Chapter Twenty-Three

Frederick

 

Two days later. The day of the trial.

The day of the trial, both me and Ethan are up early. We’re dressed in our military gear, except mine is a uniform borrowed from Ethan. It’s an older style of officer’s uniform, but it’ll have to do. All of my uniforms are on base, which I haven’t been back to since my run in with Captain Stern.

I’m too nervous to eat or drink so I just pace and suck in the early morning air, praying that this ends the way it should. End with me being cleared of all charges — all wrongdoing — and Captain Stern never seeing the light side of daylight. Ever again.

Finally, it’s time for us to go, but neither Ethan nor I are driving today.

Riley pulls in front of my house at 7:40 AM sharp and we load up. We’re to be at the military courthouse at 8 o’clock, not a minute later.

For the next 20 minutes it feels like 20 lifetimes. An eternity with nothing but buildings, storefronts and dry landscape.

But finally, we pull in front of the courthouse. The military’s own courthouse, just on the far end of the base’s property. Not within the main walls but within the property lines enough to count as “military owned.”

Getting out of the car is something I can’t do without Ethan’s help. I’ve just watched Captain Stern head inside the courthouse ahead of me, and seeing him is enough to make me sick and weak all over.

But with Ethan’s help as well as Riley’s (she’s come up to brace my other side and help me get up the steps to the courthouse), I make it inside. We walk past the marble floors and airy open hallways, then finally into the courtroom. But if I thought the hallways were too open and airy for my anxiety, the courtroom is the exact opposite. It’s stuffy and constricting to me despite the majestic decorations, flags and other artwork.

Unlike other public trials , this courtroom is only filled with members of the military, my unit, and of Ethan’s and Stern’s. Before I can get too worked up about how many familiar faces are in the seats ready to bear witness to the charges, Riley guides Ethan and myself up to our table. My lawyer, a delightfully spunky woman with short hair and an unbelievable neon pink dye job named “Mars” — greets me. She hugs me and asks how I’m doing. But I can’t say anything more than a few words. A “fine” I don’t really mean, before sitting down in my seat, trying not to vomit.

I wanted to stop for some dried ginger from a natural grocery store before coming here, but Riley didn’t think we had time. And now all I have is time. Time to get sick and time to worry about what’s going to be done with my charges. What the judge is going to be like and whether he will or won’t believe my lawyer or my case. I’m obsessing whether or not I will be going home with her after all this, or if I will be hauled off to a jail cell.

Finally the judge comes in. He’s dressed similarly to most judges in other courts except he is wearing some form of his military garb along with his medals. We rise when he comes in, when the bailiff says to do so, then sit when told to do so, like well mechanized puppets or machines. And that’s when I realize what the military is really like — one giant mechanized machine with no guarantee that it will care more for you, than it will cut you up and spit you out.

Soon after, the trial gets underway with opening statements from Mars, Riley, and Stern’s lawyer in turn. The first charges being heard are mine, the numerous counts of false statements against Captain Stern… nearly twenty in total… one being for each of his assaults. The assaults that he has claimed are completely false, and are fabricated by me and my lover, even though my “lover” is a new development and postdates all of these instances of sexual misconduct.

When it comes time for my lawyer to refute these, she does an excellent job. She takes control of that courtroom like a dominatrix, and demonstrates that Captain Stern was threatening me. It shows his text messages on the screen for all the courtroom to read them for themselves. She also argues that this number has been linked inextricably to Captain Stern, despite what he has done in the recent weeks to try to obscure this fact.

Next, I’m called forward by my lawyer to give a statement. I am cross-examined by Stern’s lawyer, but now I’m no longer afraid. A confidence has overtaken me and I keep my story straight. I don’t fall for any of his obvious attempts to trip me up or besmirch my character in any way.

After the first part of my cross examination comes my counterclaims. They state that I really was abused for a period of about 3 to 5 years by Captain Stern, starting when I first got into his unit in the Navy. Others, namely George and Wisely, are called forward as witnesses as well as victims. They validate all my lawyer lays out for the judge. How and why I was forced to give Captain Stern oral sex on a number of occasions, in return for favors.

Surprisingly though, there are actual members of the audience which add to this. They decide to testify on an impromptu basis after Captain Stern’s lawyer makes claims that George and Wisely are part of the conspiracy to undermine Captain Stern’s credibility, honor and exemplary record.

I’m moved to tears by the display of some of my fellow officer’s bravery and commitment to the truth. The same ones who were afraid of Stern, and most likely victimized even more than me. My lawyer whispers in my ear letting me know that they are ones who refused to help her build her case prior to George and Wisely coming forward — all these men are now coming forward to testify just as Captain Stern thinks he may beat the charges and avoid facing justice.

After this are closing arguments, followed by dismissal of the courtroom while the judge takes time to deliberate over the evidence, then come up with his judgment. We’ve been moved to a separate but adjoining room and the same nervousness I had earlier overtakes me.

Even after all the testimony — after more officers coming forward to corroborate statements — I worry. It really is all up to the judge now and I know that the judge is not sympathetic to my case. In my thoughts I imagine and hope that he’s not another homophobic asshole masquerading as a decent human being. You’d be surprised how many of those there really are. Yet he is a judge and is supposed to be fair and impartial.

I’m quiet and begin feeling even more nauseous while we wait. So nauseous, in fact that I throw up in the wastebasket…the one wastebasket that’s there. Ethan is there immediately, trying to console me and help me breathe through my gasping, sour breath. While gagging, my mind immediately races to a possible future in which I am found guilty of making false charges on multiple counts and given a sentence for each count. I could face years in prison even if each charge is only one year… and there are still 30 charges that could ultimately add up to 30 years behind bars. Which means if I’m found guilty, I won’t be able to be with Ethan. I won’t be able to have the relationship I want to with him. And by the time I get out… I vomit again, even though there’s nothing to vomit up. By the time I get out I’m going to be older than Ethan is now, and who knows if he’ll be around.

This thought alone only makes me sicker, feeling like I want to burst into tears. But I’m not allowed to because I’m not given the time. I’m pulled up onto my feet by Ethan, who I’m suddenly afraid I may never see again after this. At least not from behind a pane of glass. The trashcan is moved away by Mars, who’s just announced that the judge is back with his decision.

With a heavy heart and nauseous, burning belly, I follow my lawyer and boyfriend back into the court. I take my seat back at my table which is directly across Ethan’s.

The judge quickly calls the court to order and doesn’t waste time reading his documents.

“On the charges of making false statements against an officer, particularly of a sexual nature, and the realm of misconduct and abuse of power, and the number of 30 charges — one for each named offense — I find Frederick Julian Peterson…” The pause he gives as he checks over his papers makes my heart feel as if it’s going to explode right out of my body.

“I find you not guilty on any of your 30 counts.” To this I can’t help but yelp with happiness, then quickly cover my face and cry. I thank and praise God like I never have done until this moment.

Ethan does the same, but is quickly silenced by the judge continuing his judgment. As he does, I see him level a disgusted glare in Captain Stern’s direction.

“And on the counterclaims of numerous instances of sexual misconduct and assault of Mr. Frederick Patterson over a period of 3 to 5 years, I find you, Mr. Carnelian Stern, I find you guilty on all charges of assault. You will serve a maximum of two years for each count of sexual assault, Mr. Stern.” Naturally I’m elated over this result. But as I look over to him, it is obvious that Captain Stern isn’t. Too fucking bad, you prick.

He begins to yell and rage at the judge, calling him every name under the sun. He even goes so far as to try to lunge forward towards the desk, but security quickly restrains then immediately cuffs him. Unfazed, the judge continues with his statement.

“Which means you will serve a maximum of 60 years in military prison, which for you Mr. Stern, will be life. You will have no opportunity for parole nor earn time off your sentence. There is no amount of good behavior you can perform to get out of this.”

He pauses, letting Stern’s true character come out and fill the courtroom. This man of filth and violence is shouting and resisting as he’s being led away— away for the rest of his miserable and disgusting life. My stomach turns and twists through all of this, but I live through it, and it makes me stronger knowing I’ll never have to deal or be afraid of him in any way shape or form. And I will never have to worry about being behind bars to rot, like he will be. The judge delivers one final damning statement.

“That is my judgment Mr. Stern. As a man of the Navy and as someone who is supposed to serve and protect this country — you’ve disgraced the very nature of what you took an oath to uphold. You used your power and privilege in a way that runs counter to everything the Navy stands for. This includes the lives of your fellow officers and subordinates which you violated and abused for your own selfish gain. You are a disgrace Mr. Stern to our community and nation at large.” With this, he bangs his gavel on the desk. “That is my ruling. Court is adjourned.”

The moment I’m able to I run the short distance between our two tables to hug and kiss Ethan, I do. I wrap my legs around him, not caring who is watching as I kiss him without restraint. He kisses me back on the lips, not all over like I’ve been doing to him.

Once I’m able to fully release my embrace of Ethan, we walk proudly, arm in arm out of the courtroom. As we do, I see that many of our “audience members” for the proceedings are gathered around the stairs, clapping and cheering for us. Not only for our bravery, but for our love for each other, and our willingness to see it through to the end. I feel so proud of myself in this moment. I take in all the love and support that I feel surrounding me…us. Yes, from now on it’s not just me, it’s us.

I hug Ethan all the way to Riley’s car still holding on for dear life. Now both Ethan and I are sitting in the back of the car, hugging and kissing. I would have begun fucking him right then and there, but Riley eventually makes it out of the courthouse, through the parking lot and into the driver’s seat. Even so, I do start a fire between us — between Ethan and me on the 20-minute ride home. We’re touching, caressing and kissing, but all out of sight of the rearview mirror. Not that I’m ashamed, I just don’t want any other person involved in any way in what’s going on between me and my babe. Not even my lawyer who saved the day for the both of us.

~

The moment Ethan and I are through the door to my place again, our clothes are off. I’ve never undressed this fast in my life, and neither has he. Within seconds I’m sticking my fingers in my mouth, hurrying to lube them up and using them to wet my penis and Ethan’s ass.

“I’m so happy I got to come home with you,” murmurs Ethan, as he turns around to kiss me and bring me into his arms.

“I thought I might not get to go home with you ever again. I thought I might have to sit there and watch as you were taken away from me forever.”

I don’t want to hear that, any of that ever again. I kiss him to keep him from speaking any longer. I don’t want to hear about this nightmare and the possibility I might have been locked away for 30 years of my life, never to hold my man again. Never to be partnered. Never to experience the joy that I’ve experienced with him. It’s over, and that’s exactly where I want our thoughts… in the past where they belong. With this I kiss him more. I begin rubbing his dick hard and fast, feeling that it’s my life raft. My own heart, that needs help beating and continue to grow with, warm and healthy.              

Now I begin to focus on one thing and one thing only. I turn Ethan around as I prepare to fuck him. For the first time in weeks I’m feeling happy, elated actually, and most of all, total and utter freedom. A rush envelops me as I begin lining up my restless cock behind Ethan’s eager hole. I take some lube and generously splash my fingers and then grab my boyfriend’s firm ass that is now extended upward waiting for what comes next. I begin teasing with two fingers at first, concentrating on the exterior with gentle swirls, hoping to prolong his craving for my tool that will soon be deep inside of him. Foreplay, if you will, to extend the anticipation and desire of what will eventually be uncontrolled, greedy pounding. 

“I thought so too,” I say, suddenly feeling super greedy for him. 

“Which is why, I’m going to fuck you silly right here… enough to make up for the 30 years I thought I was going to lose with you.”

“I’m ready,” he says, “Go at it soldier, give your Captain all you’ve got.”

That’s all it takes. The moment he gives me permission to enter, I’m right there just about to make contact. At first I go gently, feeling the warmth and different texture of his insides. I don’t know whether it’s because I’m going slower this time, or because I just dodged a 30-year sentence, but I’m really tuned in to all of him. Every inch and movement of his form…his ass… and cavernous tunnel as it hugs my stiff erection.

I move slowly all the way up to the core of him before pulling out just as slowly. While doing so, I savor every bit of him and taste him gripping me, the same way a prisoner might savor a piece of pie or cheeseburger after being denied — or threatened with denial — and now getting to have it.

Ethan seems to behave the same way leaning in to me slowly. By the way he holds himself, it’s obvious to me he’s appreciating my textures as well. Every bit of me. From my head to my balls, he’s attentive to it. I can tell by the way he moans. Hums.

As I pick up my speed, I allow myself to relax and come to the full realization that I’m now free. My past demons are behind me and I’m not going to be abused or harassed. Both have been locked away in a prison and SEALed shut… forever. I settle into a rhythm, feeling extra sensitive, physically and emotionally. Every move feels that much more important and intense. That much more nurturing to my spirit and the part of my heart that was afraid everything would be destroyed. My man is here to protect and make me safe. To love and cherish me and what I have to offer.

“After all this, I don’t want to miss a moment with you ever again, Ethan,” I say, picking up speed, hugging him around the hips then bringing one of my hands to his cock, where I begin  to stroke and squeeze it. I match my strokes with my pumps, quickly feeling tingly.

“I want you to live with me. Or me with you. Whichever, I don’t care, honey. I thought I was going to go away forever. I thought I was going to be relegated to a cell. A pane of glass. I thought I would never get to be with you like this again, and I don’t want to ever feel like I’m separate from you.” Breathing through my nose, I pull myself under control. Under these words, my dick is about to spill. My balls have already started pumping semen up through my shaft.

“I want us to live together, Ethan. I want us to be true soulmates…forever.”

Ethan makes a pleased sound and I’m not sure whether it’s from how close he’s getting, (I feel him begin to jerk and pulse much more forcefully) but, either way, his voice sends a shockwave throughout my body and I stiffen. With my mouth now open and emitting guttural groans, my semen begins to make its blissful journey up to my head whereupon it bursts out with joy.

“Fuuuuck!” I shout with intensity.

And moments later I get my answer if my lover is ready when I hear his rapid breathing and blissful sounds. Ethan releases a massive pool of his warm and lovely cum into my hand, even shooting beyond onto the bed sheets.

“Thanks babe. That was fucking hot.” Ethan says while turning to me with a sweet, satisfied smile. 

Then collapsing into each other, Ethan looks into my eyes.

“I will certainly let you move in with me, Freddie. I would love nothing more than to have you here next to me each morning. Waking up to your beautiful face and living our lives together.” He sighs scooting further into me.

“You are already more than a boyfriend to me,” I tell him. “You know that right?”

“Yeah, I do.” These words make my whole body grow warm with contentment. Then he adds: “But just wait a few weeks. I’ve got something in mind just for you.”

With these words, Ethan wraps his arms to fully embrace me while we lie still for a moment. I plant a wet kiss on his lips, then hug him with a tight embrace, not caring that my hands are full of his cum.  After a few minutes of recuperating we get up together and for the first time, I’ve decided I’m going to take a shower with him. We wash and embrace each other as the warm water splashes about and tenderly kiss each other on the lips.

While showering, I ask Ethan, “What do you mean when you said that you had something in mind?”

Ethan smiles mischievously. More so than I’ve ever seen him do.

“You’ll just have to wait and see, my dear man,” he says, stroking my back. “I’m not telling you. Not yet.”