Chapter 24

We got up and quickly ran through PT before hitting the Mess Hall. As we came back into the Squad Bay, Sgt Castillo was waiting on us.

“Gather up all your gear and get out onto the Parade Deck.” It took about twenty minutes for everybody to get formed up. There was a lot of yelling as some people weren’t prepared for this even though we were warned about it.

We marched over to the Supply Depot, and even though we had a 1000 appointment, we had to wait over two hours to turn in our gear. Just another instance of “hurry up and wait”. The process took another hour and a half for us to turn in our gear.

We marched back to the Mess Hall, had lunch, and when formed up, it was a trip over to the Admin building to get our Change of Station and Travel Orders. We sat down in a group of chairs.

It was kind of like the DMV, though there was a desk where there would normally be a window. It was being done alphabetically, so I was one of the first ten people called.

“Lance Corporal Badzinski. Window five.”

I got up and made my way to the “window”. There was a female Marine sitting on the other side of the desk/counter. As I walked up, the Sergeant looked up at me.

“Take a seat Badzinski.” As I sat down, I took a look at her nameplate, Sgt Wodard.

“So, looking at your packet has me wondering.”

“What’s that Sergeant?”

“Who did you bribe or what type of blackmail material do you have?”

“Why do you say that, Sergeant?”

“I’ve never seen anybody in the two years I’ve been doing this go straight from SOI to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.”

“Just lucky I guess.”

“Yeah, sure.” She then opened the packet.

“You’re allotted seven travel days. You are to report to Third Battalion, Third Marines on 5 September. You will be responsible for maintaining possession of your SRB and orders until arrival at your new command.” The SRB, or Service Record Book, was a Marines Official Military Personnel File.

“Aye Sergeant.”

“Go through that door, turn right and the Travel Office is the second door on the right. Sign here first.”

“What is it?”

“A form acknowledging your receipt of your SRB and orders.”

“AYE, AYE Sergeant.”

I read the form. It was pretty much straight forward, and also stated I was taking responsibility for the paperwork. There were relatively light repercussions if you lost it, so I signed and got up to go.

“Thank you, Sergeant.”

“You’re welcome, Lance Corporal.”

I made my way to the Travel Office. This room was identical to a bank, as there was a big counter with six windows to stand at. Looking at the counter there was a mix of Marines and civilians there. You got in line and waited for the next open window.

When it was my turn, I walked up to a window where a civilian lady named Annie Haltrop was sitting. I handed her my orders, and she began reading.

“Let’s see where you’re heading to. Hawaii, aren’t you the lucky one?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I don’t ever recall sending anyone to Hawaii before. I’m going to have to make a phone call.”

I waited while she made the phone call and then wrote some stuff down. The options were laid out for her and then she gave me my choices.

“So, Lance Corporal, you can take flights to Hawaii any day Tuesday through Thursday, though the Tuesday flight will be a late afternoon flight.”

I was just going to cash in the ticket anyways, so it didn’t matter, so I just told her Thursday. We would receive an envelope before Graduation with the actual ticket.

By the time everyone was done, it was going on 1700, so we met the two Line Infantry platoons and spent about two hours practicing for the Graduation ceremony. We were all directed to the Mess Hall.

It seemed they had put together a special surf and turf Graduation dinner. When I heard this, I had lobster on my mind, but these hopes were dashed, as I guess it would have been too expensive. It seemed the substitute would be shrimp scampi with some sort of steak.

We were all seated when there was a loud booming voice that traveled through the Mess Hall.

“Can I get everyone’s attention?”

Looking over it was the Infantry Training Battalion Sergeant Major.

“Keep eating but keep your ears open for me.” I noticed that he was walking around the dining area.

“I want to commend you Marines for paying attention and learning everything your instructors had to teach you. That’s an attitude you need to keep when you get out to the Fleet. Remember that there is always something to learn.”

He continued walking around the Mess Hall.

“You Marines will help move the Marine Corps into the next century. The impact you’ll have on your units will be immeasurable. The one thing that you all need to keep in mind...”

It was then we got the always dramatic pause.

“Your conduct not only reflects on you, but it also reflects on the Marine Corps. So, remember this when you’re out and about off base. Just so you know, most of the things that get young Marines in trouble revolve around alcohol. You Marines need to temper your newfound independence with responsibility.”

He stopped in front of the dining area.

“Now this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Just be careful. Enjoy your meal, and I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

He left and everybody finished their meals. They brought out several large cakes and we all had big pieces. We made our way back to the Squad Bay.

I got my laundry done and began to pack everything but my BDUs for tomorrow. The guys and I sat around bullshitting for a bit, and I found out where they had all been stationed.

Pothier got his wish and was stationed to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Andric also got orders to the 3rd Marine Division like I did, though he was going to the 4th Marine Regiment at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan. Kabbal was staying at Camp Pendelton, and had orders for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.

I gave the three of them the address for the grandparents’ house in Hawaii so we could stay in contact. I told them to make sure they wrote to me so I would have their addresses. We wrapped it up and headed to our racks knowing this would probably be the last time we saw each other.

Getting up, I think this was the only morning during SOI that we didn’t have some form of PT or yelling.

After getting chow, everybody was running around trying to get their sea bags packed. I put my uniforms into my garment bag. Once my locker was clear, I removed all the pictures and my paperwork packet, slid it all into my portfolio and then into my backpack.

SSGT Sulong and SGT Castillo started yelling at everybody to get moving. About ten of us were waiting outside the Squad Bay with our gear when guys started getting pushed out. Once everyone had their gear stacked in whatever state, we formed up to meet the two Line Infantry platoons.

We formed up ready to march out onto the Parade Deck. The Semper Fidelis March began to play, and we marched out. We made it to our spot, a short march as we were the last platoon. Then we made our spacing adjustments as a platoon.

The announcer came over the PA system.

“Ladies and gentlemen, taking the report of the Platoon Sergeants is Company First Sergeant Maurice Le Marchant of Naranja, Florida.”

The Camp Pendelton Chaplain came out to give the Benediction after the Reporting In was complete. It was a short benediction, and we were given the order to Present Arms, which was a salute as we were not carrying weapons, as the National anthem was played.

After Order Arms was given, which brought us to attention, the announcer came back over the PA.

“Would you ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Delta Company Commander, Captain Ahmed Negasi of Grand Ledge, Michigan.”

There was a short round of applause, and we were put on Parade Rest. The Captain then proceeded to talk for about ten minutes, thanking our relatives and talking about everything we’d learned and done. He then turned and talked to us. This was actually a pretty good speech.

“I know that it’s been a rough past few months. Your instructors and I have demanded a lot from you Marines. Going forward, the Marine Corps will continue to have high demands on you. Know this though, during your short time at SOI, nothing was given to you. The fact that you are standing here today is a testament to your own will and desire to be successful. Every Marine in this formation has earned his place. As you move out into the Fleet, I ask that you remember all that we’ve taught you and seek out those that will make you better Marines. I’m tasking you with looking out for and take care of the brothers to the right and left of you, now and forever.”

He stopped and looked at the crowd and then back to us.

“Marines, I am proud of all that you’ve done and accomplished here at SOI. I wish each and every one of you Fair Winds and Following Seas. Semper Fidelis.”

There was a long round of applause as he walked off. We were called back to attention, as the Captain came out and took the report from the Company First Sergeant. This my queue to form up with four other Marines behind the formation.

The First Sergeant moved next to the Captain and another Marine joined them. The five of us began marching to where they were when the announcer came over the PA. What he said shocked me as there had been no heads up as to what was happening.

“The following Marines are being recognized for showing a level of tactical awareness and aptitude not commonly found in someone of their grade and experience level. As a result of their performance and the professionalism that was displayed, they are being recognized as Honor Graduates for their respective course of study. Their initiative and extraordinary ability reflects an immense credit upon themselves and are keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps Infantry.”

We arrived in front of the Captain, came to attention and saluted. The salute was returned, and we went back to the position of attention. The announcer continued.

“Each Marine will receive a certificate of commendation for excellence in a professional course of study prescribed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all awards have been presented.”

The Captain, First Sergeant and what I now saw was a Staff Sergeant holding red diploma holders marched in front of the first Marine. The Captain stopped right in front of him. The red diploma holder was then passed along to the Captain. I wasn’t paying attention as the first three received their commendation. The captain stopped in front of me. This time I paid attention.

“The Assault Marine Course Honor Grad is Lance Corporal Barnim Badzinski of McDonough, Georgia. Lance Corporal Badzinski achieved a Course grade of 99.2, he is being assigned to the Third Marine Division.”

The Captain held the diploma holder shoulder high in his left hand while shaking my right hand.

“Seems you made things interesting wherever you Badzinski.”

“Not intentionally, Sir.”

He moved on. I caught that the fifth Marine received the Paul E. Ison Warrior Award. I didn’t hear the rest as the First Sergeant said something to me.

“Don’t get yourself in any trouble while in Hawaii, Badzinski. Keep your nose clean, you’ve got a bright future.”

“I’ll do my best First Sergeant.”

We moved back with our platoons. They introduced all the instructors and then played Anchors Away, and we were finally dismissed.

Guys stood and talked for a minute or two as the relatives cleared the bleachers. For the first time I noticed that the main weapons for each course were displayed in front of the bleachers.

Everyone started mingling together. I finally saw Kiku. She had a short grey-haired lady and an average older gentleman with her. Kiku rushed over to hug me, a rather tame one comparatively. The gentleman came over and shook my hand.

“Lucas Resende.”

“Barnim Badzinski.”

With that the little old lady walked up to me. She had to be about five foot two and I almost chuckled when she had to look at me.

“You’re a lot bigger than my sister told me you were.”

I then got an old lady hug.

“I am ma’am.”

“Not ma’am. You call me Auntie, we’re family.”

“Yes Auntie.”

I pulled the three guys over as they had no family there. After I introduced them to Mr. Resende and Auntie, they were made to feel as if they were part of the family by Kiku and Auntie. We spent about thirty minutes talking and showing them the armaments on display. It was about 1130 when we said our goodbyes. I made sure to remind them to write to me when they got to their new commands.

We went and grabbed my gear and put it in Kiku’s car. They said that they were going to take us to lunch at the Bake-n-Broil in Long Beach but I told them that I had to make a stop at LAX airport, and I didn’t want to make them wait there. Lucas then brought over a map of Long Beach and opened it up. He showed me what exit to get off the 405 to get to the restaurant. It was all highways save for a couple of miles on surface streets with no turns.

As we walked towards the car, Kiku slid the car keys into my pocket and tried to goose my cock.

“You’re driving.”

Well, I guess I was driving. It was straight onto the interstate and on our way. It was just about two hours to LAX, and still being in uniform smoothed over any issues in cashing in the ticket. I figured when Kiku was at school I’d head to the San Francisco to get a new ticket.

As I pulled out of LAX, it was now a twenty-minute drive back the way we had already come to Bake-n-Broil. We found a parking spot across the street and went in. Finding them in a booth, we sat and joined them.

“No problem finding the airport or restaurant?”

“No, Auntie.”

“Be aware you might get some stares. People in the LA area aren’t used to people in uniform, though most aren’t as bad as those idiots in Berkley.”

“It’s OK.”

Lucas chimed in, surprising me.

“No, it’s not. These people don’t know who it is that keeps the wolves at bay.”

“Former military I take it?”

“First Marines, Chosin Few.”

Well fuck me!

“You have my deepest respect and admiration.” Auntie smacked both of us, him on the shoulder and me on the hand.

“We’re going to order. You can have your man crush some other time.”

She motioned the waitress over. I was advised to try the chicken fried steak. That wasn’t going to happen. There was no way, I wasn’t about to take my chances with California idiots fucking up a southern classic. I opted for pot roast and mashed potatoes.

Lunch was a really good time. Auntie was really surprised about the fact that Grandmother had kind of taken to Kiku. I was kind of was as well, maybe she was mellowing out in her old age.

Lucas and I spent most of the time discussing the Marine Corps. Turns out he was a 0311 that made it through the Korean War, I mean Police Action. He gave me some advice based on his time in the Marine Corps. The conversation continued as we sampled the goods from the bakery. The coconut and pineapple cake was really good with a glass of milk.

Making our goodbyes, it got my mind turning when they said that they would see me at Christmas. I’d need to think about a couple of things.

We got onto the 405 at about 1415 and traffic was horrible, which I expected in LA. It took about an hour and a half to finally make it onto the 5 headed north. We still had about another six hours of driving left as we passed San Fernando.

As we motored out of the built-up areas to more of the countryside, I asked the question.

“So, what was the topic of conversation of the sewing circle last weekend?”

There was a minute or so of quiet.

“They were telling me about what it’s like to be married or in a long-term relationship with a Marine.”

Well, it would be interesting to see where this went.

“So, what did you come up with after thinking about what they said?”

“I came to some conclusions about us.”

“Care to enlighten me about those?”

“Well, informed me that there would be periods of time, both short and long, that you’d be gone. Probably for training or you might have to go on a ship for a long period of time. I figure that’s going to take a lot of trust on both our parts, more on yours due to past experience. Though I think that we’ve begun to build that trust.”

“Yes, we have. I know I can let past experiences shade my thinking, but I’m working on moving past that.”

“That’s very mature. After everything they said, there was one thing that I realized that covers everything else.”

There was a short pause. I guess she was figuring out how she wanted to word things.”

“You figured me out so quickly. You’re willing to take the control that I need though you aren’t going to take advantage or lord it over me. Even when you take control, you are still looking out for me.”

There was another pause though this was the longest one yet.

“Unlike most of the Japanese men my parents would choose, you are concerned with me seeing through what I want to do with my life. They would have me solely relegated to being a housewife and mother. While being a wife and mother is something I want, it’s not the only thing I want.”

She looked at me.

“These are some of the many things that attract me to you. They are also what make me want to work to ensure that our relationship works.”

I understood what she was saying, and it made me feel better that there was some thought behind it. For me it was a lot simpler.

“Kiku, I adore that you put that much thought into this. As a male, it’s a whole lot simpler and straight forward for me. You’re smart, hot and fun to be around. My feelings for you seem to grow as time goes by.”

She slid her hand along the inside of my thigh.

“Well, we seem to be a good match. Plus, I love the big extra benefits.”

After a couple of stops during the drive, we pulled up to Kiku’s apartment complex after 2300. It was a relatively new complex in a really nice area.

She went to unlock the door as I grabbed all my luggage. Carrying everything in, it was a really nice, big one-bedroom apartment. That was reflected in the rent, which was just over eight hundred dollars a month. Once the luggage was taken care of, I was informed that it was bedtime.

It was a night of cuddling as we were both tired from everything the day had. Plus, Kiku had a class at 0830. It was a wonderful feeling going to sleep with her wrapped in my arms.

I slipped out of bed at 0530 and left a note so I didn’t get yelled at. I’d learned my lesson.

Not knowing the area, I figured an hour run should be good. Thirty minutes out and thirty minutes back to the apartment. The door opened as I reached for the doorknob.

“I’m glad you left a note, it kept me from worrying.”

I leaned in to give her a kiss.

“Take your smelly butt and take a shower. I don’t need to have to take another one or I’ll be late.”

Grabbing a quick shower, I walked into the bedroom. Kiku was standing there waiting on me.

“Let’s go.”

“So much for the shy submissive.”

“This is my education. I take that seriously. Get dressed.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Once I was dressed, Kiku threw the keys at me.

“You’re driving.”

I didn’t expect that. On the ride, I was informed that I was to drop her off at class, and then it was my job to get my airline situation taken care of. Finally, I was to pick her up after her class ended.

“If you’re on time, you might get a surprise.”

“Oh really?”

“Yep.”

“Well, I’ll make sure that I’m on my P’s and Q’s then Ms. Taskmaster.”

“Every now and then.” I got a kiss and a reminder not to be late.

“Remember, my class will be over at eleven forty-five.”

“Got it.”

It was about a thirty-minute drive or so to get to the airport. This time it was fairly pain free getting a new ticket. I got an economy ticket, and shockingly, I got a twenty five percent off upgrade when I told the lady that I was traveling to my new duty station. I figured the wacko lefties would have charged me more. The best part was it was a nonstop flight.

As I drove from the airport, I saw a place for breakfast. Millbrae Pancake house jumped out at me, and after a linguica omelet and Belgian waffle, I was on my way.

Arriving back at Stanford, I parked as close to where I dropped her off as I could. I had about forty-five minutes and had come prepared as I cracked open the second Dragon Lance book that I had. It was Dragons of Winter night. I got about eight chapters in before it was time to go.

I pulled up almost in the same place I dropped her off. It was about five minutes before she came walking out. There were two girls coming out with her who looked like ordinary plain girls. I rolled the windows down.

“Barnim, meet my friends. This is Adeline and Kate. They’re in my Prelaw classes and study group.”

“Hello ladies.”

“He called us ladies.” There was a bunch of giggling. Then two faces popped into the open passenger window.

“OH, he’s even hunkier than you said.”

“Kiku, can we go now?”

“Why, are you uncomfortable Barnim?”

“Can we just go please?”

The faces moved out of the window. I could hear Kiku.

“Alright girls, enough gawking at him. I’ll see you at the apartment Sunday night for the study group.”

As we pulled away from the curb, a hand slid along my thigh.

“I think you earned your reward.”

“So, am I going to get my reward now?”

“Nope.”

“Sure you don’t want to rethink that answer?”

“Nope.”

“Guess I’ll have to punish the tease.”

“Not going to happen.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“Yes, we will.”

Oh, she was going to pay for that. The rest of the drive was quiet. Kiku decided to cook us dinner, so after changing, she went to the grocery store. I sat down and read a bit more while she was gone. When I heard the door, I peeked at my watch, 1620. She looked at me as she walked into the kitchen.

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes I am.”

“Good. We’ll eat in about a half hour.”

“You need any help?”

“No, I’m going to cook for my man. Well, not really cook, but put it together.”

“That’s OK. You’re doing it so that’s what counts.”

I read while she was preparing our meal. I asked Kiku about her class, and she asked pointed questions about what I thought of her friends. I navigated that about as well as I could. They weren’t that good looking, and had no other thoughts on them personally.

We had big bowls of traditional Tonkatsu Ramen. Broth, noodles, pieces of Chashu (fatty pork belly), soft boiled eggs, bean sprouts, bok choy and shiitake mushrooms. It was really good, and the conversation was as well. Kiku tried to argue when I started cleaning up.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m cleaning the dishes. I know that you have studying to do. So do as you’re told and get to studying.”

She just looked at me.

“I said get your cute little butt to studying.”

“Yes sir.”

I pulled all the dishes off the table and wiped it off so she could study. She set up a bunch of books at the table and after I did the dishes, I sat on the couch with my book. I heard Kiku behind me.

“I’m done for the night. My brain is full.”

Looking at my watch, it was just after 2100.

“OK.”

“Well, I got us a movie.”

“Really, and which chick flick did you get?”

“What makes you think that I got a chick flick?”

“You’re female.”

“You’ve got me on that one. I got the Cutting Edge.”

I vaguely remembered the movie, it was a romcom about ice skating. This wasn’t Netflix and chill; it was its predecessor Blockbuster and chill.

It was a mediocre movie, but spending time curled up with Kiku was worth it. There wasn’t any hot monkey sex, though there was shock and squealing, as the movie ended, as I grabbed her. I sat up putting her over my lap, pinning her there. With my left hand which was free, I pulled her sweatpants and panties to the knees.

“Just so you know, this is what happens to girlfriends who tease.”

The first smack to her ass was about half power. You could just see the mark of a handprint on her ass. There was a couple of minutes of squeals, yelps and moans as I doled out twenty-five swats to the ass. I would rub her ass in between each smack.

After the last one I could tell that her ass was pretty warm. I slid my hand down to slip a finger between her pussy lips.

Kiku was already wet and not paying attention. My finger slid in without intending to as she was so worked up. The moaning was getting loud as I slid my finger out and stood her up.

“Go lay down on the bed, I’ll be in there momentarily.”

I gave her a last smack on the ass and could see her give a little jump. You could see all the handprints crisscrossing her ass. The last five or so were starting to welt up. I had prepared for this possibility.

As she went into the bedroom, I went into the kitchen. Earlier when doing the dishes, I had put a damp kitchen towel in the freezer. Grabbing it, I squished it so that it wasn’t stiff and headed into the bedroom. As I figured, she was lying face down. I walked to the empty side of the bed and sat down against the headboard with my legs open.

“Come lay between my legs with your head on my hip.”

Once she climbed up, I draped the dish towel over her ass. There was a huge sigh let out as it made contact. I started to massage her neck and shoulder. The sighs and moans of pleasure started to come regularly.

After a while I checked the kitchen towel, and it was no longer cool. I pulled the towel off and most of the redness was gone. Kiku had been nuzzling her cheek along my cock and it was hard. I extricated myself from her, got off the bed and got undressed.

Getting back onto the bed, I pulled her into me so that we were spooning and slid my cock in. There was no resistance as she was super wet. It has been just a slow smoldering session. After blowing my load, we got cleaned up and went to bed.

Kiku was waiting for me when I got back from my run.

“Get cleaned up, I’m taking you for breakfast.”

“OK.”

As I made my way into the bedroom, I heard a couple of grunts and groans coming from the kitchen. I got a quick shower and put on jeans and a shirt. Kiku was sitting at the kitchen table as I came out of the bedroom.

“What was all that noise about earlier?”

“Well, my ass is still sore.”

“Teach you not to tease me.”

“Maybe.”

“Seems somebody is looking to get punished again.”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

Getting into the car, we headed west. It was about a half hour drive to where the redwood forests started. Finally, she pulled into Alice’s Restaurant. We sat down and looked at the menu while ordering drinks.

“Barnim, why don’t you drink coffee?”

“I think I’m wired enough don’t you think?”

I had a glass of water and orange juice while Kiku had the carafe of coffee and a bunch of creamers in front of her. I got a strange look when I ordered the Ducati which consisted of two dip eggs, two pieces of bacon and two slices of French toast. There was an audible groan when I also added a bowl of oatmeal.

“What?”

“I can’t believe you’re going to eat all of that.”

“What! I’m a growing boy.”

She ordered a granola bowl with fresh fruit.

“If I ate what you do, I’d end up looking like a walrus.”

“Now there’s an image. I’m not going to lie; I’d have to rethink things at that point.”

“So, you’d break up with me if I weighed more.”

“Well honey. If you were to get looking like a walrus, I probably would. If you just gained some weight it would depend. I have a general rule. If a female isn’t somewhat proportional, then I don’t know if I would be attracted to that person. If you were two hundred pounds, at five foot two, I don’t think that would be proportional.”

“I can understand that.”

“Sweetheart. As long as you don’t start looking like a walrus, we’re good. I don’t see that happening and do like a little cushion for the pushing.”

“You really know how to sweet talk a girl.”

“I am who I am.”

“And I love you, warts and all.”

“So, how’s your butt feel?”

I got a tongue stuck out at me.

We ate, Kiku stole some of my bacon and French toast. We then made the drive back to the apartment after stopping by a Walgreens. It was time to restock the condom supply. When we got back, I started reading as Kiku laid her books out on the table to study. It was about 1230 when she started getting ready for class. As she was getting ready, I checked the yellow pages for a grocery store nearby.

I decided to cook for Kiku the next two nights this week. This was so she could concentrate on her schoolwork. I found a place that looked to be about a five-minute walk. I’d never been to a Safeway before.