by Ricky Sides
Looking out into the audience, Jim found Bill and the two men made eye contact. “She thought the world of you, Bill,” Jim said. Bill swallowed hard and nodded.
Jim paused a moment, and then he read, “Lina, you have suffered through so much, yet you have recovered and moved on with your life countless times. I admire your strength in the face of adversity. I believe that no matter what you turn your hand to, you will thrive,” Jim stated.
Nodding to Lina, who had flown in from Texas, he added, “I couldn’t agree more.” Lina nodded in recognition.
After pausing a moment to locate his place on the page, Jim read, “Namid, you are probably the hottest pilot in the sky. You are, without a doubt, the most fearless woman I have ever met. I’ll never forget the day you flew your fighter into the minigun fire of the attack helicopter to save the people on the ground, myself included. Thank you for your courage, and selfless devotion to your fellow peacekeepers,” Jim said.
Nodding to Namid in the audience, he said, “I was in the crowd on the ground that day too. I share my wife’s thoughts on that matter.” Namid nodded solemnly and brushed irritably at her eyes. Jeff Brown wrapped his arm around her shoulders to comfort her.
“Cookie,” Jim paused and added, “Cookie is the nickname Lacey had for the cook onboard the Peacekeeper, though I don’t know if she ever called you that to your face.” In the audience, the surprised cook raised his eyes to the podium and shook his head indicating that Lacey had not. Jim continued, “Cookie, everyone needs a confidant to whom they can go and just blow off steam, yet not worry about what they say being passed around as gossip. All those times I used to visit your galley and ask for coffee weren’t just because I like your coffee. You were always a great listener. You were also a good friend, and helped me see reason in many instances. I appreciate your discretion. I also appreciate the times you selflessly worked so hard at odd hours to feed the crew when they were returning from missions hungry and cold. More than once, I was the recipient of your diligence. Sometimes you looked so exhausted, yet you never complained. Thank you, Cookie. Thank you for the food and drink when I needed it most, but also thank you for caring enough to listen,” Jim said.
Nodding to the cook, he added, “Yours is probably one of the most thankless jobs aboard ship. But you do it well, and without complaint. I share my wife’s sentiment. You are indeed a great listener, and I should know. I’ve blown off steam with you myself.” The cook nodded his acceptance.
Jim turned the page and read from the next, “Lisa, thank you for being such a wonderful friend to Evan. You help keep my son grounded, and for that, I am grateful. You’re also a girl with a wonderfully sweet disposition. I hope that in the fullness of time, when Evan meets the woman he will take to wife that it will be someone just like you,” Jim said.
Looking to Lisa, he nodded and said, “Lacey really admired you, Lisa. Time after time, she told me that she believed you are destined for great things. I think she was right,” Jim said. Lisa smiled weakly and nodded in return.
Turning to Evan, Jim read, “Evan, every mother dreams that her son will grow up to possess the positive traits of his father. In you, I am blessed with a son that took his biological father’s best traits and then he took on his stepfather’s best traits. In this regard, I am twice blessed with you, Evan. Yet you also possess some of my traits. You are tender hearted, patient, and you have a thirst for new and exciting experiences. I probably never said it enough, so I’m saying it now before all of these witnesses. No mother has ever been more proud of her son than I have been of you. Thank you for being such a wonderful son. I am leaving a private letter for you with your Uncle Tim for safekeeping. I chose someone other than Jim lest the message be lost if my husband and I share the same fate. Tim will give you the letter after Jim reads this to you. The letter is private, son, so don’t share it outside the family,” Jim read.
Looking Evan in the eyes, Jim said, “I want you to know that your mother believed you were growing up to be a good man. She was indeed proud of you, Evan. Never doubt that. Not even for a moment.” Evan wiped his eyes and nodded his understanding. Then he turned and buried his head in Lisa’s shoulder. She patted him on the back and held him in an awkward teenage embrace as she sought to comfort him.
***
That night, Jim and Evan stayed in the farmhouse. Lacey had left specific instructions for the distribution of her jewelry in the event of her death. She wanted all of her jewelry to go to Evan, who might someday give it to a wife. Jim explained that to Evan and presented him with a small jewelry box that contained several rings and necklaces. When Evan opened the box, Jim pointed out the diamond ring and wedding band that Evan’s father had given Lacey. Then, he pointed out the diamond ring and wedding band that he had given her. Pointing to another ring, Jim explained that the ring was special because it had belonged to Lacey’s mother, and her grandmother before her. Jim then explained that his mother wanted him to give that to a daughter in order to observe the family tradition. Failing that, she recommended a granddaughter be the recipient. Evan solemnly agreed to observe his mother’s wishes.
They stored the jewelry in the fireproof safe the family had installed years ago. Jim advised Evan, who had known the combination for years, not to remove the jewelry from safekeeping lightly, lest he lose some or all of his mother’s jewelry. Evan seemed so appalled by the thought of that loss that Jim was sure he’d never be careless with the items. Just before they closed the safe, Jim took off his wedding band with a sigh. “Evan, it would please me if you’d also take this ring. Your mother put it on my hand, and I haven’t removed it since that day. Someday you’ll probably get married. When that time comes, it would be an honor if you’d consider using this ring.”
“Jim, I don’t want to take your things,” Evan protested.
“It’s alright, Evan. I really want you to have it. You don’t have to use the ring when you get married if your wife prefers another. But I think you should have the ring,” Jim said firmly. He placed it in Evan’s box and gently closed the lid.
Jim slept on the sofa in the living room that night. It was the first night they’d spent in the farmhouse since Lacey’s death. He couldn’t bring himself to sleep in their bed without Lacey. He could still smell her in the room.
Part 2
Chapter 9
Two days after Lacey’s funeral, Jim reported to the Peacekeeper, and resumed command of the ship. He was fully briefed on the new facility that the peacekeepers had discovered in his absence and code named the citadel. He was also informed that Pol and his assistants were working hard on modifications to the new aircraft that they had discovered inside the facility, and given the opportunity to offer his input on the suggested modifications.
The council decided to invest the national resources of the peacekeepers to complete the citadel and staff the facility. The peacekeepers had already made contact with the personnel they’d need to hire to go in and complete the geothermal generator hookups. Pete explained, “The patrol ship, Texas, flew the men to the site yesterday. They inspected the system and think they can have it operational in a month. They are willing to do it for a price we can meet.”
“And that geothermal generator will be able to provide sufficient power for the base?” asked Jim.
“It’s actually a set of three generators, Jim,” Pol explained. “And the answer to your question is yes. The three generators will be able to make the base energy self sufficient.”
“What about logistics? Will the base tie up too many ships just keeping it supplied with food?” he asked.
“Supplies won’t be a problem at first. There is a huge supply of food stored there already. Munitions won’t be an issue either. There are plenty of weapons and ammunition located in the base armory,” Pete explained.
“Then why didn’t the men trapped inside use the munitions to escape?” Jim asked.
“The armory is stocked with small arms and ammunition,” Tim explained. “But
there were no high explosives present. Remember, the base was designed to be a large subterranean airbase, and not an airborne Special Forces base.”
“I think I’d like to see the base. It sounds as if it has a lot of potential, though I don’t like the one way in and out aspect of the base layout,” Jim stated.
“Yes, but once you have a fighter inside you’d never die of asphyxiation as the original base personnel did. A fighter armed with a laser could have blown a hole through the door, and since the two tunnel doors are in perfect alignment, it would have been possible to bore air vents through both doors,” Pol explained. “It will be safe.”
“The question is; do we need the base?” Pete asked. “Granted it is almost complete, but it is also in a remote area that the Texas based peacekeeper pilots already patrol.”
“I’d like to go there and see the site for myself,” Jim said. “The video is good, but I can get a better feel of the place by getting a first hand view of the layout.”
“Do you plan to return before the day after tomorrow?” Pol asked.
“Yes. It should only take me a few hours to get a feel for the place,” Jim responded.
“Then I can accompany you. The day after tomorrow I need to be present for some of the modifications to the new ship,” Pol explained.
“Good, I’d like to hear your opinion on base defenses,” Jim explained. “I’ll go make sure Evan has everything he needs aboard ship, just in case we stay at the base overnight,” he said.
“We probably will. It’s a large base, and it will take hours to tour it properly,” Pete said.
When Jim had left the room, Tim said, “I think he just wants to get away from the house. Patricia took them supper last night, and when she got back to the ship, she said he looked lost in the house without Lacey. I’m wondering if he’ll be able to stay there now. It wouldn’t surprise me if he and Evan move aboard ship permanently.”
“I think perhaps he is considering reassignment,” Pol said, surprising some of the people in room.
Pete nodded his head in agreement and added, “That would make sense in a way. They were aboard ship more than they were in their farmhouse.” Looking at Tim, Pete said, “If he asks for command of the base and the new ship, what do we say?”
Tim sadly looked down at the tabletop. “I can’t blame him. If it was the other way around and it had been Patricia, I know I couldn’t remain aboard this ship. As much as I love it, I’d have to ask for reassignment,” he said.
“Pol,” Pete said quietly.
“Yes, Pete?” Pol asked.
“Keep it under your hat for now, but plan on Jim being the captain of the new ship,” Pete said,
“Then I’ll make some modifications that I know for a fact that he’d prefer, Pete,” Pol said sadly.
“Maggie,” Tim said. “I’d consider it a favor if you research the available doctors. I want the best available that is willing to go to the base.
“He’ll have that. You just worry about finding him a pilot with anything near your talent,” Maggie said, offering Tim a rare compliment.
“Thank you Maggie, but I haven’t even flown that aircraft myself. I have no idea who he’d need,” Tim responded, but then he looked at Namid.
“Hey don’t look at me,” she said defensively. “I like my fighter. I’m not interested in piloting the big ships on a regular basis.”
Laughing, Tim said, “Calm down, Namid. I know better than to try to make you fly a big ship. I was thinking that you might have an idea as to a pilot with combat experience, who might be willing to fly that aircraft. I really don’t want to put a green pilot in that position,” Tim explained.
“I won’t have that,” Pete said adamantly.
“In that case, I have a suggestion. Wait until you know you need the pilot for Jim, and then call for volunteers,” she said looking thoughtful. “Then you can pick the best person for the job based on their record and experience. I am certain there will be no shortage of volunteers, and you can stipulate any requirements. But the final decision should be Jim’s.”
“Yes, and it will be. The captain approves the crew,” Patricia concurred.
“Lieutenant,” Pete said.
“Yes, sir?” Lieutenant Wilcox answered.
“Any suggestions as to who we recommend as Jim’s top security man? You know them all, hell, you trained them all,” Pete said.
“Sir, Jim…, The Captain is vulnerable right now and might make some mistakes,” Lieutenant Wilcox said. Realizing that this sounded like a criticism he quickly added, “Anyone would be, given what he’s been through. I meant no disrespect.”
“We know, Lieutenant,” Tim said.
“Under the circumstances I think I should handle the job,” the lieutenant said solemnly.
“He needs someone who’ll have his back, Jack. Thank you for volunteering,” Tim said. “With you by his side, I won’t have to worry about him getting reckless and taking insane risks with his safety.”
“He wouldn’t!” Pol said in alarm.
“Yes, my friend. If he is anything like his brother, then he probably would,” Patricia disagreed.
“But he has Evan to think about,” Pol argued.
“And he knows that any of us would take Evan in if need be,” Pete countered. “Tim’s right. Jim’s trying to conceal it, but he is far from all right.”
“We can move Sergeant Thompson up to command the strike force, unless you need the whole team with you, Lieutenant,” Tim said.
“I’d like to retain my team, but that isn’t in the best interests of this ship. There’s a good team I recently trained waiting for the next ship to be built. I can use them. The new captain will need an experienced team, and David can handle that leadership role.”
“Speaking of captains, it looks as if you’ll have to take command of the ship again, Pete,” Tim said with a smile.
“No,” Pete said.
“No?” Tim asked.
“We’ll be staying with Jim at the new base,” Maggie said quietly.
“But why?” Tim asked plaintively. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that,” he said.
“I think I do,” Maggie said. “When Lacey found out she was pregnant, she was concerned a bit about her age, so she asked me if I’d help watch after Evan if anything happened to her. I promised I would.” Shrugging, Maggie added, “Besides, if we don’t go there, Lisa will be miserable.”
“She also came to me. She didn’t tell me she was pregnant, but she cornered me one day and asked if I’d watch after Jim, if anything were to happen to her. I assured her that nothing…,” Pete stopped and looked down at his hands folded on top of the table. “But she asked again, so I said, of course I would look after him. I won’t break that promise,” Pete said looking up at Tim.
“No, you wouldn’t, nor would you, Maggie. I understand,” Tim said. “But we are breaking up the crew. That’s a serious step.” Then looking at Pol, he asked, “What about you, Pol?”
“I have a suggestion to make,” Pol said. “Why don’t we just transfer the Peacekeeper to the new base? That way we can retain our crew, but Jim can take command of the new ship if he wishes, and I understand that he may need to leave the ship. Even I keep looking around corners, expecting to bump into her.”
“That won’t work, Pol. The Peacekeeper’s too big,” Pete said. “We can’t leave it outside the base. It would be too easy to spot, and without an outer perimeter, the ship would be vulnerable. No one could get in, but potential enemies could waylay people moving out to the ship.”
“In that case, I’ll be staying aboard the Peacekeeper. I am also needed frequently in the shipyard, though admittedly, my assistants are now quite as capable as I am in the construction of the ships,” Pol explained.
“Namid?” asked Tim.
“I think we’re putting the cart before the horse. We don’t know for sure that the captain will even want to relocate,” Namid responded.
“Relocate to where?�
� asked Jim from the isle. He’d just walked up at the end of Namid’s sentence.
“I’ve been speculating that your interest in the base might be because you wanted to relocate to become the base commander and captain of the new ship,” Pete said honestly.
“No, Pete. You will be the base commander. I’ll be the captain of the new ship. I don’t feel qualified as a base commander. But you are qualified,” Jim said and paused.
Jim looked around at every person in the room. His face bore a troubled expression when he said, “I’m sorry everyone. Please don’t think this is a reflection of my regard for any of you, but I just don’t think I can stay on the ship. The farmhouse is just as bad. I talked it over with Evan just now. He was relieved that we might be leaving to live elsewhere.”
“We understand, Jim,” Tim said.
“I hope you do, Tim, because this means you have to become the captain now. I need a good man in charge of the Peacekeeper, just in case we ever have to fight another war. I need a steady hand that I can rely on to do the right thing with the firepower of this ship, and there isn’t a better man for the job. Tag, you’re it, little brother,” Jim said with the first trace of a smile any of them had seen on his face since his wife’s murder.
“Congratulations, Captain,” Pete said with a smile.
***
Namid was troubled by the need to make a decision, whether to transfer to the new base or keep her job escorting the Peacekeeper. On one hand, she wanted the new assignment. Texas was her home state, and she’d see much more of that state if she were based at the citadel. The two council members would still be active, despite their relocation. That meant, she’d be needed to fly escort, when they were in transit in the new ship. She wasn’t worried about leaving Tim in a lurch. There would probably be a mad rush of talented pilots volunteering for that plum assignment, so she knew that the Peacekeeper would be safe without her. But there was her relationship with Jeff to consider. If she accepted the transfer, then they would see each other infrequently at best. She was mature enough to know that this could cause problems with their relationship. It had the potential to end it entirely.