Even from the back seat, landing on a carrier is just the height of horror. How those pilots do it in bad weather and at night is truly a testament to their nerves of steel.
Upon disembarking from the planes and thanking the pilots, the XO walked up. "Ambassador, Lady Isabella, the Captain requests your presence. He is currently conducting a Captain's Mast with some 60 Marines on the deck below us who decided to get a bit rowdy last night on the docks and would appreciate your input as to your feelings of an appropriate punishment."
Knowing full well the captain was fully capable of dealing out whatever punishment he deemed necessary I knew this was all about the politics, "Thank you XO, kindly lead the way?" I entwined my arm in Beth's, and we walked behind the XO as he explained the situation and what happened.
"My boys didn't kill anyone I hope."
"No, Ambassador. Some good bruises and temporary neurological trauma were all. Your team put them all down in hand-to-hand combat in a matter of seconds."
I smiled, "Do you realize the self-control that is necessary for my team to do that without seriously injuring anyone? Those boys are trained to kill with a touch. Humanely disabling an opponent is not part of their training."
The XO smiled, "After reading the AAR, I am not surprised, Ambassador."
I whispered to Bella, "This is political. My suggestion would be to think of something appropriate but showing some compassion as well. You will win over the Marines if you do."
Beth smiled at me and winked.
We reached the hanger deck where 60 Marines in pristine formal uniforms were all at attention before a tribunal including Fleet Captain Hillibrand, the XO who was head of the fleet Marine contingent, and the skipper of the USS Tripoli, the Marine assault ship. There were two chairs available for Beth and me.
HL began, "The evidence has been entered into the record and these Marines have been found guilty of instigating a brawl on foreign territory in disregard of standing orders. Generally, we would give an article 15 which is a direct reprimand as well as docking pay. However, given the political overtones of this incident the officers here wished some input from both you, Ambassador Walker as commander in-situ, and you, Lady Isabella as President of Mexico, concerning your preferences for punishment."
I looked at the men standing before me, "Who was the ranking member of the group?"
A Senior NCO took one step forward and reported, "I was, Ambassador. I take full responsibility for the actions of these men."
I looked him up and down, "Am I to understand 16 members of my security detail took out all 60 of your men who are highly trained Marines, with combat experience, in a matter of seconds?"
"Sir, Yes Sir."
I nodded, "You learn anything from that?"
"Yes Sir. No matter how bad ass you are, there are those who are better. Best to check your bravado at the door lest one put you in your place."
"You really believe that or are you blowin smoke up my ass?"
"Ambassador, those boys used moves we have never seen in all our training. We were wheat to be cut down before them. Could you tell us what style it was?"
I nodded, "They have been trained by a Krav Maga master. It is one of the deadliest martial arts in the world. You and your boys are lucky my team is so well trained and disciplined as taking perps down without killing them is not their primary method of operations."
The NCO nodded, "That Krav Maga master, that wouldn't be the woman called Walsh, would it?"
I smiled, "One and the same. I understand she issued a challenge to everyone here when you decided to get a bit froggy. You were wise not to take the bait."
"Nobody could take her, Ambassador. We are not that stupid."
Lady Isabella snickered, "There is only one who can take her down in a one-on-one fight."
The NCO asked, "Who?"
Beth/Bella answered as she looked directly at me, "The Ambassador, Mr. Harry Walker."
Not a word was said for a moment as that sunk in. "Captain Hillibrand, I think these Marines have learned their lesson and I expect there will be no more issues. I would ask for leniency this one time."
Beth asked, "Was anyone hurt?"
HL answered, "No-Ma'am."
"Was there any property damage?"
"Very minor."
"I would suggest two things, if I may?"
"Please."
"Fine each person responsible $100 U.S and give it to the owner of the establishment. Then, have these Marines work security detail over the docks every night. Their punishment being in the form of not being able to participate in shore leave while dealing with issues on the docs as they arise."
Captain Hillibrand looked to his other officers for agreement, and he hit his table with a gavel, "Done! Sentence shall begin this evening at 1600 each evening starting tonight until 0200 each morning. Quartermaster, make sure all payments are made from their pay."