by Unknown
Berlin
“Admiral!” shouted one of the officers. He was pointing to a news broadcast. The room got quiet and the sound was turned up. It was a crowd of people singing. Hammond recognized the song, but not its significance. The label said it was inside the Kremlin in Moscow.
“My God, that’s the old Imperial Anthem,” said Dortmund.
The announcer began to speak over the music. “Just a few minutes ago President Borodin was seen being taken away in a strait jacket. The officer is identified as Marshal Philippe Andropov, a relatively unknown player in the Russian Army’s hierarchy. He is standing beside Patriarch Gregory of the Russian Orthodox Church. In a brief statement to the crowd he stated that the Army had taken over the government and they were calling in the Duma, something that hasn’t happened since Borodin assumed full control. He pledged to restore order and services in Russia and told the crowd he was contacting the Allies to put an end to this war.”
Hammond turned to his staff. “Order an immediate cease fire on all fronts. Everyone hold their positions. Contact the Russian government and offer to meet at a place near the border. Let them know we are initiating a truce in order to negotiate a cessation of this conflict,” he ordered.
Hammond turned to his supply coordinator. “Harry, we will need to get food, fuel and power to as much of Russia as we can, as quickly as we can. If this is legit, we just changed from an army to one big nonprofit. See what you can do to get some things rolling,” he said.
The men and women began rushing to telephones and issuing orders. Within minutes all bombardment of areas inside Russia ceased. The front lines became silent.
The White House
Everyone had been watching the news feed. No one knew it was being provided by a CIA asset who had been provided with a small camera and battery operated satellite feed. Most had predicted that the demonstration would be met by violence. No one had expected that Borodin would be arrested. The image of him being led out of the presidential office in a strait jacket had stunned everyone there. They were even more stunned when a military man, in uniform, had stepped up to take control.
The phone rang in the situation room and a staff member answered it. On a separate monitor Hammond’s face appeared. The President tapped a button at his seat. “Admiral, did you just see this?” the President asked.
“I was going to ask you the same. I have ordered a cease fire on all fronts for now. Since this new guy, Andropov, wants to talk, I am going along. I need some advice though. Since I’ve never handled a surrender before, I need a little input,” he said.
“Have you received any word on when or where it will take place?” asked the President.
“Not yet, but I’m hoping it will be shortly.”
“Well, just use your best judgment. I’m not sure I trust them yet. This is happening way too fast. I felt sure we would be well into Russia before anyone even hinted at talking,” said the President.
“I agree, but we need to get some sort of coalition to determine what the terms will be. I have my ideas, but this is a job for the politicians, not me,” said Hammond.
“Let me hear your ideas.”
Hammond sat back in his chair. “Well, first off, we make it an unconditional surrender, at least at first. We can soften it to fit their situations, but demand those responsible, war crimes stuff, etcetera and so on. I want to hear their perceived needs and then act accordingly. Somehow after this, I get the feeling they won’t be demanding much. I don’t recommend an occupation. That didn’t work in the last big one. I also don’t recommend we simply leave them alone. The vacuum both politically and socially, would be a disaster. I would recommend we only send in teams to help restore their power, water, food, you know, basic needs. Maybe send in some of the international teams to help get the place back to normal. The fewer military types in there the better, but we make it clear that we are just along the border and ready in case of trouble. I figure the first meeting will be a good time to hear their thoughts and then we make our plans. That way I can keep everyone informed and we can make the final decisions together,” he said.
“That’s a good start. I will get with the other leaders and try to hash out what we want the post war world to look like. Just be ready to join in when the fir starts to fly. In the meantime, get the meeting established and we will go from there,” said the President. “Are you going to meet with them personally at first?”
“Yes. At this point, I want them to feel a little more comfortable. Military to military might work a little better, especially if this Andropov is involved.” Hammond was interrupted as a piece of paper was handed to him. He read it quickly. “Interesting. Andropov wants to meet in Smolensk tomorrow. He requested a truce to begin immediately. There are more details, but that’s the main point.”
“Then go with it, Roger. Talk to the man while I sound out the other leaders. Then we can make decisions,” the President said.
Naples
Naples exploded when they heard the news. Despite the fact that no surrender had been made, the Italian government acted as if the war was over. People emptied the shops and cafes, pouring into the streets. They danced, and celebrated from midday on into the evening. The Iowa sailors were swept up into the celebration. They found themselves kissed by everyone from beautiful teens to elderly women. Bottles of wine were thrust into their hands and everyone was invited to meals with other happy citizens.
Jeffers decided to walk out into the city to enjoy the festivities. The days were warmer now but his dress blues still felt comfortable in the offshore breezes. All around him were people drinking, singing and having an amazing time. On occasion, someone would throw confetti out of an upper window and it would rain down on the people in the streets below. Several sailors passed by with young women on each arm. One tried to salute but couldn’t because the girl was holding his arm so tightly. Jeffers grinned at the young man and returned the salute anyway. After an hour of roaming the streets, he found a small restaurant and went through the front door. It was already full of people but the owner showed him to a small table to one side.
Once seated, Jeffers scanned the room. The restaurant was much quieter than the streets outside. The patrons were talking with each other and enjoying their meal. The interior was dimly lit and the walls were plastered and decorated with grape vines with an overhead trellis that allowed the artificial vines to fall down toward the tables. In some places, the vines had made a natural separation between sections of the room. The tables and chairs were older, but solid, adding to the ambiance of the room.
Seated next to Jeffers was a man who looked familiar. He couldn’t place him, but knew the face from somewhere. He was dressed in civilian clothes, but had a haircut more in line with a military member. He was looking at a menu, then glanced up and their eyes met. A look of surprise came over his face. It quickly turned to one of interest. He put down the menu.
“If I am not mistaken, we have seen each other,” the man said in English.
Jeffers smiled slightly. “Yes, but I can’t recall when,” he said.
The man suddenly smiled broadly. “You were standing on the bridge of the American ship, America. There were fires burning around you, but you asked me to be your guide,” said Captain Michael Hufnagel as he extended his hand and introduced himself.
Jeffers remembered the lone figure on the bridge wing of the German Frigate who stood by to help the stricken ship. “Rod Jeffers. It’s good to meet you, Captain,” he said.
Hufnagel invited him to join him for dinner and Jeffers moved to his table.
“You know, during that whole time I felt like you were the only one really trying to help. I really had my hands full,” Jeffers said.
“I could tell. We wanted to help, but my fire equipment wouldn’t reach that far. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to rescue your crew from a sinking ship,” Hufnagel said. “When I saw you were alone on that bridge, I felt like I had to go back aft just so you could see me.”
“Glad to do it. I was relieved when I saw the repair team come up and take you and the others down. We ended up leading the ship for another twelve hours until they got some rudimentary navigation systems going. But what are you doing here? The America didn’t pull in, did she?” Hufnagel asked.
“No, I was on Admiral Hustvedt’s staff. Shortly afterward I received orders to the Iowa as a department head,” Jeffers said. “We are in getting some maintenance done.”
Hufnagle sat back and smiled. “USS Iowa,” he said wistfully. “I actually was aboard way back in 1989. I even got permission to stay with her for a short period of time. But those were my younger days. I’m sure those guys are long gone. There was this one guy named Patnaude that used to have those guys jumping.”
Jeffers grinned. “Patnaude, huh? Well, you and I are going back to the ship after dinner. I’m sure Boats would be glad to see you.”
Hufnagel got a surprised look. “He is still aboard? That can’t be!”
“Most of the crew is made up of veterans who have continued to maintain and man the ship during conflicts. They were there during the Korean War and are back again. There may be several people aboard you knew,” Jeffers said.
“Let’s eat then and go back. I’d like that,” Hufnagel said with a grin.
The meal was excellent. It consisted of several courses with various meats prepared with different sauces along with pasta. He wasn’t sure of the names, but it was delicious. Returning to the ship, they walked down to the Deck Office. As usual, Boats was there kicked back in his chair with a coffee mug in his hand, shooting the breeze with some others. When Hufnagel entered a grin came over his face. “Well I’ll be damned if it isn’t my favorite German. It’s been a long time there Huf,” he said as he stood and shook his hand. Everyone sat down and swapped sea stories for more than an hour. At one point, a few calls were made and others came in, including the Chief Engineer. Hufnagel and Dan Kimberlain had become friends while he was aboard. Even Captain Rhodes came down.
“Damn, this is getting to be old home week,” said Rhodes as he shook Hufnagel’s hand.
“You are a captain?” Hufnagel asked. “The last time I saw you, you were a petty officer.”
Rhodes laughed. “And you were just a lieutenant. Now look at us. I’m in charge here and you are getting glory for sinking the two Russian corvettes that attacked the Lincoln. Nice work Mike,” he said.
“That was you?” asked Boats. “Shit, I must have trained you right.”
The men laughed and resumed their sea stories. The session finally ended near midnight when everyone bid their farewells.
Jeffers felt better than he had in weeks. Too keyed up to go to bed, he made his way to the O-10 level, the highest deck on the ship just below spot one. From that height he could look out over almost the entire city and even across the bay. The breeze was refreshing and the view something people would die for. He caught a whiff of flowers in the air that seemed to relax him even more. If they were right, the world was at peace once again. He felt elated that he had survived the war and would go home, but it still had a hollow feeling. Although he was sleeping better, he was still bothered by the loss of his friend. But something had changed. He felt he could return the guitar and talk to his family now. Evan had always wanted him to meet his family, especially his sister. He chuckled at how Evan kept trying to push him on her. But he often talked of his family and Jeffers had wanted to meet them one day. It was too bad about the circumstances.
Jeffers looked down on the waterfront. Along the wall he saw a young couple turn to kiss each other. They stood and embraced despite the fact that hundreds of people were walking nearby. Oh, to not have a care in the world, he thought. The fragrance of roses was in the air again. Jeffers felt his cares lift and his shoulders sag. He silently wished the couple the best of the world as he made his way down to his stateroom. He would sleep well again tonight.
Smolensk
Hammond wasn’t sure what to expect. All his training was in warfighting, not in diplomacy. But here he was about to meet with the leader of Russia. The previous 24 hours had been one phone call after another from different leaders wanting concessions from the Russians. The French were demanding complete disarmament and reparations for the war. The Poles not only wanted reparations but military occupation in several places. “Let them see what it feels like,” said the Polish President.
Interestingly it was the German government that urged Hammond to work more closely with the Russians. “Change them from within,” said the German Prime Minister. They favored a helping hand and more open relations. Every country wanted something different. President O’Bannon finally said just to use his best judgement and get something on paper. With so many demands, there was no way to get it all down and accepted. The Russians might want to continue the war just so they wouldn’t have to try and meet them. At least he knew the President would back him.
They met in a conference room of the beautiful old town hall. Hammond was surprised when he, his stenographer and interpreter entered the room and only Andropov and one other person were there. He stood resplendent in his uniform with a smile and outstretched hand.
“Admiral Hammond, I am so glad we can meet today,” Andropov said in perfect English.
“Yes, indeed, Marshal Andropov. I hope we can end this war,” Hammond said.
“My hopes as well. Shall we be seated?”
The two men sat in two comfortable chairs beside the fireplace at the end of the room. Hammond dismissed the interpreter and the two others opened notebooks and began taking down what was said.
“If I may, I would like to make this a little easier,” said Andropov, opening the conversation. “I have been named the interim President of Russia until new elections are held in three months, so whatever we decide will be binding on our part,” he said. “After some careful thought, we would like to unconditionally surrender to the Allied powers and the United Nations. This war was not of my making and we in Russia have suffered greatly from those who started it. Only peace can allow me to care for my people and to get our country moving again. Toward that goal, I offer to turn over to you any person deemed to have been a part of the start of this war. I also open our records freely so that your people can gather any evidence for atrocities. In some cases, such as former President Borodin, Russia requests we be allowed to try them first. I feel it would be important for Russians to demonstrate they know and understand justice and are willing to carry it out. Once we have conducted our trials, we will be happy to turn over these same people for your own justice.”
“I would also ask that we be allowed to bring all our forces back within the borders of Russia. My intentions are to reduce our armed services to only two divisions of men and equipment. We no longer wish to be considered a superpower, but simply a member of the European nations. I feel that this rush for power has been much of the cause for this war and we cannot afford to do this to our people any longer. The Allies are free to station forces within Russia if you wish. Unfortunately, I feel we cannot pay any substantial reparations at the present time since we must now rebuild our entire infrastructure and take care of our people. I would ask your forbearance on that point,” Andropov said.
“Lastly, because we came within a breath of using nuclear weapons, I ask that the United Nations remove Russia’s nuclear stockpile to a safe place so that it may be dismantled. I never want to come that close again,” he said.
Andropov looked at Hammond almost pleadingly. “You see, we never want this to happen to our people or the world again. My country has lost over three million of its children in this war. We have seen how terrible war can be. It had touched us at our own doors. Please help us make sure it never happens again,” he pleaded.
It was the sincerity in his face that moved Hammond. He had already touched on most of the points many of th
e European leaders had made. That was when he took the que from what MacArthur had done in Japan after the war. He leaned forward. “President Andropov. No one deplores war more than those who must fight it. That is why it is best that we, as military men, should find the ways to end it in the right way. I accept your terms on behalf of your country. I only ask that you work with me to rebuild your nation so we all can prosper. Yes, we must seek justice for those who have committed these crimes against humanity, and yes, it is fitting that Russia be the first in this process. We can work out the details later. Yes, I agree in a withdrawal of forces. I will bow to your judgement on the post war size of your military, however, I do urge you to maintain a sufficient force to protect your borders and defend your nation. I believe we can work closely with you in that regard. However, I do not believe it would be wise to permanently station troops in Russia. It would be wiser to work with you to restore your services and assist you in setting up a government which meets your needs. What troops we may send in would be there to serve your needs, and not to oversee your efforts. However, I do demand that Russia provide at least one hundred billion dollars a year in reparations. Those reparations will be placed in a fund to be used by your government to restore Russia’s infrastructure and to serve your people. In that way, all of us will be served,” said Hammond.
“President Andropov, all Europe asks is to live in peace and harmony. Instead of the antagonism we have all lived with for decades, wouldn’t it be more beneficial for us to work together in both trade and special projects so that all our people are better off? So let’s try this. I pledge to try and get our European leaders to help bring Russia back to its people. Let’s dedicate ourselves toward rebuilding and then working as partners in the future,” Hammond said.