by Ali Vali
“I’m sure you’ll be the first in line to start the inquisition against me, and you’ll volunteer to drive me to the work camp once I’m found guilty. We both know your devotion to service.”
“Your mother’s life is at an end, so think before sacrificing everything for such a lost cause.” His mouth clicked shut as he took deep breaths, trying to center himself. As she stayed silent he studied the picture on his desk of a much younger Jin taken on her first day of school.
Back then he had just started on the fast track of his military career. It was a year later that his service was brought to Kim Jong Il’s attention. The day Jin had proudly given him her school picture was one of the last times he remembered her calling him Father.
“It isn’t worth what we’ve worked so hard for?” Pak said.
The only sound that followed was Jin’s laughter. “What we’ve worked for? Are you joking, or are you mad? After all this tireless devotion, what exactly will be your reward, General Lee?”
“Should I remind you that I’m your father?”
“That sad reality has nothing to do with the answer to my question. The power you think you have will vanish as quickly as dog piss on a hot street. You’ll be forgotten so fast that not one cadet recruited to continue your work will even know your name.”
He pushed his tea away impatiently to do something with his hands, sure that if Jin were standing in front of him he’d have slapped her. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because as you just reminded me, I’m your daughter, and after today I’m going to try my best to forget you. The saddest thing is that you so easily dismiss the love that you have left in this world, and you won’t ever go out of your way to change that.”
He laughed at what he knew was a blatant lie. “Since when do you love me?”
“I couldn’t care less about you. I’m talking about my mother. You threw her away to a barren life, but she still defends you and cares about you. And you think her life isn’t worth acknowledging since it’s about to end. You’re beyond pathetic. I’m leaving tomorrow, so feel free to do whatever you like to begin my punishment.”
“There’s no stopping you when you make up your mind, but just remember that I can’t protect you any longer.” His last sentiment was whispered to the empty room and the dial tone. Jin had hung up. For once in his life he felt the pain of such an empty life, but there wasn’t anyone to turn to who could ease the hurt.
“Tell my driver to be ready to go in an hour,” Pak told his assistant as soon as he had gathered himself.
In his opinion, a trip to the village where he knew his ex-wife was living was in order. It was too late to beg her forgiveness, but it had been a long time since he’d been at the center of someone’s true adoration. If he played this right, it was his surefire way back into Jin’s good graces.
He needed that to happen so that even after his time at the top of the military chain, he’d still have influence. Having Jin back under his control would guarantee that he wouldn’t be forgotten, and to him that would mean his life wouldn’t end in vain.
Chapter Twenty-One
Onboard the USS Jefferson
Berkley opened her eyes and the red glow of the clock clicked to 5:32 as she focused on it. Aidan lay quietly in her arms, but from her breathing Berkley could tell she was awake. Back home it was already late afternoon and she could just picture the head of the United Nations sitting in his office going over his speech.
“You know what I’d like?”
Aidan lifted her head at the question and kissed her. “If it has anything to do with making love you can forget it, flygirl.”
“Should I be worried that you aren’t interested?” Berkley asked, enjoying the banter, realizing after another glance at the clock that it would come to an end in a few more minutes.
“I’m plenty interested.” Aidan kissed her again. “But it makes you relax to the point of lethargy. Today I need you bright eyed and bushy tailed.”
“Then we should go with the big cup of coffee in bed I was going to ask for before you threw my thought process to more pleasurable pursuits.” The bunk was warm since Aidan was practically wrapped around her, but it was time to get going. “You’ll just have to owe me a cup when I get back.” She quickly kissed Aidan again and waved as someone softly tapped on the door. “See you in a few, Captain.”
There was no need to rush, Aidan thought as she watched Berkley disappear; it was just Erika with the morning reports. The sun wouldn’t be up for another few minutes, so she took her time pulling out a clean uniform and tossing it on the bunk. “I wonder what it’s going to be like when all I have to worry about is getting a table full of cute kids off to school in the morning.”
She smiled at the fantasy and mentally ticked off another day in the countdown to making it a reality. “Anything exciting going on?” she asked Erika.
“Interesting question for today.” Erika put down the coffee and reports she’d brought with her. “Mike down in the comm room said he’s ready with the link-up whenever you like. Think Command changed their minds about this?”
The reports from their satellite and visual surveillance held nothing that raised any alarms as she skimmed through them. “The brass changes their minds about a lot of things, but blowing someone like Kim Jong Il back to the Stone Age if given the chance isn’t likely to be one of them. Especially if the rest of the world gives them their blessing.”
“I just hope this preemptive strike,” Erika made air quotes on the phrase, “doesn’t turn into the cluster that Iraq has.”
“We’re just paid to sail,” Aidan said as she grabbed her coffee and headed for the bridge. She wanted to see what the weather was that morning and check out the satellites for any incoming storms. This was one day she didn’t want clear skies that meant miles of visibility. “So let’s get to it.”
They moved down the corridors and up the few steps to their destination, and Aidan was disappointed that she didn’t cross paths with Berkley. The computer counting down the distance Berkley pinpointed for launch indicated they still had another twenty nautical miles to go.
Aidan gave everyone a casual salute as she sat in the captain’s chair and looked over the instruments and then at the horizon. Below her the planes were being brought to the deck, and that was where she found Berkley. She was already in her flight suit. As she walked around her aircraft Aidan could see the easy smile and the way she moved. Berkley looked like an adventurer waiting for the next mountain to climb.
“Mike, hook me up,” Aidan said into the phone. It was time to break their radio silence.
“Captain Sullivan, there are no changes to our exercises,” the man’s voice on the radio said. The transmission was coming from Washington. “Keep the line open on the chance we add or subtract components.”
“Understood,” Aidan said. “My second will be on the line for the duration.” When the executive officer acknowledged her order, she walked outside to the stairs next to the bridge.
“Captain, a moment please,” Berkley requested when Aidan’s foot hit the main deck. They stepped into the first corridor and Berkley slightly closed the door. Before Aidan could say anything Berkley kissed her for one long, passionate moment.
“Not that I’m complaining, but what was that for?”
Berkley kissed her forehead before letting her go. “Just wanted to make sure you don’t forget me while I’m gone and Erika puts the moves on you.” When Berkley laughed Aidan knew she was being teased. “Keep the light on and I’ll see you in a little while, okay?”
“I expect you back in three hours, and that’s an order.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Berkley looked over her shoulder before kissing her again. “See you in a bit.”
When they stepped back out the flight team going with Berkley was waiting. When Berkley lifted her thumb they stood at attention and gave Aidan a sharp salute before heading for their planes.
“Junior, you keep your eyes open up th
ere,” Aidan said.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said before turning for their ride.
Aidan stopped him. “One thing, Lieutenant. Why Junior?”
“It was the perfect fighter name if I’m flying with Cletus.”
“You never did tell me why you picked that nickname,” Aidan said to Berkley.
“I’ll tell you when we get back. Let’s go for a ride, Junior.”
The engines started as Aidan made her way back to the bridge. As she turned and picked up her binoculars Berkley streaked off the carrier, followed quickly by her team. She glanced at Erika, who was watching the same thing. Erika made eye contact with her and shook her head, pointing to the radio.
Berkley flew point, heading east toward the South Korean border. They were flying low enough to see the whitecaps in the Sea of Japan. She had only the inner plane radio on so Junior could warn her of anything on their tail that the radar missed. Blazer was a little behind her right wing, with Killer and Vader behind him.
As they got closer Aidan radioed them the live feed coming from New York as the members of the United Nations Security Council convened their meeting. A man who Berkley guessed was the UN Secretary General cleared his throat and said, “We call this meeting in the interest of lasting peace, and to bring to light a current situation that could have grave consequences if not addressed.”
The onboard computer emitted a single beep and Berkley broke away, going a bit more north but making sure not to stray over the North Korean border. Her plan was to only cross that line when they flew over the islands where their target lay. She dropped their altitude a few thousand feet. Thirty minutes later they saw fishing boats dotting the surface of the water. So far their luck had held in that no other plane was in the air with them.
“Within the last three months we have evidence that the Kim Jong Il government of North Korea has successfully tested more than one nuclear weapon. This act is in direct violation of the agreement he signed just two years ago in consideration of eased U.N. sanctions. We meet today as civilized nations interested in a resolution to this matter before any other tests are conducted as President Kim Jong Il has promised.”
Berkley lowered their altitude so they were almost skimming the water. When they were lying this low, the only alarm that could be raised was a call from some of the startled fishermen. Additionally, for this mission the planes had been stripped of their usual markings and painted black. Command’s explanation was that everyone who voted for the Security Council’s resolution could share in the success of the outcome. To Berkley it was more a case of covering their asses on the off chance something went wrong. Her computer beeped again, meaning Killer and Vader were starting their loop south to give her time to reach the farthest target.
“We will employ every option available to us to see that this nuclear threat to all our countries is eradicated in the interest of global security. I’ll open the floor to suggestions.” There was a pause. “The chair recognizes Germany.”
The coastline came into view but instead of heading for it and her target, Berkley started to drift west. When she did she watched Blazer continue forward as if trying to take over even though he’d been delegated to wingman. If neither of them changed their direction they’d lose sight of each other within minutes. To Berkley it was Blazer’s version of a game of dare.
As Berkley banked left even harder, followed closely by a now compliant Blazer, her radio came to life with the same feed Aidan and Erika were listening to. The detour had taken them off course enough so their timing would be right once she reversed her direction. Her plan was for both teams to hit their targets while flying in the direction of the Jefferson in case the Koreans were able to scramble planes.
She lined up the shot for the main complex and waited for the computer to confirm the target. Once she was locked she hesitated, waiting for the final okay.
After some discussion, the Chair said, “Everyone in agreement with the motion made by Germany and seconded by the Russian Federation that the price for North Korea’s noncompliance with the wishes of this panel is the loss of its nuclear sites, signify by saying aye.”
“Aye,” said a group of people. It was the sign Berkley was waiting for. She pushed the trigger that released her destructive load and hoped Vader had gotten his off as well.
“Direct hit, Cletus,” Junior said.
From the size of the fireball she didn’t need his confirmation, but she appreciated his enthusiasm. “Time to get home,” she said. Now it was a run for the Jefferson. She hoped without planes chasing them down.
“Cletus,” Junior’s voice went up so fast it sounded as if he’d sucked on a helium balloon. “They got a plane off. It’s behind Blazer and closing fast.”
“Just one?”
“That’s all I see, and it’s backed up by radar.”
She tipped her left wing down for Blazer as a signal to stay on that side behind her. If they kept this course they’d make it to South Korean airspace before the pursuit plane could close the gap. If the Korean plane had to circle north, both teams would be on board the Jefferson, and if the lone pilot engaged there it would stir up the hornet’s nest of the other pilots onboard. That would be suicide.
“Trying to lock on us,” Junior said.
“Too far back to worry about that now.” She flew but kept an eye peeled to the radar screen. In the upper right corner she could see two other blips coming directly at them, and she had a feeling it wasn’t Killer and Vader. “Don’t lose sight of our tail.”
“Still behind us, and still trying to lock.”
“My guess is that’s what the cowboys in front of us have in mind too.” She lifted the cover of her trigger and checked her altitude. “Time to turn the radio on, Junior, and hope it takes them a while to find the frequency.”
“Go ahead,” Junior said.
“Blazer, do you copy?”
“Copy, go ahead,” Blazer responded. “Can you handle the two incoming while I back track and take out our tail?”
“Negative, stay on course and engage only if fired on. We’re not that far from the coast, and I don’t want to use any unnecessary force. Do you understand?” The roar of her engines couldn’t drown out the static coming through her headphones. “Blazer, do you copy?”
“He’s gone silent,” Junior said. “And he’s turning around.”
“Fuck.” The two planes that had been heading toward them climbed and passed them by. They’d acquired a new target and it was the insubordinate idiot with her. “Lots of chatter now, Junior. I need to know what’s going on and if anyone’s trying to crawl up my ass.”
“Roger that.”
They were both pressed into the seat when she banked hard to the right as she picked up altitude. She’d faced a hundred similar situations in the last couple of years, only the results had been tabulated by computer. Now they’d be tabulated by blood.
Blazer was trying to set up a shot on the original plane, but the pilot he was up against showed extraordinary skill, and if Berkley had to guess, the North Korean was only playing with him to drag out the fun. As she came around and had all the players in front of her, she could see it was the same scenario they’d played out on Blazer’s first day of Top Gun school.
The North Korean lead plane had done its job well, leading Blazer right into the trap the two other planes were setting. “Nice to know Blazer learns from his mistakes,” Berkley said.
Berkley punched them forward and took out one of the planes now after Blazer. The pilot of the second plane reacted by coming about, but no amount of maneuvering would save him as Berkley let loose this time with her guns. A barrage of bullets struck his fuel tank and he went down with a trail of black smoke, ending in a spectacular fireball.
Once the two planes were out of the way, she turned her attention to Blazer. The Korean he was up against was done playing and was going after him with serious intent. Blazer was doing a good job of holding him off, but the Russian-made plane was sl
ightly smaller and faster. It was older, but obviously well maintained and made for short hops in dogfight situations.
The moves the pilot was making at the stick made Cletus admire his skill even if it was the enemy. It was like he had led Blazer to his death like a border collie with a herd of sheep.
“He’s got him locked in,” Junior said. “And we’re now over North Korean territory.”
“Got it.” Berkley was looking for an opening, but Blazer was between her and the target. “Stay alert. That was just two, but we’ll have more company soon enough.”
“Cletus,” Blazer’s voice came though her headphones, and for once the superior attitude had signs of cracks. He sounded panicked. “Cletus, some help here. I can’t shake this bastard.”
“Drop and roll to the right. I can’t get a shot with you in the way.”
“Roger that.” When he dropped and rolled to the left all Berkley could think was that in the heat of the moment he just got it wrong. The only problem was that to avoid Blazer slamming into her, Berkley had no choice but to take his place as the plane in the most vulnerable position.
“Cletus, we’re locked,” Junior yelled.
Berkley felt like everything had slowed down to a crawl. They were at twelve thousand feet and she tipped the right wing down trying to escape the infernal beeping of being in someone’s crosshairs. The idea was to drop and try to come around to be in a more defensive position.
“They’ve fired,” Junior said.
“Hang on.” She fought to keep the plane under control in the fast steep drop. Since they were in the half roll she was blind as to what was coming after them, but she was confident they’d be able to drop under the missile and come back around.
Those thoughts shattered as the missile completely sheared off the tip of her right wing, making the cockpit panel light up like she’d hit the jackpot in Vegas. “Cletus,” Junior sounded truly scared now.
The fire from the missile strike was headed for the missiles she still carried, leaving her no choice. With one press of a button, she ejected both seats, sending them shooting sideways and away from their plane. The position of the plane gave them some cover and kept them from becoming a convenient target for the Korean’s guns.