by Dirk Patton
“We’re moving as soon as she’s dressed,” I said as I blew past him.
“Captain Jen airlines,” Martinez answered with a smirk in her voice. I was glad to hear the roar of the helicopter. She was in the air.
“How long to pick us up?”
Rachel was looking at me with a worried expression. I hurried across the room, grabbed her clothes from a closet and tossed them to her. She didn’t need any more prompting to throw the covers off and start dressing.
“Seven minutes. Five if I push it,” Martinez said.
“Make it four.”
I ended the call and looked at Rachel as she stared at her blood-stained pants.
“Leave them. It doesn’t matter.”
She nodded and slipped her shoes on, then stood and wrapped the voluminous hospital gown around her and cinched the ties so it stayed in place.
“What’s going on?” she asked as I grabbed her hand and headed for the door.
“Barinov’s on television. Don’t know what he’s up to, but it won’t be good. We need to get back to Pearl.”
She didn’t ask anything further, just stayed at my side. The Marine was ready when I pulled the door open and led the way down the hall and out through triage to the helipad. I cursed when I saw a life flight helicopter sitting dark and empty in the spot where Martinez had dropped me off. Dialing her number, I looked around for an open space she could use an alternative landing site.
“One minute,” she said, all business.
“Got an air ambulance blocking the pad. Looking for another location,” I said, running past the helicopter.
Down a gentle slope was a sprawling parking lot, but it was full of cars. I turned a circle, not seeing anywhere large enough for the big Sea Hawk to touch down. Halfway through a second circle, the helo suddenly popped up from the far side of the hospital and went into a slow orbit of the area. I could see Martinez’s helmeted head swiveling as she looked for a spot to land.
“Nothing open,” she said after a few seconds.
“What about the roof?”
“Too cluttered, but I’ve got an idea. Head for the parking lot.”
She quickly outlined what she had in mind and I agreed it was the best option at the moment. Racing back to where Rachel waited with the Marine, I took her hand and led the way down the grassy slope toward the parking lot.
“What’s so urgent just because he’s speaking?” she asked.
“There’s nothing he can say that will be good. I expect it to be bad. And when the general population gets bad news...”
“I remember,” she said, worry creeping into her voice.
“All things considered, I’d rather be behind the fences at Pearl Harbor when the shit hits the fan.”
By this time, we’d reached the parking lot and Martinez brought the helo into a steady hover, ten feet over a row of parked cars. Climbing onto the nearest roof, I waited as the Sea Hawk shifted slightly, then jumped, grabbed the lip of the troop compartment deck and pulled myself inside.
Slapping a headset on, I dug through a locker, finding a hoisting harness. Clipping it onto the end of a cable, I worked the winch controls and lowered it to the asphalt below. The Marine helped Rachel put it on, then double checked its security before looking up and twirling his arm.
I lifted Rachel into the air, reaching out and pulling her into the helo when she came level with the door. Helping her out of the harness, I turned back to the open door, intending to lift the man below, but when he saw me he waved and walked away. I watched him for a beat, then slid the door closed and made sure Rachel was safely strapped in.
“Let’s go,” I said over the headset.
Martinez, showing uncharacteristic restraint because of a pregnant woman aboard, gained altitude slowly before gently banking until we were on course for Pearl. Below, nothing was moving. Even the cars on the freeway had pulled to the shoulder and stopped as the drivers listened to the broadcast. I wasn’t looking forward to finding out what the old bastard had to say.
38
Admiral Packard stood in his office, glaring at the television Captain West had just turned on. Barinov stood glaring into the camera. Snatching the phone off his desk, he punched in a number that was answered immediately.
“Chief Simmons,” he barked. “I’m looking at what appears to be a live feed from the Russians. How’s it being broadcast?”
“Stand by, sir.”
Jessica clicked away as the Admiral and West stared impatiently at the screen. Mavis squeezed in between them, looking at the picture for a long moment.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Nothing good, sweetie,” Packard said.
She looked up at his worried face, then turned her attention back to the television.
“Sir, it’s a raw satellite feed. I’m still trying to trace the origin, but it has to be in North America to bounce it off the bird they’re using,” Jessica said.
“Can you shut it down?”
“Maybe, but it will take some time to hack the satellite.”
The Admiral grabbed a remote and clicked through the handful of local television stations that were still operational. All of them were displaying the same image.
“All the channels are showing the feed, Chief. Will there be a central downlink location here on Oahu?”
“Probably, sir, but I don’t know how commercial broadcasts are engineered.”
The sound of her banging away on a keyboard was loud over the handset.
“Just shut it down, Chief. I don’t care how you do it!”
“Yes...”
The Admiral hung up before she could finish acknowledging his order. A few seconds later, Russian President Alexi Barinov began speaking in a gruff baritone. An unseen English translator spoke in a heavily accented voice.
“My American friends. I am speaking to you today about the strife that has embroiled our two countries, and the world. To tell you the truth about what has happened and what is yet to come.
“Eighteen months ago, a terrible plague was unleashed upon humanity by the Chinese government. This was known by your leaders who launched retaliatory nuclear strikes against China and engaged in numerous battles to thwart their aggression against your homeland. Unfortunately, during those difficult times your political leadership was lost. This left a power vacuum within the United States.
“Contrary to the laws laid down in your constitution, the military then assumed autonomous command of your country. Then, when a member of your President’s cabinet, a woman who was in the legal line of succession, came forward, a military coup took place which removed her from power and resulted in her death.
“I understand this may be difficult for you to hear, but it is past time you were told the facts. Facts that are indisputable and for which Russian intelligence agencies will provide copies of communiques as well as telephone and radio conversations between the high-ranking conspirators.
“But the man at the top of the plot to seize total power over America is none other than Admiral Packard. He has lied to you. Hidden some horrible truths from you. And is responsible for the deaths of millions of my citizens when he ordered the launch of an unprovoked attack on the Russian motherland.
“Russia has not engaged in warfare with America. We have simply defended ourselves against the aggressions of a man who is blinded by hate and grief. He cannot acknowledge that Russia has been and remains a friend to the United States. And if this man remains in control of your military, your country, I fear there may be no future for you and your children.
“As I speak to you, we face a threat even greater than the one posed by the Chinese virus and its victims. You see my friends; our world is dying. Within only a few months, there will be almost no place on the planet where humans can survive.
“A nightmare scenario has occurred and the virus has mutated, enabling it to infect both animal and plant life. The oceans, the forests, the fields and rivers. All will be devoid of life wi
thin a very short time. What that means for us is there will be no food. We will watch helplessly as our children starve. It could be the end of us as a species.
“Unless there is somewhere that the human race can survive. A place where the environment is inhospitable to the virus and food can still be grown. Animals can be raised. An oasis of hope and possibility for all of mankind. An oasis in the desert.
“Admiral Packard has known of this impending disaster for months yet has done nothing. He has pursued conflict with Russia’s surviving citizens who were forced to flee the devastation he inflicted upon our motherland. But the Russian people, like the American people, are strong. We left our homes and came to North America to prepare the very oasis of which I spoke. It is the city of Phoenix in your state of Arizona.
“This location has been determined by my scientists to offer the best chance of survival by the human race. The extremely hot and arid climate is inhospitable to the virus. Water is plentiful in the mountains to the north of the city and a canal and aqueduct system is already in place to support agriculture. The infrastructure of homes, schools and hospitals remains intact to this day, sitting unused, waiting for us. And Russia has begun work to prepare it for our arrival.
“And so, I extend a hand of friendship and cooperation directly to the American people. Soon, the beautiful islands where you live will wither and die. But you need not perish with them. Join us. Live with us, side by side and together we can ensure the continued survival of our species.
“I have ordered my military commanders to plan an air- and sea-lift to the mainland of anyone who wishes to accept my offer. Regrettably, Admiral Packard has clearly communicated that he will destroy any Russian plane or ship that approaches the Hawaiian Islands, and I cannot send my men into a battle when they are only trying to save you.
“You must convince the Admiral and your other military leaders to cease hostilities with Russia. We are not your enemy. We are not the monsters portrayed in your press. Instead, we are a people not unlike you. A people who only want to survive. To watch our children grow up in a world that is no longer beset by the old hatreds that brought us to this point.
“And this brings me to the one condition that must be met before our peoples can move forward. There is a man amongst you who has caused grievous harm to the Russian people. He is nothing less than a war criminal, responsible for the deaths of tens of hundreds of my countrymen. This man is Colonel John Chase.
“Colonel Chase must be turned over to Russian authorities to answer for his actions. He will be treated fairly and in accordance with all international standards of justice for a suspected war criminal. He will be provided with an attorney and will stand trial for his actions against the Russian people. As soon as he is in our custody, and Admiral Packard agrees to a stand down by your military, I will order the immediate commencement of the operation to evacuate anyone from Hawaii who chooses to accept my offer.
“Finally, in regard to the impending global blight, proof has been transmitted to your media. I am confident they will begin sharing this with you very shortly. Do not trust anyone in authority who attempts to dispute the irrefutable evidence. Death is coming for us all, and only together can we hope to weather the storm.
“To the American people. Accept the open hand that I and all Russians are extending. Join us in the oasis. It is time to end the constant war and move forward as one people, neither Russian nor American, but as Human.”
Barinov stared into the camera for several seconds, then the feed ended and the scene switched to a pair of stunned news anchors.
“Goddamn it!” the Admiral said, turning to West. “Captain, this is going to be a shitstorm of epic proportions. Recall all personnel to their duty stations immediately. I want all installations locked down.”
“Yes, sir,” West said, hurrying out of the Admiral’s office.
Packard was left staring at the anchors as they began sorting through Barinov’s speech.
“Was that true? Is John really a criminal?”
He looked down at Mavis, having forgotten she was standing next to him. He took a deep breath before answering.
“No, little miss. It was not true, and do not think it was for one second!”
“Then why’d he say it? I get why people lie to get out of trouble, but why would he say that?”
“There’s an old quote in America,” the Admiral began, steering Mavis to a seat on the sofa with Dog. “United we stand, divided we fall. Do you understand what that means?”
Mavis thought for a long moment before shaking her head.
“It means that as long as all of us stand together, no one can defeat us. But, if we don’t like or trust each other, then we’re doomed to failure.”
“Kind of like a gang,” Mavis said. “Nobody messes with them because they’re too strong?”
“Exactly like that.”
“But what about the part about John?”
Packard looked at the sincere little girl for a long moment, trying to decide how best to answer her question.
“John has been a soldier for a long time. He has fought to protect his country and the people he loves. He hasn’t done anything other than that. This is about something else entirely.”
“You mean the Russians wanting his blood.”
Packard looked at her in surprise, then a smile spread across his face.
“You don’t miss much, do you?” Mavis just looked at him. “Yes, you’re right. Barinov, the man who was on television, is dying. He want’s John’s blood to save himself, just like it saved me.”
“And Lucas, too,” she said.
“That’s right. And...”
The Admiral jumped up and hurried to his desk when the phone rang. It was Jessica, delivering the news that while she hadn’t been able to stop the broadcast, she now had control of both the satellite and downlink station and could prevent any future feeds from reaching the public. The Admiral thanked her and gently put the phone back on his desk.
“So, this was just to make us weak and to get us to turn John over to them?” Mavis asked.
“Yes. To divide the people and sow mistrust. If we can’t work together...”
“What?” she asked when he didn’t finish his thought.
“We’ll tear ourselves apart from the inside.”
39
Martinez put us down on the flight line at Pearl only a few minutes after we departed the hospital. I jumped out of the side door, turning back to lift Rachel to the ground. She started to step down on her own, but I blocked her way.
“Really? I can get down by myself. I’m not going to break.”
“Nope. You’re not,” I said, scooping her into my arms and gently setting her on her feet.
“You’re hovering, and it’s starting to annoy the hell out of me.”
“Suck it up, buttercup. Once you give birth, you can do all the jumping and running you want.”
“I’m serious,” she snapped. “Quit treating me like I’m made out of crystal or something.”
I took a breath and looked down at the ground before I said something I shouldn’t. After a long moment, Rachel reached out and took my hand.
“Nothing’s going to happen to me,” she said, the earlier irritation gone. “I’m going to be fine. The babies are going to be fine. You’ve just got to relax a little. Okay?”
I nodded my head and she leaned in and gave me a quick kiss.
“Can’t lose you,” I mumbled, remembering the pain of having lost Katie. Pain I didn’t think I’d survive again.
“I get it. I really do. And I’m sorry. I know you’re just... worried.”
“Scared. Terrified.”
Rachel stepped close and wrapped her arms around me. There was nothing either of us could say that would make a difference, so we settled for just holding each other.
“You two are getting positively sappy.”
I looked around at Martinez who had a smirk on her face.
“And to
think, I was happy to have you back,” I grumbled.
“Dumb ass,” she said with a smile and nodded toward a fast approaching Humvee. “Got a ride coming.”
“I need to go see the Admiral,” I said, stepping back from Rachel.
“I’m going with you,” she said. “I’ll get Dog and Mavis and take them back to our quarters.”
The Hummer, with a Navy enlisted man behind the wheel pulled to a stop next to us. I opened the back door for Rachel, pausing when Martinez didn’t follow.
“You coming?”
“Going over to Hickam to see if I can find a proper flight suit. This may be fashionable, but I’m getting a little tired of flying in it.”
She was still wearing the dress and heels she’d arrived at our party in the previous evening. Despite everything that had transpired, she’d somehow managed to stay looking just as fresh.
“Keep your phone handy,” I said, climbing into the Hummer after Rachel.
We rode in silence to the admin building, but the driver kept glancing at me in the mirror.
“Something on your mind, Seaman?” I asked after about the tenth time I saw him looking.
“Uh... no, sir. Sorry, sir.”
I’ve been an enlisted man and NCO in the presence of officers. In fact, despite the officer rank on my uniform, I didn’t feel like one and understood the man’s reticence to speak. Unfortunately, there’s always been officers who didn’t think anyone beneath their rank could possibly be worth listening to. Not only are they wrong, they’re piss poor leaders.
“Bullshit,” I said. “I don’t bite. What’s up?”
He hesitated a moment before plunging ahead.
“The broadcast, sir.”
“What’d the old bastard say?”
He glanced in the mirror again, eyes open wide in surprise.
“You didn’t see it?”
“Been a little busy.”
He hesitated again and I could tell he was regretting having said anything.
“Spit it out, Seaman!”
