by M. L. Maki
“It all sounds so much like my own history. So, our presence really hasn’t made much difference.”
Rainer, “I don’t know about that. The surface action was a stand-off. And, we got almost everyone out of PI. I understand in your time that wasn’t true. So, what can you tell me about Japan?”
“They’re building two supercarriers and six cruise missile submarines. Four of the submarines are already done and being tested. The SSG is using something like the German V-1 Buzz Bomb, the jet engine is in the fuselage.”
Rainer, “I’ve seen pictures of them. The Germans fired them at London during the invasion.”
Chris, “What invasion?”
“Rommel landed in northern England and attacked south. The papers called it a close-run thing. They credit Commodore Hunt for defeating the Germans.”
“Commodore Hunt? Is that Samantha Hunt?”
“Yeah, she was promoted to Commodore when Holtz was shot down. Anything else on the Japanese navy?”
“They’ve tested what looked like guided torpedoes. I don’t know how good they are, but their range seems less than ten miles. Probably about half that.”
Rainer, “What are your plans?”
“Data dump all the intel I have, then get back to flying. I want to marry Fukue and visit with the family of Ensign David Dawson, my pilot. The Japanese home guard murdered him. He was alive when he ejected. We both made it down. I got lucky. They just murdered him.”
WILLIAMSTON LUTHERAN CHURCH
1400, 15 November, 1942
Stephan stands in the small plain church with his RIO, Kyle Jacobs in their dress blues. He looks out at his family and friends. The pianist begins playing and three-year-old Grace Swedenborg, his aunt, comes down the aisle carrying a bouquet of paper flowers. Next, Swede’s father, five-year-old Andrew, walks down the aisle carrying the rings on a pillow. Sam, in a pale rose ankle-length gown, walks down the aisle, grinning. She takes her place next to Grace, who’s fidgeting and struggling with her dress. Sam kneels down and whispers, “I know dresses are uncomfortable. You can change in a little while. Okay?”
“Uh huh.”
The procession begins and everyone stands. Gloria, in a full-length white dress comes down the aisle on the arm of Byron Standley, who’s in full dress blues. When they get to the minister, he asks, “Who gives this bride in marriage?”
Byron says, “She gives herself.” He kisses her on the cheek and sits down.
The minister proceeds through the service, then, “I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Swede takes Gloria into his arms and kisses her deeply. He pulls away, grinning.
“I present Commander and Mrs. Swedenborg.”
The naval officers form up. Thud directs the drawing of the blades. As Swede and Gloria walk through the arch, all of them give her a swat. Byron is the last, and he gives her a good one, causing her to jump. She smiles over her shoulder at him.
When they are signing the marriage certificate, Sam notices that Gloria isn’t taking Swede’s name. “Not taking his name?”
“We’re hiding this marriage from the Navy, for now. When it doesn’t matter anymore, I’ll change my name.”
When they get to the community grange hall for the reception, the party is in full swing. There’s a large cake and a buffet with roast turkey, several casseroles, and seven types of Jell-O salad.
Thud corners Speedy, “So what happened in Chicago?”
“Look, my family was awesome, if a little too focused on getting me hitched. I did date one girl. She seemed like the one, then she told me I’d have to leave the navy and take care of her. It was weird. She wanted all of my attention and didn’t understand anything about the war, or my duty. It was like it all didn’t exist. So, that was a hard no. You’re so lucky with Abigail.”
“Yeah, but in truth, that was more her doing, than mine. I’m so incompetent around women.”
Speedy laughs, “Frank, you only have to be competent around one, and you found her.”
Thud smiles, “You’re right, Jose. But you’re still alone.”
“It’s fine. I’ll find my one and only.” He grins, “Didn’t you say you had aunts?”
“Yeah. Great aunts. Lisa is married to Charley. Rebecca is in Hawaii. She’s a nurse with the navy. Sharon’s still in high school. Maybe you’ll get to meet Rebecca.”
Jose smiles at his friend, “I might just do that.”
After the food and cake, Gandhi stands, and everyone grows quiet. “Swede, my brother, my best friend, my compadre. I love you, man. Gloria, you are flat out amazing. I know for a fact you two are perfect for each other. Something you all don’t know about my brother. Gloria, you and GQ know this. Me, and brother Swede, were flying a training hop out of Miramar. As Top Gun graduates, we were tasked by Papa Holtz to shake up a new air crew. We flew a 1V1 against Gloria and Byron. After the first turn, she threw out the book and was on our ass in less than a minute. We repeated, and we did beat them, one out of three.
“It was while we were in marshal that I asked him if he was pissed. He told me no. He was in love. I spent the next year listening to him talk about the girl he loved, while she was oblivious.” He smiles, “Gloria, I was so happy the day you two finally declared your love for each other. I figured he would finally shut up.” They all chuckle. “And…I was wrong.” Laughter fills the hall. “I’d like to think I haven’t lost a brother, so much as I have gained a sister. I love you two, and wish you all the happiness your hearts can hold. To Stephan and Gloria.” He raises his glass and drinks, then sits.
Samantha stands, “Gloria and I met in flight school. We became friends and just grew closer as we served together. She’d tease me about being a southern bell, but she’d be much more comfortable at a debutant ball than I ever would. She sings like an angel and fights like a demon. She is my sister, and I love her.
“Stephan, when I reported to the squadron, I was intimidated by your confidence as a leader and your grace in the air. I measured my skill against yours and found it lacking. It wasn’t until we flew together and commanded together that I came to know who you are. You and Frank are deep thinkers. You lead with a passion for your people. You strive to always do what is right. Back on the Vinson, Frank was right…you are studly. I was oblivious to how you felt about Gloria until one night at a dance in England. You and I were dancing, but you only had eyes for the beautiful woman singing on the stage, Gloria Houlihan.
“I told no one, but it soon became the worst kept secret of the war. Neither of you were capable of hiding your love. You are truly perfect for each other. I wish you all the happiness in the world. To Stephan and Gloria.” She raises her glass and drinks, then sits down.
Finally, Gloria stands and walks out to the center of the room, “I need the single women over here. It’s time to rid myself of this bouquet.”
Sam, Abigail, Grace, and the pianist line up. Gloria makes a show of choosing and points at Sam. She turns her back to toss the bouquet and Sam switches places with Grace. Grace catches the bouquet and laughs, “I caught it. I caught it. Mommy, I caught it. Can I take the dress off now?” The hall rings with laughter.
Then Gandhi puts a chair into the middle of the floor, “The garter, guys.”
Gloria grins and sits on the edge of the chair, “Come on, big guy.”
Sam says, “Single guys, over here.” Frank, Jose, Byron, Kyle, and Swede’s dad, Andrew, line up.
Swede retrieves the garter and stands up. He looks over the candidates. He grins at Andrew, turns around and shoots the garter off the ceiling. It bounces right into Andrew’s hands, “I caught it. I caught it.” He jumps up and down in joy.
Gandhi moves the chair and turns on his portable stereo. A recording from the last time Gloria sang ‘Take My Breath Away’ begins. Swede takes Gloria’s hand and pulls her into his embrace, his gaze only for her.
CHAPTER 20
AUBURN STREET, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
1610
, 15 November, 1942
Lieutenant Colonel Louis ‘Shotgun’ Mossberg walks down Auburn Street with Miss Lorna Devens. She nods at Ebenezer Baptist Church, “So, it becomes famous?”
“Yes. In a very real way, it’s the building where the coming civil rights movement starts.”
“You said. Then everyone lives happily ever after. It sounds like a dream.”
“No. Not happily ever after. It does get better, but the struggle is long…and difficult. This time around, I want to kick it off right after the war.” He stops and turns to her, “We’ll be ending one war and starting another. The war for our rights will have to be fought with peaceful protest. Violence just reinforces their will. It gets us nowhere.”
“Is the enemy peaceful, too?”
“No. They are not. Some of our people die. The victory is worth the cost.”
A heavy GMC truck loaded with hay stops and an older white man gets out, “Hey, boy. You that Marine fighter pilot?”
“Yes, sir.” He offers his hand, “Lieutenant Colonel Mossberg.”
The farmer shakes his hand, “Beau Duncan. My boy, Tad, is in the Marine Corps. If he works for you, are you gonna treat him right?”
“Yes, sir. Every Marine under my command is treated with dignity and respect.”
“Right, then. I like what you did, killing all them Krauts. I hope you kill a sight more.”
“I’ll do my best, sir.”
“Good day, then.” Duncan gets into his truck and drives off.
The paster of the Ebenezer Baptist Church comes out and walks toward them, “Hello, Colonel. Can I invite you to speak next Sunday after church?”
“Reverend.” They shake hands. “Sir, I would be honored. Thank you.”
TRAIN STATION, LANSING, MICHIGAN
0817, 16 November, 1942
Swede and Gloria hug Grandpa and Grandma Swedenborg. Samantha is hugging Silvia and smiling at Swede when a man takes a photograph of the moment. The whole contingent of navy personnel climb aboard the train for Texas. They take over one end of a car and Speedy pulls out a deck of cards and a cribbage board. “Anyone interested?” Soon four of them are deep into the game. Sam sits in a corner, looking out the window.
Gloria sits down across from her, “Penny for your thoughts?”
Sam smiles, “I don’t think they’re worth much. Truth, I’m fighting a little jealousy. Jere and I can’t get married.”
“You could keep it a secret like Swede and I.”
“Gloria, did you see the guy with the camera? It wouldn’t be secret for a day.”
“You’re probably right. Maybe your tour will stop in San Diego.”
“It will. Is that where you are all reporting?”
“Yeah. We pick up new birds and report to Miramar. Fighter Town.”
“Mine is at Patuxent. The only good thing is I’m still flying 211.”
“True. You know you’ll get a new bird when you go out again.”
“I’m supposed to be the CAG. Technically, CAGs don’t fly combat.”
“Dixie did.”
Sam chuckles, “He did. But, when he was an Admiral, he got his ass chewed for it.”
“Do you know who’ll be your ground crew for the tour?”
“No. Another thing I don’t know, but Lee is setting it up. It should be someone competent.”
Abigail joins them, “So, you’re putting on an air show?”
Sam, “Every city I go on the tour I’m supposed to put on an air show. I need your advice for that, Abby.”
“Why?”
For over an hour, Sam and Abigail discuss the logistics of doing an air show. Then Sam asks her, “Abby, do you know someone named Alysha O’Toole from Drouin? I know it’s a big country.”
“No. Sorry. Drouin is by Melbourne. I did an air show there once. Why?”
“This will sound odd. When I was a little girl, I found letters to my dad from a girl in Australia named Alysha O’Toole. I figured it was a one in a million chance you knew her, but I had to ask.”
Abigail smiles, “There’s a passel of horse and cattle stations out there. I understand your family is in the horse business. The air show I put on was over a paddock.” She goes quiet, then looks up, “Sam, will you stand up with me for my wedding?”
“Sure, hon. But I only have the dress I wore for Gloria.”
“That’s fine.” She turns to Gloria, “Do you have a similar dress? Then you both could stand with me.”
Gloria smiles, “You bet, honey. I have a green one that will work just fine.”
Abby glows, “That would be perfect. I know I’m throwing this together, but I don’t want to wait. Gloria, can I talk you into singing? Please?”
“I would love to, honey. That leaves only four guys to give you a swat. You want one, or all four to do the deed.”
Abigail, “You started a new tradition. All four of them are going to initiate me.”
PEARL HARBOR NAVAL STATION, HAWAII
0910, 17 November, 1942
Lt. JG Chris ‘Chaos’ Hisakawa shakes Rainer’s hand. “Thank you for everything.” He, Asahi, and Fukue pick up their bags and walk down the brow to the quay. Waiting for them is a lieutenant commander with four master at arms. Chris salutes the commander, “Lieutenant Junior Grade Christopher Hisakawa, sir.”
“Who are the civilians?”
“My fiancé and her grandfather. They are 1990’s.”
“We’ll see about that. Get in the car.”
“Sir, where are you taking us?”
“Get in the fucking car. I issue orders. You obey orders.”
“I understand, but there’s something you need to know. I’ve already sent messages to Vice Admiral Lee and Commodore Hunt. They know I’m here.” Chris helps Asahi and Fukue into the car with their small bags. The commander gets in the front seat and they drive away. They are taken to the brig, where they are separated and placed in cells.
The commander looks at Chris through the bars. He points his index finger at Chris’ head, “Bang. The only good Jap is a dead Jap.”
Chris, “Then do it. Everything I know about the Japanese defenses and naval capabilities will die with me. When Lee finds out, you’ll hang or spend the rest of your worthless life behind bars.”
“Tell me what you know.”
“If I don’t, should I anticipate torture? Has the US Navy sunk so low?”
“Torture a Jap. Fuck yeah. First I’d cut off your balls and make you eat them.”
A calm voice says, “Enough, Commander.”
The commander jerks his head around, “Yes, sir. I’m addressing a captured Jap, sir.”
Admiral Nimitz walks toward them, “No. You are addressing a US naval officer. Who told you to arrest him?”
“I um…I was informed that he was coming. I assumed this was the appropriate thing to do.”
“You assumed wrong. Release him now.”
“Sir, he could be a spy.”
Nimitz opens a brown service jacket folder, “Lieutenant Hisakawa, when and where were you commissioned?”
Annapolis, class of 1987, sir.”
“Where did you go to high school?”
“San Mateo High School, sir. It’s in a suburb of San Francisco.”
“On what rifle did you qualify expert rifle?”
“An M-16A1, sir. That was during a midshipman summer at Quantico, Virginia.”
“Where were you born?”
“Long Beach, California. I don’t remember the name of the hospital.”
Nimitz turns to the commander, “Do you suppose the Japanese would know these facts?”
“Sir, he’s Japanese. He must have changes sides.”
Nimitz, “Really. If he had, they’d keep him locked up. You don’t give up an asset like him, especially not one who was able to escape like he did. Now, I’m trying to teach you to think, Commander. I’m hoping you’re still of use to me as an officer. Release him. Do not make me say it again.”
“Um, yes, sir.”<
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Chris, “Sir, can I have my fiancé and her grandfather released, too?”
“Yes, of course. Commander, see to it. Lieutenant, once you’re reunited with your loved ones, my aid, Lieutenant Peters will take care of you.” He gestures to an officer beside him, “We’ve arranged quarters. No doubt, you’ll need to re-equip your sea bag. I believe we have your personal effects in storage. Peters will chase them down. Meanwhile, we owe you back pay and promotions.”
“Promotions, sir?” Asahi and Fukue are brought out.
“You were not here when your fellows were promoted. We’ll attend to it tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, Peters will look after you.”
Chris, “Sir, how did you know about this?”
“Commander Rainer. He called my office as soon as he recognized the situation.”
“Thank you, sir.”
DECATUR METHODIST CHURCH, DECATUR, TEXAS
1500, 18 November, 1942
The afternoon sun lights up the simple white interior of the church with the shattered colors of the stained-glass windows. Frank, Jose, and Swede, in their dress blues, wait to the right side of the alter. In left front corner leans Gloria’s guitar against a chair. Gandhi and GQ walk Thud’s great grandmothers, Debra Clay and Janice Jackson down the aisle. Seating Janice with Bill Jackson. Nearly a hundred family and friends fill the little church.
The organist begins the music. In a pale green dress, Gloria floats down the aisle to her place. Then, Sam walks the aisle in her rose gown and takes her place with Gloria. She smiles at Thud, but he’s blissfully oblivious. The music changes to the wedding march and everyone stands.
Abigail floats down the aisle on the arm of Thud’s great grandfather, Michael Clay. Her dress is a simple and elegant silk satin with a lace overlay on the fitted bodice. The full skirt flows around her feet as she walks. When they get to the alter, the reverend asks, “Who gives this bride in holy matrimony?”
Michael Clay smiles, “It is my honor to do so.” He puts Abigail’s hand in Thud’s and steps back. The reverend commences the service and after the vows are recited, he says, “Commander Gloria Houlihan will sing a song.”
Gloria goes to her guitar and sings Unchained Melody in her clear mezzo soprano, longing in her voice. When she finishes, there’s a long silence, before everyone applauds. She returns to her place and the ceremony continues.