Call You Mine

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Arthur was so immersed in studying Gas Stoichiometry for his impending chemistry test when his cell phone rang, it caused him to jump, so unaware of his surroundings had he been. Glancing at the caller ID it showed "Airforce Security Officer Sergeant Jones", a sudden sense of foreboding came over him. 'This cannot be good,' he thought bracing for the potential trouble as he answered the call.

"Colonel Castus speaking."

"Colonel Castus, this is Sergeant Jones from Security Forces. I apologize for the late call, but I felt it was important. We've received multiple noise complaints regarding 15789 Sonoma Lane, and upon further investigation, it was your men involved. When I approached Lancelot to turn the music down, he responded with disrespectful language. Despite my repeated reminders to remember whom he was speaking to, and my attempts at diffusing the situation, he continued with the disrespectful language, instructed me to take it up with you directly, and attempted to physically confront me. It's obvious he's been drinking, and while protocol would typically involve immediate action, I opted for leniency given our professional history. I would like to resolve this matter quietly as I believe it would be beneficial to both parties in more than one way."

"Thank you, Sergeant Jones, that's one of my men's houses, he and his wife are away, and Lancelot is house-sitting. I appreciate the chance to resolve this quietly, rest assured though, there will be consequences for my men's actions. They ALL typically respect the law and its enforcers. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes." Mustang hung up the phone, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, his men were in so much trouble. Standing up and stretching, he decided a break was in order anyway. He made his way down the hall to his wife's office and upon entering, Arthur addressed her softly, the affection he felt for her evident in his voice. "Hey, Gwen? I just got a call from Sergeant Jones, about my men causing a scene at Eve's house, (amongst other things) so I've got to go shut the party down. I'm not sure how late I'll be so don't feel you have to wait up for me."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Guinevere asked, turning away from her computer, and facing him. She trusted his ability to manage his men, yet she felt compelled to offer her support.

"Thanks, I should be able to handle them. But I do appreciate you asking. I love you and I'll see you later tonight." Arthur expressed his gratitude and affection, walking over to his wife and placing a tender kiss on the top of her head. He greatly appreciated her offer, considering that in the past she would have withheld her offer to help and voiced her displeasure about the time he spent with his men. Her thoughtful gesture held significant meaning for him at that moment.

Upon arriving at 23:35 Mustang could already hear the blaring music, understanding completely why the neighbors had made complaints ---- especially with it being a Tuesday night. He parked his car and approached Sergeant Jones and his partner. "Evening Sergeant, Private. I appreciate the call and apologize for Lancelot's behavior. As previously mentioned, there will be consequences for him and the rest of my men."
"I'll let you handle it then Colonel. I doubt you'll need backup, but if you do just give me a ring and we'll be there." Sergeant Jones said before he and his partner turned, and walked back to their police vehicle, and drove away.

As he approached the front door the last few lines of "Gypsies in the Palace" by Jimmy Buffett could be heard playing. Despite his obvious frustration, he had to laugh at the irony of the situation. Ringing the doorbell, and not expecting an answer, he still decided to wait. With no response, he let himself in.

What he saw was unexpected: his men had gathered in Eve's living room, varying levels of intoxication evident. The room was littered with cans, bottles, and scattered paper plates, some still had half-eaten pizza on them. A sight, if Eve had walked in on, would have led to his men's heads rolling, a consequence that he wouldn't have blamed her for. His keen eyes noticed Saint sporting a black eye, causing him to wonder about its origins. He additionally observed The Pup arguing with Saint over a song selection for karaoke. Saint was shouting some vulgar words at The Pup, complete with rude gestures.

Mustang became increasingly concerned that an altercation had already happened seeing Saint's black eye, and he hoped, for everyone's sake, that if it had taken place inside Eve's house, that there was no damage done. He also prayed that no civilians were involved in the altercation. As tempers continued to rise it became apparent that Mustang might have to step in and diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.

Mustang wanted to see if his men would notice him, without announcing himself. Suddenly, a voice behind him spoke: "They won't notice you're here; I've been here in plain sight for the past hour, and they still haven't noticed me."

"God damn it, Raptor, a little heads up would have been appreciated!" Mustang swore as he put a hand over his racing heart. Raptor simply smirked, casually leaning up against the wall, taking a bite of the apple in his hand. Mustang sighed, acknowledging the scout's intentional teasing as a part of his always calculated behavior.

"It's quite entertaining watching them make fools of themselves. Before ruining my amusement, bear in mind it's been a while since they've been like this." Raptor proposed to Mustang.

Considering his options, Mustang thought that another five minutes wouldn't have a significant impact on the current situation. He leaned against the wall beside Raptor, quietly relishing in the unfolding scene.