by M. L. Maki
“Is he going to fuck me over later?”
“No. In the end, King is a good man, and a good leader. If anything, he’ll think better of you because he knows you are principled.”
O’TOOLE STATION, AUSTRALIA
1230, 26 December, 1942
Lieutenant John Hunt sits at the kitchen table writing a letter. Alisha walks up behind him and wraps her arms around him. “What are you doing?”
“Writing my daughter. I just finished Mom and Dad’s. I’m telling them we’re engaged.” He looks up at her and smiles.
“Do you think she’ll ever marry?”
“I hope so. I really hope so.”
“This time thing has me thinking. Do you think we met in her memory?”
“I know we didn’t marry. In her last letter she said she was proud of my commission. She said I’d been a sergeant, but never an officer. I think accepting my commission changed me.”
Alisha sits down next to him, “I wasn’t interested in you because you’re an officer. It’s how you handle a horse and how you handle your men. You’re a kind person, John. I love that about you.”
“Well, if we did meet in her time, I wouldn’t have had men to command. I doubt I would be as confident. I don’t think you’ve changed, but I know I have. I’ll ask her if she knows about you.”
10 DOWNING STREET, LONDON, UK
1300, 26 December, 1942
Churchill is on the phone with Roosevelt, “So, we’re in agreement about Torch?”
Roosevelt, “Yes, Winston. We are. I’m told all the parts can be made ready on schedule.”
“Well, I hope you had a good Christmas, Franklin.”
“Well, yes. Some of the family was home.”
“Did my Commodore also have a good Christmas? I hope you’re sorting things out for her.”
“These things take time, Winston. That we both know. As I understand, she spent her Christmas in town with family. She’s being offered a number of postings. I assure you, when this matter is sorted out, she’ll be promoted.”
“Franklin, are you aware that we are building a large deck carrier in Belfast? She’s a thousand feet long with angled decks, cross deck pennants, and steam catapults. If your Navy has no use of her, I would love to give her that command. Something for you to consider.”
“Winston, I’m working on it. Why do you persist?”
“Because it’s the first topic his Majesty brings up. The first topic my air marshal brings up. The first topic the Sea Lord brings up. I grow weary of the questions and of not having the answers.”
“I’ll sort it.”
“Thank you, Franklin.”
SOUTH ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
0930, 26 December, 1942
Samantha and Jere, in winter khakis, walk up to a small home surrounded by trees, and knock. The door opens and Fukue Hisakowa in clear, but accented English, asks, “May I help you?”
Sam smiles, “Yes, I’m hoping this is the residence of Commander Hisakawa?”
Fukue’s eyes grow wide in recognition, “Genzo, Commodore Hunt is here. Please, come in.” She opens the door wide, “Would you like tea or coffee?”
Sam, “Tea, if it isn’t too much bother.”
Fukue, “Yes, ma’am. Of course.”
Lieutenant Commander Chris ‘Chaos’ Hisakawa comes out of a back room in jeans and a flannel shirt. “Commander, good to see you. Sorry I’m not in uniform.”
“Commander, I wanted to see how you and your family are doing, not do a spot inspection. Please, relax. I’m sorry I didn’t have your number, or I would have called. It was hard to find your address.” She smiles, “May I introduce Lieutenant Jeremiah Buford? Jere, Lieutenant Commander Chris Hisakawa.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Chris shakes Jere’s hand. “Right. We’ve had some problems. Not huge problems and we’re more cautious now. Commander Hunt, Lieutenant Buford, this is my grandfather-in-law, Asahi Koizumi, and my wife, Fukue.”
Sam and Jere shakes Asahi’s and Fukue’s hands. Jere, “It’s a pleasure. Please, call me Jere.”
Sam smiles, “I’m Sam.”
Chris, “I’m a little awed to see you. Please, sit.”
The kettle whistles and Fukue retreats to the kitchen.
Sam, “Chris, I’ve just been lucky.”
“Maybe, but this still feels like I’m meeting John Lennon, Chuck Yeager, and Neal Armstrong rolled into one.”
“Just me. How are you, Chris?”
“Okay. I’ve been helping Navy Intelligence with the information I gathered in Japan.”
Fukue comes in with the tea and serves.
Sam, “Thank you.”
Jere sips his tea, “It’s good.”
Fukue, “Thank you.”
Sam, “Chris, is that what you want to do?”
“No, I want back out there, but I’m worried about Fukue and Asahi. That said, I’ll do whatever I must to assure we win.”
Sam, “I have a position for you. But, before we get into that, we need to assure your family is safe. Mr. Koizumi, may I ask what is your background?”
Asahi, speaking with an English accent, says, “I am a college professor. I taught sociology before we came back in time.”
Sam, “Oh. That had to be awful.”
Fukue, “Genzo saved our lives. He is our hero.”
Jere, “I can see why you’d have problems here. DC is a huge city. If you moved into the country and everyone knew why you were there, I believe you’d be much safer.”
Sam, “I agree. But it isn’t our decision.”
Fukue, “Why the country? I thought American country people were backward.”
Sam and Jere, startled, laugh. Sam, “I was raised in rural Tennessee and Jere in Montana. Some are backward, but they’re also patriots. They won’t hassle the family of a service member. Especially if he’s flying with me.”
Chris’ jaw goes slack in surprise, “You want me to be your RIO. What happened to Puck?”
Sam, “He’s healing from a twenty-millimeter round. I’ve been flying with Lizard. We’ve done well, but he’s transferred to Pensacola. My people were scattered to fill out new squadrons.”
Fukue, “Where could we go?”
Sam, “It’s up to you, really. I think Jere made a good point. If you moved to my grandparent’s farm in Tennessee, they could look out for you. I’m a bit of a celebrity there. It’s annoying, but in this case, it’s useful. Once the town knows you are all from 1990, and that Chris is my RIO, no one will bother you.”
Asahi, “Is there a place where I could teach?”
Sam, “The high school. There’s a Methodist college down the road. I’m also sure my grandparents would appreciate the help on the farm. My uncle David is joining the Navy in June.”
Asahi, “What does your grandparents farm?”
Sam, “Normally, horses. Due to the war, they’re shifting to beef cattle.”
Asahi, “It is a very kind offer.”
Sam, “Think about it. Keep in mind, though, I fly out on Monday from Grumman with my new jet. If I know that is what you want, it’s easier to set it up while I’m here. It isn’t impossible later, just more difficult.”
Fukue and Chris look at each other. She nods her head, “Go Genzo, we will be fine with her family.”
Chris, “I’ll pack up and fly to San Dog with you, if that’s okay.”
Sam smiles, “It is.”
Chris, “It’ll be an easy move. We’re renting this place furnished. We just have some kitchen things and our clothes.”
Sam, “You need to sort out sending them money. I think they’re letting sailors set up allotments, if that works.”
Chris, “Already done. I just need the address. Are you sure it’s okay with your folks, Samantha?”
Sam, “Yes. It will be.”
Jere nods, “This is perfect. I have enough leave days left to move them down. And Sam, I can meet your folks.”
Sam smiles, “Yes. I like it. I’ll talk to Dixie a
nd call my folks today.” She gets up, “Fukue, Asahi, it was a pleasure to meet you both. We’ll take care of this. Chris, it’ll be okay.”
A few minutes later they pull into Lee’s driveway in her Packard. Jere lights up, “Seeing as were going to Tennessee, why don’t I deliver the Packard, too. They would both fit in the front seat with me.”
“If you can get the fuel stamps, sure.”
As they walk in, Sam calls out, “Where are you, Dad?”
“In my office.”
She and Jere go in and explain the plan.
Lee, “I’ve been struggling with what to do with him. I couldn’t have him going to sea when his family isn’t safe. Intel is pretty much done with him, not that they’ll admit it. He was TAD to them from my staff, so the transfer is easy. I can get Jere the gas stamps. I can also contact Issa and set up a TAD for him so he doesn’t burn his leave on this mission.”
Sam hugs Lee, “Thank you, Dad.”
“Thank you for solving the problem for me.”
“I need to call my grandparents. Sorry for the long-distance charge.”
“No problem.”
Sam goes to the kitchen and dials the old wall phone. “Operator, I need to connect to the Hunt farm in Stone Mountain, Tennessee, thank you.” She waits as the call is connected.
“Margaret Hunt speaking.”
“Hi, Margaret, it’s Sam. Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, honey. Merry Christmas. This must be costing the earth. Are you alright?”
“Yes, Margaret I’m fine. I called because I need some help.”
“Yes, dear. We checked the bank account two days ago. Dear, are you sure about sending us so much money? Will you have enough?”
Sam laughs, “Margaret, it’s fine. It’s from that investment I told you about. You’ll be getting deposits every month or two. But, there’s another reason why I’m calling. I have a new RIO. His name is Chris Hisakawa. He was born in the States and came back in time on the Vinson. The issue is his wife and her grandfather. They came back in time from 1990 in Japan. He was shot down over Tokyo last year and was just able to get them and himself out. They’ve had a very rough time.
“Anyway, here in DC they’re dealing with discrimination and violence. Chris does not want to leave them alone here. I was thinking, could we bring them down to you? If we told the town they were from 1990, and that Chris is my RIO, I think they would be safe.”
“You’re absolutely right. Do they speak English.”
“They do. Asahi speaks it better than I do. He’s a college professor. Fukue has an accent, but it’s not a problem.”
“How are you going to get them down here?”
“Margaret, my boyfriend, Jeremiah Buford, is driving them down in my car. The car stays with you.”
“Are you coming?”
“I’m sorry, no. Chris and I have to pick up my new plane and fly to San Diego. I’m the new squadron commander of the Black Knights.”
“Honey, I thought you were getting an air group.”
“Jere will explain. It was my decision to help Gloria and Swede. I’ve got to go, Margaret. Thank you.”
“We’ll be ready and we’re looking forward to meeting Jeremiah. Love you, dear.”
“Love you, Margaret. Love to Leigh and David. Thank you.”
BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL, MARYLAND
1425, 27 December, 1942
Commander Samantha Hunt walks the corridor to Puck’s room. Eleanor Roosevelt steps out of a room behind her and looks up, “Samantha.”
Sam turns, startled, “Mrs. Roosevelt. It’s good to see you.”
“Eleanor, remember? It’s good to see you as well. I hope you don’t mind me saying that you are giving Franklin fits.”
Sam sighs, “Do you understand?”
“Absolutely. You are quite correct. What brings you to Bethesda?”
“I’m here to see my first RIO, Commander Hawke.”
“Might I join you?”
“Of course.”
“Every single call, Mr. Churchill asks why you have not been promoted and given an appropriate award.”
Sam looks at her, “Really?”
“Yes. His Majesty asks him that question constantly. Churchill even suggested giving you command of their new carrier.”
“I love Britain. They’ve been very good to me.” They knock and walk into Puck’s room.
Eleanor, “Well then, what are you going to do?”
“I relieve Swede as CO of the Black Knights in a few days. Swede will take the CAG position Lee was holding for me.”
Puck looks up from the documents he was reading, “You’re going back to the Knights?”
Sam grins, “Good to see you, Puck. You’re looking better. Yeah, tomorrow Grumman and my new jet.” She bends down, kisses him on the cheek, and hugs him. “Puck, Chaos made it out of Japan.”
He holds her for a moment, “Yeah, I know. Lee told me.” Puck looks up, “Good to see you again, Mrs. Roosevelt.”
Eleanor, “I see you’re doing well. Busy?”
“Yes. Sam, are you okay?”
“Eric, Chris is going to fly in my back seat until you’re good again.”
“Good. He’s a solid RIO. Spike, the docs here keep telling me I won’t fly again, then I surprise them by doing what they say I can’t.”
“I believe in you, Eric. You’ll get out there again.”
“Lee asked me if I wanted to teach, or if I’d manage contracts while on the mend. I’ve been working with engineers and designers long enough that I think I’ll just keep doing that until I can fly.”
Sam smiles, “I saw a bomber at Boeing.”
“Yeah, the B-46. It’s a pretty decent bird, though it has its quirks. Landing requires a really high angle of attack. Flaps and slats make it flyable, but I want to get the nose down. When you enter ground effect, it wants to float. Have you ever practiced landing with the wings back?”
Puck’s great grandfather, John Hawke walks in and Sam looks up. “Hello.” She turns back to Puck, “Eric, that’s what happened when we got hit. One of the rounds lodged in the mechanism and I couldn’t swing the wings forward. You talked me down.”
Eric looks at her, confused, “I don’t remember any of that.”
“You even knew the exact speed I needed to bring her in. I was so nose up; I could barely see the runway. You talked me down.”
Eric shakes his head, “No. Sam, I’m glad it worked, but I don’t know the speed for landing a Tomcat with the wings back and holes in them. I mean, I know about the right speed, but…I was out.”
John Hawke, “Mrs. Roosevelt, it’s good to see you again.”
“Mr. Hawke.” She shakes his and, “Yes, it is. What are they talking about?”
John steps forward, “You landed because you needed to land. Samantha Hunt. Sometimes it is best not to question a gift.” Sam turns to John, puzzled. “Mrs. Roosevelt, I think I need to borrow your friend for a moment. I hope that is alright?”
Eleanor nods, “Yes, Mr. Hawke.” She turns to Puck, “You said you are doing better than the doctor’s anticipated?”
John takes Sam’s hand and walks her out to the coffee kiosk. “Eric remembers little of that day. It is common with those who injured. It’s a way for the mind to protect the spirit.”
“He saved my life. He was the only other person in the jet. I heard him.”
John smiles, “Then it must be. It is otherwise not a good sign when someone is hearing voices.”
Sam stops, thinking. “I agree.”
“Now, you have ended your flying shows and you go back to where you belong?”
“Yes. I’m commanding the Black Knights again and going back to sea.”
“And this man you love?”
“What? Where?”
“It is on your face and in your heart. I need nothing else. You know my grandson cares for you. You also know a relationship between you two would be difficult. You are happy, but you do not wish to hurt him.”
>
“Yes.”
“You’re a good woman, Samantha Hunt. You, by protecting a few, protect us all.”
“Thank you. Will Eric understand?”
“He’s wise. His heart will hurt, but he’s wise in spite of himself. He knows you two cannot and should not be.”
“I see. You’re right. Shall we?”
They buy four coffees and return to Puck’s room.
Sam, “You wrote to me exactly what I needed to hear while I was in Britain. Do have anything to share now?”
“Samantha Hunt, what you need, you have. Please know, you are forever welcome among my people.”
“Thank you.”
As John seemed to know, Eleanor and Eric are still talking. John even got Eleanor’s coffee order right.
SENATOR RUSSELL’S HOME, WASHINGTON, DC
1405, 27 December, 1942
Diggs, “Hunt shut down the bond tour. She’s being given her old squadron back. That’s a huge step back for her.”
Russell, “What did the major accomplish?”
Diggs snorts, “I talked to him this morning. Not a fucking thing. Pettigrew told me her men love and respect her and she has no visible flaws or exploitable secrets. Still, keeping her in the squadron is a small step in the right direction. Hopefully, she’ll either go back to the farm or get killed.”
Russell, “You’re wishing for the death of an American serviceman? Diggs, that’s a stupid, stupid thing to say. If word got out, I’d have to let you go. If she dies in combat, she’ll become a martyr for everything she believes in. We absolutely do not want her to die in combat. Anything else, acceptable, but not that. I would prefer she dies of old age surrounded by family who think her combat experience was a weird abomination of the natural order.”
“Yes, sir. Still, her return to the Black Knights is a small victory. She won’t be a captain.”
Russell, “If anything, it’s a holding action. I’ve held up my end on this. Please hold up yours.”
“Yes, sir.
BOBLINGEN, GERMANY
2030, 27 December, 1942
Oberstleutnant Oscar Mentz squats to pick up his daughter. “How’s my little Heidi?”