Our unit had just returned from deployment and my current duties as a Naval Officer require my presence in the courthouse on U.S. Naval Station, Port Hueneme, California.
It is quite warm, and the judge allows frequent but brief breaks in the proceedings. Because my daily routine includes a great deal of strenuous activities, as soon as the judge releases us, I head for the shared office water bottle. Everybody drinks bottled water, usually from a very large bottle inverted on a stand.
After a couple of visits to the water bottle, My breaks included “bumping into” an early ’20s enlisted Navy female. Five three or perhaps five four. Very Slender with slightly darker skin. Brunette. Our conversation was limited to her saying “Good morning Sir”, or “Good afternoon Sir” with her wide toothy, alluring smile. My acknowledgement was always immediate and pleasant, but not too much so. There were rules against fraternizing between officer and enlisted.
My breaks were at the pleasure of the presiding judge – not the clock, yet there she would be – a few moments after my arrival at the bottle. Not being a total imbecile, by weeks end, it dawned on me that our meetings were not random chance.