by Unknown
“One other thing I would ask, can you send some advisors so that we may form a new constitution? It is obvious the last one doesn’t work well, otherwise we would not have so much power in one individual,” Andropov said.
“That should not be a problem. One thing I might suggest is that you personally address the United Nations with this and your plans. It might ease any dissention and calm fears. I think you might be surprised at how much support you might get. As a matter of fact, perhaps you and I should meet with each of the European leaders and talk about what we have said here today. We need them to feel as if they have had a say in our decision and can get onboard. Would that be acceptable?” Hammond asked.
“I agree. I am willing to make the time, although there is a lot to do right now,” said Andropov.
“I know, but in the long run it may be worth it,” said Hammond.
“I agree to everything you say. What else must Russia do?”
Hammond chuckled. “I’m sure there are many who would like you to do a lot of things right now. But let’s end the war first. We can work out a lot after that is done,” said Hammond.
Andropov stood and offered his hand. Hammond stood and accepted it. “Then as of now this war is over,” said Andropov.
“It is over,” said Hammond.
A photographer and videographer were summoned and the handshake was done again for the sake of the cameras. By that time a document of the meeting was drawn up. In front of the cameras, Hammond and Andropov signed it.
CNN
This is reporter Chris Murrow in Smolensk. You are watching as the Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Roger Hammond signs the formal surrender with Russian President Phillipe Andropov. The two men met today and agreed to an unconditional surrender of Russian forces. The Third World War is officially over. We have a copy of the document. In it, Russia surrenders unconditionally. They will withdraw all troops to within their borders and will take their armed forces to a much smaller level. They will immediately turn over anyone who was responsible for these crimes against humanity for a trial. They will renounce their superpower status in the United Nations and are turning over their entire nuclear stockpile to be dismantled. Troops will not be permanently stationed in Russia as had been done in Germany and Japan after the Second World War, but assistance teams will be sent in to help the Russians to rebuild their national infrastructure that had been devastated during the war. Russia will pay an additional one hundred billion dollars a year in war reparations; however those reparations will be set aside for that rebuilding and to help Russia get back on its feet. One additional move will be for President Andropov and Admiral Hammond will visit all the European leadership to discuss what was agreed to today and to garner support from all the Allied nations. He will also address the United Nations at some point in time in the future. Those are some of the most lenient conditions I can imagine, but as one leader told me, it gets the war over. Tom.”
“Yes indeed, I am sure there are many who would like to punish the Russians far more than this,” said Tom Donner in Atlanta.
“True, but I believe Admiral Hammond may have found a more palatable way to end the war. If you recall from history, occupation forces are costly and leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those who lost the war in Germany. Notice there was a stress on sending people to help rebuild. That is more like what MacArthur did after the war. There was also a short paragraph stating that the Russians would form a new constitution. If it is patterned after what happened in Japan, we may find that in the long run, Russia will become one of our greatest allies. Back to you, Tom.”
The White House
President Steve O’Bannon sat back in his chair and laughed. “This will really piss off the French and Poles,” he said to his Chief of Staff. Do we have a copy yet?”
“Any time now. Roger is having a private meeting with Andropov. As soon as he gets out, he will be calling us,” said Butler.
“Okay, then let’s get out some sort of statement supporting Roger and the surrender. I’ll go on tonight and give an address to the people. Since we aren’t going to have troops stationed there, let’s make plans to bring most of them home. Let’s send some ships and supplies into the various Russian ports to help these people out. What troops we need to help out can stay, but if they’re not needed, bring them home. Get hold of State. Send a formal invitation to Andropov to come and visit. If we’re going to follow Hammond’s plan, might as well get started on it,” he said with a grin.
“No problem,” said Butler as he handed over a set of papers to the President.
“What’s this?” the President asked.
“Oh, something else to make your day,” Butler said as he left the room.
Glancing down, O’Bannon’s face spread in a wide smile. It was the approval of Congress to award three people the Medal of Honor. One was a friend, the second was a young naval officer, and the third was a Navy chaplain he also knew.
Southern Russia
It started with music. Someone on the American side turned up a boom box with a rock band playing. A few minutes later some Russian soldiers emerged from the woods on the other side of the field. They began walking toward the Americans. None carried a weapon. A few Americans stepped from their side and walked toward them. They met in the middle and shook hands.
A few more soldiers on each side appeared. Soon the small field was full of young men and women shaking hands, talking and gesturing. Some sat in the grass and just talked. No one knows who gave the order, but a mobile kitchen unit began bringing food and equipment into the field. It didn’t take long before the air was filled with the smell of food cooking. Further down the road another kitchen set up, then another.
Claire Richardson walked across the field and entered the Russian camp. Finding her counterpart, she shook hands and invited him and his troops for a meal. The two walked together back to the field and sat in some hastily set up camp chairs near the kitchen.
When ready, soldiers from both sides got in line to eat. For the Russians, it was the first hot meal they had for three weeks. By the end of the day, new friendships had begun and the horrors of war were left far behind.
Smolensk
Hammond and Andropov sat down for lunch together. Hammond had been impressed as Andropov related what had been going on prior to deposing Borodin. Andropov had been a part of the intelligence arm initially, but had been selected to lead the armaments procurement and later the nuclear weapons branch. When asked why that effort had not happened, Andropov had given a sly smile. “I sealed all the double locks with epoxy. We all knew those weapons were not the answer. We knew it would take months to get all the doors open. Afterward, there was no time for trying to find out who did it. By that time, Pusko had been assassinated and they needed someone to take his place. I was the one selected because the Army knew the war had to end and that I had no political aspirations.”
Andropov was much like Hammond. Married with one little boy, he had not wished to assume any power of sorts, he just wanted to serve his country. Luckily his accomplishments had caught the eye of his superiors and promotions followed despite the fact that he didn’t play the political game most of the other officers did.
Hammond began liking the man. He was smart. He didn’t jump to conclusions and he was totally dedicated to his country.
“You know, while in the intelligence branch I was stationed at Vladivostok just to watch how you Americans did things in Korea. I was surprised at how versatile you could be. The idea of bringing back older assets was brilliant. But I also saw that you worked closely together and were able to work around problems. That was why I was against going to war. I knew we could not really measure up in that regard. We tend to be rigid,” Andropov said. “We could also tell how effectively you used the signals from your spy satellites.” He stopped a moment and reached into a satchel he had with him. “By the way, you may want to share this with your government,” he said. “It is why we shot down your Eyeball sa
tellite early in the war,” he said.
Hammond almost choked. He knew about Eyeball. But what was this about shooting it down? He chose to downplay it. “Now, now, we are getting to know each other. I’ll pass it along, but no business right now,” he said with a grin.
Andropov smiled. “Well played, my friend. You are right, no business. Let’s see, after I was transferred to armaments I had to find ways to replace all the things you were shooting up,” he continued.
Hammond didn’t hear much. In his mind he was worried about what he had heard. This called for a phone conversation with the President.
Chapter 16
Homecomings
Vednoye, Russia
The truck pulled off the road near the entrance to the town and Misha Slovatin grabbed is American duffle bag and got out. Dressed in his original naval uniform, he slung the bag over his shoulder and made his way toward his home. The day was warm. Already spring had settled over the land and the first nubs of a spring crop were in the field. Misha could smell the fragrance of new manure on the fields and in the gardens. Birds had returned and flew through the trees that lined the main street of town. It was just like he left it so many months ago.
The trip from Sevastopol had taken forever. Transportation was at a standstill, but what few truckers on the road were glad to give a ride. Along the way he had seen thousands marching along the side of the roads. They too were going home, but there was not enough transportation to carry them, so they walked.
The truckers were interested in what had happened. Most were very old and had served in the old Soviet army, but they understood the life. Misha related how he lost his ship, how the Americans had saved him from the freezing waters and had befriended him as he waited to be sent ashore. He told them how the Americans had come into Sevastopol like a breath of fresh air and how they had all worked together to help the people in the city. He also related about how he had been aboard the great ship with the big guns and how they took your breath away when they fired. He had told the same stories nearly thirty times with each of the drivers he had been with.
A door opened and a woman came out. “Misha?” she called out.
Misha waved at her. “Hello, Mrs. Devetski,” he said with a smile.
The women rushed over and took Misha into her arms, smothering him with kisses. “You have come back to us!” she cried. “Of all our children, you have come back!” Tears filled her eyes as she walked beside him.
More people came from their houses to greet him. Soon there were nearly fifty people in the streets. Misha felt himself being lifted up onto the shoulders of several men and carried. He was the one - the only one to survive of all his friends. The small town welcomed him home.
The crowd rounded the corner and came to Misha’s home. There was a scream of joy from inside as Maria Slovatin rushed from her home and into his arms. The town followed them to the porch where the two of them sat on the front stoop. All wanted to know what had happened to him. He was happy to tell the stories one more time.
Berlin
The airliner landed and taxied to its docking station at the airport. As usual, the passengers began filing out of the aircraft into the main terminal. Individuals were greeted and then made their way to the baggage claim area. The usual noises were drown out by a shrill male voice who suddenly called out, “Daddy!”
People turned to see a young four year-old race up to a man in uniform. The boy rushed into his father’s arms, followed by a woman who gave him a kiss and a hug.
“Oh, I am so glad to see you,” said Hammond as he held onto the two.
“We’ve been on the airplane a long time. The pilot let me see inside where he drives,” Little Steve exclaimed.
“Did he? Well that was special,” said Hammond. He turned to his wife. “Tired?”
“I ache all over,” Patricia Hammond said as she stretched. The now pronounced baby bump became even more evident. “Little Suzie isn’t helping. She squirmed almost the whole way,” she said.
Hammond began leading them to the baggage claim. “Then let’s get the three of you to our place and rest. We’ll take a nap then have some dinner. Tomorrow I have all kinds of places we can go see,” he said.
“Cool,” exclaimed Little Steve as he held his father’s hand and walked alongside.
“How’s the campaign going?” Roger asked.
“Not too bad. A lot of people think it’s neat having a pregnant woman running for governor,” Patricia said.
“Just as long as they don’t think we planned it this way,” said Roger with a grin.
“No, we date well before my decision to run. Besides, I originally wanted to keep it a secret until your son decided to spill the beans. But that’s okay,” she said. “Now what’s this about you being posted to Moscow?”
Hammond shrugged. “Our friend in Washington decided that I would be the perfect one to work with Andropov to get things started. He said it was payback for negotiating a surrender without getting his blessing. Now I’ve got to make sure we comply with what he called my liberal thinking,” he said.
“Well, back home they may complain in the media, but everybody thinks you did great. I guess this means a lot of traveling?” Patricia asked.
“Some. We’ve already spoken to all the leadership. We will be in Washington next month and speak to the UN in New York, before going back. I also have a trip to Rome for something special. But I told them I needed at least two weeks to be with you guys. So here I am. There are a lot of people wanting to meet you,” Roger said.
Patricia rolled her eyes. “Please no formal events. I am getting to hate those things.”
“No, everything is private and just between people I’ve been working with.”
They stopped at the baggage claim and picked up the luggage, then got in a waiting car to drive to their suite of rooms in downtown Berlin at the Regent. Little Steve’s mouth flew open as they entered the grand entrance and foyer. The space was three stories high with huge chandeliers and gold accents. They were immediately ushered into an elevator and whisked to their suite. There were three bedrooms and a huge sitting area in the suite along with a grand piano and a dining room. Patricia had never been in anything like it.
After unpacking, Little Steve was already almost falling over he was so tired. So they took a nap to recover a bit from the jet lag. Tonight he would take them to his favorite fish restaurant. This time he had a reservation, and Hammond was eager to show his family how nice the people were in Germany.
Krakow
The letters came at the same time. Petyr’s mother held them until he and Freda returned from school. Sitting down together, they opened them at the same time. Peter glanced at Freda and she looked up and nodded. They threw their arms around each other. Things were going as planned. Both had been accepted at the university.
Petyr couldn’t wait to let his father know. He was back in town working with the contractors on the new building which would become their home. The old brick building had been demolished. Now a new, modern building was taking its place. After the war had ended, the Polish government provided loans to help people get reestablished. Petyr’s father had enough for half the building, partnering with Mister Polski to get everything set up. The steel was already up. The best part was that the building covered almost the entire block. This would allow more businesses and apartments to occupy the building. One set of offices would be left open until Petyr finished his education. A doctor would need an office.
The Vatican
Hammond and Captain Rhodes were ushered into a set of private meeting rooms and told to wait. In a few minutes the large doors opened and Pope Gregory entered with some of his staff. He made his way to the men and extended his hand. Hammond took it and bowed slightly while Rhodes kneeled and kissed the Pope’s ring. Both were ushered to seats arranged beside a small table.
“Admiral Hammond, it is good to meet you. I have had you in my prayers for a long time,” the Pope said quietly.
<
br /> “Thank you, Your Holiness. Now that the unrest is over, I wanted to come and personally thank you for your help with the Russian Orthodox Church. In the end, it was faith that ended this war, not my doing. I have been working closely with President Andropov who explained all that happened in Russia. I have also met with Patriarch Gregory who shared his experiences. In reality, what you did eventually brought the war to a close,” Hammond said graciously.
“No, my son, I believe you did your part as well. God works through many people and who is to say what one thing will make a difference. Our continued prayers worked to all our advantage,” the Pope said. “Now tell me how things are working in Russia.”
Hammond talked to the Pope about all the things going on. There had been amazing progress. People were being fed and power was nearly all restored. Committees from the Duma were working on drafting a new constitution. This one would be based on something like the German model with three branches of government and real elections instead of just a show. The Pope listened intently and was pleased to know that freedom of religion would be a cornerstone of the new constitution. They talked for several minutes before the Pope motioned toward a large envelope that Rhodes was carrying and asked of its importance.
“This is the second reason we wanted to see Your Holiness. Captain Rhodes is the Commanding Officer of USS Iowa. As you may have heard, she had an encounter in the Black Sea,” said Hammond.
