just watching that oysterman over they tonging for oysters. That must really be hard work, I don't know if I could do it."

"It is but if you had been doing it most of your life its easy. That's why you see a lot of poachers dredging. They load up with more oysters and clean the seedlings from the bottom while they do it. It keeps the cops busy trying to stop them from destroying the beds."

"That's a little like the moonshiners down in the mountains where I come from. As fast as one still is shut down, another one opens up. They drive the state and federal tax guys crazy. What time do you think we will get back in?"

"It's Friday and they usually cut off around 1630(4:30PM) when it's the weekend. Since we are at 5,000 we should be in before 1700(5:00PM). Why?" I said sitting my coffee down and sliding one cheek of my ass on the stool.

"I was just wondering." He said glancing at me coquettishly. "Are you going on liberty or staying on board?"

"I thought I might hit D.C., I haven't been there for awhile."

Joey moved between my legs spreading them further apart and pressed his bulging crotch against mine. His chest expanded as he inhaled and he leaned forward running the tip of his tongue lightly over his lips. A fire was burning in my groin and his deep blue eyes gleamed.

"I've never been there." He said huskily brushing my lips with his, the tip of his tongue probing like a hot poker.

An almost overwhelming desire surged through me but I put my hands on his shoulders and leaned back.

"You sure do know how much you turn me on but this is the wrong place at the wrong time Joey and Parker is down below."

Inhaling deeply he sighed almost audibly and stepped back. There was an almost anguished look in his eyes and on his face.

"Sorry Steve, I forgot about him. No, that's not right. I'm only sorry he is onboard. Jesus, I get just as turned on being close too you. No one has ever affected me like you have. I always knew what the others wanted, even back home. I've never felt that about you Steve, its something different. You don't treat me as if I was just a piece of meat. I heard what Parker was saying about Pearson and I don't want that being said about you and me, especially about you. I know its risky trying to be alone on the base, someone is always around."

'It's going to be Joey as long as we are in the same Navy. We will just have to work it out some way. There is always going to be someone around and we can't keep using the boat after working hours."

"That's one of the reasons I'm not extending my time. I get tired of sneaking around always afraid of being caught. I like you Steve but your making a career out of it, not me." He said a little bitterly looking out over the water.

I sat empty inside, knowing exactly what he was saying and I knew it was hurting him as much as it was me. I had a different feeling about him then I had with other guys I had met. With those is was a quick sex session and that was it. I wasn't thinking about falling in love with Joey but he sure made me feel good inside.

"I better get the gear stowed in the lazarette before we head in." He said jumping down too the main deck just as the radio crackled.

"649, finished for the day. You guys have a good weekend and thanks for moving, you were right about the winds."

"10/4 Control, 649 returning too base. Woody, tell Parker were heading back in." I said lighting the engines off.

Woody dropped the mooring cable over the side and I put the engines in slow reverse until we cleared. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Parker going to the engine room. Woody stood in the bow holding on to one of the handrails as we picked up speed. The wind whipped his sandy blonde hair around his head and flattened his t-shirt even tighter. Every muscle was perfectly outlined and I had the feeling he was crying. He turned looking up at me and running his hand through his hair he moved aft.

Coming in the pilothouse he reached for his shirt, putting it on.

"It might be warm but that wind is cool. Steve, I was thinking, we need to talk this out but where?"

"Ashore. Do you have any civvies?"

"Sure I do, nothing fancy though. Just jeans and some pullover shirts. But we can't go on liberty together, someone might get the wrong idea."

I chuckled before answering, "It'd be the right idea but they would make it into something else if we were seen together. Don't worry about chow, get cleaned up and take a change of clothes. Have you used the shuttle between the base and the Waldorf Diner where the Greyhound stops?"

"Yeah, I used it when I reported for duty."

"Take the shuttle and I'll meet you at the diner. Instead of D.C. we can go too Colonial Beach for the weekend. There's a small motel there that I've stayed at before and not many of the base guys go there."

"A small motel you've stayed at, it should be fun." He said his eyes twinkling.

"We are in the inner channel Woody, better standby the spring line." I growled playfully and I wondered if I should have mentioned it was a gay owned motel.