by F Stone
“Lieutenant Commander Moon, we’ll meet in the boardroom to discuss an urgent matter. Get the prisoner and have her delivered to the boardroom as well.”
The admiral spotted Danik tossing a bullet back forth between his hands as though it was too hot to hold.
He shook his head. “This is Danik. He’ll accompany us.”
Sam headed for the ship’s hallway. “I’ll get Sidney.”
Moon held up his hand. “That’s not possible, sir. The code has been changed. Only I can open her door.”
“Rhett, escort the admiral to the boardroom. Sidney and I’ll be there shortly. Danik, follow the admiral.”
Sam left and swiftly followed the corridors and stairways down to Sidney’s cell. Once he reached her door, Bridges stood at attention.
“At ease,” Sam said. “How’ve things been?”
“All I can say, sir, is that I’m real glad you’re back. Things got … a bit weird.”
Sam held up his hand. “No need to say any more. Go on deck and provide assistance to the pilot of the chopper on the stern in case things get more weird.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
Bridges left and Sam turned to Sidney’s door. He placed his hand on it and closed his eyes, calling to her from within in a voice stronger than the steel that separated them.
Sidney, sitting on her bed and aware of the excitement on the ship during the past few minutes, was drawn to stand next to the door. She placed her hand on its surface. In her mind’s eye, saw Sam on the other side. She breathed slowly and deeply, accessing the locking mechanism’s energy. In seconds, the door was unlocked, and she pushed gently. Sam grabbed the handle and pulled it open.
Sidney stepped through the doorway and stood in front of Sam. Slowly she brought her hands up along his arms. He gazed into her eyes and smiled. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he pulled her close. No words were spoken. The feelings of love forbade any utterance that could come close to expressing their passion for each other. He kissed her lips, caressed her, wove his fingers into her hair and down her back. She teased him with her kisses and held her body close to his.
Finally, Sam spoke. “Tonight I’ll hold you in my arms, my precious witch. I love you, Sidney. Right now we must hurry. We have a little business to take care of — the admiral’s here, and he’s quite interested in talking with you.”
Sidney smiled. “Talking’s a nice change. Last time we were together all he could do was scream at me.”
“He’s going to let you go but will be asking for something in return. He’s hoping for an ally. Is it possible your Guardian friends would help him protect the crystals from Madame?”
“The Guardians have always been willing and ready to help.”
“Sidney, we’re talking about going up against the insane, the unconscionable.”
“Uh huh. Perhaps like Frank?”
“Speaking of whom, he isn’t well and is tied up in your brother’s chopper, which is sitting on the stern of this ship.”
Sidney’s went wide. “Danik’s here?”
“Yes. He and his pilot are determined to not leave without you. Let’s go.”
They hurried to Sam’s office. As soon as they stepped into the reception room, he directed his staff to fill out his resignation papers.
“I’ll need the admiral’s signature on them immediately.”
Sam led Sidney into his office and motioned for her to wait. He stepped into the boardroom and told the admiral he’d be just another two minutes. He went back to Sidney and pulled her into his private quarters.
“If things in there start to look as if the admiral isn’t going to release you, I’ll give Danik a signal to get off this ship. You and he do whatever you can to get to his chopper. Whatever, Sidney. Just get off this ship as fast as you can.”
Sidney’s eyes welled up with tears. “Sam, I can’t leave you.”
“Not another word. I’ll find you later. Whatever it takes, I’ll find you.” Sam kissed her on her forehead. “I love you.”
Sidney smiled. “I know.”
He kissed her again. “We don’t have much time. The admiral believes Madame is on her way to put an end to all of us.”
“What’s the signal?”
“Danik seems to be in the habit of reading my mind. He’ll know.”
“Sam … ”
“Yes?”
Sidney shook her head. “Later. It’s going to be okay, Sam. I’m ready.”
Sam and Sidney entered the boardroom. She first greeted the admiral, walking up to him and extending her hand.
“Admiral Garland, I’m sincerely pleased to see you, sir.”
The admiral quickly thrust out his hand and shook hers.
“Sit down,” he commanded.
“Yes, sir. In just one moment. There’s someone else I’d like to say hello to, if you don’t mind. My brother.”
The admiral nodded. She trotted over to Danik and grabbed him by the shoulders and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back and was reluctant to release her. She buried her face in his neck and whispered instructions regarding the signal that Sam had spoken of. Danik nodded and released her.
The admiral sat down and motioned for Sidney to sit beside him. Sam sat next to her. Moon and Danik took chairs on the other side of the table.
The admiral spoke to Commander Moon. “Captain Waterhouse is resigning from his commission and the United States Naval Force. As a result, you’ll be required to continue as the acting captain of the Nonnah until formal papers are completed. Do you have any problem with that?”
Moon sat up straight in his chair. “No, sir. I recommend Lieutenant Bridges as my first officer, sir.”
“Fine. Thank you. On to my other problem. Captain Waterhouse, you know my predicament. Lieutenant Commander Moon, the details are confidential, but I’ll summarize. There are those putting pressure on me to comply with demands that could cause serious risk to freedoms enjoyed by our country, if not the well-being of humanity across the entire planet.”
Moon was unmoved.
“Initially I was led into a project with the belief that honorable people were behind the quest to deliver great power into the hands of our leaders. Now, I find such isn’t the case. In fact, some who’ve been in close alliance with me on this project have become tainted with the poison of this group. With help from Sam, I now see this business will lead us into nothing but a dark hole, mass destruction, and suffering. This is where you come in, Sidney.”
Sidney tried to maintain the proper reserve and decorum when addressing an admiral. Between thoughts of returning home and being with Sam she could barely sit still and remain calm. And yet, there was a nagging feeling that there was to be a great loss. She grabbed tightly onto Sam’s hand which was resting on her thigh.
The admiral turned to Moon. “I want to talk to Sidney in private. You and Sam can spend some time finalizing the turnover of command. Danik, make sure Sam’s boys are okay.”
Moon had a hard look in his eyes as he studied Sam. When Sam turned toward him and nodded, Moon stood and sneered. “You’re turning your back on your career, abandoning your loyalty to defend America. For what! That?” he said, thrusting a finger in Sidney’s direction. .
Sam still wore the uniform of his rank but felt no attachment to it. He was now a Guardian and had no need for the external symbols of power. His authentic power was within and more potent that the guns on the Nonnah. There was so much he wanted to say to his first officer, but it was clear that Everett Moon was not in a listening frame of mind. “You’re an excellent naval officer. Take good care of the Nonnah and her crew.” Sam glanced at Sidney. “We don’t have much time.” He headed toward his office. “Rhett, let’s get the Admiral’s documents ready.”
Alone with Sidney, the admiral got up and stood at the windows. He was searching for a way to ask for help and convey just how desperately it was needed.
“Sidney, I understand you have some unique talents.”
Sid
ney approached the admiral. “You’re referring to my Guardian gifts, I suppose. Please understand I’m pretty much a novice. I haven’t mastered the true Guardian capacity nor have I attained the wisdom of the Guardian Elders.”
“Wisdom is something gained only through time. You’re young, but you appear to have risen adequately to the challenge you were sent for.”
“Adequately, perhaps. But this black hole you’re referring to, it’s enough to frighten me down to my toenails. Fear is a poor ally, sir.”
The admiral smiled. “Fear — it’s been something I eat and sleep, day in and day out.”
“Is that not what those who oppose freedom are counting on? While we’re focused on fear, we’re disabled and unable see with clarity a resolution to the conflict.”
“Do the Guardians have an antidote to fear?”
“Wisdom and, believe it or not, unconditional love.”
The admiral shook his head. “Okay, suppose I’m in the market for ally who has these qualities. Will you help?”
“I believe, Admiral, that my people would be willing to support you in your efforts to prevent a disaster.”
“That’s a generous offer. However, I have doubts your people, isolated and spiritual as they are, are going to agree to get their hands bloody.”
“It’s true the Guardians won’t involve themselves in any combat or cause harm to anyone, including those with whom you’re in opposition. However, they’ve always worked with those who have a vision for the higher good.”
“How do I know I can trust you, truly trust you?”
Sidney stepped up close to the admiral. “Sir, I’ll give you proof. Are you willing to put yourself in my hands for a few minutes?”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“Come and sit down in front of me.” The admiral and Sidney sat down in chairs facing each other. Sidney placed her hands in front of the admiral with her palms facing the ceiling.
“Place your palms on mine.” The admiral did as she instructed. “Are you okay with this so far?”
“Yes, but what does this prove?”
“I need you to become completely calm. Breathe for a while. Slow and deep.”
The admiral pulled his hands away. “If you think you’re going to put me into a trance and … ”
“Admiral, if you want an ally, you’re going to have to trust that ally. Yes?”
The admiral frowned. “Just what are we doing?”
“In a nutshell, Admiral, I’m going to let you into my mind. You’ll know everything about me from the day I was born until now. You’ll know my strengths and weaknesses. You’ll see my Light and my Shadow side. You’ll know if what I’m saying is truth. Are you ready for that much proof?”
The admiral was nervous. “I can’t do that.”
“Admiral John Garland, trust yourself first. You’re a powerful being with great internal wisdom. Look into your heart. You know you can do this.”
The admiral slowly put his hands back on Sidney’s palms and began his breathing exercise as instructed. He felt the warmth of her hands and gazed into her eyes. In time, a calmness swept over him.
He murmured, “I’m impressed. This is nice.”
“I want you to know that you’re safe. You’re in full control and can stop this exercise anytime you choose. Are you ready to go further and deeper?”
He nodded.
“I want you to close your eyes. When you feel you’re being drawn to something, go with it. You’re safe.”
The admiral relaxed. He only briefly uttered “This is … ” and in the next moment he was in another dimension. When he returned from the journey five minutes later, he sat back and stared at Sidney in awe. Once he got his bearings again, he stood up and returned to the view of the ocean through the windows.
“I very nearly killed you,” he said mostly to himself. He turned to Sidney. “It seems odd. A moment ago I knew everything about you, but it seems to be fading like a dream. But it wasn’t a dream. What was the man’s name?”
“His name is Aaron. His intention is to see you in your office. In about a week, I believe.”
The admiral nodded his approval. “Is he good?”
“He’s my father, Admiral. He’s the one you need.”
The admiral stood gazing into Sidney’s eyes. He touched her face. “You’re free to go home, Sidney. I release you. I’ll wait for Aaron.”
“Thank you, Admiral.” Her eyes sparkled with tears.
“I do remember one thing quite clearly,” the admiral said. “Does Sam know?”
“No, not yet. He’s got enough on his plate right now.”
He smiled. “Good luck, Sidney.”
The admiral and Sidney stepped into Sam’s office. The documents were completed. Moon and the admiral signed the documents.
“Lieutenant Commander Moon, you’re now the USS Nonnah’s Captain.”
Moon continued to show no emotion. It was as though he’d expected the appointment all along. But when the admiral told Sam that he, his sons, and Sidney were free to disembark, Moon reacted.
“You can’t be serious! You’re letting her go?”
Sidney quickly moved to stand beside Sam, who confronted Moon.
“You’ve taken a special interest in the business with Sidney beyond your responsibility, particularly since collaborating with Captain Butchart. Explain your involvement with Butchart.”
Moon looked away momentarily and turned back with a smile.
The admiral interjected. “Collaborated with Butchart? Explain now.”
“Just a misunderstanding, sir. I thought the captain’s approach to interrogating the prisoner was unusual. I was concerned that she may be manipulating him, so I decided to do some investigation of my own. Captain Butchart seemed the logical place to get more information. Just had the navy’s best interest in mind, sir.”
“Keep in mind, Rhett, that any further insubordination on your part will be dealt with severely. Is that understood?”
Moon straightened his posture. “Yes. My apologies, sir.”
Sam took off his naval hat and coat. He laid them on a chair in what had been his office. He walked up to the admiral and shook his hand. “Goodbye, Admiral. Good luck.”
Without further ceremony, he and Sidney left the office and headed toward the admiral’s helicopter to retrieve his sons. Before they reached the upper deck, the sky became shadowed.
27. Madame’s Revenge
July 16, 1915 Hours, Aboard the Nonnah: Quiet rotors of stealth helicopters descended from the blue sky. Eight in number, with guns directed toward the Nonnah, the helicopters swirled around the ship’s decks in a menacing fashion. They bore no identifying markers nor did they send any signal of greeting or demands. Sam held Sidney close.
The admiral knew instantly that the choppers were Madame’s advance guard. “Moon,” he hollered “Red Alert!” The ship’s loud siren pierced the calm evening sky. Seamen scurried to man the gun turrets and took defensive positions along the decks. Sam and Sidney climbed a stairway to the uppermost deck where the admiral’s chopper sat waiting. Fifty feet away, Russell sat in the pilot’s seat gearing up the engine. A burst of gunfire cut Sam and Sidney off from their approach.
Sam motioned for Sidney to take cover in a corner out of view of the attackers, and he sprang forward. He took only two steps before the enemy fired upon the admiral’s chopper. It instantly burst into a fireball. Sam screamed in horror, his hands reaching out toward the burning bits on the deck as if to pull his sons from the wreckage. In seconds, little remained but the shell of the small craft. Sam scrambled along with seamen toward the flames. Carrying firefighting equipment, the men smothered the inferno.
Sam crumbled down to his knees as though in agony. Sidney grabbed hold of his shoulders as he screamed the names of his sons into the billowing black smoke.
The admiral watched the attack from the ship’s bridge. Moon gave orders for the seamen to fire warning shots toward the chopper. Carla anno
unced, “There’s a call for you, sir. Says it’s ‘Madame.’”
“Admiral Garland here!” he shouted into the comlink to Madame’s chopper.
Madame’s voice was calm and detached. “Cease fire, Admiral. I can destroy your little ship in seconds.”
The admiral nodded to Moon. “Stand down.”
“John, you disappoint me. Just when we’re within days of resolving the energy crisis, you’re having second thoughts, and now it appears you’re letting two individuals go who know far more than they should and could be very useful to us. This isn’t acceptable.”
The admiral gritted his teeth. He’d been horrified to see the chopper carrying the Waterhouse boys explode into flames.
Bridges was suddenly at the admiral’s side. “Sir, the Waterhouse boys were transferred to Ryan’s chopper. They’re safe. I suggest we get them out of here quick.”
The admiral nodded. With his helicopter destroyed, it would impossible to get Sam and Sidney off his ship – unless they were able to commandeer another chopper.
“Madame, we’ll get nothing from Captain Waterhouse or the woman. You have no idea what I’ve been able to negotiate — I have something far better than those damn rocks,” he said.
“Not interested in your diversion tactics. I’m here to emphasize why you must comply with my plan. You’ve been misbehaving, Admiral. Once I’ve landed, I’ll reveal my demands to you. And you’re not leaving this ship until the scientists return to their labors. Is that clear?”
“Fine. One more thing. I have a medivac chopper on the stern ready to transport a critically ill sailor to the hospital. Let him go!”
“First show me that Captain Waterhouse and the woman are still on the ship.”
“Sam, do exactly as I say,” ordered the admiral into Sam’s earpiece. “Stand with Sidney out on the main deck. Do you copy?”
Sam struggled to his feet. “Copy, sir.” He trembled with rage and horror. Sidney stood beside him and grasped his hand.
They carried out the admiral’s instructions and stood beneath the helicopters circling just above them. They watched Ryan’s chopper climb from the ship’s stern and rush toward the northern horizon. At a command from the admiral, they made their way to the conference room where the admiral and Moon waited with six security men.