Stormy Seas

by Ali Vali

  “Thank you, Commander,” Berkley said to Rooster, saluting him before he stepped away.

  “I’ll be outside when you’re ready.”

  Their dress whites had the correct rank and all their commendations, and they put them on silently. Once Berkley had her shoes on, she held her hand out to Aidan. “No matter what, we do this together.”

  “You know it. I love you.”

  Rooster and a few agents escorted them upstairs, which meant they weren’t going to the Situation Room they were familiar with. Aidan briefly glanced her way and hiked her eyebrows but didn’t say anything. They made it down a hallway bustling with people and were asked to wait.

  “Captain Sullivan and Commander Levine, if you’ll follow me. The president will see you now,” an older woman said, leading them to the door, with Rooster right behind them.

  The Oval Office was crowded, but Berkley’s eyes fell on Eva Khalid and her children. The act had been beyond cruel and had to have been burned into their memories forever. “Ma’am.” Berkley bent down and offered the first lady her hand. “My sincerest condolences on your loss. Your husband was one of the greatest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and it was an honor to serve under his leadership.”

  “Are you Commander Levine?” Eva asked, and her youngest daughter placed her hand over theirs.

  “Yes, ma’am. Captain Sullivan and I were on the Jefferson’s maiden voyage, and I appreciated his confidence in us.” As the room went quiet, Berkley heard the click of cameras, but this wasn’t about a photo op or publicity. “He’ll truly be missed, but he opened plenty of doors for the women who’ll come behind us. I think he always had his girls in mind and wanted to throw open any previously forbidden places for them.”

  “Thank you both for your service, and thank you for what you just said. Peter spoke about you both and what you did to carry out your mission. He was so proud.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Aidan said, and Eva stood once they were done.

  “I’ll leave you to it, and remember your faith in him when you’re called to duty again. My husband deserves justice,” Eva said, but her eyes were on Olivia.

  The photographers got a few more pictures, and the room was cleared after Eva and Olivia embraced. It was getting late, but everyone left appearing wired. “Aidan,” Olivia said waving to the sofa, “and Berkley. We have got plenty of meetings still to come, but if I could have a few minutes.”

  Drew and Rooster sat opposite them but didn’t say anything. “Whatever you need, ma’am, we’ll gladly do,” Berkley said.

  “Peter was killed tonight, and the head of my security detail tried to murder me right after I took the oath of office. This has gotten way out of control, and it’s time to go on the offense,” Olivia said, pressing her hands together.

  “We need to flush out Chandler and as many of his followers as possible and eliminate the threat,” Drew said. “We think, with some incentive, we can do that.”

  “What incentive?” Aidan asked.

  “I’d think that would require bait, Captain,” Berkley said.

  “You’ll be on a heavily armed ship with plenty of soldiers on board, Commander,” Olivia said and finally smiled.

  “If we’re talking the Jefferson we’re ready to go, ma’am,” Aidan said.

  “I am asking you to return to sea and participate in some military exercises with Great Britain and South Korea. No one can effectively disappear as well as Chandler has unless he’s somewhere we can’t readily see with repositioning satellites, and even then, it’s not guaranteed.” Olivia’s smile widened, as if Berkley figured the president didn’t sense this would be a hard sell to get them to go back to sea. “New Horizons seems to have a certain set of rules when it comes to where and when women should serve, so he might want to come out and play if you two go back to your regular posts.”

  “We’ll gladly go where you send us, ma’am,” Aidan said.

  “Thank you, and I’m sorry Peter isn’t here to give you his gift, Commander,” Olivia said and walked to her desk. “It’s my honor, though, to have this be my first official act as president. For your outstanding heroism in the face of getting shot down behind enemy lines and carrying your partner out, I award you the Navy Cross,” Olivia said as she opened the box and pinned the medal on Berkley’s chest.

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Berkley said, coming to attention and saluting. “I appreciate the honor and wish I could share it with my team.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it, and I won’t forget Lieutenant Whittle, but I’ve got one more thing.” She opened another smaller box and held it up to Berkley. “Let me be the first to congratulate you, Captain Levine. This is so very well deserved.”

  Berkley saluted again and smiled. She hadn’t been looking for a promotion, but this would make her relationship with Aidan so much easier unless Olivia produced another box with a promotion for Aidan. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Gentlemen,” Olivia said to Drew and Rooster, “will you excuse us a minute? I’d like to speak to Berkley and Aidan privately.” Olivia invited them to sit again and released a long breath. “It may seem I’m putting you out there for one or more of these fools following Chandler to take another shot at you.”

  “Ma’am, Berkley and I will gladly go back to sea and carry out any orders you have. It was our privilege to serve President Khalid, and we are forever grateful for his belief in us.” Aidan spoke with the heart of someone who believed in what she was saying. “Serving you, though, will be the greatest honor of my life. I know plenty of little girls and women out there have waited for someone like you to ascend to the presidency, and our time has come.”

  “What she said, Madam President,” Berkley said, and Olivia laughed. “Congratulations again, and we’ve got your back.”

  “You’re my recruiting poster for strong, capable women in uniform, and Corbin is a great friend of Gabriel,” Olivia said of Berkley’s father and her husband. “I don’t know how often they speak, but he reached out to Gabriel when you were reported MIA.”

  “I know they were in school together for a couple of years, but he never mentioned it.”

  “That’s probably because Corbin never asked anything of Gabriel since he had faith in you. As long as you were breathing, he knew you’d make it out.”

  “Thank you for sharing that, ma’am,” Berkley said.

  “I’ll deny this next part, so it’ll never leave this room,” Olivia said with a warm smile. “Congratulations on what most probably means more to you both than the medals and promotions. If I have to sail you into danger, it’s good to know you have each other.”

  “We appreciate that, ma’am, but how did you know?” Aidan asked, and Berkley almost choked.

  “That’s a beautiful ring, Captain. Triton will hopefully be joining my group of advisors, and he’s a proud dad who couldn’t keep this secret. He also knew, as a parent myself, I’d be happy for you both. I’ll also be happy to dance at your wedding since I’ll take up Peter’s baton to change our more-than-archaic military rules. For now, though, know I’m thrilled for you, even if I won’t declare it publicly.” Olivia stood and slapped her hands together. “Aidan, do you think you can change out Berkley’s rank insignias? I’d like you both to stand with me at the press conference.”

  “I’ll be happy to.” Aidan took the box from her, and the secretary led them to another empty office for some privacy. “Congratulations, my love,” Aidan said putting her arms around Berkley. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “I love you so much, and I’m glad you were here for this. We might have the sweetest role in the upcoming days, getting away from all this palace intrigue.” Berkley kissed Aidan before sitting so Aidan could reach her shoulders. “You ready to take me sailing, Captain?”

  “Past ready.”

  * * *

  Speaker of the House Chase Bonner flipped through the various news channels, but so far not one talking head could confirm anythin
g besides that the grounds of the White House had been cleared, and there might’ve been an attempt on the president’s life. Homer Lapry had joined his family for their fourth festivities, and the retired general had plenty to report from his recent meeting with Dick Chandler.

  “He said to be ready for something big, but I wasn’t expecting this. You think they could’ve really taken that piece of shit down?” Homer asked, holding his glass like he needed the comfort of the whiskey inside it.

  “It hasn’t been safe for me to contact him, so tell me again what he said verbatim.” Chase was holding on to the speaker’s position by a thin margin, and things were starting to swing back Khalid’s way, especially after Chandler’s open revolt. Nothing scared voters more than violence in their streets.

  “He wanted an update on what was really going on here as far as recruitment goes, and if anyone suspected where he was. I told him everything you told me to, and he finished with the something big.” Homer took a large gulp of his drink, and Chase was disgusted at how he was slurring his words.

  “We’ll have to wait and see then,” Chase said, glancing at his watch. It’d been three hours since they’d reported an occurrence at the White House, and his phone hadn’t rung. “Excuse me a moment.”

  “I’ll holler if anything new comes on.” Homer got up to pour himself more whiskey.

  “Anything?” Chase asked his assistant, Ron Bollinger, when he answered.

  “The press was allowed in, but Director Chapman has them locked down, from what I heard. Whatever happened has been contained until a statement is issued. Do you want me to call and give them a quote about how the people need to know?”

  “Give it another thirty minutes, and I’ll give you something. Get over here and bring the guys with you. I might need help getting this asshole Homer Lapry back into his car if he drinks any more of my liquor.”

  “Yes, sir, and I’d like to be the first to congratulate you, even if it is premature.”

  “Save the champagne for later.”

  * * *

  “Ma’am, are you ready?” Peter Khalid’s secretary, Judy Harper, asked as Olivia stood at the door of the spot where Peter had liked to give press conferences.

  Aidan and Berkley stood with the rest of the group that had been present in the Situation Room while every relevant security person recapped what they knew so far. Thanks to Secret Service Agent Lainey Willcott, their best viable witness was in surgery to repair his hand and be checked for devices some of the New Horizon guys had used to take their own lives if caught.

  “I’m ready,” Olivia said, having changed into a business suit for the first time she addressed the nation as president.

  “We’re with you, Madam President,” Drew said, and Olivia nodded.

  “Good evening, ladies, gentleman, and my fellow Americans,” Olivia said, and the cameras started in earnest. “It is with deep regret and sorrow that I report to you that at seven forty-six this evening, President Peter Khalid was assassinated in front of his family, friends, and colleagues. The Secret Service did an excellent job keeping Eva Khalid and her daughters safe, as well as everyone else.”

  Olivia placed her hands on the podium and stared right into the cameras. “An hour later Chief Justice Morgan swore me into office, and immediately following that, the head of my secret-service detail tried to assassinate me in the Oval Office.”

  Berkley was sure the press, along with everyone at home, was shocked into silence. The events of the day would most probably go down as the most bizarre in their history, but right now all she could think of was the months to come. She and Aidan deserved a life, and this situation could take years to resolve. They needed to have a long conversation later.

  “The rogue militia group calling itself New Horizons has made its intentions clear. They have declared war on our way of life, our beliefs, and our independence. I vow to continue Peter’s work and also to root out everyone responsible for today. This atrocity will not be allowed to stand.” Olivia spoke those words firmly, emphasizing them by bringing her fist down on the podium. “I ask you all to pray for Eva Khalid and her daughters, so they may heal from this horrible event, and pray for our nation to come together. Thank you, and I’ll take questions.”

  “Madam President.” A political correspondent from NBC started first. “Can you confirm the rumor that Dick Chandler is spearheading New Horizons?”

  “Mr. Chandler’s home, as you know, exploded a year ago, killing the former FBI Director and four of his men. From that day Chandler, his wife, and his three children have not been seen, and we can confirm that they were not in the house at the time of the explosion.” Olivia answered each question, taking over an hour with the media. It was as if she wanted to show she had nothing to hide, and Berkley thought it was a good move. She hadn’t come right out and accused Chandler, but she hadn’t provided him or anyone working for him any cover. “Thank you, everyone, and I give the American people my word I’ll work hard on their behalf to find every single person responsible for this tragedy.”

  “Get some sleep, people, and be ready to go in the morning,” Olivia said as her husband and son joined her. “We’ll be returning to our residence until Eva’s ready to move. Make sure everyone knows she’s not to be rushed.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Judy Harper said. “Like I said, I’ll stay on until your staff is up to speed, but if you want your own team, I’ll understand.”

  “Judy, you’re not going anywhere,” Olivia said before returning to the Oval Office.

  Everyone was probably thinking the same thing, since a new administration always meant new staff, but it was too late to worry about anything that night. Berkley and Aidan accepted a ride to Aidan’s apartment from one of the FBI agents since they were both mentally and physically exhausted. The closing of the door was the best sound Berkley had experienced since they’d left her family behind.

  “I’m so proud of you, baby,” Aidan said, touching the Navy Cross. “You deserve this, and I guess I can’t order you around anymore.”

  “You can order me around whenever you like, especially if you order me to strip and lie down.”

  Chapter Six

  Berkley and Aidan attended meetings in DC for the next four days as the Jefferson made its way back to Annapolis under Commander Devin Clark’s command. The man who’d helped Aidan take their known saboteurs into custody when Berkley was trying to make her way out of North Korea had spoken to Aidan numerous times that week, and was ready to turn over command to her and return to his post as the ship’s head security officer.

  “Where are you headed off to in this crisp uniform?” Aidan asked Berkley when she joined her in the kitchen in a robe. Berkley had dressed while Aidan showered and was on her second cup of coffee. “You’re too good-looking for words, Captain.”

  “You can salute me later,” Berkley said, handing her cup over. They hadn’t gotten back to Aidan’s apartment until two that morning, so they’d slept longer than usual. “But I’m off to do a favor for Drew and the Defense Department this morning.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “CIA Director Newton and his spooks have hit a dead end with Captain Umeko, and they wanted me to visit her this morning. Director Newton was pretty insistent that I try to get her talking.”

  The beautiful Jin Umeko was the pilot who’d shot Berkley and Harvey out of the sky after they’d destroyed the nuclear site that had been their target. Jin had never, according to the CIA and FBI reports, given them any information aside from her name and rank but surprisingly had added one name. For some reason it seemed important to her that they know Minseo Umeko had been her mother.

  The crew of the Jefferson had captured Jin, along with Kim Jong Il’s main enforcer, Lowe Nam Chil. Jin had never revealed why Lowe had been in the plane when Jin tried to stop Berkley’s second escape, but she had told Berkley who the short, fat man was. Since those first cordial conversations, Berkley hadn’t seen Jin but knew she was placed in a safe
house in Arlington, Virginia under guard.

  “What do they expect out of you?” Aidan said, putting the cup down slowly and suddenly not appearing happy.

  “They want to see if she’ll open up to someone familiar and thought it was worth a try before I sail away with you, cute stuff.” She tugged Aidan forward by the tie of her robe and put her arms around her. “I’m sure it’ll be like our too-short talks where she was nice but didn’t give up anything.”

  “My parents are due back tonight,” Aidan said and kissed her in the vee her shirt made. “Daddy accepted the president’s offer of an advisory position, which means they’ll be in DC for the foreseeable future. If you’re not too late, maybe we can take them to dinner and celebrate your promotion and shiny new medal.”

  “Sweetheart, it’s nine thirty.” She tapped her watch. “I’m sure I’ll be back way before dinner.”

  “Don’t discount your charm, baby.” Aidan lifted her head, and Berkley took the move as an invitation to kiss her, so she did. “But hopefully Captain Umeko found some happiness. She seemed so sad when we took her on board, and I don’t think it was because of being shot down.”

  “In my opinion, she gave up instead of being shot down. She’s a good pilot, from what little I saw, which means she bailed deliberately.” Berkley kissed Aidan one more time before picking up her cup and keys.

  “Try to figure that out, but hurry back. We’ve got two days off coming up, and I have plans for you.”

  Berkley saluted and waited until she heard Aidan lock the door behind her. She was making the trip for official reasons, but she really was curious as to why Jin Umeko had dropped into their lives. She sensed a story there that seemed more important than national security and wanted to hear it.