Free Decker's Dilemma by Jack Ambraw Page B

brig, if that’s even possible in the navy.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary,” said Hack. “I hope.” He pushed his chair back and stood, taking a deep breath as if to steel himself for the night’s adventure.
    Lee stood, too, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “Just kidding. Please be careful, okay? Promise me that?”
    Hack kissed her forehead. “I promise.” His eyes drifted around the club. Everywhere people were having fun, partying, laughing and carefree. How was it that Decker had talked him into this scheme of his? He’d much rather be heading back to Lee’s place to spend the evening with her. “What are you doing tonight?”
    â€œI have a few errands to run,” Lee said. She looked up at Hack with a worried expression. “I better get home.
    Hack said good-bye and left the club at 2040. He walked up the gangway fifteen minutes later. Perfect timing , he thought, except …. Decker had been on watch for an hour. Hack saluted the officer-of-the-deck, Lieutenant Duncan, and motioned discretely to Decker that he wanted to talk.
    Decker led him to the far end of the quarterdeck. “What’s up?” he asked, taking a peek at the officer-of-the deck. “We’re looking suspicious.”
    â€œI can’t get in,” Hack whispered.
    â€œSure you can. You can be in and out in five minutes.”
    â€œIt’s not that. I forgot my keys at Lee’s apartment.”
    Decker dug a keychain out of his pocket. Three keys and a yellow Tweety Bird fob around a silver metal loop.
    â€œYou actually walk around with this in public?”
    â€œIt’s my good luck charm. And don’t leave the ship with it. My rack key’s on there.”
    Hack nodded and walked across the quarterdeck and down the portside ladder. Standing on the mess decks, Hack scanned the room to see who was on board. A few guys were sitting around playing cards, others were watching television. No one to be worried about.
    He walked aft along the starboard passageway, past the supply berthing and down the port ladder. He continued aft along the passageway to Supply Support, pausing as he inserted the key. Above him, the noise of a shipyard worker using a needlegun scaler on the main deck reverberated throughout the stern of the ship.
    Hack looked up and down the passageway. No one in sight. As stealthily as possibly, he unlocked the door, turned on the lights, and nearly jumped out of his shoes.
    â€œWilson. What are, um, it’s nice to see you,” stammered Ensign Limpert. “I didn’t think, well, I didn’t know you had duty.”
    â€œI don’t. I just came down to do a little work, sir” said Hack. “Were you in here in the dark?”
    Ensign Limpert nodded his head. “The dark, well, I don’t like lights on when I’m on the computer. Mine isn’t, um, well it crashed. I thought, um, I figured I’d come down here to do some work.”
    â€œI see,” said Hack. “I’ll come back.”
    â€œNo, I’m almost, well, I’m finished,” said Limpert. “Let me get out, um, I’ll shut down the computer and I’ll be out of your way.”
    Hack watched as Ensign Limpert turned off the computer, grabbed his hat, and shuffled towards the exit.
    â€œSorry to bother you,” Limpert mumbled as he opened the door to leave.
    â€œNo problem,” said Hack, but Limpert was already heading forward in the passageway.
    Hack grabbed the growler next to Chief’s desk and called the quarterdeck. Decker answered immediately.
    â€œQuarterdeck, Petty Officer Decker.”
    â€œLimpert’s on board.”
    â€œWho is this?” asked Decker, smiling.
    â€œYou know who it is, damn it. Limpert’s on board. You didn’t tell me that.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    â€œBecause he was in Supply Support!”
    â€œYou’re