ROCKS AND SHOALS

by M. L. Maki

  “Understood. You’re a good man, Diggs. A very good man.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  MEETING ROOM, GENERAL MOTORS, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

  1430, 23 December, 1942

  Lieutenant Commander James Maki listens to the production manager going over the tank plans with Admiral Klindt, General Vandergrift, General Patton, and General Bradley. “We still need to finalize several details about the gun. The chassis and hull design are finalized and we’re already building the assembly line. We’ve developed the jigs for welding the turret. The layout of the turret is completed. We need to finalize for ammunition storage and turret controls. Is it necessary for both the tank commander and the gunner to have access to the same optic sight?”

  Maki, “If it isn’t the same sight, the commander will not be able to fire the gun accurately.”

  Bradley, “Why is that critical, Commander?”

  Maki, “If something happens to the gunner, the tank commander can still fire the gun. Then, if necessary, the tank can function with only three people. Although two separate sights which are both sighted in properly may do the job, it increases the crew work load.”

  Patton, “I prefer the redundancy. Optical and electro-optical for both commander and gunner.”

  Maki, “Yes, sir.”

  Bradley, “How did you make it so low to the ground?”

  Maki, “Sir, first, we placed the engine and transmission in the rear with nothing but hull floor under the turret basket. Then, I split up the gunner and commander seats so every crew member has their own escape hatch. By doing both of these things, I could increase armor, without increasing weight. It weighs like a medium tank, but with the armor and striking power of a heavy tank.”

  Patton, “Yes, but how long will it run?”

  Maki, “Repairing tracks is easier because of the horizontal volute suspension. It can be jacked up or down with an installed turnbuckle. Engine repair is vastly simplified by improved engine access. Replacing a whole power pack is a matter of twenty minutes and can be done in the field. Our duration test showed a three-hundred-mile road march range on a single tank of fuel. Of course, combat action will reduce that, but the auxiliary engine reduces fuel consumption when stationary.”

  Vandergrift, “Is this the beginning of a family of tracks?”

  Maki, “Sir, we’re working on designs for a 155mm howitzer and a 208mm howitzer. We’re also looking at anti-aircraft tracks, recover tracks, armored personnel tracks, and command tracks.”

  Klindt asks the GM manager, “How many of these can you complete by the end of ’43.”

  “It’s preliminary, sir. We’ve had our assembly line engineers working side by side with the design team. We conservatively estimate fifteen thousand.”

  Vandergrift, “We want two thousand for an initial order. When the other tracks are available, we’ll order two thousand more.”

  Patton, “The Army wants an initial order of twenty thousand. The British will want another three or four thousand more. Let’s talk unit cost.”

  The GM manager, “Sixty-five thousand each.”

  They all turn to Klindt, “Draw up the paper and get busy.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Klindt stands, “Thank you, Gentleman.” As the generals leave, they each shake Maki’s hand. Klindt motions Maki to follow him. Outside, he says, “You’ve done a hell of a job, Commander. I need you to stay on this until the assembly line is running smoothly. Then I have a CHENG billet for you on a destroyer.”

  “Thank you, sir. So, you like it?”

  Klindt nods, “You exceeded expectations. Don’t let them get rid of the hot plate. Hot coffee is a huge morale booster.”

  “The British wanted it for tea. I won’t let them touch it, sir.”

  SILVER STRAND, CORONADO ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

  1800, 23 December, 1942

  Myrna Loy sits on Lt. Mark ‘Fang’ Fronczak’s lap. Commander Sandra ‘Cargo Britches’ Douglas cuddles with Lt. Russell ‘Triage’ Jeremy. Holding hands, they talk quietly and look into each other’s eyes. Pat O’Brien stands talking with Senior Chief Geller and drinking a beer. Both Jeremy’s team and Hunt’s tour squadron are settled in, drinking beer and watching the ocean. With her jet and Fat Albert moved to Miramar, even the Marine’s got a day off.

  Sam sits beside Jere, holding his hand and staring at the fire, deep in thought. Cooper appears on the other side of the bonfire and gives her a thumbs up. She smiles and nods.

  Lt. Paul ‘Grunt’ Bruce and his wife, Elsie, walk into the light from the bonfire and sit down next to Sam. “Ma’am, how are you doing?”

  Sam, startled, looks up, “Sorry, I was thinking.”

  Grunt, “Commander Hunt, my wife, Elsie. Elsie, Commander Hunt.”

  Sam leans forward, “Pleased to meet you, Elsie. And it’s just Sam or Spike, please.”

  Grunt, “Hey, Romeo, when are you going to be fit for full?”

  Buford grins, “Soon. I see the doc after my leave.”

  Grunt, “Spike, Romeo here should be getting the next team being stood up. He’ll be the first ’41 to command a team.”

  Sam looks at Buford, “You do keep things close. Congratulations.” She stands and walks out of the bowl the SEALs dug out to keep the bonfire from being seen from the ocean.

  Jeremiah gets up and follows her. When they’re clear of the bowl and in the dark, she hugs him, and pulls his head down for a kiss.

  Jere, “Are you okay?”

  “I am. I’m struggling. We’re going to have Christmas apart.”

  “Why can’t I ride the ‘130 over?”

  “I don’t know how you’d get back.”

  “That’s for me to figure out. You have enough on your plate.”

  She wraps her arms around him and puts her head on his shoulder, “Thank you, Jere. I need to talk to Gloria.”

  He holds her and kisses her hair, “I love you.”

  GLORIA AND SWEDE’S HOUSE, POINT LOMA, CALIFORNIA

  2100, 23 December, 1942

  Sam, holding Jere’s hand, walks up and knocks on the Swedenborg’s door. It takes a few minutes for Gloria to answer the door with wet hair and wearing a robe, “Hi Sam. What’s up?”

  “Sorry to just show up. Is Swede in? I need to talk to both of you.”

  “Yes, he is. What’s going on, Sam? You look…I don’t know…determined.”

  “Please?”

  Swede joins them just as Gloria and Sam finish making tea. The four gather in the living room and Gloria serves the tea. She looks at Sam, “Well, what’s so damn important?”

  Sam, “Gloria, when the truth comes out about you and Swede, you two cannot be on the same boat.”

  “We’ve talked about it. We don’t know what to do without spilling the beans.”

  “I do.”

  Swede, “What do you mean?”

  Sam smiles, “I’ve figured it out. Halsey is right. The show is over. Tomorrow, I fly to DC and tell Lee to get me a useful billet. Halsey wants me on his staff. Eisenhower wants me on his staff. Lee said he has an airwing for me on the George Washington.” She takes breath, “Swede, I’m going to ask Lee to assign you to that CAG position. When, not if, your marriage goes public, you and Gloria cannot be on the same boat. It would destroy both of you. Who do you want to take the Knights?”

  Swede, stunned, takes a minute, nodding his head, “Sam, what about you? I’m not going to fuck you over.”

  Sam, “Swede, it’s not your decision. It’s mine. I’ve made it. You two, and Liz and John, are the first married officers. You cannot fuck it up for everyone else. You both know I’m right.”

  Swede grins, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Gloria, “But, what about you two?”

  Sam, “We’re not anything, yet.”

  Gloria reads the pain in Jeremiah’s eyes.

  Sam, “Even if we were, it’s a little easier for us because we’re not in the same chain. Still, I can’t allow myself to get involved with his chain of
command. Thud and I are much higher in rank than our partners, so we can’t interfere.”

  Swede nods, “You’re right.”

  HOTEL DEL CORONADO

  2215, 23 December, 1942

  Sam and Jere return to their room. As soon as the door shuts, Jere turns to Sam, “Why did you tell them we aren’t anything?”

  Sam sees the hurt in his eyes, “Oh God. I’m sorry. I meant we’re not married.” She looks away.

  “But that isn’t what you said.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “If I talk about this, will you get mad?”

  She looks back at him and puts her hands on his shoulders, “No, I won’t get mad. I’m really sorry.”

  Jere pulls her in tight, “I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You’re really upset.”

  “Yes. In front of your friends, you said we weren’t anything. What did you mean?”

  “Oh God. I really meant we weren’t married. I’m no good at this. I told you, I’m a disaster in relationships. I fuck it up.”

  “In front of your closest friends, you couldn’t acknowledge what we are.” He releases her, and walks to the door.

  Sam, “Stop!”

  Startled, he stops and turns, “What?”

  “I’m sorry, Jere. I don’t understand what just happened. What is wrong? I explained it, so why are you still mad?”

  He sees the bewilderment and pain in her eyes, “Sam, I can’t be one of your people that you just order around. I can’t. I won’t stomp on you in your work environment, but am I your boyfriend? Lover? What? I’m not your assistant.”

  “I don’t want to order you around.”

  “You just did.”

  “You were walking out. We need to fix this, Jere. I don’t know what to do. I just know I need you. I want you. I love you.” Tears fill her eyes, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

  “You want me in secret. It feels…like a fling, not a relationship.”

  “I’m afraid. God, Jere, please let me process this…you’re the only man I’ve ever wanted as…as my man. I want you. I need you. I love you.” She looks away, fighting for control, “I don’t know how to do this.”

  Jere moves closer, “Neither do I. So, are we going to work on it alone? Or are we going to be a couple, a real couple and work on it together?”

  She looks back, and gives him a watery smile, “Together.”

  The knot in his chest releases, “So, Christmas?”

  “Yes.” She reaches for him and he walks into her arms. Holding him tighter, she kisses him, “From now on, love, I will give you my best. I’m so sorry.”

  He kisses her, “I’ll give my best, too.”

  SWEDENBORG HOUSE, POINT LOMA

  Gloria, next to Swede in bed, “Do you think they can make it?”

  He turns toward her, putting his arm around her, “I don’t know. She has a lot to learn about relationships. He wants it really bad and SEALs are famously stubborn. I can’t get a read on how much she wants it.”

  Gloria sighs, “We both know how stubborn she can be. She needs this relationship, Stephan. I don’t think she realizes just how much she needs it.”

  “How do you feel about what she just did to us?”

  “It’s tough, but she’s right. It’s the only solution that doesn’t hurt either of us. It hurts her, yes, but she’s okay with it because it was her decision.”

  “Are you okay with it?”

  “I can handle the separation. It’ll make our reunions awesome.”

  He puts his hand on her cheek and turns her toward him. “Yes. You and I are good.” He kisses her, “We’ll be fine. When our carriers are together, we might even manage some liberty.”

  “Yes. It’s normal for carriers to work together.” She sighs, “Honey, I hope Sam and Jere can sort it out.”

  “Me, too.” He moves over her, kissing her throat, then moving to her lips, “Mrs. Swedenborg, I love you.”

  Wrapping her arms around him, she deepens the kiss, “I love you, too, my husband. Yes, please.”

  HOTEL DEL CORONADO

  0430, 24 December, 1942

  Sam slips out of bed and heads for the desk. She hesitates and looks back at Jere, then picks up the phone. When the phone rings through, she hears, “Lee residence.”

  “Hi, Ashley. It’s me, Sam. Have I caught Dad before he leaves for work?”

  “Sure, Honey. You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Please?”

  A moment later, she hears Lee’s voice, “Hello, darlin’.”

  “Dad, I’ll be landing at Patuxent River this afternoon. We need to talk.”

  “You’re cancelling the last three shows.”

  “I am. The Army got their lump of flesh. I’m coming home, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “One more thing, my boyfriend is on leave and is hitching a ride on the Albert. May he stay with us for Christmas?”

  “Samantha Hunt, you’ve been holding out on me. Of course, he can. Who is he?”

  “He’s a SEAL officer. Jeremiah Buford.”

  “The guy who took a bullet for you. I see. A good job of hiding him, darlin’.”

  “Thanks, Dad. We’ll talk about everything when I get there. This isn’t just personal, it’s professional.”

  “Right. We’ll see you in a few hours. Take care.”

  “Love you, Dad.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Sam turns to Jere, who’s watching her, puzzled. “I’m cancelling the rest of the tour. It’s time. Halsey’s right.”

  “You told Lee about me.”

  “Yep. Way past time. You are so right. I finally have clarity.” She goes into the shower and turns on the water.

  Jere slides out of bed and joins her. “Pettigrew will be so pissed.”

  Sam grins and kisses him, “Fuck Pettigrew.”

  “No, thank you.”

  Sam laughs.

  When Sam and Jere arrive at Miramar, everyone is there and in formation. Jere joins them and Sam walks to the front. Major Pettigrew arrives and goes to his place. Geller calls, “Ten ‘shun.” They all snap to. Lt. Wright, “All present, Commander.”

  Sam smiles, “Thank you. Cooper, are we ready?”

  Cooper looks tired and wrung out, “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Very well. First, this was our last stop. The bond tour is over.” She watches a startled Pettigrew turn deep red. “So, all naval, marine, and army personnel will be going back to Patuxent. Our acting contingent will be given transportation to Los Angeles. Cooper?”

  Cooper reads off letters of appreciation for each of the actors. “Merle Oberon, to the front.”

  Miss Oberon walks to Sam and renders a passable salute. Sam returns it and shakes her hand, “It was a great pleasure working with you.”

  Pettigrew vibrates in frustration.

  Miss Oberon, “I’m happy for you. Thank you. I count you as a dear friend.”

  Spike, “Absolutely.”

  Then, Myrna Loy walks up and salutes.

  Sam returns it, “I very much enjoyed working with you.”

  Myrna grins, “Me, too. The Major is getting pissed.”

  Sam grins back, “Yep.”

  Myrna, “Thank you for everything. I now have a better idea of what it means to be with Mark.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to an invite.”

  “You’ll get one. Thank you.”

  Pat O’Brien walks up and salutes.

  Sam returns it and shakes his hand, “I have enjoyed working with you.”

  Pat, “You’ve taught us all so much. Thanks. Is Miss Lake getting one, too?”

  “She is. Cooper is arranging it.”

  Pat, “Thank you.”

  Rita Hayworth renders a crisp salute.

  Sam returns it, smiling, “Very good. I’ve enjoyed our friendship.”

  “Me, too. You’re an amazing leader, Sam. It’s been my pleasure to have known you.”

  “Thank you.”

>   Rita, “I’ll never forget this time, nor will I forget you.”

  “Yes. Me, too.”

  Pettigrew walks up and salutes, “What are you doing?”

  Sam returns his salute, “Major, it’s been interesting working with you. I’ve received orders and the show is over.”

  “No, you haven’t. Any orders for you would go through me. You’re supposed to work with me for the duration.”

  Sam turns to Wright, “Dismiss the formation. We’re leaving in a few minutes.” The formation breaks up and her people hustle to get everything done. Sam turns back to Pettigrew, “Walk with me.”

  When they’re out of hearing, Sam continues, “Major, I’m a warrior. I’m going back to where I belong. Your evaluation will be coming shortly. Now, let it go.”

  Pettigrew, “I didn’t hear anything.”

  “It came down through the Navy. You wouldn’t.”

  Pettigrew stops and stomps his foot, “I forbid this. You can’t do this. You can’t.”

  Sam smiles, “Major, you can forbid nothing. Now, what do you say?”

  He looks around and sees they’re being watched, “Yes, ma’am.” He stalks off.

  Once Pettigrew and the civilians have left, Sam addresses her people. “This is a short notice op. We’re flying back to Patuxent River today. Once I report, I’ll know what will happen to us. Radar, on the first leg I would like Staff Sergeant Jargon in the back seat. We refuel in Dallas. Senior Chief will ride with me the rest of the way. It’s been an honor to fly with each and every one of you. Let’s saddle up.”

  BOBLINGEN AIR FIELD, GERMANY

  1700, 14 December, 1942

  Lt. Peter ‘Moses’ Moskowitz stands with the prisoners as Hitler addresses the pilots. Moses turns to Nata Fuhrman, “A rifle and one round and it would all be over.”

  Nata, “Shh.”

  Hitler, “I wish you to enjoy your Christmas. Hug your sweeties. Kiss your babies. On December 28th, you will destroy New York City. On the 29th, you will destroy Boston. On the 30th, you will destroy Philadelphia and their precious Liberty Bell. On the 31st, you will destroy Chicago. Their poor gangsters will burn in our fires. Next year, as America burns, President Roosevelt will come crawling to me, begging for us to take possession of their poor little democracy. You. Each of you are the instrument of our victory. The instrument of our success. For the Fatherland! For our future! You will not fail!”