Blue Skies

by Ali Vali

  “Then her trip to Hungnam isn’t about taking care of her parents.”

  “The surgery to remove both her breasts has left her weak, but I had no choice but to have her true family take over her care.” Jin laughed. “Duty calls, after all, does it not?”

  “I know you blame me for leaving, but I had no choice.”

  “Everyone has choices, General, even you.”

  “For your sake, and for your career, I had to sacrifice my happiness. How do you think you became the best pilot in North Korea? Are you still flying with Yong?”

  “I’ve told you she’s off-limits unless it has to do with orders from our Great Leader.”

  “What you’re doing could jeopardize your career. If that happens, where will you go? That’s if they don’t execute you for the crimes you’re committing against the state.”

  Jin stood ramrod straight to make the most of her five feet six inches. “I don’t care if I end up in the fields with the farming peasants starving or in front of a firing squad. At least it’s better than ending up alone and shunned by my family.” She gave him a salute. “I hope at the end of your life you still feel that the sacrifices were worth what you lost.”

  “Just worry about your job and serving our Leader, and forget about me.”

  With one last glance at him she started for the door. “I wouldn’t lose sleep about that. Unless I’m ordered to come here, I usually do forget about you.”

  She was vibrating with anger by the time she stood on the street. To try to defuse her feelings she decided to forgo a cab and walk the two miles to the small apartment she shared with Lieutenant Yong Nam.

  The city streets were crowded, but no one came close to touching Jin as she made her way along open markets that were mainly empty. She figured people still came out just to escape their houses and to congregate with friends. With any luck they could also find a treat with one of the vendors, though that seemed more and more infrequent.

  “He didn’t order me shot, did he?” Yong asked as soon as Jin walked in.

  “Not yet, but with any luck my honorable father will have me shot first and forget about you. It’s only fair I guess for sullying his reputation and name by committing such horrible crimes against the state.”

  With a walk that reminded Jin of a jungle cat, Yong made her way across the room and put her arms around Jin’s waist. “Not if I can help it, and that’s why you took your grandfather’s name. He’s as proud of you as your mother is.”

  “Thanks, but we don’t have time for you to flatter me. We’ve been reassigned to start protecting the coast. We have to fly out as soon as possible.”

  Yong ran her hand down Jin’s side until she was able to slide it between her legs. “Sex now, pack later. Because unless the base close to where I think we’re going has changed much since the last time we went, it’s a rock with nothing to do. If everyone is bored, then they’ll definitely notice if I do this,” Yong said as she dropped to her knees, taking Jin’s pants with her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Northern Virginia

  “Commander Levine,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Jerry Teague said as he held out his hand. He had a firm grip as he shook her hand and just as quickly let go to welcome Aidan. “And, Captain Sullivan, thank you for coming.”

  “It’s our pleasure, sir,” Berkley said trying to keep Aidan from saying anything she’d regret later since she’d been steamed all the way over. “What can we do for you?”

  “What she meant to say is what can we do for you that I didn’t cover in all the days I’ve spent here lately?” Aidan asked. “I’m sorry to sound a little put off, Mr. Teague, but we sail in a matter of days and I wanted my crew to enjoy the time we have left.”

  “As you know, we’re undergoing change here at the Pentagon and President Khalid has decided for now, under the circumstances, to keep some of the old guard until his team is up to speed.” He waved them to the sofa in the room and took the seat across from them. “Secretary of State Henley took over for his predecessor and opened dialogue with the North Koreans via the UN Security Council.”

  “Any luck?” Berkley asked.

  “Some people need things proven to them, Commander,” Jerry said as he picked up a bowl of peanuts and started shelling them without offering them any. “These people are lunatics with a hatred of our way of life. There’s no negotiating with that.”

  “I thought the UN wanted no part of the North Korea problem,” Aidan said.

  “The UN isn’t exactly useful in situations like this because they move at glacial speeds no matter what’s at stake.” He kept shelling peanuts like it was part of his job, and before too long there was a circle of litter around his chair. “For once, though, they seem to be somewhat motivated since this could be a nutcase with a nuclear weapon, so they want us to exhaust all diplomatic avenues. They’re also trying to pressure China and Japan to go in there and talk some sense into this wingnut.” As if someone had flipped a switch, he let go of the peanuts and moved to the coffee service, only this time he played the perfect host.

  “Are you going to be our contact on this?” Berkley asked after she waved off the cup he held up.

  “They’ll have to drag me out of here at gunpoint once we bomb the crap out of their facilities, because no way is my replacement going to be trained by then.” Teague’s voice rose enough to make him sound unbalanced and he seemed to realize it when he drained his cup instead of saying another word.

  “We’ll be dealing with Naval Command, Commander,” Aidan answered for Jerry.

  “Getting back to the UN and the coalition the president wants to build. We have a few more meetings with the North Korean diplomatic corps, then we’ll go to the UN with our findings. It’s our hope that the UN Secretary General will announce any actions deemed necessary in about two months.”

  “We’ll be pushing it to be in the area to participate in naval exercises in that short a time. Why take the chance of tipping our hand by moving too fast?” Aidan asked.

  “Your job is to have the Jefferson in position before the UN meets, so your orders are to sail full throttle. As soon as the Secretary General makes the announcement they’re in agreement that military action is necessary, the plants are to be blown. If they’re not, we feel that’ll give Jong Il time to put countermeasures in place, retaliate, or sell this material to other rogue states. None of these options is acceptable.”

  “So as the UN makes the announcement we’re supposed to be airborne and ready to launch,” Berkley said. “The information Captain Sullivan gave me already stated that, so I’m confused as to why I’m here on a weekend to review.”

  “I want you and Captain Sullivan to be sure you understand that when the decree is made we need to hear instant explosions, Commander. We want you in and out with nothing fancy. The United States wants no repercussions from this that’ll require any kind of sustained military presence. That isn’t something anyone seems to have a stomach for anymore, and it was the only way to get China and Japan to agree to military action. We gave our word nothing would go wrong, so I need you to understand exactly how grave this is before you go in.” He stared at her as if she were simple. “I felt it was important enough to go over it again no matter what day it was.”

  Berkley smiled and glanced over his head to the diplomas hanging behind his desk in very tasteful frames. “What branch of the military did you serve in, Deputy Secretary?”

  “I did a few summers in the air national guard, why?”

  “Missions are by nature dangerous propositions. If just anyone could do it they wouldn’t need Captain Sullivan or me to carry it out, would they?”

  Teague put his cup down with a little bit of extra force. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “It’s just that we can plan and prepare for just about anything, but like in Iraq, a well-thought-out plan, no matter how brilliant, can fall short of its goals. I’m planning to fly in, carry out the mission, and fly out, but I ca
n’t guarantee there won’t be a glitch along the way. Anyone who tells you differently is lying, because life holds no guarantees.”

  “Doesn’t sound very optimistic, Commander,” said the new arrival, who stood at the private entrance to Teague’s office.

  “I’m being realistic, sir, so you all can plan for any contingency. That’s the advice my father gave me that’s served me well.”

  “My advice is to trust your teammates and you’ll be fine.” He held his hand out to her but enough out of reach that she’d have to stand to take it. “Adam Morris,” he said when Berkley had no choice but to comply, “and I tell you that about your teammates because I know what my son is capable of in a plane.” David “Blazer” Morris looked like his father. Blazer had inherited his dad’s blond hair, height, slim undefined build, and pinched mouth. Both men gave Berkley the impression that someone in their life had convinced them that they were misplaced royalty who’d have to suffer walking among the hoi polloi for the rest of their lives.

  “With any luck all he’ll have to do is take my wing and have a good story to tell someday.” Berkley smiled as she looked down on him, taking advantage of the few inches she had on him.

  “The Morris men aren’t followers by nature, but everything in good time,” he said but didn’t elaborate. “You concentrate on carrying out the orders and we won’t have to worry about contingencies.”

  “I’ll give it my best shot, sir.” Berkley turned toward the door briefly to give Aidan a hint that she’d had enough of the company.

  Teague stood as well and slapped his hands together. “Excellent, and thank you for coming. We’ll meet a few more times before you sail, but you should consider this a go unless you hear otherwise.” He patted Berkley on the back. “Once you’re in position, blow those plants back to the Stone Age, Commander.”

  “Yes, sir.” Berkley gave him a salute. “Mr. Morris,” she added as she turned to leave, “pleasure meeting you.”

  “Captain, you’ll get an updated report as soon as today’s round of meetings are finished,” Teague said as the tension in the room became palpable.

  “I’ll look forward to it,” Aidan said, then stayed silent until they boarded the Metro.

  “Can you believe they give those jobs to the person who made the biggest campaign contribution?” Aidan asked. “Then you can’t get rid of them even when there’s a change at the top. And you were wondering if I’m ready to retire. I’m tired of these meetings with people who know nothing about military strategy and never bothered to put on a uniform. I never wanted to take up cluelessness as a hobby.”

  “Morris was a pilot, but he’s interested in different conquests, it seems, and he’s found a good ally in Teague. Call me crazy, but there’s something off about this whole thing.”

  “The odd thing is that they’ve kept some of these guys in place, but I’ve got a theory about that. I’ll tell you about it later, but right now I need you to feed me then show me some old stuff at the Smithsonian.”

  “How about after that? Want to catch an Imax or something?”

  “Later you’ll be busy, so don’t make any plans.”

  The subway train stopped and Berkley moved aside so Aidan could exit first. “I am, huh?” she whispered.

  “Yes, you are. Just keep thinking non-standard issue underwear.”

  *

  “My son was right,” Adam said when he was alone with Jerry. “The world we know and love is dead and it’s our job to revive it.”

  “America thinks it wants change, Adam, but the idiots who vote it in don’t know what they want.”

  “Sir.” The voice of Jerry’s assistant Sergeant Nelson Alexander came over the intercom. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but your guest is here.”

  “Should I go?” Adam asked.

  “Only if you didn’t mean what you said about reviving our way of life.” The door opened and the newly retired Admiral Rodney James walked in wearing a suit that didn’t appear right on him. “Thank you for joining us, sir.”

  “There are only so many models you can build before you go insane, so I appreciate you asking me.” Rodney took the seat Jerry had occupied during his meeting with Berkley and Aidan. “Though I’m surprised you’d work for our new fearless leader.”

  “My replacement is being trained, so we don’t have a lot of time to rectify some of the things going on around here.” Jerry hesitated but took his place on the sofa. “With your recent and unfair retirement I thought you’d be available to give us some advice on how best to do that.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Rodney asked. “And who is this?”

  “Adam Morris, sir,” Adam said and stood to shake his hand. “My son will be a pilot on the Jefferson.”

  “That’s the best ship the Navy has ever floated, and it’s become nothing but a joke. It’s a shame your child has to be a part of that.”

  “That’s what we want to talk to you about, Admiral,” Jerry said. “I’ve given this a lot of thought and if there was some way for the Jefferson’s maiden voyage to be unsuccessful, I believe the president will have no choice but to change the ship’s leadership and return some of the old guard.”

  “Short of Aidan Sullivan running the damn thing aground, I don’t see Khalid doing that,” Rodney said.

  “You left before you were informed of where the Jefferson was going and what the mission is when they get there. If Sullivan succeeds, the Navy you served and gave most of your life to will be a memory,” Jerry said and paused. It wouldn’t take much to hook Rodney’s interest, but he didn’t want to come across as too eager lest he lose control of the situation. “The new Navy will have Sullivan’s face on it and will be backed up by someone like Berkley Levine.”

  “Levine is on the Jefferson?” Rodney slid to the end of his seat. “That’s the girl who’s been serving at Fallon?”

  “That’s her, and she’s going to lead the flight team on this,” Adam said.

  “Everyone thinks that’s such a hot spot, but considering she’s been the best out there for a couple of years shows how much the military has fallen with everyone giving in to all these factions who think they deserve a fair shot. Defending this nation has nothing to do with giving in to anyone, but making the hard choices and carrying them out with the people most able to do what needs to happen to annihilate the competition. Women aren’t emotionally suited to serve in combat positions. Putting them there does nothing but endanger lives,” Rodney said, outraged. “What do you two have in mind?”

  Adam stayed quiet as Jerry laid out his plan. To deliberately sabotage a mission would be considered treason, but sometimes sacrifices were necessary. All that mattered to Adam was that Blazer would be in the middle of the action. The chance they were taking was huge, but the rewards were too big to not be involved.

  “If you repeat what I’ve just told you Adam and I will have no choice but to deny it, and with both of us sticking to the same story yours won’t hold water,” Jerry said. “So if you want time to think about what I proposed, I’m willing to give you that.”

  “Meet with your son,” Rodney said after Jerry had talked for over an hour. “Give him the details we discussed today and tell him to expect a call from me. There are ways to go about this, but he needs to be prepared to act if the opportunity arises. Is that answer enough for you?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Any responsible serviceman would be court-martialed for coming up with this madness, but the president is untouchable? I don’t think so. Gentlemen, it’s up to us to show the American public he can’t be trusted with their national security.”

  “Do you think we need more than Adam’s son to carry this out, Admiral?” Jerry asked.

  “It depends on if his son is capable or not,” Rodney said and stuck his finger in his shirt as if his collar was too tight.

  “Blazer is more than enough,” Adam said. “We want things to return to normal, but we can’t bring that about if we’re in jail. He’ll do his p
art in a way that can’t be traced back to us.”

  “Well said.” Rodney nodded slightly in his direction. “We’ll go with one for now, but I’ll need a list of the crew in case we have to alter our plan. Even if they’re at sea you’ll have the authority to contact the ship,” he said to Jerry. “Thank you, gentlemen. I feel better about our country, and failure isn’t an option.”

  “This is the last time we can meet here,” Jerry said. “From now on we’ll meet at the office, so as not to arouse suspicion.”

  “We have a week to prepare,” Adam said.

  “More than enough time,” Rodney said. “The Jefferson will go down in history, but not for what Khalid has in mind.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Where’d you run off to?” Aidan asked without uncovering her head from the layer of blankets when she heard the door to her room open. “I’m not used to waking up alone.”

  “I had a coffee date with two guys named Harvey, and I figured you’d rather sleep than join me,” Berkley said as she got back into bed naked. “My backseat wanted me to meet his dad and this was the only time they could squeeze me in.”

  It had been a quick week and by this time the next day Aidan would have the Jefferson well out to sea. As excited as she was about that, it meant another long span of separation from Berkley. And it would be harder because she’d seen her across her pillow every morning during their leave.

  “I wanted to wake up with you since it’s our last day,” Aidan said and tried not to whine.

  “You did, and I was in the bed two minutes later,” Berkley said softly as she pressed up against her. “Besides, that won’t be the only time you wake up today.”

  Aidan turned around and held her breath when Berkley put her hand between her legs. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re wet, hard, and I’m going to have to do something about it. Once I do you’re going back to sleep, and when you wake up I promise I’ll be right here.”