by Ricky Sides
Jim watched as the swimmer hooked a line to the pilot’s harness and men waiting inside the cargo bay pulled him up inside the ship. Another line dropped out the back of the ship and the swimmer tied it quickly under his arms. In moments, he too was safely aboard the California.
“My compliments on the rescue,” Jim said to the California via radio. Then he asked, “Is the pilot alive?”
“Our physician says he is fairly certain that the man will make it, now that he can be treated,” was Cliff Barnes’ response. “Apparently the pilot was struck by shrapnel when the gunner targeted his downed fighter and not a fifty caliber bullet.”
“That’s great news,” Jim responded and then he said, “The crew member who went into the water deserves a medal. Who is he?”
“Actually I think he has one already. He’s one of yours. Lieutenant Wilcox,” Cliff said.
By now, the remaining deck guns had all been destroyed and most of the ships of the armada were sinking. Only one ship appeared to have escaped relatively unharmed and it was one of the smaller fishing boats. Several fighters saw the boat racing away but they were busy sinking ships and thought that one of the other fighters would pursue the boat.
Onboard the fishing boat Henry Silba looked behind him in disbelief. The entire armada was gone, or would be when the last four ships still afloat succumbed to the waves. His fishing boat raced southward as he had ordered. He would return to his country and bide his time. In a year or two, he would be ready to return to America with a bigger armada of more heavily armored ships. He now knew how to defeat the enemy. Moreover, he still had his secret weapon he thought and patted the padded silver briefcase with its lethal contents sitting beside him on a table. Henry Silba turned to face the south and saw a flash of smoke. He heard a burping sound just as the conventional minigun ammunition shredded his upper torso almost cutting him in half. The wooden fishing boat could not withstand the assault of the minigun and the vessel began to sink. The laser, which followed the cessation of bullets, targeted the engine compartment of the fishing vessel and the boat exploded.
The two peacekeeper fighter scouts flew past the sinking remnants of the fishing boat on their way to join the massed peacekeeper air group for the journey to Key West. One of the pilots spoke to the other and said, “At least we destroyed one of the boats. It wasn’t a big boat. No doubt it was of little importance, but we contributed.”
The rest of the cartel bosses thought they were luckier than their former boss, Henry Silba. They had jumped overboard just before the explosion and survived the destruction of their boat. They were wearing life preservers so they had no fear of drowning. They could live for days and these waters were teeming with pirates who would take them home for a price. Then they saw the first fin break the surface of the water. They had forgotten the fact that these waters were also teeming with sharks. Before they died, more than one man believed that Silba had been the lucky one after all.
Chapter 22
Two weeks after the battle at sea the Peacekeeper, now reunited with the repaired battleship module, flew the Cuban-American volunteers back to Little Havana in Miami where the most of the men would be establishing a Miami peacekeeper base. One of the new trucks would be arriving in a few days with the equipment that newly promoted Sergeant Santiago would need to set up and operate a base. An experienced peacekeeper training group would also be arriving to help set up the base and get the organization up and running smoothly.
Namid flew escort duty with the Peacekeeper. All in the same breath, Jim had reprimanded and then thanked her. Perplexed, she had expressed that confusion causing Jim to laugh and say, “Now you see how I feel. You disobeyed my order, but that led to the subsequent victory. Just be right when you refuse an order Namid, or I will ground you,” he had added in a serious tone.
The Peacekeeper returned the small family that they had rescued from the plague boat to Havana Cuba. Manuel, Christine, and Lisa spent a great deal of time with Ramon Marino during the voyage. It was necessary for Ramon to reassure Manuel that he wasn’t taking his family back into an environment dominated by the invaders who had previously tormented the Cubans.
When the Peacekeeper landed, many Cubans emerged from their homes and came out to the ship to greet them. By now, word had spread that it was the peacekeepers from America, who had liberated Cuba from the grip of the invaders.
A group of one hundred young men and women presented themselves and asked to be accepted for peacekeeper training so that they could return and protect the people of Cuba from the lawless elements in their society. This was unexpected, and Jim wasn’t sure how they should proceed. He had Ramon to translate for him and he explained that the peacekeepers were not looking to annex Cuba.
The Cuban spokespersons who were addressing the issue with the council had then explained that Cuba would remain independent. The peacekeepers would be men and women who kept the peace and protected the weak and innocent from the lawless elements in their midst. Jim asked the representatives he was meeting with in the mess hall to wait outside while he discussed the issue with Sergeant Ramon Marino.
The council sought the sergeant’s opinion. He was a former diplomat and understood the political implications very well. “You have to proceed with much caution in this regard,” Ramon spoke bluntly. “These people mean well, but then so did Fidel Castro.” Pausing to let that sink in Ramon added, “The biggest threat is that one of the peacekeepers you train may go rogue and decide to carve out an empire for himself and rule Cuba as a dictator. Such a man would have to be stopped.”
“Then you understand why I am being so cautious,” Jim noted and smiled.
“I understand completely, and I agree that caution is essential in this matter,” Ramon reassured Jim.
“Then you will understand that if we agree to this we will remove any man or woman whom we believe would abuse the abilities they would learn from us?” Jim asked.
“I believe that you must do that, Captain. If you train the volunteers then you would have a responsibility to the decent people of Cuba not to train a tyrant. It pleases me that you understand the political situation. I find this comforting,” Ramon said in conclusion.
“The base must have a commander. A man or woman whom we know would not abuse such a position of authority,” Pete said.
“Such a man or woman surely would exist among the volunteers,” Ramon agreed.
“But they would not be a proven element Ramon,” Tim countered. “We have no way to know how they would behave in real combat. We wouldn’t know if they would respect the men in their command and protect them from needless death. A bad commander squanders the lives of his people.”
Ramon pondered that a moment and then he said, “All of that is true my friend. Perhaps it would be better to turn the people down and refuse to train them.” Pausing he said, “I could suggest an American base which could protect the people if you like.”
“No,” Jim said instantly, and the other two council members added that same firm no to the discussion. “We would not do that Ramon. That could, and most likely would, lead to misunderstandings and hostility among the people of Cuba.”
Sighing Ramon said, “Gentlemen, I think I know where this is going. You are considering me to become the Cuban base commander?”
“El Morro and La Cabana would be a good place to establish your base,” Pete stated. “Of course they were damaged in the attack,” he said referring to the battle to conquer the invaders occupying the fortifications.
“Such damage can be repaired,” Ramon stated. “But I fear that I am not your man. It is said that absolute power corrupts, absolutely. I fear that I may succumb to the seductions of that power. Castro did, though he meant well in the beginning.”
“Peacekeeper commanders don’t have absolute power. Any peacekeeper is free to walk away at any moment they choose. Without peacekeeper property of course,” Jim stated and then he said, “The very fact that you are so fearful that you may succumb
to the temptation tells me that you would be vigilant to ensure that you did not. However, you should know the standing order among peacekeepers. If you go rogue your life is forfeit. Peacekeepers will track any rogue down and kill him. We have an obligation to the people of the communities we serve to ensure that they are not abused by one of our own.”
“That is a wise precaution. Then with that understanding, I will accept the mission provided I might participate in the training of the people I am to command. I want to help weed out those in this for the wrong reason,” Ramon explained.
“That’s a reasonable request and I’m sure we can accommodate you in that regard. But you have advanced courses that will be required for the command position. You may not like the training. Some of it deals with ethics and most of it deals with the responsibilities of leadership such as respecting and protecting the men and women under your command.” Staring hard into Ramon’s eyes Jim said, “It is a very serious thing to order men and women to take on risks that could lead to their deaths. A good commander never does this lightly.”
Ramon’s eyes took on a distant look for a moment as he remembered seven bodies of men he had recruited to liberate Cuba from the invaders. “You are a wise man, Jim,” Ramon said and then he asked, “Does it get easier? I mean being responsible for the deaths of men who followed you,” he explained.
“No,” the three council members said in unison. “And I don’t think it should, Ramon,” Jim said. “As for me, if I ever reach the point that such a matter becomes easy I will leave the peacekeepers and go out on my own.”
“That is a good answer,” Ramon said.
Thinking for a moment, Ramon asked, “Would the Cuban peacekeepers receive logistical support?”
“To the point that we would supply you with a communications system compatible with ours and your start up equipment yes,” Jim answered. “Other than that the bases are self reliant. Most establish trade deals with the locals such as power and water from the cities where they have bases in exchange for patrols, which defend the region. Food we sometimes get from locals grateful for the security we provide, but we are careful about that. Gratitude can become a heavy yoke. Care must be taken not to end up looking like an extortionist who threatens not to protect the people unless they turn over their goods. Much of what we need we get from abandoned places damaged by the earthquakes.”
“As to a patrol ship, that will be arranged as soon as we have the resources. You’d also get two drones. Pol’s latest project looks promising and he assures me that they will be able to withstand the higher caliber machinegun fire,” Pete said. “And maybe we can get you a truck or two if you can secure a large supply of Cuban cigars. I know for a fact that Mick Ryan loves the things and has been out for years.”
Ramon laughed at that and said, “My friend, here the cigars are plentiful. That can easily be arranged.”
“I’ll have Patricia make an inquiry for you, Ramon,” Jim said and Ramon nodded his appreciation.
“Here on Cuba we may be invaded or attacked again. Would peacekeepers from America assist if we called for help?” Ramon asked.
“You weren’t a peacekeeper when you asked for help the last time, Ramon. Did we assist?” Pete asked.
“I am sorry my friend. I meant no insult I assure you,” Ramon said contritely.
“No offense taken, Ramon. When we can do so, we always help the good and decent people and protect the innocent. But in a sense the peacekeepers have something in common with the police. When one of our people is attacked, we respond. And not because peacekeepers are special, though to me all peacekeepers are exceptional people.” Shaking his head Pete continued, “If someone will attack a well armed, well trained peacekeeper, then what chance does the average person on the street have against them?”
I understand, Pete,” Ramon said thoughtfully.
“Your people are waiting, Ramon. What shall we tell them?” asked Jim.
“I will lead if I prove an able candidate when I have completed my training,” Ramon said in response to Jim’s question. He surprised them then as he added, “And should you American peacekeepers ever need us, do not hesitate to inform me. We will help as we are able.”
***
Captain Bill Young stared sadly at the tattered outer hull of the Constitution. Pol and his team of ship builders had decided that the best way to repair the ship was to completely remove the outer hull and replace it in its entirety. The work of removing that damaged outer hull was still in progress, but no one knew when the alloy needed would be available to complete the repairs. He knew that if the construction people had the materials then they could complete the work in two weeks, but with the material shortage being what it was, his crew was in a state of limbo. He was pondering these matters as he stared at his vessel and the workers scrambling about its surface at the Base 1 ship construction site.
Bill heard horns blaring and turned toward the main entrance gate. He saw one of the new flatbed trucks hovering respectfully behind the gate though the truck could have easily flown over that obstruction. Behind the truck sat several others. Armed peacekeeper guards opened the gate and spoke to a man in the lead truck. They examined his identification and waved the convoy through.
The trucks passed through the gate and proceeded into the base. They took the turn that would lead them to the ship construction site. Bill noted that even inside the base, they followed the road and he remembered that his own pilot was most comfortable when he was following known navigation routes such as mapped out roads. He wondered what was being brought to the shipyard. But deliverers were common. It took a lot of supplies to outfit the ships this facility built.
Pol stepped up beside Bill and said, “That is Bob Reager in the lead truck. What is going on, Bill?”
“I was about to ask you the same question,” Bill responded as the convoy stopped and settled to the surface of the road.
Bob Reager stepped out of the truck and approached the captain. “Captain Young, Pol, it’s good to see you both,” he said and smiled earnestly.
“I’m afraid the council is in Cuba at the moment, Bob,” Bill said.
“Well that’s alright. I really came to see the two of you. You see I contacted that nice young woman Patricia before the fight in the Gulf and told her that my employees had a request,” Bob said and paused. “It was their idea you see. After seeing the Constitution, they met and decided among themselves that after the battle they wanted to see the ship. Just to see how it managed to make out in the fighting you understand,” Bob said and paused to see if they understood. “So I contacted her to pass along their request and she said she would see what she could do.”
“Well Patricia went one better. She sent us a video feed of the entire battle. We watched as a dozen missiles hit the Constitution. That broke the hearts of many of my employees. We watched as the heavy machinegun bullets perforated her hull. We saw her fly out of a huge fireball, horrified that the men and women inside would be killed. We cheered when the Constitution heroically flew between the other big ships and the armada of invaders to protect her flagship, and as Americans, we applauded their courage as the other ships rejected the safety she offered and flew down to fight beside her. Patricia sent us the video feed of the return flight to Key West. We stared transfixed at the damage inflicted on the Constitution by the heavy machinegun fire she had absorbed to protect the lesser ships,” Bob said with admiration and respect in his voice.
“My employees asked if we as a company could help the crippled ship. They volunteered to work overtime to produce the materials free if the company would absorb the cost of the materials and power needed to produce the alloy. The board of directors agreed. And this time gentlemen, this material will not count as your next shipments. This shipment is to rebuild the Constitution. In a way we think of the ship as ours too since she was built to protect us. There is enough here to rebuild her outer hull. And, Pol, my friend, I have a surprise for you. My people discovered a way to make t
he material stronger. Field tests have resisted fifty-caliber penetration. And though a missile would still damage the hull, the damage level should be decreased substantially.”
“None of the other qualities were lost by the change?” Pol asked.
“They are identical in performance to the original formula in all respects. The only thing that has changed is their resistance to kinetic energy. At least I think that was the term used by the engineers. It’s all documented in this report,” Bob said and handed Pol the report.
“Bob, I don’t know how to thank you,” Bill said. “Please tell your people how much I appreciate what they have done and what your company has done for us.”
“Of course I will, Bill. They are hoping you’ll visit again, and perhaps let the employees tour the ship when the repairs have been completed.”
“I’d like that. Perhaps on an off day at your factory and my crew can feed them lunch in the mess hall,” Bill said grinning.
“That’s a splendid idea,” Bob said sincerely.
Pol who had been busy going over the documents folded them and said, “With this material available the Constitution will be ready for duty by the end of two weeks. I add my thanks to Bill’s.”
“Oh by the way, Pol, we saw that the little drones took a terrific beating so we took the liberty of sending material to the California drone facility as well. I spoke with the man in charge there an hour ago. The material arrived this morning,” Bob said and Pol looked touched at the man’s gesture, for the drones were dear to his heart.
“We are Americans. We realized as we watched that video feed just how much danger you peacekeepers faced to protect us. The employees wanted to help and so did we. Now where would you like this material, Pol? Mick will be irritated if I don’t get his trucks back by tomorrow night.”